Escapees July-August 2023

Sharing The RV Lifestyle

BLAZING NEW TRAILS Fitness, Friendship and RVing PAGE33 RV PROTECTION FOR HANDY RVERS Does the DIY Traveler Need an RV Warranty? PAGE41

Highlights in and near DOWNEAST MAINE PAGE44 WELCOME TO CANADA PAGE54

July/August 2023 | Vol 45 Issue 1 www.escapees.com

DOMICILE Legal advice on questions of domicile as a full-time RVer.

ESTATE PLANNING Quality legal advice to establish a comprehensive estate plan.

BANKING Banking services to to support your personal and business  nancial needs.

HEALTH INSURANCE Licensed agents who will shop, advise, and let you decide.

PROPERTY INSURANCE Property and casualty insurance through multiple RV insurance carriers for full-time RVers.

INVESTMENTS A broad range of  nancial services to  t your needs.

FINANCIAL In-depth evaluation of your current  nancial situation.

Creating Meaningful Connections with Local Professionals for Escapees Mail Service Members D MICILE SUITEOF SERVICES escapees.com/escapees-domicile-suite-services

thoughts for the road

PHOTO BY RUTH AND TERRI HAGER #48315

We were shown to our parking space [at Park Sierra SKP Co-Op in Coarsegold, California] and given a map and a list of rules and events. We had just fi nished setting up our rig when a four-seat golf cart, driven by Ace and Barbara Mecham #8610, pulled onto our site. They got out and gave us hugs and told us they were the “unof fi cial” welcoming committee. They took us on a two-hour tour of the park and build ings, stopping to explain the history of things and answering our many questions. If someone didn’t want to take the tour, the Mechams still gave them a welcoming hug and answered their questions. Sometime during our conversation, they explained that they had once visited another SKP Co-Op and received a very cold reception. Instead of turning in their Escapees membership, this couple decided to do something about it. They were proud of their park and, if they could prevent it, did not want anyone to leave without being made to feel welcome. It became their mission. After being treated badly by someone at a park, many people react by harboring a grudge and bad-mouthing that park whenever the opportu nity arises. But the Mechams turned that same unhappy experience into a way to make sure no one who visited their beloved Park Sierra SKP Co-Op would ever feel unwanted. Stuff happens to all of us. It isn’t what happens to us that shows our character. It’s how we react—it’s what we do about it that counts. An excerpt from Escapees magazine July/August 2009

Co-founder

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features 33 Blazing New Trails BY RENE AGREDANO “The fi tness lifestyle offers many wide-ranging bene fi ts, but we all struggle with motivation,” says Gary. “Hopefully this group can serve as a source of inspiration, encouragement and fun.” 37 Cool Refreshing Treats BY EVANNE SCHMARDER With a few coins jingling in our pockets, my neighborhood pals and I would listen for that familiar mechanical music box announcing the arrival of the eagerly anticipated ice cream truck. 41 RV Protection for Handy RVers BY HANNAH ERBE SMITH Some people prefer to be able to customize, maintain and even repair their own RVs. 44 Downeast Maine BY EMILY FAGAN Although “Downeast” Maine sounds like a place “down south” in the New England state, it actually refers to Maine’s northeast Atlantic coast. 50 Making Sense of RV Insurance BY KOLE PUCKETT When it comes to owning an RV, it is important to understand your RV insurance policy to ensure that you are properly protecting your investment on wheels. 54 Welcome to Canada BY CAROLANN QUIBELL Explore Our Northern Neighbor’s Vast, Beautiful Country

On the Cover PHOTO BY CAROL HALL THOMAS #119083

Carol submitted this awe-inspiring photo that is accompanied by her submission on page 24 in our “SKP Stops” column. She took this photo while boondocking at the base of Wild Horse butte next to Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.

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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 36 RVers Boondocking Policy 88 RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy 24 SKPStops 30 View fi nder lifestyle 10 Escapees SmartWeigh 40 Escapees RVers Boot Camp 32 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 BYJIMKOCA

community 16 63rd Escapade 82 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

77 Calling All Chapters 20 Camping Chair Chat 76 Chapter Map

12 Escapees CARE, Inc. 64 Escapees Hangouts 72 Events and Rally Calendar 87 Final Journeys 60 Message from the Board 78 SKP Dine-outs 66 Xscapers 85 Advertisers Index

84 Marketplace 86 Classi fi edAds BC ClubBene fi ts

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ClubSta 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 National Escapade Directors Rob and Laura Kernodle Chapter Director/BoF Coordinator Wendy Stanwood HOP Director Lisa Koca

TAMMY JOHNSON #39557 Editor, Escapees Magazine

Hangouts Directors Theresé Julo Convergence Director Hollie Parks Educational Director Jim Koca

