Camping How

Question:

Hello Group, Well, I went ahead and did it.  I bought a 2001 Sunline T-2053 trailer a couple of weeks ago.   I just got back from my first trip to the Weston, VT the other day.   My parent’s own a vacation place in the forest, and I "boondocked" on the property. First of all, I have to say that I love my new RV!  It was one of the best vacations I ever had.   The unit performed very well, given the conditions. I’d written a few posts back in October about "semi-fulltiming" for business purposes in cold weather climates. One purpose of the trip ( aside from the family holiday get-together! ) was a "shakedown" cruise to test various endurances of the unit, my tow vehicle, me, the cat, etc… I picked up the trailer on Monday, December 22nd at the dealer in PA.  I stayed overnight at a campground in PA, Appalachian Campsites.   It was a nice place, well run by nice people.  They even gave me a pull-through site so I could practice backing up the trailer! Tuesday, I was off to Vermont for a week.  The weather was supposed to be unusually mild for VT, so I figured the unit would be operable.   I took a roundabout route to avoid mountains and bad traffic.  I hit mountains and bad traffic, anyway:  Oh, well.   I found out that "easy on, easy off" rest areas with services  (gas!) are optimal when towing a trailer! My roundabout route from PA to VT was about 400 miles ( should have been about 300 ).  Anyway, I remember one of you guys (Roadwarrior?) telling me that, that would be about the limit of my endurance.   Anyway, you were right!  By the time I got to VT, I was spent!   Thing is, I got a great night’s sleep in my TT! I wanted to find out how long the battery would last, running the furnace, lights, water pump, etc…  The unit came from the dealer with a group 24 deep cycle battery.   The temps were 30’s during the day, "teens" at night. I kept the thermostat at 65 degrees.   The battery lasted about 24 hours. I hadn’t been using the unit for showers, I took showers in the house.   I kept it plugged in after that.   BTW, my Honda 1000 watt generator was adequate to run the essentials:  Furnace, water pump, lights and so forth. The 2, 20 lb, propane bottles lasted me about 6 days.  I was hoping for more than that.   As I said, the outside temps were 30s during the day, teens at night.   I’m going to look into ways to improve the cold weather endurance of the trailer…. anyone have any ideas on this?  I figure it’s losing a lot of heat through the windows and the ceiling vents. My V6 Dodge Dakota turned out to be a decent, if not great, tow vehicle.   I got about 10 MPG towing the trailer, which has a 3700 lb unloaded weight.  I figure I was towing about 4200 lbs total.   There were a couple of times, in the VT mountains, that I really wished I’d gotten a V8.  Most of the time, though, it was a breeze.   Note for you lurkers:  You will NOT make great time towing a trailer.  Figure about 45 miles an hour for your trip, overall.   Note that I didn’t invest in any anti-sway or weight-distributing equipment. My cat, "Abby", loves the RV.   The first night in the campground, as soon as I let her out of her carryall, she sprawled out on the bed and gave me this squinty-eyed "contented" cat look.   She made absolutely no attempt to escape from the RV, nor did she cry or complain in any way.   BTW, I keep her in her carryall in the truck cab with me when we are on the road. I re-winterized the unit, and I’m currently planning my next RV vacation! Thanks to everybody for the input. BG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, I’ve been thinking about "taking the plunge" into RVing, and may move forward within the next month or so. I am a self-employed computer consultant, and many of my "gigs" require full time travel.  Checking in and out of a hotel every week gets to be a real drag.   I’d been thinking of having the "biz" buy an RV and I could charge the use back to the client instead of forwarding the hotel bills.   Anyone do this?   What kind of RV is good for this?   I’d been thinking some sort of travel trailer would be better than a motor home, since it would basically sit near the client site for the duration of the project, which can run as long as a year in some cases.   What kind of long-term discounts can I get at RV parks?   I don’t need a "resort" but I’m going to need all utilities. I’m moving out of state within the month ( NJ to PA ), and I have about a 3 week gap between the closing sale of this place, and my (buyer’s) closing of my new place.  I’ve been thinking of taking an RV vacation in the interim. I figure I’ll rent.  I may even rent more than one type to see what I like, or can at least live with.   I’ve been looking into trailer rentals, and it looks like they are tough to get:  I emailed a bunch of places, and the few that do trailer rentals only let you use them "on site".   My tow vehicle would be a 1/2 ton Dodge Dakota, and it can only handle a small trailer, in any case.    Anyone know of a trailer rental place in the NYC metro area? One that actually lets you tow the trailer??  ( maybe someone who doesn’t advertise on the web? ).   If the travel trailer rental idea is a washout, I’ll look into renting a small class "C"’s or maybe a class "B".   What kind of rates can I expect on something like that?   Again, anyone know a good motor home rental place in the NYC metro area? I’ve been looking into what brands to get.   I did some research on the quality of travel trailers, and Sunline and Nash are supposed to be good makes.   Again, I could probably only tow the smallest of those makes with the Dakota.    Anyone in the NG tow a Sunline or Nash with a Dakota?   Who makes a good small class "C"? I don’t need a lot of sleeping capacity.  The RV would just be for me and the cat.  I would like a "full" bath and a kitchen with an oven, though. What kind of cold weather performance can I expect?   There’s a possibility I may be working a gig in Massachusetts this winter, and those are pretty cold winters:   What are my options? That’s it for now.  I’ll probably think of a million more things in about an hour or so. Thanks, BG My camping background is comprised of a few tent camping trips in high school and a few trips in a VW vanagon conversion ( categorized as a class "B" I guess ).

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check out the forum at:  http://www.rv.net/forum – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cold weather hint.  Buy the best sleeping bag or conforter you can affford. and drop the thermostat lower. Luckily with a trailer, the next AM you can always just take off and drive til the temp rises. Glad it all worked out for you. Well, I went ahead and did it.  I bought a 2001 Sunline T-2053 trailer a couple of weeks ago.   I just got back from my first trip

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When we used to deer hunt in Wyoming in an unheated bus, I had a pretty decent sleeping bag which I put inside a giant size Army surplus one.  Most sleeping bags were rather short for me but the Army issue is a mummy type with a place to put your head.  A ski cap to keep your head warm is also a great heat conserver.  Our strong beer used to freeze solid but I was always toasty in a double bag. LZ Never mind the sleeping bags, you shoulda just drunk all the beer. Canoli

Well, the rancher was a Seventh Day Adventist and he insisted on moderation.  We didn’t want to offend him so we played by his rules. LZ

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Never mind the sleeping bags, you shoulda just drunk all the beer. Canoli

You gotta save some for breakfast. <g Lon

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Hi Anne, Yes.  You know, I did borrow a sleeping bag for the 2nd night! Thanks for the input, BG

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cold weather hint.  Buy the best sleeping bag or conforter you can affford. and drop the thermostat lower. Luckily with a trailer, the next AM you can always just take off and drive til the temp rises. Glad it all worked out for you. Well, I went ahead and did it.  I bought a 2001 Sunline T-2053 trailer a couple of weeks ago.   I just got back from my first trip

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Cold weather hint.  Buy the best sleeping bag or conforter you can affford. and drop the thermostat lower. Luckily with a trailer, the next AM you can always just take off and drive til the temp rises. Glad it all worked out for you. Well, I went ahead and did it.  I bought a 2001 Sunline T-2053 trailer a couple of weeks ago.   I just got back from my first trip

When we used to deer hunt in Wyoming in an unheated bus, I had a pretty decent sleeping bag which I put inside a giant size Army surplus one.  Most sleeping bags were rather short for me but the Army issue is a mummy type with a place to put your head.  A ski cap to keep your head warm is also a great heat conserver.  Our strong beer used to freeze solid but I was always toasty in a double bag. LZ

