If you keep going through the Alcan Hwy to Alaska you'll go through very spectacular terrain but hauling a camper through there, if you're not an expert driver, you'll soon learn to be.

I <3 Bangs

Thanks for that tip! I thought the mountains in Tennessee and Georgia were bad enough! Scared me to death both trips. A semi got stuck in front of us on our way through Georgia to Florida on a very narrow road. He started rolling backwards and I started praying! Can't remember how it ended so he must've gotten it under control. I am going with that.

Haven't been to FL -- but I recommend the Pacific Coast Highway, all the more north of San Francisco and all the way through Oregon. It passes through quite a variety of terrain and climate, and a lot of small towns the people on I-5 will never see.

Be warned, the Marin part, starting in San Anselmo, is quite a roller coaster ride. Don't try it in a Winnebago.

I used to like flying, but it has turned into a real pain. Oregon is beautiful. While driving south from there you san stop by Yosemite Park and Sequoia Park home of the giant redwood trees, and Yosemite's breathtakingly beautiful. Meanwhile, enjoy the repartee in the Gulch.

Ya it is. I have lived here for 33 years so you get used to it. But I do still love that first sign of spring. And then the beauty all around when everything turns green. I don't know if it is my utter hatred for cold weather or the ugliness of everything dying, but even after all these years I just noticed this year that there are actually winter birds that remain even in winter. I thought they all flew South. Must to my awe and surprise. I think the kids and I will be getting a winter bird feeder.

My sis lives in Missouri and I have never been there. Someday I would like to visit. I hear the country side is beautiful.

Thank you me too. I think it was a gang. I have never been to the west coast so I will have to go at least once. One of my husband's relatives lives in Oregon very close to the coast, she extended us an open invitation to come visit and has a guest room so we may do that next Spring. I will remember to take the coast highway drive. I am terrified of flying but I love long road trips.

I live on the other side od Florida near Tampa Bay. I call it the west coast of the east coast. I have in past years driven down US 1 all the way to Key West. Another drive even more spectacular is The Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco. in California. South Beach can be a spooky place at times. Glad you came to no harm. Too many gangs -- everywhere.

just glad it's snow and not the flood!!! -- j
.

What was a joke?

I lived on South Beach in a truck for a few months about 10 years ago. It was mostly Cuban there at that time, so we couldn't talk to most people, there was an incident where I was lucky that my boyfriend then knew what a group of guys walking by were saying, because he got me to safety very quickly when they could have hurt me because I didn't know what they were saying. It was very scary. I plan to be much more aware the next time I go back. It was very beautiful there. The best part was Us 1 highway. We're you ever able to drive down the coast and US1? If not, I would strongly suggest it on your bucket list. If I ever make it back I will let you know. There is something very humbling about driving down a highway with nothing but ocean and sky all around you. I fully believe that will be my heaven.

Estaba un chiste.

Well I live in Calif., in a small town and we are surrounded by mountains, no trees, we grow fruit and vegetables on the farm lands. During the summer our temperature can get up to 107 degrees. It gets sweltering hot. Some places we have no shade. So we are limited. We have been put on the list to limit water use. Now we have our cold temperatures, which means our electric bills are not high. We can relax now, but we have to stay warm.I think we have had snow here maybe 3 time in the winter, but it only lasted 1 day. It did get cold enough and that was nice. I wish to see more snow.

Really?
I am an American version of English speaker. I know only a smattering of other languages, but have not found any communication problems except with people who speak with strongly accented Spanish and have yet to fully learn English. However, I am not in a very diverse area. The only dialects I hear are New York clipped words or southern drawls. Both of which are easily translated.

If you want a relaxing bath, put some Epsom Salt into the tub. A cupful turns the water into a natural spa.

No sorry needed. I was only explaining what a mess that incompetence can make.

I so very much miss Florida! It is so beautiful there. The only thing I didn't like was how difficult it is to communicate. So many different languages and dialects.

If the choice is between wealth & comfort, I'll go for wealth. So...here's wishing you ice & snow. (Don't hate me because I'm practical)

Florida in Winter is usually 45 to 75 degrees. Not beach temperatures but no snow either. This year so far has brought fall and winter temperatures above average in the 60 to 85 degree range. We usually sympathize with our northern brethren when it is cold, icy or snowy. (not really).

Pittsburgh is a little chilly today with December weather having been great. It's all in which way the wind blow.

I have been using Epsom salts this year. So far so good. I try not to use chemicals too much.

That's awesome. We watch movies, no antenna or satellite, I bought Dharma and Greg on DVD. I would not miss the TV if I didn't have it. Ours is still the old tube type. Our kids have an antenna so they can watch learning channels, but their TV is all but done and when it finally bites the dust I doubt we replace. Kids learn too many bad habits from TV.

I'm really torn. I love the nice weather but I also sell Rock Salt and Ice Melter. Sold 16 Trailers of bagged salt last year. Sold about a half trailer so far this year.