Thanks TD, I read both threads and there is a lot of good info. We will be sure to arrive early. Your impression of The Villages mirror mine. We visited some cousins of DW who live there and love it - they moved from St. Petersburg and wanted a real house instead of a condo. The house was well built and as you mentioned, everyone gets around with golf carts - there are even special roads for them. All in all, not a bad place to retire to if you don't mind being in FL and not near a beach. It does not have the feel of most "senior" communities.

You are welcome, basie. Glad they helped. Hope to read your impression of doing it that way.

Am I mis-remembering or do they take your entry card away from you if you don't keep up your yard at the Villages?!

I have no idea about that TD. I don't know how they could do something as draconian as that when there are so many other remedies in a planned community. OTH, all the yards certainly seemed well kept.

In reading all of the comments about the AT, a recurring theme is that it saves the "horrible" I 95 drive. That has nothing to do with why we are taking it - after I get past Richmond, VA I enjoy the drive - long drives relax me. DW used to be OK with that but she made it known to me that she would be more comfortable if we stopped twice on the way down. That would not only increase the time to get there by a day, but increase the costs as well. As it is, it came out to be comparable in cost to flying and renting a car for the time we will be there. And, it is a new experience for me.

Having a lawn maintained was one of the required things at Villages. Anyone know?

One's tolerance to long rides does change over time, basie. DH and I used to drive 14 hours straight to his family in Western KY. We eventually stopped in Charleston on the way back. Finally, there was a non-stop flight to Nashville and a 1.5 hour drive.

Please report back about the AT and your experience with it.

Does anyone know of places for lunch within easy walking distance of the Lorton AT station? Type of food doesn't matter.

There is an almost famous German resto on the lake but you might need to take a cab. No help here otherwise.

>>Having a lawn maintained was one of the required things at Villages. Anyone know?<<

By "having a lawn maintained," you mean using a maintenance service?

I would guess that 99% of the single-family homes in The Villages use a lawn-maintenance service, and I believe that you hire your own, rather than one being chosen for the whole community. I would also guess that the communities in The Villages have strict rules about lawns -- length of grass, etc. -- and the penalties for violations are swift and severe.

I don't live there but have two acquaintances who do. (It's not for me, but to each his own. Seems perfect if you want a built-in social life.)

Each area in the Villages had a barrier gate when I visited, and the owners had an electronic card for entry. I thought my guide said one's card would be taken away if s/he didn't keep the lawn maintained. Did you hear that, vince?

TD: Didn't hear that, but it's possible. Some of those types of communities have HOA stipulations that the association can fine the owner by placing a lien on the property.

I would think that in a place like The Villages it's rare that happens, except maybe if there's a foreclosure. Then the bank or the association becomes responsible for maintenance.

Well, we are at the AT station waiting to board. We may be the youngest ones here.

Please report back. Those upper berths look like they are WAY to close to the ceiling. I would think if you sit up during the night you would bang your head. They look very narrow as well.

I estimate the upper berths at 30" wide. Sitting up is not an option although there is headroom.

According to the website the upper berth is 28 inches wide. I think I would feel claustrophobic with the ceiling so low.

You are getting off in Sanford and I'm getting on Friday. How was dinner?

Like two ships passing in the night - sort of. There was a decent dinner selection. Portions on the small side but adequate. Quality OK - think chain restaurant. Nice couple sharing table. Free wine a thing of the past for sleeper car class as are snacks when boarding.
Have a good trip.

No vino with dinner? Ok, have some little bottles packed for drink in my sleeper.
Really think about the villages. Super conservative but drunk driving on golf carts and highest std rates in the state.

There is a wine and beer menu. Wine is $6.50 per glass, beer a bit less.

High std rates? Randy old folk

One negative - AMTRAK puts a deodorizer into each cars ventilation system. In our car it is especially strong and frankly, I find it sickening. It is made worse if one uses a clap. Still on train - running late.

ok, hate those stinky things.
Ben Carson is coming to the Villages. True, randy old folk that don't think they need condoms.

Lsaw all of you leaving as I was driving in. A bit of a delay boarding now because you were late.