Biking and the Beach

Biking Along the ICW
Jupiter Island, FL
October 18, 2023

 Tuesday turned into a very busy and enjoyable day. 

The day began with a beautiful bike ride under a crystal blue sky on South Beach Road which runs between the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Atlantic on Jupiter Island. It is also home to some of the most expensive homes in America, one of which is on the market for a mere $55 million. It looks like a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design. We completed a 17 mile ride and readied ourselves for the remainder of the day. 

Surfer
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 18, 2023

The next portion of the day was at Carlin Park enjoying the moderate air temperatures, ocean breeze, and rough surf. The crystal sky continued throughout the day. We enjoyed watching the surfers attempt to conquer the waves, but the waves were mostly uncooperative and dod not allow for long enjoyable rides. The beach was uncrowded as it was a weekday with kids in school and the snowbirds not yet arriving.  

We left the beach mid-afternoon and prepared for dinner with friends to complete the exceptional day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Hanging Ten

Falling into the Wave
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 5, 2023

 It was back to the beach for Happy Hour yesterday. The surf was high and that meant that the surfers were out in force. At one point we noted about three dozen men, women, girls, and boys out on their boards trying not to kill each other while catching a wave. 

Riding the Wave
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 5, 2023

I love watching them. It provides some great entertainment. I am also amazed at how young some of them are. One girl, who was very good, could not have been more than 8 years old.

It was a very enjoyable evening and we stayed until just past sunset.

I am amazed at how they seem to avoid colliding with each other. 

The water was warm, but rough. I walked out about waist deep to take some images. The breeze off the water was also warm, which kept the beach at a comfortable temperature as the sun began to sink behind the dunes. 

Catching a Wave
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 5, 2023

I wish that I had learned to surf. 

But, it was a great evening to be out on the beach. This time of year is the best in South Florida. The water is still warm and the humidity is falling to a comfortable level.

Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world. (The Beach Boys)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Completing the Day

 

Thanks to all who wished me a Happy Birthday. I appreciated hearing from you.

Looking Alongside the Boathouse
Stuart, FL
September 26, 2023

Today was supposed to be a boating day, but given the morning rain and thunderstorms, I had the good sense, with some prodding form both Chris and the marina, to cancel the outing. Ugh. I love boating. 

Continuing on that theme, last evening, to complete the celebration, Chris and I along with friends enjoyed dinner at the Boathouse in Stuart. It was a great Happy hour and dinner. We were supposed to be outside, but the passing thunderstorms moved us inside and we enjoyed sitting at a corner table surrounded on two sides by windows looking out at the water. 

After dinner, we came back to the house for birthday pie, Key Lime of course, and drinks. It was the perfect ending for a great birthday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Learning to Tow a Skier

Fran Skiing the River
North Fork Saint Lucie River, FL
August 2, 2023

 Our Wednesday boating day turned into a fun day of exploration and learning how to tow a waterskier. 

We headed off to the marina fairly early and were in our boat headed off to the North Fork of the Saint Lucie River about 9:30 AM. The day was beautiful. A bit hot, but mostly blue skies and white puffy clouds. The river was almost flat and our boat, Sea Bean, was purring along smoothly. 

I was very trepidatious about pulling a waterskier. Having never done it before and knowing how easily fun can turn to tragedy, I really wanted to understand what was expected of me and the boat before letting him jump off into the murky river and try to stand up behind my speeding craft. We went over the signs and after a couple miscues on the start, he successfully rose up on plane and skied! It was fun watching him, but I mostly kept my eyes forward. Fortunately, the area of the river recommended to us by the marina staff is not heavily traveled and we did not encounter any other watercraft during the time he was skiing. 

Chris served as the spotter and also took some images and a quick video.

The video is a bit choppy, but it was taken from a moving boat at about 22 mph. 

We also spent time exploring the North Fork of the river and then checked out a new sandbar, where we saw huge jellyfish. They were all around and were easy to avoid--but we had to remain vigilant. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

From the end of the Dock

Bay Nettle Jellyfish at Ram's Head Dockside
Glen Burnie, MD
July 19, 2023

 Last evening, Chris and I joined Patrick and Jen at a local tavern on Marley Creek for happy hour. We arrived a bit late and were only able to enjoy the last half-hour of happy hour, but we more than made up for it by getting our food and drink orders in quickly.

