MAYBE A MAY TRIP?? 3 WEEKS SAPPHIRE FALLS 2021

[schumigirl]

I am pleased to report we are doing well and our state is one of 4 with declining COVID rates. We are continued to be blessed with no one in our immediate family affected.

I am on the fence about our October trip. It would be our first HHN, and we really need a vacation, but it’s over a 3-hour flight (I know, nothing like yours!) but enough that it feels like an issue. I hav rat bought airfare yet. I guess we’ll keep mulling it over...

I will look for the first Bourne movie. I did watch the first Transformers before riding the first time. I don’t think it was necessary, I liked the ride better than the movie In any caw, it’s exciting to know there will be something new for the next visit

That is good news with your State having declining rates.

A 3 hour flight is still a fairly long time in a tin can in the sky......it`s certainly a consideration. I have no idea who to believe when one expert says it`s safe (ish) to fly and another would rather have their toes eaten off by squirrels!!! I have no clue.......

I like the TF ride better than the movies too.....but in reality, I just don`t care for that type of movie......Tom and Kyle will watch them, but not me......

You`ll have plenty to see on your next trip ...whenever that will be.....I know, I think a lot of us need a vacation after the year so far. It still seems a little surreal at times that this is affecting the whole world.......

 

[schumigirl]

Hi @schumigirl! I'm sorry you likely won't make the trip in September, but I agree with your thinking (even without the travel restrictions). I'm probably less risk averse than most, but it's still a little scary. I rarely get sick, and generally recover quickly, but there are just too many unknowns with this virus. I hear of "minor" complications like losing your sense of smell, and that actually sounds horrible to me. If it was just a fever, headaches and coughing, bring it on, but I need to smell and taste my food!

The mask requirement at the parks would also a problem for me. I have to wear them pretty frequently now as I go about my day, but almost entirely while indoors. I don't like wearing them, and I can't imagine doing so for an extended period outdoors. In Florida. In September. Yikes! Can you imagine wearing them on a day like the one we met in St. Augustine?! It would be suffocating!

We have not done any real travel this summer. We cancelled our week in Colorado and a weekend in Savannah. We are still planning our neighborhood day trip to Ichetucknee Springs later this month, and I MIGHT look into a weekend in Orlando in the fall. It is just one of those lazy summers. My son is a counselor at a sailing camp, but me and my daughter are mostly hanging around the house. She did a sleepover with friends last weekend--both parents are doctors--but otherwise the most we've done is cruise Target and a local used bookstore (wearing masks of course). Anyway, good luck with your travel planning, and I still hope to see you all again someday!

Hello my friend.......good to see you!!!

I`m sorry you`ve had cancelled trips too......they would have been lovely with the kids there with you. Sounds nice though hanging with your daughter......Target and bookstores sound alright to me!!! Hope your son isn`t too far away and you see him regularly, but hope he`s enjoying it too....sounds fun!

I lost taste and smell in mid March when I believe I had a mild version of this virus, wasn`t bad enough to go to get checked, but Doc thinks with the symptoms I had a little experience of it. Wouldn`t want it again if I did have it.

The masks don`t particularly bother me. I used to wear a proper industrial one if I went into a clean area when we worked in Explosives, high temps and fireproof clothing were less fun!!! But, do I really want to wear one on a vacation? Not really. Yes, it`s hard to imagine us wearing masks that day last year......it has played a part in our decision for sure. Listening to friends has been another consideration too.....but of course it may still be taken out of our hands anyway with an extended flight ban.

And with Florida extending their State of Emergency.......not really sure I want to visit a place like that.......

But, hope you`re all doing well....and yes, we will be able to meet up again soon I`m sure......we have three weeks in May planned next year......we`ll definitely be back to St Augustine then if things are reasonably back to normal......

 

[samheatherwhite]

Schumigirl, I'm very sorry about all of the changing of plans. It is no fun! Surely things will have settled down by the end of the year. I agree with what you said about the masks being no fun at all especially on vacation. Texas has asked everyone to wear masks and it is boiling hot here. It is predicted to hit 110F on Saturday!

 

[schumigirl]

Schumigirl, I'm very sorry about all of the changing of plans. It is no fun! Surely things will have settled down by the end of the year. I agree with what you said about the masks being no fun at all especially on vacation. Texas has asked everyone to wear masks and it is boiling hot here. It is predicted to hit 110F on Saturday!

Thanks sam ......that sounds rough with the masks in that heat during every day normal life......110F is blooming hot!!! I wore one for a few hours the ther day and it wasn`t fun, though not too bad, but our temps were only in the mid 50`sF.......can`t imagine the kind of heat you`ll be getting.

Oh gosh yes, surely by the end of the year it`ll have improved!!!

 

[queenofthehill]

Nice to see you back queenofthehill......

It`s Gordon`s Pink Gin we always have. It just smells of strawberries when you open it.......and doesn`t taste like gin at all.....which is why we like it as we both dislike real gin.

They also do a Sicilian Lemon one, we haven`t tried that yet as it`s always out of stock! Soon as we see it, we`ll give it a try......

Hope you`re doing good

Can't wait to try this! Hope your family is doing well too

 

[kbelle8995]

I am glad to see everyone on this thread. For those who have had cancel their trips, this is a good thing. This state is a bit of a mess right now. Universal and the other theme parks aren't going anywhere. Please stay safe. Florida will survive this. I admit it is very scary. As much as I love Universal, I don't want to bring back anything to members of my family who have weaker immuniity systme to this awful virus. Please stay safe and take warnings seriously. Hope to see you at the parks when this is over.

 

[schumigirl]

Can't wait to try this! Hope your family is doing well too

Here`s a little taster......from a few weeks ago........

Thanks, we are all doing great.......

 

[schumigirl]

I am glad to see everyone on this thread. For those who have had cancel their trips, this is a good thing. This state is a bit of a mess right now. Universal and the other theme parks aren't going anywhere. Please stay safe. Florida will survive this. I admit it is very scary. As much as I love Universal, I don't want to bring back anything to members of my family who have weaker immuniity systme to this awful virus. Please stay safe and take warnings seriously. Hope to see you at the parks when this is over.

How very true......

Now Hong Kong is closing again......you have to feel for the folks who work there who have been exposed to this again too as well as the guests.

It is a mess, and goodness knows when it`ll end.......

Hope you`re ok too and can avoid this horrible thing.......

 

[KathyM2]

We haven`t completely given up hope.....who does!! But, we are quite happy to think it may be Nov/Dec trip before we`re back now.....or maybe even May 2021

I hope for you that it's ok to go back Nov/Dec....I'm not sure the new president will be able to fix things quickly enough after the election though lol )) but we can hope!! I look forward to hearing what it's like if you do get to go, as I think your views on things are similar to mine as a Canadian. I really miss Florida and want to go back, but only if it's safe.

And in other news........in the UK our hair salons can open from tomorrow.......so, the one I go to is opening Monday the 6th......and I have bagged the first appointment for then.........

This is exciting. They just opened up ours too but I haven't gone yet. Pedicure was the priority for me lol. We have to wear masks in any indoor public places now though, and it just feels like a zombie apocalypse.

Super Saturday as it`s being called! Not quite sure it`s the best idea, but we have to start opening up places sometime.

This one is a bit worrisome...but I agree, they have to start somewhere I guess. Here they have opened up outdoor seating/patios at restaurants at 50% capacity, but so far indoor dining not allowed. I guess the Brits need their pubs

I adore this dish!!! I love anything with lemon in it, and capers I enjoy more than the average person............or so I`m told, never thought it was odd to like them, but according to some it is.....who knew!!!!

I love lemon too...but I agree with the others...capers no thanks...I'd ask for the lemon chicken piccata without the capers lol. Looked delish though!

 

[schumigirl]

I hope for you that it's ok to go back Nov/Dec....I'm not sure the new president will be able to fix things quickly enough after the election though lol )) but we can hope!! I look forward to hearing what it's like if you do get to go, as I think your views on things are similar to mine as a Canadian. I really miss Florida and want to go back, but only if it's safe.



This is exciting. They just opened up ours too but I haven't gone yet. Pedicure was the priority for me lol. We have to wear masks in any indoor public places now though, and it just feels like a zombie apocalypse.



This one is a bit worrisome...but I agree, they have to start somewhere I guess. Here they have opened up outdoor seating/patios at restaurants at 50% capacity, but so far indoor dining not allowed. I guess the Brits need their pubs



I love lemon too...but I agree with the others...capers no thanks...I'd ask for the lemon chicken piccata without the capers lol. Looked delish though!

Completely agree with you. It doesn`t feel safe right now to go there......

From next Friday masks in stores in England are mandatory. Why we wait till next Friday I have no idea.....Scotland implemented this already. Yes, it does feel a bit like the Four Horsemen will appear any day now.....

