Thank you Steve... and agree with your :eusa_clap for all the great Borsalinos posted today. You won't catch me rocking the boat. Here is a featherweight and day two of glorious maple color.
Steve, I wonder how many people come up to you during the course of the day and ask to touch your hat. I know I want to, and I've just seen the pictures!
Florida in October? No need to think twice, as it is a beautiful time of the year there. This year, my annual big professional meeting was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Ryan happened to have an extra two days of break from school during the Minnesota Educator's Association convention which took place in Minneapolis at the same time, and so it was that we packed our bags and winged our way to the "Sunshine State" two weeks ago, for a few days of adventure.
At the MSP Lindbergh Terminal McDonalds' before dawn. My favorite lid, sitting atop a duffle filled with three felt hats carefully packed for the trip: Royal Hat Works; Stetson Standard Quality, and Optimo Silvebelly.
On the people mover to baggage claim at Orlando International.
I guess we weren't cool enough for this ride. Made do with a Jeep Liberty for we needed the luggage and people space.
Big Bonefish on the Flats...alas, this would be the closest I would be able to get to the magnificent Albula vulpes during this trip.
Admiring the fantastic collection of marine taxidermy. Wahoo and Dorado in the background.
Browsing the excellent selection at the White River Fly Shop within the store. On the wall are two of the greatest gamefish on flyrod: Permit and Tarpon, two-thirds of the Keys Grand Slam.
A final glance at the taxidermy mounts in the lobby before making our way to our next stop. The old skin-mount Tarpon above me was incredible, and my favorite at the store.
Sangria, that blood colored nectar that is always welcome at the end of a day in the tropics. Slices of pineapple and apple, and a touch of brandy in this particular recipe.
Before checking in at the hotel, we decided to try some local fare. The well-reviewed Pio Pio on International Drive fully deserved the praise.
Fresh Red Snapper, exquisitely prepared.
Savoring the sangria, which was by far the best we have ever had. The satisfaction of a meal lovingly prepared, with fresh ingredients, cannot be measured by cost.
It was late in the afternoon by the time we pulled up to the hotel along the winding, serpentine road. The harbor and grounds of Loews Portofino Bay aglow in the golden rays of the setting sun.
Beautiful ceiling detail in the main lobby.
My favorite photo from this trip.
The shadows were growing longer, and the light ever more golden.
Waiting dockside for the complimentary ferry to Universal Studios.
Not having read the hugely popular Harry Potter books, as Ryan and Lydia had, but having enjoyed all of the films, I went along with the charming and imaginative make-belief that is the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. The Butterbeer is actually quite good, a frothy concoction that tastes like a cross between butterscotch and cream soda.
It was amusing to see all manner of enthusiastic young people and their families, many visiting from Great Britain, 'in character'. This young lady was particularly good.
Muggle in search of a wand at Olivanders Wand Shop. The small, dusty shop was stacked to the rafters with plastic and resin wands, but, disappointingly, none made of wood.
That's a beauty, D-guy!
Since nobody seems to be interested in it, I thought I would see If putting my old Beaver Hats lid in my rotation would work for me. It's tough to get a good picture when it's pitch dark outside.
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