Our Florida winter location at New Port Richey was beginning to get hot. Really hot. I’m talking upper 80’s with humidity. I do enjoy the warm weather and being outside most of the time, but it is a sign that it was time to move on northward. And back to our place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. But, before getting back we wanted to sneak in some exploring on the way. We are back on the road again!
Travel Prep
I made a checklist to begin the prep process of packing up and leaving. Of course I did. That’s what I do. Just ask Pat. I like to plan into some detail considering all the contingencies.
With the checklist completed it was time for action! Fill the empty propane tank since the trip north will encounter some cold weather. Yep, snow flurries predicted on the day we arrive in Virginia. Fill up the fuel for the truck and car – ouch! Take down the ham radio antenna and disassemble. Remove all the plastic tubs from the basement hold area, organize, then replace to prepare for the road. Put away the outdoor furniture. Plan out the route. Clean the slide outs. Wash both vehicles. Put away anything out loose inside the 5th wheel coach. You get the idea.
It can always be a bit stressful with all the packing and wondering if the slides will come in properly and the hydraulic stabilizer legs retract, will the truck perform flawlessly, etc, Everything worked as planned!
This all took about three days as we were also wrapping up any RV park activities and saying our goodbyes until next year. Yes, we decided to return to the same park in December. Orchid Lake RV Resort.
We had a great winter and had excellent weather. We saw our Florida family a few times and made many new friends. And we even had an awesome two week cruise. Yeah, it was supposed to be a three weeker, but there you go. We were there on the very last cruise on the finest cruise line in the world: Crystal Cruises. It was an experience.
I also enjoyed the dining this winter. Okay, I ate too much, with the cruise plus all the local fresh seafood places, the food trucks, the down home places, and the wing joint with the guys. Will need to hit the gym to scrub off about 15 pounds although I continue to walk 2-3 miles a day.
Route Back to Virginia
We like the slow leisurely travel plans. No more than 200 miles per day and try to stay a few days at favorite locations with another couple of overnighters. Pat and I both miss the full-time RV travel days plus we do not have any major RV travel planned over the summer. So, we will take our time and explore a couple of favorites.
First up at 100 miles north is the tiny gulf coast town of Cedar Key. We stopped for several days last year and loved it. This year it is three days. Then we planned to drive up to Brunswick, Ga to explore Jekyll Island again for another three day stop. Then it is two overnighters at St. George SC and Rock Hill SC, before arriving back in Radford.
Cedar Key
On our stop last year to Cedar Key, the area will still in the pandemic. There were hardly any tourists out and about. Compared to this year it was much more activity. Not crowded really. No traffic to speak of. That is what we like. A very laid back coastal resort town. Similar to Key West back in the 70’s.
We stayed at Cedar Key RV Resort that is seven miles and ten minutes from Cedar Key. A two lane road with no traffic. Very easy drive in. Our plan is to walk the town a few times, stopping in the shops, and enjoying some seafood meals.
Cedar Key Photos
Tiki Bar – a must stop for a before dinner drink:
Cedar Key Town
Wrap Up
A dangerous thunderstorm was moving our way at 60 mph as we started to drive into town for lunch just before noon. All kinds of weather app warnings were going off. Did we make it in time? More from Cedar Key in the next update. Thanks for following along! Take care and God Bless.
Sounds like a good winter in FL. Hope you have a great spring.