Thinking of coming down

[Garywt]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

[Mortal1]

Well Gary...I suggest you do as you please. I think that comes with being an adult and when you depend on complete strangers to suggest a plan of action then you should likely stay where you are till your wife is able to go with you.

That'll be $400 for the assist.

[John_W]

I don't know where you're coming from or the weather, here on Saturday it will be 87 and sunny. What do you do when you're here, do you own a place, are you looking for a place to buy, I don't know your plans or schedule. That's a long drive non-stop, the most I ever did was 21 hours from Tulsa to Savannah, but I was younger than today.

[laboutj]

That's a lot of driving for 10 days in Florida. Are there any cheap flights available? IF you have a cart you could get away without having a car, just take a shuttle to/from the airport.

[laboutj]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

You also have to think about how you are going to feel after the second shot. The last thing you want to do is that drive alone and having a reaction to the second shot.

[Stu from NYC]

Considering how much is closed due to the virus why not wait at least until the vaccine has taken hold.

In the words of Confucious he who buys house without wife is an idiot.

[JIMROY]

Take your time my friend......yur visit will be better spent.

[tophcfa]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

Go for it!

[Garywt]

I don't know where you're coming from or the weather, here on Saturday it will be 87 and sunny. What do you do when you're here, do you own a place, are you looking for a place to buy, I don't know your plans or schedule. That's a long drive non-stop, the most I ever did was 21 hours from Tulsa to Savannah, but I was younger than today.
Coming from Mass and I cannot go outside much because of the cold and snow. The cold goes right through me and I can’t afford to fall. We own a house there for 2 years now. We were down a week in Nov., a week in Jan and will be down for a week in April to close up for the summer. Since I am retired was just hoping to get more time.

[Garywt]

That's a lot of driving for 10 days in Florida. Are there any cheap flights available? IF you have a cart you could get away without having a car, just take a shuttle to/from the airport.
Unfortunately I cannot fly right now so driving is the option. We drove down for a week in Nov and a week in Jan.

[Garywt]

Considering how much is closed due to the virus why not wait at least until the vaccine has taken hold.

In the words of Confucious he who buys house without wife is an idiot.
I might wait a few days but I do miss our house down there.

[BayLady57]

I am an R.N. and although I could not get the Covid vaccine due to having had severe allergic reactions to an H1N1 vaccine and other injectable meds in the past, many of my colleagues received their 1st and 2nd vaccine doses (Moderna) and pretty much all of them felt pretty punky following. Most described feeling like they had a mild flu and very fatigued. That being said don't think any of my colleagues following getting their 2nd vaccine dose would have been up to making a 20 hour drive especially alone.

[Girlcopper]

Well Gary...I suggest you do as you please. I think that comes with being an adult and when you depend on complete strangers to suggest a plan of action then you should likely stay where you are till your wife is able to go with you.

That'll be $400 for the assist.
Agree. Why would the opinion of strangers be important or necessary? Do what you want. No one can advise you!!

[sdeikenberry]

Airplane, bus, train? Many ways to get here. You don't really need a car when you're here...can get to everything you need in a golf cart.

[b0bd0herty]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

I would suggest NOT leaving right after your 2nd Covid shot. There is the definite possibility that you will experience side effects.

[Leadbone1]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

Well, since you asked for opinions. First of all I would not leave right after getting the second shot. I would wait at least 24 to 36 hours just in case you briefly have some side effects. Secondly, I would not drive the 20 hours straight through. Split it up into at least two days, which also means that you’re going to spend two days getting back. So that means you are now down to having about six days down here by yourself??? Personally, the whole thing seems like it may be a potentially disappointing experience? Just my opinion! Good luck on whatever you choose!

[Lyn Wagner]

Take the auto train. This way you only have to drive a little and when u get here you will have yr car.

[Catalina36]

Well #1 I wouldn't take the drive after getting the second Co-vid shot. #2 Wait a couple of days and take the drive on a Saturday or Sunday when there is less traffic. #3 The time away from your wife may prove to be a whole new experience for you. Yes you may then get to do what you want to do all of the time at TV. Hmmm seems like you have been married a very long time. You can exist without the wifey around. I don't understand why your saying "I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down" Yes a 20 hour drive is a lot. Stop in a hotel overnight to make the drive easier or like someone said take a plane. Good Luck to you whatever you decide.

