SnowBirds

cars · Post by **cars** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 2:36 pm

Hello Forum members, looking for anyone that can point out any of the hidden problems of becoming a "SnowBird". I currently have a house up North, and now just bought a Condo in Florida. (Thank God those 4 hurricanes did not damage it)

So come the cold months I plan on going South.

cars

LottomagicZ4941 · Post by **LottomagicZ4941** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:08 pm

Join Date: Oct 2004

Location: Connecticut, USA

So do you need to update your location?

It is cold here in Colorado.

Are you in Florida where it is warm?

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:17 pm

LottomagicZ4941 wrote: Join Date: Oct 2004

Location: Connecticut, USA

So do you need to update your location?

It is cold here in Colorado.

Are you in Florida where it is warm?

Lot- No unfortunately I'm not a Snowbird yet, I'm still in CT with the SNOW & ICE!!! :wah:

I was supposed to retire at the end of November, but changed my mind. Working till the end of this month gives me another $120/month in my pension, not all that much but it's for the rest of my life :-2

So I'm still working till the end of this month. Then middle of next month we go to sunny Florida for the next "3" months!! :-6

Car :driving:

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:03 pm

cars wrote: Hello Forum members, looking for anyone that can point out any of the hidden problems of becoming a "SnowBird". I currently have a house up North, and now just bought a Condo in Florida. (Thank God those 4 hurricanes did not damage it)

So come the cold months I plan on going South.

cars
Setup all your vendors and bills for electronic payment. Do that, forward your mail, and you're set! Have fun!

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:34 pm

Go to the Bahamas.... If you can do it REALLY do it.

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:59 pm

weeder wrote: Go to the Bahamas.... If you can do it REALLY do it.

Planing to go there (take a cruise) as a vacation, during our 3 month stay in Florida. :-6

(Did it before (5 or 6 years ago) back when was on actual vacation in Florida. It was great! Gambling on the ship, too much great food, and then gambling & too much food & then dancing in the Princess Hotel on the island) :-6

Cars :driving:

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:03 pm

Tombstone wrote: Setup all your vendors and bills for electronic payment. Do that, forward your mail, and you're set! Have fun!

Tombstone- thanks for the advise, will look into electronic bill payments.

Cars :driving:

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:12 pm

tmbsgrl wrote: We have so many "snowbirds" coming here in the winter! Most parking lots banned trailers to park there! Last year our wal-mart parking lot was so full of them that the shoppers had to park across the street at a different store! It was annoying! Nothing against you all!

Snowbirds like the warm weather and flock to it! In Florida, there is not problems with trailers in Walmart lots, it's in the Restaurants, and heavy traffic on the roads! All the Snowbirds flock to the really "good" Restaurants. So it goes go from a 20 minute wait in the summer time to 2 to 2-1/2 "Hours" in the winter time! "Locals" are not happy about that! :wah:

Cars :driving:

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:01 pm

Cars: My mom and step-dad have recently begun that commute. They leave right after the holidays, and don't come back till around Easter, or when the weather breaks.

They bought a fifth-wheel, decked it out, and look forward every winter to the time to go. They are, in fact, leaving at 4:00 a.m. (About 4 hours from now, my time.) It actually saves them money living this way, and I don't worry about them being here and getting snowed in, or worse, falling on the ice.

They've been doing it for 4, maybe 5 years now, and they love it!

cars · Post by **cars** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:42 pm

BabyRider wrote: Cars: My mom and step-dad have recently begun that commute. They leave right after the holidays, and don't come back till around Easter, or when the weather breaks.

They bought a fifth-wheel, decked it out, and look forward every winter to the time to go. They are, in fact, leaving at 4:00 a.m. (About 4 hours from now, my time.) It actually saves them money living this way, and I don't worry about them being here and getting snowed in, or worse, falling on the ice.

They've been doing it for 4, maybe 5 years now, and they love it!

BabyRider- Glad to hear they like going back & forth, as I am nervous about retiring (At the end of this month) and am encouraged when hearing about other's happy success stories.

Cars :driving:

cars · Post by **cars** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:44 am

ScoupeSlave wrote: the only thing that i ask, (being from arizona where we have snowbirds galore) is please drive at least the speed limit. we have so many accidents here from snowbirds that drive really really slow.

they say that speed kills, but i think that it is mostly the other way around. it is the drivers that are so slow and can't make their minds up where they are going, then see where they want to go and slam on the brakes in the middle of traffic. that is how most of the wrecks here are around the winter time. it really makes me mad getting stuck behind a snowbird because they drive so freaking slow.

i can understand that when you are not from here, you are unfamiliar with the territory but don't go out at rush hour trying to find a place of buisness or somewhere to eat without knowing the general area of where it is......

i would love to hold up a sign that says MAPQUEST.COM!!!!!!!!

