Though not active forum members my husband and I have been inspired by Howard and Linda's adventures. In fact, Don spoke at the 2008 rally in Branson as an RV technician. We are traveling to Ft Myers FL again this winter and are interested in some input as to highways without the intense ascending and descending hills we encounter in KY and TN. We are driving from MI and appreciate any suggestions from those experienced in travel to FL. Thanks in advance for advice from any of you!

If you stay west of the Appalachians as you come south and then head east in Alabama you will miss most of the really hilly terain. This map will show you the areas to avoid.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.geomart.com/images/raisedrelief/ZOK-US3422.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geomart.com/products/raisedrelief/usgsquads.htm&h=322&w=533&sz=54&tbnid=jVxTKWX8crHIOM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtopographical%2Bmap%2BUS&hl=en&usg=__zKThUKPWTas_hN0iq0OrCN3ew_A=&sa=X&ei=mplgTJqXN46isQO-7LyPCA&ved=0CDkQ9QEwBg

Enjoy your trip,

-- Edited by Luvglass on Monday 9th of August 2010 06:16:58 PM

We are nearby Indianapolis. The route we take is I-65 south to Montgomery Al. and exit onto US 82. We take this east a few miles to US 231 and take south into Florida and hit I-10 east to either US 19 or I-75. US 82 in Montgomery is 4 lane but is on the south edge of the city and has a few stop lights before you get to US 231 which is a decent 4 lane road. You will have to go through several towns on this route but we prefer that over the kamakaze drivers on I-75. The hills on this route are a lot easier than taking I-24/I-75 and you also get to miss that nightmare named Atlanta Ga.

Thank you so much. We'll check it out. All I know is that the steep grades in KY and TN are what we're trying to avoid this time. Happy Trails.