TCD's Thanksgiving 2010 Trip Report

[storyteller]

OK, OK, you're not going to get away with it that easy!
Where is the wonderful picture of you proudly wearing your "GOLD CROWN??" Champ...

 

[stacktester]

I don't think Mrs TCD likes me. I think it was Halloween and I saw the oldest TCD daughter with the twins and Mrs TCD driving their cart without the lights on. I yelled at them to turn them on and when they didn't I yelled again trying to give them a hard time and joking. Mrs TCD didn't think I was too funny.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

OK, OK, you're not going to get away with it that easy!
Where is the wonderful picture of you proudly wearing your "GOLD CROWN??" Champ...

I'm sorry, but I noticed that there were a lot of photos already in this trip report, and I thought it would be best to limit the quantity a bit. Nobody (except maybe you) wants to see TCD in a cardboard crown. But, I'll tell you what- I do have a photo coming up of me wearing my sticker. At least that's something.

I don't think Mrs TCD likes me. I think it was Halloween and I saw the oldest TCD daughter with the twins and Mrs TCD driving their cart without the lights on. I yelled at them to turn them on and when they didn't I yelled again trying to give them a hard time and joking. Mrs TCD didn't think I was too funny.

True. And, I have badmouthed you to her too. I don't want her to like you. You have enough girlfriends. You can't have Mrs. TCD. But, please feel free to stop by when she is not around. We need to work out a signal so you will know that the coast is clear. Maybe I can hang a sock on my doorknob? Oh wait, I don't have a doorknob on the pop-up. We will have to work on that.

TCD

 

[anolefan]

As we headed over to the Trading Post, I casually took this snap shot:

That’s all it is.

Just a snap shot.

But, sometimes it is good to stop and really look at a photo.

And I suggest that this is one of those times.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

And, I think this one is.

Actually, it's worth more than a thousand.

Take a moment and look at all that is going on in this one photo.

It’s just a quick shot taken on a Tuesday afternoon.

But, if you look, you will see this tent set up behind a site on the 600 loop. What a great place to camp. What a view those lucky folks were treated to on this trip:

(This and the next three photos are zooms on the same photo)

And here, we see an egret enjoying his day at the bottom of the photo, and two lucky campers enjoying a canoe ride out in the lake:

And here, we see what looks like a father and son getting ready to load up in a canoe, and across the lake, a couple just sitting out in the sun behind their site, taking it all in:

All of that in one little photo.

And this is just one little corner of Fort Wilderness.

On a pretty typical Tuesday afternoon.

And folks wonder why so many of us are crazy about the Fort?


Magic.

That’s what it is.

Magic.


TCD

Well said and I, along with many others I'm sure, are in total agreement.

I try to take all of this in on every single trip we make to the Fort.

Sometimes it gets lost when you camp with young children because often times it becomes a lot of hard "work", but what you posted above is what it is all about!

Thanks for that portion of your report!

 

[storyteller]

A "GOLD" CARDBOARD CROWN.

 

[Lil' Lisa]

... Nobody (except maybe you) wants to see TCD in a cardboard crown. But, I'll tell you what- I do have a photo coming up of me wearing my sticker. At least that's something.

TCD

I want to see the crown too!!! Don't make me cry...

 

[Mrs. Troll]

Hi TCD,

This is my fist post and it was only fitting to have the screen name Mrs. Troll. It was nice of you to stop by and we enjoyed meeting you. Sorry I couldn't chat longer the baby troll was having me retrieve his ball for the 1,004 th time.

I am enjoying your trip report very much. We saw you the last night we were there around 10 pm sleeping in your hammock. We were going to stop but didn't want to disturb a man in his hammock. I was in trouble for not bringing a hammock but instead bringing six flashlights. Mr. Troll will be more helpful in packing next time or no compalints-lol! Actually we found a small hybrid travel trailer and are ready to go back. I hope we like the hybrid, it sems to be a cross between TT and pop up. I still like to feel like I am camping and be outdoors.

One thing when we visited the tee pee area the really nice girl who showed us around said they kind of have sub groups and cook and eat in their own areas. Just thought that seemed different. I guess it is like a club and come if you want and people hang out with certain folks. I have to say they were the nicest people, but some admitted to having camp sites with trailers.

Norm is now like a kid in a candy store with FW so if ever we are there at the same time I am sure he wants to pick your brain and share stories.

Oh and we had butter! You could have had all you wanted I always over pack hence the six flashlights lol! Also if you want to visit this area I know folks with units I can put you in touch with.

