One afternoon we decided to make a long loop drive of about 150 miles so we could drive the length of the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. We drove from where we were staying over to Front Royal VA and entered the National Park from the north entrance. Days like this we sure appreciate having our senior National Parks pass!
The weather was partly cloudy with intermittent showers. The drive was a wonderful, slow meander through the lush and green vegetation in the mountains of the park. Driving the length of the road we often stopped at the scenic pull outs to take in the serenity of such a majestic park.
Lots of butterflies were out and a few critters such as rabbits, squirrels and deer. While taking in all the scenery we took some time to talk about what our future plans might be once we leave our friend’s place. Our first thoughts revolved around where to go this winter.
With Bonita Springs Florida having been our original destination this winter Covid-19 has changed our thoughts about going there since we mostly stay for all the social events with our snowbird friends.. Likewise another winter favorite is in Mesa Arizona where there are endless activities and live music played daily. Most if not all of these will most likely not be available this winter.
So why pay $1100 to $1300 dollars per month when we won’t be able to enjoy what these two locations usually offer? Therefore, we decided to winter this season in Texas at Port Isabel on South Padre Island. Pricey by Texas standards but for under $700 per month we figured it would be a good place to wait out Covid this winter and not incur the additional cost of amenities we wouldn’t be able to use. Sharon totally loves the beach and we will have easy access at the park we chose. Decision made.
With that decided it was time to start thinking about heading south. We still have a reservation at John Pennecamp State Park in the Florida Keys in late October so our thoughts are to start heading that way and still have time to spend a month or so near our daughter in Raleigh NC. Time to start packing, well, maybe one last stop at Woodstock Brewery….
NOTE: We have left the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia until and are back on the road south as we are heading toward Raleigh, NC…
When we lived in Reston Fran and I wanted to cruise the Skyline Drive, but were chased off every viewpoint by Biblical quantities of gnats and mosquitoes. Thanks for the photos, we will have to try it again - looks ike we missed a lot.
ReplyDeleteDidn't have any problems with bugs this trip.
DeleteSounds like a good well-thought-out plan for the winter. I'll be watching since that is a place I also would like to go but this winter I have Florida State Park reservations. Hope you enjoy your time in the keys and travel safely.
ReplyDeleteYes, I finally got some days at Flagler on the way down...
DeleteHeyduke - My son and his wife spent a week in their new Airstream at the following new resort which opened in 2019. He said it it was full of activities; Before he left to return to Raleigh, they even offered him a great deal for three months so that he could leave his Airstream there and drive back and forth when he wanted to use it. All amenities (to include utilities) with pickleball and outside and inside pools. The resort is so new, however, that the trees are not yet mature. The e-mail address is Carolina Pines.com. Phone number is 1 (888) 420-4092. Two miles outside the Conway Expressway to North Myrtle Beach. Todd, my son, says that the campground still has that "new car" look and smell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip...
DeleteDon't be sad to miss hearing Wagon Wheel and Sweet Caroline played badly every single day at Cal Am. It is fun to see the people out and about. Your plans sound much better.
ReplyDeleteHa, now that's funny...
DeleteHaving come from southern New Jersey, as a child my family frequented Skyline Drive sometimes even tent camping. We would always walk down Dark Hollow Falls. Several years ago Hubby and I were doing the drive. I wanted to walk it one last time. I am so glad I did. He is now on oxygen 24/7 and I am in need of a knee replacement.
ReplyDeleteEven though we no longer RV, I would hope to take that drive again.
Enjoy your winter where you have decided would be appropriate.
What you say resonates... we all need to do everything we can while we can!
DeleteWe have friends who used to stay in Port Isabel every winter. We never made it that far south when we'd visit Rockport and Mustang Island. We miss our TX Gulf Coast excursions, but like the security of the annual RV site in Phoenix. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteWe toss around the idea of buying a permanent lot as well but we just can't seem to pull the trigger on it.
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