A little advice appreciated

[stuccosteve]

So going on two years with the Cov scare and all that goes along with it has me a bit stuck in my tracks. Made an investment into a beautiful 15 year old HR Navigator 2 1/2 years ago. It’s a well maintained and upgraded coach with many miles left on it. Things kinda got off track not long after I retired with grand plans to tour the country with my newly purchased RV because of the Cov scare.

So now I am almost 3 years older and have barely used this coach to it’s potential, I feel as if the momentum has been lost and can’t clearly decide if it’s prudent to just pack up and roll down south hoping to find someplace decent to land amongst the virus panicked country or what. I peruse the various online offerings and they all seem to be somewhat noncommittal and lord only knows what type of crowed conditions or what exists at these various sites. I simply want to find a quiet and not flashy place that provides for a monthly rental as close to beach areas as possible.

I can’t imagine driving this 43’ rig down south cold calling on various gulf coast campgrounds at the mercy of whatever the Covid has done to the open areas. Would I be better serviced literally driving down in my car and spend a week vetting the various beach location campgrounds? I don’t fancy driving around from site to site hoping that one is just right for a monthly stay and certainly am not reassured by the sparsity of information available on line. It is truly a dilemma given the fact that things are so unsettled at this time.

[raeburn2000]

We have travelled about 160 days since COVID started. Campgrounds have adapted to the new normal. Some activities have been cancelled and common areas often have restrictions, but it seems to be business as usual.

States vary in their responses. Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are all pretty much open. Even restaurants at 50-75% capacity.

We feel much more at risk going to the grocery store than staying at the campgrounds.

Go out and enjoy the coast.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by stuccosteve

So going on two years with the Cov scare and all that goes along with it has me a bit stuck in my tracks. Made an investment into a beautiful 15 year old HR Navigator 2 1/2 years ago. It’s a well maintained and upgraded coach with many miles left on it. Things kinda got off track not long after I retired with grand plans to tour the country with my newly purchased RV because of the Cov scare.

So now I am almost 3 years older and have barely used this coach to it’s potential, I feel as if the momentum has been lost and can’t clearly decide if it’s prudent to just pack up and roll down south hoping to find someplace decent to land amongst the virus panicked country or what. I peruse the various online offerings and they all seem to be somewhat noncommittal and lord only knows what type of crowed conditions or what exists at these various sites. I simply want to find a quiet and not flashy place that provides for a monthly rental as close to beach areas as possible.

I can’t imagine driving this 43’ rig down south cold calling on various gulf coast campgrounds at the mercy of whatever the Covid has done to the open areas. Would I be better serviced literally driving down in my car and spend a week vetting the various beach location campgrounds? I don’t fancy driving around from site to site hoping that one is just right for a monthly stay and certainly am not reassured by the sparsity of information available on line. It is truly a dilemma given the fact that things are so unsettled at this time.

Take off and never look back. Do some planning up front. Get going, times a wastin.

[twinboat]

Pick a centrally located campground, book a few weeks, and drive that thing down here.
From there you can branch out and explore RV parks that you may want to settle in. Lots of open sites this year, with few Canadians.

We arrived in Florida in November and have been to 6 camp grounds so far, with at least 2 more to go.

Beach's are open and safe, and the 2 parks with pools limit capacity, but are open.

As far as social distancing, what will you do on the road, that your not doing at home ?
Occasional meals out, shopping for groceries and supplies, still goes on, just in different states.

[dwkerch]

DITTO the first two responses. We traveled a lot in Oct. and Nov. and had no problems finding parking places. We plan to take off again in March. You are safer in your coach in a campground than just about anywhere else. Safer traveling, sleeping and eating.

[Nwcid]

We do not "campground" often as we prefer to boondock.

The time in our RV has actually increased as out "flying" travel has basically stopped.

We come into contact with way less people when in the "RV life" than we do in the "home life".

We are prepared for even more time out this year.

[TXTiger]

Pick a location you want to visit, Florida, TX (maybe the RGV) or AZ. Go on campgroundreviews.com for that area and search for campgrounds. Look at the reviews and pictures. Call a few and talk to them and ask what Covid restrictions they have implemented, is the pool open, are the local restaurants open etc. Book a few days or a week at one campground and go. While there drive around and look at the other campgrounds. You can always move at the end of the week if you don’t like the one you are in.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by stuccosteve

So going on two years with the Cov scare and all that goes along with it has me a bit stuck in my tracks. Made an investment into a beautiful 15 year old HR Navigator 2 1/2 years ago. It’s a well maintained and upgraded coach with many miles left on it. Things kinda got off track not long after I retired with grand plans to tour the country with my newly purchased RV because of the Cov scare.

IMHO your issue is YOU - we were all served Lemons with Covid - Most of us Have Made some pretty Good Lemonade - - Think about it - Self contained - your Bed - your Bathroom - Wal*Mart will curbside deliver - There are more options than you can imagine. to Camp ........

So now I am almost 3 years older and have barely used this coach to it’s potential, I feel as if the momentum has been lost and can’t clearly decide if it’s prudent to just pack up and roll down south hoping to find someplace decent to land amongst the virus panicked country or what. I peruse the various online offerings and they all seem to be somewhat noncommittal and lord only knows what type of crowed conditions or what exists at these various sites. I simply want to find a quiet and not flashy place that provides for a monthly rental as close to beach areas as possible.

