Adios New York!

Mixed emotions in the house - some were happy to be leaving the rundown apartment, others (OK, only me) was sad to be leaving NY. Absolutley loved the place.

Squished all our gear into way too many suitcases, then started the epic journey. Sure, we could have got a private bus - but where's the fun in that?

We dragged our 3.5 tonnes of gear along from 47th to 50th streets (Not very far, actually) then down to the Subway. We got sucked in at that point with a lift. After a short Subway ride on a fairly empty train (7:30 AM on a work day - these New Yorkers are defintely late risers) we had a number of staircases to negotiate. By the time we got to the right level at Penn station my arms were dragging on the floor..... It was then a pleasant train journey to Jersey, then a change to the Airport Shuttle, and a step into the 21st century. High tech self driving trains, informative and understandable announcements, pleasant (But still incomprehensible) staff...and we were there!...... Almost!!!

As we approached the 'shoes off' security I made the mistake of commenting that it was churning them through quite quickly. All four scanning queues were flying along...then they closed three! AND the last one got stuck cos I think someone had tried to smuggle a 72 pack of coke in there and they were finding one at a time. We didn't move for 10 minutes and the merged queues looked like costing us our flight. Eventually we moved. Eventually we got through (Minus a half squeezed unlawful tube of toothpaste, Brooke's explosive honey and my TNT running Gel. (I must admit that last one did look suspicious)).

Caught our flight OK, landed still in our thermals, then welcomed the Florida Sun into our lives. Quick Taxi to the 'Condominium' and we were in heaven. A table and chairs! Separate Rooms! Beds everywhere! 2 Bathrooms! Will it ever stop???

The 'Resort', 'Hotel' or whatever the various signs call it, is reminiscent of Queenslad. Same climate, same lush surrounds, long thick grass, usable pools (But no humidity). We settled in, vowed to chill out, then found out about the shuttle into town and headed in there. Finally got to gobble IHOP (International House of Pancakes - naturally only available in America) and looked for an elusive supermarket. Didn't find one, but got some supplies anyway. Of note, we spotted the most impressive go carting complex. The track is like a rollercoaster based on wooden boards across a metal frame. Loooks huge, and looks right up our alley. Will have to head back to that.

After a quick wander, we headed back. Weather is great. Accommodation is great. Disney is just down the road. Maybe I can get over my NY separation anxiety......