Escapees January-February 2023

ESC EES Sharing The RV Lifestyle PERSONAL SAFETY Boondocker’s Digest Part X PAGE 36 CARGO BUCKLES Fast and Easy Tie-downs PAGE 44 ADVENTURES BIG AND SMALL Life’s an Adventure PAGE 54

January/February 2023 | Vol 44 Issue 4 www.escapees.com

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thoughts for the road

I decided there are two kinds of people in this world. People like my friend Gini, who live for thrills and love that adrenaline rush. They are like beautiful eagles soaring through the sky. And then there are people like me who do our risk-taking in a di ff er ent way. We’re the chickens, doomed to scratch in the earth’s dirt. Chickens will never soar through the air, but I have found that scratching the surface uncovers many wonders. We live in a world of miracles. I believe there is a need for both eagles and chick ens. We each have a purpose. Talented people play instruments as they march in a parade. I applaud them while realizing that the parade would be as useless as a comedian without an audience if no one stood on the sidewalk and cheered them on.

REPRINT FROM KAY PETERSON’S EDITORIAL ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN ESCAPEES MAGAZINE, JAN/FEB 2011

Co-founder

January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 1

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features 36 Boondocker’s Digest Part X BY MARK NEMETH Many people ask me if I have concerns about my safety when parking alone way out in the boonies. 40 Yoga and RVing BY TERESÉ JULO “I didn’t struggle to put on my socks!” That was Rob’s ah-ha moment. Mike’s ah-ha moment came while replacing his RV awnings. But how did these two regular guys get there? 44 Cargo Buckles BY EMILY FAGAN When we bought a Polaris RZR 900 side-by-side to explore America’s public lands as full-time RVers, we towed it on a fl at-bed utility trailer behind our Hitchhiker fi fth wheel in an arrangement known as a “double tow” or “triple tow.” 50 Lending a Hand BY RENE AGREDANO Road-tripping enriches our lives in so many ways, but there can be a downside to chasing wanderlust, if you have the heart of a volunteer and want to give back to the world somehow.

On the Cover PHOTO BY EMILY FAGAN #99408

Our cover photo this issue is another beau tiful image of a remote boondocking spot from Mark and Emily Fagan. Emily shares her caption of the image: “After exploring Idaho’s back roads through the Sawtooth Moun tains with our Polaris RZR side-by-side, a beautiful sunset brought a blush of pink to our campsite at day’s end.” See Emily’s “Cargo Buckles” article on page 44.

54 Adventures Big and Small BY EVANNE SCHMARDER Life’s an adventure. If you are reading this, you most likely wear this moniker as a badge of honor. 58 Church Street Financial BY MORGAN WINTJEN

Church Street Financial is an investment and insurance fi rm in Livingston, Texas. For decades, our employees have served the Escapees community.

ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023 2

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travel 17 Day’s End compiled BY GUY GIPSON 70 Escapees Head Out Program BY LISA KOCA 80 Park Chart and Events 35 RVers Boondocking Policy 88 RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy 24 SKP Stops 32 View fi nder lifestyle 10 Escapees SmartWeigh 43 Escapees RVers Boot Camp 31 From the Bookshelf BY MARCELLA GAUTHER 06 Mark, My Words BY MARK NEMETH 08 RV Gadget Box BY MARK NEMETH 01 Thoughts for the Road BY KAY PETERSON 10 Weight and Safety Tip BY JIM KOCA

community 11 62nd Escapade 82 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

77 Calling All Chapters 20 Camping Chair Chat 76 Chapter Map

16 Escapees CARE, Inc. 72 Escapees Hangouts 64 Events and Rally Calendar 87 Final Journeys 62 Message from the Board 78 SKP Dine-outs 66 Xscapers 85 Advertisers Index

84 Marketplace 86 Classi fi ed Ads BC Club Bene fi ts

January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 3

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Club Sta ff Club Founders Joe and Kay Peterson President Travis Carr Vice President Melanie Carr

Co-Chief Executive O ffi cer Travis Carr Co-Chief Executive O ffi cer Melanie Carr Chief Operations O ffi cer Teresa Moore General Manager Kelly Brown Escapees RV Parks Administrator Cindy Neilsen

TAMMY JOHNSON #39557 Editor, Escapees Magazine

National Escapade Directors Duane and Jean Mathes ChapterDirector/BoFCoordinator Jimmy and Lockie Sailer HOP Director Lisa Koca Hangouts Directors David and Cheryl Goldstein Convergence Director Hollie Parks Educational Director Jim Koca Brand Director Brandon Hatcher Marketing Director Kerensa Durr Communications Director Georgianne Austin Magazine Sta ff Managing Editor Tammy Johnson Copy Editor Carol Rice Editorial Assistant Kelly Evans-Hill Graphic Artist Krystina Evans Graphic Artist Cole Carter Advertising Director Kelly Evans-Hill Technical Advisor Mark Nemeth • Submissions of features on all phases of RV living are welcome. Writers’ guidelines and payment schedule are available upon request: editor@escapees.com • For commercial display ads, contact advertising by calling 936-327-8873 or e-mail advertising@escapees.com. • Send address changes to Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 or clubbusiness@escapees.com. Escapees magazine (ISSN-1556-7486) is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351. Periodical postage paid at Livingston, Texas, and additional mailing o ffi ces. 936-327-8873. Fax: 936-327-4388. Website: www.escapees.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Escapees RV Club, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351-9300. Copyright© 2023 by Escapees, Inc. All rights reserved. Escapees magazine is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., RoVing Press, in Livingston, Texas. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a data-retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed under individual names are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. Escapees does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading ads. The name Escapees and the house-in-a-wagon logo are registered trademarks of Escapees, Inc., a Texas corporation. Commercial or noncommercial use requires an annual permit. Escapees Corporate O ffi ce 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 936-327-8873 • Fax: 936-327-4388, www.escapees.com Escapees Mail Service O ffi ce 101 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77399-9330 936-327-8873 • Fax: 936-327-4388 www.escapees.com/mail-service The written material within this publication is provided for educa tional or informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Escapees makes no e ff ort to verify the information in this publication and, therefore, Escapees does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the contributors’ submissions. Escapees shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the materials herein.

