Animal Kingdom was our first destination today, as we looked forward to conquering Mt. Everest, and going on a real Safari!! Since most of the pictures we have are from the experiences, rather than writing details about Animal Kingdom, we'll let our pictures speak for us. Suffice it to say we really enjoyed our time at Animal Kingdom. We had heard mixed reviews, but would still recommend you to spend at least a half-day there, as we did. Don't miss, "It's Tough to be a Bug" 3-D, under the Tree of Life (Thanks Kristen for the HEADS UP), Mt. Everest (always go as a single rider...you can just walk on every time), and of course the Safari (don't forget a Fast Pass for this one.)

 Here's our photos...don't forget that you can click ON the photo to enlarge!

Animal Kingdom's centerpiece, The Tree of Life

Flying Triceritops in Dinosaur Land



Eastern Star Railroad...taking us to the conservation area

Spectacled Owl from the Tropical Rainforest

Rafiki welcoming us to "Planet Watch"

African settlement

Okapi (relative of the giraffe)

Nile Hippos keeping cool

Kuddu

Nile Crocodile opening his mouth to cool down

Eland

Animal Kingdom was our first destination today, as we looked forward to conquering Mt. Everest, and going on a real Safari!! Since most of the pictures we have are from the experiences, rather than writing details about Animal Kingdom, we'll let our pictures speak for us. Suffice it to say we really enjoyed our time at Animal Kingdom. We had heard mixed reviews, but would still recommend you to spend at least a half-day there, as we did. Don't miss, "It's Tough to be a Bug" 3-D, under the Tree of Life (Thanks Kristen for the HEADS UP), Mt. Everest (always go as a single rider...you can just walk on every time), and of course the Safari (don't forget a Fast Pass for this one.)

Here's our photos:

Disney welcomed us with open arms, as we arrived at Walt Disney World Caribbean Beach Resort, met by friend and 9-year Disney Cast Member, Paul Fisher. After an easy check in, Paul helped us unload Magellan II and move into our "Pirate Themed" room. To say the least...Arrrrrr...we were extremely surprised! You'll see the picture below and note that Disney hasn't missed a trick in theming our Caribbean Room. Our refrigerator is within a barrel, our chest of drawers are really chests, the beds are ships, and Johnny Depp is overseeing all our adventures here!!

 

We then went to lunch at Port Royal with Paul, before heading out into our first park...Epcot. Transportation speedily took us to our destination, and we headed right for Jim's first visit to "Soarin'" This is a MUST SEE and experience. Next we walked right onto the Seas adventure and saw the amazing REAL sea life close up in their aquarium. We used a new app from Disney called the "Disney Experience" to secure reservations for dinner in the Italian pavilion...Via Napoli for 8:30. (This also worked out great)...and we then headed for visits in Canada, Great Britain, France, Morocco, Japan, United States, and finally Italy. We really enjoyed the presentations at Canada, France and the United States.

 

Then, it was time to eat....we enjoyed an appetizer of fresh mozzarella, basil & tomato...followed by an amazing wood grilled pepperoni pizza and of course....shared a dessert of pistachio ice cream. All HIGHLY recommended!

Trinidad South at Caribbean Beach Resort

Our "Pirate Themed" room



Epcot here we come

The Land's agricultural research area

Sweet Potatoes growing in the air

Bananas (Chicquita sponsors this ride)

Tomato TREE

Has anyone seen Nemo?

Oh, Canada...your totem poles are grand

The busy streets of "Paris" Disney style

Looking across the World Showcase Lake



Beautiful floral gardens outside of the United Kingdom

Italy Attractions and restaurants....We loved dining at Via Napoli

 

Good night...We have to sleep fast to be ready for a full day of Disney adventures tomorrow!!

Our second southern day included fantastic food and a fabulous fort...the Fort Pulaski National Monument at the mouth of the Savannah River. Mary Jane Sorrel swiftly led us to I-26 south to give us a head start on our busy day. We barreled into Historic Savannah just in time for our 12:00 Noon reservations at Paula Deen's famous restaurant, "Lady and Sons." Our hostess delivered hot cheese biscuits and a "hoe" cake (with butter and syrup...as we looked over the luncheon menu. With Sweet Tea and Fried Green Tomatoes on the way, Jim decided on the special of the day, "Shrimp & Grits" while John chose the Asparagus Sandwich and Jelly Roll Taters. OMG....everything was piping hot and delicious. Jim proclaimed his shrimp & grits, "as good as any he had ever had." Of course we couldn't leave without sampling Key Lime Pie and Peach Cobbler. Needless to say, this may have been our first visit to Ms. Deen's eatery....but it WON'T be the last!!