[tsmall22204]

Don't you think you are being selfish coming without your wife? You never mention her beyond the fact she couldn't get the time off. I think you need to re-evaluate your priorities.

[RICH1]

If your looking for an Excuse , tell them Rich said to stay home & wear a mask..., it's Deadly down here!

[Cobullymom]

If your looking for an Excuse , tell them Rich said to stay home & wear a mask..., it's Deadly down here!
Your still here...and so are about 100,000 plus...worried about tee times?

[Lilaphoto@aol.com]

It takes 14 days after your 2nd shot for it to be effective. I would wait where you are until that period of time is over, assuring your health as well as making sure you have no reactions to the shot.
It is very hot down here now. 86 for three days in a row this week.
My husband drives 20 hours to get down here every year. He does stop along the way. (I fly)
If you don’t mind being alone, then the decision is made easier. Good luck on your decision.

[Tmarkwald]

Considering how much is closed due to the virus why not wait at least until the vaccine has taken hold.

In the words of Confucious he who buys house without wife is an idiot.

What is closed?

I do the 13 hour drive from DC a couple times a month now, and nothing is really closed in TV, but it's a pain sometimes finding a sit-down restaurant on the way.

[Kerry Azz]

You should come on down, you only live once.

[Tmarkwald]

Don't you think you are being selfish coming without your wife? You never mention her beyond the fact she couldn't get the time off. I think you need to re-evaluate your priorities.

That is not a very useful comment as you have no idea why he is coming here. I made plenty of trips alone to weed out the homes we wanted to purchase before having my wife take the time off for the final decision.

You are making a lot of assumptions as to why he is coming down here. Also, guys need 'guy time' so we don't go insane.... IMHO

[Leadbone1]

Don't you think you are being selfish coming without your wife? You never mention her beyond the fact she couldn't get the time off. I think you need to re-evaluate your priorities.

Selfish? What an odd way to look at it? She has to work. It’s not like he wouldn’t want her there.

[Jewelz]

Definitely go for it!! We make the 20 hour drive and stay a week and it's not bad....but that drive home stinks!!!! If you live anywhere near me, you NEED to get out of the cold, snowy dreary weather!
I had the Pfizer vaccine and didn't have any problems either time, other than a little soreness in my arm (like after a flu shot)
Also, I work in a retirement facility and only 1 out of about 100 seniors had any side effects. Maybe wait until Friday AM to leave??

[Gullwing]

The auto train?

[Kathe]

Fly...flights are inexpensive.

[DaleDivine]

I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me.
:a040: :ohdear:
Annnnddd then, dreading the trip back home.:ohdear:
Hmmmmm. It does sound like he wants to get away in a hurry.

[cafw1]

I agree with BayLady. I just received the 2nd Moderna shot and had flu like symptoms as she described. In addition, you don't have full protection for 3 weeks after the 2nd shot. I'm interested in seeing if the shots last only 3 months----that's not encouraging---or if they last a lot longer and if they protect us from the mutant strains.

[rustyp]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

Do you have a place to stay lined up for ten days last minute high season ?

[GRACEALLEMAN]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.
We live in the villages... in the quiet part, we also just moved here after a long drive, but further than yours, Portland Oregon!,... if you're looking for a place to stay?...we have a beautiful clean quiet queen sized room with a private bath that we rent to visitors. We were super host on Airbnb for 15 years, if you're interested please get ahold of me, we have no pets and no children, thank you

[Larchap49]

Coming from Mass and I cannot go outside much because of the cold and snow. The cold goes right through me and I can’t afford to fall. We own a house there for 2 years now. We were down a week in Nov., a week in Jan and will be down for a week in April to close up for the summer. Since I am retired was just hoping to get more time.

You state you're retired and the cold bothers you. Why not come down and stay until your wife can join you in April. You own a home here use it and enjoy life.

[Cheapbas]

Unfortunately I cannot fly right now so driving is the option. We drove down for a week in Nov and a week in Jan.
It’s a tough drive, we tried it on Jan 3rd, a Sunday, light traffic day and planned on trying to do it straight through. Well courtesy of oversleeping and some traffic backups due to accidents, after 14 hours and most of the way through SC we just couldn’t do it. We finished the remaining 6 hours the following morning

[macawlaw]

DH and I are not yet retired and we come without each other. We like to check on the house every two-to-three months. While we are here together several times a year, we come alone if our schedule has an opening. Our drive is 16-18 hours depending on traffic, and I drive it in one day. I’m dreading going home this Saturday! That drive is hard, and I don’t come unless I can stay at least two weeks. So, on the Original Poster’s scenario, I would not drive down.

[coconutmama]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

Definitely wait a few days after your vaccine. Then bring a friend. As you know, it is a long dangerous drive between fog, heavy rain, your fatigue & other drivers who may be overtired.

[Petersweeney]

I just did the 17 hour trip a month ago with 3 weeks in between- not fun when your alone - the dogs helped but I hope I wil never have to do it again

[ron32162]

Auto Train

[richs631]

we had planned on coming down early march as we were last down mid january. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that i can leave as early as thursday afternoon after my 2nd covid shot. The issue i have is do i want to do the 20 hour drive alone and i know 10 days in the villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess i am just venting as i try to figure out what is best. If i don’t do this then it will be the end of april before we get down there.

stay home

[Jean G]

It’s great that you asked for input. I personally find others can bring up things I hadn’t considered. My only thought, being a woman, is “How does your wife feel about you going without her?” Good marriages respect each other.

[joelfmi]

side effects which most people get from the vaccine can for most part be bad, I recommend you wait at least 7 days after the shoot before you take long trips, like Florida. I have taken the vaccine and had bad side effects so be careful in traveling. A lot of my friends have had lingering side effects also.

[Two Bills]

I just did the 17 hour trip a month ago with 3 weeks in between- not fun when your alone - the dogs helped but I hope I wil never have to do it again

How far did the dogs drive when helping?:icon_wink:

[FromNY]

Also they say full effects of the vaccine take a couple of weeks. People can still get Covid with the vaccine. Why not give your body time to build the antibodies. Maybe your wife can get more time off and you both come for a longer visit in April.

[Spalumbos62]

You also have to think about how you are going to feel after the second shot. The last thing you want to do is that drive alone and having a reaction to the second shot.


We "kind of" have similar issue. We have lots of credit with the airline and i want to come down...easy right. Well there's the dog ...and yes, we have a cart, but having the car in addition is nice too. Then there is that 2nd shot in 2 weeks....and I HATE long car rides. Lol. I feel your pain.
But, as someone said, at least give a day after the shot for reaction recovery.

[Melaniesplace]

Wait till April

[davephan]

I agree with BayLady. I just received the 2nd Moderna shot and had flu like symptoms as she described. In addition, you don't have full protection for 3 weeks after the 2nd shot. I'm interested in seeing if the shots last only 3 months----that's not encouraging---or if they last a lot longer and if they protect us from the mutant strains.

If the vaccinations only last for three months, and it takes over a year to vaccinate the whole population, it’s pretty easy to see that plan will fail!

The OP’s wife must not have a ‘remote’ job. I think that the best solution is to hunker down in the snow belt state until your wife is free to get time off from work to take vacation time. Then fly down to Florida, so that you don’t waste a lot of the short vacation time driving to and from Florida.Then rent a car in Florida, so that you’re not trapped in the Villages, without a car. A week car rental isn’t that much more expensive than two round trip shuttle rides.

You might consider flying first class, if you can afford it. It’s much less crowded and packed in at the front of the aircraft. Sun country has $45 to $49 extra cost seats in the first several rows, much less expensive than airlines that offer first class seating. There were many empty seats in that area, and it was packed behind that section. We felt much more comfortable, not having to sit in the totally packed area of the aircraft.

[Amohernyikes]

I think if you are second guessing yourself, your gut intuition is telling you not to travel. April will be here very soon!

[wmcgowan]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

take your girlfriend - share the driving

[dhdallas]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

I read an article sometime ago where a guy who made terrible decisions sold $1 shares of himself (1 share per person only). He would then post his situation & the related choices online, his shareholders would vote, and he would do as the majority voted. Should I ask this person out? Do I need a new car? Should I change jobs? You get the idea. Not only did he say his life improved but he made some money from selling shares of himself.

When you think about it, how many times have you seen a friend or family member planning on doing something really dumb but will never listen to reason from anyone? Afterwards came the divorce everyone predicted, car that fell apart, business that failed, etc. I have a relative whose life would seriously improve if he stopped making such horrible decisions for himself & would even just consider taking a bit of advice on occasion.

So if you have a track record of bad choices or are just plain indecisive, I agree with your approach to taking this trip or not. See what the group has to say. Clint Eastwood as 'Dirty Harry' said "A man has got to know his limitations".

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/dhdallas-118996/albums/cartoons/9208-decision-making-hard.jpg

[laboutj]

Can I ask OP why you can't fly? I personally think it's safer than going shopping in Publix. There are HEPA filters in the cabins and the air gets turned over every 3 minutes.

[PugMom]

Coming from Mass and I cannot go outside much because of the cold and snow. The cold goes right through me and I can’t afford to fall. We own a house there for 2 years now. We were down a week in Nov., a week in Jan and will be down for a week in April to close up for the summer. Since I am retired was just hoping to get more time.

if that's the case, you need Fl asap, lol. the sunshine is warm & we always welcome fellow residents any time of year. the only thing is how your wife will feel if she sees pix of you by the pool, in shorts & a tank with a drink in your hand while she is stuck 'up north' in a snow covered tundra. :)
ps; i drive everywhere, a LOT more freedom on the road than in the skies

[laboutj]

I read an article sometime ago where a guy who made terrible decisions sold $1 shares of himself (1 share per person only). He would then post his situation & the related choices online, his shareholders would vote, and he would do as the majority voted. Should I ask this person out? Do I need a new car? Should I change jobs? You get the idea. Not only did he say his life improved but he made some money from selling shares of himself.

When you think about it, how many times have you seen a friend or family member planning on doing something really dumb but will never listen to reason from anyone? Afterwards came the divorce everyone predicted, car that fell apart, business that failed, etc. I have a relative whose life would seriously improve if he stopped making such horrible decisions for himself & would even just consider taking a bit of advice on occasion.

So if you have a track record of bad choices or are just plain indecisive, I agree with your approach to taking this trip or not. See what the group has to say. Clint Eastwood as 'Dirty Harry' said "A man has got to know his limitations".

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/dhdallas-118996/albums/cartoons/9208-decision-making-hard.jpg

Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza would do the opposite of what he would normally do. Everything started working out for him.

[dreamweaver2634]

Take the train!

[Gator_Girl]

I can't imagine coming alone, unless you're a loner, but you're married so.....

[Parnell]

Gary - I just had my second covid shot and felt terrible the next day as if I had the flu. If you're driving, leave time to recuperate after the shot since you may feel terrible. This is a normal reaction and not all get it but I could never have driven anywhere the next day.

[Tmarkwald]

I agree with BayLady. I just received the 2nd Moderna shot and had flu like symptoms as she described. In addition, you don't have full protection for 3 weeks after the 2nd shot. I'm interested in seeing if the shots last only 3 months----that's not encouraging---or if they last a lot longer and if they protect us from the mutant strains.

Where is the 3 month thing coming from? I haven't seen any documentation about that at all.

[deestatham@aol.com]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

My brother wants to drive down with his dog from Maryland. I’m not nuts about him making the trip alone but if he makes it a 2 day trip, maybe it won’t be as bad. When you’re 77, I worry a little more. (He’s 77, not ME). But staying just 7-10 days isn’t enough. Too long a drive for a short visit. Since you don’t have a dog, have you considered the Autotrain? You drive to Lorton, Va,, get on the train (car too) and relax for the next 16 hours. Let’s you off in Sanford which is 1.5 hrs. From The Villages. My husband and I have done it 3 times now and love it.

[merrymini]

Why come down without your wife? Things in Florida are pretty wide open considering how closed a lot of states are like NJ where I am now for my son’s wedding. I feel like I am incarcerated! Do not believe a lot of what you hear on this site. People are as scared as jack rabbits and will say anything.

[FutureFloridian]

I can understand why you're really torn, but can't help you make the decision.

As others have mentioned, the second dose of the Covid vax can pack a big punch. While DH and I haven't yet received it, our daughter (age 25, currently on emergency medicine rotations) received the second dose and had several of the typical reactions. My MIL (age 90's) received the second dose and had no reactions, whatsoever. Go figure.

Also, keep in mind that it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination.

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but if you go to FL, what's your state's re-entry procedure?

In NY, travelers must obtain a test within three days of FL departure, prior to arrival in NY. The traveler must, upon arrival in NY, quarantine for three days. On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test... If both tests are negative, you are free :a040: ! This essentially turns the 10 day quarantine into a +/- 6 day quarantine. This is still the rule in NY, even if the traveler has received both shots.