Get of your BUTT and go - the number of spaces is unbelievable - Kids left Colorado and have spent two months in Florida working Via Zoom - Kids being Home Schooled - They have had O Issues. Now that it's begun to Snow in Colorado, so they are returning to Ski - Travel is easy. Sorry the fear is the issue, not covid
- where ever you are the location is not the problem the way you handle the problem is the issue - Pack Up get on the Road - enjoy this Opportunity!

I can’t imagine driving this 43’ rig down south cold calling on various gulf coast campgrounds at the mercy of whatever the Covid has done to the open areas. Would I be better serviced literally driving down in my car and spend a week vetting the various beach location campgrounds? I don’t fancy driving around from site to site hoping that one is just right for a monthly stay and certainly am not reassured by the sparsity of information available on line. It is truly a dilemma given the fact that things are so unsettled at this time.

You Have a Phone use it - Get in the Coach and head South - the fear you have is from inexperience not from Covid - Go - Learn - Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JMHO,

edit note - Last summer almost 20,000 miles driven in Toad and Coach - close to 16 weeks + - on the Road East to West (YNP to Taos) Returned to Maryland then Back to Colorado for the Aspen - best time Ever - Normally not a summer traveler - so it was crowded - but we stayed with our Group and enjoyed the RV

[Charming]

if you still have the wanderlust,, do your homework, then pack up and go.

What do you enjoy, what do you want to see, and what fits your budget are some of the questions you have probably been pondering during covid.

As many will say, traveling in your self contained home away from home is a great way to start your journey.

Get your vaccination, mask up, wash your hands and socially distance, important steps to take to protect yourself and others.

We are planning our first major excursion in April, chomping at the bit to get going!

[Mark_K5LXP]

Originally Posted by stuccosteve

hoping to find someplace decent to land amongst the virus panicked country or what.

The only virus panic you'll find is in the media. In my travels, amongst the general population and park/CG operators in particular, the consensus is eff the virus. Aside from the more or less enforced mask mandate for some places it's business as usual. Don't let the "science" get you down, gas that sucker up and hit the road.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[twojayhawks]

We traveled as much in 2020 as every other year. Things changed so we adapt. Don't know where on the gulf you want to be but TX is great. We were here https://www.bluewaterrvpark.com/ last spring when the madness started & we'll be back again early March. You can social distance & still get your sunshine & beach on. Like others have suggested make a rez somewhere, stay a while & branch out & explore. Those tires aren't getting any younger

[stuccosteve]

The advice is greatly appreciated, we used to travel by the direction the wind blew unless it was a destination planned. The desire is strong, the momentum was short circuited and all the resultant clutter has made it difficult to get clarity.

[TriMoot]

Originally Posted by stuccosteve

So going on two years with the Cov scare and all that goes along with it has me a bit stuck in my tracks. Made an investment into a beautiful 15 year old HR Navigator 2 1/2 years ago. It’s a well maintained and upgraded coach with many miles left on it. Things kinda got off track not long after I retired with grand plans to tour the country with my newly purchased RV because of the Cov scare.

So now I am almost 3 years older and have barely used this coach to it’s potential, I feel as if the momentum has been lost and can’t clearly decide if it’s prudent to just pack up and roll down south hoping to find someplace decent to land amongst the virus panicked country or what. I peruse the various online offerings and they all seem to be somewhat noncommittal and lord only knows what type of crowed conditions or what exists at these various sites. I simply want to find a quiet and not flashy place that provides for a monthly rental as close to beach areas as possible.

I can’t imagine driving this 43’ rig down south cold calling on various gulf coast campgrounds at the mercy of whatever the Covid has done to the open areas. Would I be better serviced literally driving down in my car and spend a week vetting the various beach location campgrounds? I don’t fancy driving around from site to site hoping that one is just right for a monthly stay and certainly am not reassured by the sparsity of information available on line. It is truly a dilemma given the fact that things are so unsettled at this time.

stuccosteve, yes, if I were you, I'd sell that old rig and just hunker down. Now in full honesty, I said all that cause I'm shopping for a rig JUST LIKE YOURS! So, yes, sell it (to me, ONLY ME) and just hunker down in place.

[TriMoot]

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

The only virus panic you'll find is in the media. In my travels, amongst the general population and park/CG operators in particular, the consensus is eff the virus. Aside from the more or less enforced mask mandate for some places it's business as usual. Don't let the "science" get you down, gas that sucker up and hit the road.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

What Mark said, just go! We left Spokane, WA last October and arrived in Melbourne Beach at the end of October and we had NO PROBLEMS anywhere! Just wear your mask, do the 6 foot rule. We've made a few runs down to the keys, and Palm Beach and have no issues whatsoever. People are aware, they wear mask, keep their distance and have always been kind and helpful.

Honestly you won't have any issues. And if something comes up, you'll figure it out, and if you don't, post it here and someone will help you out.

If you're thinking of coming down to Melbourne Beach FL, PM me as I have an RV site that is available from June to October and it's a 2 minute walk to the BEACH, has 3 pools, two tennis courts and the best...SHUFFLEBOARD! HA!

But, also, selling your rig to me is a good option too....