 

 

Next we walked around Historic Savannah....enjoying the Live Oaks and fountains, in Johnson Square. Then we headed out to see the Antebellum Mansions along the Boulevards lined with Live Oak Trees, Palmetto Trees, and lots of Spanish Moss. Our drive took us out Hwy 80 toward Cockspur Island and Ft. Pulaski National Monument. Starting at the Visitor Center, we enjoyed an orientation film, where we learned the evolution of Ft. Pulaski from a chronological history to when it was abandoned, following the Civil War. The most significant feature of the April 1862 battle was the Union bombardment using rifled artillery. The power and accuracy of rifled artillery signaled the end of masonry fortifications. Ft. Pulaski was used as a prisoner of war camp by the Union Army,following the Confederate surrender of the fort, until the end of the Civil War.

 

 

Tonight we are staying a Navy Lodge on the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. We were greeted to the Sunshine State with an amazing sunset!!

 

Paul Deen's Shop in Historic Savannah GA

Pauls's famous eatery, "Lady & Sons"

Yummy Fried Green Tomatoes

Jim's Shrimp & Grits & John's Asparagus Sandwich

Johnson Square and City Hall in Old Towne Savannah



Approaching Historic Ft. Pulaski



Surrounded by a moat



Cannons perched around the top of Ft. Pulaski



One of the wall of Ft. Pulaski (cannon crane in left archway)



Damage from Union rifled guns...trying to set off the fort's gun powder magazine

Spiral stairs up which Confederate soldiers would run powder kegs up to the fort cannons

Ft. Pulaski became a Union prion during the remainder of the Civil War



Union soldiers repaired the gapping holes made in the fort by their rifled guns

The 36 Star-Spangled Banner over Ft. Pulaski



Moat surrounding Ft. Pulaski

Parade yard within the fort....two fruitful pecan trees planted by caretakers in the 1800's

Beautiful Sunset welcoming us to the Sunshine State...Florida

 

Jim pictured enjoying the Super Bowl with Super Hosts, Mary Jane & Guy Sorrell

Our first day of travel began with some slip slidding away....through Bright and Hidden Valley Lake and continued over the river (Ohio) and across the untreated Kentucky highways!! Luckily, the roads started clearning up around Richmond, Kentucky...and we just had to deal with rain. We made great time, as we enjoyed the beautiful scenery provided by the Great Smoky Mountainsin Tennessee & North Carolina. Just as we headed south into South Carolina, all clouds parted, and the sun shone brightly in the blue sky! Hallelujah! The temperature rose to 55 degrees as we pulled into Chapin, South Carolina, home of John's sister/brother-in law, Mary Jane & Guy Sorrell. We were just in time to watch Phil Mickelson win the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament. And now for snacks, sweet peach tea, SOUPer homemade "Hearty Italian Bean Soup," and Super Bowl XLVII. Thanks to our hosts for a great start to our Southern Expedition!!

Magellan II is packed and ready to get away from Indiana's cold and snow! Jim & John's Junket PART II heads to the sunny south this morning. We're looking forward to our first stop, sister/brother-in-laws, Mary Jane & Guy Sorrell in Chapin, SC.  I'm sure tonight will include the Super Bowl!!  Can't wait!!  Watch for updates here. 

Jim & John are preparing to leave on a southern adventure throughout Florida.  We're driving Magellan II on this journey, as we visit with friends and family, as well as explore at least three (3) National Parks...Everglades NP, Key Biscayne NP, and Dry Torgugas NP.  Here is our initial itinerary in search of much warmer weather, beautiful scenery, and lots of great memories:

John Blasdel & Jim Hall, Sunday, February 3rd

depart Bright, IN 47025

Mary Jane/Guy Sorrell arrive day 1 Sunday, February 3

Chapin, SC 29036 depart day 2 Monday, February 4

Savannah, GA tour day 2 Monday, February 4

Navy Lodge Jacksonville arrive day 2 Monday, February 4

Jacksonville, FL 32212 depart day 3 Tuesday, February 5

Doris/Sam Adukiewicz tour day 3 Tuesday, February 5

St. Augustine, FL 32086

Cape Canaveral tour day 3 Tuesday, February 5

Paul/Aaron Fisher arrive day 3 Tuesday, February 5

Disney World's Caribbean Beach Resort/WDW day 3-6 Wednesday-Friday, February 6-8

Winter Garden, FL 34787 depart day 7 Saturday, February 9

Wilma/Bob Elmer arrive day 7 Saturday, February 9

tour day 7/8 Saturday/Sunday, February 9/10

Sun City Center, FL 33573 depart day 9 Monday, February 11

Janet/Darrell Eaton arrive day 9 Monday, February 11

tour day 9/10 Monday/Tuesday, February 11/12

North Ft. Meyers, FL 33903 depart day 11 Wednesday, February 13

Pembroke Pines, FL arrive day 11 Wednesday, February 13

tour day 11-13 Wednesday-Friday, February 13-15

depart day 14 Saturday, February 16

Key West, FL arrive day 14 Saturday, Februrary 16

Dry Tortugas NP tour day 14/15 Saturday/Sunday, February 16/17

depart day 16 Monday, February 18