Do you plan on stopping in the middle of the trip? I think I would make a plan to stop, spend the night in the middle. How long you planning on staying in Florida?

I plan one overnighter and I will be in Florida 5-6 weeks. Hopefully winter will be winding down here by then.

I agree with Sandee that at least one overnight stop would be a good idea. Maybe you can find 1 or 2 points of interest along the way, something historical perhaps, or a national park. If you're staying in FL 5 or 6 weeks, a few nights spent along the way shouldn't lessen your enjoyment of the Sunshine State!

Safe travels, Russ!

Russ, I wish a bon voyage. I have now traveled three times alone from London to the South of France and return, 1400 km each way. My husband and I did share the driving when he was alive but I decided to go solo a few months after he died. I make one or two stopovers, depending how tired I am. I don't visit any place because I am so exhausted Having to concentrate on my driving mostly.

All the trips have been a bit difficult, mostly due to the memories. I listen to the radio because I still find it difficult to listen to music without crying. So I concentrate on the road and try to keep my mind on the job on hand. It sure is not the same, there is not the lightheartedness we had during those trips when we were together but, I went through with it and so will you. I do miss a driving companion.

All my best wishes for your trip.

I used to enjoy driving with my wife as well, but lately it's a chore. I work 50 miles away from home and have a 100 mile round trip each day. I have XM radio and have my iphone connected to the radio as well so i stream a lot of things too.

I live in south Fl, so if you are close maybe we could have lunch one day if you would be so inclined. Just send me a PM.

Jeff

I live in L.A. and my daughter and family live in Eugene, Oregon [about 1100 miles away.] Morey and I loved taking Interstate 5 to Oregon, with a stop in Redding, CA. and then through the Cascades and Mt. Shasta, a truly glorious drive.

I've done three trips without Morey and it wasn't easy but I had a few books on tape and frequent stops made it much more enjoyable. Listening to "The Help" tape really made the drive so much more interesting.

You have to get a really good book and the drive just whizzes by!

I don't drive at night, only because I'm alone and it's inviting too much trouble, that I don't need!

Horton, my Lab goes with me and he's great company.

Morey and I traveled the U.S. and Europe by car and motorhome. He got me hooked on seeing the sites by car and I just love it. I think deep, down inside me and in my past life I'm a "long/haul trucker!" ;o)

Roz

Okay, you asked for this one and It is my job to make you laugh today. Don't want to drive alone? I have 5 kids you can take with you for company. I can have them packed in an hour. Don't want all five....I will let you take the nice one of the five. See...you laughed didn't you?

Maggie

Audio books are great, I listen to them everyday going to and from work. Stop off at Cracker barrel, they have a rental program there.
Have fun, the anticipation is usually not what the reality will be.
You will be fine!

Yes Maggie I laughed out loud at your suggestion. All of a sudden driving alone didnt seem so bad.

Jeff Ill email you and see how close we might be.

Thanks everyone - Russ

Wow ..I'm in Fla right in the middle of the state inland and staying with a dear friend and getting some much needed sun and warmth. I drove about 10 hours alone, but split it up and even stayed in a B and B....motels just seem too lonely somehow. I will do the same on return. I also thought I'd take some back roads rather than the interstate with all those big trucks etc, but it took longer and a lot of stop and go, so I'll rethink that in the future. I made sure my car was all checked out first too. Books on tape or podcasts on an IPad are a good idea. ...but after awhile, I just wanted silence. It was still lonely as it all is now...lonely, empty and all that.

I drove to Florida this year, about 1400 miles. I never drove much more than 125 miles without stopping for a walk and a coffee. Of course when you drink that much coffee you have to stop. The drive was okay but sad to be alone. Susie loved to go to Florida, and I sure miss her. I hope things go well for you on your trip. Chris

Maggie,
That was funny! Thanks for the offer; been there, done that and, no thanks! But, it was cute to read.

Roz

I need to get my driving confidence back !!!! My husband did all the long distance driving - probably a big mistake. I do fine around town and outreach places, but not on the long distance. How I miss the road trips now.

After reading all the posts Russ, I think you could have rented a bus and had it full of DS members for your drive to Florida. Wouldn't that be fun !!!!

Depends if Maggie was bringing the whole family or not! :)