Happy New Year to all. With the holidays behind us, and our new resolution goals to concen trate on, it is the perfect time to start out with a clean slate. W hether you plan to work on your bucket-list destination list, lose a few stubborn pounds, or both, it’s imperative to stay focused. Planning is the key to success, and I hope you will fi nd this issue of Escapees magazine bene fi cial in making your plans for the upcoming year ahead. If making new friends or meeting more fellow RVers is one of your goals, the club has plenty of events in the works to make this happen. Keep an eye on the “Events Calendar” in this magazine to fi nd a gathering that piques your interest. If new and exciting destinations are in your plans, your fellow club members are always sharing their favorite places or new-found gems that they run across in their travels. Most of these locations will be RV-friendly and provide easy access for your travel companions and your vehicles. If you like the ease and all-inclusiveness of traveling with your fellow Escapees, keep an eye on the Hangouts and HOP events. These group events will provide the security of being with a group of like-minded folks, as well as taking the stress out of the planning details. Our trained event directors will do the work for you. If you have a youthful spirit and like to party, the work ing-age Xscapers is where it’s at for having a good time. Check out their Convergence events that won’t disappoint, with music and light shows, lot crawls and partying into the wee hours of the night. As a reminder, the editorial department loves to hear from our readers. Feel free to share your submissions at any time. If photography is your hobby, consider sharing submis sions for our magazine cover and your fun photos for our “View fi nder” column that has a speci fi c theme for each issue. Writer’s guidelines and photo guidelines can be found online at escapees.com. “...the editorial department loves to hear from our readers.”

ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023 4

Spend Less Travel More!

www.escapees.com/discountfuel

mark, my words

Your RV Questions By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

Tow-vehicle Speedometer Q. The speedometer on my towed vehicle registers the mileage when it is being towed with the 4-wheel drive in neutral. The trip odometer does not register. The dealer says to discon nect the battery. That works, but I'm unable to use my brake buddy. The miles are adding up fast, which makes my routine maintenance di ffi cult to keep track of. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Bob A. Most modern vehicles utilize an electronic speedometer/odometer. Depending on the design of your vehicle, it may be possible to simply remove the fuse that powers the instrument cluster to prevent the odometer from registering towed miles. You can also buy or make a simple harness to place a switch in circuit with the fuse to make it easier to put your vehicle into towing mode. This is an effective fi x for many current vehicles. Do some experimenting to see if it will work for you. You may be able to contact your dealer for advice on whether or not this method will work with your vehicle, and for help in iden tifying the correct fuse. A simple do-it-yourself harness is shown in the graphic below.

Ladders and Roof Cleaning Q. I have a Komfort 25 RT. It has a ladder on rear of trailer. My concern is, can I get on the roof without doing it damage? I weigh 200 lbs. and need to clean the roof. If I can get to it, what should I use to clean it? Richard A. Most RVs that have ladders installed also have roofs that can be walked on. The installed ladder should be adequate to support your weight; just be careful when using it, as it is very steep and narrow. Once on the roof, make sure that it does

not fl ex excessively with your weight. A little “give” is OK; a lot probably means that you should not walk on it. You can avoid all of that by simply using a residential step ladder or extension ladder along the side of the RV. With a long-handled brush, you can do a pretty fair job of cleaning the roof from a ladder. However, it is de fi nitely easier to do it from the top. Just be really careful; soapy water on that roof will make it super slippery. If your RV has a rubber roof, use

a cleaner that is speci fi cally made for rubber roofs for the best results, and be sure to rinse down the sides of the RV to avoid streaking. Metal and fi berglass roofs can be cleaned with just about any soap that would be safe to use to wash a car.

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

mark, my words

Towing Q. We bought a used 28-ft. bumper-pull Cherokee camper. We were told that our half-ton truck would pull it just fi ne. When we hook the camper up to the truck, the bed of the truck really goes down and, with the hilly roads in our area, we’re wondering if we need a larg er truck to pull it. Your thoughts? Linda A. Since this is kind of a two-part question, let’s cover the ratings part fi rst. Whether or not the truck is adequate for your trailer really depends on the weight of the trailer you want to tow. Your half-ton truck has both a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). It is not safe to exceed either of these ratings. The only way to be certain that you are within those ratings is to weigh both the truck and the trailer on a public scale. The GVWR is the maximum that the truck alone can weigh, including the hitch weight of the trailer, passengers, cargo, and fuel. The GCWR is the maximum that the fully loaded truck and the trailer together can weigh. Now, even if your truck is rated to tow the trailer you have, you may also need a weight-distributing hitch to safely tow your RV. These hitches are designed to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer evenly to all 4 wheels of the tow vehicle. This allows the tow vehicle to remain level, rather than sag signi fi cantly in the rear. If you do not have such a hitch on your trailer, you should consider having one added, as it is unsafe to have the truck operating with the front end in the air! If you already have such a hitch, it should be adjusted tightly enough to allow the tow vehicle to remain level when the trailer is hitched up. The manufacturer’s manual for the hitch will tell you how to to set the tension and properly adjust the hitch and adjust the hitch.