 

[stacktester]

Hi TCD,

This is my fist post and it was only fitting to have the screen name Mrs. Troll. It was nice of you to stop by and we enjoyed meeting you. Sorry I couldn't chat longer the baby troll was having me retrieve his ball for the 1,004 th time.

I am enjoying your trip report very much. We saw you the last night we were there around 10 pm sleeping in your hammock. We were going to stop but didn't want to disturb a man in his hammock. I was in trouble for not bringing a hammock but instead bringing six flashlights. Mr. Troll will be more helpful in packing next time or no compalints-lol! Actually we found a small hybrid travel trailer and are ready to go back. I hope we like the hybrid, it sems to be a cross between TT and pop up. I still like to feel like I am camping and be outdoors.

One thing when we visited the tee pee area the really nice girl who showed us around said they kind of have sub groups and cook and eat in their own areas. Just thought that seemed different. I guess it is like a club and come if you want and people hang out with certain folks. I have to say they were the nicest people, but some admitted to having camp sites with trailers.

Norm is now like a kid in a candy store with FW so if ever we are there at the same time I am sure he wants to pick your brain and share stories.

Oh and we had butter! You could have had all you wanted I always over pack hence the six flashlights lol! Also if you want to visit this area I know folks with units I can put you in touch with.

Welcome to the boards. We need pics of the camper. Inside and out. We're nosey folk here. Please don't post blow up doll pics lol. We've enjoyed the trip report and the nostalgia of Pop.

 

[Mrs. Troll]

Welcome to the boards. We need pics of the camper. Inside and out. We're nosey folk here. Please don't post blow up doll pics lol. We've enjoyed the trip report and the nostalgia of Pop.

Yeah if you had known Pop it would make the stories all that much better. Let's just say I doubted Norm was his son. He was 78 and still riding a Harley and thought broads just messed up having a good time. Which in some cases he had a point. He also still flew his airplane even though he wasn't cleared due to a heart condition. Pop was the best- a rebel. I didn't find out about the no flying license until he was in the air with my only child.

So you want pics of the new, well new as in 2001, hybrid tt we are getting or the Aliner we camped in or as I so lovingly called it the dirty liner. WE are buying it sight unseen, well not really she is bringing it to us this weekend and if it doesn't compare to the info and pics and videos she has no problem if we don't commit. It seems to be a good deal. If anyone is familiar with trail lite r vision bantam series 17 footer let me know. I have done a lot of reserach and seems like a great deal, but I will wait to see it in person.

 

[Mrs. Troll]

Sorry TCD I am diverting your thread I will post a new one.

Back to your trip!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Well said and I, along with many others I'm sure, are in total agreement.

I try to take all of this in on every single trip we make to the Fort.

Sometimes it gets lost when you camp with young children because often times it becomes a lot of hard "work", but what you posted above is what it is all about!

Thanks for that portion of your report!

Thanks, Tom.

It is important for us to realize that we should slow down sometimes and enjoy the journey.

Life goes by too fast.

The Fort helps me to slow down.

But, sometimes I need a reminder.

Actually, I need to be reminded a lot.

A "GOLD" CARDBOARD CROWN.

What's so funny?

I think you're just jealous!

I want to see the crown too!!! Don't make me cry...

Not that!

Please don't cry.

You are exploiting my weak spot.

You know I can't stand to see a lady cry.

So, against my better judgment, here is a photo of TCD in his glorious cardboard crown:

I am holding the certificate that declares me to be the Checkers Champion of Fort Wilderness.

I would scan it and post it, but it is still at the frame shop.

There you go.

Do you see now why I didn't want to post it?

I look like the king of the dorks!

Oh well.

And, just to give you fair warning, one of these times I am going to let you cry. I can't let you keep pulling that trick on me.

Hi TCD,

This is my fist post and it was only fitting to have the screen name Mrs. Troll. It was nice of you to stop by and we enjoyed meeting you. Sorry I couldn't chat longer the baby troll was having me retrieve his ball for the 1,004 th time.

I am enjoying your trip report very much. We saw you the last night we were there around 10 pm sleeping in your hammock. We were going to stop but didn't want to disturb a man in his hammock. I was in trouble for not bringing a hammock but instead bringing six flashlights. Mr. Troll will be more helpful in packing next time or no compalints-lol! Actually we found a small hybrid travel trailer and are ready to go back. I hope we like the hybrid, it sems to be a cross between TT and pop up. I still like to feel like I am camping and be outdoors.