“Take a look at the lineup of events in the member section of each issue to see if there may be a gathering that will appeal to you.” As the Escapees RV Club celebrates it’s 45th birthday this year, it is truly impressive how formidable the club has been in withstanding the challenges of the passage of time. Even after more than four decades, the club still stands fi rm in its motto of “caring and sharing.” Faces and names may change, but the support of a united community has remained the same. W ehopeyou fi nd Escapees magazine a supportive tool that helps you, our traveling members, along the way. Whether it’s through destination stops, the availability to gather with like-minded groups or commercial products and services, the club strives to meet your needs. In this issue, we bring you service-provider information, camaraderie, fi tness and fabulous destination locales. And, if you’re looking for a party, look no further. Our Escapees group organizers are working hard, so you don’t have to. They are putting together trips and activities for almost any level of adventurer. Take a look at the lineup of events in the member section of each issue to see if there may be a gather ing that will appeal to you. Having a support network is essential in every aspect of life, but it is even more important when you are on the road, traveling to parts unknown. So, the next time you pull into an RV park and see the Escapees RV Club or Xscapers decal on someone’s rig, you’ll have the security and comfort of knowing you have a friend nearby. I hope your summer travels have been, and will continue to be, safe and full of the excitement and joy you’ve anticipated. Maybe, by chance, we’ll see each other down the road.

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 mailingo 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.

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023

mark, my words

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

AC Use While Traveling Q. My husband and I enjoy your column and always learn something new. Thanks very much. My question has to do with hot weather travel. Speci fi cally, which ismoree ffi cient: running the generator and coach AC while underway or using the engine AC? We have a Winnebago Voyage (32 ft.) with a Ford Vortec V-10 engine. I look forward to your advice. Liz A. Since modern automotive air conditioning compressors are very ef fi cient, I think there’s no doubt that running the dash air will consume less fuel than running the generator and a roof air. However, it becomes a matter of comfort and necessity when the temperatures get really high. On a warm day, the dash air will probably keep you comfortable, but on a hot day it will not be able to keep the coach cool. At that point, most folks light off the generator and turn on the roof air to keep the inside of the coach tolerable. You can expect a gasoline generator operating a single 13.5 KBTU roof air to consume ½ to 1 gallon per hour, on average. Be aware that this will decrease your driving range slightly. Also be aware that most generators that draw fuel from the motor home’s fuel tank are set up with a higher fuel pickup height than the engine fuel pump. Most generators will starve for fuel and shut down when the main fuel tank drops below about ¼ full. This is done on purpose so that running your generator for an extended period in a campground will not leave you with a totally empty fuel tank on the motorhome. Be sure to check the generator oil daily, or after every eight hours of operation when you are using it on the road.

Propane Detector False Alarm

Q. The propane detector in the kitchen has gone o ff twice in the past week. We aren’t using propane, and the tanks are shuto ff . Do you have any idea what would cause this issue? Je ff A. Those alarms can be set off by anything in a spray can that uses propane or butane as a propellant. That covers the majority of aerosol sprays, which are a common source of false alarms. If your alarm is more than fi ve years old, it may be in need of replacement. Those alarms have a service lifespan and many times will begin to act erratically when they get senile. I suspect from the symptoms you describe that you probably don’t have a propane leak. Watch to see if your false alarms are associated with using aerosol products. If not, then it may be time for a new alarm. It’s probably a good idea to replace your smoke alarm, too, if it’s getting on in years.

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mark, my words

Tire Upgrade Q. I just bought a new set of tires for our RV. I went from load-range C to load-range D. I probably did not need the Ds, but I wanted to upgrade. My question is: Since the new tires’ max in fl ation pressure is 65psi, will it hurt the tires if we run at a lower psi? The old tires maxed at 50psi. I would appreciate your opinion. Wilkrich A. It’s not as simple a question as you might think. While going up a load range will get you a stronger tire, there are other things to consider. If you ran the old C-rated tires at 50 PSI and the tread wore normally and the tires performed well, you can prob ably get by with the same in fl ation pressure on the new tires or maybe just a few pounds more. Running the D tire at the lower in fl ation pressure won’t hurt it unless that lower pressure is inadequate for the load the tire is actually carrying. All tires must be in fl ated to a correct operating pressure for the weight they carry. Since you have to know how much weight the tire is carrying in order to make an informed deci sion, you really need to get your rig weighed. Once you know your corner weights, you can use the tire manufacturer’s load/in fl ation charts for your tire and determine the correct pressure. Now, let’s just say that your weight requires that the tiresbe in fl ated to 60 psi. Before you raise the pressure, you need to understand that the rim or wheel also has a max safe in fl ation pressure. For most steel wheels, the max pressure is stamped on the inside of the wheel. If you decide to go to a higher load range tire and in fl ate it to a higher pressure, you must be careful not to exceed the rim’s pressure rating! For now, until you can determine what the correct pressure should be, run the tires at the same pressure until you can get the rig weighed. If you fi nd you need to raise the pressure after weighing, be sure to check the wheel rims to ensure that the higher pressure doesn’t exceed the wheel’s max pressure rating. “…in order to make an informed decision, you really need to get your rig weighed.”

