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ACCENT MEDIA |
Because we already have so many pictures in our photo album, it's now divided into two parts: December 3 - 25 and December 26 - January 3. Click below to see the pictures of your choice.
Sad to say, our trip is over. But we had a great time, and we're glad to be home, safe and sound. Here are the last two days of our journey. We hope you enjoyed sharing our adventures. | ||
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The Disney-MGM Studios was our destination today.
Once again weather was a factor in our activities. Our last day in Florida was less than perfect, thanks to a steady rain that started at noon. We managed to have some fun, just the same.
What have these ladies been up to? Having fun!
Which character is Goofy in this photo?
These J-Hawk men pick up a late-night snack.
"I know I put it in there in Orlando."
With about five hours of sleep, we loaded the buses in a now sunny Miami to head 200 miles north to Orlando. It was a pretty quiet drive.
Islands of Adventure, the second Universal park in Orlando, proved to be a big hit with the Band of Blue.
Looks pretty good, doesn't it? Let's ask his mom if she'd recognize him.
Jurassic Park was a popular attraction, except when four of the senior guys got stuck on it, ending up soaked. Their consolation? Free shirts and towels!
Looks like the Cat in the Hat was a popular attraction.
Our luck held out until today -- rain was to be our constant companion for New Year's Eve. But the day started very nicely with a trip to the Hard Rock Cafe down on the waterfront.
All 326 of us had the restaurant to ourselves. We dined on a delcious buffet of eggs, bacon, and that Southern favorite, biscuits and sausage gravy.
The staff was sorry to see the Band of Blue leave.
We had a choice of activities this morning. This group headed to Key Largo for a ride over the coral reefs in a glass bottom boat.
Mr. Houk takes a turn at steering the ship. Is there any rough weather out there to extend this "three-hour tour"?
The Band of Blue men give their all to the Tug of War contest.
Today we went to Epcot, Walt Disney's vision of the future and tribute to world harmony. The weather was perfect, and we had a great time.
It's always fun to run into old friends at Walt Disney World. Here Tigger greets band members on the main concourse at Epcot.
These Jefferson women pause to pose with Bean Bunny, a featured player in the Muppet attraction at Disney-MGM Studios. You can't find him? He's the stuffed rabbit on Shanna's lap. Why is he at Epcot? Just visiting!
It was a great day at Epcot!
The first full day in Florida starts with a birthday party as everyone at breakfast sings to celebrate a Sweet Sixteen.
We've arrive at Walt Disney World! Before we get on the ferry to the Magic Kngdom, Mr. Houk reminds the band of the two most important aspects of today's events: safety and promptness.
Speaking of Presidents, several members of the group ran into President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter while they stood in line for french fries -- honest! The most frequently heard comment: "He's a lot shorter in person."
Blue was the color of the day at Walt Disney World!
We wanted to show you the kids loading up the trailer after the parade, but it's against Disney policy to take pictures "backstage" in the non-public areas. Hey, we tried!
Even on a long bus trip (or maybe especially on a long bus trip) personal hygiene is very important.
The Florida Welcome Center was an important milepost on Thursday's travels. Too bad the rest rooms were all closed.
It was a busy day today. Although the instruments and uniforms left for Florida several days ago, 325 people still carry a lot of stuff.
Mr. Houk shares some final words of wisdom to a very excited group of travelers.
Twenty-eight hours on a bus can be less than comfortable, but band members have a great time just the same.
The first rest stop is a chance to show off your stylish traveling togs.
"I'd like 325 burgers, 325 fries, and 325 Cokes -- to go, please." Are seven buses a dream come true or the ultimate nightmare for a restaurant owner?
There are four Slide Shows for December 26. The Band of Blue Orange Bowl Web Site is hosted by Cedar-Rapids.Net  Copyright © 2001, 2002 - Thomas Jefferson High School Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
January 2 and 3, 2002
The mega-rides at the Studios are the Tower of Terror and the Rock'n'Roller Coaster.
Think about this: you're strapped into an elevator, in the dark, and they drop you 13 floors -- two or three times. Doesn't that sound like fun? We loved it!
