Back in the UK

We arrived home at just after 12 GMT today.

I'm gutted because the shuttle launched while we were on the tarmac at Orlando airport, just a minute or two before we took off.

We had been assigned seats in the centre section of the aircraft, despite trying to get window seats, and the captain said that if we looked out of the windows on the right of the aircraft we'd see the shuttle launch. We were taxiing at the time and despite desperately attempting to see out of the windows from our seats we could only see the orange glow from the Solid Rocket Boosters, not the actual rocket exhaust - while others got a clear view.

It was the last ever shuttle night launch, but there will be more shuttle flights until 2010 so I guess I'll have to go back again ;-)

The 7 3/4 hour flight back was quite bumpy most of the way and, being in cattle class, it was as much fun as eating sawdust.

Coming Home

Very sad - now going to the gate to get our flight home. Neither of us wants to go :-(

Ho Ho Ho

Well, no going back now - we've checked in for our return flight at Downtown Disney. So, assuming Endeavour flies tonight, I won't be there to see it :-(

We're currently having lunch by the pool in 87F sunshine - so it's not all bad.

Endeavour (Decisions, decisions)

It's hard to see the shuttle in this picture taken with the iPhone - but it is there.

On the way back to Orlando we stopped off at the Virgin desk at the airport to see if we could change our flights to Saturday - so we could the shuttle launch tomorrow night.

Unfortunately, there's only one seat available so I'm faced with the option of letting Sal go home without me. As there is only a 70% chance of the weather being ok for the launch - and the extra cost and reorganization of everything - I've decided (for now) to stick to our original plan (although... It is the last ever shuttle night launch... Mmm)

Back to the Cape

On out last full day in Florida we went back to Kennedy Space Center to see space shuttle Endeavour on the pad.

We took the tour and got a pretty good view of the shuttle on Pad 39A before moving on to see the Saturn V exhibit and then the ISS Processing Facility - where we saw components of the International Space Station being assembled.

Rocking Roller Coaster

I forgot how fast it was! But I really enjoyed it and the Hollywood Tower of Terror.

Tower of Terror

I'm about to go on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Sally's nowhere to be seen. I wish Emma was here to come on with me ;-)

Goofy

Sally lined up with the other kids to have her picture taken with Goofy.

Magic Kingdom

After going to Epcot first thing for another ride on Soarin, we took the monorail to the Magic kingdom - where we're having lunch at Cosmic Ray's.

Still Shopping...

It's 4pm and we're still shopping - now at Florida Mall.

End of the Day at Epcot

We did have a really good day at Epcot and stayed until the very end to see the illuminations and fireworks.

We went on a new ride called 'Soarin' - it was so cool we went straight back to the end of the queue and did it again!

Epcot

It'd be alright if it wasn't for all the bloody kids.

Space and Air Show

I know they're difficult to spot but the picture shows two of the Blue Angels (no zoom on iPhone)

Kennedy Space Center

We're now at Kennedy Space Center - just waiting for the Air and Space Show to start.

and Lots of Lizards...

We saw an Alligator

Downtown Disney

Last night we went shopping and to Downtown Disney - where Sally met a couple of old friends.

Orlando

We're stayning at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive which is very nice.

Florida Grand Tour

After breakfast in Naples we drove the 4 blocks down to the beach. We took a walk along white sand that was like talcum powder and had a paddle in the Gulf of Mexico.

Naples is one of those places that's almost 'too' perfect - probably why Steven Spielburg has a home there.

From Naples we drove north to Fort Myers beach stopping at some lovely places on the way - including a 'dog beach' (dogs aren't allowed ok most beaches here).

Ft Myers Beach is a much more typical seaside resort with lovely beaches - but not much else.

As we wanted to get to Orlando by 6:00 we then picked up the pace a bit and took the interstate past Sarasota and on another 120 miles or so until we reached our destination - the Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive.

Breakfast in Naples

We left Fort Lauderdale at 8:30 and drove west across Florida to Naples where we've just stopped for breakfast.

Sunny Beach

Our last day at Fort Lauderdale was spent chilling out on the beach and in the park.

Tomorrow we make our long trek back to Orlando via Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota.

Happy Anniversary

This post is just to wish a Happy Anniversary to Age and Tracey. With all the excitement of being on holiday I forgot to do it yesterday (sorry).

It doesn't seem like a year ago we were in Australia.

Love Ian and Sally xx

Self Portrait

It was worth a try...

It's great here...

The last time I came to Florida I thought I wouldn't be worried if I didn't come back.

After spending time in Fort Lauderdale I definitely want to come back. It's a beautiful and very relaxing city - and the weather's great.

Well, He Can't Be Worse...

Yesterday was US election day - I expect it's been on the news in the UK. The locals have all been very excited about it. Let's hope this one does a better job than the last one.

Another Sunny Florida Day

The sun took a few hours to come through today so we took advantage of a free lunch and $100 Visa card by attending a presentation at our resort. After politely saying no we went for a walk in a Florida Park a very short wall from our apartment. Sally was paralysed with fear when a snake crossed the road just in front of us, but she recovered her composure and we had a lovely walk in the sun along the waterside.

Sally's Birthday Meal

In the evening we took a short stroll to the Galleria and had a fantastic Chinese meal.