Category: One-Tank Trips
SUMMER TOMATOES AND GASOLINE
September 8, 2012 by Professor95 · 1 Comment
We’ve stuck pretty close to the brick and mortar dwelling this summer. Now that both of us are retired, we are not locked into summer travels when it is often too hot, expensive, and crowded. Knowing we were going to be here during the summer months of July and August, I once again got out the old ’55 Ferguson tractor and rototiller to prepare a planting bed for tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and beans. We generally transplant our tomato plants outdoors sometime after the middle of April when the chance of frost is minimal. If the weather is good, we can expect succulent, vine ripened tomatoes beginning in late June. A fresh tomato and mayonnaise sandwich is always a summer favorite. When the crop comes in, we have tomatoes running out the kazoo. There are so many tomatoes we become wasteful, cutting sandwich size slices out of the center of the ripe fruit and throwing away the rest. We give tomatoes to all our children, neighbors and friends that have none – they often... [Read more...]
A News Flash on Alaska’s National Parks
December 29, 2011 by Melissa A. Trainer · Leave a Comment
Exit Glacier, Alaska When I checked my electronic inbox yesterday, I found an informative news release from John Quinley, who is the Assistant Regional Director, Communications and Partnerships, of the Alaska Regional National Park Service. In his release, Mr. Quinley reported that the Alaska region of the National Park Service saw about 2.32 million recreational visits in 2011. This was an increase of about 2% from 2010. The two parks with the largest increases for 2011 were Kenai Fjords National Park, which is headquartered in Seward, and Denali National Park. Both of these parks are on the road system in Alaska so they are fairly easy to access with a car, trailer, or RV. I have had the good fortune of visiting both of these parks with my children at my side. I first visited them during the summer of 2006. Our family camping trip to Denali was a highlight that summer and indeed my children still talk about it. Last July, we returned to Alaska and while we were staying in Anchorage,... [Read more...]
An Alpine Village in the Southwest?
October 19, 2011 by Diane Berry · 2 Comments
Located in northern New Mexico at a base elevation of 9,200 feet above sea level, the tiny village of Taos Ski Valley, NM is surrounded by green forests and high mountains. First incorporated in 1996, it is New Mexico’s 100th municipality, yet it boasts the world class Taos Ski Valley Resort. The Rocky Mountains surrounding the village provide fabulous skiing during the winter months as well as beautiful hiking and horseback riding terrain in warmer weather. In fact, New Mexico’s highest peak, Wheeler Peak, overlooks the town, standing at a majestic 13,161 feet. We visited Taos Ski Valley this summer, as we had to pass through the village while en route to our Williams Lake hike, and were again struck by the resemblance to a village one might find in the Austrian Alps. Ski run during summer Architecture in the valley is reminiscent of an alpine community and appears as if it was plucked out of the “Sound of Music” set. While we have yet to personally experience the Ski Valley... [Read more...]
CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE – Home of one of North Carolina’s Historic Lighthouses
July 28, 2011 by Professor95 · 4 Comments
Monday was not a good beach day. The wind was blowing between 20 and 25 knots. Umbrellas were flying like kites and the fine, dry sand unaffected by the ocean’s waters cut into your body like thousands of little razors. We decided to hang around inside the camper. I finished my book by James Patterson, 4th of July, and started a second by Glenn Beck, The Overton Window. The first was an excellent paperback thriller with a surprise ending. The Overton Window is getting interesting but is more political than mysterious – both are great beach books. Tuesday was not much better weather wise. The wind had died down but the sky’s were overcast and numerous thunderboomers rolled overhead. We decided to hit an afternoon movie at the local cinema. We have not watched the first part of the current Harry Potter movie, so felt we should wait on viewing the second. The entire series has become way too complicated as it is. Zookeeper seemed like a good alternative. Boy was I ever... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Why We Just Adopted!
April 25, 2011 by Patti F. · 6 Comments
We just adopted a 23 foot 2006 Winnebago View Class C Motor home and we’re thrilled! www.generalrv.com/inventory/112001/Used-2006-Winnebago-View I use the term “adopted” because we love this thing so much it feels like we adopted it! And I know what I’m talking about. I adopted my own darlings when they were five and six. OK. Maybe getting the View isn’t as thrilling as the day I brought my two wunderkinds home, but you’re getting the idea. My 23 year old daughter and 21 year old son are fine with my comparing their adoption with that of our new motor home, by the way. They know mama loves them most of all! The Winnebago View Adoption Saga: 1) While we certainly liked our lovely Jayco Travel Trailer, the first day we brought it home dear husband said “ We should have got a Class C.” while he was unhitching the thing sweating like a pig. Most folks are more than fine with towing and hitching. For whatever reasons (no doubt, laziness) it just isn’t... [Read more...]
