Auto train tips?
Oct 24th, 2015, 10:22 AM
#21
Original Poster
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.
Oct 24th, 2015, 12:21 PM
#22
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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?!
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?!
Oct 24th, 2015, 01:56 PM
#23
Original Poster
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.
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.
Oct 25th, 2015, 05:51 AM
#24
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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.
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.
Oct 29th, 2015, 05:38 AM
#28
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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?
Oct 29th, 2015, 05:44 AM
#29
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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.
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.
Oct 30th, 2015, 01:22 AM
#35
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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.
Have a good trip.
Oct 30th, 2015, 04:43 AM
#36
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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.
Really think about the villages. Super conservative but drunk driving on golf carts and highest std rates in the state.
Oct 30th, 2015, 05:49 AM
#38
Original Poster
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.
