Photo TR for TPR by PGR

[Philrad71Why do I still have a donkey title???]

Woah...made the front page, so now the pressure to update this report is on...thanks guys!

So after our stop in Atlanta, we forged on until we got to Lake City, FL where we spent the night. Some people might think that as soon as you hit the Florida state line that the temps are going to skyrocket & everything will be all sunny and warm, but while that might be true at times, other times not so much.

When we did a family Disney trip back in '07, we had the same issue with record low temps. While it kinda sucked for it to be almost as cold as home, it did keep the large crowds out of Disney.

Would the same hold true for BGT the following day?

Let's find out!

[ObeyTheShihTzu!I'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

Phil, it was great to see your awesome aquarium shots - and best of all, to hear that your partner, Michael, is on the mend. Hearing what you went through last year definitely puts one's life into perspective! Am hoping that 2018 brings health and good times your way. Sending you both very best wishes and positive thoughts for The New Year! (And lots of theme parks along the journey!

Alice

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

Nice to see Michael out and about again. Looking forward to your report.

[scottjenkinsThe best thing about TPR is the donkeys.]

Not all disabilities are visible.

[DombotWhen I grow up, I want to breed donkeys!]

Not all disabilities are visible.

What's this supposed to mean?

[Philrad71Why do I still have a donkey title???]

^^^ & ^^^^ Awwww...thank you both for the nice comments, Alice and Larry!

It certainly was awesome just to be out, despite how chilly it was. After sitting in a hospital room every day for six months straight, it could have been sleeting for the entire week in Florida and it still would have been wonderful!

^^ And that is why I mentioned the below...because I knew someone would probably try to call me out on it.

I know that there probably are people that have them that may not have significant illness, age or walking issues, but people that intentionally abuse it when there are people that really need those spots just makes me want to throw up. I don't know how many times that I have witnessed this at super markets, malls, restaurants, etc.

Believe me, I see more abuse of this than you can imagine. People jumping out of their cars in a handicap spot to run into the market, while others are forced to unfold and push a wheelchair through slush/snow for 100 yards.

It's this simple - if you can easily walk without assistance, you shouldn't be parking in those spots. Leave them for those that can't walk or can't do so without assistance.

[JelenpI Love Donkeys!]

I'm really loving this trip report especially with your father involved! With my grand father introducing me to roller coasters its great to see people still living the dream!

[Philrad71Why do I still have a donkey title???]

^ Michael is not my father - he is my domestic partner of 14 years.

Yes, there is a big age gap and most folks might appear to be surprised or even freaked out by that at first. Once they get to know us though, they "get it" because we are like two peas in a pod and we're just two fun, love-able guys!

Thanks for the nice comment on the report - and that is awesome about your grandfather introducing you to coasters!

Hope to have another set posted tomorrow!

[boldikusFounder of the Cult of Skank Mountain]

Off to a great start, Phil. Looking forward to more.

[bert425Why do I still have a donkey title???]

^ Michael is not my father - he is my domestic partner of 14 years.

LOL. . that reminds me of years ago. . when I got a new boss, and he was trying to be friendly and get to know his new group.
my desktop photo on my computer at the time was Nick and I at the top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii (linked below).

and he glances at it when talking to me (in front of the group) and goes: "OH!! is that you and your Dad on a mountain??"

LOL. . yeah, I corrected him, "um. . nooooo.. that's my Husband and I in Hawaii". . . and for the next 3 months, he barely interacted with me other than work related stuff (he was SO embarrassed. . and of course, I told Nick about it the moment we got home and we LAUGHED and LAUGHED).