Are you and your wife both OK with you coming back to your home after traveling, or will you need to find somewhere else to isolate, as you await the results of your Covid tests or wait to make sure you don't develop Covid (unlikely, because you'll be vaccinated)?

All the best to you, whatever you decide :)

[Rodneysblue]

Garywt, come on down, you're the next contestant on "The Villages is Right". Seriously though, break the trip up into 2 - 3 days. I know how you feel, I also dread traveling without my wife. Safe travels.

[Jcheff]

If you have a place down here with a golf cart already....why don’t you just fly down.? Just take the shuttle or an Uber.

[meme5x]

I drive it all the time.. am senior but stay longer.. husband flies down..cheap air fares... is he spoiled or what.. you should stay until she can come down.. absence makes the heart grow fonder

[Carol - D.]

Air fares have been really low - might be better to fly. Check it out.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Bring a friend

[Professor]

Stay with your wife for crying out loud. You only have so many days left on this earth...so why spend them alone? My wife and I are together 24/7 (we both work remotely from home) and have not been apart in years...and yes, we like it that way.

[Debset]

Take Southwest, and the Villages shuttle. Easy!

[Garywt]

Agree. Why would the opinion of strangers be important or necessary? Do what you want. No one can advise you!!
Just trying to get a conversation going is all. Always interest in opinions and everyone is not a stranger.

[Murfino1]

So glad you are getting the second shot but may want to make sure you truly feel ok before leaving.
Going separate might be ok but a long trip down and back by yourself. Whatever you decide I would be leaning towards stating home...

[Garywt]

Airplane, bus, train? Many ways to get here. You don't really need a car when you're here...can get to everything you need in a golf cart.
Yes I know a car is not need but currently those other modes are not available to me right now.

[Garywt]

Well, since you asked for opinions. First of all I would not leave right after getting the second shot. I would wait at least 24 to 36 hours just in case you briefly have some side effects. Secondly, I would not drive the 20 hours straight through. Split it up into at least two days, which also means that you’re going to spend two days getting back. So that means you are now down to having about six days down here by yourself??? Personally, the whole thing seems like it may be a potentially disappointing experience? Just my opinion! Good luck on whatever you choose!
Thank you. We started stopping our last trip down and getting 6-7 hours sleep was helpful. I would arrive on a Friday and leave Sat morning so 8 days. It is worth it. We have owned the house for 2 years on March 5th and have spent a total of about 8 weeks there. We did fly a few times the COVID hit and no more flying for me.

[Garywt]

Well #1 I wouldn't take the drive after getting the second Co-vid shot. #2 Wait a couple of days and take the drive on a Saturday or Sunday when there is less traffic. #3 The time away from your wife may prove to be a whole new experience for you. Yes you may then get to do what you want to do all of the time at TV. Hmmm seems like you have been married a very long time. You can exist without the wifey around. I don't understand why your saying "I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down" Yes a 20 hour drive is a lot. Stop in a hotel overnight to make the drive easier or like someone said take a plane. Good Luck to you whatever you decide.
Can’t take a plane. Did spend 2 weeks last February down there without her. Flew down and it was good. Been married 34 year this June. Always easier to go/drive when you are looking forward to the destination but generally harder going home when you don’t want to leave.

[Garywt]

Don't you think you are being selfish coming without your wife? You never mention her beyond the fact she couldn't get the time off. I think you need to re-evaluate your priorities.

So she is still working and I am on disability and retired. I was no longer capable of doing my job after 7.5 years of chemo. I have to do things on my own sometimes. She actually has the time but wants to go to Florida in April so she actually did not ask so it was her choice. She loves Florida and our house and I was hoping she would come last minute. Between her job and her business she is very busy.

[Garywt]

What is closed?

I do the 13 hour drive from DC a couple times a month now, and nothing is really closed in TV, but it's a pain sometimes finding a sit-down restaurant on the way.
Takes us 8 hours to get to DC and 12 hours from there. Never stop at a sit down restaurant. Only food is what we packed, what you can get at a rest stop or a drive through fast food and we eat when we start driving again. No time to waste.

[Garywt]

It takes 14 days after your 2nd shot for it to be effective. I would wait where you are until that period of time is over, assuring your health as well as making sure you have no reactions to the shot.
It is very hot down here now. 86 for three days in a row this week.
My husband drives 20 hours to get down here every year. He does stop along the way. (I fly)
If you don’t mind being alone, then the decision is made easier. Good luck on your decision.