Delamination Q. I recently noticed what appears to be a small area of delamination high and forward of the slide on the driver side of my Jayco Greyhawk class-C. If the leak is stopped, can I assume that, by having the roof resealed and no further leakage occurs, no further structural damage will happen? Frank A. You know what the word “assume” means, right? First, make absolutely sure that any leaks have been eliminated. Then, my advice is to watch that area closely for any signs that it is growing in size. If it is, you may need to have it evaluated by either the manufacturer or by a shop that specializes in sidewall repairs. Often, when a water leak causes a delamination, the damage may be more signi fi cant than it fi rst appears. If there is any moisture still in the wall, it can continue to spread. If it does not grow, and the delamination is not causing any problems and is just a cosmetic issue, you can probably not worry about it. A. Most RV toilets have a water inlet valve that is operated by a lever or linkage that is attached to the pedal. If that linkage comes loose, it may behave exactly as you describe. It is also possible that a small bit of debris is stuck in the valve, preventing it from closing. This may have happened when you blew the lines out. In most cases you will have to pull the toilet to access the valve and its actuating mechanism. The good news is that parts are readily available for most toilets, and it is a fairly straightforward job to repair them. If in doubt, replace the valve. They are inexpensive, and as long as you have the toilet out, it’s a good time to do it. Toilet Valve Won’t Close Q. We have just returned from a three-week trip to Alabama and back to Sioux Falls. After blowing the water out of the lines on our 2010 Sierra, I hooked the pump up to suck RTV antifreeze and distribute throughout the camper. To my surprise/horror, the pedal-operated toilet kept running. I fi lled the bowl with antifreeze and repeated operating of the pedal, and it would not stop it from fi lling. Where should I start looking? Corby

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FORMARK? Submissions must not contain commercial advertising or consumer advocacy issues. Due to the large volume of material and correspondence submitted, we may be unable to reply or acknowledge receipt of your material. Material will be edited. Questions and answers with the highest general interest may be repeated in subsequent issues. Questions can be sent by mail to “Mark, My Words” Column, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 or to techquestions@escapees.com.

January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 7

rv gadget box

Omnia Stovetop Oven ™ By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor

I contacted the folks at Omnia, and they kindly sent me the complete Omnia mega kit. This includes the oven, a couple silicone baking pans and a wire rack that fi t inside the doughnut-shaped oven, and a neat carrying/storage case that everything fi ts into nicely. I also received an apron, some pothold ers and a trivet, the optional thermometer, an insulated carrying case for transporting the oven with hot food inside, foil pans and a cookbook. Wow! OK, so it’s nifty and well accessorized, but can it cook? Oh, Yeah! I did a quick skim through the instruc tions and grabbed a can of Pillsbury Grands biscuits out of the fridge. In the RV kitchen, I preheated the oven on the stovetop for a few minutes, put a piece of parchment paper on the rack and placed six biscuits around the circular cooking area. About 15 minutes later, I had yummy hot biscuits! I can’t wait to try some of my favor ite casserole recipes and potato dishes in this thing.

It seems like conventional ovens have pretty much disappeared from RVs. Yes, you can have a convection microwave, or a count er-top oven, but they all require electricity to operate and take up a lot of space. Y ears ago, I removed my old RV oven and converted the space into a cabinet for storage and put in a 2-burner gas cooktop. It does the job, but sometimes you want to bake some biscuits or a casserole, and there’s just no way to do it without an oven. Or, is there? My buddy, Sky Renfro #78690, recently discovered an intriguing gadget, the Omnia Oven. Made in Sweden, it’s quite simply an oven that is designed to bake on any type of burner: gas, electric, kerosene, camp stove and even on a grill. It’s great for boondocking! (Note: does not work on induction cooktops) It’s compact, easy to use and easy to clean. In fact, the concept and engineering behind it are outstanding and, with a few accessories, such as silicone baking pans and racks, the sky’s the limit! Omnia Oven WWW.OMNIASWEDEN.COM USA resellers include Amazon, Camping World, and Talus Expedition Gear Omnia Stovetop Oven: MSRP $75 Starter Kit: MSRP $150 The Mega Kit (includes everything they sent me): MSRP $250

Oh, and baked potatoes! Sure, you can microwave them, but I think they are just better when cooked in an oven.

Manufacturer Information: Koala Marketing Company AB Fersens väg 9, SE-211 42 Malmö. info@omniasweden.com

ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023 8

Congratulations to the RVBusiness 2022 Top 50 AwardWinners

Colton RV North Tonawanda, N.Y. Country Roads RV Lexington, N.C. Crestview RV Center Buda,Texas Curtis Trailers Portland, Ore. Fraserway RV Abbotsford, B.C. Fun Town RV* Cleburne,Texas General RV Wixom,Mich. Giant RecreationWorld Winter Garden, Fla. Giant RV* Montclair, Calif. Gib’s RV Superstore

Advance Camping Sales Milwaukee,Wisc. Affinity RV Service, Sales & Rentals Prescott, Ariz. Airstream Adventures Northwest Gladstone, Ore. All Valley RV Center Acton, Calif. Alpin Haus* Amsterdam, N.Y. ArrKann Trailer & RV Centre Edmonton, Alta. Bama RV** Dothan, Ala. Beaver Coach Sales & Service Bend, Ore. Bent’s RV Metairie, La. Bullyan RV Duluth,Minn. Byerly RV Center St. Louis,Mo. Camperland of Oklahoma Tulsa, Okla.

Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers Rockport,Texas Sicard RV Smithville, Ont. Steinbring Motorcoach

Hemlock Hill RV Southington, Conn. Hilltop Camper & RV Fridley,Minn. Lewis RV Center Oklahoma City, Okla. Midwest RV Center St. Louis,Mo. Modern Trailer Sales Anderson, Ind. Moix RV Supercenter Conway, Ark. Mount Comfort RV Greenfield, Ind. Pan Pacific RV Centers French Camp, Calif. PleasureLand RV Center St. Cloud,Minn. Princess Craft Round Rock,Texas Rangeland RV & Trailer Sales Rockyview, Alta. RCD RV Supercenter Heath, Ohio Rich & Sons RV Headquarters Grand Island, Neb.

Fridley,Minn. Travelcamp RV Jacksonville, Fla.

