Snowbird Report Card

Spent 5 months in Crystal River, FL. This was our 6th year spending some months in Florida (2-5 months). I'd say that the weather was probably fairly typical. Never been there in November and it was quite nice. December wasn't bad, but slightly cooler. January was cooler for sure, but it's January, what do you expect. In fact, I golf in a league and we had some chilly mornings, but it usually warmed as the day went on. Late January was nice though. February & March were nice, usually 60s - 80s. Lots of Michiganders in our park as well as other Great Lakers and Canadians. We are accustomed to varying temps and conditions. We left our awning out nearly all winter.

We don't like it too warm, especially at night. Had to use our heaters more than previous years. The rain was a bit more early winter, especially December. Our golf course was actually closed for a few days in December due to water. I even had to use my ball retriever to recover my ball and it was in the fairway.

I spent the winter in Deming and Truth or Consequences NM. Elephant Butte, Rockhound and City of Rocks. Annual SP camping pass $225. Mostly used my solar, but it was an especially cold winter so got e/w sites for about 20% of the time ($4/day extra). Saw snow flurries, one night about an inch, but NO RAIN for the whole 5 months! One night 18 degrees, many nights in 30's. But warms right up with sunny days, which were every day.

steveh27 wrote:
I am the reason for climate change. I spent 2 months in FLA, end of Jan to end of Mar. Last year Tampa area had the warmest Feb on record - I was there. This year the 2nd warmest, too hot. I move around and spent 31 days in free campgrounds that only had a vault toilet or portijohn. The problem was I was dependent on solar & did not bring my genny (Class B & not much storage) so could not run my AC. When it got too hot I did go to a paid camp for AC.

To the poster re John Prince in Lake Worth. I spent 2 nights there last year & would not want to go back. They really jam you in there & the bathroom was old, dirty & w/o screens. The free spots were inland rural areas and are limited in the number permitted in so we spread out.

I like your camping style...that is mine on years when I winter in Florida.

texanrvr wrote:
We spent our fourth season in this park in Mission Tx. and I must say that this year was cooler, as was last year. We have been full-timing for over ten years, with all of the winters being spent in the RGV. There seems to be less people here now but I have no official numbers to back this up.

One survey said we had about 140,000 Winter Texans in the Valley 10 years ago and about 100,000 now. The recent recession and loss of pensions for many really reduced the numbers. I retired at 53, many are now working into their 70's. Also some new retirees are taking short Winter trips to resort areas rather than staying in one place for the Winter.

DW and I flew down to south Texas and rented a place for two months. From there we flew to Miami and hopped on a cruise ship. Sixteen days later got off in San Diego and flew home. In hindsight, should have rented a car an took a week or two to get back. Way too much snow to deal with, a little longer and the sun would have gotten a lot of it.

Cost about the same as six months of RVING (not including the depreciation of the RV.) Weather in TX was chilly, but in a S&B is more bearable then in a RV with 2 inch walls and R1 windows. Central and South America the weather was delightful, but poverty was rampant.

I am the reason for climate change. I spent 2 months in FLA, end of Jan to end of Mar. Last year Tampa area had the warmest Feb on record - I was there. This year the 2nd warmest, too hot. I move around and spent 31 days in free campgrounds that only had a vault toilet or portijohn. The problem was I was dependent on solar & did not bring my genny (Class B & not much storage) so could not run my AC. When it got too hot I did go to a paid camp for AC.

To the poster re John Prince in Lake Worth. I spent 2 nights there last year & would not want to go back. They really jam you in there & the bathroom was old, dirty & w/o screens. The free spots were inland rural areas and are limited in the number permitted in so we spread out.

We spent our fourth season in this park in Mission Tx. and I must say that this year was cooler, as was last year. We have been full-timing for over ten years, with all of the winters being spent in the RGV. There seems to be less people here now but I have no official numbers to back this up.

her&I wrote:

pawatt wrote:
16th Winter in the Rio Grande Valley, This was probably the second coolist year out of the past 16. We had a very light frost once but not enough to damage our tropical plants except for the banana trees that are very tender,
A good winter, we still love the Valley after 16 winters. Great friendly people both the locals and the Winter Texans. Great flea markets and very low cost of living. Tons of activities and Happy Hours. We are in South Palmview near Bentsen Rio Grande State Park and the World Birding Center. Lots of parks on Bentsen Palm Drive for every budget and we have room for youall, come on down.

Did you move from Green Gate?

We are still at Green Gate Grove. Our first 6 years were at Circle T.

pawatt wrote:
16th Winter in the Rio Grande Valley, This was probably the second coolist year out of the past 16. We had a very light frost once but not enough to damage our tropical plants except for the banana trees that are very tender,
A good winter, we still love the Valley after 16 winters. Great friendly people both the locals and the Winter Texans. Great flea markets and very low cost of living. Tons of activities and Happy Hours. We are in South Palmview near Bentsen Rio Grande State Park and the World Birding Center. Lots of parks on Bentsen Palm Drive for every budget and we have room for youall, come on down.

Did you move from Green Gate?

Most informative. Thank you!