Theresa Neuhoff Audia, a sportswriter at The News-Herald, will be blogging while on her trip to Orlando, Florida from Jan. 21-28.

Today was one of the best days of my life.
I woke up at 6 a.m. to prepare for my first adventure of the day - hang gliding at Wallaby Ranch in nearby Davenport.
When my husband and I arrived at the 500-acre ranch, we were greeted by a knowledgeable, friendly staff who made us feel comfortable from the start.
Before we knew it, the owner of the ranch, Malcom, arrived to give us a quick tour. Soon, we were driving on a golf cart to the launch site.
My guide Steve and I rode tandem on the hang glider. He and I were strapped into the glider and before I knew it, a towplane took us over 2,000 feet in the air. Once we were released from the towplane, Steve and I went free-flying over a dew-covered forest with the sun shining brilliantly in the background.
It was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.
I felt like a bird flying through the air. At times, I was a little scared and my body tensed up, but once I got the hang of it, I relaxed and soaked in the experience.
I could barely see the trees below let along my husband who was taking video of me. The view was once-in-a-lifetime. The thrill made you feel as if you could accomplish anything.
Honestly, I couldn't believe I had the courage to hang glide until I was up in the air. It was like a challenge I made myself do, just to see if I could do it.
Before I knew it, the ride was over. We slowly swayed to the ground at the exact same spot we took off from. Steve, who has been hang gliding for 18 years, ensured we had a smooth landing.
When I got out of the hang glider, my husband, Malcom and a few other employees were there to greet us. It was a great feeling to be safe on the ground.
I'm glad I was able to cross something off my list of life-changing events I've always wanted to do.
It was life changing, because I didn't let fear hold me back from going 2,000 feet in the air.
Instead, I went for it and accomplished something I never dreamed I could.



-Theresa Neuhoff Audia

Theresa Neuhoff Audia, a sportswriter at The News-Herald, will be blogging while on her trip to Orlando, Florida from Jan. 21-28.

This morning, we were all set to go on a hot air balloon ride through the Orlando Balloon Rides, but it was postponed until Thursday due to weather.
We went to plan 'B' and decided to workout and hit the pool instead. 
It was another perfect day. The temperature reached 83 degrees. My mom called me from her home near Cleveland to remind me it was still snowing there.
It made me appreciate the sunshine all day long.
At the pool, we met a nice couple from Atlanta who told us to check out Downtown Disney. We didn't realize the exciting entertainment district was less than two miles from our resort.
We arrived around 6 p.m. and had dinner at Fulton's Crab House. My husband ordered the stuffed Rhode Island lobster. I ordered the seafood platter which included scallops and crab-stuffed shrimp. With drinks, an appetizer and tip, the dinner came to over $150. But it was well worth it.
Afterward, we walked around Downtown Disney which is divided into three sections - Pleasure Island, Marketplace and West Side. Even though it was a Tuesday night, it was packed with people.
What was most exciting about Downtown Disney was the different cultures all mixed into one. In one corner of the entertainment center, we heard country music. In another, we heard a band playing motown. From restaurant to restaurant, each one had its own unique theme.
It didn't cost anything to walk around Downtown Disney which was a plus.
So far, Orlando has proven to be a hot vacation spot. It's not just about Disney, but so much more. If there's something you've always wanted to do, you can find it in Orlando.
Early tomorrow morning, I'm going to do another activity I've never done.
I'm going hang gliding for the first time in my life at Wallaby Ranch.
Earlier today, I watched a video in which Al Roker of the Today show went hang gliding at Wallaby Ranch. It made me that much more excited to take the ride.
I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
For now, I'm exhausted after a busy non-stop day.
Here's to a fun-filled vacation so far in Orlando.
The trip has exceeded all of my expectations.

-Theresa Neuhoff Audia

















-Theresa Neuhoff Audia