December 20 - Leesburg

OMG! What a ride we had today. I can't wait to tell you about it. Well, on second thought, I think I'll let Bill tell you about it. We all know that he is a far superior story teller. So check Bill's blog. Enjoy.

Glenn

Merry Christmas to all Knights and friends.

Gulfport - December 13

Six of us met for breakfast at Snellgroves this morning. We enjoyed our breakfast, coffee and conversation in the friendly atmosphere to be found in this old restaurant. Afterwards, four of us, Boyd, J,T, Lloyd and I, bundled up against the forty-something temperatures and headed for Gulfport via Lithia, Balm, Wimauma, Parrish, and the Sunshine Skyway bridge.

After crossing the Sunshine Skyway, we made our first stop at the north fishing pier and rest stop.

Our trusty steeds wait patiently for our return to the road.

After refreshing ourselves, Boyd, Lloyd and I headed for Gulfport while J.T. returned to Plant City to attend to another committment.

Boyd and Lloyd arrive at O'Maddy's Bar & Grill at Shore Blvd. S. and 54th Street S. in Gulfport.

The low tide stranded a small boat on the beach.

The marker seen below is on the pier at the Gulfport Beach Park. It tells about the sinking of the Mary Disston in 1892 and the following picture shows a graphic representation of the spot where the steamboat was when it sank.

After lunch at O'Maddy's, which was excellent by the way, we headed for Barney's in St. Pete, then turned towards Plant City. When Lloyd headed for home, Boyd and I decided to see if Parksdale's was serving strawberries. They are. Afterv satisfying our weakness for strawberry shortcake, Boyd and I headed from home.

Another great day. Another great ride. I hope you can all join us next time.

Gunny

Christmas Lights Ride

About 24 riders met at the Plant City PD parking lot on December 12th in anticipation of an evening camaraderie, Christmas lights and refreshments. Led by Bill McDaniel, the group headed for downtown Plant City with the first stop at the train depot.

Man, those reflective strips on the riding duds sure show up bright for the camera as we prepared to hoof it through the park.

Plant City puts on a really excellent display.



Eddie is very proud of the manger display.

After seeing what the Historic District had to offer, Bill led us on to Walden Lake then over the Christmas Lane for more light displays.

Finally, came the best part (okay, I was hungry). We all headed for Bill's house for food and conversation. Bill and Mercy put together a great feast for the Knights and their friends. And, Jerry, we all loved the cookies, especially Robert and J.T. As the evening wore on, a small group gathered around the chimnea for tall tales, reminiscences, and long cigars. I eventually succumbed to fatigue and cold air and headed for home with the party still in full swing.

This was truly a great evening. We all need to thank Mercy and Bill for their work and hospitality.

Solomon's Castle - 12/06/08

We were nine for breakfast at Snellgroves this morning - J.T., Debbie, Bill, Boyd, Eddie, Robert, Lloyd, Mark and I. Unfortunately five had plans for the day that did not include riding. So, Boyd, Robert, Lloyd, Mark and set out in a light sprinkle and headed for Solomon's Castle via Hopewell, Nichols, Pine Dale, Pierce, Agricola, Baird, Fort Green, Vandolah, Ona, and Bridges. Unfortunately, Boyd succumbed to an upset stomach around Fort Green Springs and headed for home.

Turning off CR-665 onto Solomon Road brought us to our destination. Solomon’s Castle is well hidden in a copse of trees and is not visible from the road or even the parking lot. Rounding a corner of the drive, you are met with your first view of the castle.

The aluminum skin is made from old printing plates from the Wachula newspaper. In fact, just about everything on the premises is made from reclaimed material. Luckily, today was rather cloudy which made the glare off the siding bearable.

You can see that the guard dog was not much disturbed by our presence.

I tried to get a location shot of the guys around the horse statue. I’m not sure what Lloyd was doing when the picture was taken and I don’t think I want to know.

The front entrance of the castle is guarded by two salvaged suits of armor called Knight and Day.

The castle is also protected by a dragon – a huge iguana named, Igor.

While Robert and I waited for the tour to begin, Lloyd and Mark settled into the restaurant aboard the “Boat in the Moat”, a near full scale replica of Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria.

Now begins the tour of the castle, which may be described as a “corny-copious” display of excellent art and very bad puns. No offense to our guide, Dusty. It is what Mr. Solomon requires. Artists! Most of the art work, including sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows, is also created from reclaimed materials. Here are a few representative samples of Mr. Solomon’s art.

About ten minutes into the tour, Robert and I were looking for an exit. When the tour entered the restaurant and we saw Mark and Lloyd sitting in a quiet corner sipping cold beverages, we decided the time had come to say goodbye to Dusty and join our buddies. Robert and I both concluded that the ten dollars spent on the tour would have been much better spent in the restaurant where the food was good and the beer was cold. A word to the wise for future visitors.

Gunny