[chatoyant]

Dateline Orlando, Florida Feb. 10, 2008

I went first to West Orange and while it is a cute little postage stamp of a park, completely tree covered and clean, with a ramp, hoop and dog playhouse, it is right next to the East-West expressway and not very peaceful. Very convenient to highways, though. 2 covered tables for 8 each, but quite far apart. No human amenities without a drive.

Pawmosa in Casselberry was an even tinier park, the side for small dogs not as big as my house. Benches, no tables.

I then went to Fleet Peeples and it was like something out of a dream. This was Saturday but the only dogs on leashes were either on the dog wash getting bathed or on the way in or out.

There is NOT a separate small dog area, but there are huge pavilions, barbecue grills, a lake, restrooms, and wonderful people with well behaved dogs. We could easily commandeer a pavilion out of the way and put up little notices, "Watch for Tiny Dogs" or something because these are Winter Park Dog People, the best kind of people, both tolerant and privileged.

Apparently this is one of the best parks in the country according to several patrons I talked to, it has won awards. If the only problem was the leash issue, it does not exist, ever according to the folks that use the park every week.

I had to stop after Fleet, the traffic had been horrendous and it was 4 PM. I started at 11! But seriously you could not find a more beautiful and amenable (oh, yeah, NICE restrooms!) place. I highly recommend it. I can go by again next weekend and take photos. I forgot my camera.