Veurink’s RV Center Grand Rapids,Mich. Voyager RV Centre* Winfield, B.C. Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales New Castle, Ind. Wilkins RV Bath, N.Y. Woody’s RVWorld Calgary, Alta.

Coos Bay, Ore. Good Life RV Webster City, Iowa Great American RV SuperStores Hammond, La. Greeneway RV Sales & Service*** Wisconsin Rapids,Wisc. Hartville RV Center Hartville, Ohio

*Blue Ribbon Award **Arthur J. Decio Humanitarian Award byWells Fargo CDF ***Gaylord A.Maxwell Innovation Award by Lippert Components Inc.

Campers Inn RV* Jacksonville, Fla.

Colonial Airstream & RV Millstone Township, N.J.

Sponsored by:

weight and safety

LP Gas Detectors By JIM KOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

When was the last time you checked your LP gas detector? Did you know that it has an expiration date and will need to be replaced? A ccording to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), all recreational vehicles that have an LP gas appliance and an electrical system must have an LP gas detector installed.

Potential sources for LP gas leaks include the stove top burners, oven, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, defective regulator, defective LP gas connections and other propane-powered appliances. The LP gas detector is designed to alert the occupants when an LP gas leak is detected. LP gas is heavier than air and will settle near the fl oor; therefore, the detector will be located close to the fl oor. It will be wired into the 12-volt elec trical system. When inspecting RVs, I have found some detectors were disconnected. This is a life safety issue and it should be remedied as soon as possible. The gas detector should be checked monthly by follow ing the manufacturers recommended procedures found in the manual for the detector. If no manual came with your RV, you can generally fi nd the manuals available online, on the manufacturers’ website. The expiration date for the detector is fi ve years of its production date. The expiration date for mine was located on the back of the detector, which required me to remove it from the wall. This replacement date will indicate the date in which the LP gas detector may no longer adequately detect a propane leak. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, the LP gas detector should be checked monthly and replaced after fi ve years of use.

“For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, the LP gas detector should be checked monthly and replaced after fi ve years of use.”

THE SMARTWEIGH PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCURATE INDIVIDUAL WHEEL WEIGHTS FOR YOUR RV, toad and tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are available Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-327-8873 for information on SmartWeigh. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

escapade

Springtime in the desert southwest promises sunny days and balmy nights as the 62nd Escapade returns to Tucson, Arizona. There's still time to include us in your travel plans as Tucson and the Pima County Fairground once again welcomes Escapees for the 62nd Escapade! Tickets are on sale now!

March 19–24, 2023 FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DETAILS VISIT www.escapees.com/escapade

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

escapade

“Be sure to spend some time discovering Tucson.”

Spring is fast approaching in Arizona, and the Sonoran Desert will soon be bursting with new life. There’s no better place to welcome spring than with your Escapees friends in Tucson, March 19–24, at the 62nd Escapade, at the Pima County Fairground. Many of the Escapees com munity are already registered for the clubs largest yearly gathering, and there’s still time for you to join in the fun! Tucson o ff ers countless visitor opportunities. From simply stargazing under the beautiful desert sky to hiking or touring historical sites in and around the surrounding area, there is something fascinating for all.

KNOWN FOR OUTSTANDING EDUCATION From the novice to those with years of experience, whatever your RVing knowledge is when you arrive, you’ll fi nd topics of interest at Escapade. Educational classes take place throughout each day to help you bring your knowledge and con fi dence up a level. Topics of interest include: staying safe on the road, volunteer opportunities, how to ef fi ciently dry-camp and use solar, work-camping ideas, maintenance of your RV, RVing to Alaska and the Canadian Provinces, healthy eating and much, much more. There are also updates on the latest club projects and news presented by Escapees RV Club’s national staff. Escapees members love sharing and, besides all the seminars being presented, never under estimate the helpful information you’ll learn through the stories and experiences shared by your peers.

GET TO KNOW FELLOW ESCAPEES! Escapade is the ideal time to get to know folks from regional chapters and those who share your interests and hobbies. Chapters and BoFs from across the coun try will gather on The ROW, excited to show you all they have to offer, and many ways to connect throughout the year. Representatives from SKP Co-Op parks will happily share details about their parks, plus interesting information about their local areas. A full schedule of afternoon socials takes place each day, hosted by chapters and BoFs. You’re welcome to attend any you’d like. Spend time socializing and get to know your fellow Escapees. First-time attendees are invited to attend the First-Timer Meet & Greet social on Sunday afternoon. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet and visit with others attending Escapade for the fi rst time.

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

escapade

Entertainment! SUNDAY NIGHT Opening night, get ready to sing along as Few Miles South gets your toes tapping with their country and honky-tonk style. This up and coming “not so classic” country group writes and produces their own songs and has been awarded Best International Music Video for their song, “On Down the Road.” Along with their own songs, they’ll be performing a lot of traditional country songs you haven’t heard in years. They’ll bring smiles to your faces with their fresh sound of country music. SPONSORED BY FANTASY RV TOURS MONDAY EVENING Back for an encore performance, Native Spirit invites you to take a step into the culture and dance of Amer ica’s First People. You’ll witness the beauty and grace of color and movement as the air resonates with the beautiful and rhythmic sounds of Native American dance. Through their entertaining, educational and sometimes humorous presentation, you will see dances that have survived thousands of years. SPONSORED BY DISH OUTDOORS TUESDAY NIGHT GIG Join your new friends for an enjoyable evening under the stars. Local performers “No Reply” will get you moving with some 60s and 70s rock and roll. SPONSORED BY WINEGARD/WIFI RANGER ESCAPADE'S GOT TALENT! Sign up for fun! Get ready for a night of entertain ment and fun, brought to you by fellow Escapees at Escapade’s Got Talent! Every year this talent show gets better and better. If you’ve got talent, don’t just sit there! You, too, can be a part of the show! Sign-up sheets will be available when you arrive. SPONSORED BY BATTLE BORN BATTERIES THE BIG SOCIAL Unwind from your busy week of Escapade and plan to spend a fantastic, fi nal evening mingling with this great Escapees community with dancing, singing or just listening to fellow Escapees band, “The Status Crowes." Food vendors and a cash bar will be on hand. There will be fun for all ages as we cap off an exciting week, all under the beautiful desert sky. SPONSORED BY FCIS INSURANCE Each year Escapade brings top quality concerts and entertainment to the rally. We strive to bring performers that are relevant, leaders in their industry, highly entertaining, and just plain fun!