One thing when we visited the tee pee area the really nice girl who showed us around said they kind of have sub groups and cook and eat in their own areas. Just thought that seemed different. I guess it is like a club and come if you want and people hang out with certain folks. I have to say they were the nicest people, but some admitted to having camp sites with trailers.

Norm is now like a kid in a candy store with FW so if ever we are there at the same time I am sure he wants to pick your brain and share stories.

Oh and we had butter! You could have had all you wanted I always over pack hence the six flashlights lol! Also if you want to visit this area I know folks with units I can put you in touch with.

Wow!

Your first post!

Welcome.

It was great to meet you and Norm.

So y'all are going to jump in to the camping lifestyle with both feet!

There are quite a few folks on the boards who have, or who at one time had, hybrids. I think a hybrid would be a great choice for you.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it to you, but I camped at Grayton Beach State Park for spring break this year. I even posted a trip report about that trip on the Camping Community board. You guys are close enough that you could enjoy weekend trips there, and also to Top Sail Hill State Park.

Even if you had offered me your butter, I probably still would have gone to the Trading Post. I like to go in there to buy a few supplies on every trip. It is nice that we campers have that available, and I make a point to spend some money there, so that the beancounters don't get the idea to take away the grocery items which are available. Plus, if I hadn't gone to the Trading Post, I wouldn't have won my fantastic crown.

Welcome to the boards. We need pics of the camper. Inside and out. We're nosey folk here. Please don't post blow up doll pics lol. We've enjoyed the trip report and the nostalgia of Pop.

You don't waste any time, do you Donnie? A married woman posts, and you are on that like a bum on a baloney sandwich! ( I apologize in advance to any bums reading along- it's just a figure of speech- I intend no offense. While I'm at it ditto for all baloney sandwich eaters reading along- no offense).

Yeah if you had known Pop it would make the stories all that much better. Let's just say I doubted Norm was his son. He was 78 and still riding a Harley and thought broads just messed up having a good time. Which in some cases he had a point. He also still flew his airplane even though he wasn't cleared due to a heart condition. Pop was the best- a rebel. I didn't find out about the no flying license until he was in the air with my only child.

So you want pics of the new, well new as in 2001, hybrid tt we are getting or the Aliner we camped in or as I so lovingly called it the dirty liner. WE are buying it sight unseen, well not really she is bringing it to us this weekend and if it doesn't compare to the info and pics and videos she has no problem if we don't commit. It seems to be a good deal. If anyone is familiar with trail lite r vision bantam series 17 footer let me know. I have done a lot of reserach and seems like a great deal, but I will wait to see it in person.

Norm posted photos of the A-liner. We need some photos of the new rig!

Sorry TCD I am diverting your thread I will post a new one.

Back to your trip!

No problem. As I've said before, there are no hijacks on a TCD trip report. Post whatever you want, we will eventually get back on track.

TCD

 

[Mrs. Troll]

Agreed about buying from the trading post. I bought some bacon, eggs, and a few beers the first night after setting up. There was no way I was going to Wal Mart or any other grocery shopping adventure. It was the best 6 dollar beer ever!

Yes we are all in for camping. We have camped before in a tent but only for weekends. We spent almost two weeks in that A-liner and that was not cuttin it. If we are going to camp for any length of time I have to be able to stand upright and be able to move my neck for the first five days.

We will post pics soon of the new Troll Trailer!

 

[stefa70]

Hi TCD,

This is my fist post and it was only fitting to have the screen name Mrs. Troll. It was nice of you to stop by and we enjoyed meeting you. Sorry I couldn't chat longer the baby troll was having me retrieve his ball for the 1,004 th time.

I am enjoying your trip report very much. We saw you the last night we were there around 10 pm sleeping in your hammock. We were going to stop but didn't want to disturb a man in his hammock. I was in trouble for not bringing a hammock but instead bringing six flashlights. Mr. Troll will be more helpful in packing next time or no compalints-lol! Actually we found a small hybrid travel trailer and are ready to go back. I hope we like the hybrid, it sems to be a cross between TT and pop up. I still like to feel like I am camping and be outdoors.

One thing when we visited the tee pee area the really nice girl who showed us around said they kind of have sub groups and cook and eat in their own areas. Just thought that seemed different. I guess it is like a club and come if you want and people hang out with certain folks. I have to say they were the nicest people, but some admitted to having camp sites with trailers.

Norm is now like a kid in a candy store with FW so if ever we are there at the same time I am sure he wants to pick your brain and share stories.

Oh and we had butter! You could have had all you wanted I always over pack hence the six flashlights lol! Also if you want to visit this area I know folks with units I can put you in touch with.

