Category: Special Theme Weeks
A potpourri of useful apps when you are camping
August 1, 2011 by Canadianladybug · Leave a Comment
This week our theme is all about apps you could use while camping. I was debating on which app I could concentrate my time on but it dawned on me that there are many good apps out there for various things. So I thought I could present you with some of the apps I consider essential for your camping trips whether you have an RV or a regular tent. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word potpourri as a miscellaneous collection : medley So I thought this word would perfectly illustrate exactly what I am trying to do in this post – presenting a variety of apps that could be useful for RVers and campers everywhere! *************************************** SAS Survival For over 20 years, the SAS Survival Guide has been the definitive guide to surviving any situation, anywhere in the world. Written by former SAS soldier and instructor, John “Lofty” Wiseman, this application brings you the elite training techniques of Britain’s toughest fighting force in the most... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Whitefish, Montana: Come Now!
July 11, 2011 by Patti F. · 3 Comments
Whitefish, Montana. Even Hollywood stars love it, “discovering” it in the early ‘90’s, with most eventually moving on to wilder pastures. Tom Cruise came to our front door at the family’s Whitefish lake house, looking for Emilio Estevez’ place near by. Ask me how thrilled we were and how very cool we acted, like we didn’t know who he was or anything. I was the Queen of Casual. Oh…that grin…I’m sure Tom was equally impressed with us. Whitefish, where Julia Roberts dumped Kiefer Sutherland three days before they were to marry, while Sutherland was building their home-to-be in Whitefish. We sat next to Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick more than once at a local Whitefish café. Again, we exhausted ourselves projecting disdainful cool. Tons more famous people called Whitefish their second (or third, for fourth, or fifth) home back then, but I can’t remember the names…oh yea, something about Steve McQueen getting kicked out of town on his motorcycle a long,... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Important Correction RE: RV Limit at Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park
May 30, 2011 by Patti F. · 2 Comments
Photo of Patti looking for mud to put on her face... Thank you to Woodall’s reader, Robert, who pointed out I had written the RV limit incorrectly for Fish Creek Campground, in Glacier National Park, Montana, in my recent blog. Robert has reservations there, and I think I caused him acute distress. And I’m really sorry. In fact, Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park has 18 sites with 35 foot limits, in addition to several other sites with lower limits. http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping.htm Thank you, Robert, and I hope this sets things straight. Have a wonderful, wonderful time in Glacier National Park this summer. Happy Tales, Patti
Conserving Fridge Space while Dry Camping…
May 30, 2011 by Dana Ticknor · 5 Comments
For us, summer always means a few camping trips. Dry camping, camping trips. You know, no KOA store, no electrical plug in, no unlimited water… Now, unlike some, our family LOVES to dry camp – and over the years we have learned a few tips that make it easier to last a week in a remote location without having to leave camp to restock supplies. For our family, we don’t want to give up the healthier foods that have to be stored in the fridge or freezer in exchange for boxed foods that are often not good for you. With 13 people in one rv, we have learned a few tricks to conserving space in the refrigerator and I thought that I would share 2 of my favs here; ~Repackage foods – often times there is a lot of wasted space in the packaging of everything from sandwich meat to shredded cheese. Ziploc bags are our friend – they are great for repackaging foodstuffs, and they can be formed to fit anywhere in the fridge. They are also great for storing... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: The Glacier Institute, or “How to Really Experience Glacier Park.”
May 29, 2011 by Patti F. · Leave a Comment
Mountain Lion photo by Jim Peaco, NPS I had been gone a long time. Too long. Southern California has its charms, but Montana it’s not. After my stint on the So Cal wild side (can’t share; wouldn’t be prudent), I returned to Montana longing to know Glacier National Park even better. Sure, I had gone on several hikes, taken visitors on Going-to-the-Sun road about a thousand times, and had day (and night) camped a few times over the years. I had read a lot, as well. But I wanted to know more. I wanted to learn about the Park from experts. Then someone mentioned, “The Glacier Institute.” Perfect for me, and I hope for you. I love the Glacier Institute’s motto, “Learning Gone Wild.” And it’s true. Photo by Bryan Harry, NPS I could go on forever about the “courses” I’ve taken in Glacier Park on Mountain Lions of Glacier Park, Grizzlies and Black Bears, and Wildflowers of Glacier. Suffice it to say, they were outstanding. The classes may have different names now,... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Glacier Park’s Fish Creek Campground; Summer 2011. Just Do It!
