HOLIDAY FUN

[XLR KEN]

I know I've been a bad boy for not coming to the XLR-NET recently, but along with the plant start-up, I had a very busy holiday season.

First I was asked to be Santa at the first annual company Christmas Party. I was honored and loved it beyond belief. Below is a photo of me and my friend Corky Coker of Coker Tires (my friend with the museum that all must see). Yes, that is me on the left.....

Next the wife and I did the trip of the year, driving the XLR from Chattanooga to Key West, by way of St. Pete Beach on the way down and St. Augustine on the way back up.

We stayed at the Don Cesar Resort in St. Pete, which was a wonderful place to stay on Christmas Eva and Day. The Don Cesar Resort is a big pink castle of a hotel. I recommend it to all.

Next on the trip was Key West. We were there for several days from Christmas to New Years. I was stations there in the Navy but it was Ann's first time. Many things had changed in the last 40 years but some had not. I put a "0 MILES" tattoo on the XLR to celebrate her taking us to the end of US 1 in Key West.

On the way back, we rented a beach house in St. Augustine for a few nights, being able to watch New Year's fireworks off the pier. The XLR was even able to get her toes in the sand.

I woud highly recommend the coastal cruise to anyone, especially in an XLR.

XLR KEN

 

[Cadillac Tech]

Ken, it sounds like you and Ann had the trip of a lifetime. What a wonderful cruise in the XLR. Thanks for the pictures. I'm glad you got some well deserved relaxation.

 

[XLR-V Lover]

Ken,

Very happy to read you had a great time in our neck-of-the-woods!!

Nice to see you posting again!

 

[cubby558]

Great pics Ken. Sounds like you two had a great holiday. We did a bike trip three years ago from Stuart, FL over to Naples then down to the Keys over the Christmas holiday--it was awesome. We stayed at Ceeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada--about halfway down to the Keys. That had to be a great trip in the XLR!!

Did you dip into the 'Fountain of Youth' in St. Augustine?

 

[XLR KEN]

Fountain of Youth

Great pics Ken. Sounds like you two had a great holiday. We did a bike trip three years ago from Stuart, FL over to Naples then down to the Keys over the Christmas holiday--it was awesome. We stayed at Ceeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada--about halfway down to the Keys. That had to be a great trip in the XLR!!

Did you dip into the 'Fountain of Youth' in St. Augustine?

Cubby,

Funny you should mention the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. Below are some photos of the XLR on the street outside of the entrance to the "fountain". They told me that this street was voted by National Geographic one of the top 5 "Most Beautiful" streets in the US.

Also, I got some water from the fountain and put it in the XLR radiator and the ODO rolled back 20,000 miles. I think my "05 is now an '07....... What, you don't believe me?

XLR KEN

 

[XLR KEN]

Ken,

Very happy to read you had a great time in our neck-of-the-woods!!

Nice to see you posting again!

Floyd,

It was a very sentimental journey down your way. We visited our old home up in Land-o-Lakes while there in St. Pete. Ann didn't even recognize the neighborhood after being gone for 20 years. What was a tangerine orchard when we built there is now a tropical forest.

The visit to Key West was also a blast too. I was stationed there in the Navy back in the early '70's and couldn't believe how they had chopped up the old Navy base and now Cruise Ships dock where the Coast Guard use to stay. It's still as beautiful as I remembered it, only this time I had the top down in the XLR.

Overall, a great trip with Ann being very patient with me and all my "Sea Stories."

XLR KEN

 

[XLR-V Lover]

The first and only time I trekked to Key West was last summer with Bill (O'Cool) and won 3rd place at a Vette gathering. Only trophy I've won at anything--even including bowling!

 

[HOMEGAMEROOM]

GREAT pictures, Ken- especially since most of us are buried in snow now! It gives us hope of warmer days ahead!