RVC Outdoor Destinations Offers Experience Like No Other

New Outdoor Experience is Like a Full-Service Hotel – Without the Hotel

MEMPHIS, TN – Start with beautiful natural outdoor environments that include mountain, wooded, lake-side and ocean-side locales. Add services and amenities generally associated with full-service hotels and you have the genesis for the ultimate outdoor experience that is RVC Outdoor Destinations.  

Whether you arrive in an RV, an SUV, a sports car or a bicycle, RVC Outdoor Destinations offers you a uniquely outstanding outdoor experience. Each destination offers multiple RV hookups and buddy sites, but that is where the similarity to traditional RV parks and cabin/cottage rentals ends. 

RVC Outdoor Destinations feature cottages, Yurts and classic Airstream trailers for rent, and most destinations are on the water and offer water views. 

Destinations include concierge service, a comfortable lobby, convenience stores, grab-and-go food, fitness centers, game rooms, saline swimming pools, free WiFi and cable, coffee and wine bars, boat launch and slips, golf cart rentals, fishing, bark parks, nature trails, horseshoe and bocce ball courts, fire pits, grills and picnic tables all located in thoughtfully landscaped environments. 

“Through our locations and breadth of service offerings, we have positioned our properties as the ultimate in outdoor lodging destinations,” said Yale Spina, Vice President of Operations for RVC Outdoor Destinations. “Whether you’re an experienced RV’er, a veteran outdoorsman or have only experienced the call of the wild via the Discovery Channel, you will have a distinct and enjoyable outdoor experience.” 

“They’ve taken the fun out of flying, and so many outdoor properties do not offer modern amenities,” said Spina. “So we’ve created an enjoyable destination where you can bring your pet and enjoy the outdoors in a well-designed environment with premium amenities, exceptional service and pleasant accommodations.”  

RVC Outdoor Destinations are open and accepting reservations in Pine Mountain, GA (just outside Callaway Gardens), Carrabelle Beach and Carrabelle Boat Club (along the coast, just south of Tallahassee). Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs, AR, and Live Oak Landing in Freeport, FL (on Choctawatchee Bay in Walton County) are scheduled to open late summer 2010.  

About RVC Outdoor Destinations: RVC Outdoor Destinations owns and operates a unique recreation brand, offering a better outdoor vacation experience, with service and amenities similar to a full-service hotel, scaled to fit in a natural outdoor environment. RVC Outdoor Destinations has locations throughout the Southeastern United States.   For more information visit www.rvcoutdoors.com

Source:  RVC Outdoors Press Release

Need an RV?  Contact American RV!

ROUTE 66 RV Network Adds Club Benefits

Passport 66 RV Club card

The ROUTE 66 RV Network announced Wednesday (April 28) the launching of the Passport 66 RV Club, a major upgrade to its popular Classic Care Club that has been in existence since 2004.

According to Dave Francis, managing partner of the network, “This new, enhanced product expands our customers’ benefit points to well over 5,000 partner locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”

The paid-membership program is only available to RVers who either purchase a unit, parts or service from a ROUTE 66 RV Network dealership. “It’s always been our goal to provide our dealers with programs that are uniquely theirs and that add to the RV consumer’s preference in shopping and buying from a ROUTE 66 dealer,” Francis added.

In addition to the benefits offered by the Classic Care Club — including members’ parts discounts and priority service at all ROUTE 66 RV Network dealers while traveling — the Passport 66 RV Club also provides members with:

• Up to 50% off at nearly 3,000 campgrounds, hotels and resorts through Passport America and Freedom Resorts.

• Discounted golf rates at more than 2,000 Player’s Pass golf courses nationwide.

• Reduced car-rental rates at more than 700 Dollar/Thrifty locations.

• Money-saving offers for RV wash services at 100+ Blue Deacon Truck Wash facilities.

• Savings on DIRECTV satellite packages and a ROUTE 66 gift card.

• Specialty club rates at RV America Insurance.

• Unique offers at www.Parts66.com, the network’s new online parts store.

“We’ve launched the Passport 66 RV Club with a very solid team of partners and valuable RV customer benefits, but we see it as a very dynamic process that we intend to regularly enhance with new partners and programs,” Francis noted.

To upgrade from a current Classic Care Club membership or to learn more, visit the Passport 66 RV Club website at http://www.passport66rv.com/.