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

escapade

THE ESCAPADE MARKET The Escapade Market will be fi lled with knowledgeable vendors, excited to introduce you to the latest products and services that are available to enhance your RVing experience. You can also browse an assortment of RVs displayed for sale, courtesy of RV Country. Winnebago

will also have RVs on display. VOLUNTEER A FEW HOURS Escapade relies on its generous volunteers. Sign-up sheets will be available at the Volunteer/ Info booth. You’ll have the opportunity to help out for a few hours in jobs, such as popping and handing out popcorn,

DIP A CHIP FOR CARE! New to Escapade. Sign up to compete or come as a participant in our fi rst ever Dip a Chip for CARE compe tition. All variety of dips are eligible; anything you can dip a chip into. Taste the dip entries and vote for your favorite with a few bucks Vote for

transporting attendees, greeting, helping with clean-up, etc. For only three hours of your time, you’ll earn the 62nd Escapade volunteer pin and a chance at the volunteer prize drawing. DISCOVER TUCSON! Everyone agrees, the biggest bene fi t of our amazing lifestyle is the chance to experience this beautiful coun try up close. Be sure to spend some time discovering Tucson. The diversity of blending a modern city with its Old West roots lends itself to exploration. If historical sites are your passion, Tucson won’t disappoint. Follow the steps of early Spanish pioneers, visit historic Native American sites nearby. Pima Air and Space Museum, Titan Missile Site, Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, Mission San Xavier del Bac all tell a story of Tucson’s past. Natural desert and canyon areas beckon hikers and bikers alike with miles of scenic trails. Take a day trip out of town and tour Biosphere II, the historic copper mining town of Bisbee or visit Tombstone or the movie set of Old Tucson. Learn all about the treasure trove of fascinating things to enjoy in the area by visiting http://www.visittucson.org/. Early arrival and extended stay camping options are available when you register for Escapade, allowing you extra time to explore on your own or as part of an There are a very limited number of electric/water sites available. Dry-camping sites are almost unlimited, and there is no better time or place to enjoy boondocking in the desert with hundreds of your RVing buddies. If a fun and educational week spent with fellow RVers is on your agenda, Escapade is the place to be. Be sure to call 936-755-1060 for Escapade registration or visit www. escapees.com/escapade to reserve your site at the Pima County Fairground today. Escapees HOP. REGISTER NOW!

. . It’s all for

one or vote for them all fun and all money raised to Escapees CARE. Rea can win and of fi cial rule on the Website at: www.escapees.com/ escapade. You’ll fi nd sign-up sheets at the CARE booth. SPONSORED BY MYRVRADIO.COM

is donated

d what you s

CHILDREN WELCOME! Once again Nomadic Families BoF offers Kidscapade. This popular children’s program, designed especially for our future generation of RVers, gives your kids and grandkids a chance to spend time with their peers. The kiddos will certainly enjoy the learning opportunities and fun projects. Kidscapade is offered Monday—Thursday mornings, free of charge for children attending Escapade. See the Escapade webpage for details.

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

ENJOY THE VIEW & the lifestyle.

COVERAGE & SERVICE FOR a ll of your jour n eys.

# Full-Timer’s Coverage ! Replacement Cost & Agreed Value " Pet Insurance

Get your FREE RV Insurance Quote at RVAdvantage.com/Escapees or call us at 800.331.1520

ASK US ABOUT THE ESCAPEES CLUB DISCOUNT!

care

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

day’s end

Free and Low-Cost Parking Finds Compiled by GUY GIPSON #84383 • Download the entire online directory at www.daysenddirectory.com. The Day’s End Directory is a valuable tool to help you save money and fi nd safe overnight parking recommendations from fellow Escapees RVing members. Arizona

MESCAL : N Mescal Rd (State Trust Land). BD, no facilities. Permit required (see AZ Note 4), probably not enforced. I-8 x297, go N past Mescal Movie Set, becomes state land, some leased for grazing. 32.01561 -110.4294. Set tours where they used to fi lm movies and TV shows such as Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie , on Fri and Sat. Paul Codyer #151338 MESCAL : Flat level dirt lot. 3 mi N of I-10 x297 on NMescal Rd (1 mi N of town, 10 mi W of Benson), E side. Just S of rd to Mescal Movie Set. 32.0061 -110.43107. 1 or 2 lg rigs. Good cell service in town. Larry and Joyce Space #61818 RED ROCK : Lg level gravel pull-out. I-10 x226, SE quad, along EB on-ramp. 32.5706 -111.3239. Good Verizon and AT&T. Greg and Kim Ketcher #140941 TUCSON : Dump (D) stations and Water (W) fi ll locations. 1) D and rinse W. Free. At Speedway gas sta, 11 mi N of town on SR 77/Oracle Rd. 10505 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley. Not an O/N location. 2) D and rinse W. Free. At Giant Shell gas sta, NW corner of S Kolb Rd and E Valencia Rd. From I-10 x270 (Kolb Rd) go 2.5 mi N, TL on E Valencia Rd, sta is on R. 6150 S Kolb Rd. Not an O/N location. 3) Also see Pima County FG listing. Also many RV Parks and RV service ctrs in area will let you use D and fi ll with W for a fee. Mark Grossman #84854 TUCSON : TTT Truck Stop, pkg lot. RV O/N OK. I-10 x268 (Craycroft Rd), N side. Park at E end of complex next to restaurant. Truck pkg lot signed, “Only for professional drivers.” WiFi outside supplied by TTT. Hwy noise. Kenny and Janet Roberts #111704 TUCSON : Pima County FG. 400+ spaces. BD $20. 30-A E/W/S $35, $5 off for SKPs or Good Sam. Many 50-A E/W/S sites, may be higher. D and W $10. W spigots. No stay limit but CG closed Mar—Aug. I-10 x275 (easy on/ off). S on Houghton Rd, then E (at lg sign) on Brekke Rd, S side. Lg lighted fl at/level gravel area with 20- 50-A E/W, before the main CG, E side of entrance rd. Main CG: upon entering FG continue S 1/4 mi to RV Park Of fi ce (front sites are for exhibitors etc.). 32.04857N 110.78219W. Some other sm HU areas throughout FG; check their map. Can be noisy into evening depending on events. Free WiFi some areas. Good AT&T and Verizon. Security on-site. Gets full, call 520-762-9100 (ask for RV park of fi ce). Shooting range and car race track nearby. Go to: the-rvpark.com Patricia Kerns #119457

GREEN VALLEY : BD (State Trust Land). Permit required ($15/ yr/person, $20/yr/family. Purchase online asld.secure. force.com/recreationalpermit). I-19 x63 (Continental Rd/ Madera Canyon/Whitehouse Canyon Rd, paved), go 5.8 mi E (follow Madera Canyon signs) to rd on R, go over cattle guard, several spots for any size rig. Tim and Jan Johnson #37844 GREEN VALLEY : Bog Springs CG (NF). 13 wooded no HU sites. Tables, fi re pits. W at some sites. Vault toilets, trash service. $20, S/A Pass 1/2. 14–day limit. No reservations. I-19 x63 (Continental Rd/Madera Canyon/Whitehouse Canyon Rd, paved, fairly straight), go E, follow Madera Canyon signs 12.5 mi to CG. Last mi very steep. 25 miles S of Tucson in Madera Canyon. Paved CG road and site pads, sites not level. 2 or 3 sites to 30', others 22' limit. Some low tree branches. 5000' elev. Minimal Verizon. Madera Canyon is a popular birding site especially spring and fall. Trailheads nearby (day-use fee or annual pass). tinyurl.com/z65dshu Diana Woods #134048 MARANA : CAP Tangerine Rd Park, lg level dirt pkg area 1/2 mi long. No facilities. Free. No prohibitive signs for O/N. No stay limit. 1-10 x240, go 0.2 mi E on Tangerine Rd. Lots of room for turning and lg rigs. 32.42634 -111.16056. Next to CAP Trail (no vehicles allowed), a 336-mi Natl Recreation Trail along the CAP Canal. Karen Cotton #114131 MARANA : Lg gravel lot. No signs. I-10 x236, SW quad, across from Circle K. 32.46111 -111.21775. Trucks use. Greg and Kim Ketcher #140941 MESCAL : Quick Pic Chevron sta, fairly lg level gravel pkg lot. No facilities. Free. No stay limit posted. I-10 x297, go N on Mescal Rd, immed TR (E) on W Meadowlark Ln, TL on N Oak Dr. Lot is behind sta. 31 57 50 -110 25 56. Trucks use. Chas Wilder #88717 MESCAL : J Six Ranch Rd, gravel pkg areas. No facilities. Free. No stay limit posted. I-10 x297, go S on J Six Ranch Rd. 0.1 mi on R at jct with W Navaho Trl, SW corner. 31 57 37N 110 26 2W. Multiple entrances. Lg and level. Room for several rigs. 2.5 mi, at end of pavement. 31 55 49N 110 25 34W. Pull-out, any size rig. Should be quiet. Slopes away from rd, some rigs might have trouble leveling. Herb and Ginger Conly #110297

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

day’s end

rain. Access to N side of wash is E off San Joaquin Rd or on N side fromW Irvington Rd. Along Irvington is a power transmission line and lg areas of cleared ground from underground cable, water and natural gas lines— easy for larger rigs. Interior best suited for sm rigs. Also has access via Camino Verde at E end. Richard and Kathy Howe #74769 TUCSON : BD (BLM), Old Ajo Hwy (2). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. No signs. From Ajo Hwy (SR 86), go N on Camino Verde (by fi re sta), TR (E) on Old Ajo Hwy. Entrance to area is a few hundred yards on R. 32.16123 -111.10433. Less than one mi from Snyder Hill. Dean and Judy Sheeley #68258 TUCSON : Fred’s Arena Bar & Steakhouse. 30-A E and other HUs. $20. May have BD. 18 mi SW of town on W Ajo Hwy/ SR 86, TL (S) on Sierrita Mtn Rd, go 1.5 mi, TL (E) on Ava Rd, go 0.8 mi, or follow signs. 9650 S Avra Rd, 85736. 88FREDS or 520-883-7337. Fran Smith #83749 TUCSON : BD (NF). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit within 30. From Tanque Verde Rd in E side of Tucson, go 20 mi N on Catalina Hwy (winding but paved, scenic mtn rd). Go 1 mi past Palisades Visitor Ctr, TR on Mt Bigelow Rd, go 1/4 mi on rough dirt rd to T-intersection at observatory. Go L or R on dirt rds. Few turnarounds. Dif fi cult for lg rigs. There is 1 level site right at the T-intersection, just R of driveway to observatory. Fire permit required. Addl sites on narrow dirt Incinerator Ridge Rd, 0.4 mi S of Palisades Visitor Ctr. Toilets and drinking W one mi S on Catalina Hwy, across from Visitor Ctr. Beautiful pine forest, 8,000' elev. Best during May—Oct. Quiet during wk. Spotty cell with Verizon and AT&T. Low branches and narrow rds; 5 mi from Summerhaven and top of Mt Lemmon, which has a few shops, but no fuel. Many hiking trails, fee CGs, scenic overlooks and picnic areas along Catalina Hwy. Ray and Fran Grodek #97924 TUCSON : Desert Diamond Casino, pkg lot. Trash recepta cles. 7-day limit but can leave and return next day. Call ahead for permission. S end of town, I-19 x95, go E on Valencia Rd then S on Nogales Hwy 1 mi to Casino on R at 7350 S Nogales Hwy, across from airport. SE quad of E Los Reales Rd and S Nogales Hwy/I-19Bus. Entrance for RVs is at N32 6.9136 W110 57.6304, S of the main entrance, then take 1st R into huge pkg lot by sign “RVs & Trucks.” Check for promos, especially for past/present military. Hotel, restaurant/buffet, night club. Ask for pool pass at hotel desk. Shuttle to casino 520-260-5408. Trucks also use, can be noisy, also aircraft noise. Dennis Rosenblitt #91444

