Travel Prep to Begin Soon

Travel Prep to Begin Soon – We are continuing to enjoy our Florida oasis where we have been for about 2.5 months now. When all the mandates came out about sheltering in place we decided that Clermont Florida was the best of all our options. And it has proven to be that. Covid cases have been very low, excellent healthcare systems, and some great weather from March to mid-May. And then somewhere around mid-May it suddenly became hot and humid. It seems paradise does have a small downside. It’s about time to prep for travel!

Photos are from our way back archives.

The central Florida summer weather pattern is usually an afternoon rain or thunderstorm and this year is no exception. It is 80 degrees with 87% humidity as I type this at 10am. We can normally sit outside under the awning until noon, but may elect to retreat back inside today. The marvel of air conditioning!

During the last couple of months we did manage to avoid much iffy weather Up North in Virginia as they have had some freeze warnings and flurries. Living in an RV is not ideal in the cold climates as the thrifty manufacturers do not add much insulation. But the rig does have a great propane furnace for some of those cold winter nights in these tropical climates. A few nights our temps were clear down to 49 degrees this year!

One of our retirement RV life goals has been to follow the 70 degree line. As things warmed up we would begin our travels northward. It worked great last year as we worked our way from Texas to New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and the barely into Montana. Obviously, this year and those travel plans were put on hold after the Chinese released the cootie bug on the world.

RV Travel

There are still many restrictions on RV travel as many state and national park campgrounds are continuing to stay closed to new arrivals. Some states are still requiring a 14 day stay at private RV parks for out of staters passing through. Makes is tough to get somewhere. But things are quickly opening up in many states.

We have made a few reservations to take us a few stops on the way back to Virginia and so far so good. We leave Clermont on June 16th, then a few days near Ocala Florida, a week in Savannah Ga, four days in Myrtle Beach for some planned RV work, then it is back to our own home area of southwest Virginia. Plan to be there about three months in the cool breezes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I have heard from some RV travel podcasts that many small communities may not be exactly rolling out the red carpet for out of state travelers. Even if tourism is their main livelihood. They do not want their small town to be overwhelmed by potential virus cases. But it is either risk that or else face economic hardships. A tough call.

I can also understand as people in the covid hot spots want to get out of dodge. Living in NY city or Chicago may have many attractions, but not many during a pandemic. I can’t imagine having to ride up many floors in a crowded elevator or even worse packed like mackerel in a subway.

Traveling by an RV, in my opinion, is the perfect option in today’s environment. You have your own bed and there is no need for restaurants as we have a full kitchen. Heck, we even have our own restroom while on the road. The perfect solution to travel while staying socially distant in our fully self contained condo on wheels.

Getting Out

In the last week, we have been out twice to the local Publix grocery store. We wear our masks and make sure to sanitize hands when returning back to the car. Only about half of the shoppers do wear masks. Most seem to keep a distance though. Like everybody, we get our stuff, pay, then get out about a quick as possible.

The CDC now says that there is little benefit in sanitizing all the groceries and supplies that you bring home from the store. That was quite the about face as we have been following the rules in wiping everything down. Now, it feels like we are cheating by just bringing the stuff in and putting away without the hazmat approach. Certainly hope they are correct.

Exiting the Full Time RV Life?

That is the question that we are pondering for the first time in over three years. I retired in May of 2017, just after we sold our home and bought our RV. Since then we have been on the road traveling this great and beautiful country of ours. We have been very blessed.

Then along comes the Covid virus just about the time we were considering how we would know when it may be the time to settle down again. I still have many places that I want to travel. Some new states and others a return to a favorite spot. If we purchase a home, the travel will be about half the year.

There are still many things to consider. Including a budget. Our friends and former full time RVers, Randy and Pam Warner, just posted a blog about his thoughts on exiting the full time RV life. See the attached link as he has many good comments. LINK

We plan to review the real estate listings to see what is available and determine our budget. Then actually go see some home candidates after we arrive in Virginia. I’ve already begun the process with a realtor. If we do not find the perfect home, we may wait another year. No real urgency since we have the RV and can travel.

Indiana Visit

We had planned to drive the little Honda CRV up to Indiana to visit our moms in July. Pat will cook several months worth of meals for her mother’s freezer. It is her twice a year effort along with several days of visiting. While I take a few days to see my mother at her independent living facility in Indianapolis.

This year her place is not allowing any visitors through stages 1-4 and possibly 5. Indiana is now in stage 2, I believe. So, do I drive the 500 miles from Virginia to be able to wave to mom on her balcony? It is a crazy year. Maybe they will open things up in the fall, but I keep hearing the virus may make a comeback during the normal fall flu season.

We do need to keep our mom safe as she is in her late 80’s. But do we go a year or more without actually seeing her? In the meantime, I call every couple of days to chat. She is actually doing great. Her place has closed the dining room and they deliver the meals of her choice three times a day. They have also closed all the common rooms as well as the gym. It is a great facility for sure. But not being able to leave and not being able to have visitors would be very challenging if I were in her place.

Wrap Up

So in the next three weeks we begin the preparations to get back on the road after a much longer winter “downtime” than planned. There is really not that much to do but I like having a checklist and the peace of mind that we are ready. Some of the tasks are to test the slide-outs, check the coach tire pressures, check the roof and remove all the sticks and tree debris. Then on the inside we have to securely store all the stuff we have.

We are looking forward to seeing family and friends in Virginia and Indiana. I certainly miss the adventures and exploring that we have done the last three years. We’ll soon see what traveling is like in this new era. But, I sure hope we get back to normal soon.

Take care and God bless.