P.O.T.C. On Stranger Rides! The Missing Chapter,,Final Thoughts,, Preview Thoughts.

[shan23877]

I've been lurking, but wanted to say hello.

Hello!

Really enjoying the TR, glad you two made it there alive.

I tried to quit smoking this year unsuccessfully so hats off to you both.

Fellow Illinoisan here, though I'm a Cubs fan. Not sure if I'll need to unsubscribe now? I'm thinking Theo or Francona coming to the North Side. But, you've got Ventura now, so you're all set

Anyway, a great read so far!

(Shannon)

 

[jakeybake]

Great installment!

And I have to admit that I smiled right along with you when you pulled up to the Custom House. My first stay ever was at the Caribbean Beach on my honeymoon waaaaaaay back in 1991 and I can picture pulling up to the Custom House back then like it was yesterday.

Thanks for bringing me back for a bit and putting a big smile on my face. This is what makes the Nebo/Smidgy trip reports so special. The feeling that you are right there with you guys!

Jay

 

[nowellsl]

Hey Nebo, PM me your address and I'll send you one of these,

https://www.sunpass.com/howSunPassWorks

The mini is a sticker you put on your windshield. You can put money on it before you go (on-line), and you just zip through the Sunpass lane. The tolls are discounted too! It's a good deal, even if you only need it a couple of times a year. It also works on the E-Pass tolls - like the one on 429. Let me know if you want one!

 

[fsmith2845]

Shoot, Virginia's so close as it is you can just about walk there. Are you staying at SSR again?

You are right.. by comparison to your trip, it is a much shorter run for us.. I think i can do it in around 12 hours.. We've done it all in one day and split it between 2 days (stopping in Savannah GA on the way down and somewhere in SC; basically driving about 8 hours and stopping). Not sure how long it takes you if you were to stupidly try to do it at one time, but figure longer than that!!

And no, we're not staying at SSR this time.. they weren't available and my wife wanted to try someplace different so we're staying at OKW this time.. Have a 1BR there. We're going a little later this time too. Flying down on the 18th and coming back home Christmas Day. Will be kind of cool to wake up in the World on Christmas Day, but sad too because we'll get the eviction notice as well


And you commented about how traffic is on 75 as you were coming down. and wondered what it was like on 95 for us "eastern folk". Well i have to tell you it's not much different. Right lane is for going fast, middle lane is for passing, and left lane is for light speed!! Last few times we drove in the family Caravan and boy, it just couldn't keep up with the speedsters on I-95. I quit trying (especially after the glares from the Passenger seat; I mean i don't get it.. we want to get to Disney as fast as possible right??) LOL It does seem like after the long trip to that point, once we hit the Florida state line, you just want to push up the speed to hurry and get there!! Of course it's the same feeling driving home when we turn off I-95 to head due east for home we know it's the home stretch.. even if that home stretch is over 100miles.

 

[anut4disney]

You are right.. by comparison to your trip, it is a much shorter run for us.. I think i can do it in around 12 hours.. We've done it all in one day and split it between 2 days (stopping in Savannah GA on the way down and somewhere in SC; basically driving about 8 hours and stopping). Not sure how long it takes you if you were to stupidly try to do it at one time, but figure longer than that!!

Another Virginian here and we usually drive it in 12 hours. When we started going in 1978 it took two days because we had to detour through small towns but once 95 was completed..zip right on though.

Flying down on the 18th and coming back home Christmas Day. Will be kind of cool to wake up in the World on Christmas Day, but sad too because we'll get the eviction notice as well

We are flying down on the 17th and leaving the 27th (just couldn't stand leaving Christmas Day).


And you commented about how traffic is on 75 as you were coming down. and wondered what it was like on 95 for us "eastern folk". Well i have to tell you it's not much different. Right lane is for going fast, middle lane is for passing, and left lane is for light speed!! Last few times we drove in the family Caravan and boy, it just couldn't keep up with the speedsters on I-95. I quit trying (especially after the glares from the Passenger seat; I mean i don't get it.. we want to get to Disney as fast as possible right??) LOL It does seem like after the long trip to that point, once we hit the Florida state line, you just want to push up the speed to hurry and get there!! Of course it's the same feeling driving home when we turn off I-95 to head due east for home we know it's the home stretch.. even if that home stretch is over 100miles.

Once you reach Florida you need to speed up or they will run you over, only time dh went over the speed limit.

See above.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Down through southern Georgia the Santa Fe rumbles, and I do mean rumbles.

NIce one! well put. I think for tonight's chaptet I'll start it with, "Do not try to adjust your monitor, I will control the vertical and sharpness,"

What happened to starting the this chapter "Do no try to adjust your monitor, I will control the vertical sharpness."

" So crap, throw the map off your lap and nap."

He's a poet and doesn't even know it.

Kinda funny about the seat belts, I remember back in '92
on our first trip down with the kids, they only had to put the belts on
when we went through a city.
How times and thoughts have changed.

Shoot, for that matter, when I was a kid we would have been riding down the highway
sitting in the bed of a pickup!

Playing basketball!
And wrestling!

Ah the good ole days. Don't you just miss them.

But how to get them out of my left front jeans pocket?
Sitting down, these are really tight, no way can you get
your hand inside.
Ok, all of you sitting there at home or work at your computer in your jeans, pretend you have a couple of pills in your left pocket right now, and imagine trying to get them out without changing your position much.
Not too easy, is it?

I wasn't wearing jeans but rather basketball shorts when I tried it so I was able to do it without a problem.

And while I've got you doing stupid things, with the index finger of your right hand pointed, make large circles with your right hand in a counter clockwise motion in the air, then lean back and do the same thing with your right foot at the same time.
While you are doing this, reverse the direction of just your foot and now go clockwise.
Almost hurt yourself, didn't ya?

I can picture you doing this so you make sure to type it out the directions correctly.

However, all this movement threw the car's aim off just a tad, and my correcting it made just a little bit of a jerk back to the left.

Just cuz you're back in the driver's seat on the left side of the car, there's no need to be hard on yourself. Everyone is a jerk every now and then.

This slight jerk was just enough to make Smidgy's head pop up

Jerk, you disturbed she who must not be disturbed.

And I pulled it off without Smidgy knowing about it.

She knows now.

In Canada, they don't pull either way cuz everybody just drives down the middle no matter what way your going, that's why there are so few Canadians compared to Americans.

Eh?

Uh oh. I wonder what Ponzi has to say about this. Them sound like fighting words to me.

"If you don't put your hands back on the wheel I'm going to get out at the next rest area and hitch a ride to Disney on the first Harley that comes along!"

Scared the crap out of me!

But it's now 19 years later, no kids.
We did look for that place about 8 years ago, but couldn't find it, can't remember what exit it was.

Hate when that happens

Finally, at last, we are through Valdosta, and see the Florida Welcome Center.

This was a huge ego booster and mood booster for me, we finally made it to Florida!

Woo Hoo. They made it.

I parked in a limited time parking spot, got out and just stood there for a moment looking around.
Yes, with a big, silly grin on my face.
Only Disney can do this to a person.
I looked at Diane and see we are sharing the same grin.

Gotta love the magic of Disney

Is that blue skies I see in the top left corner?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

[nebo]

Whew! I'm exhausted. So glad you made it in one piece. I hate driving or riding with someone in the rain. I did a 360 in the rain once going only about 25 and it scared the life out of me so I understand Smidgy's white knuckle syndrome. Can't wait to read more!

YAY!!! You finally made it! What a drive! Can't wait to read more!

To lyou guys and others that commented on the drive, that was the most harrowing thing we have gone through and I hope none of you ever have to experience it.

Do your thing Nebo, you are an artist without restrain. I don't recall anyone mentioning a straight jacket...Right Pig latin YES straight jacket NO. Not yet anyway.

No, no straight jacket. Does my radius jacket count?

Great installment!!!!

We love CBR, it holds so many great memories for us, just seeing your picture makes me miss it. There is nothing like that feeling, pulling up and getting ready to check in, knowing and anticipating all that lies ahead, all the possibilities.

Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you!!

Nothing beats arriving at any of the moderate resorts fro check in, every one of them is so cheerful you can't stand it! Not quite so much for the Values, and I don't quite get the same feeling checking in at a Deluxe, they're either too dark in the lobby or too staid.

Great chapter Nebo! From the Dr. Seuss-like rhyme sequence, to your daring procurement of the needed vikes, to the Splash Monster(How off was my guess on that, but what an appropriate name for it!), to the perfect ending of the CBR arrival. What a great ride along for me as a reader! Seriously, I grinned and smiled just as if I were driving through those gates with you and Smidgy. The arrival was all the more sweet because of the BEAST you had valiantly fought to get there. When you got to CBR, gosh darn it, I felt like I do when I get out at Disney. I always feel the excitement as soon as I step out of the car and you made me feel it tonight in reading this chapter! Thanks so much!!

And yes, on I-95 motorists do drive at least 95. I should qualify that has been my experience. I have often felt like 95 just might be one of the inspirations for another sequel to "Fast and Furious". There have been times when it has appeared we were sitting still and we were traveling at 80 or so.


Terrific update Nebo!!

Thanks Buzz, we have come down 95 before and it seemed like folks DID drive even faster over there than on 75. What I do like though on 95 is the palms they planted on a lot of the over passes. I don't think there's any palm trees along 75.

Hurray, you made it. I can just picture you trying to get those pills. Too funny. !

Wasn't funny to me at the time!

WTG, after monsoons, malfunctioning cars, crazy drivers and trick driving trying to get your meds, you made it!

I get a big grin on my face when I get to Disney World too.

Now back to your Dec TR so I can see what I have to look forward too (or not) this year.

Well, all depends on which Dec. trip report you read, Jingle Bells we froze to death, Honey I Shrunk' was just wonderful weather.

Lone voice in the wilderness here.. If the chapters are longer, the whole TR time will be shorter, which means the whole Nebo and Smidgy experience is shorter . Unless there is more filling in of detail (dont see how?), in which case I am all for the longer ones.

!

Marita, you know these reports are going to have to be getting shorter once we are there, I am pretty much talked out describing park touring days. We'll see how it goes.
It does make me feel good to know you like reading so much, I really do appreciate that.

You finally made it! Woohoo.
Didn't even know that picture was of you until you told me.....
just sayin'


KIM

My problem, Kim, is that the little snapshots in my albums on Photobuck are so tiny that I'm not always certain which photo I've grabbed and posted. When I posted that pic I didn't realize she was in it either.

I've been lurking, but wanted to say hello.

Ok, go ahead.

Hello!

Hello back!

Really enjoying the TR, glad you two made it there alive.

Us too!

I tried to quit smoking this year unsuccessfully so hats off to you both.

Here's the most important thing you need to know and what to do to make you an ex-smoker:

never light another cigarette. It's really that simple.

Fellow Illinoisan here, though I'm a Cubs fan. Not sure if I'll need to unsubscribe now? I'm thinking Theo or Francona coming to the North Side. But, you've got Ventura now, so you're all set

Anyway, a great read so far!

(Shannon)

Welcome Shannon, we'll forgive the Cubs fan part.
And, Robin Ventura? What the heck?

Great installment!

And I have to admit that I smiled right along with you when you pulled up to the Custom House. My first stay ever was at the Caribbean Beach on my honeymoon waaaaaaay back in 1991 and I can picture pulling up to the Custom House back then like it was yesterday.



Jay

Thanks Jay, you beat us to CBR by one year, our first Disney trip was in '92.

Hey Nebo, PM me your address and I'll send you one of these,

https://www.sunpass.com/howSunPassWorks

The mini is a sticker you put on your windshield. You can put money on it before you go (on-line), and you just zip through the Sunpass lane. The tolls are discounted too! It's a good deal, even if you only need it a couple of times a year. It also works on the E-Pass tolls - like the one on 429. Let me know if you want one!

Well thank you Nowells, unfortunately, not sure when I'll need it again.
If we do, maybe I'll take you up on the offer.

You are right.. by comparison to your trip, it is a much shorter run for us.. I think i can do it in around 12 hours.. We've done it all in one day and split it between 2 days (stopping in Savannah GA on the way down and somewhere in SC; basically driving about 8 hours and stopping). Not sure how long it takes you if you were to stupidly try to do it at one time, but figure longer than that!!

It would take us about 20 and a half hours to go straight through and no, I'd never try it.

And no, we're not staying at SSR this time.. they weren't available and my wife wanted to try someplace different so we're staying at OKW this time.. Have a 1BR there. We're going a little later this time too. Flying down on the 18th and coming back home Christmas Day. Will be kind of cool to wake up in the World on Christmas Day, but sad too because we'll get the eviction notice as well

Yeah, real nice:
Merry Christmas! Now GET OUT!

And you commented about how traffic is on 75 as you were coming down. and wondered what it was like on 95 for us "eastern folk". Well i have to tell you it's not much different. Right lane is for going fast, middle lane is for passing, and left lane is for light speed!! Last few times we drove in the family Caravan and boy, it just couldn't keep up with the speedsters on I-95. I quit trying (especially after the glares from the Passenger seat; I mean i don't get it.. we want to get to Disney as fast as possible right??) LOL It does seem like after the long trip to that point, once we hit the Florida state line, you just want to push up the speed to hurry and get there!! .

That's funny, our second trip down in '94 to Dixie Landings was in a '86 Caravan, that barely made it up all the inclines and grades in the mountains.

 

[nebo]

What happened to starting the this chapter "Do no try to adjust your monitor, I will control the vertical sharpness."

Thump, I can tell you exactly what happened starting the chapter out with an Outer Limits intro,,,, I forgot all about it.


He's a poet and doesn't even know it.

Actually I'm a twit but I won't admit.
A turd that you never heard?
A bum that is dumber than some?
You could stop me, you know!

Ah the good ole days. Don't you just miss them.

And I even remember riding a bike without, gasp, a HELMET!

I wasn't wearing jeans but rather basketball shorts when I tried it so I was able to do it without a problem.

Too bad there really wasn'st any vikes in there.

I can picture you doing this so you make sure to type it out the directions correctly.

Wait, are you saying that you didn't try it yourself?

Just cuz you're back in the driver's seat on the left side of the car, there's no need to be hard on yourself. Everyone is a jerk every now and then.

I'm a jerk with a little quirk?

Jerk, you disturbed she who must not be disturbed.

The queen that can really be mean.

somebody please stop me!




Uh oh. I wonder what Ponzi has to say about this. Them sound like fighting words to me.

Not just Ponzi, DisneyGeek and a few others here are from Canada. Oh great, now I'll get them mad at me too.
I'm an equal opportunity offender.
Hmm, now that you mention it, Ponzi hasn't checked in yet on this last chapter, maybe he is mad at me.









Gotta love the magic of Disney




Is that blue skies I see in the top left corner?

Even though it's not really in the picture, to me it was the prettiest shade of blue I have ever seen.

---------------------------------------------------------------


A couple things I'd like to talk about:

Concerning Diane's dad, I'm not going to bring that part up until the end of the report, I'm not going to fit it in chronologically as I normally tell a report because it can't be told any way that makes for fun reading. It will be hard for us to write and read about it again, so after a lot of thought, I think it's best to wait until the end and then go back there and give it it's just due.

Please understand, I thought about this a lot and think this is the best way ot handle it.

Also,
Right before we left to go on the trip, I asked you all a riddle, and I don't believe a single person came up with the answer, maybe I missed it.
So, once again, in a return engagement:

Frank and Thumperman meet early one Evening at the Liberty Tree Tavern thinking they can split a pitcher of beer and compare the fastpasses they've saved up all day.
After laying them on the table,
Frank says: "Hey T-Man, if you give me one of your fastpasses I'll twice as many as you"; and
Thumperman says: "No, you give me one of yours and we'll both have the same amount."

How many fastpasses did they both have?

Lastly, one more thing I wanted to bring up.

I'm only doing this because of the responsed I've gotten to the last chapter, nobody at all has made a comment on something I wrote, and I think it may be because I did a little bit too good a job in slipping it in.

The picture at the end of the chapter of the CBR customs house is NOT the end of the chapter, there's a couple of short sentences after it in it's own small section.
If you don't know what I mean, please go back and check it out.
Or maybe you did see it and thought, "yeah, so, I guessed that."

Guess I'll maybe start work on a new chapter, and email it to myself whatever progress i make. I feel like it's cheating but at least I don't have to do the whole thing in one sitting like I usually do.
cya later alligator

 

[yellowtink]

I finally caught up. Geez, school starts and I get all behind. The nerve of school giving me too much to do. Glad u guys made it safe and sound, well mostly sound. maybe a little scarred.

You should be happy I didn't post under my mom's name to add to the confusion

 

[nowellsl]

Frank and Thumperman meet early one Evening at the Liberty Tree Tavern thinking they can split a pitcher of beer and compare the fastpasses they've saved up all day.
After laying them on the table,
Frank says: "Hey T-Man, if you give me one of your fastpasses I'll twice as many as you"; and
Thumperman says: "No, you give me one of yours and we'll both have the same amount."

How many fastpasses did they both have?

Frank has 7
Thumperman has 5

Neither one has beer at the Magic Kingdom....

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

He always like to change around the letters of "Nebo". One day I'd be Oben, then Enbo, or Nobe. – Nebo

What about “BONE”? That works too… but that sounds a little too “bad” for you.. you don’t have enough tattoos… or a big enough Harley for that one to fit.

And while I've got you doing stupid things, with the index finger of your right hand pointed, make large circles with your right hand in a counter clockwise motion in the air, then lean back and do the same thing with your right foot at the same time.
While you are doing this, reverse the direction of just your foot and now go clockwise.
Almost hurt yourself, didn't ya? – Nebo

Okay… with this one.. I’ve always heard it’s with the index finger of your right hand make a circle one way and then with the index finger on your left, make it go the other way…. At the same time… I am the ONLY PERSON I know that can do this. I always heard no one can do this because it would mean two different parts of your brain would have to send conflicting messages to the same part of your body at the same time. My way of solving this… the same way “Patch” solves the “4” problem in “Patch Adams”… look past the problem. If you stare at something other than your hands while I’m making circle going different way, I can do it… the problem is, if you concentrate on it.. which by telling you to do said thing you will… you can’t do it…. But either way, I’ve never been able to find anyone else who can do it. Confused yet? I feel like I should upload a video to Youtube and just send you a link so you can see what I mean.

 

[melk]

Great chapter, Nebo! Your description of trying to get your pills while driving reminded me of the scene in 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' when John Candy is driving and Steve Martin is asleep andJohn Candy gets his sleeves stuck on the car seat and must try to drive without waking Steve Martin. Funny stuff :good vibes.

I did catch your little blurb after your picture of CBR and I thought to myself how ominous it sounded (reminded me of 'The Perfect Storm'.....I must be a movie state of mind tonight).

Can't wait to read the WDW part of the trip now .

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Neither one has beer at the Magic Kingdom....

Which is a real pity. It would contribute greatly to my retirement fund

 

[TinkerbelleAbbysMom]

I am just wondering if I am the only one that had to really think out and read all of the do, do do... part to figure out the "Smidgy in the box" song?

 

[hushupu]

You got me Nebo. I saw that riddle when you first posted it. Mathematically I cant make it work and I consider myself to be a pretty bright guy after all I are a engineer. I'm sure there is some trickery a foot in the solution.
Great update I wont be reading for a few days. I'm getting married in the morning then me and my lovely new bride will be going away for a few days. Hope to see a new update when I return

 

[pkondz]

No, not mad (wait, which definition of mad are we using?). But no time to post, been busy last little bit. Will post a comment or twotomorrow.

 

[buzz1121]

I've been thinking about the long/short chapters of Nebo. Backstage Gal has a great point that with longer chapters the tale may be told far too quickly. And Nebo, your comment about having said enough about park touring makes sense on some level, but I have to say that it isn't the Disney stuff that has me eager to read your TRs.

What engages me are the everyday things that we all experience that you do such a great job of recounting in written form. For me it's like Disney is the backdrop, the common interest, okay, obsession we all share. It's the things that happen to all of us, that we instantly relate to, that make your TRs so doggone entertaining. For example, everyone instinctively knows that when you trip or fall in front of other people, it is unwritten code that you must get up and pretend you are just fine, even if you feel you may actually require medical treatment. You write about this, maybe even many times, but each time, at least for me, there's that connect, that moment that I think, that's exactly how that plays out, with the Nebo wit and panache to give it that extra something. I don't necessarily need to read that you rode Soarin seven times, but I do want to read about the crazy person in front of you in the line and your thoughts about the crazy person.

You have given so many great new words and you just gave another one in the last chapter - splash monster. I will never come upon another vehicle spraying water without thinking or actually saying aloud splash monster. The Nebo words are so many that I can't possibly name them all, but they are all memorable.

To get to my point, I would read a chapter of yours and enjoy it very much, if you spent several paragraphs talking about cracks in the sidewalk. You entertain Nebo, no matter what the subject is and so I am along for the ride no matter what your chapters are about.

I know you don't like to hear any sentiment, but sometimes it just needs to be said. Your writing voice is witty, funny, and genuine. So my opinion is that you write on Nebo, no matter what strikes your fancy.

By the way, I did see the very ominous beast section at the bottom. I am afraid, very afraid and I really was trying to block it out. Thanks for reminding me that the beast is biding it's time, licking it's wounds, waiting for another go round.

After while Crocodile!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Buzz, you expressed what I meant but couldnt put into words. Thanks!

PS: Maybe I shoud take classes? In what though?
Open to suggestions, I need something to do in my retirement years

PPS:i'll never be a great writer, so maybe I'm lost cause. Shuffleboard anyone?

 

[smidgy]

You got me Nebo. I saw that riddle when you first posted it. Mathematically I cant make it work and I consider myself to be a pretty bright guy after all I are a engineer. I'm sure there is some trickery a foot in the solution.
Great update I wont be reading for a few days. I'm getting married in the morning then me and my lovely new bride will be going away for a few days. Hope to see a new update when I return

wow! your last night of freedom, and you're reading hubby's trip report? that's great praise!

congratulations.. have ag reat wedding day and and even better honeymoon!

buzz. now look what you've done. how wil I live with im now? but everything you siad was true, and it was very nice of you to say it. I will now blush for hubby.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

When I read of your Dad's passing, I was struck by the thought, "Maybe we shouldn't've been so cavalier with this TR in your absence." But I am pleased that we enabled you to "laugh, and laugh" at a time when you are down. I'm glad that we were able to bring a smile to your face and am happy for you that you were able to deal with your Dad's passing in "a way (your) dad would want". We're here with you guys when you're having fun and celebrating joyous occasions (like your son's wedding) and we are no less here with you when you are dealing with sad occasions such as this. Our thoughts and prayers with you both and your family.

pkondz

Very well said, and I join in expressing those sentiments (although I was too late to the thread to contribute to the smiley comments at the time).