TUCSON : Gilbert Ray CG (county). 130 sites with 15–30-A E. Tables. Dispersed W faucets. Flush toilets. D. Trash service. $20, exact cash or check only, pay at of fi ce. 7-day limit, can return after 7 days. Reservations with card, 520-724-5000, Jan—Mar 520-403-8116 or 520-883 4200. H loop no reservations. Go W on Ajo Way from I-19 x99 or I-10 x263, 5 or 7 mi respectively, TR on W Kinney Rd (at sign for Desert Museum), go 5.5 mi (passing the old Tucson studios), TL on W McCain Loop Rd (CG sign at turn), go 1/2 mi to CG. 32.22323 -111.14469. 8451 W McCain Loop Rd, Tucson AZ 85735. 13 mi W of Tucson. Paved interior rd, gravel sites, mostly back-in. Plenty of empty sites in Jan. Pets on leash OK. Book and DVD exchange in of fi ce. Good Verizon and AT&T. Near Saguaro NP. Desert Museum has a great raptor show and a walk-in hummingbird aviary. More directions: tinyurl. com/k3aqzuy Fred and Eve Schindler #126989 TUCSON : BD (BLM), W of Tucson in Pima County, W of Saguaro NP. No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. From I-10 x248, go 0.5 mi W on Ina Rd, then 0.6 mi S on Wade Rd, then 6.5 mi SW on Picture Rocks Rd. Turn S on Sandario Rd, go 2.5 mi, then W on Manville Rd to arched entrance with cattle guard and sign “Ironwood Forest NM.” Continue thru entrance. Do not park at lg area immed on R or any other area signed “No Motor Vehicles Allowed.” Continue 1/2 mi to lg open area on R. Narrow, single-lane rd, somewhat rutted, 4WD might be advised. Good Verizon. WARNING: Picture Rocks Rd has weight limit of 12,000 GVWR in NP, rigs over 12,000 GVWR use approach N of NP on W Twin Peaks Rd (I-10 x244). Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano #103274 TUCSON : : BD (BLM), Snyder Hill. No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. From I-19 x99, 7.5 mi W on Ajo Hwy (SR 86), then TR (NW) on San Joaquin Rd, go 0.2 mi, TR into BLM area. N32 9.441 W111 7.04. There are several places you can turn into this area, only one or two very level. The pipeline right-of-way is a good corridor parallel to San Joaquin Rd, easiest to enter it from N corner of area just below Old Ajo Hwy intersection. Any size rig. With major development all around, this little patch of BLM is nice, with desert trees and picturesque rocky hillside. Library at Mission Rd and Ajo has WiFi. Good cell service. Linda Pohle #102349 TUCSON : BD (BLM), Old Ajo Hwy (1). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. BLM posts say only “No Dumping.” N side of Old Ajo Hwy, directly across from Snyder Hill BLM location. After a few turns, area bisected by a signi fi cant wash; with 4WD/high-clearance only. Some areas along/ near wash show signs of fl ooding, use caution during/after

THE DAY’S END DIRECTORY is a useful tool for helping you save money and fi nd safe overnight parking recommended by fellow Escapees members. “Day’s End” listings are submitted by traveling members. Please be aware that these listings are not veri fi ed by Escapees magazine, and the information is subject to change without notice. Want more? Order online or write Guy Gipson, 107 Rainbow Dr., #755, Livingston, TX 77399-1007. Online Search and Download: $15/year. Include your complete name and Escapees membership number. Order the Day’s End, Good Guys and Boondockers Journal Directory by visiting www.daysenddirectory.com

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

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camping chair chat

RVers’ Sharing Tips, Opinions and Advice from the Road Submissions sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

Fan Stand

Tank Treatment For years, I have used the Dry Eco-Save holding tank product. One tablespoon in my 60-gallon tank and I'm good for a month. It works great while on the move or parked. Eco-Save is also available in liquid form but the dry is a lot lighter and easier to clean up if you happen to spill it. You can contact JWH Distributing by

I built this platform to hold my fan to blow outside air on me as I sit in the reversed seat. It is easily removed but must fi t tightly in the door pull. A rubber band holds the fan on the platform. Don Nelson

phone at, 800-950-9666 or online at www.eco-save. com (Price list/order form pdf is at top of page.). The best deal is the 12-jar case ($138.84). It will last for years and you'll have plenty to give to your friends. Al Oxton #57888

What I Love About Full-Time Travel

food I had in Austin, Texas, and Charlie, the bartender, at a vineyard in Oregon. I often wonder if she and her boyfriend ever took the plunge and bought that house they wanted. I think about the other nomads I’ve met at Xscaper Convergences and now I follow their own journeys. For me, this lifestyle is about just that, spread ing joy to strangers, leaving your mark and carrying the experiences from place to place knowing there’s some thing new ready to unfold in the present moment. There’s also what I call the “reset period” at off-grid boondocking sites we frequent, where we experience only the sounds of birds chirping and a feeling of complete isolation. There’s nothing but time to process and immerse yourself in the silence and stillness of nature. That contrast is what makes going back to cities so great. It’s hard being away from loved ones until you realize there’s love all around you. Until you take the time to look inward and realize the love is so strong inside of you, you shake hands with yourself, while remaining humble to the beauty and absolute wonders of nature. The gratitude is overwhelming. The connection in the journey and the security in knowing it only takes a few plans to visit your old and new friends from all over is what makes this lifestyle so unique. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and I feel like I’m just getting started. Kelley Welch #173565

When I was in college, I wrote an essay with the theme centered around the premise that life is about the journey, not the destination. A decade later, I’ve never related to it more. We spend so much time anticipating: saving for vacations, dreading the travel, just wanting to get to the hotel, beach, mountain, whatever. I recognized at a young age that the beauty of travel is how you get from point A to point B. From every rest area where I’ve walked my dog to every store where I bought M&Ms and to casinos where I’ve slept, there is comfort in knowing these places are always there to come back to. My husband and I have been on the road full time with our dog for almost two years. We have no home base and, at this point, I can’t imagine where we’d want to “settle down.” Every destination feels like a new chapter in life. Sometimes these chapters last a few days, sometimes two weeks, but rarely longer. Still, a tempo rary home is built and, if you get lucky, a permanent community. I fall in love with someone everywhere I go. I carry them with me. There’s a woman that works at a coffee shop in Mesa, Arizona. Each time I visit she has new photos to show me and new memories to share. Last February, I did stand up comedy in Tucson, Arizona. I met a lot of local comics and, I know if I go back, I’ll see some of the same faces. I remember the street

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023

camping chair chat

I was emotionally stunted for decades. My alcoholic father was my primary caregiver and he had di ffi culty with encour aging his daughters to aspire to be anything but good home makers. He tried valiantly to teach me cooking, shopping and all the other duties necessary for maintaining a home. My brothers’ duties were always the “masculine” chores such as using power tools, cutting the grass and fi xing a car. I disappointed my dad because I was disinterested in anything to do with being a homemaker. In fact, when I was living at home, I was strictly interested in getting drunk, immersing myself in the Rolling Stones’ latest record and occasionally attending my high school classes. When I married my husband, I had zero self-esteem and internally called myself a loser. I tried desperately to become June Cleaver for my spouse, but failed. I despised cooking, shopping and ironing. Fortunately. my husband did not care and encouraged me to pursue a career in nursing. I became a successful nurse and retired in my early sixties. Emotionally, I had matured over the years, but secretly I was terri fi ed of attempting new things especially anything that required “masculine” skills. Whatever required any mechanical prowess was beyond my skill set. I took a bold step and announced to my husband that I wanted to RV. Naively, I never thought that RVing would require me to do anything but learn the basics, such as turning on the water pump or hooking up the sway bars. I quickly learned that every RVer must become self-suf fi cient. Most of the time, problem solving is required when your RV mechanic is not available. Due to my husband’s disabling arthritis, I was forced to solve many daunting mechanical issues. During our annual journey to escape the Wisconsin winter, I was overwhelmed by new challenges. Our fi rst stop was in Illinois. While I was plugging into the electrical box, I noticed a few drops of water dripping from some mystery tubes. Due to fatigue, I decided that I would Can’t Never Could Altitude Sickness Tip

investigate this anomaly in the morning. When I opened the door the next day, I was shocked that our RV was surrounded by a frozen pond! I exclaimed to my husband Ed that, “I can’t fi x this!” He reassured me that I could, so I found a YouTube tutorial about the mysteri ous leaking hoses and learned that they were low point drainage tubes. After slipping and sliding on our “lake,” I discovered that the hoses just required a cap. I fi xed it! I was euphoric for approximately fi ve minutes. I attempted to drain the black tank and was horri fi ed to discover a brown iceberg blocking the exit. Dark thoughts overtook my mind. We are done with this RVing nonsense! Through tears, I graphically explained to Ed that our sewer tank was blocked. At this point, he reminded me of a family slogan, “Can’t never could.” I claimed that I never heard of this slogan. He explained that he and his brothers had been given this gem by their paternal grandfather and that I should incorporate it into my thinking. After viewing a tutorial on thawing out frozen tanks, I realized that I could fi x this. I was obsessed with the black tank and purchased a high-power hair dryer. When we reached Joplin, Missouri, I positioned the hair dryer by the frozen tank and poured boiling water down the sinks repeatedly. After several hours, I heard the beautiful sound of rushing fl uids fl owing out of my sewer hose. As the winter sun set and a wicked wind blew, I danced around my RV shouting, “I did it!” Another mechanical skill that I mastered during this road trip was accurate leveling. I relied on my husband to handle this chore because it was too intimidating for me. His arthritis had progressed, so I had to learn. After many instructions and discussion, I hauled out the blocks and the level and balanced our RV. Since our winter trip, I rarely say, “I can’t.” I have incorporated, “can’t never could” into my daily living. My dad and grandfather have passed but I wonder what they would think of me now. By Marie Hass, Guest Contributor

After reading about camping in high altitudes, in Mark Nemeth’s article, in the September/October 2022 issue, I have one more piece of advice. I’ve been at very high altitudes many times and never had a problem until my husband, Larry, and I were RVing in Peru. We slept at 14,000 feet, and I began to get all the symptoms of altitude sickness and ended up in the hospital in

Cuzco. I didn’t get better until we fl ew back to Lima, and then to New York City where I was back at sea level. I later learned that a person should never sleep at their highest altitude. A tip I found online says to: “Climb high and sleep low. If you climb (or drive) more than 1,000 feet in one day, you should come down to sleep at a lower altitude.” Joyce Space #61818

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine