Month: May 2011
Go Hydrogen in Your RV
May 20, 2011 by Rex Vogel · 7 Comments
Mary Meadows says she can increase mileage and reduce emissions. She’s the founder of an Arizona company that makes a system that converts cars, pickups, trucks, recreational vehicles, and boats to hydrogen hybrids, reported The Arizona Republic. (Credit: h2purepower) Mary Meadows is an environmental medicine physician who had a clinic in Texas. In Corpus Christi, Texas, she tested toxicity levels in workers at industrial businesses and farms and treated them for related ailments. When she retired, she looked for something to invest in that helped the Earth. “I have been very concerned about pollution issues, and this hydrogen system takes vehicles to near-zero emissions. The technology has been around, but it’s getting more attention now because fuel costs are high, and the federal government is encouraging alternative and sustainable energy. She has been doing research and development of the hydrogen system for three years, but only in the past year and a half has she... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Do You Have Pearls for Reina Cornejo’s New RV Career?
May 20, 2011 by Patti F. · 4 Comments
“Hi I’m new to the RV Industry, and am a Sales Rep at Giant RV in Montclair, CA. I believe in being honest, and fitting the needs of my Customers. Any feedback for a newbie?” Reina sent this to me in response to an earlier blog about good, and not so good, RV sales reps. I’m thinking the mere fact that Reina is asking for feedback bodes extremely well for her future in sales. Do you agree? Here’s my reply to Reina, but I’m more interested in what you Woodall’s readers might add to help Reina. Dear Reina, That you care about honesty and how you can benefit your customers virtually guarantees your success in sales, RV or otherwise. I’m honored you would ask for my thoughts. Just the past few months, my husband and I bought a nice travel trailer, traded it in, and bought a Winnebago “View”. The “View” is the right RV for us. http://www.gowinnebago.com/products/2011/view/ Based on our many recent experiences and comments from Woodall’s readers,... [Read more...]
THEME WEEK–SUMMER SUCCESS SECRETS!
May 18, 2011 by Good Sam Team · Leave a Comment
Don’t look now, but the summer season is closing in fast, and that means warm, sunny days, cooling off at the pool, vacations to the beach or the lake, summer BBQs, and the kids out of school. To prepare you for the coming season, ALL next week, Woodall’s Family Camping Blog will be featuring articles all about “Summer”–We are calling it “Summer Success Secrets” and we want to give our readers ideas for trips, great summer foods, tips on making lasting summer memories, necessary summer supplies, and everything else that will help to make this the BEST SUMMER EVER! “Summer Success Secrets” week will run May 23rd through May 30th, so check in for wonderful summer ideas and helpful tips. Or sign up for our RSS Feed, and be the first to see all of the summer articles!
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Patti’s Spanish Paella…been there, ate that.
May 17, 2011 by Patti F. · 11 Comments
Spain. My heart races writing the word. I come from hard core Midwestern RVing stock who said on at least 436 occasions, “Why do people go to Europe when the United States is the most beautiful country in the world? “ But when I saw pictures of Spain in my fourth grade schoolbook, I knew I had to go. And I did. And that I had to go again, and again. And I did. Which brings me to the Spanish gift I want to give you: my paella (pronounced “pah-AY-yuh”) recipe adapted for RV kitchens and my own rather dull palate. I hope you like it. I love paella. What’s not to love about toasty rice, tomatoes, veggies, and any combination of meat or fish that exists, all made and served in the same large skillet? I’ve eaten paella all over Spain and have proof this dish, originally made for laborers over open fires in fields, is fantastic. My proof? I’ve hauled groups of hormone addled, picky- eating adolescents to Spain more than once , and if 8th grade pizza and burger addicted... [Read more...]
It’s Never to Early to Start Camping: Tips on Traveling with a Baby
May 17, 2011 by Guest Blogger · 3 Comments
Guest Post By Kimberly Travaglino If your Summer plans include a camping trip, but your Spring plans included a newborn… don’t cancel the camping trip… Babies can make great campers! A trip to Babies-r-Us will have you convinced that babies need LOTS OF STUFF!!! This is absolutely false and babies can travel much lighter than their older siblings. Love, patience and plenty of cuddling are the most important things your newborn needs, but some baby gear will also go a long way. Infant Car Seat / Carrier – so your precious bundle can be safe on your travels. A sling – I recommend “hug a monkey” www.hugamonkey.com as they are lightweight, fits in a diaper bag and very easy to use. No buckles, no straps, no criss crossing – just a sturdy fabric loop that can carry newborns to toddlers. A stroller – If you only have one strolling child, I strongly recommend a Snap and Go. I have a three year old that still likes to sit in the stroller – so I went with the Combi... [Read more...]
