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How it’s Made – A Guitar is Born

January 27, 2012 by Canadianladybug · 2 Comments

Did you know that in the state of Pennsylvania there is a town called Nazareth? And in this town, you can have the opportunity of visiting…..; C.F. Martin & Co. For over 150 years, The Martin Guitar Company has been producing instruments that are recognized all around the world. These instruments are in the highest quality and their construction is very precise. We had the opportunity to visit the factory back a few years ago and we really enjoyed it. In 2008, we embarked on our first ever trip with our RV and we experience many interesting things. Visiting a guitar factory was one of our highlights in our trip. We had planned the field trip with the kids before arriving in PA because I had purchased the book Watch It Made In The U.S.A. As a visitor on the factory tour, you will be shown how the guitars come to life through the hands of the people working at C.F. Martin & Co. Tours are done regularly between 11am and 2:30pm Monday to Friday. There is... [Read more...]

SAVE 75% or MORE ON YOUR NEXT CORDLESS TOOL BATTERIES (Yes, I like saving money!)

January 25, 2012 by Professor95 · 2 Comments

Battery powered tools can be the mainstay for many RV’ers that like to be prepared for both unexpected needs and maintenance when away from home. I carry a full complement of 18-volt Ryobi power tools, including a drill, flashlight, reciprocating saw, handi-vacuum, and a small chain saw. Other tools such a air compressors, radios, saber saws, circular saws, and leaf blowers also operate off of the same 18-volt nickel cadmium battery pack. I find myself frequently using the drill with a socket that fits scissors jacks to quickly raise or lower the jacks. The drill also serves as an electric screwdriver that recently came in handy when the base of our bed broke apart. Both the reciprocating saw and the 10” chain saw are great for cutting gathered firewood from downed trees or limbs. Of course, you are limited to small diameter wood. Using portable battery operated tools requires several spare batteries as well as a proper charger. If the batteries are old and weak and can... [Read more...]

Death Valley National Park…

January 25, 2012 by Dana Ticknor · 3 Comments

One of the National Parks that has surprised me the most was Death Valley. I expected it to be a vast valley with nothing but barren sand dunes for miles and miles. I didn’t give it much thought, but just figured that it was worthy of it’s National Park status due to the fact that it is deemed the hottest spot in the United States. And to be honest, the only reason that we gave it a day’s worth of our time was because we are on a mission to collect Jr. Ranger badges from every National Park that offers them! view from the Furnace Creek visitor's center Since the park covers 3 million acres of land, there is plenty of park to explore! We drove in through Death Valley Junction from Pahrump. We left with enough fuel to last the day, and that is one tip that I would highly recommend for anyone driving the park – it’s a big park! While there is fuel at Stovepipe Wells, it is about $1.50 more per gallon than if you just fill up before leaving... [Read more...]

Crater of Diamonds State Park Report Successful Year

January 22, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 2 Comments

Looking back over the past 12 months, the year 2011 has been a successful one for park visitors who hunted for diamonds in the 37 ½-acre search area at Arkansas’s diamond site, the Crater of Diamonds State Park. David Anderson with his recent find, a 3.83-carat diamond he named the Wolverine Diamond. (Credit: katv.com) According to Park Superintendent Justin Dorsey, over 500 diamonds were found by visitors last year. Of the year’s diamond finds, 30 weighed over a carat each. The year’s largest diamond find was an 8.66-carat white diamond found in April. And on December 12, David Anderson of Murfreesboro found the year’s 535th diamond. His 3.83-carat pear-shaped, yellow diamond marks the fourth largest find for the year. Park Interpreter Margi Jenks said, “This has been a great year for our park visitors here at the Crater of Diamonds. During every month this year, a visitor unearthed a diamond weighing over a carat. And in April, six diamonds weighed over a carat including the... [Read more...]

Earn Money From Your RV–Update!

January 22, 2012 by Diane Berry · Leave a Comment

Near the end of last year I published a post about earning money by publishing books right from your home or RV by using the services of Amazon.com affiliate “createspace.com.” I explained that, having written and published books previously via more traditional methods, paying for and storing 2000 copies of the tome (where can you do that in an RV?), then waiting for orders and shipping them out to buyers, I was trying a new method. A colleague told me he worked with Create Space to publish his book and was pleased with the result. Cover of Proof copy w/no flaws At the point I wrote, I had essentially completed the writing, editing, uploading and proofing process and was simply waiting to give final “approval” to the book and make it available for sale as I wanted it to be released at the beginning of 2012 to give it a longer perceived “shelf-life.” I am pleased to inform you that on 1/1/2012, I confirmed my approval with Create Space and by 1/2/2012, I had sold my first copy... [Read more...]