May 29, 2011 by Patti F. · 5 Comments
Photo by Ansel Adams "Evening, McDonald Lake, Glacier National Park," Montana I just called and reservations are available. Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies…wait… Neil Diamond already said that. Yes, you can still get summer reservations for the coolest camping place in Glacier National Park (in my opinion), Fish Creek Campground. www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/reservations.htm You’ve read and heard all about how great Glacier Park is. It’s all true. I ought to know. It’s been my backyard for 25 years. Well…30 minutes from my backyard in Whitefish, Montana, and I think that qualifies. I’ve “done the Park.” I know and have hiked many great places, have stayed in lodges and camped at awesome spots, and one of my favorite go-to-places is Fish Creek Campground. Here’s why: 1. Call me dull, but I like reservations. Fish Creek Campground is one of only two campgrounds in the Park that takes them. 2. I like beauty. Fish Creek Campground’s “Loops”... [Read more...]
People-Powered Transportation
May 29, 2011 by Hoby · 3 Comments
One of the great things about summer is that it is time to bring out the people-powered modes of transportation. With the warm sunny days, and the kids out of school, you see a larger number of these people-powered machines on the road, in the campgrounds, on the trails, and just about anywhere else you can imagine. (Photo Caption: Bicycle) Naturally the most common are the bicycles in all their forms (racing bikes, off-road bikes, stingrays, stunt, tandems, recumbent, and many others), but you will also see things like skateboards and in-line skates. But, as we have traveled around the country, we have seen a few others that are very interesting. (Photo Caption: Folding Bike) Yes, we have bikes; an 18-speed “hybrid” (sort-of a light-duty mountain bike or a heavy-duty road bike) for me, as well as a 7-speed folding bike that is easier to carry. But we have also added a couple of more items to our people-powered fleet of vehicles. The first one we picked up came from our stay... [Read more...]
I Like Who I Am When I’m Here…
May 29, 2011 by Diane Berry · 7 Comments
One of my family’s favorite destinations for summer trips is Taos, NM. While we usually head west over the summer from our home in Wisconsin, we always try to make a stop in Taos. We love the place for a variety of reasons: the kids especially enjoy the rafting, camping and horseback riding experiences we have here, Terry and I look forward to the multitude of hiking trails we can visit, we all enjoy the delicious food and cultural experiences and Meghan and I enjoy the shopping opportunities. But, most of all, I like who I am when I’m here. Taos is a place that moves in its own time and by its own rules. Clocks are not strictly followed; they are more of a suggestion than a strict order. It is the mountain, not Father Time, that rules here. The pace is unhurried; the attitude mellow. If you are going to a show, it may start a bit late, or perhaps a few minutes early. That’s alright—walk right in. Taos accepts everyone for who and how they are. During a recent visit, we listened... [Read more...]
Patti’s Saga of an RV Rookie: Summer Secrets for Turning Teens Into Happy Campers
May 26, 2011 by Patti F. · 13 Comments
Let’s take a look at actual statements that 12-16 year old students wrote about family camping, taken from a teacher ( who shall remain nameless) who intercepted hundreds of notes over the span of her 25 year career: “ They’re making me leave for, like, most of the summer. Like I want to live in the RV with them.” “Everyone will talk about me when I’m gone.” “They said I can’t play internet video games even if the stupid campgrounds have Wi-Fi. That stinks.” “Alex/John/James/Andy/Garth/Michael/Ian/Brenan/Juan/Gage will probably dump me. I mean, I’m going to be gone half the summer. I would dump me, too.” “Ask your parents if I can stay with you for the summer; then maybe I won’t have to go.” “They said texting is out; that I’m supposed to act like I’m a member of the family when we’re RVing and not ignore them. I wish I were in another family.” This is serious stuff for adolescents. If you look closely, you’ll note the above quotes don’t... [Read more...]
Okanagan, the Napa of the North
May 25, 2011 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown trail before me leading wherever I choose. —Walt Whitman The beautiful sunny Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved The attraction of recreational vehicle travel is to see the country, visit new places, meet interesting people, and experience the freedom of the open road. As we explore North America by RV, natural beauty abounds when least expected, and surprises wait at every turn of the road. Each journey we take represents a passage, whether it’s an adventure to a new province or state, a day trip to a new attraction, or an outing with friends! Today, “we’re on the road” to an adventure in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. The Okanagan’s superb, natural beauty is one of the reasons visitors keep coming back every year. The Okanagan is characterized by a dry, sunny climate, beautiful landscapes, and numerous lakes. This region... [Read more...]
