First day in Orlando

Greetings from Orlando!

Yes, we have safely made it to the Palm Lakefront 'resort', and woken up
to a beautiful Florida morning ... Dave M and I went down to the dock on
the lake to watch the strengthening sun lift the mist off the lake. Dead
calm, cool with the promise of heat in the day ... lovely still lake, big
lily pads, a squirrel running up a palm tree ... very nice. Ben came down
for a swim in the pool and Dave joined him.

So, we said farewell to the Space Camp on Saturday morning a had a 2 hour
bus ride to Birmingham. Crossed the mighty Tennessee river ... far bigger
than anything in NZ ... drove on through more rolling hill country with
lots of forest. One thing we have been impressed with is the roading
infrastructure ... 4 and 6 lane highways all around Huntsville ... huge
raised flyovers as roads intersect seamlessly. Far better than Auckland
for example, for a population less than Christchurch. Also found out why
downtown Huntsville looked so new and neat ... it had been destroyed by
tornados about 15 years ago.

Birmingham airport was spacious and empty. The girls got stuck in a giant
revolving door with all their luggage. Big military transport planes and
(according to Jonathan) several in-flight refuelers at the ready. Very
glad to find our e-ticket worked and all were surprised with he low-key
attitude on South West airlines ... no seat numbers, just line up in order
of check in a chose what seat you like.

Great views on the flight to Orlando ... lots of farmland in Southern
Alabama, like a giant Canterbury Plains ... then crossing Florida you see
a weird land of lakes. Just water everywhere ... no hills, scatted new
housing developments, trotting? ovals, big straight roads. Orlando airport
provided a great contrast to Birmingham as it was heaving! The terminal we
arrived at was connected to the main terminal by a monorail, w weaved our
way between all the people ... no sign of a recession here! The Manitur
minibuses were not far away to collect us all ... bags all arrived too ...
then a half hour drive to the hostel. Everything looks neat and prosperous
in Orlando ... great, smooth roads, tidy grounds, big hotels and shopping
complexes scattered about ... palm trees and bougainvillea.

The kids have enjoyed relaxing, having some space and freedom, and so far
been very responsible. Lots of excitement at going over to the supermarket
and buying the foods they wanted ... fresh veges and fruit for the girls
.... Alex N "Why have you got veges in your trolley?"
Many of them joined Dave and I for a swim at 10pm (9pm Huntsville time)
... just lovely ... warm night air, water just right, stars twinkling
above. Quite a contrast from the rigid regime at Space Camp.

So its a lazy start this morning, although most are up at 9.30am and then
off to Gatorland. Still on for 4am start tomorrow if the shuttle launch
stays on track.

All the best,

David