November 2007
Hello,
This month's issue takes us to the rustic wonders of the east coast as we explore the Pennsylvania Wilds, "One of America's Most Scenic Drives," according to National Geographic, and also home to some pretty awesome hiking trails. We also look at people's curiosities of others traveling with pets, and get tips on keeping cell phone costs down while RVing. And of course, we can't forget Mark's assistance on your RV–related issues. Enjoy!
Ann
Associate Publisher
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Associate Publisher
Tell me what you think!
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Issue Contents
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Book of the Month
RVer's Guide to Dump Stations makes it easy to find public dump stations. Over 2,000 locations across the United States are listed and include places like truck stops and travel centers, city and county parks, gas stations, rest areas, and more. Dump stations easily accessed from Interstate highways are listed by exit or mile marker number, making it easy to find one as you travel. Those in other locations are listed alphabetically by city or town.
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Camping Blooper
Looking High and Low
We had just acquired a new Cougar 5th wheel (we love it, by the way) and were returning to northern Michigan from an enjoyable maiden voyage to Ohio with friends.
My brother was hitching a ride to the Detroit area with us. During the journey he began asking questions about how well the unit cornered and general handling. He called his son to meet us at a restaurant near where we were to drop him. As we knew the restaurant from years ago, we accommodated him, planning to lunch there before completing our trip.
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RVing With Your Pet
Running with the Pack
By Julee Meltzer
Over the years, we've observed that when you leave the congenial world of RVing, people tend to view full–timing with a fair amount of skepticism and apprehension. Perhaps there's something about the nomadic lifestyle that makes some folks feel uneasy. I don't know. But clearly, one of the most illuminating comments we've heard about full–timing has to do with our pets – specifically our dogs. Every so often, after people find out that we live in an RV with our pets, their comment is "We could never do that to our animals".
The first time we heard that remark, we were a little surprised. After all, we've always considered ourselves to be animal lovers as well as sensible pet owners. So when someone suggests that we're subjecting our pets to an inappropriate lifestyle – we get a little annoyed. But rather than shoot the messenger, I've decided to discuss the issue openly to see if, in fact, there is something morally wrong with imposing our nomadic lifestyle on our pets.
Before we became full–time RVers, we lived in a large house in a residential neighborhood on the coast of Maine. Back then, our two dogs spent most of their time inside the house, sitting by our side. It didn't matter whether we were in the kitchen or in the living room. Wherever we were, so were they.
There were two activities that our dogs truly enjoyed. The first were walks. The second were rides in the car. As a practical matter, our dogs usually had three walks per day which consisted of a leisurely 15 minute stroll around the block. During these walks, our dogs would analyze shrubs; check out interesting smells; and investigate a wide array of suburban artifacts for recent activity. If they were lucky, they would get a chance to surprise a neighborhood cat. In the winter, the walks were often very brief because of the bitter cold.
On summer weekends, we would frequently take our dogs to a park or the beach. If there was no one around, they would run without leashes. Our dogs love the water and are happiest when they are up to their bellies in water and mud.
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RV Tech
Dialing for $$$ or Pennies
By Alan Lidstone
RVing in the digital world of mobile communications that encompasses cell phones, blackberry devices, and notebook computers provides us with a powerful mix of gadgets that enable us to keep in touch with friends, family, and business contacts.
RVers, like everyone else, want to get the most for their money. The first time many RVers take a hard look on the costs of keeping in touch is when they get back after a trip and receive a mobile phone/data service bill double or triple their usual amount.
Fortunately, we have options to keep the cost of communications reasonable that include understanding our mobile device service plans, making use of the most appropriate products and services, and having a backup plan.
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Hi Folks. As the cold weather approaches, it's almost time to start winterizing those rigs. We'll talk about that a bit next month, but for now, I'll field a few general RVing questions. Thanks for writing, and keep those questions coming!
Follow along with RVers and travelers just like you by reading their trip journal. We've selected the best websites of people who have traveled in North America. These travelers have agreed to let us feature their website. Take a look.
Most RVers never seem to have enough well–organized, easy–to–access storage in their rigs. The emphasis here is on "well–organized" and "easy–to–access." Highway Products has several items to organize and protect your valuables from the elements and theft.