Route 66 Network Debuts Finance Protection Plan

 

SOURCE:  RV BUSINESS http://www.rvbusiness.com/

 

American RV is a Proud Member of the Route 66 RV Network!

Think Big — Ford’s 2011 Super Duty F-450 and Keystone’s Montana (Front Lounge Floorplan)

Trailer Life's Feature of the Month:

by Kristopher Bunker  (photos by Gary)

Trailer Life, April 2010

When a tow-vehicle manufacturer unveils its latest offering for a new model year, it often entails upgraded trim, a better stereo and a few more ponies under the hood. Ford has smashed that mold with the introduction of the 2011 Super Duty trucks, which are as close to all-new as one can get without a total overhaul. When combined with an innovative front-living-room floorplan of Keystone’s Montana 3750 FL, it makes for an impressive, cutting-edge towing combo that will undoubtedly turn heads.

2011 F-450 Super Duty FX4 Crew Cab

The ’11 SD trucks have been branded by Ford as “The Ultimate Trailer-Towing Machines,” and after testing the 2011 F-450 Super Duty FX4 Crew Cab, it’s easy to see why.

The test truck features an all-new Ford-designed 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, which utilizes compact graphite iron construction for reduced weight and maximum strength. The reduced exhaust-system volume area minimizes heat in the engine compartment and improves noise and vibration performance, and a variable nozzle turbine DualBoost turbocharger with an industry-first dual-sided compressor wheel combines a faster response time with the ability to produce more power than a traditional turbo.

The new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission is specifically designed to handle the increased torque produced by the all-new Power Stroke, and features a wider gear span, advanced controls that optimize the shift schedule, reduced parasitic friction losses and lower-rpm torque converter lock-up, all of which add up to improved performance and fuel economy.

Also of note is the inclusion of a diesel-exhaust fluid (DEF) reservoir to meet new emissions standards. DEF works to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels, and needs to be replenished every 7,500 miles. DEF can be purchased at Ford dealers and other retailers.

But perhaps the most exciting news to the RVing crowd is the optional factory-installed Reese fifth-wheel hitch that’s covered under warranty, eliminating the need for aftermarket installations. The integrated trailer-brake control from previous years continues in 2011 models.

All right, enough of the techno-babble, how did it tow? Well, the F-450 had zero trouble hauling the relatively lightweight 12,900-pound Montana fiver around town, up a 7-percent grade and on moderate mountain passes. The Enhanced Tow Haul Mode with Integrated Engine Exhaust Braking ensured smooth downshifts via a brake-pressure transducer, which monitors the actual brake pressure applied and helps when descending a steep grade. In other words, it towed great, and white-knuckle moments were nil. With the exception of a slight turbo lag that’s common in turbodiesels (though Ford’s engineers have greatly reduced this minor annoyance), We couldn’t find anything to complain about. Lane changes, quick stops and even passing on the fly all went smoothly, and there’s reason to believe a larger trailer would also handle well. As of this writing, fifth-wheel tow ratings for all of the ’11 SD trucks aren’t available, though our tester is rated to tow travel trailers up to 16,000 pounds.

In camp, one can truly appreciate the bold styling of the ’11 SD. The new inverted power-dome hood and industrial-grade grille, plus a larger Ford oval, all add up to an aggressive exterior sure to be appreciated by truck enthusiasts. The King Ranch trim includes a painted grille surround, wheels, bed-rail molding and running boards. 

The optional Tough-Bed spray-in bedliner meant hauling duties would be worry-free, and the Ford Work solutions straps with a handcuff-type clasp will make sure your cargo stays put.

Inside, our test truck was outfitted with a brown leather interior embossed with the King Ranch logo. The driver’s seat was very comfortable and equally adjustable, including memory settings and manual lumbar support. There was ample room for our four-person test crew, which included two youngsters in car seats in the back. The center console is simply huge, and the main storage bin features a hanging tray for files and includes plenty of room for maps, cell phones, wallets and the like.

The interactive dash program features more settings than I could possibly get through, including fuel economy, Electronic Locking Differential control, traction control, tire-pressure settings, trailer memory and diesel-exhaust fluid readout, to name a few. If a system needs to be monitored, it can easily be done from the driver’s seat.

