Florida 2019

We're currently in that in-between state having missed a night's sleep and not feeling like doing anything but not able to settle.  The departure went like clockwork: left Cocoa Beach at 4pm where it was 32C! We arrived at Orlando Airport car rental return by 5pm, checked bags in, flew through security thanks to a 'TSA Pre-check' tick which took us to the head of the queue, and on air side by 5:30 for 6:25 takeoff; actually took off, landed and on stand at Gatwick early.  The flight was a bit bumpy and David suddenly developed a sick headache before setting off and had to resort to pills  but that did the trick, although he decided to skip the alcohol at dinner to be on the safe side; a first! Carolyn did not have a headache, and the attentive steward insisted giving her two G&Ts-also a first! The Purple Parking bus arrived on time and the car started so we were on our way by 8:30.  The M-25 only came to a halt a few times so we got home in just over th...

Once again, Larry managed to locate a classic car show.  This one was at a Muscle Car museum in Melbourne so Larry, Dorie and David spent a happy hour and a half looking round.  David saw his first Crosley, a tiny car made in Ohio before and after World War 2. The Crosley is between the red E-type and the Minor Convertible.  The Jag was unusual in that it still had the original paint, and the original owner; he bought it in 1965.  The two pickups are actually right-hookers; a 'bakkie' from South Africa (complete with AA badge) and a ute from Australia.  

Today's highlight was an airboat ride in our usual place. We always refer to it as 'the airboat ride where the pig is.' He’s called Porkchop and is 13 years old. Isn’t he cute? The boat driver and guide was more academic than usual and we learnt a lot about the geography and the wildlife that we didn't pick up from previous rides.  We also saw some different birds and few of Florida's many alligators; over 1 million at the last count (2018).  Here are some photos of our 'cruise'.  In the tree photo on the right you can see the water line quite clearly showing how high the water level can get. It can also get to be just a few inches above sea-level which happens when there’s a very dry spell.  Alligators always make good subjects for photos! And this trip was no exception.  We saw some interesting birds as well as alligators. Above is a Great Blue Heron and a flock of 'Black-necked Stilt' birds which have extremely long legs. 

Yesterday Larry and David were invited to an Air Warfare Symposium by a colleague of his from back in New York.  It was sponsored by the American Airforce Association and held in a monster hotel in Orlando.  All the big names were there, like GE, Boeing, Lockheed Martin etc etc.  There were lots of electronic gizmos, a lot of servicemen - and some women - in fatigues, and salesmen in suits, as well as a couple of aircraft models.  David borrowed a blazer and tie from Larry for the occasion, to blend in with all the salesmans'suits.  Here he is having a go at a virtual reality headset; something wasn't set up right!  Most of the people on the stands were very helpful, considering that we were never going to buy anything.   While this was going on Carolyn and Dorie put in a little light retail and lunch therapy.