Category: Technology & Camping
Rand McNally to Provide Woodall’s Campground Data in GPS Devices
February 14, 2012 by Good Sam Team · 3 Comments
Rand McNally, a leader in specialty travel and navigation, and Woodall’s, part of the Good Sam family of RV clubs, community and publications, are partnering to include Woodall’s campground data in Rand McNally’s TripMaker® RVND™ GPS units for RVers. The data will be pre-loaded in devices shipping mid-April, and also will be available to current owners of TripMaker® RVND™ devices – both the 5” and 7” models – via a simple and free download in early Q2. Rand McNally will be reaching out to existing owners to ensure that they are able to download the new content. “Woodall’s is North America’s leading source of campground information for RVers and campers. We are very pleased to offer this very valued content as part of our industry-leading RV GPS devices,” said Dave Muscatel, CEO of Rand McNally. Highlights of the Woodall’s Campground data include: Listings for more than 12,000 RV parks and campground locations, with amenities: Family-friendly campgrounds and... [Read more...]
Earn Money From Your RV–the Kindle Effect!
February 12, 2012 by Diane Berry · Leave a Comment
As a follow-up, or perhaps an additional entry to complement my previous posts on publishing a book from your RV via Amazon.com’s Create Space division, I want to turn our attention to Kindle publishing. I have uploaded to Kindle two of the three books I have previously published, but not without a great deal of anxiety as I have little understanding of what I was doing and whether I was doing it properly. The end result was salable, but there were a few minor formatting glitches, some of which I corrected and some of which I left. The process and my angst over this process consumed a considerable amount of time. Kindle Reader As I was in the process of publishing my first book with Create Space, I noticed in a corner of the screen that they also offered the service of uploading your completed Create Space book to Kindle. Immediately this was appealing to me, but I was concerned about the price. Upon inquiring, I learned that the cost for this service was a flat fee of $69. Given the... [Read more...]
Snazzy Photos from Your Phone!
February 10, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · 1 Comment
I have taken thousands of photos over the years while traveling. I treasure them all. Recently, however, I have been using my iPhone 4S to snap lots of photos. Truth be told, I am amazed at the quality of photos that are taken. I love the compact nature of my wonderful camera. Unlike my larger Nikon, I love the way this little “camera” can fit in my purse and even in my pocket. On countless trips, I have pulled my phone out of my pocket and snapped a moment in traveling time. I’ve photographed hors d’oeuvres while overlooking the Puget Sound. I’ve snapped jellyfish at low tide on the beach. I’ve documented special sections at an art exhibit. And, I’ve archived fabulous photos of my children while they are cavorting through life. With the help of an app or two, I am learning how to edit, crop, and caption these photos all within the palm of my hand. Yes, these phones are a huge investment, but for someone who loves to travel, document, communicate,... [Read more...]
GO TO A HAMFEST – A RV or Camper’s Goldmine Awaits.
February 10, 2012 by Professor95 · 9 Comments
Lot’s of campers and RV’ers, are HAMS! No, I’m not talking about the ones that like acting as if they were in a play or movie. I’m not making a derogatory reference to those that have a tendency to overeat, either. I’m talking about a different kind of HAM. This kind of HAM can actually be anyone of any size and their ages may range from middle school to the most senior of Senior Citizens. The thumbnail picture to the left is a joke to get your attention – these Hams have little to do with pigs unless it is enjoying sausage links at breakfast. The HAM I am referring to is formally known as a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator. Hams must pass a test to show their knowledge of radio communications and operating rules, and as a result have been issued a license by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate radio transmitters and possibly communicate with other “Hams” all over the world. Rows of small parts boxes await buyer inspection. NO, IT IS NOT CITIZEN... [Read more...]
A Little Traveling Music, Please…
February 5, 2012 by Diane Berry · 2 Comments
Whenever we embark on one of our road trips, one of the most important considerations is the music that will accompany us on our journey. Over the years, we have come to recognize the true importance of this non-human companion, in terms of creating mood, anticipation and pleasure for our journey. Early on, we experimented with books on tape. While some swear by those, we found they were likely to lull our poor driver, most often my husband Terry, who is an awesome driver, but not such a terrific passenger, to sleep. Even the likes of a Grisham mystery, being read over the car speakers, will soon have heads nodding. So we stick with music for our on-the-road entertainment. We also developed several criteria for just the right accompaniment. It must be upbeat and lively (so as to avoid those nods), it must be something all of us enjoy (or can at least tolerate—my daughter said one thing that impressed her future husband was that she knew the words to all of the songs on the Eagles’ Greatest... [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...]
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...]
GPS Technology helps avoid Navigation Nightmares in winter!
January 9, 2012 by Guest Blogger · 2 Comments
After visiting with family and friends for the holidays, many full-timers are back on the road again in January, moving to new locales to explore and enjoy. Driving through unfamiliar territory can bring the unexpected, especially during winter months. A detour, a weather incident, or even an illness can cause a well-planned trip to turn into a navigation nightmare! Fortunately, GPS technology can assist with many of these challenges. Although car GPS has been around for some time, GPS devices designed specifically for larger-sized vehicles is fairly new. And an RV is a very unique “larger sized” vehicle with legal and physical restrictions different than cars and even commercial trucks. For instance, commercial trucks don’t carry propane, travel on back roads, or need dump stations. Rand McNally, with its vast experience with car and truck navigation, most recently focused on RV-specific routing. The result? The Rand McNally’s TripMaker® RVND™ GPS. The portable devices... [Read more...]
SHINGLES, CHRISTMAS 2011 and HAPPY 2012 CAMPING
January 8, 2012 by Professor95 · 2 Comments
WOW – Christmas came and went so fast it is hard to realize it was ever here! It’s not like it was when I was a kid and the days, hours and minutes crept by slower than molasses dripping out of a jar on a cold day. Now, time just flies by – you know, ZAP! One day you are 20 and before you know it 40 is here. Then, blink your eyes and 65 appears. Don’t believe me? Just wait and see (which I hope you will ). A lot of gifts were given and received. I gave Nancy a new Kindle Fire to replace the old (but still neat) B&W plain Kindle along with a big Amazon gift card so she can download plenty of new books. She is having a ball learning about the new features and of course, playing Angry Birds. Me? Well, I got everybody to stop giving me ties, shirts and socks years ago. Now, they know to give me tools, electronic gadgets, or gift cards to Camping World or Tractor Supply. I love them all! Oh, BTW – if you are a member of the Good Sam Club you are now... [Read more...]
From Dealer Joe or John Doe? Where will you get your Next RV?
January 1, 2012 by Guest Blogger · Leave a Comment
Courtesy of NADAguides If you’re in the market to buy a recreation vehicle but aren’t sure if buying from a dealer or a private party is right for you, the experts at NADAguides.com – the nation’s leading RV pricing and information website – offer the following advice. New or Used – That is the Question. “When it comes to buying an RV, you need to do your homework,” said Lenny Sims, Vice President of Operations at NADAguides.com. “And a big part of that homework is determining whether a new or pre-owned recreation vehicle is right for you.” According to Sims, there are certain advantages for buying BOTH, but the biggest and most important question is what ARE those advantages and how do you make a decision that’s right for you over the ‘long haul?’ “A new RV is just that – it’s new,” said Sims, “and there’s a certain peace of mind that comes with buying new. It’s never been driven, it’s never been ‘lived-in’, none of the optional equipment... [Read more...]