The pub thing was ridiculous. Pictures of folks behaving like they had never had a drink before in some places. It`s not as if there was no alcohol for all these months.....in the UK you can buy alcohol everywhere, so to see folks behaving like they had been denied for months was crazy. Our village pubs weren`t too bad apparently, but we haven`t gone to one yet, no real need to visit a pub for us.......I think most cities and some big towns had a hard time with the pubs reopening. It`ll be a long time before we do go back I think, although our local quiet pubs seem to be well organised and have all the proper requirements in place.

We are supposed to be going out for lunch tomorrow with friends to a restaurant that has opened back up......but still not sure.

Took me a while to decide to try capers......they did look odd, but I do like them now, and yes, that dish would work fine without them.

Good to see you.....hope things are good with you........

 

[macraven]

Hope you do go out with friends today and hope the others in the pub stay low key.

it would be nice to be out and enjoy a nice lunch today

Afte being in the house so long, it will feel like you are at a party

 

[schumigirl]

Hope you do go out with friends today and hope the others in the pub stay low key.

it would be nice to be out and enjoy a nice lunch today

Afte being in the house so long, it will feel like you are at a party

That`ll be tomorrow for lunch out. Yes, it`ll feel like a huge celebration for sure.....lol.....I think we`re going to go actually.

Spoke to a family who had dinner there at the weekend, and said it was fine and felt very safe......well, as safe as can be. Tables are six maximum, so there will be six of us.

Looking forward to it now......

 

[schumigirl]

Well, it`s been a week and a half!!!

We got our flight refunds for our May flights that never happened. We got it through doing a Credit Card chargeback as we thought Virgin may go under, which thankfully never happened......but we got word that the money was in our account just over a week ago......Thank you Amex!!!

I know some people are still waiting for their refunds and hope they get them soon. We are fortunate that we weren`t reliant on the money for another trip as some folks are, but it`s still nice to get it back. Better in our account!!!

Last week we got a little fed up of chatting about what will happen with the flight ban in the future and watching Florida handle the virus so badly, so we contacted Virgin and changed our September flights to an open ticket. Virgin have made this process really easy, and as soon as our dates are released for next September we`ll get that trip booked up!!!

And strangely, once that was done, we both felt a tremendous relief.......the decision was made and it was our decision. Sure, the flight ban might still be extended and that was always a risk, but seeing how things are in Florida made the final decision for us.

We really don`t want to be in Orlando under the circumstances that it would be. Masks, social distancing and everything else......then of course a theme park is one of the highest risk places to be......so for us, Orlando is not going to be somewhere we want to visit, even in September.

High risk of a virus like this one is not going to make a relaxing vacation. Not for us anyway. Health is far more important than any trip.

As to whether we want to travel in Nov/Dec.....well, that`ll be a decision for later in the year. Or the decision will be still out of our hands.

I`m very grateful to friends we have over there who have given us some guidance.....nothing like being in the front line to have an opinion!!

I feel for many folks that have or will have to cancel......we`re lucky we have many more trips planned, I know many who can`t go again any time soon. We are very lucky.

Tom and I are planning to hire a cottage somewhere for a week or so in late September. Kyle has decided not to come with us.....I think he is planning to "play house" for the time we`re away......lol......glad to hear it actually, it`s nice his life is starting back up again too......now we just have to decide where to go!!

I`m not sure Scotland will be open for us to travel so we have discounted going there, although as soon as it`s open to us we`ll go up there too as it`s been so long since I`ve seen my family. It`s been one of the worst things about this virus is that it`s kept families apart for such a long time......it is awful to read of families who haven`t seen each other for so long, and no sign of that changing anytime soon. I feel for every one of them.

The trip report will keep going though.......it may be a Christmas one.......or it may be a May 2021 TR!!!! But, regardless there will be a Trip Report!!!!

It may be the longest Pre Trip report ever......although I think @Raeven and I may tie for that title......lol......

You`re a great bunch that post on here and I thank all who wish us and each other well......there has been a lot of negativity on the boards in certain areas, but on here it`s been lovely.......and I`m glad of that......

On a day to day basis, not much has changed. Kyle is still working from home and will be till mid September now....they keep extending it weekly. I think he is hoping it`s sooner now, but once everything has been made safe of course in the offices.

For us, we have seen something of a few friends, so far in each other`s gardens....thankfully the weather has been nice. But, it does feel nice to feel as if we`re socialising again. And we aI ll feel the same.

We are braving a local restaurant for lunch tomorrow.......there will be 6 of us and the table is booked and they have been limiting numbers as they are supposed to be. They`ve owned the place quite a short time, so we really want them to succeed as they are so lovely. So, we are looking forward to that tomorrow.

So, lovelies.....I`m going to carry this one on.......it is still a Pre Trip report......and I`m still looking forward to all the places we`ll go and restaurants we`ll eat in on the next trip.....I always love to hear how many folks have tried somewhere Tom and I have been to and then love it too......one of the many reasons I love doing these reports......

I also need to change the title......again........ I may give it a temporary one meantime........that`ll work!!!!

Hope you all carry on reading....I may not update as regularly as normal, but it`s always lovely to read comments along the way......it really is a pleasure to have everyone along.

New update coming soon.........

 

[Worfiedoodles]

At this rate you could call the report “Ho-Ho-Hope This One Happens!”

Seriously, Thank You for keeping this going. I love having a place to chat a bit, but it’s not overwhelming with a lot to keep up with...and your photos are great prompts! They are gorgeous, and a wonderful reminder of what will be waiting for us

 

[disneyAndi14]

And strangely, once that was done, we both felt a tremendous relief.......the decision was made and it was our decision. Sure, the flight ban might still be extended and that was always a risk, but seeing how things are in Florida made the final decision for us.

I agree, I felt relieved and much better overall! The low crowds look so wonderful but not enough to travel right now for us.

High risk of a virus like this one is not going to make a relaxing vacation. Not for us anyway. Health is far more important than any trip.

So true Carole! I was thinking about you today and popped on here and was happy to see your update. I hope you find a nice cottage nestled in the woods for a little vacation in September.

You`re a great bunch that post on here and I thank all who wish us and each other well......there has been a lot of negativity on the boards in certain areas, but on here it`s been lovely.......and I`m glad of that......

I love your reports and your PTR can go on forever as far as I am concerned! People sure get huffy on here over some of the dumbest things in my opinion

Hope you all carry on reading....I may not update as regularly as normal, but it`s always lovely to read comments along the way......it really is a pleasure to have everyone along.

I will be checking in to read all about your adventures at home! Nice to hear from you, Carole and I think you definitely made the right decision. Maybe in 2021 we will get to meet up and say hi!

 

[Raeven]

It may be the longest Pre Trip report ever......although I think @Raeven and I may tie for that title......lol......

Lol yes we may tie

 

[schumigirl]

At this rate you could call the report “Ho-Ho-Hope This One Happens!”

Seriously, Thank You for keeping this going. I love having a place to chat a bit, but it’s not overwhelming with a lot to keep up with...and your photos are great prompts! They are gorgeous, and a wonderful reminder of what will be waiting for us

I may steal that name from you.......lol.......

Glad to hear it Maria .......I love looking at and sharing pictures......and I do have a LOT!!!! I`m glad you`re going to be around for the rest of the Pre Trip......always enjoy chatting along the way.......

 

[schumigirl]

I agree, I felt relieved and much better overall! The low crowds look so wonderful but not enough to travel right now for us.

So true Carole! I was thinking about you today and popped on here and was happy to see your update. I hope you find a nice cottage nestled in the woods for a little vacation in September.

I love your reports and your PTR can go on forever as far as I am concerned! People sure get huffy on here over some of the dumbest things in my opinion

I will be checking in to read all about your adventures at home! Nice to hear from you, Carole and I think you definitely made the right decision. Maybe in 2021 we will get to meet up and say hi!

Completely agree Caroline.......no amounts of low crowds can make Orlando appealling right now. Yes, we are happy with the decision we made for us, despite me thinking I`d feel miserable making it.......lol.......apparently I can be grown up an sensible at times......

That`s exactly the type of place we are looking for.......cosy with no one around and plenty of walks (and restaurants) close by......lol......

Glad you`ll still be along too, I know I can ramble along for any length of times about Universal and the hotels we love so much......before even starting on the food and other fun things to do!!!! Yes, seen some very strange comments recently on the Dis.....

I`d love if we were able to say hello some time next year.......hopefully our dates will align at some point!!!! Take care till next time.......

 

[schumigirl]

Lol yes we may tie

Gonna be a good year for long trip reports.......

 

[jump00]

Hi Carole!
We made the decision to cancel as well ( in June). We were so looking forward to our trip. Oh well........ perhaps we can’t visit Universal in the new year. I love reading your pre-trip reports so........ keep them coming!!!! I‘m going back to some of your “ oldie but goodie” trip reports and re-reading them. Such a “fun” read.
Stay safe,
Brenda