Wednesday, December 24, 2008

900th Freakin' Post!!

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, today marks the 900th post on "Gorilla's Don't Blog". Something tells me that not many people are reading this right now, since it's the day before Christmas. Folks are on the road or in the air, or out doing some last-minute shopping. Or maybe they're just partying! It's almost as if your families are more important to you than I am. That's OK, I like you anyway. And to prove it here are three very nice images to celebrate.

Feast your weary, sunken eyebones upon this photo, from January 5th, 1957! If there is a prettier picture of the Mark Twain, I'm not sure I've seen it. The setting winter sun casts a golden glow over everything, and the dramatic stormy sky is particularly beautiful. Folks on Tom Sawyer Island are taking a last look around before being evicted for the evening, while a canoe skims towards us. In the distance, you can see the Skyway heading through Fantasyland. Bellisimo!


And how about this wonderful picture of the bright yellow Monorial from February 1962? The only flaw is that this was not a stereo photo, because the Monorail already looks like it's about to leap out of the frame. The deep blue sky (with plenty of fluffy clouds) really compliments the golden yellow! You can just see the General Dynamics logo on the sign for the Submarine Voyage.


And finally, here's a lovely picture from the Midget Autopia, circa 1962. A diminutive driver (looking like silent screen star Colleen Moore) leans into the hairpin curves. I love the way that these small automobiles had a steering wheel on each side! The rolling hills are covered in tiny purple flowers; they resemble the background paintings of Disney animated features from the 50's (such as Alice in Wonderland). There's something about the composition of this photo that is nostalgic and dreamlike.


I'd like to say thank you to everyone who continues to read this blog on a regular basis after having to sit through endless pictures of the Pirate Ship and Sleeping Beauty Castle and snoozing through my "prose" (ha ha). And a special thanks, as always, to those of you who take the time to comment. I'm still sticking to my plan of reaching 1000 posts. Then what? Who knows.

Also, I will be out of town for the next few days, though I have some new posts ready to go, they will be published like magic. Happy Holidays, everyone!

*Editor's note! For some reason, blogger's "edit post" function lists this as my 900th post. But the blog itself says that this is my 898th. I don't get it! Who do I believe?

22 comments:

TokyoMagic! said...

Major, congratulations on your 900th post! Please don't even think of stopping when you reach 1,000! I enjoy every single photo and I always find your commentary humorous. You do something very special...you make people laugh, AND you help them relive happy memories. Thank you for that!

Happy Holidays to you!

Thufer said...

congrats on a wonderful job. thank you and please, keep up the good work.

Chris Merritt said...

Great job sir! I for one love your "prose"...

Vintage Disneyland Tickets said...

Prose and all, you run a Fantastic Blog and these three gems prove it! WOW WOW WOW on the Mark Twain shot, and the monorail, heck and the miget autopia, these are super Christmas gifts, thanks Major. Merry Christmas and how about a toast to 900 more posts!!!! LOL!

Merlinsguy said...

Beautiful Mark Twain shot!

Congrats on the posting milestone, but we all add, you're not allowed to stop.

Todd Franklin said...

Congrats on the big 900! Thanks for letting us time travel to Disneyland everyday!

Anonymous said...

We all love you, Major! Merry Christmas!

Daveland said...

900? I count 898...what a slacker! That is one heckuva cool yellow monorail shot–I had to duck when I saw it!

Let's Talk Knott's said...

Congratulations & Thanks. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts each morning. Happy 900th!

The Viewliner Limited said...

A Christmas message from Richard on board the Viewliner Limited:

May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note
and make way for a fresh and bright new year.

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful photos for the 900th. Merry Christmas Major and thanks for all the great images this past year.

I always love seeing Midget Autopia photos because of the great landscaping. Note the worn area where cast members walked between tracks. If this attraction existed today I would ride it (I wonder if adults COULD fit into the cars? Perhaps not. If so it is the only ride I can think of (and I'm not thinking too hard right now) where only kids could enjoy it.
The Colleen Moore reference is a special treat for us silent film fans.

Kevin Kidney said...

Merry Christmas, Major!

Midhrifs said...

Another daily viewer reporting. I salute your achievement of 900 posts! It's an entertaining stop, this blog of yours. Classic photos and sparkling conversation.

Anonymous said...

Three great pictures to celebrate number 900. Congrats on the big milestone, thanks for the irreplaceable photos and hilarious commentary.

Anonymous said...

You're awesome dude! Great photos
and witty writing...hopefully you
will keep going well after 1,000!

Nancy said...

well, Major...you certainly know how to throw a party!!! :D

thanks so much for all the joy and laughs you bring us every single day. when i look back on the good things that happened for me in 2008, finding your blog (and wonderful sense of humor) are at the top of my list! congrats ;)

Merry Christmas to everyone :)

the macabre gourmet said...

Congratulations on the 900th post! These photos are always awesome to see. Have a great holiday and be well!

outsidetheberm said...

900 incredible posts. Nice work, indeed. Thank you.

walterworld said...

You're the best---Please continue on to 1000 posts and beyond.

By the way, I've really gotten to like the humor you add to your prose...Goes very well with the incredible pictures.

Take care and congratulations!

Tinker Bell said...

Congrats Major! Hope you had a great holiday!
Great Autopia photo, too!

Anonymous said...

Knockout one-two-three punch! Lovely first pic, beautifully encapsulating second pic and a dream for a third. Wow! What a great post for a great site. Can't put in words how I've enjoyed these 900 posts but I perhaps a hint lay in the fact that I've made a point of seeing every single one!

Connie Moreno said...

Holy cow, all three of these photos are incredible. Oh and your commentary, as well. *grin*

Seriously, I'm sitting here with an aching knee and the only thing that helps is going through your old posts and laughing while I'm drooling all over my keyboard looking at the incredible pictures.

Don't even stop blogging. EVER! That's an order!