Monday 4th August
We leave South Carolina and begin the long drive down the state, through Georgia, and on into Florida. The temperature rises markedly, the skies are no longer grey, and no more rain! We make an overnight stop at Jacksonville, then on to Orlando the following morning. Theme parks, theme parks, theme parks!
On our first full day in Orlando we visit Aquatica, a fabulous water park, where I can relax under a huge parasol, spreading much-needed shade. The river rapids, lazy river and wave pool are visited throughout the morning, each time returning to the shade to reapply sunscreen. Husband and son are much more adventurous, and try out the more thrilling, tube rides!
The next day we are off, bright and early to Sea World ~ always better to beat the crowds! But even at 8:45am, families are streaming through the entrance! It is a blistering hot day, but there is lots of much-needed shade throughout the park. We manage to find good seats for the Shamu show, and spend 45 minutes enthralled by the killer whales and their marvellous trainers. Antarctica too, is a great experience, and a chance to really cool off!
On Friday we drive South West along I4 to LegoLand, a theme park which opened last year. We walk quickly through the miniature cities, and make our way to the water park. It is unbelievably hot! A welcome dip in the lazy river is most enjoyable. Whilst leaving the park I become increasingly affected by the heat, and my husband has to pour ice-cold water down my neck to try to bring my temperature down. When we return to the car, the indicator on the dashboard shows 104℉. Whoa. I have never really been troubled by hot weather, in fact I have loved it. Perhaps it is the drugs I am taking, perhaps the cancer has changed my body somewhat, perhaps I am getting old!
On Saturday we have a break from theme parks and spend time shopping. However, again I am affected by the heat, and have to return to the villa earlier than expected. Wuss!
Sunday sees us at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Again it is hot, and my left leg is beginning to trouble me. So, husband suggests I hire a motorised wheelchair, complete with sunshade ~ it is an absolute godsend. I can move around the parks without getting all hot and bothered, our bags and cooler can go in the front basket, and for some rides, I can jump the queue! Result 😃 We visit the new Harry Potter ride, and are left feeling rather disappointed. It would take three hours to experience Diagon Alley, the lead-up queue to the ride: Escape from Gringotts. We decided to forgo this, joined the single-riders line, and only had to wait forty minutes. The ride itself is a 3D simulator, does not last long enough, and is not frightening at all! A bit of a let down. We then find Platform 9 3/4, and join the Hogwarts Express to be swiftly taken on a journey across the countryside. Despite Harry Potter, the other thrilling rides never fail to excite, and a great day out was had by all.
The Journey of My Left Foot (whilst remembering my son) 