The tavern is on the creek and has a dock for boaters to motor-up and tie-up. Being a Wednesday, it was not very crowded, which was good. Patrick and I walked out onto the dock and were looking into the water marveling at the bounty of fish which were present. And then, off the end of the dock, I spied one of the most interesting jellyfish that I have seen. Its tentacles were very long and it was leisurely making its way through the water. 

It was a warm, but not excessively humid evening and it was enjoyable, just watching the jellyfish swim in the sill waters of the creek. I was very happy that I have never run into a jellyfish with tentacles a long when snorkeling or swimming. 

Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thunderstorm Watching

Chris and Finn on the Porch
Tequesta, FL
July 15, 2023

 I hope everyone celebrated wildly for Bastille Day last evening. 

We really didn't do much--the mood just wasn't there to go out and blow things up to celebrate on of the most famous jailbreaks in the history of the world. 

So we didn't.

Today we are watching the thunderstorms roll through in advance of flying to Maryland tomorrow. Chris and Finnegan enjoyed time in the highest and humidity on the porch. But, they made a nice pose. 

And the thunder rolls--to quote a song.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Finding Calm Amid the Upheaval of Life

North Jupiter Island Beach, FL
July 12, 2023

 It is amazing how many things have to be done when someone dies--especially unexpectedly. 

Chris and I appreciate all the outpouring of concern, support, and prayers. She was very close to her sister and they had made many plans for the future, once Jodie retired. 

We went to a happy place yesterday to escape, for a few hours, the weight of everything. There is something cathartic about sitting on a deserted beach listening to the sound of the waves washing up onto the sand. Chris actually found a few moments of peace as fixed our gaze looking off into the distance where the ocean and the sky meet. We were the only ones on the beach for the majority of the time we spent there, just sitting under an umbrella in our beach chairs. I told Chris to put her phone away, as I had done, to find a few moments of peace and to attempt to right the world which had gone askew. 

And the waves continued to gently wash up onto the beach. 

We started to depart more than once before we actually packed up our gear and headed off the beach walking down the trail that transported us back to the real world. But we were thankful for the respite.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Chased off the Beach

Chris and Mary in the Ocean
Jupiter Island, FL
June 30, 2023

Yesterday was the last day of the first half of the year! Along with four friends, Chris and I determined to make yesterday a beach day. We have been enjoying the beautiful, but changeable, South Florida weather and wanted to enjoy some beach time.

We arrived with friends at the beach about 11 AM, but already to the south the storms were forming. Usually the storms arrive during the mid-to-late afternoon, but yesterday, sadly, they started forming during the late morning. 

Storm Clouds Forming 
Jupiter Island, FL
June 30, 2023

We set up our camp on the deserted beach. Yes, during the summertime in South Florida their care many beaches which can be considered deserted. There were no other beachgoers within a mile of us on this sandy ocean beach. The tide was low and we were able to access a sand bar and walk a couple hundred yards out into the gentle surf. The water was a very pleasant at roughly 85 degrees and we were planning for a full day beach excursion having brought sufficient food and water to support us. 

It was not to be. 

The storms formed to our south and wrapped around behind us to the west. As we had arrived at the beach via boat, I did not want to get caught on the open water while motoring about an hour back to the marina. So, sadly, we left our private beach and began the journey back to the marina. Towards the end of our trip the open water of the Saint Lucie river began to get very choppy and I was happy that we departed earlier than we had planned. 

Were we actually chased off the beach? In point of fact no. It is not like the rains were beating down upon us with lightening and thunder, but the storms did seem to be closing in and we chose to depart upon our terms rather than letting driving winds and rain force our departure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Costco Frustration

 Sometimes it is very frustrating to shop at Costco.

Take yesterday, for example. 

Costco is a 30 minute drive and so Chris and I wait until we require a significant amount of supplies before sojourning down the interstate into the northern reaches of West Palm Beach, the high traffic area, to visit Costco. The store has to be one of the larger Costco warehouses in the entire network. Friday's are not a particularly good day to visit the store due to the volume of shoppers, but we arrived there early yesterday. 

The problem with the Costco we visit is that they are often out of stock on two of the main reasons we shop there: Kirkland Sparkling Mineral Water and Vitamin Water. We are then forced to buy name brand products for more cost and usually less volume. 

