Escapees May-June 2023

ESC EES Sharing The RV Lifestyle

NORTH CAROLINA Benjamin Long Frescoes PAGE44 TOY-HAULER LIVING Flexability Plus PAGE36

BIGGER DOESN’T MEAN BETTER Losing Square Footage and Gaining Opportunity PAGE32

May/June 2023 | Vol 44 Issue 6 www.escapees.com

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thoughts for the road

honey, I’m retiring. You are now the cook.” He said, “You know I don’t know how to cook!” “You’ll learn when you get hungry enough.” The audience laughed. A few days later, Joe went for his annual check-up. When Joe came out, he said the doctor wanted to see me. When I went in, the doctor said, “Joe is losing weight and needs three solid meals a day or he’ll die.” I knew immediately Joe had asked him to say that and as soon as I came out, Joe asked what the doctor said. I replied, “He said you’d better learn to cook or you’re gonna die.” Joe laughed and said, “You win.” Now he does the cooking! He always comes up with something good, even if it is a strange combination and often unrecognizable. Twice a week I give him a break and tell him it’s my turn. Then we go to a restaurant for lunch and I remind him to save some to take home because that’s his supper, too. Both of us had bad marriages the fi rst time around. We met through an organization called Parents Without Partners (PWP), where there are six women to every man. Joe thrived on the attention because his ego needed a boost after his fi rst wife left him and their four children (ages 4, 7, 9 and 11) to ride off into the sunset with someone who had a full head of hair. I didn’t have much time for dating because I was working two jobs to support three children (8, 11, 12). I had no help from my ex-husband, who was an alcoholic. Both Joe and I realized the advantages of the PWP weekly discussion groups and attended them all. These were intense discussions because people felt safe in talking about their beliefs, worries about raising children alone, the effect on our children when we began dating and about entering the scary world of steppar ents. Joe and I discovered we shared a lot of values and beliefs. After two years of dating other women, he fi nally got around to me. Less than four months later, we were married and raising seven children together. During our 45 years of marriage, neither of us has ever called the other an ugly name, yelled or brought up something from the past to hurt the other. When we disagree, we respect our different viewpoints because we are two different people. So if you didn’t get my message the fi rst time around, and you were one of those who thought I should “dump Joe and get someone to love me,” let me assure you there is no one who could love me more. And there is no other man on earth I would exchange for “my Joe.” An excerpt from Escapees magazine November/December 2011

I owe an apology to our newer members who haven’t had a chance to get to know Joe and me on a personal level. I tend to forget, many never went to an Escapade when Joe and I were giving seminars. Both of us used ourselves, or each other, as the “butt” of jokes that were intended to make a speci fi c point. Reality hit me like a sucker punch after one person who read my column in the November/December 2009 issue suggested I “dump Joe and fi nd someone who will really love you.”

W hat new members may not understand is that Joe and I can tease and joke about each other because we are blessed with a marriage that was based on a deep friendship before love. We are what the younger gener ation calls “soulmates.” The point I was making in that column was that people are different, but we love them for, and in spite of, their uniqueness. In past seminars, Joe told jokes on me—especially about my cooking. With seven children and a hard-working husband, I had to cook, but I always considered it a waste of time. By the time I got that meal cleaned up, it was time to begin fi xing the next one. When the children were on their own, and Joe and I were full-time RVing, Joe started joking about my cook ing at a seminar. I spontaneously retorted, “Don’t worry,

Co-founder

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May/June 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

contents

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features 32 Bigger Doesn’t Mean Better BY ERIN ST PIERRE After taking a few RV trips, we realized what a hassle it was to travel with something so huge. 36 Toy-Hauler Living BY EMILY FAGAN The advantage of an enclosed garage is that the mess of the toys doesn’t barge into your living room. 40 Billboards BY DOROTHY RIEKE The fi rst known billboard appeared a thousand years ago. This makes billboards one of the oldest forms of advertising. 44 North Carolina BY JOYCE SPACE While traveling in North Carolina, one of my top priorities was to drive to the eight towns or cities where Benjamin Long’s frescoes are located. 50 Frauds and Scams BY KIM FULTS AND MARIA PARMELLY At First National Bank of Livingston, we take fraud seriously. And, even better, we take scams just as serious. 54 Nuts and Seeds BY EVANNE SCHMARDER Served at a cocktail party or sprinkled over an ice cream sundae, served as a dipping sauce with your favorite spring roll or as a butter to put on your toast, nuts and seeds can do it all.