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Cold weather hint.  Buy the best sleeping bag or conforter you can affford. and drop the thermostat lower. Luckily with a trailer, the next AM you can always just take off and drive til the temp rises. Glad it all worked out for you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I went ahead and did it.  I bought a 2001 Sunline T-2053 trailer a couple of weeks ago.   I just got back from my first trip

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Question:

hmmmm That is strange. I saw RVs in the Walmart lot there when we were there. Now I wonder about that. Thanks for the info. GQ

When we were in Yuma last winter we saw lots of signs, but when we asked, Walmart first said we should go to the K-Mart, which we did with no problems.  The next time we were in Walmart to shop, we were planning to move on when a Walmart employee asked us to please park overnight "here", pointing to another corner of the lot.  We did, with no problems. We were never treated less than courteously by any merchants there.  Also realize that the city of Yuma is surrounded by lots of area that is not covered by any city ordnance, including BLM lands you can camp free on. We would go back to either Yuma (and the lower Colorado River Valley) or the Rio Grande Valley as we enjoyed both…and probably will visit at least one when we travel later this winter. — Regards, Barrie B

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You are right again of course but I suspect the majority of Motorhomes are used like mine is. That doesn’t make me right, just in the majority. I expect more maintenance and when it builds up, I dump the coach and get a new one. I had considered buying a Park Model in a senior park and maybe do that when and if I find a location I know I want to spend the winter for the future. So far I have not found that place. I also want to sleep in my own bed while traveling so the Motorhome stays. I even stay in RV parks while on the road normally except when traveling through cold climate where parks are closed and then in Flying Js or the like. As you said To each his own. Happy New Year Dave Carr

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Well Lon, if I was on the road I would agree with you but once I get to my destination and hooked up I will be staying put for 3-4 months. I guess I am lazy as after I get it leveled and the dish focused I don’t intend to move it till it is time to head home, I have been told that there are no pockets on shrouds and you cant take it with you so I will spend it now. If you are proud to be a scrooge then go for it. I for one hope to spend my last penny the instant I die. The perfect way to go in my world. Have a Happy New Year Dave Carr It’s yours, spend it any way you wish, but IMHO, you shouldn’t buy a MH with the idea of leaving it parked 4 months at a time. It’ll die of misuse, which is worse than over use. The engine and transmission, like the generator, need regular exercise to cook out moisture and prevent dry seals. Your leveling jacks should be retracted every couple weeks to ensure that they remain coated with oil rather than rust, etc. etc. etc. Like I said. It’s your money, so I shouldn’t care. Just trying to help. Merry Christmas Lon

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – True, too.  But, IMHO, Yuma is less friendly and more expensive. How is Yuma less friendly. Would you please explain that to me, if you would? We are thinking of getting a small lot as a winter getaway and would love to hear more info about the friendliness of Yuma area. GQ Yuma makes a lot of money from RVers but it has a municipal ordinance (or so its posted in the parking lots) against RVs parking overnight.  Any time I had to have dealings with local merchants, I felt as though I was being served on sufferage.  We got the feeling that they loved our money, but would rather we would just mail the checks every winter and stay out of town.  Every experience we’ve had in Texas (not just The Valley) has been the opposite.  YMMV. Janet, who is picking morsels of delicious Christmas turkey from her teeth instead of Yuma sand.<g The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

hmmmm That is strange. I saw RVs in the Walmart lot there when we were there. Now I wonder about that. Thanks for the info. GQ

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Well Lon, if I was on the road I would agree with you but once I get to my destination and hooked up I will be staying put for 3-4 months. I guess I am lazy as after I get it leveled and the dish focused I don’t intend to move it till it is time to head home, I have been told that there are no pockets on shrouds and you cant take it with you so I will spend it now. If you are proud to be a scrooge then go for it. I for one hope to spend my last penny the instant I die. The perfect way to go in my world. Have a Happy New Year Dave Carr

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Merry Christmas Janet! I am considering moving my winter home from Tucson to the Valley. The one question I have is do the propane trucks come to the campsites to fill the Motorhomes like in Tucson? It is such a pain to move the Motorhome every few weeks to get propane! I guess I am just lazy. Dave Carr I can’t imagine being that lazy. We turned down a fill at our site in Crystal River, FL, because he wanted $3.50/gallon, and filled up in Lakeland (as we were arriving) for $2.25/gallon. Considering that we bought 18.9 gallons, that’s worth a little work. Merry Christmas Lon

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writes: Well Lon, if I was on the road I would agree with you but once I get to my destination and hooked up I will be staying put for 3-4 months. I guess I am lazy as after I get it leveled and the dish focused I don’t intend to move it till it is time to head home, I have been told that there are no pockets on shrouds and you cant take it with you so I will spend it now. If you are proud to be a scrooge then go for it. I for one hope to spend my last penny the instant I die. The perfect way to go in my world. Have a Happy New Year Dave Carr

It’s yours, spend it any way you wish, but IMHO, you shouldn’t buy a MH with the idea of leaving it parked 4 months at a time. It’ll die of misuse, which is worse than over use. The engine and transmission, like the generator, need regular exercise to cook out moisture and prevent dry seals. Your leveling jacks should be retracted every couple weeks to ensure that they remain coated with oil rather than rust, etc. etc. etc. Like I said. It’s your money, so I shouldn’t care. Just trying to help. Merry Christmas Lon

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We live in San Antonio and we are planning a trip to the Valley next week. I have been doing research on the net but most places say <age restricions may apply. Is it true that most places won’t accept children (ours are 7 and 13). We are looking for a 5-star resort kind of place and don’t mind about price. Anybody with suggestions on where to stay ? TIA Jean

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Merry Christmas Janet! I am considering moving my winter home from Tucson to the Valley. The one question I have is do the propane trucks come to the campsites to fill the Motorhomes like in Tucson? It is such a pain to move the Motorhome every few weeks to get propane! I guess I am just lazy. Dave Carr << Janet, who is enjoying another shorts and tee shirt day in paradise down in The Valley where it is not windy and the sun is shining. Yes, currently 71, going to 76.  Not too shabby! I’ll be there about November 1.  I won’t mind using the AC for a couple of days. We have hardly ever used the AC.  Maybe once or twice a year. The breeze keeps it comfortable even into the mid 80’s.  Fantastic Vents do the trick quite well.  Helps to not need the AC when thecampsites are on the electric meter. BTW, propane is so much less expensive here (paid $12 for a 40# can Tuesday) that we run the fridge and water heater on gas only.  The electric bill is really tiny. Janet, biding her time until the Christmas dinner here.  Many of the ladies learned to cook on the farms of the midwest.  The food is scrumptious! (I made, of course, a New York cheesecake) The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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writes: Merry Christmas Janet! I am considering moving my winter home from Tucson to the Valley. The one question I have is do the propane trucks come to the campsites to fill the Motorhomes like in Tucson? It is such a pain to move the Motorhome every few weeks to get propane! I guess I am just lazy. Dave Carr

Yes, Dave, they do.  The CG office will give you a card to place on your rig so the truck knows to stop.   Did you get tired of paying for the Tuscon ball park, or did you give up looking for the beach?<g Janet, who really does NOT work for the Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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True, too.  But, IMHO, Yuma is less friendly and more expensive. How is Yuma less friendly. Would you please explain that to me, if you would? We are thinking of getting a small lot as a winter getaway and would love to hear more info about the friendliness of Yuma area. GQ

Yuma makes a lot of money from RVers but it has a municipal ordinance (or so its posted in the parking lots) against RVs parking overnight.  Any time I had to have dealings with local merchants, I felt as though I was being served on sufferage.  We got the feeling that they loved our money, but would rather we would just mail the checks every winter and stay out of town.  Every experience we’ve had in Texas (not just The Valley) has been the opposite.  YMMV. Janet, who is picking morsels of delicious Christmas turkey from her teeth instead of Yuma sand.<g The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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Merry Christmas Janet! I am considering moving my winter home from Tucson to the Valley. The one question I have is do the propane trucks come to the campsites to fill the Motorhomes like in Tucson? It is such a pain to move the Motorhome every few weeks to get propane! I guess I am just lazy. Dave Carr

