PREMIER BOAT TOUR AT MT DORA FLORIDA

The week following our four day outing in Eastern Florida, we began a slow week to do shopping, laundry, re-sizing photos, writing Blogs, a doctor appt. for Gary and my usual afternoon of scrapbooking with friends Karen and Judy.

Judy from Niagara Falls and Karen from Coneaut Lake

Then on Thursday we got out the material and finally got at making the end shades for our outside "room".  We have a lot of sun till early afternoon coming in under the end of the awning, making it difficult to sit out there to read (my favorite recreation).  After some arguing about how to cut the material and a neighbor fellow helping (and watching), the mission was finally accomplished.  And I was right!!  I told Gary to just humor me and we could order more material if it turned out wrong.


Day Shade beside each, the driver's and passenger's seats,
to be used while parked at campground. 
We also made short black ones for the top half of windows
for during travel.

End shade is new.

On Friday we had plans for a two-hour boat tour of one of the lakes at Mt. Dora and into one of the rivers.


Lovely very clean boat for our tour!



A sister boat loaded as we were.

 





























We wore long pants and took jackets because we were not sure what the weather would be.  But it turned out wonderful!!  Judy and Jeff from Niagara Falls, now here in Red Oaks, made the plans so we could all go together.

Judy, Audrey and Gary

Audrey Gary and Jeff

Audrey, Judy and Jeff

So enjoy the pictures:

Inn where tour began.



Another building of the Inn.

We were in awe of the beauty of these buildings that composed the entire Inn complex.  We decided that we would like to make reservations for a couple days stay here sometime.


 



Curiosity, several were on the lake.

Huge Bald Eagle nest.
The Eagle was in the tree also, but not easy to see.

Yes, we will be going under that railroad bridge next!
They've evidently stopped to look at something over the side.
However, it was not there when we got there.

Riding up the river.

Sleeping hibiscus, as the blooms never open.

Cypress roots/knees

Cypress

Cypress trees, said to take hundreds of years to fall,
after dying from the center out.
You can see clear through this one!

Three turtles sunning.

Male, who's eyes turn bright green during mating season.

Looks like fun, but also looks a little back heavy to me.
What do I know?

After leaving the lake we drove on to Eustis to our favorite Greek restaurant there, Stavros.  Must go back to try something new, again and again.  We added desert, carrot cake, this time and it was at least six inches high and yum-m-my!  Had to take some home.

Gary, Audrey, Judy and Jeff

Leaving Stavros, we drove through The Villages area.  Some day we will have to go up there to actually drive "through" The Villages.  I am sure it is awesome but out of our realm of life style.
This was at one of the entrance streets.

 

And on down the road we go.  You can see this is cattle country.  Before coming here in 2009, we had no idea!!  They are said to be the second largest beef producing state in the United States, second only to Texas.

We sent on to Wildwood to stop at Russell Stover's.  Was that a mistake?

I just thought to take the picture as we were leaving.  I wish I had thought to have Judy in the picture with her bag "full".  I filled up on hard tack sugar free.  We really need to be loosing weight according to our doctors, so knew better than to buy the chocolates!!
All in all it was a full and fun day. 
Saturday was our Wood Crafter's Show in Red Oaks Park.  We checked that out and always are amazed at all of the talent.  Women are taking more of an active part now also.  We had our Italian Sausage Sandwich lunch while there also.  It was good and always eliminates my cooking again and I had my "fair" fix.  I always love that!!
Sunday we have friends from Ohio stopping by for a few days.  They are taking their trip north slow.
Take care and God Bless.