On the Cover PHOTO BY WADE NORTON #144450 Wade Norton share with us the story of this beautiful photo taken with his iPhone: “Passing through Oregon provided my wife Debi and I an opportunity to stay at Timber Valley SKP Co-op RV Park, in Sutherlin, Oregon, for our fi rst time. During our stay, we were taken aback by the beauty of the moment and the peace and calm, all accen tuated by the interesting popcorn sky.”

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023

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58

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travel 15 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 22 SKPStops 28 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 BYJIMKOCA

community 14 63rd Escapade 82 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

77 Calling All Chapters 18 Camping Chair Chat 76 Chapter Map

12 Escapees CARE, Inc. 64 Escapees Hangouts 72 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 edAds BC ClubBene fi ts

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May/June 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

contents

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

“Visit Escapees.com for up-to-date information on events, clubbene fi ts and more. Look for information about Escapees mag azine under the “education tab.” A s you get ready to head out for summer fun, you can count on Escapees magazine to help you along your way. Whether you’re looking for a unique destina tion spot or a fun gathering of RVers, you can fi nd it within the pages of this issue. If you’re trying to fi nd the RV that’s a perfect fi t for you and your travel companions, there are a couple of articles in this issue that will give you some insight with regard to size and accommodation. Throughout the pages, you will fi nd interesting and RV-friendly destination spots you may not have considered visiting before. You can always count on your adventure-lov ing fellow RVers to share those hidden gem locations they come across on their travels. From health and fi tness to avoiding scams, we have you covered. Our editorial team is as excited as you are to get on the road this summer. With an endless array of places to see, things to do and people to meet, we wish you all safe and happy travels wherever your wheels may take you. Visit Escapees.com for up-to-date information on events, clubbene fi ts and more. Also, look for details about Escapees magazine under the “education” tab. Remember to share your stories, thoughts and ideas with us, as we are always happy to hear from our readers. Team work makes the dream work, and we want you to be a part of our support network by helping other Escapees members make their RVing experience the best it can be.

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 May/June 2023

20% OFF ESCAPEES MEMBERS:

UseCode: SKP20

mark, my words

Decal Cracks Q. Mark, we store our RV in a lot in our complex, and the decals on the side that gets the most sun have cracked. Is there any quick fi x to make these look better barring taking them o ff ? Thanks. I love reading your column. Kathy A. Most RV decals are vinyl, and the only way to keep them looking good is to keep a good quality automotive paste wax on them to help protect them from the sun and from drying out. Unfortunately, once the decals have begun to crack and fade, there is little you can do to restore them. About the only way to get a long-lasting fi x is to remove the old decals and replace them. There are a number of companies that specialize in replacement graphics and decals for RVs. Take a look at: www.rvgraphicsstore.com www.rvdecalsdirect.com www.graphicsrv.com You can also have the entire RV wrapped! As an alternative to paint, this is a less-expensive way to give your rig a brand new fi nish. wrapguys.com/motorhome-rv-wraps www.wakegraphics.com/rv-wraps If you go with the replacement decals, you have to remove the old, faded ones fi rst. Removing the old graphics is a dif fi cult task and may be best left to professionals. However, if you have near-in fi nite patience and a heat gun, they can be removed using a plastic or steel scraper, some heat and a gentle touch. If you choose to wrap the entire rig, you may not have to remove the old decals. Of course, the third alternative is to develop a blind spot and just not see the faded decals. That approach has worked well for me in the past (smile)!

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

PHOTO BY DUSTIN SIMPSON COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA RV SPECIALISTS.

