From New Jersey to Key Biscayne, FL

Sunday, October 31, 1999

NJ to Claytor Lake State Park, VA

Actually managed to be on the road by 7:15 EDT. Had planned for today to be one of those "get there in a hurry" days, i.e. all the driving would be on interstate highways. But there was some scenic beauty nevertheless. For those of you who are forced by rig size onto the interstate highway system, here's my report.

I-80 from my home to the Delaware Water Gap is moderately attractive, especially at this time of the year where there still is some good foliage left. I-80 in Pennsylvania to the I-81 junction is similarly pretty in the Fall. Although there was a lot of morning fog, now and then a blazing yellow birch tree would emerge by the roadside - beautiful.

I-81 from the I-80 interchange to about 15 miles north of Harrisburg is quite pretty, good pavement, light traffic. I-81 south of Harrisburg to the state line is an abomination. Be sure everything in your vehicle is nailed down, including your breakfast, fillings, or dentures.

Matters improve when you hit Maryland, a beautiful road. Some construction, also in West Virginia, but no major delays.

Virginia is a mixed bag. I could do without the first 100 miles or so, then it gets scenic. Fall colors are still strong. Traffic is moderate on Sundays, and very fast.

Fearing an early sunset, I had originally planned to spend the night at Douthat State Park near Stanton. Got to the area before 1 PM and thought it would be ridiculous to turn in so early. Proceeded on I-81 to Christiansburg and then on to Claytor Lake State Park. The campground is quite large and well laid out with reasonably level pull-through sites and large back-ins. Including me, there are four campers here. Cost is $14.00 if you don't hook up, and $18.00 if you do. The bathhouse is very clean and the showers have plenty of hot water. Evening temperature was a comfortable 66F, which dropped to 40F during the night.

I traveled 520 miles today and was on the road for 8 hours. A pretty decent average speed of 65 mph. Bought gasoline in VA at $1.179 per gallon.

Monday, November 1, 1999

Claytor Lake, VA to Anastasia State Park, FL

Was on the road by 8:45, after an enjoyable hot shower and an ample breakfast. It was foggy in the park, so didn't get any good photos of the attractive lake. I-81 South to I-77 is quite scenic with great Fall colors, especially after the sun came out. I-77 through Virginia is beautiful, especially the stretch to/through Fancy Gap. Approaching Charlotte, I-77 becomes a typical urban interstate and doesn't improve much in South Carolina. Took I-26 to I-95, nothing exciting about that stretch except that I-26 is the main road to Charleston. Charleston being a harbor city means lots of trucks, so there is a solid line of 18 wheelers in the right lane. They seem to like to bunch up, so try to avoid taking an exit for refueling. There are also a lot of RVs, mostly with Canadian license plates. I guess the snowbirds are heading for Florida already.

I-95 continues to be the total boredom road. South Carolina is doing some wildflower planting, mostly near the Georgia border. As I have mentioned in a previous journal, Georgia seems to be making an effort to beautify I-95. I guess the folks in South Carolina want the south-north traveler to make a gradual transition to SC's accumulation of ugliness and billboards along I-95.

Hit the Florida state line around 4 PM and the outside temperature had climbed to 78F. Made it through the construction sites in Jacksonville without delays (a major blessing). I've been driving north-south-north through Jacksonville since December 1976, and there have always been construction sites! I wonder whether they'll ever get done.

Found my way to Anastasia State Recreation Area just south of St. Augustine Beach on A1A. It was already almost dark at 6 PM, so didn't get to see much. But it looks like an attractive park, right by the ocean. It's about 80F, a great temperature for November 1. Cost of a nonelectric site is $15.26, a fair price, I think.There is a Subway sandwich shop near the park entrance, so I bought a sandwich for dinner. Couldn't eat at the picnic table, too many no-see'ums.

It's so warm that the inside of the van is almost uncomfortable. I don't have air conditioning, just a little fan. It will be working overtime all night. Have good TV reception and just found out that storm and tornado warnings have been posted for the area. Sure enough, heavy rain for most of the night. But the Westy canvas pop-up sides were tight.

Tuesday, November 2, 1999

St. Augustine Beach, FL to Key Biscayne, FL

The temperature started dropping around 4 AM and fell all the way from 78F to 60F. Woke up early with an uncontrollable urge for pancakes. Made coffee, packed up and headed out. Stayed on A1A South. A pleasant drive through beachfront villages with occasional scenic views of the Atlantic. Found an IHOP near Flagler Beach and indulged. A1A from St. Augustine Beach to Daytona Beach is a worthwhile detour.

Then I-95 to the FL Turnpike junction. Boring. The Florida Turnpike isn't any better, but at least it is a way to avoid the I-95 construction sites and impossible traffic from Palm Beach to Miami.

Made it to Key Biscayne by 2:15 PM, beautiful sunshine and 88F. I'll be here for a couple of weeks, hope the weather holds. Was on the road for 6 1/4 hours, drove 332 miles, and bough gasoline in FL at $1.299/gal.

Had dinner at Vito's, a new Italian restaurant on the island. Food was excellent, but a bit on the expensive side.

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