From the Editor

I do not like spam, Sam-I-am. I do not like it in my blog, I do not like it my forum. Dr. Seuss I am not, but you get the point.

Not so long ago, it used to be you'd only get spam in your inbox. But now spammers are using increasingly popular methods to spread their garbage through comment spamming, splogs, and many other ways. I won't go into detail about what these types of spam are; you can search Wikipedia to learn the nitty-gritty.

From a webmaster's point of view, one of the most irritating forms of spam is comment spamming. Spammers will use scripts to automatically generate posts in message boards. The posts are usually a simple "I agree" or "cool" or something similar. If you look closely, you'll see a link in their signature line that points to their own worthless web site or splog. This is done in an effort to increase their ranking among search engines.

Comment spamming also occurs in web logs (or blogs). Spammers will, again, use scripts to automatically post useless comments on blogs. I've seen comments on my blog that are nothing more than a list of links.

Removing all the junk that spammers post is time-consuming. And frustrating. I've disabled the feature on my blog that allows someone to post a comment. I'm planning on removing the blog altogether. I've not made a decision yet about what to do with the message board.

Enough of my rambling, on with this issue of RoadNotes...

Touring America

Talimena Scenic Drive

The Talimena Scenic Drive is a 54-mile route across the Ouachita Mountains of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The National Scenic Byway crosses Ouachita National Forest between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas. Over 20 campgrounds are scattered throughout the forest; five have hookups for RVers.

State of Jefferson

The State of Jefferson Scenic Byway in northern California and southern Oregon has an interesting history. The region declared its intent to secede from California and Oregon on Thursday, November 27, 1941 (and every Thursday thereafter). State of Jefferson is a 108-mile route across Klamath National Forest between Yreka, California, and O'Brien, Oregon.

Longhouse Scenic Drive

The Longhouse is a 29-mile route through Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania. Much of the byway follows the Kinzua Arm of Allegheny Reservoir. There are three developed national forest campgrounds along the byway.

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.

Not a Free Ride

As you sit in the passenger seat of the RV or 5th wheel (called the 2nd seat), you may think you get to sit back and relax. You're not the driver. What do you need to do? Actually you don't have to do anything, but you sure can be a lot of help. This does not mean you should be a backseat driver, but the person who is driving has a lot of responsibility and must be very focused on driving safely. There are things you can do.

In reality, your job begins before you sit down in the passenger seat. Take a good look around the RV to be sure everything is stored properly. I use a checklist (surprise, surprise). But even after I have done everything on my checklist, I do a final walk-through just be sure there is nothing that will go flying. I feel like the flight attendant walking down the aisle of the aircraft doing the final check before takeoff.

Select this link for the rest of the article.

Fun Stops U.S.A.

Buffalo Bill Grave & Museum

The Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum is just west of Denver, Colorado, on Lookout Mountain. The museum features Buffalo Bill's show outfits, photographs, and other Old West displays.

Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement

Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement is a large, living history museum in Fishers, Indiana, where you can see, hear, and participate in the stories of our American past.

Pioneer Village

Pioneer Village in Minden, Nebraska, consists of 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 items of American history. There's a Frontier Fort, a real Pony Express Station, an Iron Horse, a home made of sod, and so much more.

Frazier Farmstead Museum

The Frazier Farmstead Museum in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site features an 1892 home that contains a collection of antique furnishings. Also on site is a barn, carriage house and several other buildings that were an integral part of a turn-of-the-century working farm.

Casino Camping

by Jane Kenny

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.

Casino News

In Iowa, Diamond Jo Worth in Northwood opened last month. It is located directly next to the Top of Iowa welcome center on I-35 exit 214. RV parking is permitted and there is a dump station at the welcome center. The casino features table games, all the newest slots, video poker, a full service restaurant and fast food. The casino is open 7 days a week with 24 hour gaming on Fridays and Saturdays.

In California, one of the newest additions to the popular KOA chain of campgrounds is at the Feather Falls Casino in Oroville. The state-of-the-art park has 43 wide full-hookup sites with wireless Internet throughout. Two unique rustic roundhouse structures house a group meeting hall, store, gift shop and laundry. A lovely wooded path leads to the casino. 24-hour shuttle service is also available to the casino. Group discounts are extended for rallies. Feather Falls is located 70 miles north of Sacramento.

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.

Boomers Afraid of Retirement?

As we have spoken to people, an interesting thing has happened. Our message has really expanded to encompass the whole "reinventing retirement" or "phase II life" issues. As everything in the boomers lives, they are changing the face of retirement.