Un-Winterizing to Travel Q. My wife and I are brand new to RVing. We bought a brand-new, 25-foot travel trailer late last summer. Because we didn’t know how to get it ready for winter storage, we paid to have it winterized, but now I am not sure how to safely get it ready to use this season. Any tips or information you can give us would be a big help. We live in New Hampshire, so I know they used antifreeze in the system, and I don’t know how much fl ushing or what else I have to do so I don’t get sick or break something. Bill A. The main thing is to thoroughly fl ush the antifreeze out of the RV’s plumbing. First, put some water in your fresh-water tank, then run the pump and let the water fl ow from every fi xture until there is no more antifreeze color or odor. Then, hook up the hose to your city water inlet and repeat. It may take a while to get it all fl ushed out, so watch that you don’t over fi ll your holding tanks. RV antifreeze is nontoxic, so even if there’s some taste or odor left, it won’t kill you. Any residual taste or odor usually fades after a few days of use. Once you’re fl ushed out, put the water heater back into operation by installing the drain plug and setting the water heater bypass back to the normal operation mode (check your RV manual!). Now, let the water heater fi ll completely before you try to light it. Once everything is full and all faucets are shut off, unhook the hose from the city water inlet and turn the pump back on. The pump should run long enough to bring the pressure up and then shut off. Wait a few minutes to be sure that the pump doesn’t “bump” on and off when no faucets are open. If it does, you may have a leak somewhere. Hopefully, you are now all set to go! Be sure to check tire pressure before you tow, and check your owner’s manual for any other recommendations for putting your rig back into operation after winter storage.

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023

mark, my words

Black Ants

Window Leaks Q. I live out West and, of course, it’s the rainy season. The last few trips I noticed a few window leaks and did attempt to seal the frame to the RV body with a qual ity silicone. This didn’t work. Searching the web, I found a couple of suggestions being applicable to RV or boat. The work looks time-consuming, involves remov ing the frame, cleaning it and shimming it to apply and form a rubber gasket, then reinstall. If that doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is removing the window, remove and replace the seal and reinstall. Is this accurate? So the question: In your experience should I take this on or hire a pro? Some projects just aren’t worth the time and expense of materials. Scott A. While I can’t be positive without looking at your rig, the majority of water leaks that are occurring around the window frames do require that the frame and/or window be pulled to properly renew the seal. Just adding silicone around the outside where the frame meets the sidewall will be a temporary fi x at best. It’s not a fun job and requires that all the screws that secure the window assembly to the rig be removed. Then, the window assembly is carefully pried out and the old caulk is removed from the window opening and the window frame. New butyl-rubber caulk is applied to the window frame, and the whole thing is reinstalled. Sometimes, prying the window out (without damaging it) and cleaning off the old caulk can be a major pain, so unless you are feeling “handy,” you may want to take it to an RV repair shop and have it done. Fiberglass Repair Q. I always appreciate your articles, and I have a question: There is a thin cut (slice) that is two-inches long in the fi berglass of my Thor Palazzo. Is there a good (and easy) way to seal this cut? Mike A. I’ve had the same problem, and discovered that you really only have two choices for a repair method. If sealing the damaged area is your primary concern, then there’s nothing better than eternabond tape. www.amazon.com/DP/B00AYPCJ9G It will be a permanent water-tight repair, but will not be esthetically pleasing. If the spot is highly visible, and you’re concerned with how it looks, then it gets a bit more dif fi cult. Putting a clear sealant on the crack sounds like a good idea, and it blends in nicely with the paint or fi nish, but I haven’t found any clear liquid sealant that won’t yellow or discolor over time. One possibility is to seal the crack with a good polyurethane sealant, smooth it out carefully, then put a decal or small light fi xture, or other exterior accessory over the repair once it’s set up. This hides the repair from the eye. It’s also possible to repair the crack with automotive body repair materials, sand it down, fi ll and prime it and then paint it. However, paint matching is best left to professional repair shops, as it’s really hard for a do-it-yourselfer to paint match and feather a repair and get it to blend in.

Q. We park our RV under a cover, and the last time that we took it out and put the slide out, we noticed that it had black ants under the roller. Some of them did come inside the motorhome. What kind of treatmen can we use to get the ants out? A. You can use most household ant killers and pest control products in your RV to help control insects. You can also use various barrier products (Borax, Boric acid, Diazinon) to prevent the ants from getting into the RV in the fi rst place. You should call a local pest control company to assist you if you are having trouble controlling ants. They are usually equipped with much stronger chemicals than those you can purchase as a consumer. However, I’m concerned when you say that you have black ants. If these are large ants, they are probably carpenter ants. I have experienced a carpenter ant infestation in one of my RVs, and they can be dif fi cult to control. Carpenter ants nest in wood structures. They don’t eat the wood like termites, but bore through the wood to nest and can cause structural damage. They will typically infest a rig while it is in storage. If the ants you see are large and black (or reddish-black), or if you see any signs of sawdust or wood debris in infested areas, get a pest control specialist involved as soon as possible!

