Touring America

Middlebury Gap Scenic Byway

The Middlebury Gap Scenic Byway is a 15-mile route in central Vermont between East Middlebury and Hancock. It follows VT 125, a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles.

Middlebury Gap crosses the scenic Green Mountain National Forest, which offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Hiking trails can be accessed from the byway that will lead you into the 21,480-acre Breadloaf Wilderness. Anglers may wish to spend time trying to catch rainbow trout that are in many of the rivers running through the area. The Texas Falls Day Use Area is a good spot for enjoying a picnic or walking along a nature trail. Those interested in camping will find several campgrounds throughout the national forest but none are located directly along the byway.

Making Memories You Can Remember

Let's face it. We're all getting older. There are times when we can't remember what we had for lunch yesterday, let alone remember the name of the campground we stayed at two years ago on our way to some destination. Ever thought about keeping a travel journal? I find a journal to be very helpful and fun.

When we started on our first cross country trip with family members aboard, my sister-in-law suggested I keep a journal. So I took a notebook and started my first journal back in 1998. I keep a journal for every trip that involves new places.

The benefits of a journal are many. A journal is:

• Fun to write
• Fun to reread
• A reference for future trips
• A source for e-mail information
• A reminder of what day it is as you are writing

I try to write in my journal everyday, otherwise I forget important things. The best time for me is in the morning. Even then, I sometimes forget things we did yesterday. When we are doing a lot of traveling, I write as soon as we get on the highway. My navigator responsibilities usually get a break for a while.

To read the rest of this article, which was submitted by Donna Flanders, go to her web site, RV Vacation Planner.

Fun Stops U.S.A.

Precious Moments

Carthage is a small town in southwestern Missouri with a population around 13,000. It's known for its many Victorian homes but the main attraction is, perhaps, the Precious Moments Park. It is here that you'll find the story behind Samuel Butcher's teardrop-eye figurines and artwork. The park complex includes the Precious Moments Chapel, which features 52 murals depicting Biblical scenes. Not to be missed is the Fountain of Angels show where choreographed jets of water and light dance to a beautiful musical score performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Touring the Old West

Virginia City sits high in the Rocky Mountains in a bowl along Alder Gulch, where gold was first discovered in 1863. Within a year the town grew to over 10,000 and became the Territorial Capital in 1865. Today, Virginia City has about 150 year-round residents and 300 summer residents. Although it's a small town, there is much to see and do. You can see cabaret entertainment in the Gilbert Brewery, experience an authentic 19th century melodrama at the Opera House, ride the Number 12 Steam Locomotive between Virginia and Nevada Cities, and much more.

Mayberry USA

Mount Airy, North Carolina is the hometown of actor Andy Griffith, perhaps best known as Sheriff Taylor of Mayberry. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show can visit Floyd's City Barber Shop, the Old Mayberry Jail, Snappy Lunch and even Andy's childhood home. The Mount Airy Visitor Center is also home to the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the country. In September, the city celebrates the anniversary of The Andy Griffith Show with Mayberry Days, a three-day festival featuring music, a parade, and pie-eating contest.

Underground Waterfall

In Chattanooga, Tennessee you can see the world's highest underground waterfall. The 145-foot Ruby Falls is located within Lookout Mountain, not far from the city's downtown area. A short elevator ride takes you down into Ruby Falls Cave. Then you'll follow the tour guide, with several stops along the way, on a paved trail about one-half mile to the falls.

Discovering Your Public Lands

Canyon Rims Recreation Area

This Bureau of Land Management recreation area is in southeastern Utah about 40 miles south of Moab via US 191 and County Road 133 (Needles Overlook Rd). The Hatch Point area of the Canyon Rims Recreation Area is a large plateau located south of Moab, Utah. Within this area, visitors may tour scenic overlooks by car, camp, explore a series of dirt roads, hike, backpack and ride bikes. The majority of visitors come to observe the Colorado River's canyon from the overlooks at the edge of the plateau.

There are two campgrounds available to visitors. Windwhistle Campground is just six miles from the US 191 entrance to the recreation area. The small campground has a total of 15 sites. A few sites can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long. Hatch Point Campground is 24 miles from US 191 just off the graveled road to Anticline Overlook. It has ten campsites.

Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest consists of 1.5 million acres of public land in southern and central Missouri. Clear spring-fed rivers and streams, rocky bluffs, pastoral views, and shaded trails all welcome visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of the renowned Ozarks.