It happened again yesterday. It is hard to understand how a Costco could be out of a Kirkland product--but it happens at this store about 50 percent of the time. Yes, I like Pellegrino, I just don't like to pay for it. And at $1 a bottle, the name brand vitamin water, which I like to drink after biking, is a bit pricey. 

Of course, we save a lot on the other things we buy, but the primary reason we head to Costco is the vitamin water and the sparkling water. So, for the next couple of weeks we will be having name brand items in the house. That is just the way it is. 

While I was frustrated that Costco was out of their own brand of items, I did, however, manage to buy a couple dozen of their golf balls while I was there. I would rather lose a $1 golf ball than a $4 ball.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Party

 

The Decorations
Odenton, MD
June 9, 2023

Graduating from high school is a big event. 

In a lot of ways, like most significant celebrations, the weeks or months of planning resolve into a few hours of excitement that are all too quickly over. I even got to reprise my skills in making a balloon arch.

It was much like that last evening as we gathered with family and friends to celebrate Ethan's graduation and put a dot on the exclamation point.

There were games, noise, conversation, and food. Lot's of food.

And then, too quickly, it was over and now life takes over and a sense of normalcy will grip us all.

Congrats again to Ethan and to all of the family and friends who have supported his academic and athletic endeavors. It truly takes a village!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Graduation Day

Ethan in the Procession
Maryland Live
Hanover, MD
June 6, 2023

 The day began early and lasted until late. 

It was a day of pomp and circumstance. Hundreds of newly minted graduates marching together for the last time as they completed the Maryland mandated curriculum and accepted their diplomas. 

I think I enjoyed the ceremony mostly because it went quickly and smoothly in a fantastic facility. I had not been in the massively large room at Maryland Live and was very impressed with the size of the room and the video support that the ceremony received. 

But wait, the day was all about the graduates, their families, and their friends. As it should be.

It was fun.

Me, Ethan, Chris
Odenton, MD
June 6, 2023

It was fun to watch my oldest grandchild walk across the stage and transform, in that moment, from student to graduate. Now I believe that we never should stop being students--there is always more to learn, but celebration of completing of 13 years of COVID interrupted learning was a momentous occasion.

A moment to celebrate and remember.

The ceremony provided many meaningful moments, but I found two statements especially meaningful.

First was a from East of Eden, by John Steinbeck:

And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual. This is what I am and what I am about. I can understand why a system built on a pattern must try to destroy the free mind, for this is one thing which can by inspection destroy such a system. Surely I can understand this, and I hate it and I will fight against it to preserve the one thing that separates us from the uncreative beasts. If the glory can be killed, we are lost.

John Steinbeck, East of Eden

And the second was the charge given to the graduates from their principal:

"Go do something you are proud of." 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Coronation Day

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

 Yep, I got up early and watched the coronation of King Charles III.

I love the history, the pomp, and the sub-plots. 

All morning the sub-plot was, would Harry be on the balcony? The answer, it turns out, is no!

But the history and the connection to history. For instance, William the Conqueror was the first monarch coronated at Westminster Abby on Christmas Day 1066!

The one British historian I listened to incorrectly equated the coronation with our inauguration. I do not agree, principally because Charles is already King and the coronation is the formalization of what exists. Conversely, at the inauguration, power does not pass from one president to the next until the oath of office is recited. The inauguration marks the actual change of administrations. Presidents who assume the role because of death of the sitting president do not get an inauguration, they recite the oath and are, at that moment, president. There is not coronation-like event.

Unlike Americans, the British as very connected to their history and traditions--is a good way. It provides them a sense of endurance and grounding. We too often flap in the wind without direction, until it a world crisis reunites us with purpose. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cinco de Mayo 2023

 Another Cinco de Mayo has arrived and with it the celebrations even though most are unaware of the history. 

Although a minor Mexican celebration and very regional, Cinco de Mayo kept the French from entering the U.S. Civil War to assist the South, thereby preserving the Republic. That is the quick, Bob history. 

Important safety tip: Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16th!

History.com has a number of papers about Cinco de Mayo. I have linked one discussing the impact on the U.S. Civil War. Have a read. 

I am planning a more subdued Cinco de Mayo. But, I am going to be celebrating. Cinco de Mayo is one of the few celebrations where I enjoy Mexican-themed adult beverages in place of wine. 

In other news, regarding my Dad--he has moved to a rehab facility after successful surgeries and will be there a couple weeks before returning to my sister's home, outside of Houston, where he lives. Thank you to all who expressed their concern. His continued recovery provides an extra reason to celebrate today.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

May 4th

 It is that day!

May the 4th be with you!

I love this day. It is a fun day to remember all of the thrills and excitement of Star Wars. 

I still remember seeing the movie Star Wars, as it was titled then, for the first time in Denver during 1977. And then seeing it many more times because it struck a chord in me. The words "May the force be with you" has become on of the greatest lines from a movie, ever.  

But even better, today is also the eve of my favorite foreign holiday: Cinco de Mayo!

And tomorrow is also Friday and so the Cinco de Mayo celebrations will continue long into the night, or at least until 8:30 PM, lol.

Seize the day! (You know, I never noted before that the word seize is an exception to the rule. There is not a "c" anywhere in the word!)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

If it is "Friday-eve", we must be golfing

Turtle on the 7th Hole
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course
April 28, 2023

 Thursday has become our golf outing day. 

Chris and I headed off to the local course for a round yesterday morning. We were lucky to get out early, while the temperature was in the 70s, because by the time we finished, it was well into the 80s and we could feel the heat. It was also lunchtime. 

Chris had a good game, but I turned in another less than desirable performance. My putter let me down. I missed a lot of very makable putts. That is how it goes some days.

Turtles across from the 16th Tee Box
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course
April 27, 2023

Yesterday must have been turtle day on the golf course. That was likely due to the bright sun and warm temperatures. It seemed as if the turtles were everywhere. The most turtle were seen just past the Tee-box on the 16th hole. Most of the turtles sought cover after I managed to hit my ball just over their heads onto the fairway. It was not a "worm burner" but it was almost a turtle decapitator. Fortunately, no animals were harmed during the round of golf.

Chris and I walk this course when we play. By the time we ended the round we were tired, hungry (it was noon), hot, and of course sweaty. But, we felt good!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I Love a Parade

 

GORC Spring Sports Parade
Odenton, MD
April 15, 2023

Before the drenching afternoon thunderstorms arrived yesterday to cancel most of the scheduled games, there was a parade to celebrate the beginning of the youth sports season in Odenton. The Gambrills-Odenton Recreation Council's (GORC) Annual Spring Sports Parade kicked off at 9 AM with police, a firetruck, and most importantly hundreds of youth sports enthusiasts. The day was gray and overcast, but spirits were high as this annual celebration of Springtime resumed after a three-year hiatus.

While all of the spring sports: baseball, soccer, flag football, lacrosse, and softball were represented, baseball was king with the most teams and most youth participating in the parade. In the image, the firetruck is at the head of the parade with the teams arrayed behind. On the left, in green, are the players of the Arundel High School baseball teams (Varsity and JV). As each of the GORC baseball teams passed by, two members of the Arundel High School Teams were added to the team for the parade. Most all of the Arundel High School baseball players began by learning the game on a GORC field and likely participated in this very parade when they were younger.

Jax (on the left in green) with the Pirates
Odenton, MD
April 15, 2023

Jax marched in the parade. He was inserted into one of the teams. He marched with one of the Pirates teams and it was a step back into time because for a couple years he was on a Pirates team learning the fundamentals of baseball. 

Having the high schoolers march with the younger players reminds them of their baseball beginnings. After the parade concluded in the sports complex, the high schoolers were given an hour to be on their own fields for practice. And it was not a short practice, running from 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM. Wow. 

And so with a bit of fanfare, a fire truck, and the expected Maryland Springtime thunderstorms the youth sports season got underway!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Turning 18

Me, Ethan, Chris
Odenton, MD
April 13, 2023

 It is a momentous day; turning 18. 

We celebrated Ethan yesterday as he crossed over to adulthood. 

It was quite a day. 

Ethan's favorite football team, Washington, announced that a deal to sell the team had been reached. 