Corroded Anode Rod Q. I spent a number of years in a region of Ontario that has the hardest water in Canada. The anode in my tank is quite corroded, and the tank needs to be fl ushed out. Can you provide suggestions as to any products that may be available for this purpose? Kevin A. That is a common problem. Unfortunately, most RVers don’t realize that they need to fl ush the water heater at least once a year and inspect the anode rod. Flushing the tank removes the accumulation of scale and other contaminants and will help your tank work more ef fi ciently and last longer. The anode rod is used on steel tank water heaters to prevent the tank from corroding. A water heater with an expended anode rod can fail from corrosion in as little as a year! To get started, the water heater should be shut down and allowed to cool. Then, the water pump and city water source need to be turned off, and the water heater drain plug removed. Open a hot water faucet in the RV to help the heater drain quickly. Then, usinga fl ushing wand (  like this one at www.amazon. com/dp/B002XL2IBS), thoroughly rinse out the tank through the drain opening until you no longer see any bits of scale or other contaminants in the water. If your water heater is equipped with an anode rod, you need to remove it and inspect it. Replace any anode rod that has lost 50 to 75 percent of the zinc anode material. In some areas, depending on the local water source, the anode rod may need to be replaced yearly. If your water heater is an Atwood product with an aluminum tank, it will not have an anode rod. All Atwood and Subur ban steel-tank heaters will have one; some are accessible from the outside, some are on the back of the heater inside the coach. On some heaters, the anode is part of the drain plug. Once the plug and anode rod are re-installed, fi ll the heater with water and check for any leaks. Here’s an example of a typical anode rod: www.campingworld.com/anode-rod-for-atwood-water heaters-18413.html.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR MARK? 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.

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July/August 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

rv gadget box

Calling All Gadgets I enjoy RV gadgets, and I’ll bet that most of you reading this have at least one special gadget that you can't live without. Why not share it? Contact me at techques tions@escapees.com and tell me about it. If I like it, I’ll review it in the “RV Gadget Box” column and credit you with discovering it! CHECK OUT THE RV GADGET BOX ARCHIVE : https://gadgetbox.escapees.com

Camp Chef Fire Pit By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

When it’s cooled down, fold the legs in and place it in the included carry bag. It stows fl at in a space as small as 16"x16"x6". The pit comes with a standard grill-tank-type regu lator with a long hose and a sturdy zippered carry bag. An optional low-pressure hose with quick disconnect is available as an accessory for folks who already have a low-pressure propane quick connector on their RV. Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring 3985 N 75 W, Hyde Park, UT 84318 800-650-2433, www.campchef.com Available at Home Depot, Camping World, Sporting Goods stores and various online retailers. MSRP $99.99 (But, you might fi nd them on sale for under $80!)

There’s nothing like having a camp fi rewhen you’re out camping. It makes a great con versation starter and keeps you happy out doors in cooler weather. The problem with a camp fi re is that it requires a lot of prepa ration and work, and everybody smells like smoke the next morning. That’s why I have switched over to a propane-powered fi re pit. It provides a nice amount of heat, and there’s no wood to chop and no ashes or coals left behind. Best of all, there’s no smoke to dodge! P ropane camp fi res produce no sparks, so you can usually use them even when there are fi re restrictions or burn bans in place. You can even toast marshmallows and make smores! The only downside is that most pits are big and take up a lot of space when stored. I have a small RV, and storage space is always a consideration. That’s why I’m so thrilled with my little Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring. Even though it’s only 15 inches in diameter, it produces a very nice-looking fi re and, as the lava rocks heat up, the warmth it produces is impressive! This little pit will run 10 to 12 hours on a 20-lb. grill tank and, when you’re ready to go inside, just turn it off.

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023

ENJOY THEVIEW & 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!

weight and safety

“As you already know, tires are expensive. By having the tires balanced it will extend their life and give you better fuel mileage.”

Wheel Balancers By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

TRAINING SCHEDULE ON PAGE 48

glass beads that our placed inside the tire. They will not damage the inner liner and they are great to use in any RV tire. I used them in my fi fth-wheel tires and the result was better tire wear. For more information, you can visit: www.counteractbalancing.com. Or, you can simply search for “balancing beads” online. Another method is to use Centramatic Wheel Balancers. The trucking industry has used his method for years. For the steering axle, they mount between the hub and the rim. For the driver axle, they mount between the inner and outer rims. Every motorized RV I have owned, I have used the Centramatic Wheel Balanc ers. For more information, visit www.centramatic.com. No matter which system you decide to use, you will not have to worry about balancing your tires and the addedbene fi t will be that the tires will run smoother, cooler and will last longer.

Depending upon who you talk to about how often you should balance your tires, you will hear from 5,000 miles up to 12,000 miles or every six months. The problem is that some drivers never get their tires bal anced once they put them on their vehicle. Wouldn't it be nice to have your tires in bal ance all the time as you are driving down the road? I f you pick up a rock in the tread, this can cause your tire to be out of balance until the rock has been removed. What happens if you hit a pothole and you lose a wheel weight? Your tire will be out of balance. There are several reasons why tires should be balanced. One of the main reasons is to give the vehicle an even and smooth ride. As you already know, tires are expensive. By having the tires balanced it will extend their life and give you better fuel mileage. If a tire is out-of-balance, it will cause more vibration in the suspension components. During Escapees RVers Boot Camp, we talk about two different methods to have your tires continuously balanced as they are rolling down the highway. One method is to use balancing beads. These are coated

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 in Livingston, TX, Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-329-6499 for information and reservations. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023

20% OFF ESCAPEES MEMBERS

care

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023

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Whether you are a weekend RVer or you want to pursue full-time RVing or perhaps you fi nd yourself anywhere in between, we want to help take the stress out of RV living. We are offering classes that will help you make the right choices for staying out of the repair shop and enjoying more of being happy on the road. • RV Foundations: Operation, Safety, and Maintenance takes the mystery out of the various systems of your RV. • Roadmap to Full-Time RVing guides you along the path towards your new full-time RV life by getting you on the road quickly and smoothly.

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escapade

Another Successful Escapees Annual Event Revisiting 62nd Escapade 2023 DUANE AND JEAN MATHES #115955 • Photos by HEATHER DELANEY #180059

of photographs depicting some of the major milestones throughout the club’s 45-year history. Attendees could start their day with complimentary coffee, donuts, and conversation each morning. Throughout the week, 2,880 donuts and 318 gallons of coffee were consumed. Many chose to get their morn ings started with a yoga class in Central Park. For those wanting to kick up their heels, line dance classes were a popular place to spend their afternoons. The generous bidding in this year’s Cupcakes-for CARE auction saw a dozen cupcakes bring in over $5,500, which equates to $458 per cupcake! This year we introduced Dip-a-Chip for CARE. Contes tants were invited to prepare their favorite dip recipes and participate in the competition. Attendees sampled a variety of delicious dips and voted with a few bucks going to their favorites. All proceeds went to CARE. All in all, more than $10,328 was raised for Escapees CARE throughout the event through various fundraising actions, once again, the generosity of this Escapees community. Each evening people were entertained by outstanding acts. Folks were dancing in the aisles as Few Miles South brought their unique style of country music all the way from Georgia. Native Spirit, a Native Amer ican dance group, enthralled the audience with their

The 62nd Escapade is behind us, and all we can say is Wow! What an amazing event it was. Like all Escapades, the week was packed with seminars, socials and high-en ergy entertainment to fi ll everyone’s days. Earlier this year, over 950 RVs rolled into the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona, for Escapade, the largest gath ering of the Escapees community. The air was fueled with excitement as nearly 2,000 people fi lled the venue for fi ve days of fun, friendship and education. Many who came were returning attendees, and yet many more were experiencing Escapade for the fi rst time. The air was abuzz with enthu siasm, and the smiles on people’s faces showed they were having a great time. A special highlight this year was the celebration of Escapees’ 45th anniversary. In honor of the anniversary, attendees had the opportunity to walk down memory lane and view a collection

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escapade

beautiful and brilliant costumes, fascinating storytelling and centuries-old dance styles. Our Tuesday Night Gig brought everyone outdoors for an evening of dancing to classic rock and roll music performed by No Reply. Once again, our talent show, Escapade’s Got Talent, was a big hit. There’s always a surprise, and it’s always enter taining. Thursday night, we fi nished our time together with The Big Social, a night of outdoor fun, food trucks, ax throwing and lots of dancing and singing along with Escapees favorite band, The Status Crowes. Monday through Thursday, seminars were in full swing throughout each day. The seminar line-up was quite extensive. Attendees could choose from a wide variety of topics on everything from volunteer and work-camp opportunities, maintaining their RVs, discovering new places to go, how to dry camp and everything in between. All in all, 65 seminars were provided over four days. The vendor market was a busy place, too, as folks shopped and were educated on the latest innovations in RVing, both in merchandise and services. For those in the market for an RV, that option was available, too. RV Country provided an assortment of new and used rigs for sale. As always, RV Country’s happy hour was a popular place to be in the afternoon. Escapees’ youngest members were well-represented. Kidscapade provided the perfect place for them to

gather each day at Escapade. The children participated in many fun activities, including learning to run a small town, interacting with reptiles and much more. What a great way to make connections with other RVing kiddos! Xscapers hosted a silent disco party which was so fun they hosted it again for a second night! Silent disco, you say? It’s as crazy as it sounds. Everyone wore headphones and danced to music that might or might not have been the same as the person dancing next to them. So let’s say there is something for everyone to experience, and those who went had a great time. Escapade is so much more than an educational event. It’s a homecoming of sorts to those who attend year after year. Yet for those new to the lifestyle, Escapade brings a world of opportunity for meeting like-minded peopleand fi nding ways to connect throughout your travels. You’re sure to make friends and, hopefully, those friendships will continue to grow as time goes on. The memories made will last a lifetime. Everyone seems to remember their fi rst Escapade. For those who have yet to have the opportunity to attend this annual event, the 63rd Escapade is already being planned (see page 16). It’ll take place in Rock Springs, Wyoming, June 2024. We hope you’ll join us and fi nd out for yourself what keeps people returning to Escapade year after year.

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escapade

5 Days 1k Sites

Start Making Plans for the 63RD ESCAPADE Sweetwater Events Center, Rock Springs, Wyoming June 16–21, 2024

All the fun of Escapades will be returning to Rock Springs in 2024! More great live music, seminars, vendors and overall fun will be packed into the fi ve-day event. Rock Springs also provides the perfect opportunity to launch your summer plans with so many great destinations like Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge, Grand Tetons and more. With over 1,000 full hook-up sites, Sweetwater Events Center allows the Escapees community to gather for a great reunion of old and new friends!

Rob and Laura Kernodle #131897 Escapade Directors

ESCAPEES.COM/ESCAPADE Tickets will go on sale towards the end of the year

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023

day’s end

Free and Low-Cost Parking Finds Compiled by GUYGIPSON #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.

Alberta, Canada JASPER : Snaring River CG Over fl ow, Jasper NP. 250 gravel BD sites, tables. Vault toilet, trash bins, W and food lockers. $16.75. Three-nite limit, extendable on request. Appears to be closed except when CG is full. TCH 16, 11.6 mi (19 KM) N of town (toward Edmonton), TL (W) on paved Snaring Rd, go 5.5 KM. Snaring CG (over fee criteria) is on L just before a bridge. Cross bridge, TR into Over fl ow. 53.0149 -118.08625. Good signs, easy off/on, good side rds. Lg rock lot, 200 rigs of all sizes. Easy to level, some shade. Fabulous mtn views, near Snaring Riv. Wildlife seen on drive: black bear, elk, bighorn sheep, bald eagle, golden eagle. Bruce Ratcli ff #48001 and Maxine Vert #49242 LAKE LOUISE : Lg level gravel lot (some paved). BD O/N. Pit toilet, trash bin. $10.80, self-register/pay kiosk. No posted stay limit. From jct PH 93 and TCH 1, go 5 mi SE on TCH 1 to "Over fl ow Camping" sign on R. N51.38692 W116.12957. Easy access. Some hwy noise at night and noise early am from trucks pulling out. Room for many RVs any size, good solar, good Verizon (but not for Internet). Bus from pkg lot to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake $4/adult. Sherman and Joanne Lanz #118589 SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSSING : Columbia Ice fi eld Ctr. BD, lg paved RV pkg lot. Two outhouses. $15.70 CDN, free after summer (may not be open all yr). PH 93/Ice fi elds Pkwy, 103.2 KM SE of Jasper (45 KM NW of PH 11), E (R) side, on border of Banff and Jasper NPs. RV pkg is signed N of the Ctr, in farthest N lot. N52 13.178 W117 13.784. Paved, unlevel. Ctr open 24-hrs with rest rooms, free WiFi (does not reach pkg area) food, etc. No cell service. Fabu lous views of mountains, glacier and Columbia Ice fi eld. Hiking access across rd onto ice fi eld. 6000' elev. Dustin Fields #116447 British Columbia, Canada 100 MILE HOUSE : Municipal CG. Several BD sites, tables. Drinking W tap, trash bins, pit toilets. $15. Someone comes to collect. May 15—Oct 15. Heading N on PH 97, TR at 1st traf fi c light (Horse Lake Rd), CG is on L side of rd just past hospital. Very quiet (3 blocks from Hwy). shaded. Bruce Ratcli ff #48001 and Maxine Vert #49242 BURNSLAKE : Rotary Park, dog park dirt/grass pkg area, across st from Rotary Project Sanidump, free D and pota ble W. No signs re: pkg. In E end of town, TCH 16 KM 496.3, go S on PH 35/Francois Lake Rd at A&W Drive-in,

cross RR tracks then immed R on Railroad Ave into Rotary Park. D and W on L side of st along lumber yard fence, pkg area on R (will be crowded if ball fi eld is in use). One blk N of Municipal CG. N54.22606 W125.7622. Bruce Ratcli ff #48001 and Maxine Vert #49242 FRASER LAKE : White Swan Park Municipal CG. Seven long pull-thru BD sites along lake, also four back-in spots (rough gravel, slight slope, no tables) on side of rest rooms or make your own spot on grassy banks of lake. Flush toilets, wash basins (W heavily chlorinated), trash bins. Beach area has 10 tables, children’s play area, change rooms, sanitary facilities. Free. 2-nite limit. Yellowhead Hwy/TCH 16, in town, at visitor ctr, go N on Carrier Crescent to “T,” TL, go short distance, TR on Park St, go down hill, over RR tracks, then L past beach area to RV spaces on R. 54.06186N 124.84567W. 210 Carrier Crescent. Along Fraser Lake. Fishing. Hiking trails. No W fi ll taps on site. Nocamp fi res. Dogs on leash permitted. RR active day and nite. AT&T full bars. 250-699-6257. tinyurl.com/ptkqjmh tinyurl.com/q3ezamy Ray and Fran Grodek #97924 Ontario, Canada BARRIE : Georgian Downs Racetrack, lg fl at pkg lot. No facilities. Free. No known stay limit. Check in with friendly welcoming casino security. Hwy 400 x85, go W on 8th Line/Innis fi l Beach Rd, TR at fi rst light, track is on R. Park in N/W gravel lot. Races Tues, Fri and Sat evenings during July and Aug. Less than one hr to Toronto. Rick and Ellen Yarker #87386 NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE : Municipal pkg lot. No facilities. Free 8p–10a, $2.50/hr otherwise. Behind Prince of Wales Hotel. Locate the Hotel, take a side st to fi nd entrance to pkg lot. N43.25352 W79.07056. 30 min from the Canadian Falls. Wonderful resort town. Great restaurants and the Shaw Festival nearby. Cli ff Shisler #91958 Indiana FRANKLIN : Johnson County Park. 60 sites with 30–50-A E/W, tables. Rest rooms/showers, trash cans, D. W is turned off Nov 1—Apr 1. $25. Reserve 812-526-6809. I-65 x90, go 2.6 mi W on King St/SR 144 to Franklin, TL (S) on US 31, go 6 mi to SR 252, TR (W), go 2.4 mi to Schoolhouse Rd, TL (S), go 2 mi to Park. 39.37865

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designated lg-rig spaces, narrow and prevent slide use but you can share a space between 2 RVs. Can use lots on R at N43 51.2973 W70 6.2117 and park along curbs. RV areas slope toward ctr, can straddle and get level. Rest rooms in area. Can be busy summer wkends, special events. Next to L.L. Bean (free WiFi may reach lot), no RV pkg in any of their lots. Tom and Debbie McIlwain #60817 SCARBOROUGH : (Portland area) Hannaford grocery store pkg lot. Allowed me to park there for four-days while visit ing a friend in the area. Check with night supervisor. 100 yds N of intersection of US 1 and SR 207. Paul Mayer #47799 SCARBOROUGH : Cabela’s. 13+ paved slightly sloped sites. D ($5 or code from store). Free. one-nite OK despite signs to contrary. I-95 x42, go thru toll, TR on Payne Rd, TR on Cabela Blvd. Pkg and D on L of store. 43.60227 -70.37108. 207-883-7400. Peggy Rudman #116983 TOPSHAM : Topsham FG. 30-A E/W/S long narrow back-in sites on grass. E/W $25, $130/wk. E/W/S $35, $190/wk. Community Way, S from Bypass Dr/SR 196 (N end of town). A little over fee criteria but no other listing with HUs for many miles. 207-841-3200. Donna Carmon #100082 NewMexico LASCRUCES : Sierra Vista CG, Organ Mtns-Desert Peaks NM (BLM). BD. No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. I-25 x1, go 7.5 mi E from town on Dripping Springs Rd, TR (S) on dirt rd to Sierra Vista Trailhead (popular mtn biking use) at N32 19.393 W106 37.828. 1st 1/3 mile is OK for lg rigs but only 5–6 sites. Not very level. Rd continues S beyond Trailhead pkg area and has sites, sm rigs only due to wash crossings and rough rd. Gorgeous scenery at foot of Organ Mtns. Very weak Verizon. Paul Codyer #151338 LASCRUCES : Bowlin’s Old West Trading Post. Ask permis sion. W of Las Cruces, I-10 x127, NE frontage rd. Big Fireworks and Exxon signs. N32.26284 W107.00661. Mgr suggests using gravel lot at W end of bldg. I-10 noise. Trucks also use. Greg and Kim Ketcher #140941 Utah GREEN RIVER : West Winds truck stop, pkg area. Free. Main St/US-6/I-70Bus, NW off Green River Bridge. 38.99596 -110.148543. 1085 E Main St. Alan Jones #109332

-86.04759. No tents. Hoosier Horse Park has 70 E sites for those with horses, same price. Playground, community camp fi re. jocoparks.com/campgrounds. Dave Ed #62492 GREENFIELD : Very lg RA, 2 levels for truck/RV pkg. No restrictive signs. I-70 MM 107, both sides. Upper level, designated "Additional" is reached from fi rst end of main truck area, up a wide driveway. 39.8256-85.7044. Quieter than lower area as fewer trucks use. Can park on end space or at edge to open slide on curb side. Reason ably level. WB side appears to have another larger, unlined pkg area above the 2 truck areas. Sherman and Joanne Lanz #118589 GREENWOOD : Camping World, customer pkg lot. Free. O/N OK, check with store personnel if open. No restrictive signs. I-65 x99, go W, turn immed L (S) on Sheek Rd. 303 Sheek Rd. Not level. Narrow spaces, little room for slideouts. Quiet at night. 317-881-7670. Dan and Carol O'Brien #82088 PENDLETON : McDonalds, lg-rig pkg area. Free. 72-hr limit. I-69 x219, E side. 40.00369 -85.7698. Too sm for lg motorhome towing to turn around. Hwy noise. Dick Scheit #83125 SHELBYVILLE : Lg level empty Lot. No facilities. No restric tive or other signs. I-74 x113, go S on SR 9. Across the rd from McDonalds. Free WiFi. Margie Wilson #102666 SHELBYVILLE : Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, lg level paved pkg lot. Free. I-74 x109. Directions indianagrand.com/ directions 4300 N. Michigan Rd. Park in fi rst lot you come to, below the access rd. Fairly quiet. Good Verizon. Shuttle to casino. Casino is home to Indiana Downs—you can watch the horses work out in the morning. Rhonda Olsen #36111 Maine BATH : Lg level pkg area (city). O/N permitted. 143 Commercial St, W side of Kennebec Riv, 1/4 mi N of US 1. N43.9163 W69.8136. Partially paved. Next to Kennebeck Tavern, great food. Less than 1 block to grocery store, 2 blocks to downtown shopping area. Avoid during 4th of July week, festival crowds town. Good Verizon. Steve Bufty #38366 FREEPORT : Visitor Ctr, pkg lot. No O/N prohibitive signs. I-295 x22, go E to Main St (US 1), TR, go past Bow, Morse, Mill and Grove Streets. TL at stop light on West St, TL on Depot St, go past one-way st (Grove) on L, immed TL into lot, marked for RV pkg. N43.85498 W70.10419. A few