Keystone Montana's Front Living Room

We matched the big Ford with a 39-foot Keystone Montana, and although it was more truck than we needed, the combo looked great and handled even better. The MOR/ryde hitch pin and rubber suspension system (part of the mandatory $10,225 Montana Package) kept towing smooth in conjunction with the powerful Ford.

Outside, the high-gloss fiberglass exterior looks sharp, and the cavernous drop-frame pass-through storage compartment scores big points for practicality. The front and rear caps and “Easy Flow” graphics create the look of a higher-end trailer.

The Montana features an Arctic Insulation Package complete with a vented attic that should keep things at a tolerable level inside when things get harsh outside.

Speaking of the inside, fit and finish in the test Montana is superb. The mocha color scheme coupled with the Hickory cabinet work is extremely pleasing to the eyes, and the solid-surface countertops were not only a delight to look at, but were extremely functional for storing, slicing, dicing and other food-prep duties.

The Montana 3750FL features a front living-room design, with the living room up the stairs where the bedroom typically resides. This made for some getting used to; when I sat down at either the streetside L-shape sofa or curbside sofa bed, I had to duck to avoid banging my head on the slide’s molding. Once that adjustment was made, I rather enjoyed the configuration, which features a 40-inch LCD TV (part of the mandatory $5,420 Hickory Package), optional electric fireplace ($1,295) and tons of room to spread out. There is ample cabinetry here for components, DVD cases, books and anything else one stores in an entertainment center.

Down the steps from the living-room area is the galley. The 12-cubic-foot four-door refrigerator is residential-quality, as are the convection oven, standard oven and three-burner stove. Cooking a meal in this kitchen was virtually the same as cooking at home.

A freestanding dinette housed in one of the Montana’s five slides made for a nice enough place to eat when we weren’t dining al fresco.

The bathroom is situated mid-coach, with no less than three doors (kitchen, bedroom and exterior) that need to be secured to ensure uninterrupted privacy. However, once that privacy is guaranteed you have a good-size area to take care of grooming and bathing duties, plus there’s a tall cabinet behind the toilet for towels and a large cabinet across the way that’s plumbed for a washer/dryer.

The master bedroom houses a gigantic wardrobe unit, with three doors and nine drawers, the latter of which push in when the slides are retracted. The optional king bed with pillow-top mattress ($310) is befitting of such a spacious bedroom, and a finished, carpeted area below the bed is a good storage option. The bedroom also includes a panorama picture window to take in the surroundings, with day-night shades to ensure your privacy is maintained. A 19-inch LCD TV in the bedroom is standard, but almost seems too small in the vast surroundings of the master area — but that’s not a bad problem to have at all.

Ford has definitely come up big with the introduction of the 2011 Super Duty trucks. Many of the specs/prices aren’t available as of this writing but, by the time you read this, a lot of the blanks should be filled in. The Keystone Montana Hickory Edition 3750 FL has been fully outfitted with all the amenities a full- or long-timer could need, plus it gets high marks for attention to detail both inside and out. Put the two vehicles together, and you’re sure to be living large for many years to come.

Ford has definitely come up big with the introduction of the 2011 Super Duty trucks. Many of the specs/prices aren’t available as of this writing but, by the time you read this, a lot of the blanks should be filled in. The Keystone Montana Hickory Edition 3750 FL has been fully outfitted with all the amenities a full- or long-timer could need, plus it gets high marks for attention to detail both inside and out. Put the two vehicles together, and you’re sure to be living large for many years to come.

Looking for a Keystone Montana Fifth Wheel or Keystone Travel Trailer? Call American RV!

Sources:


Trailer Life http://www.trailerlife.com/ (See the story here).


Ford Motor Company, (800) 392-3673, http://www.ford.com/.
 
Keystone RV Company, (574) 535-2100, http://www.keystonerv.com/.

New Website Finds Campsites Nationwide

With RVers using laptops, navigation and smart phones like the iPhone, an in-depth database driven site like this is a great idea. Their iPhone app is in beta testing and will be released soon. Now if only Wallmart would do an app to locate their stores! 

A new website portal has been created that provides consumers with an unprecedented ability to quickly find privately owned and operated campgrounds, RV parks and resorts as well as government run campgrounds across the country.

The easy-to-use website, AccessCamping.com, also includes an iPhone application. 

“There has never been a website like this before,” said Brian Schaeffer, president and CEO of Texas Advertising, which developed the website portal.

“Just click on a state on our U.S. map and AccessCamping.com will provide you with links to websites with listings of either privately owned and operated campgrounds or government-run campgrounds, depending on your selection.”

Deb Carter, exective director of the Maryland Campground Owners Association put it this way: “Many words come to mind regarding your new website - but WOW seems to be the most appropriate! You've built a site that's easy to understand, intuitive to navigate, includes tons of information and is pleasing to the eye with clear graphics, inviting text and beautiful photos. 

"Being admittedly biased, I checked the Maryland information first and it's fantastic. When I click Maryland on the U.S. map, I go straight to our state page and can easily stay there and browse. It's full of great information, with a link to our own state website. It's clear that the entire website focuses on pampering the camper - helping them find the perfect spot for their home away from home. Nicely done!” 

AccessCamping.com also includes links to online databases of the major campground industry directories, including those provided by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the Trailer Life and Woodall’s North American Campground Directories, as well as the websites of campground chains, such as Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) and Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. 

Schaeffer said the portal is needed because most websites have limited campground listings. “The government run websites, for the most part, list only government run parks while the websites for campground industry associations typically limit their listings to parks that are members of their associations. As a result,” he said, “most websites only give the camping consumer a partial view of what’s out there in terms of potential camping venues.” 

“Finally, a national camping website that gets the camper where he really wants to go,” said Rick Abare, executive director of the Maine Campground Owners Association and current president of Campground Association Management Professionals.

Press Release from AccessCamping.com and RV Buddies.

Need an RV?   Call American RV! 

Jellystone Park in the Memphis area is one of your favorite Camping sites! Check them out!

RV 101: Polk’s Top 7 Motorhome Owner Maintenance Mishaps

Today I would like to share some very usual information with you from RV expert, Mark Polk!  There are so many things to maintain on a motorhome, sometimes we overlook the simplest maintenance requirements. As the old saying goes, you can’t see the forest for the trees. But simple oversights can result in costly repair bills to correct the problem.   RV expert Mark Polk owns RV Education 101, a North Carolina-based company that produces and sells educational videos, DVDs and E-books on how to use RVs. Mark has more than 30 years of experience in RV maintenance. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1996 as a Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. He and his wife, Dawn, started RV Education 101 in 1999. They travel with their two boys in a 35-foot Type A motorhome.

Let’s look at my top 7 motorhome owner maintenance mishaps.

1. Checking and adding air when the tires are hot

I see this all the time, people checking their tire pressure when the tires are hot. You should always check and inflate tires when the tires are cold, before traveling more than one mile. Hot air expands and will give you a false reading. If the tires are already hot, wait several hours before checking and adjusting inflation pressure.

2. Neglecting to check the water level in batteries, periodically

Eighty-five percent of lead acid batteries manufactured in the United States die before they should. One of the leading causes of battery failure is overcharging the battery. Overcharging a battery results in severe water loss and plate corrosion. This is a common problem with motorhomes. 

The RV converter has a built-in battery charger. Many RV owners are under the impression that if you leave the RV plugged in when the RV is in storage, the converter will keep the batteries topped off. While keeping batteries topped off is extremely important, the problem is that many, but not all, RV converter chargers provide a constant charge of about 13.5 volts. This is too high for fully charged batteries, and the electrolyte is boiled off, which results in an early death for the batteries. There have been advances in converter charger technology, thought. Many of today’s converter chargers are three-stage chargers that will prevent batteries from overcharging.

Another problem is that during times of high battery usage and recharging, the electrolyte is boiled off. Periodically checking and adjusting the water level in the batteries can save and extend the life expectancy of the battery. When you add water, use mineral-free water. Distilled water is best, and only fill the battery cell to 1/8-inch below the vent well.

3. Not rinsing and flushing the black water holding tank after you empty it

The only way to get a long service-free life from the RV black water holding tank is to rinse and flush the tank after you empty it. Some RVs have a built-in system for flushing the black water tank, but many don’t. If your RV doesn’t have a built-in flushing system there are aftermarket products, such as tank cleaning wands and reverse flush valves, that will assist in keeping your black water tank clean, clog-free and odor-free.

4. Not performing pre-departure checks

I think nearly every motorhome owner, at one time or another, has learned this valuable lesson. Pre-departure checks or a final walk-around before leaving can save you costly repair bills. Common RV repairs relating to this are repairs to the steps, TV antenna, awnings and power cords. Take a minute to walk around the RV, and look on top and underneath the motorhome before heading out.

5. Not periodically inspecting your motorhome for water damage

Water leaks on a motorhome can cause extensive damage and can be costly to repair. To protect your investment and your wallet, take the time to inspect your RV for water leaks. The outside of your motorhome may look fine, but the internal damage caused by water over a period of time can result in the entire roof, floor or wall rotting away without you even knowing it, until it’s too late.

To prevent a leak before it starts, thoroughly inspect all roof and body seams, sealants and around any openings cut in the motorhome roof or sidewalls. Reseal any seams or sealants that show signs of cracking or separation. Consult your RV owner’s manual for inspection intervals and for the type of sealants compatible with different types of materials.

6. Not performing routine safety checks

It’s not uncommon for a motorhome to sit in storage for periods of time. If dry-cell batteries aren’t removed from devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, these devices won’t work when you need them. By simply getting in a habit of checking the smoke, CO, and LP-gas leak detectors prior to each trip you can prevent this from happening. Follow the testing instructions found in the owner’s manual or on the device itself. If you remove dry-cell batteries during storage remember to reinstall them next spring.

Also, get in a habit of inspecting the fire extinguisher before each trip. Look to see if the arrow is pointing in the green area in the sight gauge. If it reads empty or needs charging replace it or have it recharged immediately. If it’s a dry powder type fire extinguisher the arrow pointing in the green doesn’t always guarantee that it will work. Every month you should turn dry powder extinguishers upside down, tap on the bottom of the extinguisher and shake it so the powder that settled on the bottom is released. Make sure you know how to operate the fire extinguishe, too.

A simple pre-trip checklist can serve as a reminder to test all safety devices prior to leaving on a trip.

7. Not maintaining the RV water system

The potable water system in your motorhome requires some routine maintenance to keep it trouble free. Something I’ve run into quite often is the complaint that there is a stale odor coming from the RV water system. When you return from a trip and you’re not going to use the RV for a while, drain the entire water system to prevent it from getting stale and musty. You should drain the water heater, low-point water drains and the fresh water holding tank.

Caution: Never drain the water heater tank when it is hot or under pressure. With the drains still open you can turn the water pump on for a moment to help force any remaining water out of the system. Do not let the pump continue to run once the water stops draining. Close all of the drains.

If by accident you forget to drain the water system and you get that notorious stale odor, all is not lost. You just need to sanitize the water system. Start by draining all of the old water out of the system, and then close all of the drains. Take a quarter cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water that your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach into a 1-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water tank completely full of water. Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets and let it sit for about 12 hours. Drain the entire system and refill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach.

It may be necessary to repeat this process to eliminate all signs of bleach from the water system. Once this is done it is safe to use your water system. It’s also a good idea to use a water filter at campgrounds and to keep bottled water on hand for drinking.

If you don’t feel comfortable performing any of these steps you should take your motorhome to an authorized RV service center to have the maintenance performed.

Watch Polk's technical videos.

Nudist Camp in Canada Goes Clothed After 40 Years

By ROSS ROMANIUK, QMI Agency

Former president Bob Mogliore looks out over the pool at Crocus Grove Nudist community. (QMI Agency file photo)

WINNIPEG - No more will everyone just hang out at a Manitoba nudist campground, as the park's owners try to better cover their costs by limiting their exposure to hefty water improvement bills.

After more than four decades of a "clothing-optional" attitude, what's been known as Crocus Grove Campground is changing its name this month to keep in step with a shift away from nudity among its users.

The newly named Sandhill Pines RV Park and Campground, about 40 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, is requiring campers to begin wearing clothes when out and about at the facility, so that its owners can try to attract more customers and maintain their site's viability.

"It's too bad that it's had to go this route. That's just the way it's happened," Susan Ryynanen, who owns the park with husband Ray, said Thursday.

"We've had declining numbers in terms of clothing-optional campers, and we have to do something differently."  

The 60-campsite park is asking users and guests to wear clothes for the first time since it opened in 1969. The owners say it's because of new federal and provincial regulations requiring that facilities like private campgrounds chlorinate their tap water and undertake related engineering studies. 

It's going to be between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the size of the campground, to comply," explained Susan. The Rynnanens had continued to allow nudity since purchasing the park in the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead more than three years ago.

