Ocean Grove lifestyles….Paul Goldfinger photo. ©
We are in the same situation as several other Grovers regarding getting back to Jersey from Florida.
We were supposed to return in mid-March, but the decision now is how to return safely. There are worries about motels, food, rest stops and the high number of Jersey cases.
If any of you have survived the trip up 95 recently, please tell us how you did, and we will share with the others.
You can reach us by email at Blogfinger@verizon.net.
We are also interested in how Grovers are doing living with the self isolation and social distancing in town.
Let us know and, we can have an ongoing sharing (misery loves company?) or have any of you found some unique ways to cope?
See the comments below.
Thanks, Paul @Blogfinger.
MOLLY O’DAY
Hi Paul
I cancelled my return on the Hampton Jitney for May 7. Didn’t want to take a chance on hotels and being on bus with other people. All of our Canadian neighbors left early and did not encounter any problems with hotels, gas stations, rest stops. Hilton Gardens Inn was recommended. There is also the auto train. Long ride though from VA to NJ.
I am in no rush to get back since NJ is so dismal right now. I am also concerned about summer in Ocean Grove since I have been renting at the LaPierre for 2 years. As you are aware, I am in the thick of the action. Going to be very interesting. I miss family and friends but wouldn’t be able to see anyone anyway.
I enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work.
Madeline
From a Grover scheduled to return from Fla mid May:
“Many new hotel habits will depend on local and state laws. But for the foreseeable future, guests will see more hand sanitizers, more signs about social distancing, less furniture (to make room) and all staffers in face coverings — but not necessarily bland ones.” The emphasis will be on housekeeping cleaning after each visitor.
A friend told us that she will make the trip back from the west coast of Florida in the middle of May. She will stay in motels for two nights. She also told us of a friend who hired someone to drive their car back, and they took a plane ride.
Many airline flights are being cancelled due to decreased demand, and the fares can get pretty high if flights are less available. And airports and planes seem to be risky places to avoid infection. PG
Marty: A friend and her husband took the auto train March 27 from Florida; The train turned over at 5:30 pm and crashed. Numerous cars were damaged. No serious injuries.
They had to drive the rest of the way with a rented car.
Autotrain is not for me. Other friends didn’t like the auto train . We are just waiting it out for now where we are. Good luck to you too.
I am a snowbird in Key West – My son drives me back to OG but he is stuck in Boston where he went for business in Feb & doesn’t know when he will be able to return to KW.
Friends from OG recently returned safely on the auto train but that is not an option for me as I have 2 dogs.
So for now I am enjoying the sunshine & warm weather here.
Paul, perhaps the auto train could work for you.
Best of luck.
Great idea. Hope you get some good suggestions.
We have been wanting to come down to our house from PA for our usual spring visit but are concerned that because the CMA has not closed things down, OG could become the next dangerous hotspot with all those people coming in from NYC and Phila.
Thank you for keeping us informed. I am a snowbird in Palm Beach County and hope to be able to return safely to Ocean Grove. Not sure when.