Trail of the Ancients: A Journey worth Taking
May 16, 2011 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
Spring is here. No really, it is (don’t pay attention to the weather on this one). And that means that thoughts of a spring road trip are probably popping into the forefront of your mind. Some of the most striking and recognizable landscapes of sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires in the entire Southwest are found in Monument Valley. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved Far too often we see the roads we traverse purely as a means to get from point A to point B. Most spend far more hours in their cars commuting and running errands than truly enjoying what lies beyond the edge of the asphalt or concrete. But once you hit the road in your recreational vehicle, why not get off the roads most traveled and take in the breath-taking splendor of America’s system of scenic byways? The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes over 100 outstanding byways that celebrate the pride and diversity of our communities as well as the stunning landscapes that have shaped our lives. Trail of the... [Read more...]
Dinosaurs. Real Close And Nearly Alive In Seattle!
May 15, 2011 by Melissa A. Trainer · 1 Comment
Seattle has many wonderful destinations for children. There are waterfront parks, a wooden boat center, dozens of playgrounds, a fabulous market, and many healthy kid friendly restaurants. If you find yourself traveling through the Emerald City this summer, seriously consider a trip to the city’s Woodland Park Zoo. I visit this zoo often with my youngest son, and we absolutely love strolling through the zoo and exploring all the animals. Some of our favorite spots are the Family Farm and the Raptor Center. Both offer great opportunities for learning because there are usually zoo educators or volunteers in the area who are willing to answer lots of questions and share their knowledge. There is one temporary exhibit right now that looks super cool. It’s the “Dinosaurs. Real Close.” exhibit and it will run through September 5. I haven’t been to the animatronic exhibit of enormous North American species of dinosaurs just yet, but my son and... [Read more...]
Lots of Suds and No Spots!
May 15, 2011 by Hoby · 6 Comments
(Photo Caption: Washing Dishes) That is the first thing we noticed when we washed dishes after installing a water softener for our RV—it definitely took a lot less dishwashing liquid, there were much fewer spots on the glasses, and it felt better on the hands. It also made a huge difference in the shower with the body wash and shampoo. My initial thought was, “we should have done this sooner.” If it does this well for the easy-to-see stuff, just imagine how much better it is for our water heater and all the fittings and such (water from fridge, ice-maker, faucets, etc.). We thought a lot about getting a water softener ever since we started full-timing and we changed the inline filter the first time and noticed all the gunk that was building up there. In some places, it seemed that filter needed to be changed quite quickly and the interesting colors let us know a lot of minerals were in the system. So, we decided to start doing some research. Ion Exchange Water softeners... [Read more...]
A Canary in the Coal Mine
May 15, 2011 by Traveler8343 · 1 Comment
(click to enlarge) Ever since I was a child (my DW thinks that I still act like a child sometimes), I’ve wanted to visit John Pennekamp State Park in Marathon Key, Florida. Besides being a beautiful example of a coral reef barrier island; one of many such islands in the Forida Keys, it contains an underwater state park. While there, you can visit the off-island coral reef by scuba/snorkel-diving or going out in their famed glass-bottom boat. Millions of people from all over the world have marveled at the beauty of the reef, making it a must-see for visitors to the Florida Keys. Or, at least it once was, IMHO. More on that in a moment. My DW and I were driving back up from our stay down at the Bahia Honda State Park. Intending to drive all the way up to the Fort Lauderdale area, I grew tired behind the wheel and decided to try John Pennekamp. This is usually impossible to do without a reservation made well in advance of any visit, just like Bahia Honda Park. We were lucky and got one of... [Read more...]
The Annual Pilgrimage to Chimayo–Part 2
May 15, 2011 by Diane Berry · 2 Comments
As described in a previous post, each year during Holy Week, Christians from New Mexico and the surrounding area undertake a journey, typically on foot, to the small village of Chimayo. They are headed toward the Santuario de Chimayo, the site of a miracle back in the 1800s. It is believed to have been the site of many healings over the years. In fact, the Tewa Indians, who inhabited the area even before the Spanish, had considered it a site for healing long before the Spanish settlers arrived. Upon their arrival, the Spanish called this parcel of land “the pasture,” unaware of its healing propensities until the crucifix appeared to Abeyta. Originally a spring had bubbled up from the area, rich in iron and other minerals. When the spring dried up, Indians still came for the dirt for healing and sacred uses. While the land had been inhabited by Native Americans in ancient times, Pueblo Indians later moved in and names the rose-colored mountain nearby “Tsi Mayoh,” sacred mountain... [Read more...]
