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My First Daytona

B

bill38112

New member
I survived my first Daytona. I had tried to pack a lot into a very condensed trip and I am suffering the consequences. I left Memphis at 10:00 AM CDT on Saturday and arrived at Orlando at 1:00 PM EDT grabbed a rental car, and arrived at the show about 3:00PM. After working the maze to get into to the expo (the show organizers really need to work the kinks out of that one), I was able to dash around the floor trying to see as much as I could. I did manage to seek out Kathy Love and introduce myself.

After a quick side trip to check into my hotel (the Oceanside Inn....I don't recommend it, but that's another story), I arrived unfashionably early at the Whistle Junction Restaurant. The food was secondary...the company was the main course. I want to thank Susan and Chuck, Vinny and Lara, Katie, Nanci, Joe, Don, Meg, Kathy,and all the others who made me feel so welcome. Everyone had tons of stories and great information to share.

Sunday, I had the time to get around and take some photos (the more interesting are below) AND spend some money. I bought 1.2 mojave ball pythons (what can I say..he made me an offer I couldn't refuse). Unfortunately, they have to have a few more meals before I take delivery. You know what it's like to have to wait on an impulse buy? :eek1:

But enough of me rambling...I know what you guys want. Here's some of the highlights:

From Bob Clark, a titanium super tiger retic

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An amazing calico GTP

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An ivory blood

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A genetic stripe ball

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A trio of blue eyed lucys

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A blue eyed lucy (this why I bought the mojaves)

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A pair of pied balls (I've got a pair of 100% het pied on order)

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And a couple of pretty high white cali kings

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And just so you know what it was like outside the expo

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All the shows up here are so much smaller than down there (for the most part), so I've never had the chance to go to a big show. it must have been fun. Great snakes, wow!! All I know is that some of those snakes are pretty high end! Must have been a fun trip.
 
It was great to meet you Bill! Glad you had a good time and that you didn't leave "empty handed"!

I missed that Calico GTP - great looking snake!
 
The "Ivory ball" is actually an ivory blood python :p

Lovely animals there. 4000 for a BLE is an amazing price.
 
Wow, I didn't see the calico GTP or the striped ball!

I think the intention of the maze-like path to get in is to guarantee the upstairs vendors at least get a cursory look as people go to buy tickets.

Nanci
 
Just made it in the door an hour ago and just catching up! It was great meeting you Bill and it was a fun show! So much fun meeting so many people from the forum. Talk about staying up until the wee hours!! I'm getting too old for this :) I'll post a few if any came out...haven't had time to check the camera yet!
 
Nanci said:
I think the intention of the maze-like path to get in is to guarantee the upstairs vendors at least get a cursory look as people go to buy tickets.

Nanci
Click to expand...

That may be the case, but it's a pretty clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I only have a minor mobility problem and it nearly did me in. Nonetheless. it was a minor irritation. Overall, I had a great time.
 
Bill. If you were unable to go that way, they would have happily accomodated you by getting you in the other way. They were handling wheelchairs and such so I know they had a contingency for it. I saw a lot of wheelchairs there!
 
MegF. said:
Bill. If you were unable to go that way, they would have happily accomodated you by getting you in the other way. They were handling wheelchairs and such so I know they had a contingency for it. I saw a lot of wheelchairs there!
Click to expand...

Oh, I had too good a time to harp on this. I just think that they could have made it easier on the elderly and other people with mobility problems by making it obvious where you could bypass those stairs.

Here's one more photo. I wasn't going to post it because it's blurred, but it's such a rarity. albino pied ball


P8190016.jpg
 
Once a year....either fortunately or unfortunately depending upon your money situation!
 
Oh wow... such gorgeous snakes. I get jealous every year when Daytona comes around - one of these years I'll have to save up and fly out there. Trouble is I probably couldn't bring my purchases back in to the UK. :grin01:

Glad you had a good time, Bill. Looks like fun!
 
getting there wont be the problem.. getting the time off of work will be harder..
then i think trying to spend a reasonable amount of money will also be hard.
 
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