Escapees January-February 2023

Situational Awareness Wherever you travel and park, you’ll be safer if you pay attention to what’s going on around you. I know that sounds trite, but it’s easy to be lulled into complacency by the relaxed RV lifestyle. I’m not suggesting that you be paranoid and apprehensive, simply be aware and concerned. For instance, if you are parked in a location where things start happening around you that make you feel uncomfortable, trust that feeling! I feel it’s always better to move to a new location than sit tight and hope for the best. Keep an eye on the weather and what’s happening in your local environment. A sudden rise in a creek or river, or smoke clouds on the horizon, all require your attention. If you aren’t sure you will want to stay a few days in your location, or are just stop ping somewhere for one night and it is a bit sketchy, drop no anchors. That means stay hitched up, road-ready and leave no gear or belongings outside the vehicle. If you feel the need to drop no anchors, you might not want to stay there after all. I usually don’t. Know Where You Are When you settle into that great boondock ing spot next to the river or out in the woods, make sure that everyone in your party knows enough about your location to explain to someone else how to fi nd you. If you need assistance, you must be able to give usable directions to get to your camp site. How many miles off the nearest paved road are you? In what compass direction? Road names or numbers, landmarks and GPS coordinates are always helpful. I write this information down in a small notebook that I keep for just this purpose. Don’t trust this information to a phone because phones can get lost, broken or run low on power. Paper is your friend. I also include a complete description of my vehicles on the fi rst page of the notebook. Make, model, color, license number and any other infor mation that will help someone fi nd my rig. Remember, you may not be the person who must make the call or drive out for help. I also use an Android phone app called “GPS Status & Toolbox.” It works even when there’s no cell service and gives you a very functional compass along with the ability to

The Android phone app GPS Status & Toolbox gives you a functional compass and the ability to easily see and copy your GPS coordinates even when there’s no cell service.

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine