Florida '99
The tale of three middle aged men trying to relive they're youths while ignoring the mid life crisis that has engulfed their lives.
(Note: Hold your mouse curser over each photo to see a secret message)
Prologue
What a great idea! Lets all take a week and revisit one of the greatest times any of us have ever had on a vacation. Let's go back to Florida! We could stop by at the ol' Sea Tower in Clearwater where we had stayed 17 years earlier. We could head out to Kennedy Space Center and witness an actual shuttle launch. And we could revisit one of the happiest places on earth, Walt Disney World.
After some research we had found out that a Shuttle launch would indeed be happening on Wednesday, May 12th. The trip was soon finalized over some of the best Long Island Ice Teas on the planet (Pepe's Restaurant on 63rd & Kedzie). Doc had made reservations on the Disney grounds at a place called Caribbean Beach Resort. Pool, outdoor refreshments, two beds and a cot. We were set. Florida here we come!
Then about a week before we left we were treated with the news that the shuttle launch was cancelled. Doc and I really didn't care weather we saw one or not, Perry on the other hand really had been looking forward to it. He is an Estes rocket flyer after all, and the shuttle launch would have had him creaming in his jeans. Although we really didn't want to experience that, seeing a shuttle launch would have been kinda cool. But what could we do? The reservations were already booked.
About two days later we found out that there was another launch scheduled for the following week, on the 20th. Would we reschedule our trip? We didn't think so. Most importantly if we would go that next week we would have missed out on the premiere of 'Star Wars:The Phantom Menace'. We couldn't miss that, after all we, as well as millions of fans have been waiting for years for the new Star Wars flick.
Then an idea came to us. 17 years ago on out first venture to Florida, we goofballs went to see a few movies instead of laying out on the brawny beach flicking sand mites and scorching our skin. The lines to The Phantom Menace were already lined up around the blocks, advance tickets were already being pre sold. We highly doubted that we would be able to see the film on opening day here in IL.. But not in Florida, right? Only we would go to see a movie during a vacation, and we all figured that no one else would be stupid enough too (we were wrong, but we'll get to that later).
So after a phone call to change the reservations to a new Disney resort, The Dixie Landings, all our problems were over.
Well, until Doc found out that the room that we would be staying in at the Dixie Landings would only fit two people. Not even any room for a cot. So after a few more arrangements we finally found ourselves being booked at the Disney Institute.
A school you ask? So did Perry & I after Doc had told us of the switch. They do train there for various jobs at the Disney Kingdom, but there are also bungalows there that guests can stay in, and we definitely needed a place to stay.
So, except for the extra hundred dollars we would each be paying we were finally ready.
We would stay on the beautiful Disney grounds. We would witness the premiere of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace at the same theatre in Clearwater that we saw our previously viewed films. And we would now be able to see that damn shuttle finally go off.
What a vacation this would be!
That Was Then & This Is Now
Then
We traveled to Florida in Doc's silver & red 1981 Dodge Challenger nicknamed the Demonicus. Our mascot was Pacman.
Now
We traveled to Florida in Doc's 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager nicknamed the J-Type 327 Nubian. The uncomplete C3P0 was our mascot this time.
The Anxious Trio
(Or - When the hell are we gonna get going!?)
Friday, May 14th - Doc Savage, The Man of Bronze, leaves his home of Woodstock and travels two hours to pick up yours truly at good ol' moms place. The bags were packed the night before and everything went along as planned, Doc arrived at 1:30p.m., we loaded the J-Type 327 Nubian (our ride, nickname after the queens ship in the new Star Wars film), and we were off to pick up the man known as Perry at his home - pick up time of 2:30p.m..
Doc receives the
idea in his noggin to really relive the old '83 trip and stop by our friendly neighborhood
Burger King and engulf down some of those classic Bacon
Double Cheeseburgers. Ah, nothing like that cow grub making it's way
through our bodies during our 20 hour drive to paradise.
Bad idea. Those burgers sure have lost that appeal that had us teens in an uproar back in '83. They really suck now. No matter, we're on our way to Florida!!!
We arrive at Perry's house around 2:15, switch the Naburian off and wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Hey look, it's Nino, Perry's dad!
'What are you guys waiting for?' he asks.
Who else?
'Oh, he should be out soon.' he notifies us and he rides on his way.
So we sit and continue to wait.
Then
around 3:30p.m. out of his house comes the missing one of our trio.
The J-Type 327 Nubian is loaded, seat belts locked, and the three us are finally on our way. Well at least we're driving.
It took about 30 mins. to get to the expressway. This due to the fact that it was Friday and everyone was rushing to get home for the weekend, thus causing major traffic clogging. So like a toilet after a mighty purge, we had to wait for it to clear.
It didn't really matter to us though, we were going on our vacation after all.
Something we've been looking forward to for a long, long time.
About 2 hours on the road, Doc pulled out the very same notebook that Perry had drawn in 17 years ago. Soon the pen was out, and he started to create this vacations artistic endeavor.
One more thing, Perry was the smart one that day. He decided not to have those Bacon Double Cheeseburgers after all.
Doc and I on the other hand were beginning to feel the rumble of cow hooves in our stomachs.
20 hours of driving to go!
That Was Then & This Is Now
Then
A couple of young guys in search of some action
Now
A couple of old guys in desperate need of some action
Then
Perry drew....
This picture of Terry who stayed at home working, instead of going with us.
Now
Perry drew this picture of our missing lactose intolerant friend Bill.
Funny? No pictures of Doc.
Maybe he feels his soul will be taken?
On to
Copyright ©1999 Roger B. Domian