Jersey to the Keys

monkeypants · 04-28-2009, 08:30 AM

Mornin' Folks

We're planning out our fall trip to the keys. Found out this morning, to my amazement, that I CAN go through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with my two 40 lb lp tanks, despite my memories and advice of what seems like everyone I know :-).
Has anyone made a similar trip (northeast to fla, for example) ?
I'm curious what is the best route. 95 would be my first choice to make good time. I'm looking to make 350-400 miles a day and make it from S. Jersey to MM 14.5 in 3.5-4 days. Any thoughts on route, campgrounds, itineraries would be appreciated!

Thanks

HowieE · 04-28-2009, 09:11 AM

Yes you can go through the tunnel. They will stop you and ask you to turn the tanks off and mark them with a tag. If you are not interested in time it is a different way to go but no a fast one.

I would suggest 95 into Delaware to 896 south, 2 miles past the rest area, 896 becomes 301. Follow 50/301 through Annapolis. About 19 miles from the Annapolis 301 turns. south. Watch for it or you will be in WDC. Take 301 into Va. and follow it south from Bowling Green to 295 around Richmond. This route takes you around WDC and Baltimore and is a nice country drive. The posted speed limit is 55 but most of the truck will pass you if you do.

I generally run a longer day than you are planning and use Wal Mart or Cracker Barrel instead of a campground. However I would not suggest that in southern Fl.

richinny · 04-28-2009, 12:29 PM

yes, walmart and cracker barrel are not in pretty neighborhoods south of miami.

Jack46 · 04-28-2009, 12:41 PM

I agree with HowieE about getting around Baltimore and DC. Given your anticipated miles per day, about the only suggestion I could give would be I95. If you come down Route 1/13 through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, you'll have to negotiate around Norfolk on I64 and then Route 58 due west for 100 miles or so. You could cut through NC on Route 17 and take it all the way to Savannah. More scenic and slower.

Shacksman · 04-28-2009, 04:36 PM

Not only can you take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, when we got to the fishing pier and gift shop, they have a parking lot for the fishermen. We stayed overnight there as the sign says 18 hour parking allowed. Great view of Norfolk at night.