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 edby 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 July/August 2023

My SkyMed membership card is the only card in my wallet that has no credit line. The credit line on my SkyMed card is Whatever it takes! Don’t leave home without being protected. Greg Gersbach, SkyMed Ambassador and Chief Sales O ffi cer

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AS SEEN IN ESCAPEES MAR/APR 2019 ISSUE

DFWRVRoof.com

camping chair chat

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

Spreading Cheer with Ukuleles at The Florida SKP Resort The group was named “The Ukulele Orchestra of

This past winter, The Florida SKP RESORT in Wauchula, Florida, was blessed to have members Rosie and Mike Sinclair, from the Isle of Wight, UK, as new park members. Mike and Rosie travel the world, performing ukulele concerts, participating in festivals and giving classes. They are well known in the growing “Uke” community. The couple brought with them "from across the pond,” not only their delightful accents, but also an enthusiastic presence and love of ukulele music. T his season, their mission was to get music into the park and spread cheer throughout the land. First, the couple gave concerts at park events and happy hours, then they went one step further: offering to teach ukulele classes once a week. The classes were well attended and evolved to 32 members, with newcomers arriving weekly as the word spread about all the fun the group was having. First, participants were guided through chords, strumming and tempo and graduated to familiar songs. Then, due to popular demand, they began holding jam sessions every Friday afternoon, where spectators were welcome to listen as the group improved and pushed their limits. After each weekly lesson, group members received digital copies of music, teaching notes and website links.

Wauchula” by its band leader, Michael, and the group has performed in SKP Park events, such as birthday parties, where they humbly march down the street strumming “Happy Birthday” to the celebratory member. The last recipient was founding member Miss Vera, who turned 93 and was serenaded by the group at the Friday jam. Most recently, the group crashed the Hawaiian Luau, where they “Flash Mobbed” the party with a lively performance of “Yellow Bird.” The goal of Mike and Rosie was achieved. You can now hear strumming and singing throughout the park as the students practice or gather in small groups to learn from one another. The lessons will close at the end of March, but the ukuleles will be strummed in places far and wide as group members head north and west. The few who remain for the summer will be hosted and assisted by Marsha and Bud Hodgkins until the tuneful snowbirds return. “The Ukulele Orchestra of Wauchula” would like to extend our appreciation to Mike and Rosie for sharing their expertise with us and expending their patience in spreading the joy of music for us all to share. Michael and Rosie have been gracious in every way. They have the true spirit of Escapees’ “caring and sharing.” “We believe in music…We believe in Love.” Tamara Milliard #108259

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camping chair chat

TheDesert in the Human I didn’t plan to end up in the desert. I work full-time from my RV, and I am always teth ered in my search for connectivity. It is always a balance between how far I can get from the traditional world to a world of my own making. Y ou think because you plan your stay, maybe even do extensive preparations to build your escape, this will be an adventure like any other. But when you arrive, it can be an entirely differ ent outcome. I thought I was just going to be another human in the desert. I’m between responsibilities and thought this would be a good time to push my RV to the limit. I have boon docked overnight many times. I have boondocked for several months with friends or family. But this was the fi rst time I would do an extended stay without ‘backup’. Everything would depend on what our rig could do and how well we planned our endeavor. I’m a foodie and would normally be hunting hole-in the wall joints to absorb the local food and drink as well as the customs. And, although I’m an introvert, I still enjoy entertainment from the outside looking in. But here, I don’t anticipate my free hours being fi lledwith activity overload. So, what am I going to explore for a month in the desert? As far as I can see, the scenery is the same, mile after mile. I was wrong. When I step out of the RV, I can walk in any direction toward mountains on the far horizon. I watch as RVs in different shapes and sizes appear and disappear across the desert landscape. I don’t know

where everyone is coming from, why they are here, or if they accidentally stayed here like me. The saguaro cactus lets insigni fi cant me pass, like they have overseen hundreds of others pass this way. Did you know the Saguaro doesn’t even grow its fi rst arm until they are 75 to 100 years old? They live 150 to 200 years and are the largest cacti in the United States. Nothing is in a rush in the desert except the lizard that wants to be hidden on your approach. I hobble across sand and rock. (I’m not an athletic hiker or climber.) What looks to be a spread of dark brown chunky peanut butter across the landscape is a tasty visual. For a hue that looks totally brown across the span of space, there are more colors up close. The land bursts with oranges, reds, whites, blacks and tans. Each rock has its own character with lines, shapes, cracks and sparkles. I can’t help but bend down and turn them over in my palm. Sometimes I look at throngs of people and they become a blur in everyday life like the sands of the desert. I forget I should slow down, look closer and appreciate the wealth of stories and experiences each individual has to share. If the Saguaros and rocks could only communicate. But, then I guess they have been. I just needed to listen. Maybe working from my RV keeps me chained to semi-regular hours. But, the freedom of my RV creates opportunities to dig deeper into the sand and soil. You cannot walk away from the desert without taking some of it with you, internally. Although if you RV a lot, you always take some in your shoes! I know I will be storing those long idle walks, picking up rocks and scanning the vistas. I know saguaros made me hold still and acknowledge time. I don’t have 150–200 years, but I can live like I do. Each rock I picked up was to examine its unique beauty. I can admire this beauty in the traditional world, too, with the people around me. For a place I did not originally plan to visit, the desert ardor will remain embedded in this human. Lucinda Belden #159950