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – << Janet, who is enjoying another shorts and tee shirt day in paradise down in The Valley where it is not windy and the sun is shining. Yes, currently 71, going to 76.  Not too shabby! I’ll be there about November 1.  I won’t mind using the AC for a couple of days. We have hardly ever used the AC.  Maybe once or twice a year. The breeze keeps it comfortable even into the mid 80’s.  Fantastic Vents do the trick quite well.  Helps to not need the AC when thecampsites are on the electric meter. BTW, propane is so much less expensive here (paid $12 for a 40# can Tuesday) that we run the fridge and water heater on gas only.  The electric bill is really tiny. Janet, biding her time until the Christmas dinner here.  Many of the ladies learned to cook on the farms of the midwest.  The food is scrumptious!  (I made, of course, a New York cheesecake) The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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writes: Merry Christmas Janet! I am considering moving my winter home from Tucson to the Valley. The one question I have is do the propane trucks come to the campsites to fill the Motorhomes like in Tucson? It is such a pain to move the Motorhome every few weeks to get propane! I guess I am just lazy. Dave Carr

I can’t imagine being that lazy. We turned down a fill at our site in Crystal River, FL, because he wanted $3.50/gallon, and filled up in Lakeland (as we were arriving) for $2.25/gallon. Considering that we bought 18.9 gallons, that’s worth a little work. Merry Christmas Lon

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Hi Janet Hah Hah, yes that to. I also felt like we were being used as a cash cow to pay for their budget deficit. Both the state and city put a site tax on RV Parks. The Snow Birds were leaving in Droves. Even established Park Models were being pulled out. Also Traffic was getting to be a nightmare in Tucson. I have been staying at Far Horizons on Pantano in Tucson and the city has grown out way past it. I feel like a war zone there with Choppers flying around all night and the flood lights from the choppers lighting up my RV. I also would like the nights to be a little warmer so I can heat with my Electric central heat when needed instead of gas. Thanks for the reply. Dave Carr freezing in Wisconsin this winter.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Merry Christmas Janet! I am considering moving my winter home from Tucson to the Valley. The one question I have is do the propane trucks come to the campsites to fill the Motorhomes like in Tucson? It is such a pain to move the Motorhome every few weeks to get propane! I guess I am just lazy. Dave Carr Yes, Dave, they do.  The CG office will give you a card to place on your rig so the truck knows to stop. Did you get tired of paying for the Tuscon ball park, or did you give up looking for the beach?<g Janet, who really does NOT work for the Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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<< Janet, who is enjoying another shorts and tee shirt day in paradise down in The Valley where it is not windy and the sun is shining. Yes, currently 71, going to 76.  Not too shabby! I’ll be there about November 1.  I won’t mind using the AC for a couple of days. Tom M

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<< Janet, who is enjoying another shorts and tee shirt day in paradise down in The Valley where it is not windy and the sun is shining. Yes, currently 71, going to 76.  Not too shabby! I’ll be there about November 1.  I won’t mind using the AC for a couple of days.

We have hardly ever used the AC.  Maybe once or twice a year. The breeze keeps it comfortable even into the mid 80’s.  Fantastic Vents do the trick quite well.  Helps to not need the AC when thecampsites are on the electric meter. BTW, propane is so much less expensive here (paid $12 for a 40# can Tuesday) that we run the fridge and water heater on gas only.  The electric bill is really tiny. Janet, biding her time until the Christmas dinner here.  Many of the ladies learned to cook on the farms of the midwest.  The food is scrumptious!  (I made, of course, a New York cheesecake) The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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I think I hear that corrosion is only a problem right on the coast and not inland from Brownsville to Mission. True It seems that the Yuma are can be more gritty but that is variable and not a constant problem. True, too.  But, IMHO, Yuma is less friendly and more expensive.

How is Yuma less friendly. Would you please explain that to me, if you would? We are thinking of getting a small lot as a winter getaway and would love to hear more info about the friendliness of Yuma area. GQ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Now if I can figure out how some people can get a spot so late in December — well that’s a subject for a private discussion. Not as hard as it used to be.  Since the market went all to he–, less snowbirds. Janet, who is enjoying another shorts and tee shirt day in paradise down in The Valley where it is not windy and the sun is shining.   <vbg The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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Thanks.  I know it’s more friendly there.  I’d like to know about the difference in the wind blown dust. Also, Is the sea air corrosive a few miles inland? Tom M

When we were in the Rio Grand Valley two years ago in late Feb or early March, there was a thin dust in the air and the breeze was brisk.  It annoyed me much more than most folks I talked to; burned my eyes.  In the Yuma area, it depends on how hard the wind is blowing; we missed the worst dust storm of last winter when we were home for the holidays, but sure saw the dust in the RV when we got back.  When we were in the lower Colorado river valley, we did not find the dust as bad as it had been in the Rio Grand valley…but it does depend on the weather at the moment. I do not understand the sea air comment…there is no sea air except where the Rio Grand flows (almost) into the Gulf of Mexico at Brownsville.  Almost all RVers go up river (west) quite a number of miles (hundreds).  Sea air was the least of our worries. — HTH, Barrie B

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I do not understand the sea air comment…there is no sea air except where the Rio Grand flows (almost) into the Gulf of Mexico at Brownsville.  Almost all RVers go up river (west) quite a number of miles (hundreds).  Sea air was the least of our worries.

People who stay in the 2 campgrounds on South Padre Island or in Port Isabel which is just over the causeway on the Laguna Madre do get salt in the air and have to keep washing their rigs.   Most of "The Valley"  (about 60 miles beetween Brownsville and Mission) doesn’t get the salt spray.  I like it here in the eastern area near Harlingen because we are about 35 minutes, door to door, to the beach on SPI without the salt spray.  Never have had a dust problem here and it’s our fifth year.  I think that depends on the location and condition of the RV park.  Here we have paved sites and grass planted.  Once and a while we get some sooty stuff if the wind is blowing the wrong way and some one is burning a cane field. Janet, enjoying the weather. The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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Thanks for all the replies. I think I hear that corrosion is only a problem right on the coast and not inland from Brownsville to Mission. It seems that the Yuma are can be more gritty but that is variable and not a constant problem. No if I can figure out how some people can get a spot so late in December — well that’s a subject for a private discussion. Tom M

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No if I can figure out how some people can get a spot so late in December — well that’s a subject for a private discussion. Tom M

We haven’t found it a problem getting a site anywhere we have gone. In fact, we didn’t know where we are going next until Tuesday afternoon. We thought we knew, but when we called them they had raised the price and I’m too cheap to pay the new price. In fact, the only campgrounds we have seen full have been State Parks in Michigan on weekends, and most parks on holiday weekends in the summer. You just have to plan ahead a couple days for those situations. In 16 months, we have only once called to check site availability and found no site available. But then, I wouldn’t call most state parks on Friday or Saturday during their peak season. Merry Christmas Lon

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I think I hear that corrosion is only a problem right on the coast and not inland from Brownsville to Mission.

True It seems that the Yuma are can be more gritty but that is variable and not a constant problem.

True, too.  But, IMHO, Yuma is less friendly and more expensive. Now if I can figure out how some people can get a spot so late in December — well that’s a subject for a private discussion.

Not as hard as it used to be.  Since the market went all to he–, less snowbirds. Janet, who is enjoying another shorts and tee shirt day in paradise down in The Valley where it is not windy and the sun is shining.   <vbg The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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<< BTW, that’s one of the big differences:  here we are Winter Texans.  In Yuma we are blanky-blank tag-cheatin’ snow birds. Janet, Thanks.  I know it’s more friendly there.  I’d like to know about the difference in the wind blown dust. Also, Is the sea air corrosive a few miles inland? Tom M

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<< BTW, that’s one of the big differences:  here we are Winter Texans.  In Yuma we are blanky-blank tag-cheatin’ snow birds. Janet, Thanks.  I know it’s more friendly there.  I’d like to know about the difference in the wind blown dust. Also, Is the sea air corrosive a few miles inland? Tom M

Not along the strip (sea air) from Harlingen to Mission.  The wind does blow a bit but haven’t noticed much dust. Ed

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<<  It’s not much windier than what we experienced in Yuma at the same time of the year, but the nights are warmer and you don’t get sand in your teeth if yousmile outside. I’d like to hear opinions on wintering in the two spots.  One question is "how far from the coast do you have to be to keep the salt away from your RV?"  The other is "How much worse is the grit in Yuma?" Tom M

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Is there an RE: missing from the header or sumpin’? What valley are you talking about? San Fernando, San Joaquin, Coachella, Yakima? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <<  It’s not much windier than what we experienced in Yuma at the same time of the year, but the nights are warmer and you don’t get sand in your teeth if yousmile outside. I’d like to hear opinions on wintering in the two spots.  One question is "how far from the coast do you have to be to keep the salt away from your RV?"  The other is "How much worse is the grit in Yuma?" Tom M

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<< What valley are you talking about? San Fernando, San Joaquin, Coachella, Yakima? Sorry, "The Valley" is the Rio Grande Valley from Big Bend to Brownsville.

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"The Valley" is the Rio Grande Valley from Big Bend to Brownsville.

More like from Mission to Brownsville.  Big Bend is pretty far out for RVing. Zapata ia as far from civilization as ost Winter Texans want to get. BTW, that’s one of the big differences:  here we are Winter Texans.  In Yuma we are blanky-blank tag-cheatin’ snow birds.  Though snow birds fuel much of the economy there’s no overnight parking for RVs in anythng other than campgrounds by local ordinance. Janet The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

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Question:

Yes, Come-Along.nl is ready to make his second tour in Southern Africa. I will be arriving in South Africa on the first of January and will visit the Cape Town Area. Can anyone inform me about avalibility at campsites (Algeria, Simonstown, Stellenbosch, Palmiet e.g.) Maybe you know Koos? After that I will accompany 3 persons to Kruger, Swaziland and Natal… check out www.come-along.nl Hans Schoelink.

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Hallo Hans, Usually campsites are quite full until early January. I would assume that by the 3rd of January places will come available – this is the usual trend in the Western Cape. I think it is hopeless to try and arrange anything now. I guess it will be best to get here and then to make a few calls once you have decided what to do and where to go. Let me know if you are okay – I live about 80km north of Algeria. The telephone/fax is 027 – 2161071 Greetings Koos

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, Come-Along.nl is ready to make his second tour in Southern Africa. I will be arriving in South Africa on the first of January and will visit the Cape Town Area. Can anyone inform me about avalibility at campsites (Algeria, Simonstown, Stellenbosch, Palmiet e.g.) Maybe you know Koos? After that I will accompany 3 persons to Kruger, Swaziland and Natal… check out www.come-along.nl Hans Schoelink.

Response:

Question:

The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! Harryjav

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My mums sister Aunt Joy and before that their father my grand father and before he passed away {5 Years Back } my Father if you know the sound of an express freight train thundering past or perhaps a buzz saw ha ha Vikki "Harryjav" <harryj…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:a75ce7ec.0311292328.3c5b2098@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen > to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally > heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > Harryjav

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On 29 Nov 2003 23:28:10 -0800, Harryjav wrote: >The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen >to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally >heard. Hope you can help out.

When I went on vacation last month, I slept on the sofa in the dining room at my parents. (They usually eat in the kitchen, and the "dining room" is more a living room although they do eat in the dining room when there are too many people.) I was told my occasional snoring (a bit of mouth opening and a bit of dislodging the mask rolling around) was audible all over the house!

Response:

I did not hear it, but I was told by friends they could hear me (2) rooms away in a hotel! BiPap has since fixed the problem. Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Harryjav wrote: > The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen > to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally > heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > Harryjav

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In article <a75ce7ec.0311292328.3c5b2…@posting.google.com>, harryj…@yahoo.com says… > The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen > to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally > heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > Harryjav

Boundary waters wilderness area- 500-600 yards between campsites, our two-group party had one site on each side of an island, complete with large hill between us. I am told by a quite reliable and reputable source that the group on the ‘other side’ could hear each and every snore, snort, and wheeze coming from ‘our side’ throughout the entire night. On the plus side- it did keep the bears away <grins>.

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The one currently keeping you awake. — Gary G. Little "Harryjav" <harryj…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:a75ce7ec.0311292328.3c5b2098@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen > to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally > heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > Harryjav

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Just to quantify things a bit… I was recently diagnosed with Severe OSA (AHI = 107). The sleep study report showed that my snoring was ‘off the chart’ most of the night. The top level they record is 70 dB. Bruce "Gary G. Little" <gary.g.little.nos…@seagate.com> wrote in message <news:zgIyb.3389$Ym2.969@newssvr24.news.prodigy.com>… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The one currently keeping you awake. > — > Gary G. Little > "Harryjav" <harryj…@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:a75ce7ec.0311292328.3c5b2098@posting.google.com… > > The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen > > to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally > > heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > > Harryjav

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Pretty loud Bruce but still some way to go before you beat the world record of 92 3 Db ….Now that is LOUD! — Frankie To Reply By E-Mail Remove  ’MY SPLEEN’ http://uk.msnusers.com/LivingWithSleepApnea ————————————————————————- FIGHT BACK AGAINST SPAM! Download Spam Inspector, the Award Winning Anti-Spam Filter http://mail.giantcompany.com "R Bruce Backman" <bruce_back…@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:3661e372.0312011459.4d815fc8@posting.google.com… > Just to quantify things a bit… I was recently diagnosed with Severe > OSA (AHI = 107). The sleep study report showed that my snoring was > ‘off the chart’ most of the night. The top level they record is 70 dB. > Bruce > "Gary G. Little" <gary.g.little.nos…@seagate.com> wrote in message

<news:zgIyb.3389$Ym2.969@newssvr24.news.prodigy.com>… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > The one currently keeping you awake. > > — > > Gary G. Little > > "Harryjav" <harryj…@yahoo.com> wrote in message > > news:a75ce7ec.0311292328.3c5b2098@posting.google.com… > > > The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen > > > to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally > > > heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > > > Harryjav

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harryj…@yahoo.com (Harryjav) wrote in news:a75ce7ec.0311292328.3c5b2098@posting.google.com: > The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really > keen to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring > personally heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! > Harryjav

The loudest snoring I have ever heard was none other than myself.   *grin* I have these episodes where I’ll be snoring softly and all of a sudden theres a VERY loud snorting sound when I breathe in.  Usually its loud enough to wake myself up, but on this one specific occasion, I woke myself, was VERY startled, and was trying to figure out where the noise came from.  My fiancee was awake and I felt the bed shaking somewhat and I KNEW I had snorted again.  When I asked him what was wrong, he cracked up laughing, confirming my thought that I had done it again and that was why I was awake. My fiancee can snore loudly also, and he does the snorting thing on occasion as well, but I still think the loudest snoring I ever heard was from myself  :) Wendy —

Response:

Harryjav:    Here’s an interesting story for you: http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/singapore/story/0,4386,223534,00.html pertinent snip: "THE loudest Singapore snore ever measured registered at more than 100 decibels, louder than a pneumatic drill. Suggestions for snorers include letting your partner fall asleep first or giving her ear plugs (nine in 10 snorers are men)." On 29 Nov 2003 23:28:10 -0800, harryj…@yahoo.com (Harryjav) wrote: >The subject of snoring has always fascinated me and I am really keen >to find out about experiences regarding the loudest snoring personally >heard. Hope you can help out. Thanks! >Harryjav

-dave PGP Public Keys: http://scoop0901.net/PGP/PgPkEyS.htm  Send me encrypted email for security!   Support the Department of Homeland Defense    and the Office of Total Information Awareness! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |     Dave Jackson * http://www.scoop0901.net/ * Phila., PA.    | |  ~~eFax: 253-423-7208~~  *  mailto:scoop0901(at)scoop0901.net | |      “A journalist’s job is to comfort the afflicted and     | |  afflict the comfortable."  – Finley Peter Dunne (1867-1936) | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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I didn’t hear myself, but I had a lover who enjoyed when I slept over,,, she lived next to railroad tracks and claimed she couldn’t hear the train over my snores, in summer with the windows open…

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Question:

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Am especially interested in sites which can accommodate our rigs.  There are many in, for example, the state of Florida that will not accommodate our weight or size so this is a major question. for us.  We are checking out the sites which have been recommended.  Would love to hear from others with buses who have wintered there.

My experience is limited but you will have no trouble with your rig size at La Dolisa park in Alamos or at La Playa de Cortes in Guaymas. There were parks in San Carlos and in Bahia de Kino that would have accomodated your rig but we didn’t stay in them so I can’t name names. Someone else has given you the scare message about the water.  While we were careful we didn’t go to the extent of sanitizing the system when we returned to the US.  We had no trouble finding purified water at any of the places we stayed.   We bought a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables.  Following a suggestion we picked up in "How to Live Better South of the Border" we kept a pail of water with bleach in it outside the door of the trailer. Whenever we returned from the market we dropped the fruit and veggies in the bleach water for however long they ended up staying in it  :-) usually about a half an hour.  Then we rinsed them and brought them inside.  We absolutely never had even a hint of "digestive disorder". From our limited experience I suggest that you plan on being a guest in someone else’s country and govern your behaviour accordingly.  In other words be polite and courteous and you will likely be treated likewise.  The frequent checkpoints are a bit intimidating but nothing to be afraid of.  Don’t plan on travelling as far in a day as you would at home and plan to be off the road by dark. Make sure you find the Panaderia (bakery) in every town you go into. The fresh baking is to die for.  It won’t be available all day – likely around 2:00 PM is when it will come out of the oven and it won’t last long and then there won’t be any more until the next day. We will be going into Mexico between Christmas and New Year’s and staying for month of January.  We can hardly wait. R.J.(Bob) Evans "In Mexico tomorrow is manyana but manyana is not necessarily tomorrow"       – Mexico Mike (return address needs alteration for e-mail replies)

Response:

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Am especially interested in sites which can accommodate our rigs.

Try going to the homepage listed at the bottom.  Click on TRAVEL. Scroll down to  MEXICO.  There are a few links to guides,books, and videos there. Personal:     http://home.onestop.net/georgec/

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Oops.  

]Sorry, wrong url.  Try this one instead.  / Personal:     http://home.onestop.net/georgec/

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Stop at the first drug store in mexico and get come tradea. Tradea is a inexpensive and effective answer to montasuma. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two of us are thinking about heading to MX this winter.  We would appreciate any input you have,  We are thinking about going down the west coast.  (The guys are fly-fishermen and want to be near the water.)  We have some concerns about our ability to travel on the roads and their conditions.  Our bus weighs 42,000 pounds and is not capable of getting into tight places. Anticipate departing TX in early January.

Response:

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Am especially interested in sites which can accommodate our rigs.  There are many in, for example, the state of Florida that will not accommodate our weight or size so this is a major question. for us.  We are checking out the sites which have been recommended.  Would love to hear from others with buses who have wintered there. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stop at the first drug store in mexico and get come tradea. Tradea is a inexpensive and effective answer to montasuma. Two of us are thinking about heading to MX this winter.  We would appreciate any input you have,  We are thinking about going down the west coast. (The guys are fly-fishermen and want to be near the water.)  We have some concerns about our ability to travel on the roads and their conditions. Our bus weighs 42,000 pounds and is not capable of getting into tight places. Anticipate departing TX in early January.

Response:

Two of us are thinking about heading to MX this winter.  We would appreciate any input you have,  We are thinking about going down the west coast.  (The guys are fly-fishermen and want to be near the water.)  We have some concerns about our ability to travel on the roads and their conditions.  Our bus weighs 42,000 pounds and is not capable of getting into tight places. Anticipate departing TX in early January.

Response:

Here are a couple of good web sites that I surfed onto recently: http://www.mexicomike.com/ http://www.happycampers.net/ These seem to have some useful info…..

Response:

Mexico can be a delightful place to travel in.  The living is cheap and the major highways and roads will essily support your unit.  One word of caution, however. Mexico is ot the U.s.  You should be very familiar with the laws concerning visiting our neighbors to the south.  Pay particular attention to the restrictions about firearms and ammunition.  It is illegal to transport even one cartridge into Mexico without the proper permission.  If you use your unit for hunting in the US, or carry firearms, be sure to remove all firearms and ammo from it prior to crossing the border.  Yo should also expect to be checked at times.  Both local police and "Federales" can stop and search you at any time without  what American police call just cause.  Careful attention to the laws of the country can prevent problems. You will also need to get special insurance coverage while in Mexico.  Most American insurance companies will not cover personal vehicles traveling in Mexico.  To be covered, you will likely need either ann additional rider to your insurance or coverage with another insurance company specializing in such.  One thing you should do is carry drinking water into Mexico.  Most large municipalities have good drinking water, but smaller towns or country campsites may not.  If you hook up your unit to local water supplies, it is a good idea not to drink any water from the unit’s taps until you have returned to the states and sanitized the entire water system as per your unit’s instructions.  While in Mexico, avoid fresh fruit and veggies unless they are thoroughly cleaned and cooked.  Meat purchased there should be cooked well done.  It isn’t that sanitary conditions are that much worse than any where else, there are just a whole group of new bugs there your body has no immunity for.  (Mexican nationals visiting the US for the first time often experience the same problem here.)  Consult with your doctor about preventative drugs to take with you.  Oh yes.  If you do need to purchase medications in Mexico, call and check with U.S. Immigrations what drugs are not legal to return to the states with. Richard Jackson Two of us are thinking about heading to MX this winter.  We would appreciate any input you have,  We are thinking about going down the west coast.  (The guys are fly-fishermen and want to be near the water.)  We have some concerns about our ability to travel on the roads and their conditions.  Our bus weighs 42,000 pounds and is not capable of getting into tight places. Anticipate departing TX in early January.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just heard that Mar del Sol RV Park in San Felipe, Mexico, has been sold and shut down.  If anyone has additional info, please submit it.  Mar del Sol has been a premium park, visited by many of you.  Next best bet would probably be the Marina RV Park MrRagtime I have written to some friends of ours in San Felipe.  I will post a response regarding the Mar de Sol RV Park once I hear from them..  We have stayed there in the past & were planning on staying there again this November. Buert

Received word from friends that yes, Mar de Sol has closed permanently and next to the "Mar de Sol" so I quess we will stay there.

Response:

I have just heard that Mar del Sol RV Park in San Felipe, Mexico, has been sold and shut down.  If anyone has additional info, please submit it.  Mar del Sol has been a premium park, visited by many of you.  Next best bet would probably be the Marina RV Park MrRagtime

Response:

I have just heard that Mar del Sol RV Park in San Felipe, Mexico, has been sold and shut down.  If anyone has additional info, please submit it.  Mar del Sol has been a premium park, visited by many of you.  Next best bet would probably be the Marina RV Park MrRagtime

I have written to some friends of ours in San Felipe.  I will post a response regarding the Mar de Sol RV Park once I hear from them..  We have stayed there in the past & were planning on staying there again this November. Buert

Response:

Question:

Can anyone help me with a couple of questions? I am planning a trip to Charlottesville Va and was wondering if anyone can recommend a campground?    Also since I am headed southbound , was thinking of going over the Blue ridge on the way down and was wondering if the campsites are crowded this time of year? The info on the BRP website says the campsite areas are open to the end of Oct. Also, Is snow common this time of year in the mountains?   Thanks  George

Response:

The closest one is Shenandoah Hills which is about 15 miles north on Route 29. The campsites on the Blue Ridge will be crowded now due to the fall colors, although they are not that good this year. There is a very nice campground on the Parkway going south at the Peaks of Otter which is outside Bedford, VA. Remember that the speed limit on the Parkway is a maximum of 45 and many areas slower. Try to hit the Parkway on a clear day and stop at many of the overlooks. Some fantastic scenery. No snow this time of year, normally none till January, if any at all. They do not plow the Parkway, so if it does snow they will get you out, but it closes when it snows. Depending on where you are coming from there are other campgrounds west of town. E-mail me where you are coming from, and I will be able to help you more. Chuck Callaghan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone help me with a couple of questions? I am planning a trip to Charlottesville Va and was wondering if anyone can recommend a campground?    Also since I am headed southbound , was thinking of going over the Blue ridge on the way down and was wondering if the campsites are crowded this time of year? The info on the BRP website says the campsite areas are open to the end of Oct. Also, Is snow common this time of year in the mountains?   Thanks  George

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The closest one is Shenandoah Hills which is about 15 miles north on Route 29. The campsites on the Blue Ridge will be crowded now due to the fall colors, although they are not that good this year. There is a very nice campground on the Parkway going south at the Peaks of Otter which is outside Bedford, VA. Remember that the speed limit on the Parkway is a maximum of 45 and many areas slower. Try to hit the Parkway on a clear day and stop at many of the overlooks. Some fantastic scenery. No snow this time of year, normally none till January, if any at all. They do not plow the Parkway, so if it does snow they will get you out, but it closes when it snows. Depending on where you are coming from there are other campgrounds west of town. E-mail me where you are coming from, and I will be able to help you more. Chuck Callaghan Can anyone help me with a couple of questions? I am planning a trip to Charlottesville Va and was wondering if anyone can recommend a campground?    Also since I am headed southbound , was thinking of going over the Blue ridge on the way down and was wondering if the campsites are crowded this time of year? The info on the BRP website says the campsite areas are open to the end of Oct. Also, Is snow common this time of year in the mountains?   Thanks  George

There is also Misty Mountain Campground about 14 miles east of Charlottesville. Its just off Exit 107 on I-64. Paul

Response:

We stayed at Misty Mountain back in May. It’s at exit 107 of I64. — Jan & Owen McKenzie jomckenzie who are at earthlink dot com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone help me with a couple of questions? I am planning a trip to Charlottesville Va and was wondering if anyone can recommend a campground?    Also since I am headed southbound , was thinking of going over the Blue ridge on the way down and was wondering if the campsites are crowded this time of year? The info on the BRP website says the campsite areas are open to the end of Oct. Also, Is snow common this time of year in the mountains?   Thanks  George

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Question:

I’ll be visiting Botswana in October and will be looking for campgrounds that are open to individual travellers. If you have done so recently, please share information about facilities, prices and possibly GPS locations! Thanks in advance, Holger Boswijk,

Response:

I’ll be visiting Botswana in October and will be looking for campgrounds

that are open to individual travellers. I stop in mankwe in  last december it is on the road between maun and savuti it is a pleasant place not expensive (I don’t remember how much, but cheap) the place at camp site are large so you don’t see if ther eis some body else… an elephant come in the campsite in the evening… very fine…. I heve only a picture of this on my web site : http://www.revafrique.com/namibie/2_savuti/pages/campingbotswana.html you can see the private shower and toilets the road from maun was not good, but not so bad : http://www.revafrique.com/namibie/2_savuti/pages/Img0469.html http://www.revafrique.com/namibie/2_savuti/pages/Img0566.html the road between mankwe and savuti (and next kasane) was realy not good (deep sand) http://www.revafrique.com/namibie/2_savuti/pages/pistesavuti2.html http://www.revafrique.com/namibie/2_savuti/pages/Img0566.html you can have much information on their web site : http://www.mankwe.com we dont take any think else than campsite without problem before we sleep in nata lodge, before maun (no picture ) , the night before in messina (public camp site ) http://revafrique.com/namibie/paysages/pages/camping.html after mankwe we sleep in savuti (expensive and bad) end after in namibia I beg your pardon for my poor english I’m from france. jpw

Response:

I’ll be visiting Botswana in October and will be looking for campgrounds that are open to individual travellers. If you have done so recently, please share information about facilities, prices and possibly GPS locations! Thanks in advance, Holger Boswijk,

Where do you want to camp? Inside national parks (like Moremi and Chobe) you will need to use the official campsites and make reservations in advance. These campsites are pretty expensive and you will need to hire an 4×4 which is also expensive. Of course there are campsites outside the parks in Botswana too, but why would you want to camp there unless you will want to enter the parks anyway. These campsites can be handy to spend a night before and/or after visiting the parks or while on transit. For this reason we used campsites at Nata (Nata Lodge), Maun (Crocodile Camp) and Kasane (Chobe Safari Lodge? Just outside the entrance, not that extremely expensive one inside Chobe where campers aren’t allowed to come anywhere near the lodge anyway) Regards, Hans Hans Martens      Wildlife & Nature Photography         http://www.wildpicture.com

Response:

Hi Holger, I’ve just been in Botswana! Check out www.come-along.nl I’ve camped at several places (with GPS coordinates) tell me your intended route and I can give you advice and gps coordinates. Groeten, Hans I’ll be visiting Botswana in October and will be looking for campgrounds

that are open to individual travellers. If you have done so recently, please share information about facilities,

prices and possibly GPS locations! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks in advance, Holger Boswijk,

Response:

Question:

8/16/03 Well, here I am, happy as a smoked clam, smack in the middle of Canada’s Glacier Park. When I crossed the border at Roosberg yesterday, I told the young lady at Customs I was a Refugee from the smoke around Flathead Lake, seeking succor, imposing  on the undoubted kindness of Canada.  She laughed, threw her eyes to Heaven, and said "Good Luck".  The smile that lit up her face came and went like dry summer lightning, followed by a slightly stormy and uncertain look of official irritation.  It made a little wrinkle right above and between her lovely eyes.  I don’t know if it was directed at the surrounding smoke, at me for unlicensed levity, or at herself for having laughed at it.   Either which way, it threw her off her game.  She retreated to the comfort of litany.   Turned out I was a mite over on alcohol.  Shoulda drank more as I approached the border, I guess.  What was I thinking?  But she waved me through anyway, with a casual gesture of dispensation.   "Have a good trip, Mr. Giddings."   I think she was a bit nervous about delaying me further.  On the road I was most likely a harmless old dodger.  But if I should make  her laugh again, well.  There goes the pension. It’s been several long, frustrating days.  Missoula was choking with smoke.  From shortly after Butte to Flathead Lake, I could barely tell there were mountains around me.  The Lake itself, though, by some freak of wind, was clear from shore to shore.  I took the east or "Indian" road around it, coming down into Finley Point State Park about 6 pm.   At first I thought I’d really screwed up.  The sites are just stripes on a parking lot, the space between about 40 foot long and 12 feet wide.  If someone with slides came in, I might not be able to get my door open. Ah, the fabled Prisoners of Finley Point, slipping twenties from window to window along the line to the Warden, er, Park Ranger, tapping her foot down there at the end.   At the foot of this parking lot there’s another 40 feet or so of trees and scattered tables, a few abandoned fire rings, a low concrete wall, a sliver of rocky beach, and the lake.  There is electricity and water, but no dump.  I was aghast at how crowded things were for twenty bucks.  And the place wasn’t completely full. Then came the sunset.  All was forgiven.  Everyone lined their chairs up at the retaining wall, and the light show commenced.  It is hard to say anything good about this smoke, but it just may have improved the sunset.  The dusky hills across the lake glowed with an outline of brilliant orange, then red, then blue, then purple.  At 10:15, there was still a faint frisson of light above the far horizon.  Who needs a campfire, anyway? It was warm, about 75 degrees.  I jumped in the lake.  That took care of that.  Lying back in the water, I saw stars for the first time since Bozeman.  This wasn’t so bad.  I could spend a week here, kayaking around, reading. Eight o’clock next morning I was wakened by people 12 feet either side of me hooking up, the usual diesel rattle.  I peeked out the window. We were completely socked in.  What lake?  O well. I had a choice.  I could try to push through the smoke into BC, or turn 90 degrees and light out for the Olympic peninsula.  Someone on the newsgroup sent me a URL for the BC fire situation map, and it indicated the fires were mostly at the border or around Kamloops.   It lied. I drove a little more than 400 miles north today through a grey tunnel of smoke, which widened only occasionally, just enough to give me a looming hint of what I was missing.  I stopped at a roadside farm and bought some fresh tomatoes, garlic, roasted almonds, and a pie.  I drove by a number of golf resorts, and the hot springs at Fairmont and Radium.  Those who have followed these adventures will know that I do not lightly pass up a hot spring.   The road from Radium to Banff was closed. As irritating as the smoke was the fact that I couldn’t get wound up complaining about it much.  The people around me didn’t like it any more than I did, and they didn’t have the ready option of driving on. In a turnout near Inverness, I struck up a conversation with a couple I took to be European tourists, from their speech.  Turns out they were locals.   Canada is like that, a stubbornly polyglot place.   He said that some Official Government Weenie on the TV had announced that there were over 300 fires just locally, and 1000 firefighters to control them. "That’s 3 per fire."  He shook his head. "Not quite," I replied.  "One of them will be carrying a clipboard." He thought about this a second, and decided to laugh.  I decided to move on.  He was a big fella, a little younger than me, and for all I know he had a clipboard in his car. Across from Quinn Creek, near Radium, I stopped for half an hour and watched the entire top of a mountain explode in an red-orange ball, and above that a towering column of smoke and ash.  Buzzing round up there you could barely see the tiny pointless figure of a helicopter hauling a bucket, like a dragonfly dangling a spider egg on a bit of silk.   There’s not enough buckets in the world.  Nothing to be done but watch it burn, stay out of the way, and pray for rain.  Lots of rain. I finally drove out of the smoke as I gained altitude north of Golden at twilight, almost at the entrance to Glacier Park.  I rolled down the window.  I could breathe without choking.  That’s new.  That’s good.  My headache started to lighten up.  Okaay. Then I came around a corner, and quite innocently and without premeditation heard these words come rolling right out of my mouth: "Now THAT’S a f*ing mountain, and no sh*t!"   Well, it was.  It filled the windshield.  It is hard to imagine anything more massive and abruptly vertical.  It was enormous.  It was vertiginous.  I was delirious.  And it was still 20 miles away.   Is that a glacier up there?  Well, it sure ain’t an ice cube. I drove, and drove, and drove, looking round for a campground, gawking up like a child in a toy store.  Passed a filling station and hotel. Finally:  "Illecillewaet Campground", and beneath that a note in red. Oops.  "Complet".  Okay, so it’s full, there’ll be another.  This park is something like 50 miles across, there’s bound to be more than one campground. Nope.  I finally gave up when I started down into Revelstoke, and smelled smoke again.  Nope, notgonnahappenjesus. Just give me forty acres to turn this rig around.   I found the functional equivalent in a chain up area, and drove back up the hill, determined to find a turnout for the night.  There’s one on the right, that’ll do.  "Sir Donald".  Okay, Donnie boy, you’re about to have company.  I got over as far from the road as I could, crawling forward to find a level place, then noticed an odd unlabeled narrow dark entrance into the trees.  Forward a little more.   Wonder of wonders, from the corner of my eye I just caught a white reflection from the top of a trailer.  What the hey?  There’s a bunch of campsites hidden in there, maybe some of them empty!  I made the circuit in the dark, catching people staring up dazed and wide-eyed like startled deer, sitting at tables, brushing their teeth, eating out of cookpots. Graded gravel sites, a toilet hut, trash containers – it’s all here, an entire unlabeled stealth campground, back in the trees.  Half expecting UFOs or Children of the Corn, I went round again, dived headfirst into the first unoccupied place I came to.  I locked the truck, let down the blinds, ate a big piece of peach pie, and went to bed. Morning sorted things out, of course.  Sort of.  Turns out "Sir Donald" is an unmarked overflow site for the unpronounceable campground, and also for nearby "Loop Brook" campground, which so helpfully had no sign for westbound travelers such as I.  I took a look at both these "regular" campgrounds, and they were the sort of thing you often see at US National Parks, narrow and twisty roads, low overheads, and barely separated, shallow sites.  Designed and built a couple of generations ago, before large RVs.   A nightmare to negotiate in the dark.   I’m sticking with Sir Donald.  There’s a dozen sites, easy to get into and out of.  No fire rings, but in the current environment that hardly matters.  It’s $3 cheaper.  And it backs right up to the Illy-Silly-Wait River, or however you say that.   It is a tad too close to the road, but that’s true of the others also. Somehow, near 10 pm on a Friday night in August, bleary-eyed, in the dark, I stumbled onto the best campground available round here for RVs, and at a lower price.   I really ought to go buy a lottery ticket.  If you are lucky enough, long enough, you don’t need to be smart.  Come to think of it, I’ve always depended on that.   I hear that luck can quickly disappear, like smoke.  If it disappears as quickly as the smoke I’ve been driving through, I need to quit running around and settle into a casino. When the "ranger" came by to collect this evening, I asked him what gives with the unlabeled campgrounds.   "Yah, that’s right.  It’s a problem, eh?  But it’s way above my level. It has to do… I hear it has to do with not having any paint that’s the right shade of brown.  There’s got to be uniformity, y’know." "Did someone run over the old sign?  What happened?" "I really don’t know.  It was before my time." "How long have you been here?" "Four years." Eh.  I see.  There is no brown paint in Canada.  For the last four years.  At least.  No plywood either, I suppose.  No crayons.   Nightly arrivals from the East must depend on Divine Guidance, like the Wise Men of Old.   Tomorrow I’m taking a hike up to Glacier Crest.  I’ve bought a map. I’m going to study it very carefully.  I daren’t hope for signs. Bob, who despite choking on the smoke and stumbling around in the dark, is having a pretty darn good time. bobg at escapees dot com

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Bob    What the hell is so happy about "a smoked clam"?     If anyone is going to be happy,  it’s the person eating the smoked clam,  if he/she is a real smoked clam lover….   Thank heavens it wasn’t "happy as a smoked oyster!  They look like "boogers"! (But they’re pretty good on a pizza 8+ )                                                Don    (who can see anthropomorphism in this ) PS   Use of this big word is just to "show up" the reader,  so you might as well not even bother with it!  (And you know who you are  -  If your lips move,  when you try to pronounce "that word"  -  And you know who you are! )

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I’m gonna Google up all of your travel *tails*                                                                 ^^^^ and try to *corellate* them… LOL. Is that anything like braiding? (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. <g) GB in NC

Yea. Or something…

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8/16/03 Well, here I am, happy as a smoked clam, smack in the middle of Canada’s Glacier Park.

Funny! – "happy as a smoked clam" Someday, I’m gonna Google up all of your travel tails and try to corellate them, or something.

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I’m gonna Google up all of your travel *tails*

                                                                ^^^^ and try to *corellate* them…

LOL. Is that anything like braiding? (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. <g) GB in NC

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8/16/03 Well, here I am, happy as a smoked clam, smack in the middle of Canada’s Glacier Park. <<snipped very good prose Bob, who despite choking on the smoke and stumbling around in the dark, is having a pretty darn good time. bobg at escapees dot com

        Dang- I actually had to look up polyglot in the dictionary (though I should have been able to figure it out). <vbg — Chris Bryant http://bryantrv.com

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        Dang- I actually had to look up polyglot in the dictionary (though I should have been able to figure it out). <vbg — Chris Bryant http://bryantrv.com

Tickly since yer in Floridi wear allem furners come in frum Yerrup en Cuber en Jawja. — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

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Question:

Even the mosquitoes here are barely able to annoy.  If it weren’t for the West Nile virus, I’d pay them no mind at all.  They are tiny, feeble, and tentative.  I’d heard much guff about the formidable Minnesota mosquito, but I am on a latitudinal level with that particular Canadian Province even as I write, and I am unimpressed. Bob

About this Minnesota Province, can we now turf that hornswoggling squatter LZ? Wade

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Even the mosquitoes here are barely able to annoy.  If it weren’t for the West Nile virus, I’d pay them no mind at all.  They are tiny, feeble, and tentative.  I’d heard much guff about the formidable Minnesota mosquito, but I am on a latitudinal level with that particular Canadian Province even as I write, and I am unimpressed. Bob About this Minnesota Province, can we now turf that hornswoggling squatter LZ? Wade

He’s on a latitudinal level but we have not seceded yet.  The latitudinal level also can’t be used to make comparisons with the Minnesota mosquito.  Mountain mosquitoes are those who were chased out of here eons ago by their larger and more aggressive brethren.  If he wants to visit Minnesota and then make disparaging remarks about our bugs, he’s more than welcome.  At least he will have dealt with the real thing rather than a wimpy relative. LZ

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 8/8/03 Cody, Wyoming <<Snippage Last night was cold.  It is nearly noon now, and 89 degrees.  But you know, it isn’t bad.  As they say, it’s a dry heat. <<Snip Bob bobg at escapees dot com Bob, you will no doubt be happy to hear that the temperature here in Georgetown at 2:30 PM is 108 degrees. Just thought I would make it a little more pleasant for you up there. Keep the stories coming, and thanks for the ones already here.

LOL.  It just occurred to me that when I left I set the AC on 90 degrees, thinking it wouldn’t be on much.  Now I may go home to a big electric bill.  :o( Bob bobg at escapees dot com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Even the mosquitoes here are barely able to annoy.  If it weren’t for the West Nile virus, I’d pay them no mind at all.  They are tiny, feeble, and tentative.  I’d heard much guff about the formidable Minnesota mosquito, but I am on a latitudinal level with that particular Canadian Province even as I write, and I am unimpressed. Bob About this Minnesota Province, can we now turf that hornswoggling squatter LZ? Wade

I dunno.  I carefully insulted Minnesota, Oklahoma, Canada, and Flies, but I can’t get a rise out of anybody. Bob bobg at escapees dot com

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Robert, I’m only 60 miles north of you in Copperas Cove but it’s a lot cooler here, a paltry 106

Question:

We stayed at Hatteras Sands Camping Resort with a 39 foot diesel pusher without any trouble.  It is at the farf end of Hagteras Island but if you want peace and quiet this is  a good place.  Driving to the others places mentioned in the dinghy is the only way to see the area, Dick Tennent http://www.tennent.org/Campgrounds/NonMapCamps.html#NorthCarolina

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

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Hi, Ocean Waves campground in Waves would be my choice for full hookups.  The NPS campground in Frisco or Ocracoke would be my choice if roughing it. Have to echo everyone’s remarks about mosquitoes but I guess they come with the territory.  Your wife and kids will either LOVE it or HATE it can’t say for sure which but I’m sure they’ll let you know.  My sister joined me once at Ocracoke about 10 years ago she still lets me know how bad she thought it was.  OTOH my wife loves it and we can’t get there often enough.  To each his/her own. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out. HTH, Keith

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

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I stayed at Decharmarnel RV Park in Kitty Hawk.  Full hook up, pool, right across the road from the beach. 919-261-2420

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

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I second Ocean Waves.  The place is directly adjacent to the beach, and if you’re looking for some shade some of their sites have trees. The owners are very friendly and helpful too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, Ocean Waves campground in Waves would be my choice for full hookups.  The NPS campground in Frisco or Ocracoke would be my choice if roughing it. Have to echo everyone’s remarks about mosquitoes but I guess they come with the territory.  Your wife and kids will either LOVE it or HATE it can’t say for sure which but I’m sure they’ll let you know.  My sister joined me once at Ocracoke about 10 years ago she still lets me know how bad she thought it was.  OTOH my wife loves it and we can’t get there often enough.  To each his/her own. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out. HTH, Keith Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

John Laughlin (remove the x to e-mail). 2001 Starcraft 2406 2001 Astro

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… Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

Absolutely! Lots of tanned athletic guys …. (c:

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Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

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Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

I was recently there an I loved it…. Stayed at Sands of Time Campground… very nice. Three teenagers might enjoy Myrtle Beach more! Hunter

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Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

Be prepared for tons of man eating mosquitoes all of the time, and buckets of rain and high wind most of the time. Watch for the riptides while swimming. I would keep the motorhome moving. Sorry to sound so down but you’ve got about a 75% chance of bad weather. Especially in August September time frame. Reggie in NC

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The outer banks extend for a long distance along the coast. they stick out into the atalntic. Constant wind at the NPS campsites which tend to be "out there" along the ocean side of the islands. As for things to do for your wife and girls, it depends. Ocracoke is a nice "touristy"  town little shops, etc. one upscale restaurant, many seafood places. At the other end of the outerbanks is kitty hawk (where the Wright Brothers did there thing in 1903), and Duck( another "touristy" town) Roanoke Island has an outdoor play about the Lost Colony, and a nice state run historical park that has a 17 century sailing ship on display. Also, there is the NC State Aquarium on the island. NO discos or rip roaring night life though. This is a family type place. Dan In the Piedmont of NC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

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Don’t know about sites as we hoteled it while we were there, but if your girls like history at all Kitty Hawk has a nice flight museum and this is the 100th anniversary of the Wright Bros’ first flight.  Also there is the Roanoke Village restoration – life in 1603 with a ship and village and there’s a play about the lost village.  This takes place on Manteo. Of course, there’s always the endless miles of beach and ocean and all the tacky souvenirs that go with that. have fun, Laura

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

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Any suggestions for large motorhome site and also things to do in outer banks. Is this a place 3 teenage girls and a wife would want to go?

I went camping there last week. Mosquitos can be a problem, but I was pleasantly surprised they weren’t bad last week. I camped in the NPS campground on Ocracoke. If the breezes are blowing, it is nice. Once the breezes stop, it got really hot. My first night tent camping was very pleasant, but by my second night I was ready to move on. If you could cool the RV way down before the quiet hours, it might not be a problem. Saw several groups of families with teen age children. One family, that looked rather close, seemed to be having a great time fishing, hanging out on the beach, etc. Another family had kids who seemed unbelievably bored. The town of Ocracoke had lots of teenagers hanging out and riding bikes. It is VERY bike friendly. I stopped at Hatteras. Lots of teenage girls checking out the teenage boys surfing. There are lots of camping choiced in this area from a cheap NPS campground to a couple of "RV resort" type campgrounds. The Outer Banks are a slower, more laid back vacation that Myrtle Beach is typically going to be. Myrtle has a LOT of traffic. Lots of shopping. Lots of nightlife. Major hookup scene going on (which may distress you as a parent!). Outer Banks have a lot more nature and a lot more history. I’ve been to both many, many times. Outer Banks strikes me as a better vacation if you are looking to actually spend time with the family. Myrtle would maybe be better if everyone is doing their own thing (and you are comfortable in what the kids are doing).

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