5 Tips When Visiting Texas

January 20, 2012 by Guest Blogger · 3 Comments

Texas: the Lone Star State. The only state to have been its own country first. Everything is bigger in Texas – from the towns and the open prairies, to the pine woods and the bayou country. Texas is so large and diverse, so where do you start? Here are five tips when to keep in mind while visiting Texas. Visit during the Spring or Fall – Summer in Texas is blistering. The panhandle breezes gust over sandy plains and tumbleweeds decorate the streets. The west side of Texas climbs to impressive temperatures on the mesas and the southern part boasts impressive humidity. Winters are mild, but drizzly, not exactly a perfect setting. However, spring in Texas is amazing. Around the hill country of Austin, bluebonnets (the state flower) propagate in wild blankets of blue-violet. Wildflowers beautify every inch of land. Spring approaches early in the southern portion of the state, so April and May are leading months to see the wildflowers. Fall doesn’t automatically mean changing of colors.... [Read more...]

Visit Old Faithful Through The Yellowstone Webcam!

January 19, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · Leave a Comment

We have visited many national parks with our children. Denali, Mount Rainier, Olympic, and Yellowstone are at the top of our list. While writing and doing research, I often visit the websites for these parks in order to see what is new and what’s happening. I follow the Alaska National Parks system and Denali on my Facebook page. One trend that I have been noticing is the use of webcams to convey what is happening in the parks. Of course, it isn’t always possible to return to a favorite national park again, but it is fun to see what’s happening via live video. This morning I discovered the live webcam featuring Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. We visited Yellowstone in the summer of 2010. It was a great trip and we enjoyed learning about and seeing geysers in action. Made possible by a grant from Canon USA, the webcam continually features Old Faithful. Check it out if you have been to Old Faithful or if you hope to go there soon. Old Faithful Geyser... [Read more...]

I LIKE SAVING MONEY!

January 18, 2012 by Professor95 · 1 Comment

I like saving money. Do you like saving money? Hey – I bet you think I am getting ready to front yet another insurance commercial. You know, switch from Lizard to Mastodon, save $500 a year, then switch from Mastodon to Flogressive, and save even $500 more but if you come back to Lizard you can save even $385 more than Allstale, which is $275 lower than E-Assurance? Nope – this one is for real and it can save you more than enough the next time you fill-up that big motor home fuel tank to buy you and the DW a nice lunch. When I first saw the details I thought, “Yea – right, just another credit card trick to sock you with big interest rates”. BUT WAIT! It is not one of those tricks at all. This one is the real deal. So, you ask, “Just how good is this money saving deal?” Well, how about 11 to 14-cents a gallon off the pump price of diesel fuel – and this is not one of those limited purchase deals where you collect points by spending a couple of your pay checks on groceries. THIS... [Read more...]

Eagle Expo: February 9-11, 2012

January 18, 2012 by Guest Blogger · 1 Comment

The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest overflow swamp in the country, covers over 850,000 acres and includes 10 distinct aquatic and terrestrial habitats ranging from large rivers to backwater swamps. The Basin is noted for its Cypress-Tupelo Gum swamp habitat and its Cajun heritage. The basin is home to over 170 bird species, 50 mammalian species, 40 reptilian, 20 amphibian species and 100 species of fin fish and shellfish. is home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the American bald eagle. Eagle Expo includes boat tours into various waterways to view eagle’s nests and presentations on the American bald eagle, wildlife, flora, fauna and the culture of the area by wildlife professionals and photographers, and much more. The 7th Annual Eagle Expo will take place in Morgan City, Louisiana, from February 9-11, 2012. Presentations on the American bald eagle, a raptor show, and seminars will take place. Admission Fee.

Waiting for Winter…

January 18, 2012 by Diane Berry · 5 Comments

As I write this we are awaiting our first “real” snowfall of the winter. It is January 12th and, as a snow lover, especially in December, January and February (not so much in March and April!), it has been a long wait. Today, however, we are predicted to receive a good six inches of the fluffy white stuff! Finally! Though I love to camp in our little RV because of how close it brings one to the great outdoors, my enjoyment of nature is not limited to the summer months. There are so many ways to play and have fun in the winter that, if we let it, it can take us right back to childhood. I am writing to give those of you who, like me, are receiving your first good snow of the year, some ideas for what to do while waiting to back the RV out of the garage and get it ready to go! (Trust me, I know who you are! I am one of you!) Terry skiing (diagonal stride) Cross country skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the snow. But within that concept, there are essentially two separate and completely... [Read more...]