-SS

Scoupe- You're right some Snowbirds do drive slow, and don't always know exactally where they are going, (So would "all" of us in unfamiliar territories, not just Snowbirds) & sometimes even do stop short. They can even cause an accident, but it should just be a fender bender accident. Not a wreck, wrecks are caused by "Speed"!!! The "Speed" accident is what "kills", not the 30 to 35mph fender benders! :wah:

Cars :driving:

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:39 am

cars wrote: Hello Forum members, looking for anyone that can point out any of the hidden problems of becoming a "SnowBird". I currently have a house up North, and now just bought a Condo in Florida. (Thank God those 4 hurricanes did not damage it)

So come the cold months I plan on going South.

cars

My Grandmother, Father and relatives All moved to Florida, they would return in the summer months, they have since passed away, i have 2 aunts left there in their 70's. Keep this in Mind from me: Flordia to me is the DOCTOR capital in the USA for the Elderly...Those Pill Pushin Operating Doctors IN FLORIDA will make you ill? I know other than relatives, a few too many healthy people who turned sickly upon relocation to FLORIDA...i don't know if the health care is free or cheaper, this is what i have seen? Just lettin ya know...

cars · Post by **cars** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 9:21 am

Paula wrote: My Grandmother, Father and relatives All moved to Florida, they would return in the summer months, they have since passed away, i have 2 aunts left there in their 70's. Keep this in Mind from me: Flordia to me is the DOCTOR capital in the USA for the Elderly...Those Pill Pushin Operating Doctors IN FLORIDA will make you ill? I know other than relatives, a few too many healthy people who turned sickly upon relocation to FLORIDA...i don't know if the health care is free or cheaper, this is what i have seen? Just lettin ya know...

Paula- I don't like the Doctors in Florida either. I have heard of problems with Florida Doctors from others that live there full time. I even found out first hand, as "They" (Florida Doctors) almost killed my Daugher when she had her first and because she almost died now "only" child. She originally wanted 3 children.

My Wife & I planned to be there, & were lucky enough (or not) to be there when our Daughter went into labor. She did not have normal contractions, just excruciating "constant pain that had her doubled over she could not even sit. We knew something must be wrong. We called her husband at work, he rushed home & then we all took her to the hospital in "Florida"! (West Boca) We got there at 6pm, "they" kept her there for "9" (nine) hours without doing anything for her except keep taking her excessively high BP. At 3 am her placenter broke "inside" her and poisioned her (causing severe Toxcimia- Pre-clamshia) and needless to say she became an extremely very sick woman. We almost "lost" her 2 times during her "12" day hospital stay, that's how bad she was. (Not the normal 1 day hospital stay) I can go on & on about all the other bad things that happened (including bad treatment from some of the hospital staff) but I have already been too long winded. So yes thanks Paula, I will try not to get sick in Florida. Ha-Ha. :rolleyes:

Cars :driving:

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 9:40 am

They don't know what the hell they are doing There! No-one cares about you. You understand what i posted, thats good, the truth needs to be known, I seen it all too often with my own family...Good you are aware, better off...Very Good..

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 6:46 am

yoshman wrote: Cars,

I am concerned about your reply...it seems to dismiss, or minimalize any responsability for damages...

I have lived and driven (professionally) all through Florida, and here is the senario...

Since the locals are going fast (because you are driving slowly), the "snowbird" is impeding traffic and creating a hazard. The locals are creating a hazard as well. Regardless of who is at fault, and wherever you happen to be, SOMEONE needs to drive like they have some sence (sp). Why not let it be you? I have seen many RV's completely trashed on Florida roadways.

Just about everyone drives like crap in Florida (Locals as well as the snowbirds). Since you will be driving a large, and slow moving vehicle (like I do), I recommend that you must drive as responsibly as possible, or you'll only be contributing to the problem.

THE RV people should be required to have CDL Licenses to drive those oversized home on wheels, what a pain. Follow one, it would take 2 weeks to get around florida....

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 7:16 am

yoshman wrote: Cars,

I am concerned about your reply...it seems to dismiss, or minimalize any responsability for damages...

I have lived and driven (professionally) all through Florida, and here is the senario...

Since the locals are going fast (because you are driving slowly), the "snowbird" is impeding traffic and creating a hazard. The locals are creating a hazard as well. Regardless of who is at fault, and wherever you happen to be, SOMEONE needs to drive like they have some sence (sp). Why not let it be you? I have seen many RV's completely trashed on Florida roadways.

Just about everyone drives like crap in Florida (Locals as well as the snowbirds). Since you will be driving a large, and slow moving vehicle (like I do), I recommend that you must drive as responsibly as possible, or you'll only be contributing to the problem.

