3. GOING NORTH FOR THANKSGIVING

Day 10: Sunday, November 18

After almost three weeks on Key Biscayne, it's time to head north so that I'll be home for Thanksgiving. The most efficient way is to take I-95, and there isn't a more boring road as far as I'm concerned. Because my home is in New Jersey and the vacation house is on Key Biscayne, I estimate that I've made this trip at least 70 times since 1976. So don't expect me to wax about scenic beauty.

However, a really outstandingly beautiful spot along the way is Ft. McAllister State Park near Richmond Hills/Savannah, GA. I have not visited the fort itself, my praise relates to the campground. Imagine spacious and well-separated sites, spotlessly clean, with electricity, water, picnic table and fire ring. Picture tall oaks and other hardwoods, deer coming to visit while you're sitting outdoors, and a clean bathhouse. $12.40 for a senior who doesn't need to be hooked up.

The park is about 10 miles east off I-95 on a pretty little road, SR 144. It isn't as close to Savannah as the other state park in the area, Skidaway Island, but a lot easier to get to and a lot more beautiful. A definite "recommend."

Left Key Biscayne at 8:30 AM to beautiful sunshine and 75F. Enjoyed sunshine and 80F most of the way, but occasional showers in northeastern Florida that would wash the bugs off the windshield and drop the temperature into the sixities. The sun came back out when I hit Georgia, and the evening was clear. Sat outside until it got dark, watching a small herd of deer police the campground. A beautiful evening, especially considering that it is mid-November. Went inside to watch the news on TV, fixed a light supper, watched TV for a while, and went to bed early.

Was on the road for 7 3/4 hours and drove 500 miles. Bought gasoline in Georgia and paid $1.159/gal -- about 10 cents lower than Florida's best prices along I-95. Averaged 15.9 mpg on the last tank.

Day 11: Monday, November 19

A day of driving -- I-95 all the way. Was on the road by 9:00 AM. Fairly light traffic northbound, but southbound traffic seemed heavy, with many RVs. Crossed the Virginia state line at 3:30 PM and the lady at the welcoming center assured me that I could make it to the Pocahontas state park (near Chester, between Petersburg and Richmond) before nightfall. She was right.

Pocahontas offers a fairly attractive campground. Paved sites are well separated and have water, electricity, picnic tables and grills/fire rings. Most are pull-through and not very level. $18 for the night.

Spent the last evening of this trip cleaning the cabin, eating leftovers, and watching TV. The temperature dropped into the low fifties.

Was on the road for 7 3/4 hours, drove 500 miles. Bought gasoline in Virginia at $1.019/gal and averaged 18 miles per gallon.

Day 12: Tuesday, November 20

Woke up at 7:00 AM to a foggy sky and a temperature of 55F. Was on the road by 9:00 AM after draining the water tank and water heater, dumping grey water, and emptying the porta-potty. Below-freezing temps were forecasted for the east coast for tonight.

An uneventful drive to Washington, DC. Took I-395 through the city -- usually we take I-495 and I-295 to get to the Baltimore Expressway. City traffic wasn't too bad, but construction on the expressway made for long delays.

Since I was carrying propane, didn't want to risk the tunnels. Have taken the van through the Harbor Tunnel without problems many times, but with the increased security and all, didn't want to get a ticket. The bridge is the mandatory route for hazmat. Strong winds made for a bit of white knuckle driving.

Heavy traffic north of Baltimore, esecially at the toll plazas. The New Jersey turnpike was a mess -- heavy traffic and several accidents.

Hit I-287 around rush hour time. The interchange with I-80 west was a huge parking lot. Diverted to back roads and made it home by 5:30 PM. Drove 400 miles and was on the road for 8 1/2 hours. Filled up the tank and paid $1.119/gal. The tank average was 16.8 mpg.

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Statistics

Was away from home for 30 days and on the road for 12. Drove 3,965 miles and used up 238 gallons of gasoline. Total fuel cost was $276, or $1.159/gal on the average. Fuel consumption averaged 16.6 mpg. Stayed at 9 different campgrounds for a total cost of $114.

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