Bartow FL

We arrived in Lakeland after an overnight trip. The Silver Star made good time all the way down and we were actually almost 15 minutes early into Orlando FL. I say almost, because within sight of the station, at a grade crossing, an impatient motorist went around the gates (if you are not aware of how dangerous this is, click here) and though the train almost came to a complete stop (Amtrak trains have a much more responsive braking system than freight trains), we did crush the back of the van in question. No one was hurt, but we did have to stop and fill out paperwork etc. etc.

Once we got to Lakeland (only 30 minutes lates), we got off among the "land of flowers" quite different from the snow and cold we had left behind. The most striking flower we saw was the Aloe Plant in my sister's front yard. We have seen and Aloe Vera bloom before, or so we thought, until we saw hers.
In addition to Lakeland, we also spent time in the nearby town of Bartow with it's interesting County Courthouse. It was on the occasion of a special sidewallk art show that they were having that week-end.


The key here was "Sidewalk." Where we are from, only a hopeless fool would schedule a Sidewalk Art Sale the 1st week of March.

Ah, such is Florida.