A Visit to a Living Ghost Town…
April 13, 2011 by Diane Berry · Leave a Comment
On one of our days visiting Montana, we were looking about for something to do while we were waiting for Yellowstone’s West Entrance to open and decided to take a drive around the countryside. Little did we know the unexpected adventure that awaited us. Our first indication that something was out of the ordinary was a drive past a large old log structure with a sign out front stating “Robber’s Roost.” Upon further exploration, we confirmed that the place had, indeed, been a hideout for outlaws in the distant past. Robber's Roost, Virginia City, MT We continued our drive after stopping to snap a photo of the structure and entered Virginia City, MT, home of one of the most colorful pioneer mining camps that ever existed. After a bit of research we learn that dramatic tales of the early days in this vicinity are common. The town bills itself as a living ghost town as a remarkable gold deposit was discovered in nearby Alder Gulch in the spring of 1863 leading to a stampede of gold... [Read more...]
Where the Heck is TOAD SUCK ARKANSAS?
February 3, 2011 by Professor95 · 4 Comments
Shucks, everybody should know that Toad Suck is on the opposite side of town from Pickles Gap . That’s where I found Nancy – Conway Arkansas, not Toad Suck. Both Toad Suck and Pickles Gap surround Conway. When I hear the name Toad Suck, it conjures up visions of people sucking toads, which brings a big smile to my face. Actually, the name is supposedly derived from a local tavern where boatmen “sucked up whiskey like toads.” We now live in Mechanicsville Virginia. Even that name strikes many as odd. I am often asked if it is a good place to have your car or RV worked on. Actually, we do have our fair share of quality repair shops, but the name is said to have come from a blacksmith shop that was here back in the 1800’s. Farmers stopped with their wagons full of produce on the way to Richmond markets for repairs to their wagons. Living where we do often takes us into neighboring states with our RV. Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina... [Read more...]
One Tank Trip for Utah Camping
November 30, 2010 by Good Sam Team · 1 Comment
This One Tank Trip seen in the Woodall’s 2010 North American Campground Directory. One thing that’s absolutely undeniable about America is that our nation has the widest range of topography and geological diversity to be found anywhere on the planet. One state that’s a shining example of this mixture is Utah; a state situated more than 4,000 feet above sea level, so you get majestic buttes, dramatic plunges into deep canyons, and stately forests. You’ll also experience the full spectrum of color when you come to Utah, from red rocky peaks to the deep green of the forests, the yellow and gold of falling leaves, the purple sky in the morning, turning to orange and gold, then finally to the richest blue – only to repeat the process in reverse at the end of the day. This land is truly a masterpiece from nature’s paintbrush. An excellent place to experience this wonderwork first hand is the fast-growing city of St. George. You’ll be dazzled by the rich, red hues ... [Read more...]
Black Friday Sale! 99 Cent Shipping All Weekend Long on Everything
November 23, 2010 by Good Sam Team · Leave a Comment
Here’s the scoop on a great Black Friday sale that RVers will be happy to shop! Visit www.woodalls.com any time this upcoming weekend to take advantage of 99 cent shipping on anything! That means you can get the 2011 Woodall’s North American Directory for only $14.95, plus $0.99 shipping and handling! (The Directory retails in stores for $25.95. ) Plus, this great offer is good on every single book, directory or guide in the Woodalls.com bookstore, and we wanted you to be the first to know! START SHOPPING!
One Tank Trip for West Virginia Camping
November 23, 2010 by Good Sam Team · 2 Comments
This One Tank Trip seen in the Woodall’s 2010 North American Campground Directory. They don’t call it the Mountain State for nothing. In addition to other ranges in West Virginia, The Appalachians and the Allegheny Mountains run through this state, providing vacationers with a treasure trove of camping and opportunities for outdoor fun. Visitors can expect to be greeted with that famous Southern hospitality, so kick your shoes off, and make yourselves at home, because that’s where you are – at your home away from home. Your first one tank trip stop of Peterstown is a perfect place to set up camp and breathe some fresh air free from the rat race of city life. This is farm territory, so expect to be treated to some spectacular views of wide-open spaces consisting of farmland, grazing fields, and some quaint farmhouses. Keep your eyes peeled for the area’s covered bridges, some of which date back to before the turn of the 20th century. This area has remained largely undiscovered,... [Read more...]