86 sounds so nice, open the windshield of the golf cart and drive. Still lots of snow here.

[Garywt]

Do you have a place to stay lined up for ten days last minute high season ?

Yes, our house.

[Garywt]

We live in the villages... in the quiet part, we also just moved here after a long drive, but further than yours, Portland Oregon!,... if you're looking for a place to stay?...we have a beautiful clean quiet queen sized room with a private bath that we rent to visitors. We were super host on Airbnb for 15 years, if you're interested please get ahold of me, we have no pets and no children, thank you

Thank you for the offer but we own a house in The Villages.

[Garywt]

You state you're retired and the cold bothers you. Why not come down and stay until your wife can join you in April. You own a home here use it and enjoy life.

I have to go home to get my Chemo and a few other things.

[Garywt]

It’s a tough drive, we tried it on Jan 3rd, a Sunday, light traffic day and planned on trying to do it straight through. Well courtesy of oversleeping and some traffic backups due to accidents, after 14 hours and most of the way through SC we just couldn’t do it. We finished the remaining 6 hours the following morning
We generally leave around 4:30 in the afternoon so we get through NY and NJ without traffic. We had been driving through and if we left on chemo days I could easily drive until 9:30 in the morning or longer. My wife would do the last 3 or so hours and we would arrive early afternoon. Driving on a regular day the 2-3 AM time could become deadly so we started to stop in Virginia to spend the night.

[Garywt]

Wow, one of the 2% I guess. It is just a conversation.

[Garywt]

It’s great that you asked for input. I personally find others can bring up things I hadn’t considered. My only thought, being a woman, is “How does your wife feel about you going without her?” Good marriages respect each other.

She is the one generally telling me to go. She is a little concerned this time. If I could fly she would be totally fine but the doctor has told me no planes so no planes. it is.

[Garywt]

If the vaccinations only last for three months, and it takes over a year to vaccinate the whole population, it’s pretty easy to see that plan will fail!

The OP’s wife must not have a ‘remote’ job. I think that the best solution is to hunker down in the snow belt state until your wife is free to get time off from work to take vacation time. Then fly down to Florida, so that you don’t waste a lot of the short vacation time driving to and from Florida.Then rent a car in Florida, so that you’re not trapped in the Villages, without a car. A week car rental isn’t that much more expensive than two round trip shuttle rides.

You might consider flying first class, if you can afford it. It’s much less crowded and packed in at the front of the aircraft. Sun country has $45 to $49 extra cost seats in the first several rows, much less expensive than airlines that offer first class seating. There were many empty seats in that area, and it was packed behind that section. We felt much more comfortable, not having to sit in the totally packed area of the aircraft.

Nope, wife is a hospice nurse and has to see patients everyday. Doctors says no planes. Even with the shots I will still wear the mask etc and do everything I have been doing for a year. I do sit in the house day after day because or the cold and snow. I can’t afford to fall as my bones are compromised and the cold goes right through those old bones.

[Garywt]

Can I ask OP why you can't fly? I personally think it's safer than going shopping in Publix. There are HEPA filters in the cabins and the air gets turned over every 3 minutes.

My doctor says no flying. My immune system is very compromised do to all the chemo I have had. I follow his orders as I put my life in his hands everyday.

[Garywt]

Why come down without your wife? Things in Florida are pretty wide open considering how closed a lot of states are like NJ where I am now for my son’s wedding. I feel like I am incarcerated! Do not believe a lot of what you hear on this site. People are as scared as jack rabbits and will say anything.

There are a few things I want to get done and check on some things. After April we will not be back until Oct or November. It is not as fun without my wife but we have friends down there so that helps.

[Garywt]

I can understand why you're really torn, but can't help you make the decision.

As others have mentioned, the second dose of the Covid vax can pack a big punch. While DH and I haven't yet received it, our daughter (age 25, currently on emergency medicine rotations) received the second dose and had several of the typical reactions. My MIL (age 90's) received the second dose and had no reactions, whatsoever. Go figure.

Also, keep in mind that it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination.



I don't think anyone mentioned this, but if you go to FL, what's your state's re-entry procedure?

In NY, travelers must obtain a test within three days of FL departure, prior to arrival in NY. The traveler must, upon arrival in NY, quarantine for three days. On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test... If both tests are negative, you are free :a040: ! This essentially turns the 10 day quarantine into a +/- 6 day quarantine. This is still the rule in NY, even if the traveler has received both shots.

Are you and your wife both OK with you coming back to your home after traveling, or will you need to find somewhere else to isolate, as you await the results of your Covid tests or wait to make sure you don't develop Covid (unlikely, because you'll be vaccinated)?

All the best to you, whatever you decide :)

Thanks, my wife has tests for me and our friend in the Villages can test me as well. I am basically isolated anyway and my wife, being a nurse, has been exposed a number of times.

[Garywt]

Stay with your wife for crying out loud. You only have so many days left on this earth...so why spend them alone? My wife and I are together 24/7 (we both work remotely from home) and have not been apart in years...and yes, we like it that way.
She works and I don’t. We are together most times. She is sitting on the couch next to me now after I had chemo all day. We camp together, we boat together, we live in our house together and generally head to our Florida home together but sometimes we don’t.

[Garywt]

Thank you to most who replied with thoughts and suggestions. Will definitely hold off through the weekend to see how I am feeling. Still might hold of longer than Thayer but only time will tell.

[JoMar]

Considering how much is closed due to the virus why not wait at least until the vaccine has taken hold.

In the words of Confucious he who buys house without wife is an idiot.

Assume you meant closed up there, not much closed here. Also he can look into the Auto Train.

[LizzieBorden]

I think you asked the question to get some ideas...not smart remarks. I would wait for a couple days after the shot as most people I know that have had the Moderna have a reaction. On your day of departure, I would leave extremely early AM and drive your 10 hours and be off the road and in a hotel (even though they seem to be safe, I bring my sanitizing items and clean all surfaces). That way you may be driving in the dark at the beginning of your trip, but you will be off the road mid afternoon and then find a hotel and rest up. On your second day, same thing, up early, hit the road, stop every two hours, stretch for 5 minutes and get back on the road. You will be here before 5 pm on the second day. Listen to your music on the way down, pack a lunch, make it a fun trip even though you are by yourself. I have done it quite a few times and its not so bad. When traffic wasnt heavy, I made some phone calls and talked with some old friends along the way etc. Enjoy, and come stay in your home, even if you have to take four total days to go here and back home, it will clear your head, get you out of the cold, and you get to enjoy your home. Coming south, when we stop, we usually stop at at exits that have a Cracker Barrel. Not to eat, but to walk around in their shop, use the rest room, and it gets us out of the car. We use the app “I Exit”. Try it out, there are a lot of good things on that. I say life is short, you should go for it. The alternative is sitting home, not going outside, dealing with the cold when you have to. It will be March here and our days are already getting warmer. Pack your snacks and drinks in a cooler. We also make our hotel reservations at Hampton Inns or Hamton Properties, We are Hilton members, and when the pandemic is over, we will start traveling more. That way, mentally, you know you have a place to sleep, and you know exactly how far you are going that day. These are the tips we have learned over the years. GO FOR IT!!

[Skunky1]

When you’re in a partnership stick with it. In other words suck it up and wait for your lady.

[sk2020]

Garry , you should probably wait and ride down with your mom.

[sk2020]

Gary, you probably should wait and ride down with your mom.

[Joanne19335]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

I made this journey when I was in my 30s. I was a wreck for “daze.” Men seem to fare better than women, but I would never do it again.

[davephan]

Nope, wife is a hospice nurse and has to see patients everyday. Doctors says no planes. Even with the shots I will still wear the mask etc and do everything I have been doing for a year. I do sit in the house day after day because or the cold and snow. I can’t afford to fall as my bones are compromised and the cold goes right through those old bones.

You’re wife’s job clearly makes her stuck in the snow belt state! We were both stuck in Minnesota in the winters when my wife retired two years before I retired, and I was stuck working in Minnesota, where I was only allowed to work remotely one day a week. That’s interesting that you’re doctor says no flying. Even in first class, where there’s less crowding? My wife couldn’t fly for two months after an eye surgery, because of the altitude pressure, a doctor’s order.

I assume that you’re doctor probably also says to not go to the grocery store, and have the groceries delivered. No going to restaurants either. Then I assume you’d wipe down all the delivered groceries after they are delivered to your home with sanitizing wipes. It sounds like it would be safer to hunker down in the house up north, instead of traveling, and turn the heat up!

[Dot Rheinhardt]

Depending on where you live in MA (from Cape Cod 9-10 hours to Lorton, VA), you could drive and take the overnight train from Lorton to Sanford. I wouldn't drive for 2-3 days after my second shot. Driving 9-10 hours should be the max. I wouldn't drive more than 7-8 hours at a time.

[deestatham@aol.com]

Well Gary...I suggest you do as you please. I think that comes with being an adult and when you depend on complete strangers to suggest a plan of action then you should likely stay where you are till your wife is able to go with you.

That'll be $400 for the assist.

Well that’s a little harsh don’t you think? The guy was just looking for a little conversation.

[OhioBuckeye]

Gary, it sounds like you’re explaining something that only you & your wife have to figure out. If you can’t come I don’t know what you expect anybody to say other than don’t come or come when you can!

[jimjamuser]

You also have to think about how you are going to feel after the second shot. The last thing you want to do is that drive alone and having a reaction to the second shot.
That was good helpful advice.

[Smalley]

That long drive alone is dangerous and risks a serious, even fatal, car accident. I would advise waiting until April when your wife can join you. Enjoy your time here when it arrives!

[sk450]

I was a professional truck driver over the road for 27 yrs. I used to drive a 1000 miles a day. I can't do 1100 miles from IL to the villages any more and I'm only 67 yrs old. I get a motel south of atlanta every time I drive down. No reason to be a leather as. You sleep a day and half when you drive straight threw.

[Garywt]

Gary, you probably should wait and ride down with your mom.

It is people like you that give The Villages a bad name. You just can’t be nice.

[Garywt]

I think you asked the question to get some ideas...not smart remarks. I would wait for a couple days after the shot as most people I know that have had the Moderna have a reaction. On your day of departure, I would leave extremely early AM and drive your 10 hours and be off the road and in a hotel (even though they seem to be safe, I bring my sanitizing items and clean all surfaces). That way you may be driving in the dark at the beginning of your trip, but you will be off the road mid afternoon and then find a hotel and rest up. On your second day, same thing, up early, hit the road, stop every two hours, stretch for 5 minutes and get back on the road. You will be here before 5 pm on the second day. Listen to your music on the way down, pack a lunch, make it a fun trip even though you are by yourself. I have done it quite a few times and its not so bad. When traffic wasnt heavy, I made some phone calls and talked with some old friends along the way etc. Enjoy, and come stay in your home, even if you have to take four total days to go here and back home, it will clear your head, get you out of the cold, and you get to enjoy your home. Coming south, when we stop, we usually stop at at exits that have a Cracker Barrel. Not to eat, but to walk around in their shop, use the rest room, and it gets us out of the car. We use the app “I Exit”. Try it out, there are a lot of good things on that. I say life is short, you should go for it. The alternative is sitting home, not going outside, dealing with the cold when you have to. It will be March here and our days are already getting warmer. Pack your snacks and drinks in a cooler. We also make our hotel reservations at Hampton Inns or Hamton Properties, We are Hilton members, and when the pandemic is over, we will start traveling more. That way, mentally, you know you have a place to sleep, and you know exactly how far you are going that day. These are the tips we have learned over the years. GO FOR IT!!

Thank you

[Garywt]

So the shot went well today, so far so good. Looked into the train and it would cost at least $1500 for that but probably more as that is based on a 18 foot vehicle and mine is 22 feet. Looking to to wait now until after my next set up chemo and to go down early April with my wife for about 10 days. Will just spend another month house bound.

[talleyjm]

We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

I’m going to respond with an, “ If it were me,” answer.

No, If it were me, as a senior, I wouldn’t even think of making a 20 hour drive to Florida by myself right after getting my second Covid vaccination so I could turn around ten days later and make the 20 hour trip back up north by myself. And all of that just to spend ten days (without my spouse) in The Villages during a pandemic❗️

I could lay out my rationale for my decision but l was taught that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. :boxing2:

[FutureFloridian]

Thanks, my wife has tests for me and our friend in the Villages can test me as well. I am basically isolated anyway and my wife, being a nurse, has been exposed a number of times.

Gotcha! It sounds like you're in the best of hands between your wife and your medical team and familiar with your state's quarantine process required upon your return.

Wishing you all the best, with whatever you decide- AND with your treatments!

[FutureFloridian]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for an early spring, so you won't be stuck inside!!