Mrs Troll: We have a hybrid (ROO 23 B) and LOVE it!! As you said, it is the best of both worlds. When at the fort in November, we had all the bunk ends open during the day, so it was like "real" camping, then at nights, we zippered them up and stayed nice and cozy. You will have to tend to the canvas, and sometimes it's a pain if it is raining or has rained the night before you leave, but I really wouldn't trade it for anything at this time. I think you will truly be "Happy Campers"

So TCD....please continue! (And I don't think you look like a dork in your crown!)

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Agreed about buying from the trading post. I bought some bacon, eggs, and a few beers the first night after setting up. There was no way I was going to Wal Mart or any other grocery shopping adventure. It was the best 6 dollar beer ever!

Yes we are all in for camping. We have camped before in a tent but only for weekends. We spent almost two weeks in that A-liner and that was not cuttin it. If we are going to camp for any length of time I have to be able to stand upright and be able to move my neck for the first five days.

We will post pics soon of the new Troll Trailer!

I have never truly enjoyed a $6 beer.

I've had plenty.

But, I can't enjoy it.

I can't wait to see the Troll Trailer.

But, those photos definitely deserve their own thread.

So TCD....please continue! (And I don't think you look like a dork in your crown!)

Thanks, S70, but we have already established that you need to see an eye doctor.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

OK, let's get moving again.

It's still Tuesday on our trip.

When I went back to get that dorky crown photo, I found a few other shots from Tuesday afternoon that I left out, but I like these two of the Bike Barn taken from across the lake, so here you go:

Also, I should have mentioned that on the way back to camp from the Meadow Trading Post, I stopped by for a Root Beer at the Meadow Snack Bar while wearing my crown. I took this photo of the menu so I could see if the prices have risen again. I don't think so, but I haven't checked. They seem to be about the same:

The fact that the Meadow Snack Bar has root beer (the soda machine at Trail's End does not) is important. This fact will figure in to my Cousin Yuri's unexpected visit on Wednesday.

But for now, we are discussing Tuesday evening:

We ate dinner at our site, and headed over to Hollywood Studios at a little before 7. We planned to use our Toy Story and Rock 'n Roller Coaster Fastpasses, and take in the Osborne lights again.

And, that's exactly what we did.

Here's some more Osborne light shots:

Here's one of old TCD and the twins (there's my sticker):

And, just the TCD twins:

It was EMH at Hollywood Studios. It was packed. We used our Fastpasses, and rode Tower of Terror, too (they had all the elevators going, so the line moved super quick), and then we bailed. It was way too crowded. We used the bus, and we knew that we didn't want to be trying to get a bus out of HS after Fantasmic let out. We had no problem getting back to the Fort.

Back at the Fort, we did some night looping, enjoying the decorations.

These folks on 1100 have set up a great Christmas display for years:

And, that's it for Tuesday.

We were up early on Wednesday.

We were planning to hit Animal Kingdom for rope drop.

And, after our late arrival at Hollywood Studios on Tuesday, we were committed to an early start.

So, coming up next, a couple of early AM shots from AK, and then we are paid a visit by Cousin Yuri.

You will want to hear all about what happened to him when he went off looking for some root beer.

TCD

 

[Lil' Lisa]

.

 

[Lil' Lisa]

.

 

[stefa70]

Just so we're all clear, I just renewed my drivers license......AND I CAN SEE!!

SO:

1. I am pretty old!
2. Donnie is kinda cute!
3. TCD does not look like a dork in his crown!

Carry on................

 

[Tri-circle-D]

The crown looks great!! All hail king TCD!!!


The sticker on your forehead is another story though. I hope you didn't leave it there too long and end up with a tan line!

And thanks for not making me cry. I knew I could count on you.



What did Donny do with his bum??? I hope that nobody ate that sandwich after he was done...

Yeah that sticker really adds to the whole dork effect.

The bum in the baloney sandwich reference is bum like a transient, vagabond, hobo, tramp, that kind of bum, not a derriere, rear, buttocks, kind of bum. I concur that I would not want a baloney sandwich after Donnie's bum has been on it.

Just so we're all clear, I just renewed my drivers license......AND I CAN SEE!!

SO:

1. I am pretty old!
2. Donnie is kinda cute!
3. TCD does not look like a dork in his crown!

Carry on................

Your eyes are good?

That's bad news then.

Because that means your mind is slipping.

Or you've been hitting the bloody Marys again.

TCD

 

[Tri-circle-D]

YURI!!! YURI!!!! YURI!!!! YURI!!!!

I can't hear you!

TCD