Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[Nermel9]

Loved hearing about your side trip to Daytona! I can't believe your friends sailed around the world, that sounds like so much fun! Daytona looks really pretty, I loved seeing all of your pictures! It must be fun to drive on the beach!

 

[MEK]

I loved everything about your little side trip to Daytona. Well, except for maybe your hangover.

Yeah - the hangover wasn't all that fun, but fortunately it didn't last long. That's what happens when you friend makes his own wine. The bottles kept appearing.

I love the beach, and I'm enjoying that 3 of my favorite TRs are all at the beach right now!

That's funny because two of the TR's I am subbed to are at Vero (Cynthia and Glenn) and now I really want to go back. The beach is nicer at Daytona, but the ambiance at VB is better.

I have never been to Daytona. I loved seeing what it was like.

It's a pretty cool place to visit. I have really enjoyed all my trips there.

K & T's sail around the world sounds fascinating! How cool that you got to spend some time with them in New Zealand.

Their trip was totally amazing and meeting up with them in New Zealand was wonderful. I was pregnant with my oldest son at the time and I was really nervous about traveling, but Denny said he was going "with or without me".
So I went. It was definitely the trip of a life time. WOW. What an amazingly clean and beautiful country and the people were SO incredibly nice.

Great pictures of the duck eggs and mommy duck. How cool is that! She is beautiful!

Isn't she cool? I though that was just the best thing ever. I'm so glad I got to see her nest.

Surf looked rough, but a lot of fun. Love the warm southern waters, compared to the chilly New England oceans I am used to.

Tell me about it. I guess Delaware isn't quite as bad as New England, but the water is absolutely freezing in June. By August and September it is like Daytona and then it goes and gets cold again. Darn.

Crabby Joes looked like a really fun place to eat.

That place was pretty cool. So glad that K & T suggested it. It was a great reprieve from the sun with the exact same scenery. Score!

If you are going to spend some time away from "the bubble", a visit with friends at the beach with plenty of wine certainly is a great option to have.

It was the best trip away from the bubble that I can think of. I completely forgot that Kevin made his own wine. He literally had an entire closet full of it.

Loved hearing about your side trip to Daytona! I can't believe your friends sailed around the world, that sounds like so much fun! Daytona looks really pretty, I loved seeing all of your pictures! It must be fun to drive on the beach!

It was cool to be able to park and walk like 50 feet from your car with all your beach stuff. How great is that? Sheesh - in Delaware you can't even find a place to park near the beach and, if you do, you are schlepping all your stuff for a mile.

K & T really did have an amazing adventure and they were incredibly brave to do what they did. Most sailors make it to the Caribbean and then stay there because its so nice they don't want to leave.

 

[saintstickets]

Hahah! Your brother has a crush on Stacey? That's hilarious. But she's awesome, so I get it.

And who DOESN'T have a crush on Stacey?!?!?

Daytona beach has some nice picnic / public restrooms areas. Actually we were in Daytona Beach Shores which is south of Daytona.

That's been true of Daytona for quite some time...well, at least since the last time I was there in 1973! Great pics of the area.

I was hungover, you know!

GASP!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

wow! What an update! I actually read it yesterday but was on my phone and that's hard to comment on very much.

7 years around the world...wow! I can't even imagine. And they are still married!

Fun fun getaway, even with the wine hangover.

What is a fish rueben? I am dying to know! Daytona looks great. I've never driven on a "warm" beach like that, there are some you can drive on up here but it's a very different feel and crowd level (understatement of the decade lol).

Ah, New Zealand. That is SO high on my list of places to go it's not even funny!

My prediction is GOOD things happen when you don't check in online. But we will see won't we! Speaking of...are you planning to for our trip?

 

[Wicket's Mom]

You would love St.Augustine, so neat with very old buildings. The beaches around there are nice. We camped on the beach at Anastasia Beach which was lots of fun.

Daytona is not high on my list of favorites in Florida. I prefer the Atlantic side rather than the Gulf side. Beaches are much nicer.

I haven't started my TR as yet. Got photos downloaded to computer, but now need to get them loaded to Photobucket! Its been so busy here since we returned home.

 

[podsnel]

What amazing friends you have there! Such an incredible adventure they lived- and so incredible that you got to visit them in New Zealand! That must have been quite a trip. Thanks for another great update.

 

[MEK]

And who DOESN'T have a crush on Stacey?!?!?

Bill, Does your wife know about this???

That's been true of Daytona for quite some time...well, at least since the last time I was there in 1973! Great pics of the area.

