What I thought had turned into a pretty uneventful and quieter late Winter in Florida has turned into an every-changing uncertain time due to the COVID-19 virus crisis. I know everyone is reeling and life has been changing everyday.

Please consider: Before I go further and possibly lose you, I have included a link for an urgent petition drive initiated by Truck Camper Magazine to urge Federal, State and Local governments to keep campgrounds open during the crisis. Only a name, town and state is needed: Thank you! (Read more about the impact farther down in this post.)

https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/urgent-petition-to-keep-rv-campgrounds-open/

A quick update on our situation. We are still in Florida parked in our spot at Siesta Bay RV Resort near Ft. Myers Beach. Currently the park is open, but has cancelled all activities, closed pools and gathering areas; many winter residents have gone, especially the Canadian residents. We have been vigilant with all recommended precautions and have no extra space to hoard TP.

What was a peak season crowd in this area a couple of weeks ago has dwindled remarkably. Those here for baseball spring training, spring break vacations, and winter retreat have been streaming north. The beaches have been closed in our area, along with many restaurants and other businesses.

We had planned to stay here until April 5th and then head to North Carolina with reservations at Jordan Lake State Park as usual. Unfortunately, the State of North Carolina has closed down all the parks and campgrounds. Other States have done the same. This is very distressing to us and other full-time RVers. We are convinced that the States do not understand that there are a growing number of us out here and closing the parks puts us in a precarious situation.

Most of us full-timers are self-contained. We don’t need to use the park restrooms or common areas. We just need a place to pull in, park, and use available hookups. Payments can be made in advance on line or by phone – no human contact needed. Hearing some suggestion that more states will follow suit and that private parks may be ordered to close, we have been checking different resources for information. That’s where the petition drive above comes in; at least it’s worth a try.

After several calls to private parks around the Raleigh, NC area, just today (3/21/20), we have been able to secure a spot near Apex (where Cheryl & Darren live) for the next month. We will leave here sometime next week and hopefully settle in there until April 19th; then on to Maryland with reservations at another private park (we hope will stay open).

Wishing every one well in these times. Stay safe. I know we will have an even greater appreciation for our freedoms and “normal” life, hopefully someday soon.

For now, below are a few recent pictures before……. (Including a visit from our best friends Karen & Anderson and Happy 1st Birthday Gemma.)

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