A Del Webb study a couple of years ago uncovered that 45% of boomers say that travel will be their #1 expenditure in retirement, and travel related companies are getting ready for the boomers. ElderHostel has started a new program called Road Scholars that is targeted squarely at the more adventurous, independent and wealthier boomers. The cruise industry is including things like climbing walls on their ships and planning shore excursions that include hiking, biking, kayaking and other more adventurous options. The Internet has spawned a whole group of sites that have trip planning help (like us!) to assist those independent research-oriented boomers to "do-it-yourself."

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

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

With more than 320 species of birds and 58 species of mammals, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers prime wildlife viewing. The refuge is in southeastern Oregon and preserves over 187,000 acres of wetlands, riparian areas, meadows, and uplands.

Lake Koocanusa

Lake Koocanusa is a Corps of Engineers project in the mountains of northwest Montana about 18 miles north of Libby. Six recreation areas surround the 90-mile long lake; three have campgrounds. The lake is surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest, which also offers an abundance of camping opportunities. Visit the photo gallery to see some pictures of Lake Koocanusa.

Wenatchee National Forest

The 2.2 million acre Wenatchee National Forest extends about 135 miles along the Cascade Mountains in Washington. About 40 percent of the forest is preserved in seven Wilderness Areas where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Over 100 campgrounds and picnic areas, ranging from primitive to developed, are scattered throughout the forest.

RV Retirement

by Jane Kenny

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.

It Never Gets Old

When we retired six years ago, we decided to become full-time RVers. And, guess what…it never gets old! Full-time RVing is continually exciting, especially during retirement when we have all the time in the world to enjoy exploring America. No matter how many times we've crisscrossed this beautiful country, there's always something new to see.

Earlier this year we stayed in one of the most spectacular campsites in the country – we were parked right on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, the longest stretch of primitive, undeveloped beach in the nation. After the sun sets, it's all moon and stars…no streetlights, no condos, no shopping centers, no noise. What an experience!

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.

RV Fire Safety

Did you know that there are close to 20,000 reported RV fires each year? A large percentage of these fires are transmission related fires on motor homes. Automatic transmission fluid leaking from the transmission can ignite, and quickly spread if it contacts any portion of the exhaust system. Before traveling in your RV, inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaking. Have any potential leaks checked out and repaired immediately.

Over 25 percent of RV fires are caused by shortages in the 12-volt electrical system. Not only do you need a fire extinguisher, you need to inspect it before each trip to make sure it is charged. Look to see if the arrow is pointing in the green area in the sight gauge. If it reads empty or needs charging, replace it or have it recharged immediately. If it's a dry powder type fire extinguisher, the arrow pointing in the green doesn't always guarantee that it will work. Every month you should turn dry powder extinguishers upside down, tap on the bottom of the extinguisher and shake it. It should sound hollow, sort of like a drum. If not, continue tapping on it until it sounds hollow and the powder that settled in the bottom is released.

Select this link to read the rest of the article.

Exploring State Parks

Pickwick Landing State Park

Pickwick Landing State Park is in southern Tennessee on the TVA's Pickwick Reservoir. Visitors to the park will find an inn and restaurant, rental cabins, and a 48-site campground.

Otter River State Forest

Otter River State Forest is a popular camping and day-use area in north-central Massachusetts near Baldwinville. The forest's developed facilities surround Beaman Pond and include an 85-site campground, a swimming beach, ball field, and picnic areas. Yurt camping is also available.

Fort Custer Recreation Area

Fort Custer Recreation Area is comprised of more than 3,000 acres of land near August, Michigan. The recreation area offers fishing, swimming, hunting, hiking, camping, and more. The modern campground here has nearly 220 sites with electricity.

Gadgets & Gizmos

TV Ears

TV Ears is a hearing device you connect to your television. The manufacturer of this gadget took a hearing aid circuit and put it into a wireless headset, gave it 120 decibels of power, and added volume, tone, and balance adjustments. According to the manufacturer, even people with a severe hearing loss will be able to hear every word of what people on television are saying.

ThermaCELL

ThermaCELL is an electronic gizmo that repels mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums. According to the manufacturer, the gadget is 98 percent effective and odor-free. It's cordless and doesn't require batteries.

Campfire Possibles

At this company's web site you'll find stainless steel tools for using around the campfire. They manufacture a fire poker, hotdog roaster, and a salmon/steak grille.

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.

An Era Ends as the Telegraph Passes into History

After 145 years one of the last remaining vestiges of the Old West has finally come to an end. On January 27, 2006, Western Union sent its final telegram. A sad day, I think, as one more history-filled era is forever finished. And why should this be sad, you might ask. We must move forward, technology is changing, dots and dashes have long been replaced by ones and zeros. Be that as it may, this writer thinks it is sad in the same way it can be heartbreaking to say goodbye to a loyal employee who has retired after decades of service.

Without fanfare, the telegrams were "just gone" – no retirement party, no chance to bid our sad farewell, no last chance to send one more singing telegram at the last minute before the news was announced by the press. Nothing - but a small announcement on Western Union's website prior to the ending. Today, their website says not a word about this death of an American tradition - not even a notation in the company's Historic Timeline.

Still, why is it sad? I've never even sent nor received a telegram in my more than 40 years. Most young people of today probably don't even know what the term "telegram" means. But, for me, a self-described "old soul," it is poignant in the same way that some buildings make you yearn to know of their history and the people that it once housed within its walls. It's sad that the telegram didn't get a retirement party, or a funeral, or even a wake!

Select this link to read the rest of the story.

Camping in City and County Parks

California

River Park in Lompoc, California, is on CA Hwy 246 at the eastern edge of town, next to the San Ynez River. The campground has 35 sites with full hookups.

Nebraska

The city of Oakland, Nebraska, maintains a quiet, shaded campground with six sites. The cost is only $5 per night for a site with full hookups.

Oregon

The Gill's Landing Campground in Lebanon, Oregon, has 21 RV sites with electric hookups. The city park also offers ten hours of free WiFi Internet access.

RV News

Not Your Typical RV

STERLING - For Ron and Teresa Dakatah, home is where their wagon takes them. Actually home is a wagon as the couple continues their trek across the western United States traveling approximately 3 mph. More...

The RV Movie

An overworked Bob Munro, his wife Jaime, their 15-year-old daughter Cassie and 12-year-old son Carl are in desperate need of some quality time together. After promising to take them on a family vacation in Hawaii, Bob abruptly changes plans without telling them. Instead of a week in a tropical paradise, they're going on a road trip to Colorado in a recreational vehicle. More...

Wealthy Baby Boomers Increasingly Drawn to Luxury RV Lifestyle

NAPLES, Fla. - This is a typical Friday night at the Pelican Lake, Fla., Motorcoach Resort.

John VanderWal is hauling in pizza, a neighbor cranks up the karaoke, cocktails are flowing and custom golf carts, done up to look like anything from a California roadster to a Mustang convertible, make their way down Southern Breeze Drive to the outdoor party. More...

Lawsuit Over RV Tires Denied Class-Action Status

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A lawsuit by two Michigan men against a maker of tires for recreational vehicles has been denied national class-action status. More...

Roundabout Roundup

HitchSafe

I received an email from a subscriber asking for an update on the availability of this unique product that was reviewed in the January 2006 issue. I spoke with the HitchSafe manufacturer and was told the product is now available and is being promoted at a special price. To learn more, visit the Padlocks For Less web site.

RV Murals

Want a 30" x 50" mural on the back of your RV? Take a look at this web site where you'll find murals of nature scenes, animals, patriotic themes, and more. You can also order custom-made murals.

Camping in the Northeast

The Northeast Campground Association has a web site where you can search for information on more than 1,200 campgrounds in the Northeast. You can also request free campground guides.

Sightseein' and RVin'

Sue and Ed Cook spent their first fifty years in the Midwest, only dreaming of seeing the rest of the United States. When given the option of retiring early, they jumped at the opportunity, disposed of their worldly possessions, bought an RV, and took off! More...

New RV Magazine

There's a new RV magazine coming soon. It's called RV Enthusiast and each issue promises to feature great destination articles, campsite recipes, up-to-date information about the latest equipment, and more. Visit our online bookstore to learn more.

Become a Corps of Engineers Volunteer

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers depends on skilled volunteers to maintain and operate outdoor areas and facilities across the United States. Volunteers are needed to serve as campground hosts, to build and maintain trails, and perform a variety of other tasks. To learn more, visit the Corps of Engineers web site or call 1-800-865-8337.

Dreamwalk

An Idaho couple plans to walk from Moscow, Idaho, to Astor, Florida, beginning July 3, 2006. You can read more about their plans on the TrailJournals web site.

RVing with Dogs

Our colleague, Chuck Woodbury, recently launched a new web site where you can search for dog-friendly campgrounds.