Yoshman, it seems you have taken out of context what I was referring to about accidents. I was replying to what was said about "in-town" Snowbird "wrecks killing people". "Wrecks" are caused by "Speed", & that is what kills people. That is what I was referring to. I was in no way looking to dismiss & or minimalize slow moving vehicles from accident responsibility! I to have seen RV's, Cars, Trailer Trucks, Car Trailers, even Boats on trailers on major highways "splintered" across the highways, "when" I used to still drive to Florida. (Since 1995 we use the Airlines) That's on major highways, the original post was talking about "in town" driving - slow moving vehicles (Not RV'S) looking for restaurants, stores, or whatever. It was a little presumptive of you to say I was driving an "RV" like you, (When I did drive to Florida we always had "2 door" Riveria coupes) I never have nor plan to own an RV! :-2

Cars :driving:

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 3:01 pm

yoshman wrote: Whatever you drive....makes no difference. Inattention, ignorance and agression kill more on florida roads (all, in town and out) than speed alone. I think that presumption presents a danger

"Agression" is SPEED and "SPEED kills", it's not presumption, (I don't drive an RV as was presumed) it's a fact, statistics prove it! :wah:

Cars :driving:

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 3:55 pm

Senior Citizens Cause accidents, did you ever think of that? RV's not for me, i cannot say what my husband and I call them...Never buy a used one, if that helps to give you a clue as to what we mean?

If you are critical about speed, fly to Florida, because as we age, it ends up being the only way to get there?

Many an 80 year old & upwards has caused fatal accidents, it happens all the time. There should be MANdatory testing By 70....

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 4:53 pm

ScoupeSlave wrote: aggression does not totally mean speed. i have seen wrecks right in front of me that were done at speeds of 30 to 40. and their were fatalites. it is because someone slams on their brakes and they get rear ended. causing many of them to snap their necks and being crushed in between cars. so anything can cause a wreck. it doesn't nessecarily have to be speed. :-5

-SS

Anything is possible. As you have pointed out "anything" can cause an accident", and yes 30 to 40mph rear end collisions can have fatalities, but they are the exception rather then the rule. Rear end collisions (or any type of accident) at 75 to 80mph will most likely have fatalities. Statistics indicates that becomes the rule rather then the exception. Do you really believe someone driving at 30mph, is aggressive behavior? :wah: A pain in the - - -, but not aggressive!

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:00 am

yoshman wrote: I agree completely Paula

Get The RV's Off THE ROADS! They are too big, Just because you are on vacation and have "time" doesn't me i do, follow one. CDL is A must to drive a TRUCK on the road? These over-sized, HOMES on Wheels, SHould be the SAME! Because it is for pleasure, the dealers would not make money? thats what i thought!

They should have strict restrictions, that allow them to travel during the NIGHT, were there is less traffic? They should have an over-weight permit, and specific directions to follow, oh yes, we have to moving heavy equipment? Now, do you really want to go on vacation, good, these are the rules....HELLO!!! :wah:

cars · Post by **cars** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:51 am

Paula wrote: Senior Citizens Cause accidents, did you ever think of that? RV's not for me, i cannot say what my husband and I call them...Never buy a used one, if that helps to give you a clue as to what we mean?

If you are critical about speed, fly to Florida, because as we age, it ends up being the only way to get there?

Many an 80 year old & upwards has caused fatal accidents, it happens all the time. There should be MANdatory testing By 70....

Regardless of age there should be mandatory testing (I have said this in other posts) every time a license has to be renewed! Can just start off to be visual check, by looking at the applicant by the testor. If the applicant looks to be physically impaired, than testor can recommend full testing should occur. As Peoples physical conditions over time can change regardless of age, due to accidents, illness, eye sight changing, and yes AGE, etc. Looking for whatever that can make applicant become unsafe on the roads, but unfortunately they still drive. :wah:

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:55 am

Yes, absolutely, let's start relegating anyone who owns an RV, a fifth-wheel, a motor home. All of them. Let's jack up our insurance rates past the already asinine rates we are all paying. "These are the rules"????? What freakin' country are we living in? Do you want to put up check points at all state borderlines, too? I can understand the concern with slow-moving AND fast-moving vehicles of ALL types, but let's not get carried away here. It's far too easy to obtain a license as it is, and folks WAY too old and scatter-brained to be on the roads in the first place are everywhere! Just driving cars. Let's regulate (to a point) the elderly who frequently forget they are even IN a car, stricter eyechecks would be a great place to start. And have them only drive at night??? Do you have any clue how many of them have a hard enough time driving in broad daylight? The damn question marks after every sentence make me wonder if you are joking, questioning yourself, or just an iffy typer.

cars · Post by **cars** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 1:08 pm

It should be duly noted, "one day" all today's people if they are lucky enough, will eventually become the "older" people. So be careful what you wish for today, because it can come back to bite you in the - - - tomorrow! :wah:

Cars :driving:

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 1:21 pm

I am getting old, i am not going to Florida...i have seen the stress it has put on my people. They would go back in October---return in May, and they looked liked they went though the ringer...those cement apartments, really took the life out of them...on the other hand my grandmother lived to 92 in the Finnish American Rest Home? My aunt comes back, her brain is scrambled, we just sit and listen, and say boy, she is failing a bit? Who knows? I am not going there when i am OLD-NO. You stay healthier statying here year round, down there something happens?

The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention?