Just finished cleaning the inside of the truck because I also use it for work "Semi Retired". The fifth wheel has been loaded with most everything we need (don't bother taking the summer clothes out). We will be headed to Florida right after Christmas and expect to be in the usuall crowd down 95 all the way. Tried to convince family that we should combine Thanksgiving and Christmas at Thanksgiving so I can get out of here earlier but the DW is not buying it. How many of you are also stuck up here with the "We can't leave the family till after the Holidays":(

We always plan to leave December 28 provided the weather allows us to make the trip from Chicago to Florida without hitting any storms. We don't consider staying until after Christmas being stuck.The other option, of course, is to leave early and come back for Christmas the fast way.

We have been south for 2 1/2 months, As soon as the Autumn leaves fall in MN we are gone.

pawatt wrote:We have been south for 2 1/2 months, As soon as the Autumn leaves fall in MN we are gone.A very smart decision!

Can't leave until after hunting season. I mean after Christmas, I forgot for a moment who decides when we leave.

Just finished re-loading the rig today and tomorrow, 10am, it's I-80 over the Sierra's from our home base in Reno on our way to San Diego arriving at Mission Bay Sunday for Xmas.Then Yuma for New Years.

Doing the final things before hitting the Road South

krinkle
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
Does anyone run bleach through their lines after flushing out the RV antifreeze?
jwbond52
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
I'm in the same situation. Leaving the 27th for Zephyrhills, Fl. I'm leaving earlier next yr. It's supposed to be cold enough that I'm a little afraid to put fresh water in the TT. I suppose I could find some when I get to Tenn.
empty_nest
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
I just wish we could go..... before Christmas, after Christmas or any other time. Unfortunately, we are stuck here for a couple more winters.

Wishing all of you a warm and wonderful Holiday Season, no matter where you are. Travel safe and save a warm place for us. :)
Falcon35
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
The seems to be a trend here, my DW will also not go before Christmas. I have been trying to sell the idea of going early then flying home for Christmas. She says I would do that one year and then not want do it anymore. She knows how much I hate cold and snow.
This year our DD and her family who live in OH and could not come home to Ontario for Christmas. So we are planing to leave to go there for New Years and then leave from there for the RGV.
That all depends on getting the coach out of storage after to-days freezing rain.
Our other DD and Husband and our Son are driving down as well then driving back to ON.
Do you get the picture why I would like to go early.
Retired_andLove
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
So far the DW says no before Christmas. I have been presenting my case and hopefully the coming weather will convince her to head south earlier next year. The alternative is to go south early to mid October and come back home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I would rather have Christmas at Thanksgiving and get it over with.
Louba
Explorer
Dec 21, 2013
It looks like we'll have plenty of company on the roads heading south. I just retired two days ago and we'll be leaving probably on the 28th for our first snowbird experience. Been watching the weather forecasts and it's looking good. With only a week to go I better start loading up the FW. If all works out well this year we may leave a little earlier next year.
LindaD
Explorer
Dec 21, 2013
Guilty as charged - we will be heading out January 6th....
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Dec 20, 2013
Christmas is a date on the calendar. You can have a family Christmas in July if you want. Many celebrate at times other than the official holiday and then head south before the snow flies. How about the younger ones starting to make their own family traditions when the calendar says it's Christmas.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Dec 20, 2013
Next year leave early and go part-way before your final destination. Spend some time exploring the new area. Then at Christmas leave your RV there and drive your vehicle back for a week or so. Then everyone's happy!
John_Joey
Explorer
Dec 20, 2013
Leave mid to late October, then fly north for a week over Christmas. Trying to talk the DW into flying north every other year.