Several members of the Band of Blue became addicted on the trip -- to pin trading! It's a very expensive habit.
Miss Erbe has a close encounter with a chipmunk. Would that be Chip or Dale? The big rodent has proposed to her three times now and never made it to the altar.
The pouring rain and fear of snow on the trip home cause us to leave "sunny" Florida at 2:30. But there's still time to spend Mom and Dad's money at a mall in Gainesville when we stop for supper on Wednesday.
Let's face it -- we've been on a bus too long. Mountain Dew and no sleep don't help.
Despite bad weather, we arrive home pretty much on time. We've had a great trip.
Are we glad to be home? This picture says it all: "Yes!"
January 1, 2002
The various areas of the park depict popular film, TV, and comic book characters. This is Suessland.
There were many opportunities for spending that cash we've been saving for a week -- like having your characature drawn.
The park was just as neat at night as it was during the day.
You'd think we'd be tired after a day like this. Not at all!
A happy group heads home from Islands of Adventure. Tomorrow we finish our trip at Animal Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios.
December 31, 2001
The food was accompanied by full-blast rock music and lots of fun.
It was party time in Miami at the Hard Rock Cafe!
A visit to any Hard Rock isn't complete without stopping for souvenirs. Lots of Iowa cash was deposited in Miami banks after the J-Hawks left.
After breakfast we drove west and a bit south into the Everglades. The visitor center had lots of educational displays about this unique ecosystem.
Charlie the Crockodile Hunter poses for pictures. Sadly, the crocks didn't care for the rain, either, and stayed out of sight (luckily for Charlie).
Despite the pouring rain, the Band of Blue wowed the crowd in Miami. Here members of the Jefferson Drumline pause to soak up their success -- and more rain.
The kids did a great job under very adverse conditions. We were all very proud to be J-Hawks on New Years Eve.
December 30, 2001
Jordan has a close encounter with a seagull. The other part of the band toured the harbor around Miami.
After the boat rides we covened on Key Biscayne for a Beach Party sponsored by the Orange Bowl folks. Some of the kids buried themselves in their fun at the beach.
Three contests pitted the parade bands against each other: Sand Sculpture, Volleyball, and Tug of War. Here Dane and Leah supervise the building of a replica of Obie, the Orange Bowl mascot.
Well, we'll be honest: our turn in the food line was scheduled for 1:15, but we started eating at 3 p.m. It wasn't that bad, though. We won two of the three contests, Tug of War and Sand Sculpture! Way to go, J-Hawks!
The safety of the students is always the most important aspect of being a chaperone. Every night the adults meet to receive instructions for the next day. They then pass them along to their assigned rooms at bed check. Room chaperones will be with the same students for the whole trip.
Bed check is a time for students and adults to share concerns and build relationships. Good communication is essential on a trip like this.
December 29, 2001
Tigger's friend, Eeyore, was pleased to see the Band of Blue.
Mr. Manson takes a break from the day's activities to enjoy the ambiance of France in World Showcase.
Most of the national pavilions offer some type of food service. These J-Hawks are enjoying Italian cuisine at its best.
One of the best attractions at Epcot is "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," a 3-D movie featuring lots of neat effects. The Band of Blue is ready to watch with their special glasses.
December 28, 2001
The Magic Kingdom is always beautiful, but Christmas is spectacular. We walked down Main Street USA to see Cinderella's Castle in the background. We're at Walt Disney World!
Maybe it's because he's standing in front of the Hall of Presidents, but doesn't Mr. Houk look like he's running for office?
Here comes the band! Minutes before Mickey's Very Merry Christmas parade, the Band of Blue marches proudly in front of 45,000 park guests. We were all very proud of them -- though Mr. Houk said there was lots of room for improvement.
The end of the fireworks show was the signal to get on the boat and return to the buses. Our magical day at the Magic Kingdom has come to an end.
December 27, 2001
We arrived a little behind schedule, but we arrived safe and sound. The hotel is beautiful, and they were all ready with keys and room lists so we could move right in.
No time to vacation yet. We got right to work, taking advantage of the waning sunshine.
The light's fading fast, but we're doing great. A barbecue supper is waiting for us in the banquet room.
December 26, 2001