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camping chair chat

RV Steps Complicate Plans It was early in January, and we were getting ready to take our 30-foot Airbus to Quartzsite, Arizona, for the annual “snowbird migration.” Our Airbus is 25-years old and considered an antique by DMV standards. However, she is still in good shape, drives well and is a comfortable 30-footer. I thought all was well, and we were ready to go, when I discovered the electric steps at the door were not retracting to a closed position. B eing 87 years old, I asked my wife, Gloria, to crawl under the motorhome and fi nd the problem. She responded with a quick: “No way Jose!” I fi nally guessed it had to be the motor that had worn out, so I found the old Kwikee Steps manual that came with the RV. Inside, it showed a part number and a company telephone number in Oregon. I called the number the next day, explaining I needed a new motor. The gentleman with a foreign accent on the other end, said it would cost $50 on a special offer and that it included installation. All I had to do was give him my credit card number! Realizing this could be a scam artist, I hung up the phone and decided to look onAmazon. I had dismantled the old motor from the steps to look at it. Thinking that, with the part number and looking

Finding a mouse in your RV is no fun. Even worse is mice destroying your truck engine’s wiring harness! W e’ve always eliminated mice in our rig easily with baited traps. However, mice and pack-rats are a huge problem in our neighborhood, and despite using the most popular deterrents, our truck engine’s main wiring harness was chewed through twice in one month. Fortunately, my husband, Mark, was able to solder and shrink-wrap the severed wires despite their awkward location under the fuse box. Both of us were frustrated beyond belief. Ina fi t of pique, Mark bought some Tomcat rat poison and put it under the truck. We knew nothing about rat poison. We just wanted the rodents gone ! The next day I saw a green object like a dog treat on our dog’s mat in the back yard. It was a brick of rat poison and about a quarter of it had been eaten! Panic stricken, Mark scoured the yard and found only seven of the eight poison bricks that came in the box. I called Tomcat’s poison hotline, and they told me a brick and a quarter was a lethal dose for a 25 lb. dog, the size of our beloved pup, Buddy. My world keeled over and crashed as I heard these words. Sweet little Buddy was happily prancing around the yard, oblivious. I called his veterinarian and was told to spray hydrogen peroxide in his mouth to induce vomiting and get to the emergency animal hospital, an hour away, immediately. After coughing up pale green phlegm (proving he had eaten at least some of the poison), we drove like wild fi re to the hospital. Buddy was bright eyed and bushy-tailed and looked at us pleadingly as the vet techs took him away. The veterinarian, Dr. Frost, explained that Tomcat’s poison chemical, bromethalin, causes brain swelling and seizures and has no antidote. There is zero chance of survival once a dog has a seizure.

BUDDY A Cautionary Tale of an Accidental Poisoning A Journey in Spirit By EMILY FAGAN #99408 • Photos by EMILY AND MARK FAGAN

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March/April 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

Keep Your Pets Close The article written to inform folks of the danger regarding rat and mouse poison, such as Tomcat mouse killer, reminded me of an incident many years ago. What I’m suggesting is a tidbit of caution, especially for those that are parked in or frequent areas that have other RVs about. Those other RVers may be using mouse poison. Since cats and dogs are snoopers, if they come across a dead or dying “anything” and eat it, you have the same problem. My daughter lost two of her pets to the hazard of the Tomcat mouse killer, so remember to keep your pets close and don’t let them roam. Steve Judson #12180

at any pictures I found on Amazon, I would recognize an identical motor. The fi rst and second motors I ordered were the wrong size. However, on the third attempt, the motor I received was identical. With so much rain during this time, it was a week before I had a chance to do the instal lation. As I fi nished the job, my Gloria came home and asked how I was managing. I slowly closed the door and watched the steps go all the way in. We both did a little happy dance, then tried them again just to be sure. We thought about leaving for our Quartzite trip, but it was a little late to meet up with our friends. Plus, we had a reservation in Yosem

From West to East In reference to “Staying Weather Aware,” March /April 2023, I would like to add the following: We have traveled from New Hampshire to Arizona and back every year for many years. A little trick we use with the weather; We look for a good window (when time allows). The weather tends to move from west to east. When going west, if we see the weather changing, we look at our several weather APPS, and we plan a day or two for driving through it,

Severe Weather and Springtime RVing STAYING WEATHER AWARE By JOSH ROBERTS , Guest Contributor

ESCAPEES Magazine March/April 2023

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ite for late March. Then, we found out that Yosemite Park was closed due to the excessive snow fall. So, it seemed we were destined to stay home for the winter. But, at least our steps are working! Charlie Bennett #145683

or if it is bad, we hole up. When going east, we get behind the weather by a day or two and follow that space across the country. Over many years this has stood us in good stead. It only sometimes works. Bob Heath #108238

Opinions contained in “Camping Chair Chat” are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. This column is for Escapees magazine readers to share thoughts, ideas and helpful hints. Escapees RV Club accepts no responsibility for what is expressed here by any person, group or company. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting. Submissions that are sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023