Since we’re in Florida a state known for its largemouth bass we decided to christen our lines and try our luck shore fishing at a place called Saddle Creek near Lakeland

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 We didn’t catch any double digit bass like we hoped too but had a great day nonetheless.

As we were leaving we noticed another biker pulling in with two 6ft fishing rods sticking straight up off the back of the bike. We had a laugh at the sight and knew right away we had to go say hello. And so we met Chris, a local guy that knew the area well rode a motorcycle and loved to fish…. hello new best friend!

Chris with a Saddle Creek bass

Today we got together with Chris and his wife Jenushka for some more fishing at saddle creek. Jenn walked a couple yards down from everyone to fish and stumbled into this cute little guy.

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We headed over to Bush Gardens in Tampa Bay to check out some roller coasters and the wildlife. Bush has seven roller coasters and a large zoo on the grounds. The roller coaster called Sheikra was one of our favourites. It climbs 200 feet to the edge of a 90 degree drop and stops holding you there mercilessly for what feels like eternity… before it finally allows you to shit your pants!!

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It was a bit cold today and some animals weren’t outside for viewing but we did see the king of the joungle.

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Stubs was a fat alligator missing his front left foot.

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For American thanksgiving we were invited over to Chris and Jenushkas for a very tasty turkey dinner. Jenushka is eight months pregnant and hopefully we will still be here to see there new baby due in December.

Thanksgiving with our new friends

Today Johns mom Darlene and her husband Ivan arrived to spend their five week holiday here at their Florida home.

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As a Christmas present to ourselves we all decided to take a four day Bahama cruise to Freeport and Nassau.

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At ports we docked up next to the many other cruise ships making the Bahama rounds.

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The Bahama beaches are beautiful the beer is cold and the food on the ship is top notch.

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The cruise was fun but our bellies never really settled into cruise mode during the four days on board the ship. Because of that I’m not exactly sure if we will ever be “cruiser” repeaters.

We’ve really gotten into the retirement groove here in Florida spending our free time eating, drinking and living merry. John just jumped on the scale today and I noticed he may have been living a bit to merry :p

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pulled pork sandwiches from the local BBQ shop

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We make sure to set aside time for our daily naps, golf games and golf lessons at the driving range. The gators here have found their way onto the golf courses and this one beckoned John to try and retrieve his ball from its lair.

Don’t want my ball that bad

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Johns brother David and his wife Laura flew in from Calgary for the holidays and we all enjoyed a yummy Christmas dinner.

Babies gotta eat

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Christmas in Florida was great and we could easily get used to palm tree Christmases.

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Finally baby kye has arrived  new years day into the arms of two very proud parents. Congrats you guys he’s adorable.

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Leaving day has arrived and it was sad saying goodbye but we are excited to get back on the road again. Thank you Darlene and Ivan for sharing your beautiful home with us we had a amazing time hanging with everyone in FLA.

LETS ROLL BABY!