Ace already knew we were going on our sixteenth road trip because I had started packing and getting everything ready. He knows the cues!
He excitedly woke me up at 2:45 a.m. Way too early! I could not get back to sleep, so I figured I might as well finish getting everything ready for our 6:00 a.m. departure. That also explained why Ace expected breakfast at 4:00 a.m. He certainly was not going to let me forget!
We rode the airport bus using its new schedule, which now includes the Eastport stop. The trip took about two hours instead of the usual hour and a half to reach Brightline, but it was not too bad.
Once we arrived at the Brightline Orlando station, Ace immediately knew where he was going. It always amazes me how quickly he remembers places. He was phenomenal from start to finish. It was wonderful to see Doug again at the station and Carmen on the train. Getting to see Carmen again—and giving her a hug—made the trip even more special.
Our train was delayed a little because of a car accident near the tracks, but Ace did not seem to mind one bit. He patiently waited like the professional guide dog he is. Even the tiny relief area at the Brightline Aventura station was not an issue. Ace simply did what needed to be done and was ready to continue.
After arriving, we grabbed an Uber and finally reached our destination after months of planning. One thing we quickly learned was that the hotel was not exactly designed with service animals in mind. Relief areas were very limited. Thankfully, Ace adapted without hesitation and relieved appropriately on the sidewalk when needed. Once again, he proved why he is such an incredible guide dog.
Tuesday finally arrived, and we were more than ready to explore Aventura Mall! Even though the Florida heat and humidity were already making themselves known, we decided to take the complimentary shuttle instead of Uber.
Well... our adventure began before we even entered the mall. The shuttle dropped us off in a spot that was a little confusing. Ace happily spotted what looked like a relief area, only for me to realize it was right next to traffic entering the property. Yikes! We carefully made our way through before continuing toward the entrance.
Outside the Apple Store, we found a unique courtyard before taking the elevator to the third floor. Once inside, it was time for Ace to do what he does best—lead the way while we learned the layout of one of the largest malls in America. And then... the escalators!
Between the two Brightline stations, Ace confidently rode the escalators twelve times. Then, at Aventura Mall, we added another fifteen escalator rides to the adventure. I think it is safe to say he has earned the title of “Escalator Expert!”
One ride was especially memorable. As we were going up, we spotted someone riding down with a mop and bucket. We both had to do a double take. Now that is not something you see every day!
Another surprise was riding down the escalator in front of the gigantic video screen. It was unlike anything we had experienced before. We also watched security officers gliding through the mall on standing electric scooters. It looked like they were having almost as much fun as we were.
By the end of the day, Ace and I had walked a little less than four miles. With hundreds of shoppers, endless stores, bright lights, music, and constant activity, it was a lot to take in. Even a seasoned guide dog can experience sensory overload. Ace took two well-deserved breaks, and I knew it was time to head back so he could relax and recharge.
As Ace and I celebrated our 18-month anniversary as a guide dog team, we made a very important stop at Publix, which was around the corner—not for groceries, but for Ace’s official weigh-in. Thankfully, the scale was right by the entrance, making the process quick and easy.
The verdict? 85 pounds!
Ace is still on his strict two-cups-a-day meal plan—one cup per meal, twice a day. Well... technically, I do “borrow” a few pieces of kibble throughout the day for positive reinforcement and our basic skills routine.
Do not tell him it is all part of his daily ration. I think he still believes he is getting bonus treats for being so Ace-mazing.
I am happy to report that his weight-loss journey has been a huge success.
At 85 pounds, he is right where he should be—lean, healthy, and still convinced that every meal should come with a free refill.
Unfortunately, the day hit a little bump in the road. We were denied an Uber ride, and Ace was clearly not impressed. I had hoped he would shrug it off, but I could tell he already knew something was not right. Dogs are incredibly perceptive.
Our original plan was to head to Aventura Mall after Ace’s weigh-in, but after already logging more than two miles on our paws and feet, I decided my hardworking partner had earned a break. Even after the disappointment of an Uber denial, sometimes the best decision is to slow down and let Ace recharge.
We headed back to the hotel, where we could continue our walk indoors through the hotel’s spacious corridors while staying cool and giving Ace a well-deserved breather.
And now for the best part...
Throughout our stay, several of our Uber rides were in Teslas. I have to admit, they are quiet, smooth, and pretty futuristic. Ace seemed perfectly content riding in them—although I suspect he was more interested in whether the next destination involved another escalator than the type of car we were riding in.
As we headed back to Orlando, we decided not to wait for the airport bus at Brightline Orlando station because of the sweltering heat and sultry Florida sun. Unfortunately, the pickup and drop-off points beyond C7 do not have any shelter to protect passengers from the elements.
Instead, we chose to stay one more night at the hotel, then make a quick dash to Orlando International Airport to catch the airport bus there, where it is much cooler, fully covered, and far more comfortable for both Ace and me.
This wrapped up our time in Aventura. We are still not quite sure what to think about it. We are not used to being in such a bustling city where something always seems to be happening. It was certainly a different experience, but one that gave Ace and me plenty of adventures—and, of course, plenty of stories to share.
By the time we checked into our hotel in Orlando, we were completely exhausted. There was no sightseeing left in us—just dinner, relief breaks for Ace, and straight to bed! After everything we had accomplished, we had earned a well-deserved night of rest.
Our plan was to save our energy for the next morning so we could explore Orlando International Airport, work on more navigation skills, burn a few calories, and keep up with our fitness routine. That is simply what we do.
We skipped our usual stair workout at the Aventura hotel because the stairwell simply led to the parking lot. Fortunately, the stairwell at our overnight hotel was conveniently located right next to our room. Waiting until morning turned out to be the right decision. After more than three hours on the train, I did not want to overwhelm Ace. A good night's sleep left both of us refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle the stairs.
Down we went fourteen flights of stairs—and we were both pleased with how it went!
Then it was off to Orlando International Airport. By the time we reached the airport bus stop on the ground level, we had logged another three miles of walking before finally catching our ride home.
The airport was incredibly crowded on all three levels, making it one of the busiest places we encountered during our trip. Despite the constant stream of weary travelers, scattered luggage, airport employees, and housekeepers moving in every direction, Ace was phenomenal. His ability to weave through the crowds while maintaining excellent pedestrian clearance was nothing short of impressive.
Many tired travelers were so focused on where they were going that they never noticed Ace walking beside me. A few nearly stepped into our path because they simply were not watching where they were going. I used my high-pitched whisper of “Excuse us!” to alert them, and in the blink of an eye, Ace had already guided us safely past them. His speed and precision were so remarkable that some people looked around as if he had magically disappeared.
It was another Ace-mazing success. I could not be prouder of how confidently and skillfully Ace handled the nonstop foot traffic, tired travelers, rolling suitcases, and the organized chaos of Orlando International Airport. Thanks to my superhero guide, we made it to the airport bus stop on the ground level right on time.
There are not many photos or videos from this portion of the trip, but I did my best. My attention was focused on navigation rather than photography. The sheer size of the city was a little overwhelming, and my priority was making sure Ace and I traveled safely together.
I still managed to put together a short video featuring a collection of photographs woven together with a few brief video clips from our adventure.
Now it is time for a well-earned break! Ace and I will recharge before setting out on Road Trips #17, #18, and #19 later this fall as I have volunteer work in September, October, and November.
Until the next adventure!