WASHINGTON -- Dan Snyder has reached a preliminary nonexclusive deal to sell his Washington NFL franchise to a group led by Josh Harris, who also co-owns teams in the NBA and NHL, for a record $6.05 billion, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. (ABC13)

But wait--there is more.

Ethan was given tickets to the afternoon Orioles game against the Athletics. It was game 4 of a 4-game series and the Orioles needed the win to secure the series 3-1.

It was a rough day on the mound for the Orioles starting pitcher. After 5 innings the game was tied 7-7 and the relievers for both teams were called in to settle the batters. No runs were scored by either team until the bottom of the 9th when, with the score still tied, the Orioles' first batter of the inning walked to the plate. It was, of course Adley Rutschman, the Orioles catcher. Adley is Ethan's favorite Orioles player. Adley was hitless for the day (0-4) and in danger of ending his consecutive games with a hit streak at 6. Orioles Magic was back in the park at that moment. Adley hit the second pitch over the fence for a walk-off homer to end the game, 8-7. Ethan was seated 7 rows from the field right next to the Orioles dugout and felt that he was part of all of the action.

But wait, there's more! How could a birthday be complete without a massive dinner to cap the momentous day? And there was. A visit to Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian Steakhouse, was in store for the evening. And the meal was grand; of course there was far more food than can comfortably be consumed. But it was perfect for celebrating an 18th Birthday.

Wow! Happy Birthday Ethan. What a day.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Colors of Spring

Mini Daffodils by the Walk
Odenton, MD
April 7, 2023

 

Bluebird at the Feeder
Odenton. MD
April 7, 2023

I have been enjoying the colors of Spring. The redbud trees are in bloom along the roadways and blossoms cover many of the trees. The forsythia are a ball of yellow on the landscape. The daffodils are everywhere, although their time is almost past as the tulips are arriving more and more daily. 

There are also many animals about. I have seen deer still in their darker winter coats, birds of many varieties, squirrels by the dozens, and I have heard the peepers at night singing the song of Spring.

It is fun to see the world wake from the dark days and burst into the light. 

Here is hoping you have a blessed and happy Easter.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Springtime

Young Leaves Off the Back Deck
Odenton, MD
April 6, 2023

Sitting at the high school JV baseball team doubleheader yesterday it became clear that Chris and I had been transported from eternal summer into the middle of springtime. 

I became aware of the springtime explosion almost as soon as we got off the plane, but as the day went on I became more sensitive to the light-green new leaves and the bright flowers dotting the landscape everywhere.

Probable Apple Blossoms
Crofton, MD
April 6, 2023

We had noticed new leaves sprouting on the trees in Florida, but so many trees there do not lose their leaves that the new growth tends to blend into the old. Not so here in Maryland where the entire scene is composed of new leaves struggling to grow and mature.

Sitting at the games yesterday, we were under a blooming apple tree. I took this image looking straight up from the chair in which I was sitting behind the screen at home plate. 

Last evening I stood on the deck at Nicole's home and looked at the expanse of new leaves on the trees against the dark rain clouds. It was a sight to enjoy. Springtime against the backdrop of a storm. We actually experienced a real rainstorm driving after  the game yesterday. South Florida is in severe drought conditions and the area is seven inches (or more) below normal rainfall for the year. We have been enjoying the rain-free weather, but need rain.

It is nice, however, to be in Maryland to enjoy the Spring.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Universal Orlando Resort - A Review

Chris, Luke, and I in Harry Potter Land
Universal Orlando Resort
April 3, 2023

 It was a very full day. Chris and I departed home at 7:30 AM and returned home just after 9 PM. In between was four hours driving with the rest of the time spent at Universal Orlando Resort. 

Let's begin with the cost. We bought a two-park one day pass for $209 per person. We knew we would be visiting both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. We made the transition on the Hogwarts Express--definitely worth the ride, but not the posted 75 minute wait. To miss the wait, we also bought the two park Express passes at $314.99. Total admission cost for the one day jaunt for two people: $1116.12 (with tax).

First Observation. The resort is incredibly expensive and that jaundiced my objectiveness even before we arrived. I paid less for a 7-day cruise in November than one day at Universal. 

Second Observation: Driving to the resort is relatively simple. It is right off Interstate 4 and there are large parking garages close to the resort. I was not happy that after paying over $1K to visit the resort for the day that they gouged me for $30 to park my truck. Ugh! Really? With the price of admission being astronomical, parking should be included. 