Those interested in camping will find over 30 campgrounds with spacious, secluded sites in a forested setting. Many are beside lakes or clear rivers. Fourteen campgrounds have sites that can accommodate RVs over 30 feet long. Camping fees vary but are generally around $10 per night.

Exploring State Parks

Minnesota

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources manages over 70 state parks and recreation areas. Camping is available in nearly all state parks. Fees range from $11 (rustic sites without shower facilities) to $15 per night. Sites with electric hookups are also available and cost $18 per night. In addition to camping fees, a vehicle permit fee of $7 is charged.

You'll find detailed information about all of Minnesota's state parks at the Department of Natural Resources web site. You can also request a free Minnesota State Parks Guide by calling toll-free 1-888-646-6367. The guide lists information on park facilities, travel directions to each park and recreation area, important phone numbers, and a map that shows the location of all the parks.

Texas

The Texas Parks & Wildlife department manages more than one hundred state parks and historical sites throughout the Lone Star State. Camping is available in most parks. RVers will find sites with water and electric hookups; some provide sewer hookups. Camping fees vary from park to park and throughout the year. In addition to camping fees, a daily entrance fee is also charged. Lodging and rental cabins are also available in many state parks.

Detailed information is available for all state parks at the Texas Parks & Wildlife web site. You can easily get lost navigating the site but there is a lot of information. You can also download a free 16-page state park information guide from the web site. The guide features easy-to-read charts that provide detailed information on the facilities, campsite types, trails and other activities that are available at every state park and state historical site in Texas.

Washington

Washington's State Parks and Recreation Commission manages 120 state parks throughout the Evergreen State. Eighty parks have campgrounds for RVers and tent campers. Some have cabins, yurts, and historic houses you can rent overnight. Camping fees range from $10 per night for a primitive site to $21 per night for sites with hookups.

Visit Washington's state park web site for detailed information about each park. The site is easy to navigate and contains a wealth of information.

Gadgets and Gizmos

StreetPilot

New from Garmin is the StreetPilot 2620, a plug-and-play portable GPS navigator. The 2620 comes pre-loaded with detailed maps of North America on its internal hard drive. With it, motorists can navigate to a specific address or any one of more than five million points of interest including lodging, restaurants, gas stations, and local attractions. The unit features a high-resolution color touchscreen with voice prompted turn-by-turn navigation. Also included is a unique wireless infrared remote control, which allows easy operation of the unit from a distance. An Integrated dash mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release.

The MaxxFan

The MaxxFan is a unique ventilation system for RVs that incorporates a vent, fan, and rain protection in a single, all-in-one-unit. It fits all standard 14" x 14" roof openings and includes a built-in rain shield that moves into position every time the MaxxFan is opened. When closed, the rain shield tucks away under the vent lid leaving a low profile, euro-style appearance. The unit includes a powerful three-speed fan, thermostat, air intake, and exhaust functions. The interior insect screen is easily removed without tools for cleaning. MaxxFan is available with a smoke tint or translucent white top cover.

Roundabout RoundUp

Win an RV

In Camping World's RV Giveaway Summer Spectacular promotion, the grand prize is a Dutchmen travel trailer, a Suzuki motorcycle, and a Suzuki ATV. Visit Camping World's web site for more information.

Upcoming Festivals

To find out what festivals or special events are taking place this year, take a look at festivals.com. The site has information on thousands of events nationwide and around the world.

Great North American RV Rally

This year's Great North American RV Rally will be held in Hutchinson, Kansas from June 21 to June 24. If you are planning to attend but haven't registered yet or would like more information about this huge event, visit their web site.

Free E-books

The Escapees RV Club offers four e-books that you can download for free. Visit their web site to download any one of these titles: How to Become a Real Texan, Communications on the Road, Full Time RVing: Is It For You?, and Towing a Trailer: Being Equipped for Safety.

Camping in Colorado

For information about RV parks or tent camping areas in Colorado, visit The Colorado Directory web site. You can view campground information by town or area, search by amenities available, or view the entire list sorted alphabetically.

RV Web Sites

RV Net Linx and RV Zone are two web sites you should visit for a lot of information about RVing. Both sites provide links to other sites on the Internet. You'll find information about campgrounds, RV manufacturers and dealers, state parks, RV accessories, clubs, and much more.

Bumper Sticker Wisdom

Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot.

Always remember you're unique - just like everyone else.

Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.

There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't.

Sometimes I wake up grumpy. Other times I let him sleep.

Humorous Classified Ads

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Stock up and save. Limit: one

Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.

Mother's helper--peasant working conditions.