Decisions, Decisions

We went to the mini RV show at the clubhouse yesterday on the way to the pool. They had about 15 rigs at the show, including 2 new Doubletree Mobile Suites that were different models from ours, but pretty much the same layout. The changes have been subtle but very good. The main addition is an automatic leveling system for the fifth wheel that we wish we had an option of getting. Even though we have the hydraulic jacks, it would be nice to be able to just push a button and the rig would totally level itself. Like everything else, the newer you get, the more modern you get. There were several used motorhomes that we went through but were not impressed. If we ever made the move to one it would probably have to be a new one, or very near new, so that we could get a warranty with it and also know that there are no "hidden" problems.

It was a great day to go to the pool - near 80 degrees and sunny - so we spent quite some time there enjoying the spa (Josie & ? below):

 and the pool:

We also spent a lot of time discussing options for our next move. An important consideration is costs associated with getting there and we calculated the following distances to the locations we are considering, using Clermont, FL as the starting point since that is where we are located in the Thousand Trails park: Clermont to Cody = 2258 MI, Clermont to Bethpage = 810 MI, Clermont to Gig Pine Key = 352 MI. Although it is very close, the Big Pine Key has some other considerations that are not so positive. Namely, I'm not sure if I can use our Verizon equipment there (phones and internet). It appears that only A T & T and Sprint are there. We will get clarification of that. Most other services are there, but shopping is a problem and we have heard from talking to others that the beaches are man made and not very nice ( we will research that) and even though the new technologies give plenty of warning for major storms, such as hurricanes, it is still a huge hassle to evacuate the Keys on the 2 lane road that connects to the mainland. We can imagine the traffic as everybody scrambles to get to the mainland. There are many positives, but we need to be realistic about the negatives.

Cody is a long way off and would cost a lot in gas to get there (approximately $1300 in diesel and regular unleaded, if we drove both vehicles). Virginia is looking a little better every day, but the money isn't quite as good as the other locations. Decisions, decisions.

The next week or two will be very interesting as we sort out all these options and make the decisions. That's about it for now...