Spend the Fall or Winter at Myrtle Beach Travel Park!

January 16, 2012 by Guest Blogger · Leave a Comment

Fall is a wonderful time to take advantage of all that Myrtle Beach Travel Park offers. Warm weather, less crowded beaches and area attractions such as golf, fishing, shopping, live entertainment and restaurants are some of what makes Myrtle Beach a great destination. Camping rates at Myrtle Beach Travel Park drop on Labor Day for an additional incentive. With warm days and cool nights, guests can participate in many of the same activities that they enjoy during the busy summer months. Planned campground activities continue year round with campfires, day trips to places of local interest (i.e. historic homes, gardens, vineyards) and other outdoor excursions added on during this time of year. Golf and fishing events are enjoyable during this season also. This region offers many area festivals; there is a festival almost every weekend from fall through spring within easy driving distance. On site activities include planned exercise, arts and crafts, movie nights, pot luck dinners... [Read more...]

What is Your Travel Planning Style?

January 16, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · Leave a Comment

Seward, Alaska, 2011 Do you have a method for planning your road trips or vacations? Do you dutifully sit down in January and target where and when you will go to specific destinations? Or, do you just “wing it” once the official camping season kicks off in the spring? I have to admit that I have waffled between both methods over the years. I am, in fact, still waffling! When we first started camping and our children were very young, I was pretty strict about planning in advance, pinpointing destinations, and then making reservations. I have vivid recollections of often doing this ten months in advance. Back then, it was a system that I needed to have in place. Packing food, kids, cars, and gear can be a monumental task. I knew I didn’t want to take the spontaneous route only to find out that the car was loaded and the campgrounds were too! Traveling and camping with young children can be challenging. I needed the certainty of knowing that we had a good campsite... [Read more...]

Let’s Talk About Socks!

January 15, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · 1 Comment

Do you have a favorite sock that you enjoy wearing while hiking and camping? Do you like to wear a specific sock with your hiking boots? SmartWool socks are my favorite socks by a long shot! I discovered these wool socks about five years ago. I purchased my first pair at the Eddie Bauer Outlet when I was on the Eastern Shore of Maryland visiting my dad. The socks felt great! They offered extra support, especially around my arch. The pair I purchased back then finally needed to be replaced, so I added Smart Wool socks to my little Christmas list. My husband kindly obliged and headed to REI to buy me some new ones. This year, I received their PhD high performance socks. Made from Merino wool, they are made specifically for a woman’s foot and they feel just great. They have extra cushioning in the heel and on the ball of the foot. And, the wool keeps my feet really warm. Yes, they are quite pricey, but I figure I only have two feet, so they are worth it! Do you have a favorite... [Read more...]

Soup Is Good (Camping) Food!

January 15, 2012 by Diane Berry · 2 Comments

I’ve written before about meals to make for your family while camping. I want to add a segment today about hot meals that are easy and quick to make: soups. To be honest, I have made these soups more when we’ve been at home than when we’ve been staying in our camper. This is mostly because we hadn’t discovered them until last fall, after our camping was finished for the year. But knowing what I know now, I am planning to buy some for the camper and to incorporate them in many of our camping adventures. Gumbo Ingredients I am speaking of the commercially made soup mixes carried in every grocery store. The brand we started buying, chiefly because they were on sale at the time we found them, is the Bear Creek brand. However, I know there are several different brands on the shelves of the grocery store, even in our city of 33,000 people. The variety is endless. They have Creamy Wild Rice, Cheddar Potato, Chili, Cheddar Broccoli among others. A favorite of our family members is Gumbo.... [Read more...]

Yuma Named Sunniest Place in America

January 14, 2012 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment

The sun is out and the weather is great, just like any other day in Yuma, Arizona. The Territorial Prison, also known as "Hell Hole" and "Devil's Island" opened in the Arizona desert on July 1, 1876 when the first 7 inmates entered the prison and they were locked into the new cells they built themselves. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved It should not surprise anyone that US News and World Report again named Yuma as the number one “sunniest place” in America to spend their golden years. Yuma’s wonderfully temperate winter climate also makes this southeastern Arizona city a popular destination for snowbirds escaping their cold winter homes. Arizona’s warmest winter city and the sunniest year-round spot in the U.S., Yuma has an annual average of 4,133 hours of sunshine. Yuma has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. Located at the confluence of the Gila and Colorado rivers, Yuma began as a... [Read more...]

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