Yes, I-95 is bad in the Carolinas, but much better in Georgia. We had been
warned. We may take I-75 leading to 1-81 on the way back, again just to get an
idea of options. This year was an experiment, but with time constraints (mine
as I'm limited by holidays).
Once I retire, we do have plans to visit the Carolinas and other places en
route. I didn't want to imply Savannah was all there was to see. However, for
the time being, there's no time for more that journey breaks at convenient
distances.
Martin
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Norcutt [mailto:chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 12:07 PM
To: Olympus Camera Discussion
Subject: Re: [OM] [OT] Speaking of the palmetto state...
Congratulations. Where we live (in Palmetto) is at the extreme southern end of
Tampa Bay. It's still largely an agricultural area (mostly cattle and
tomatoes) and so is pretty quiet but within a short driving range of many
larger towns south and north.
I-95 is an awful road but necessary for at least parts of the trip. If I knew
exactly where you were coming from I might have more suggestions for you on how
to vary your route. While Savannah is a wonderful place to visit I'd suggest
that your next stop be in Charleston rather than a return trip to Savannah.
While both are delightful I think you might find Charleston even more so. Or
stop in both places if you have the time. If you stop at the South Carolina
welcome centers when first entering the state you can go in and ask for deals
on hotel stays.
Charleston hotels with available rooms will call the welcome center and offer
the rooms at discounted rates.
I'm not sure or your route once you get into Florida but, if you don't know it
already, I'll suggest that you avoid as much of I-95, I-10 and
I-75 as you can. On the return trip from Naples get off I-75 at exit
358 onto Florida Rt 326 (NW 77th St). Take that a couple of miles to US
305 north. Take 305 north to Baldwin and, instead of getting onto I-10 stay
with US 301 by following it under I-10 and into the little town of Baldwin.
You'll have to take a right then a left turn once in town to stay with the
highway and then keep on with US 301 until you get to Callahan. Continue
straight onto route 200/A1A (301 turns left in the middle of Callahan) which
will take you back to I-95 at Yulee, FL.
Staying with US 301 at Baldwin adds very little time to the trip and allows you
to skip the congestion of I-10 and I-295 around Jacksonville. Much more serene.
If you plot your route on Google it will give you exactly what I just outlined
except for avoiding I-10/I-295 around Jacksonville. Just drag the route on the
Google map to the continuation of US 301 on the north side of I-10 at Baldwin
to complete the picture. Neither of our GPSs gives us this exact route but we
think it's the best. You'll be much more relaxed traveling US 301 than the
interstates The only places on that route not to relax are the tiny towns of
Lawtey and Waldo (just north and south of Starke). These little towns keep
their tax rates low by running speed traps enhanced by frequently changing
speed limit signs. Avoid trouble by closely obeying the speed limits. The
towns are so tiny that it only takes a matter of minutes to pass through either
one even at the legal limit.
Good luck with your trip.
BTW, we'll be here until approximately March 25. When you come up I-75 and hit
the intersection with I-275 on the south end of Tampa Bay (about
2 hrs from Naples) you'll be about 1-1/2 miles from my house.
Chuck Norcutt
On 1/15/2014 7:22 AM, Walters, Martin wrote:
> Chuck: Interesting story. I'm closing in on retirement (the CDFO is
> already retired) and our plans are to do the snowbird thing, with
> Naples, Florida the chosen place. In order to remain outside the long
> arms of the IRS and Immigration, our stay will be temporary (four
> months a year, unless we decide to find shelter under the Can-US Tax
> Treaty). The CDFO spent two months in Naples last year, which helped
> us make up our minds. There are, indeed, lots of things to do, once
> one gets acquainted with people and the place.
>
> As we both like the warm, we chose in SW Florida. Naples is a bit
> quieter than Sarasota, Tampa, Miami and Ft Lauderdale, yet it has many
> services. We got a condo last summer, while prices and the dollar
> exchange rate were reasonable. This January we drove down to Florida,
> which was my first view of much of Virginia, NC, SC, Georgia and
> Florida - mostly from the I-95, however. We did enjoy one night in
> Savannah, which is well worth a return visit. I return in March to
> drive the CDFO back to the Great White North.
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