Epcot - Disney World

Crossing over to INTERNATIONAL LANDS......

CHINA...... We were thrilled to see the China area. It took us back to our China trip in 2007. They had the gardens, Terra Cotta Soldiers and as you see behind us "THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN".....

Italy..... Note the two Italian Studs!!!!!!

AMERICA....... The entrance was grand and it had various stories of famous Americans--- George Washington, Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin, Jackie Robinson, and Tomas Edison, to just mention a few. Then we saw a show of America's growth and on the way out the building were famous quotes..... One I like was by Thomas Wolfe:

"I think the true discovery of America is before us. I think the true

fulfillment of our spirit, of our mighty and immortal land is yet

to come."

GOOD NIGHT EPCOT...................

Epcot Disney World, Florida

MISSION SPACE.... This shows the space shuttle simulator where we had our lesson. It was real neat.... I was the co-pilot and John was the commander.

GM TEST TRACK........ In this ride we were part of the program to test cars ability on bumpy roads, on turns and in hot and cold weather. What fun......

SOARIN....... This was the busiest of rides. It took us soaring over California vineyards, water and mountains. It was like flying in a hang glider.

LIVING WITH THE LAND...... I love this ride that took us to a land of growing plant using hydroponics.

All these plants are grown in sand.... Do you see the pumpkin, kale and sugar beets? They also had tomatoes trees, lemon trees and squash growing in large barrels. Then in pipes there was cucumbers and peppers growing. It was enlightening.....

Epcot, Disney World

Entrance of Walt Disney World - Epcot....... Do you know what Epcot stands for???? It was Walt Disney's dream to look into the future. Epcot stands for ...... Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

Us with Mickey and Minnie Mouse

WOW.... could not believe this.... SPACE SHIP EARTH....... It was a great tram ride from the beginning with early mankind that took you to the future. We actually created our own life style of the future. We went on this one twice. I loved it......

MISSION SPACE.......... This was just magic. We took space shuttle lessons from Gary Sineise (the actor in CSI New York)

Disney's Hollywood Studios

We spent a day in Disney's Hollywood Studios. We figured that it would not take us long...... well, it was amazing..... We loved it and did not leave until 9pm.

Here we are on main street. What a great time.
Lights, Motors, Action!!!!! What a great action presentation. We saw lots of stunts, they showed us. We even saw Herbie Number 53.

This was a great presentation. It gave us the inside story of the great Walt Disney. Walt was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1901. They told about his humble life and his special love for his brother. We saw a table that they first made the animated cartoons created by Disney. I remember Steam Boat Willie (Mickey) and loved some of his early cartoons. We also saw some of the items used on "the musketeers"..... boy, did that bring back memories. I loved that show.
Goodnight Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 1 Disney World- Magic Kingdom

Yes, we are at Disney World. It was formally a 30,000 acre cow pasture and now it has grown to encompass four distinct parks and an assortment of other entertainments.

Us on main street just before we went into the Hall of Presidents.... one of our favorites.

Of course, you know me, I wanted to head over to

Tom Sawyer's Island. Frontierland brings back our childhood of being raised on the tales of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett.

It is amazing what I can talk your Dad into doing!!

What a long and fun day we had.

Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center

Cape Canaveral, FL is the home of the Kennedy Space Center, where the American rocketry & space exploration has been located since the launch of the unmanned "Bumper 8" research rocket in July of 1950.
In 1961, the launching of Alan Shepard from Pad 5, marked our first American in space. However, the BIG launching that I remember, happened in July of 1969. Apollo II blasted off from pad 39 and on the rocket were Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin & Michael Collins and they were heading for the moon. And while they were heading for the moon, John & I were packing and moving from San Jose, CA to Chico State College in Chico. Ray was just 1 month old and Matt, cute as a button, was 1 year old. These years were the beginning of our family and these launches were the beginning of our great American Space Program.

This is the building that they assemble the rockets for space. You can see on the ground in front of the building what is called a "crawler"...... Now this is a very interesting transporter. The wheels on the crawler look like a BIG tank... it weighs 2400 tons and its speed is 1 mile per hour.

I wish that this picture could show how big this really is..... This is just the bottom of a Command Module.

When the Apollo Program ended, a total of 12 astronauts had set foot on the lunar surface. Together they spent 160 hours on the moon, walking and riding more then 60 miles across its highlands and basins. What trips they had!!!

Thanksgiving in Florida with brother Mike

Brothers...... John and Mike

To start off Thanksgiving Day, we started with a walk on the beautiful Bradenton Beach.

There was a contest going on ..... Sand Sculptures. This is the boys working on their sculpture.

Here it is....... What do you all think?????

Happy Thanksgiving celebration at the RV resort with Mike..... It was great and the food was delicious.