Street Sight
Universal Orlando Resort
April 3, 2023

Third Observation: It took 45 minutes from parking the truck to finally get through security and the admission process and actually be inside Islands of Adventure. This meant navigating the crushing crowds on City Walk and getting scanned and admitted. The actual admission process is cumbersome, even with passes on the phone because there are so many people who are unfamiliar with the process.

When we finally met up with family, who proceeded us to the resort, we began to have some fun. We went first to the Jurassic Park area and our first ride was the VelociCoaster. Even with the express pass we had a very long wait and it was almost 90 minutes from arriving at the resort's gates until we were actually on our first ride of the day. 

As the day progressed, things got better. I was told, but unable to confirm, that the park was a maximum capacity while we were there. It was clear that they were unprepared for the crush of people and the crowds were evident all day. 

Fourth Observation. Use the mobile app to order lunch. It took about 90 minutes to get burgers and eat them because we did not use the mobile app. The automatic Coke dispensing machines are a joke. They were not dispensing drinks reliably and I saw many people put their daily paid cups in the dispenser only to be turned away. I found that beer was a much better choice. Overall food prices are not bad. The burger platter was $15.49 and beer was $9.50. Coke was $4.49 per glass or they had a plan for an all day drink package--which seemed a bit pricey to me. 

So let's talk coasters. I love coasters and I got to sit in the front seat on two of the best. We did not get to experience Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure due to long lines and it does not accept the Express Pass. But here is my ranking of the four coasters that I experienced:

1. Hulk - old, yes, but smooth and like flying a jet fighter (P.S. I did fly a jet fighter trainer, once) (I was in a front seat)

2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket - really cool vertical start and music to enjoy while riding (I was in a front seat)

Men In Black Alien Attack
Universal Orlando Resort
April 3, 2023

3. VelociCoaster - Fun, but not smooth and the turns are rough although the maneuvers are creative.

4. Revenge of the Mummy - Nice special effects, but I always think a coaster in the dark removes the fun of seeing the world spin around.

Other rides as I remember them:

Dudly Do-Right's RipSaw Falls - A classic log ride with a scenario that has outlived its time. A great ride to enjoy getting wet, but the story is dated.

Jurassic Park River Adventure - Great ride, you will get wet. It seemed that parts of the ride were not fully operational when we were on it. 

Men In Black Alien Attack - A great fun ride to play "shoot the outer-space aliens." I won the car with 75,000 points. Sorry Luke!

The Simpsons Ride - Not worth the time. They paid too much for this ride. The story is not compelling and the 3D graphics are cheesy.

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - nice ride, good 3D graphics, great story and put together pretty well. Enjoyable.

Hogwarts Express - already mentioned. 

Harry Potter The Forbidden Journey - great ride but somewhat intense. Great story and graphics.

We probably did a couple more, but these were the memorable rides. When you divide it out, I paid about $45 per ride. 

We departed the park about 6:30 PM to allow us to get home at a reasonable hour.

It was a fun day filled with thrills and the joy of being with family. Some of the rides were memorable, BUT the overall park experience needs improvement. Given the amount of money being collected, I expected a first class experience--I do not feel as though I received that. 

Fifth Observation - The Express Pass is a requirement! That written, the pass is expensive and in a perfect world I would do away with express passes and increase the capacity of the rides. I felt bad walking in front of families with kids who could not afford an extra $300/per person and had stood in line for 75 or 80 minutes for a 90-second ride, while I stood in line for maybe 10 - 20 minutes at the most.  As the day went on we actually almost walked onto some rides, for the same 90-second experience. 

Bob's Recommendation - Visit but only after fully understanding the cost! Universal Orlando Resort is overpriced; offering mediocre service in every venue. Some of the new rides are first class, but looking around, many of the others require maintenance and the warts are showing. The day I visited, the park seemed to be over capacity.

Important note--this was not my first visit to Universal Orlando Resort. I remember the days before Harry Potter when one of the marquee rides was the Jaws boat ride and there was a dueling rollercoaster, both now gone. Express passes were not a requirement in those days. I believe express passes are a result of running the parks above capacity.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Note: I updated the ride list and amount per ride because I had forgotten one. April 4