Because their revenue potential is "extremely limited" by appealing to a naturist niche market, Ryynanen said, it's necessary to woo a wider array of campers.

"We just have to cope with the additional costs, and maintain the same size of campground," she added at the park on Provincial Road 317, where the couple live.

"So we need to go public and expand our horizons."

To distance the park from the nudity image, she said, they're using advertising and signage under the Sandhill Pines name and "don't have any affiliation with Crocus Grove at all any more."

The end of Crocus Grove's nudity, however, doesn't mean campers can't go naked anywhere in that region east of Lake Winnipeg. Ryynanen pointed out that the Patricia Beach area, a short drive north, continues to maintain a "clothing-optional" section along the lake.

The shift doesn't appear to be steering users away.

After talking to campers who have regularly used the park, Ryynanen said about 98% have indicated they'll hang around -- even if not hanging out.

"They understand. They're here because they love camping," she said.

"Everybody is sad and disappointed that we can't maintain the clothing-optional status, but the reality is that the big draw here is camping and being out in nature. It's a bit of a change, but not a complete change."

Posted in CNEWS Across Canada

Camping on TAC.TV - Please Don't Feed the Bears!

Norman and Sandra go Camping and Bears don't like Colgate!  lol  I love the squirrel impression!

Just one more reason why you need an RV!

Mickey, Donald & Goofy Take You Camping Disney - Swedish Style

Ever seen a Classic Disney Cartoon in Swedish?  Check this out as Mickey, Donald & Goofy go Camping in this Classic Disney Cartoon! You gotta love the Classics!  They don't make cartoons like this anymore!

Jim Gaffigan Goes Camping - Funny Video!

You gotta love the snooze button!  ....AND bacon!  LOL

John Pinette "Goes Camping" (Hilarious!)

LMAO!  You will love John Pinette's view of camping in a horror film!  I especially like the "Here's my credit card, buy a tree" and "There better be cows in that water!"  But just wait until he starts talking about White Water Rafting!  Hilarious!  After listening to John's camping trip you may want to get into RV-ing!  Go buy yourself an RV and enjoy the Summer!

Alvin & The Chipmunks Go Camping

Thought you campers might enjoy a little Alvin & The Chipmunks. I find it interesting since we didn't have the convenience of computers when Alvin & The Chipmunks came out...they had to manually speed up the speech and then slow it back down to produce these cartoons.

Alvin and the gang setup their tent under a waterfall! Enjoy!

Instead of setting up camp in a tent under a waterfall, why not get an RV  and take the high road! =)

Camping Tips: How to Build a Campfire!

One of the most enjoyable things in the world is a long-burning campfire in the great outdoors. Check out these tips for getting a campfire going without harming the environment... or yourself.

Arranging Wood for a Campfire -- powered by eHow.com

About.com: How To Build a Campfire

Hey guys - Jonathon Stewart here for About.com. So you're hanging out at your campsite, you've got your tent set up, bug spray applied, the sun is setting, and just one thing seems to be missing... your roaring campfire! Take a look at the following tips, and you'll be eating smores and telling ghost stories before you know it. Check it out.

Supplies Needed to Build a Campfire

You'll need just a few things to get your fire going:

• tinder
• kindling 
• wood 
• matches

Find a Safe Space to Build a Campfire

Before you do anything, you need to pick a safe spot to make your fire. Many campsites have fire rings like this one, which you should definitely use if it's provided. If not, pick an area that's away from trees or flammable brush, and make your own fire ring from large rocks. In any event, make sure your tent is a good ten or fifteen yards away, or you just might be singing, "the tent, the tent, the tent is on fire..." 

Arrange the Campfire Tinder

Start by clearing away any old coals or pieces of debris, so you have a clean slate. Next, gather together your tinder. Tinder should be a natural material that's easy to light, and burns quickly. Dried brush or small fallen twigs fit the bill, but as long as you're not stranded in the middle of nowhere, newspaper does the trick just fine. Take single sheets and crumple them into tennis ball sized wads - about 12 to 15 will do.

Just make sure it's not laminated paper or anything that's drenched in chemicals. And, on that note, no using lighter fluid or any other synthetic fire-starter here either. You're on Mother Nature's turf here - have a little respect. 

Add the Campfire Kindling

Next, it's time for your kindling, which is loosely defined as small pieces of wood that should ignite relatively easily, but burn long enough to catch your wood on fire. Dried bark or small pieces of wood work best here - arrange them in either an X pattern or a teepee pattern. Just make sure there's room for air to move easily to all parts of your fire. 

Light the Campfire

Before we light this puppy, just remember: safety first. Never put your head too close to wood that can pop and crackle when lit, and never leave your fire unattended. As the old bear fella says, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires." 

Add Wood to the Campfire

Finally, add your wood to the pile, again being careful not to smother the kindling or tinder. Make sure your wood is properly aged and dry, otherwise lighting it will be an uphill battle. Light the tinder from all four compass points, and allow it to slowly catch.

As the tinder ignites, slowly blow air into the fire to allow it to burn hot enough for the kindling to catch. Continue this process until the wood ignites, then sit back, relax, and continue adding wood as you go. 

Be sure to spread the coals out and sprinkle water on your fire to douse it before going to sleep. You can also use dirt to smother the fire, or just stay up all night, enjoying the world the way we used to before electricity came along and ruined everything. 

Now all you need is an RV to take on your camping trip! =)

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia | Beautiful Places to Visit

The stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the Lika region of Croatia. The park is surrounded by the mountains Plješevica, Mala Kapela, and Medveđak, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. The 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine, are situated on the Plitvice plateau. Waterfalls connect the lakes, and the tallest waterfall is Veliki Slap at 70 meters (230 feet) tall. The Plitvice lakes area boasts a large variety of interesting and colorful flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking the many pathways and trails, or exploring the lakes by boat. The park itself has 3 hotels and a campsite, otherwise visitors can find accommodation at any of the number of villages and cities nearby.

Crazy Barking Dog Man Becomes Internet Hit

Since many of us RVers like to take our pets with us on the road, I thought you guys might enjoy this story. 

A man who gave a bizarre impression of a barking dog during a recent news interview - has become an online sensation. I don't even know what to say about this man really.....



The clip of Ray Graham, 57, being interviewed about dogs terrorising a street in Sydney became an instant hit online after it was aired on Channel Nine.

After outlining his concerns about the animals, he gave an impression of a vicious dog -- much to the apparent disgust of his wife. I actually thought she was going to backhand him.

The impression earned him the name 'psycho dog man' on YouTube and a Facebook fan page was set up in his honour which has over 6,000 fans. Psycho dog man?  I can't imagine WHY.

As if the original clip was not good enough it has now been remixed with the song "Who let the dogs out?" -- Check it out after the link.



So maybe those of us who don't have pets can take a lesson from the psycho dog man and just start doing dog impressions at the RV parks for fun, eh? Okay, so maybe not....I think I'll just leave that up to Mr. Psycho dog man since he does it so well.  Ha!

News Lite

Two Fighter Jets Chasing UFO in Britain Captured on Video

A cameraman accidentally captured two British fighter jets pursuing what looked like a UFO. The dramatic video clip is about 30-second long, which is believed to have been taken from a West Midlands service station car park in Britain.

“This is one of the best videos I’ve seen. It could be a new drone – that might explain the military jets,”  the Sun quoted expert Nick Pope, who probed UFO sightings for the Ministry of Defense.

“But you don’t normally test-fly secret projects in daylight. Alternatively, this could be the real thing – a UFO in our airspace and military aircraft scrambled to intercept, probably due to it being tracked on radar,” he added.

This is the “UFO” as seen from the video.

Two British fighter jets were chasing the “UFO”.

The British defense ministry refused to comment on the alleged sighting, but confirmed it would scramble jets to meet an air threat.

Watch the short video clip here, it’s interesting!

15 Places in the World that Look Unreal! WOW!

These 15 places look like photoshopped images; they look unreal but they really exist in the world.

1.Giant’s Causeway, Ireland:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.The Wave, Arizona, US:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.Dry Valleys, Antarctica:

4.Rio Tinto, Spain:

5.Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US:

6.Cave of Crystals, Mexico:

7.Dotted Lake, Canada:

8.Tessellated Pavement, Mauritania:

9.Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia:

10.Cappadocia, Turkey:

11.Vale de Lua, Brazil:

12.White Desert, Egypt:

13.Blood Pond Hot Spring, Japan:

14.Stone Forest, China:

15.Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves, Austria:

 








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