From the Editor

Spring has finally arrived. It's time to dust off the smoker and prepare a slab of baby back ribs for some slow-smoking. Or should I start with a brisket? No worries, I've got all of spring, summer, and fall for smoking the pork and beef.

I recently saw a television program on the Travel Channel about barbecue and the different flavors it comes in by region. There's North Carolina barbecue, Texas-style, Memphis, and Kansas City barbecue (and probably a whole lot more). Since I hail from Kansas City, you'd think I'd be partial to my hometown's style but I actually prefer Texas-style barbecue (don't tell anyone in K.C. I said that). I prefer slow-smoked ribs and brisket with a dry rub on the meat and, oh, make it a little spicy, please.

In Kansas City, the barbecue is all about the sauce. I used to prefer that until I tried dry rubbed BBQ. North Carolina specializes in "pulled pork" barbecue with little, if any, sauce. In Texas, well, they like to slow-smoke brisket with a spicy dry rub. And Memphis--according to the television program--can't seem to make up their mind between dry rub or sauce. I suppose it all really doesn't matter. Barbecue is pretty darn good just about any way you fix it.

Touring America

Kancamagus Scenic Byway

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is a 35-mile route through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It follows NH Highway 112 between Lincoln and Conway, crossing the White Mountain National Forest. The route is especially beautiful in the fall. Byway travelers will find numerous public campgrounds along or near the byway.

Bull Creek Pass Back Country Byway

This Bureau of Land Management byway is in southeast Utah between Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks. It's a rugged ride through remote country along Bull Creek Pass Road. A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended on this back country byway.

Mount Magazine Scenic Byway

Mount Magazine is a 45-mile scenic drive in western Arkansas near Havana. Visitors will travel through Ozark National Forest to Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas. Exhibits at the Mount Magazine State Park visitor center focus on the natural and human history of the mountain.

RV Vacation Planner

by Donna Flanders

Donna is retired from computer programming. After 20 years of computer work, she now devotes her analytical, organizational and research skills to developing vacations for others. She is a list maker and she shares her lists with you at RV Vacation Planner.

In Case of an Emergency

We had a death at our resort this winter. This person was the youngest man here. He died of a heart attack in his sleep. This event made a lot of us stop and think about many things - actually doing the things we talk about doing; taking better care of our bodies; laughing more. But the particular circumstances also made me think about who would get contacted in case of an emergency. This gentleman's wife had returned home to help her hospitalized father transition into a nursing home. She was not even at her home phone, so the campground would not have been able to reach her there. Fortunately, this man had other relatives staying here at our resort, so they were able to handle everything. But what if that was not the case? I'm sure the sheriff's department would have handled it, but can we make the process easier?

Select this link for the rest of the article.

Fun Stops U.S.A.

Niagara Cave

Niagara Cave near Harmony, Minnesota, is one of the most fascinating and unique geological attractions in the Midwest. Features of the one-hour guided tour include a waterfall nearly 60 feet high and a wedding chapel in which over 300 weddings have been performed.

Florida's Natural Growers Grove House

The Visitor Center at Florida's Natural Growers offers an educational exhibit of the history of the Florida Citrus Industry. In the center's theater, you can watch a video on the process of producing orange juice "from the tree to the glass."

Shipshewana, Indiana

Shipshewana, Indiana, is in northwestern LaGrange County, home of Indiana's largest Amish communities. The small town features the Midwest's largest flea market every Tuesday and Wednesday from May to November. Visitors can also tour the Menno-Hof museum or enjoy buggy rides to Amish farms and other interesting places.

Three Hikes to Waterfalls

In the Columbia Gorge alone there are 77 waterfalls (and that's just on the Oregon side), including Multnomah Falls, which, at 620 feet, is the nation's second-highest year-round waterfall. It's also the most-visited natural attraction in Oregon. Select this link to read about three less-traveled hiking trails that lead to other amazing waterfalls.

Casino Camping

Jane Kenny is a full-time RVer with husband Jack. She is the author of two books and is recognized by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) as an RV Lifestyle Specialist. The excerpt below is from her book, Casino Camping.

Ute Mountain Casino & RV Park
3 Weeminuche Drive

Towaoc, CO 81334

Phone: 970-565-8800 or 800-258-8007 or 970-565-6544 (RV park)

www.utemountaincasino.com

Description: The RV park has 84 level gravel sites (some full hookup, some water & electric), with patio, table and grill. Also, a central dump, laundry facility and swimming pool (in season). Last year's daily rate was $15 and shuttle service is provided to the casino. Ute Tribal Park tours are available. The casino is the largest in the four corners area with over 500 slots and blackjack and poker tables. Hours are 8am–4am.

Discounts: 15% food discount for seniors 55 and older.

Directions: From Jct. US-160 and US-666 in Cortez, south for 10.5 miles.

Road Trip Dreams

by Carol White

Phil and Carol White are the authors of Live Your Road Trip Dream, a book that describes how they turned their dream of traveling into reality -- and how you can do the same. The excerpt below is from Carol's blog.

