M&I / GBMINI

Returning to Epcot after a year away

Posted on December 9, 2018December 10, 2018 by Ian C.

This year, with moving house and with the fact that the Disney parks are ever more busy and ever more expensive, we didn’t renew our passes – so we’ve not been to Disney since November last year (our recent visit to Disney Springs doesn’t really count, as that doesn’t require a pass to get in!)

But we recently bought passes once again and for the first time this year returned to Disney Epcot to see the Christmas decorations – of which there was surprisingly little really, other than Mickey & Minnie at the entrance, and the huge tree at the start of World Showcase.

We did our traditional rides on Soaring, NEMO, and Living With The Land – which was quite nicely decorated and the first time we’ve ever traveled through the greenhouses at night! Here’s an assortment of photos …

Space X launch from home!

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Ian C.

The upstairs rear balcony of our new home faces directly east towards the Kennedy Space Center, so when Space X launches from Florida – and if the sky is clear – we get a view. Today the sky was fabulously clear and we got a great view!

Small glowing dot shortly after launch

Chance photo of two flying machines!

Second stage burn

Smoke trail

The bright dot here is the initial slowing burn of the returning rocket (sadly it later failed and dropped into the ocean)

Winter Garden Christmas Parade 2018

Posted on December 1, 2018 by Ian C.

Just like last year the Christmas Parade follows last nights tree lighting – but this year I walked from home, and also walked “in reverse” along the parade route which I think gives a better photo-story of downtown! Here’s pictures, and at the end is a video version too …

And here’s the video version:

Disney Springs Christmas Trees 2018

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Ian C.

Today Margaret and I visited Disney Springs (much is surprisingly much further from our new home) to take a walk through their annual Christmas Tree Trail; all the trees are themed on one of the Disney/Pixar movies / characters, and the details on many trees are very appropriate. Here’s a “forest” of photos:

Fall Owl Fest 2018

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Ian C.

Time for our annual visit to the Avian Reconditioning Center and their annual fund raising Fall Festival – of course my focus is on the owls, but there’s lots of other photo opportunities with eagles and other birds of prey! As always, loads of photos, including Great Horned Owl close-ups, and a Bald Eagle posing with the US flag!

Lake Apopka North Shore Drive #4

Posted on November 9, 2018November 10, 2018 by Ian C.

Another of my occasional posts of birds and ‘gators sighted on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive; not many Alligators this time, but quite a few Ospreys, Herons (including one that couldn’t swallow the catfish it had caught!) and other wading birds …

Halloween 2018 in Winter Garden

Posted on November 1, 2018November 1, 2018 by Ian C.

Winter Garden celebrates Halloween in the town center, with loads of stalls offering candy, games for children – and of course loads of costumes worn as much by the adults as by the children! Many downtown stores join in too, and now for us it’s all just an easy walk from our home.

Going to the town event does mean we miss out on anyone visiting our house, but it’s much more fun where we were! Here’s lots of photos …

As hinted in the last photo, City Hall also had a video projection of Halloween images; I recorded some (had to replace the audio, but the video is still good):