***UPDATE***Northbound I-75 Florida to Michigan travel thoughts

[bassman]

Getting ready to head home to Michigan from Florida.  Suppose to leave/check out March 30 BUT having second thoughts and thinking about leaving as soon as this weekend.  Beginning to hear "stories" about lack of food, bathrooms, lodging along I-75 and would like to hear from anyone who has travelled this route in the last 24 hours or so to hear your experience(s).  Food seems to be drive-through only with no access to restrooms at these locations.  Gas stations would seem to have restrooms available for customers.  However, yesterday at a local gas station in central FL,  both restrooms (Male and Female) were blocked off with a large display case with a sign saying "Do Not Move - Bathrooms Out of Order".  They may well have been out of order, just seemed odd to me that both out of order at the same time and a large display case blocking the entrances.  Probably just a one off situation but at least locally I could try several gas stations in the neighborhood which might not be as easy to do along the interstate.

So, anyone have any thoughts on how to proceed ie., wait until Mar 30 or head home earlier based on conditions and availability of services along the interstate now.  Also, we are traveling with two senior pets so we can't highball it straight through to MI without an overnight stop/layover in the Richmond KY area.

Heard one story of PA shutting down all of their state operated Rest Areas and putting in 4-5 Portages-Johns.  Truckers flipped out stating they need these areas to be open and fully operational for health and safety reasons while they are hauling much needed food and supplies across the country.  PA gave in and re-opened the areas - for now.

Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions/shared experience would be much appreciated !

I know we have some truckers on here that might be willing to share their recent experiences/tips as well.

TIA !!!!!

[..]

CA ordered a "lock down".

How soon until this comes to a state near you????

[Fazer]

You have some good questions that I cannot answer.  You might have to get off the highway and venture into some of the towns within a few miles of I-75.  I am interested to see what others have to say.  I would certainly try to plan ahead.  Good luck.

[Valkorado]

Wear an N95.

Kidding, but you do have cojones.

[..]

  Clean down gas pump handles.

[Jess from VA]

I don't have specific advice either.  I'd carry liquids (small ice cooler), quick foods, and Clorox wipes.

Get a wide mouth container to pee in the car and dump out the window.  

You might get a five gallon can for spare (emergency) gas for the trunk.  Bungee it in to prevent a tip over.

I drive that PA/OH turnpike every year.  Some of those rest stops are 40-50+ miles between.  PITA to have to get off and pay toll for gas.

Prepare to sleep in the car (if necessary)?  

EDIT:  Also, I just read drive-throughs are not letting people walk up to the window, but a lot of mom and pop restaurants are posting a number to call and order food, and they'll bring it out to you.   

[bassman]

CA ordered a "lock down".

How soon until this comes to a state near you????

Gov of Florida told the spring breakers the party’s over and to head home a day or so ago because the were not playing by the rules (I’m sure you’ve all see it on the news) so they can play by his rules.  Many kids just left the closed beaches and found news ones that are open.  Governor could get REALLY po’d and do what CA did with the lock down as you mentioned ☹️

[bassman]

Wear an N95.

Kidding, but you do have cojones.

I do have a couple - masks

[bassman]

Clean down gas pump handles.

Got a couple containers of wipes. 

[bassman]

I don't have specific advice either.  I'd carry liquids (small ice cooler), quick foods, and Clorox wipes.

Get a wide mouth container to pee in the car and dump out the window.  

You might get a five gallon can for spare (emergency) gas for the trunk.  Bungee it in to prevent a tip over.

I drive that PA/OH turnpike every year.  Some of those rest stops are 40-50+ miles between.  PITA to have to get off and pay toll for gas.

Prepare to sleep in the car (if necessary)?  

EDIT:  Also, I just read drive-throughs are not letting people walk up to the window, but a lot of mom and pop restaurants are posting a number to call and order food, and they'll bring it out to you.  

Car is PACKED with “stuff” for our two month stay in FL so not much room for much else.  Managed to score a 12 pack of TP from Sams along with several containers of sanitizer wipes as they are all in short supply in MI from what I’ve heard.   Might even be able to use these items as “barter” items if necessary.   Also got some extra “cash” in case credit / debit cards not taken.

Wide mouth container would work for me but wife and two cats not so much

[scooperhsd]

Avoid Atlanta if at all possible, although judging from around here in KC - traffic might actually be bearable / safe with the coronavirus crisis going on.

[bassman]

Avoid Atlanta if at all possible, although judging from around here in KC - traffic might actually be bearable / safe with the coronavirus crisis going on.

Agree Atlanta can be a challenge on a good day.

[old2soon]

        Maybe check with one of those internet hotel/motel booking outfits. Also goes with out sayin BUT i'll say it anyway-fully loaded operable firearm. You are NOT required to answer on an open forum. Maybe rent a u-haul trailer fer yer stuff in case you gotta sleep in the cage. Good luck on gittin back home. RIDE SAFE.

[bassman]

        Maybe check with one of those internet hotel/motel booking outfits. Also goes with out sayin BUT i'll say it anyway-fully loaded operable firearm. You are NOT required to answer on an open forum. Maybe rent a u-haul trailer fer yer stuff in case you gotta sleep in the cage. Good luck on gittin back home. RIDE SAFE.

Thanks .........

[h13man]

You might not make it. They just closed IL down in 3 mins. as I'm posting. My wife speaking with her sister now in IL getting all the low down. City buses locally quit running also.

[Pappy!]

^^ Not sure a state can shut down a Federal highway for a virus........

[h13man]

But all services along the way can be but...I guess I'll set at home to wait and see. Got most of the supplies today what few was available replenished. Going to learn how to make my own biscuits and got 8 lb. sirloin tip @ $2.99 lb to grind into ground beef as Sam's my supplier had none and limit of 1 package of meat per person. Plenty of liquor,meat,ammo,dog food,( gotta feed the alarm system)coffee, and bottled water. All is good!

[Pappy!]

Sounds like you have it pretty well nailed then.

[old2soon]

        DINGDINGDINGDING just dug out the cobwebs. Trucking is NOT shut down. Pick yer route north and look for 24 hr truck stops.  Most modern truck stops also have car islands-gasoline. Should be able to make a list of them from the internet. Loves-Pilot-Flying J-truck stops of America to name a few nation wide names. And most of the newer truck stops you can buy a shower. It's how I kept clean on the road. Course I generally had a shower card tied to gallons purchased. When I fueled took anywhere from 80 to 190 gallons. Some one told me past 30 It's brain fade!  What the heck it are at 2 and a half times 30?  RIDE SAFE.

[Bighead]

You might not make it. They just closed IL down in 3 mins. as I'm posting. My wife speaking with her sister now in IL getting all the low down. City buses locally quit running also.

Hopefully just Chicago  let em rot.

[bassman]

        DINGDINGDINGDING just dug out the cobwebs. Trucking is NOT shut down. Pick yer route north and look for 24 hr truck stops.  Most modern truck stops also have car islands-gasoline. Should be able to make a list of them from the internet. Loves-Pilot-Flying J-truck stops of America to name a few nation wide names. And most of the newer truck stops you can buy a shower. It's how I kept clean on the road. Course I generally had a shower card tied to gallons purchased. When I fueled took anywhere from 80 to 190 gallons. Some one told me past 30 It's brain fade!  What the heck it are at 2 and a half times 30?  RIDE SAFE.

Thanks old2soon....those were the places I was planning on using in hopes they would have gas, food and restrooms available.  Food may be in wrappers (M&M’s, Snickers etc) and no hot meals but I can deal with that for 24 hours, if necessary.  Most important are  the gas and restrooms

[bassman]

FYI....we’ve decided to pop smoke tomorrow morning between 0300-0400.  Confirmed motel reservation for one night stay in Richmond, KY and ETA home base NLT 1100 Monday,  if all goes as planned.

Thank-you all for your valued input - MUCH APPRECIATED!

[old2soon]

          The new Love's here in Willow Springs Mo. has a micky ds and they told me drive thru and inside counter available. You just CAN'T eat inside. Hopefully it will be somewhat similar on yer route. Some of the C-stores in the truck stops should have microwaveable sandwiches for sale if all else fails. Chips and soda?    RIDE SAFE.

[..]

Gas pump handles. Gas pump handles.

[bassman]

Gas pump handles. Gas pump handles.

Have four of these close at hand  ........  the key is to USE THEM!

https://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-disinfecting-wipes/crisp-lemon/

[Willow]

Gas pump handles. Gas pump handles.

Have four of these close at hand  ........  the key is to USE THEM!

https://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-disinfecting-wipes/crisp-lemon/

Good advice on disinfectants but keep in mind the disease (virus) is not contracted when you get it on your hand but only when you bring it to your nose, mouth or eye.

Be wise and aware but do not live in fear.

[..]

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241395481.html

No more meals on the turnpike. Florida governor orders rest-stop restaurants to close

WHAT CAN YOU STILL GET AT SERVICE PLAZAS?
▪ Bathroom breaks and you can walk your dog.

▪ Convenience stores will remain open. Most sell some form of quick bites on the run.

▪ Gas. The fuel station portions remain open.

[Skinhead]

FYI....we’ve decided to pop smoke tomorrow morning between 0300-0400.  Confirmed motel reservation for one night stay in Richmond, KY and ETA home base NLT 1100 Monday,  if all goes as planned.

Thank-you all for your valued input - MUCH APPRECIATED!

Safe travels, let us know how it goes.

[bassman]

Left FL Sunday morning at 0300.....little more traffic that I expected but mostly a few snowbird types with MI, Indiana and Illinois license plates.  Basically an easy run all the way to Richmond, KY with some 35 miles of various construction areas in KY..  Monday morning the same deal - on the road at 0300 and pulled into my driveway at 0930.  Atlanta was a breeze.  Minimal traffic all the way home and very manageable without stress or white knuckle areas in certain locations.

Most rest areas appeared to have a lot of trucks and cars but can't confirm the rest room facilities were open as we didn't stop at any.  Assumption would be with that many vehicles stopped in them, they were open and/or people were using the areas for a quick 40 winks to rest.

Pilot, Loves and Flying J were wonderful.  Gas at decent to good prices, CLEAN restrooms and drive-thru eating only.  Only did the drive-thru at one Pilot (Burger King type breakfast sandwich) because no one was in line.  Bought one tuna sandwich inside a Love's at another stop.  One Pilot in TN said they were suspending drive-thru service but didn't know why and would still offer the inside sandwiches.

Thanks to all for the information and suggestions.

It's good to be home and starting/trying to re-stock the food shelves with the essentials

[scooperhsd]

Better double check your TP stock as well

[old2soon]

     I bought some needed items this past Sunday and those items-non perishable-are Still in my trunk. Washed hands after loading trunk and the stuff will NOT be in my home til Saturday. Glad yer at the home 20 safe and some what sound-we do RIDE after all!  I go back to when the coffee from Pilot would remove enamel from teeth. Now according to some sources it is top 5 coffee on the road. Again-glad yer HOME!  RIDE SAFE.

[h13man]

Welcome back home. Glad the journey went well.

[shortleg]

So glad you made it my brother.
 Was wondering how you two would do
      God bless and stay healthy.

[..]