Thanks. I really enjoy Daytona. I know its not the greatest beach in the world, but compared to the Delaware beaches its pretty darn cool.

GASP!!!!

Yeah - I know - I'm a lightweight. What can I say?

wow! What an update! I actually read it yesterday but was on my phone and that's hard to comment on very much.

It's so hard to comment from the phone, isn't it? But its such a great way to check in on things!

7 years around the world...wow! I can't even imagine. And they are still married!

I know even thought about that. Seriously, if a man dreams to sail around the world and marries a woman who can actually do that with him, I think that makes for a very long term relationship.

Fun fun getaway, even with the wine hangover.

It was really a nice visit. I love going to see them. Their house is such an oasis and they are always doing cool little upgrades to it.

What is a fish rueben? I am dying to know! Daytona looks great. I've never driven on a "warm" beach like that, there are some you can drive on up here but it's a very different feel and crowd level (understatement of the decade lol).

It was tilapia with all the ingredients of a traditional rueben. I was stumped at what to order, so I asked the waitress and that's what she recommended. I really wasn't thinking about calories too much that day (obviously) and it definitely hit the spot.

I've driven on the beach at the Outer Bank and you can drive on some beaches in Delaware, but its always for the purpose of fishing. This is strictly for the convenience factor and I'm all about that.

Ah, New Zealand. That is SO high on my list of places to go it's not even funny!

New Zealand was amazing and we only explored the north island. Supposedly the south island is really the one to see, but our friend's boat was in Aukland at the time. Denny and I rented a car and went to all the interesting places on the north island that we could find. It really was spectacular and soooooooooooooooooooooooo clean. The people were just so incredibly nice and wanted to know EXACLTY where we lived in the US. Honestly, if it wasn't half way around the world (literally) I would be a return visitor. It's just a beautiful country.

My prediction is GOOD things happen when you don't check in online. But we will see won't we! Speaking of...are you planning to for our trip?

I usually have excellent results with not doing on line check-in (for example, my OKW and treehouse villa), but my luck ran out with this check-in.

You would love St.Augustine, so neat with very old buildings. The beaches around there are nice. We camped on the beach at Anastasia Beach which was lots of fun.

That's what I've heard and I would love to find a way to visit it if we are going to drive next summer. I've got to work on that. I guess we could always try to drive straight through to St Augustine, which would probably be a 13 or 14 hour drive. Then we could tour around in the morning and hit Orlando in the late afternoon/ Even if we couldn't make St Augustine, I bet we could get close to Savannah and still take a drive through there.

Daytona is not high on my list of favorites in Florida. I prefer the Atlantic side rather than the Gulf side. Beaches are much nicer.

When we visit K&T we always go to Daytona Beach Shores which is supposed to be a much nicer area than actual Daytona Beach.

I haven't started my TR as yet. Got photos downloaded to computer, but now need to get them loaded to Photobucket! Its been so busy here since we returned home.

I'm glad to hear you are in the preliminary stage of organizing for your TR. I actually don't edit all my pictures at once. I edit and upload day by day. I still haven't finished editing for this trip. I need to get that done ASAP.

What amazing friends you have there! Such an incredible adventure they lived- and so incredible that you got to visit them in New Zealand! That must have been quite a trip. Thanks for another great update.

They actually are VERY amazing people because they really operated outside of the box for that adventure. It was insane how much preparation and know-how went into making that trip a reality. They did visit parts of the world where there are literally modern day pirates. They couldn't even insure the boat for the journey for that reason. If the boat sunk it would have been a total loss and they risked that.

If you ever get a chance to visit New Zealand, do it. K & T actually liked it better than Australia and they spent 6 months in each country.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Me! I've been to Daytona! Great place to hang out.

I'm glad you guys made the decision to see your friends. Always good to catch up, and keep strong relationships going. Looks like it was a great time.

And I'm so jealous that you've been to New Zealand! I'd love to travel there someday. There's a golf course there that looks amazing--it plays right to the edge of sheer cliffs. Check it out!

 

[saintstickets]

And who DOESN'T have a crush on Stacey?!?!?

Bill, Does your wife know about this???

Oh yeah...she knows and just rolls her eyes and shakes her head like she does for most things I say and do.

It's the same response I get when I tell her about those hot DISmoms!!!

 

[ShortStuff]

Wow, what an awesome side trip to Daytona Beach!! Did it make you want to move? It looks like a forever on vacation, spot to live!

I wonder how many things have dropped through the pier to be lost forever, through the cracks? My gosh, I think you were smart to put your phone away!!

My daughter has wanted to move to Florida for some time now. I keep thinking that I wouldn't like it, but after the trip we just made, I am quickly changing my mind. Ilove all things Disney, but when you get a bit away from the bubble, there is actually a really nice group of areas there. I would be happy to live in many of them. Florida has started to really grow on me.

Looking forward to more of your trip and enjoyed hearing your future trip plans also!!!

 

[MEK]

Me! I've been to Daytona! Great place to hang out.

I'm glad you guys made the decision to see your friends. Always good to catch up, and keep strong relationships going. Looks like it was a great time.

Daytona and Vero are the only beaches I have been to in Florida. Oh wait - I went to Fort Lauderdale during spring break when I was in college, but let's just forget about that, shall we.

And I'm so jealous that you've been to New Zealand! I'd love to travel there someday. There's a golf course there that looks amazing--it plays right to the edge of sheer cliffs. Check it out!

New Zealand was an amazing experience. The country was so diverse in geography and so amazingly clean. Plus everyone was so incredibly nice. I had a wonderful time there and would go back in a heart beat.

Oh yeah...she knows and just rolls her eyes and shakes her head like she does for most things I say and do.

It's the same response I get when I tell her about those hot DISmoms!!!

And perhaps the same response you got when you told her you fought off a shark at Discovery Cover.

Wow, what an awesome side trip to Daytona Beach!! Did it make you want to move? It looks like a forever on vacation, spot to live!

Every place I visit makes me want to move. I'm serious. I'm pretty tired of living in Delaware. It's not a bad location, in fact its a good location, but I have lived in this general area my entire life and I would love a change.

So the short answer to your question is "Yes".

I wonder how many things have dropped through the pier to be lost forever, through the cracks? My gosh, I think you were smart to put your phone away!!

My guess is quite a few things, but hopefully nothing super valuable. Probably not the right location to take your jewelry off or ask your friend if you can try on her new ring.

My daughter has wanted to move to Florida for some time now. I keep thinking that I wouldn't like it, but after the trip we just made, I am quickly changing my mind. Ilove all things Disney, but when you get a bit away from the bubble, there is actually a really nice group of areas there. I would be happy to live in many of them. Florida has started to really grow on me.

That's great. Do you live in an area of Texas that has warm weather. Actually, all Texas has warm weather, doesn't it? Seriously, I don't even know. My point is, if warm weather doesn't scare you than it probably is a great place to live. Personally, I would love living somewhere where I can see palm trees everyday. That would be cool.

Looking forward to more of your trip and enjoyed hearing your future trip plans also!!!

I am hoping to get 4 more updates in before I leave for the world, so stick around!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I would move to Florida in an instant, but hubby won't do it. He wants to be near the kids, but they would visit a lot more often if we lived there!

My niece lives & works in Daytona, she's a bartender & it's hard to find a good paying job with benefits there. She does love the weather, especially in the winter! She's always rubbing it in since the family lives in Ohio.

 

[MEK]

I would move to Florida in an instant, but hubby won't do it. He wants to be near the kids, but they would visit a lot more often if we lived there!

Denny is the same way. He would not want to live in Florida, but if I could talk him into South Carolina I would be happy.

My niece lives & works in Daytona, she's a bartender & it's hard to find a good paying job with benefits there. She does love the weather, especially in the winter! She's always rubbing it in since the family lives in Ohio.

I bet she does well as a bartender. There are always customers for a bar. T works for Roadway, but she did when they lived in Virginia, so she was able to go right back to work with them after sailing. I know she does a lot of commuting.

K once told me he wears pants about two weeks out of the year and socks about 5 days a year. Now that's what I'm talking about.

 

[saintstickets]

Originally Posted by saintstickets
Oh yeah...she knows and just rolls her eyes and shakes her head like she does for most things I say and do.

It's the same response I get when I tell her about those hot DISmoms!!!

And perhaps the same response you got when you told her you fought off a shark at Discovery Cove.

For someone I've never met in person, you know me too well.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey Mary Ellen! Just trying to get caught up, I was only about 30 pages behind! I'm not going to comment on everything because my post would be a mile long, but I did want to tell you something about your excursion choices in Nassau. On our stop in Nassau in July we went to the Sheraton for the day and thought it was a great choice, cheap too compared to other options! We took the bus, a pretty easy walk to the bus stop from where the ships dock, I can't remember what the cost was, I'd have to look at my notes, but I think it was just a few dollars per person. The bus dropped us off right in front of the Sheraton. It was then $25 for a day pass to use their pool and beach. You were also able to use the sports equipment, kayaks, snorkeling gear, stuff like that. Now the drinks were expensive and pretty weak, BUT there is an AWESOME daiquiri shack right across the street. They have about a million different combinations and they are all made with fresh fruit - so good! They also serve food a the daiquiri shack, but it's a very small menu, just a couple sandwiches and burgers. It was pretty good though and much cheaper than what the resort was charging. Let me know if you want more info on it, I'd be glad to answer any questions you have!

 

[MEK]

Hey Mary Ellen! Just trying to get caught up, I was only about 30 pages behind! I'm not going to comment on everything because my post would be a mile long, but I did want to tell you something about your excursion choices in Nassau. On our stop in Nassau in July we went to the Sheraton for the day and thought it was a great choice, cheap too compared to other options! We took the bus, a pretty easy walk to the bus stop from where the ships dock, I can't remember what the cost was, I'd have to look at my notes, but I think it was just a few dollars per person. The bus dropped us off right in front of the Sheraton. It was then $25 for a day pass to use their pool and beach. You were also able to use the sports equipment, kayaks, snorkeling gear, stuff like that. Now the drinks were expensive and pretty weak, BUT there is an AWESOME daiquiri shack right across the street. They have about a million different combinations and they are all made with fresh fruit - so good! They also serve food a the daiquiri shack, but it's a very small menu, just a couple sandwiches and burgers. It was pretty good though and much cheaper than what the resort was charging. Let me know if you want more info on it, I'd be glad to answer any questions you have!

Thanks Michelle - that is really good information. I am so glad to hear that you endorse the Sheraton visit. The reviews on trip advisor were really positive and it definitely sounds like a bargain for the day pass.

The daiquiri shack sounds wonderful. So you can cross the street, grab a daiquiri and a snack and bring it back over to the sheraton? I love that. Thanks for the tip. I figure $25 is worth it to snorkel and kayak.

 

[MEK]

MEK Versus the Gas Cap

Well, I think you know where this update might be going. In my last update Denny and I had just spent the last 24 hours visiting our friends in Daytona while drinking good wine, eating good food, and soaking up the sun. But now we were on our way back to the bubble. Our check-in at BWV was awaiting us.

Even though this is not such a great picture, its pretty obvious that I was happy to be going back to the bubble. Yeah!


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

I spent the drive back reading, checking email, and reading FB. Before I knew it we were here:


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

My first time into the bubble and we didn't go through the arches and now - SUN GLARE! Bummer. Clearly I have failed Disney 101 but not getting the appropriate picture.

Once we were ready to make the turn that goes past the Boardwalk and the Beach Club, Denny announced that he wanted to get gas so we would only have to "top it off" on our return to the airport.

He pulled into the Hess station right near the Boardwalk. He pulled up to a pump and jumped out of the car. I was totally oblivious because I was still reading. I was trying to be really patient because all I wanted was check-in.

Denny gets back in the car and announces "I don't see the lever to open the gas cap?"

Me "What?"

Denny "I can't open the gas cap cover. It's not here on the floor and the cap won't open"

Me "What? That's not possible. Let me look"

So I look over on the driver's side of the car and darn it - there is no gas cap opener anywhere - its not on the floor (where mine is ). It's not on the dashboard (is anyone's). It is nowhere.

Me "It has to be somewhere. Did us press on the cap cover?"

Denny "Yes"

Me "Oh brother. Let me try"

So I get out of the car and reach for the outside of the gas cap cover. But I stop dead in my tracks because I hear Denny's imaginary voice say "Stop. Don't Force It".

Not to get off topic - but that has got to be Denny's favorite line. He uses it for everything. For example - when I put the last plate in a full dishwasher, when I put the last frozen item in the freezer, or when I try to put that one last dirty towel in the washing machine. I am always being accused of "forcing" something.

So I hesitated and pressed gently on the gas cap cover. It didn't budge.

Denny "I am going in the store to get some___________ (can't remember what)"

Me (thinking - great - leave me out here looking like a dumb @$$ who can't open the gas cap) "I'll check the manual"

Finding "gas cap" in the index was easy, but the extent of the information was its location. Yeah - that helps. Thanks.

Me "I'll google it" (thinking maybe I can call Nick. He has an old mitsubishi. Maybe he'll know. No. He won't answer his phone and then I'll think something bad happened to him.)

Lo and behold, *bam* I google the question and the answer comes right up. It says "I have a Mitsubishi Galant rental car and I can't figure out how to open the gas cap"

Answer - Are you ready for this

"Push on the side of the cap"

Seriously????? That's it. - and that's exactly what I did, no longer fearful that I was "forcing it". I took my three middle fingers and pushed as hard as I could and, as if by magic, the gas cap cover sprung open.

Hallelujah.......

So - the moral of this lengthy story - if you ever rent a Mitsubishi you PUSH on the gas cap cover to open it. Someday you may thank me.

So, after those 10 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, we drove the 1/2 mile to the Boardwalk. I ran inside to check-in while Denny waited with the car.

There was no one in line and I walked right up to a CM to check-in. Note: I booked a standard view studio and requested the 4th floor. Twice. But when I got my room assignment I was on the bottom floor.

I am really not a picky person when it comes to room location, but for some reason I had the bottom or first floor. I know some people love it, but I just don't. I like to be up high.

I told the CM that I had requested a high room and she replied, "well, you should have done on line check-in".

Me "Really? Well, do you have anything NOT on the first floor".

CM "No. The hotel is booked solid". And then she just glared at me with this look that was definitely less than magical.

Well, OK then. For a brief second I thought about coming back in the morning, but then I remembered we were only staying 3 nights. What was the point?

I went back out to the car and told Denny that I would take 2 of the rolling suitcases and he could park. I gave him a room key and the room number, then I set off to find my villa.

I guess because I was tired, but I found the BWV corridors confusing and I walked in the complete wrong direction to find the villa. I actually got stuck in between 2 doors with my suitcases. I was getting more frustrated by the minute and then I finally I found the room.

It seemed dark.

I hadn't changed from my distance lens after the beach, so I took a few pictures with the long lens. They stink.

Picture on the wall

As I was taking pictures, Denny came into the room. I just naturally assumed he would bring the rest of the items in the car. But what did he walk in with? - his small travel bag. It's the size of a camera bag.

Me "Are you kidding me? That's all you brought in?"

Denny "Yeah. Why?"

Ugh - Between the gas cap fiasco, the less than magical CM, and getting myself stuck in the doorway, I suddenly became very grumpy and must have said something to Denny which he didn't like.

I couldn't believe I had been in Disney for a week, weathered 5 nights with my brother's family and maintained my cheeriness, and now I felt like I was ready to melt.

I said "I'm going to Epcot"

Denny "Go by yourself. I'm staying here".

Me "Fine"

I don't really recall how we resolved the argument, but I am sure I apologized and told him that I just suddenly felt really "burnt out". We made up and ended up heading into Epcot together.

I knew right where I wanted to go. Recognize this?


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

The bar at the Ditch.

And I knew exactly what drink I wanted. See this little beauty.......

Say hello to the jalapeno margarita, complete with a "to go" glass.


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Ahhhhh - liquid happiness.

And it was at this precise moment that I realized, if left to my own devices with unlimited expendable income, I could easily become an alcoholic in the Epcot land of Mexico!

We left the Ditch around 8:45 and went to my good old standby Illuminations viewing spot - Norway.

I love June - it stays light so late

Up Next.......Illuminations and "Nobody has More Fun then Us".

 

[IheartDDuck]

Rentals and gascaps! They're my nightmare. I think I've had a similar experience before and totally done the "looking like an idiot who doesn't know how to put gas in a car", for like 15 minutes before.

Good to know....Mitsubishi, push the gas cap.

The BWV corridors are totally confusing. I always get confused by the floors too. We were on the second floor, which was technically the first floor, and I like an idiot got on the elevator to go up, only to see there was no up, and then we had to promptly exit.....this was all witnessed by a maintenance guy.

Mmmmmm, the Ditch. Gooooooood choice.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I the sun glare pic of your return to the bubble!!

I would NEVER have figured out the gas cap trick... Kudos to you!!

WTH was up with the CM at Boardwalk?? "You should have done online check in???". That just does not seem right to me - although I wouldnt have battled her either. But frustrating. So on the online check-in debate... Will you or won't you later this month? I had always thought you had a greater chance of pixie dust with in person check-in...apparently not...

Tequila has medicinal and magical properties, I tell you...fixes EVERYTHING!!

 

[ireneryan]

My father bought a used car in pristine condition, drove around 1/2 a day, went to a gas station to fill it up and could not figure out how to open the gas cap cover open. So he got a screwdriver and pried the sucker off the car. THEN it looked like a car my dad would be driving!!I miss my daddy!!!

We all have our cranky moments MEK, your brother's family is lucky you didn't EXPLODE on them and Danny should have just seen it coming. Everyone has a breaking point, luckily you were so close to (Epcot's) Mexico!!