Next Stop - Arizona!

We've had a super time in Southern California for the last several weeks. Our presentations and book signings in San Diego, Pasadena, Orange, San Bernardino and Palm Desert went flawlessly - and it was so exciting to meet so many road tripping folks.

Probably the most fun was our television appearances - some people actually called us and said they saw us on TV - how fun is that! We were on two stations in San Diego and one in Palm Desert -- all morning "getting ready for work" time. We hope some of you saw us too. We love talking about road trips and encouraging people to Live their Road Trip Dreams!

Select this link to read more.

RV Dump Stations

Here are some of the most recent additions to the RV Dump Stations web site:

Discovering Your Public Lands

Inyo National Forest

Inyo National Forest in eastern California consists of more than two million acres for camping, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, horse-back riding, and more. Scattered throughout the forest are more than 75 campgrounds for tent campers and RVers. The camping fee is usually $15 or less and there are some areas where camping is free.

Thurmond Lake

Thurmond Lake is the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. It encompasses 1,200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land. The Corps operates ten Class A campgrounds, five major day use areas and many other recreational facilities. The lake offers excellent striper and largemouth bass fishing and its large wildlife management program provides excellent hunting and wildlife observation opportunities.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The National Park Service manages Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which preserves a 35 mile stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline as well as the North and South Manitou Islands. Primitive camping is available in the D.H. Day Campground.

How to Become a Snow Bird

By Jane Kenny

A recreational vehicle is perfect for retiring snow birds who want to live in their established home during spring and summer and move to a warmer climate during the winter months, or visa versa. More often than not, the trips back and forth are planned for a slow relaxing drive, generally not the most direct route, but rather one with inviting and interesting stops along the way.

Popular seasonal destinations for RVing snow birds looking for a place to roost are located in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California. In Florida, snow birds are all over the central and southern parts of the state. In Texas, they head for the Rio Grand Valley region and in Arizona, it's the Valley of the Sun – Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa area. In California, migrating birds generally land in Imperial, Riverside and San Diego Counties.

When snow birds migrate to the alternate seasonal home base, they drive there in the RV, set it up and reside in it for the six months or whatever part of the year they will be there. If becoming a snow bird is part of your retirement plan, our book RV Retirement will show you how to do it.

RV University

by Mark Polk

Mark Polk is the producer of training videos on how to use and maintain your RV. He is also the author of The RV Book, a personal guide to understanding and enjoying your RV.

Dinghy Brakes 101

I received an email from an RVer questioning the need for a supplemental brake system on the vehicle they tow behind their RV. I responded to the email by stating that in most cases it's the law that requires brakes on the towed vehicle or trailer, but the most important reason is for your safety and the safety of others.

Most U.S. States and Canadian Provinces have their own laws on the requirement for brakes on a towed trailer. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle being towed behind a motor home. These laws are normally based on the amount of weight being towed. One problem with this is that it might be legal to tow a 2,000 pound trailer with no brakes in the state where you live, but as soon as you cross the state line of a bordering state it is illegal to tow the same trailer without brakes. Add to this your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident involving a trailer with no braking system. Again, the most important reason is for your safety and the safety of others. For a complete list of 2004 braking laws for the U.S. and Canada go to http://www.roadmasterinc.com/laws.htm

The brakes on a tow vehicle or motor home are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the additional weight being towed behind it. This additional weight adds a substantial increase to the distance required to stop safely.

Travel trailers and 5th wheels come equipped with electric brakes and RV dealers educate the RV consumer on the requirements for adding an electronic brake control to the tow vehicle. Some pop-ups are ordered with brakes and some without. Again, this is oftentimes based on the braking laws for the state you live in. Keep in mind that once you cross a state line it could become illegal. My advice is if you're going to purchase a pop-up, get one that has brakes.

Select this link to read the rest of the article.

From the Bookstore

Casino Camping - New Second Edition

This is the best casino guide for RVers and a great tool for boondockers. Inside this book, you'll discover hundreds of RV-Friendly casinos throughout America. These casinos either have an RV park or campground as part of their facility or they allow free overnight parking.

Rest Areas & Welcome Centers

Quickly and easily locate rest areas, welcome centers, and much more along America's Interstate highways. Also find the location of discount stores and travel centers that often allow RVers to park overnight for free.

To learn more about these titles and many others, visit our online bookstore.

Exploring State Parks

Mousetail Landing State Park

Mousetail Landing State Park near Linden, Tennessee is a 1,247-acre park on the east banks of the Tennessee River. It offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and camping. The park's campground has a modern bathhouse, laundromat, and a dump station. There are 24 campsites; 19 have water and electric hookups. The camping fee is about $16 per night.

Icelandic State Park

Icelandic State Park is on the north shore of Lake Renwick about five miles west of Cavalier, North Dakota. In addition to recreational activities, the park features a Pioneer Heritage Center and restored historic buildings and the Gunlogson Homestead and Nature Preserve. The park has nearly 160 campsites with electrical hookups for about $14 per night.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park; it was dedicated in 1935. The name comes from the area's red sandstone formations set against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert. Valley of Fire State Park is only six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles north of Las Vegas. There are two campgrounds with a total of 51 sites. RV length limit is 50 feet.

Gadgets & Gizmos

Hose Buddy

The Hose Buddy has been specifically designed to hold your RV's sewer hose in the dump station hole to prevent it from jumping out and causing a big mess. With this gadget, there's no need to search for that big rock or anything else you can find to hold the hose in place.

Finding the HotSpot

Interested in finding a good Wi-Fi hotspot without pulling over and powering up the laptop? Canary Wireless presents the Digital Hotspotter gadget for detecting hotspots. More...

Legends of America

by Kathy Weiser

Kathy is a personal friend and webmaster of the Legends of America web site. Her site focuses on the history-rich travel destinations of the American West.

Bear Lake Sea Monster

Straddling the Utah/Idaho border in the upper northeastern corner of Utah, is beautiful Bear Lake. In addition to its wonderful sporting opportunities for boaters, skiers, and fisherman, Bear Lake allegedly is called home to a sea monster.

Said to resemble a huge brown snake, nearly 90 feet long, the legend has been around from the days when only Indians inhabited this area. When white settlers came to the valley, the Shoshone Indians inhabiting the area told of how the creature had often captured and carried away their people. Their description of the animal sounded much like a large crocodile or a mythical dragon.

According to the many who have spied the serpent, it has a thin head, a large mouth, and small legs that it utilizes to move swiftly through the water. The slithering snake-like creature has also been described as spouting water upwards from its mouth and moving so fast through the lake, that it leaves a wake behind, much like a boat.

Select this link to read the rest of the story.

Wacky Laws

• In California, it is illegal for anyone to try and stop a child from playfully jumping over puddles of water.
• In Idaho, it is illegal for a man to give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing less than fifty pounds.
• In Wichita, Kansas, a father cannot frighten his daughter's boyfriend with a gun.

Camping in City and County Parks

Arkansas

Behind the Tourist Information Center in Berryville, Arkansas, is the Berryville RV Park. It has 15 RV spaces with water, electric, and sewage hookups for $16 per night. The park is on US 62 near the intersection with AR 21.

Kansas

This one is in my neck of the woods! The city park in LaCygne, Kansas, has about six sites with water and electric hookups for $8 per night. The park is at 1st and Linn Streets in the southwest part of town. Pay for camping at City Hall on Broadway. I was told there is generally a two-night limit but this can be stretched to one week if needed. LaCygne doesn't have a web site but you can call 913-757-2144 for more information.

RV News

Camping World Opens New Store in Fort Worth, Texas

Camping World, the nation's largest retailer of RV and outdoor supplies and accessories, announced the grand opening of its new retail store in Fort Worth. The store is co-located with McCLain's RV SuperStore in a brand new facility along I-35 at exit 41. More...

Missing Family Found After Two Weeks in RV Stuck in the Snow

GLENDALE, Ore. -- Six family members who disappeared more than two weeks ago after setting out on an overnight trip were found Tuesday in a mountainous area of southwestern Oregon, surviving in their snowbound recreational vehicle on dehydrated food and other provisions. More...

RV Fugitives Nabbed on Washington Coast

It took authorities 17 days to find Elbert and Becky Higginbotham's motor home when it was stuck in mountain snow, but less than two to find it again when the couple were on the lam.

Acting on a tip from an off-duty Washington State Parks ranger, police found and arrested the couple at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday along Highway 101 in southwestern Washington, two days after the Higginbothams purportedly told family members they were headed to Arizona to settle outstanding drug charges. More...

Billings Needs Better Solution for RV Parking

A six-hour compromise won't resolve the problem of recreational vehicle owners seeking a place to park overnight in Billings.

The compromise was recommended by a committee of good people representing diverse interests in the RV issue. The committee's great ideas about traveler greeting packets should be implemented in collaboration with businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. Local campground services and amenities should be promoted. More...

Roundabout Roundup

VW Vagabonds

This web site is the story of a Latin woman, her gringo husband, a 1970s claustrophobic hippie van, and the whole wide world. More...

An RV Camp for the Big Kids

It's Camp Freightliner and it's not your typical camp. Yes, there are group activities and picnic meals, but this camp is for recreational vehicle enthusiasts who want to know their RVs inside and out. More...

Metal Detecting

Interested in doing a little metal detecting? Check out this comprehensive web site for a ton of information about this popular hobby.

Oregon Scenic Byways

Learn about Oregon's scenic byways with a free Scenic Byways Driving Guide and DVD. More...

Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping

Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping is a book published by Rolling Homes Press that features over 400 campgrounds throughout Alaska and along the roads in the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia. It provides full campground descriptions and maps showing the location of each.

Yuck, Taxes

Tax season is just about over but if you haven't received enough abuse and want a comprehensive source of information about this subject, look at this web site.