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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May/June 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 : www.gadgetbox.escapees.com

Gadgets Revisited By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor

OmniaOven Another recent gadget that I’m especially pleased with is my Omnia oven: (www.omniasweden.com/us/)! (Featured in the Jan/Feb 2023 issue) I love how easy it is to use, and how little space it takes up in the RV. That’s because all the accessories nest inside the oven, which fi ts into a small carrying bag. And, yum! I have used it a lot, enjoying freshly baked biscuits, meat fi lled pastries, bacon-wrapped Jalapenos and perfect chicken nuggets, all cooked on my stovetop. The only downside was that the metal cooking pan could be dif fi cult to keep clean and shiny, but no more! Omnia now sells a very nice Ceramic non-stick replacement pan, and it’s a game changer: it wipes clean with a sponge, and nothing sticks to it! If you have an Omnia, de fi nitely invest in the new non-stick pan—you’ll love it. Available direct from Omnia, and online, and costs about $36. Non-Stick Pan: www.amazon.com/dp/B09VN5TR7M SPECIAL OFFER FOR ESCAPEES : 20% off your entire order through August 31, 2023! Use discount code escapees20. Discount can be redeemed at www.buyomniaus.com

Battery Monitor In the May/June 2022 issue of Escapees magazine, I reviewed an inexpensive battery state-of-charge (SoC) meter, the HENGSHAN AiLi Battery Monitor. It has proven to be amazingly dependable and accurate. Available online for under $80, I think it’s the best value out there, and mine has survived in my RV for more than a year, so I can vouch for its reliability. It’s easy to install, uses a calibrated shunt to measure current fl owing to or from the battery bank, and computes the SoC in percent. It works with lead-acid and lithium batteries and is great for watching over your battery bank while boondocking. It also appears that Renogy, the well-known solar company, is now selling the same unit with their name on it. The price is about the same, too! ORIGINAL LINK : www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3L4F6R RENOGY VERSION : www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP5B5P7

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023

weight and safety

Fire Extinguishers By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

A fi re is one of the worse things that could happen to you, whether it be in an RV or a house. All RVs come with a dry-powder fi re extinguisher. This extinguisher is required to be installed in the RV and it is generally located by the RV’s entrance. The main problem with this type of extinguisher is that when it is discharged, the dry chemical goes everywhere and it is hard to clean up. It is also corrosive to metal. Also, when sprayed into a grease fi re, the powder can cause the fi re to spread. In Escapees RVers Boot Camp we talk about replacing your dry-powder fi re extinguisher with a foam fi re extinguisher. Mark Nemeth, Sky Renfro and I tested different foam fi re extinguishers. We were looking for one that was easy to use, easy to clean up and mostly, after the fi re was out, we didn’t want it to rekindle. After testing the different brands available at the time, we concluded that these extinguishers pass our test: Fire Fight Product Extinguisher, Fire Gone Extin guisher and the FireAde Extinguisher. There are many more foam fi re extinguishers on the market now that may also pass our test. We are always on the lookout for products that will ensure the safety of our members. When replacing your fi re extinguisher, you will fi nd that the foam extinguisher will not fi t into the holder of the dry chemical extinguisher. They will fi t into a bicycle water-bottle holder available from a bike shop, Amazon, or Walmart. Another question that comes up in Boot Camp, is how many extinguishers I need in my travels? Basically, you need one in the bedroom, by the entrance door, in the kitchen, in an outside bay that is not locked and in your tow vehicle. When a fi re occurs, you must know where the extinguishers are located. It is always best to have a plan on what would happen if I had a fi re at 2:33 am. How will I get out and can I fi ght a fi re. The best course of action is to get out of the RV and call 911. This is why it is important to know where you are in the RV park. The Fire Fight Products can be purchased at www. fi re fi ghtproducts.com. The Fire Gone and FireAde extinguishers can be purchased through Amazon.

FireAde Extinguisher.

Fire Gone Extinguisher

“After testing the different brands available at the time, we concluded that these extinguishers pass our test…” Fire Fight Product Extinguisher

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 936-329-6499 for information on SmartWeigh. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 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!

care

Meet Dave: CARE’s New Executive Director By CRYSTAL SAULTER #149374, CARE Marketing Manager

Hawaii (without the RV), and if they ever make it, North Dakota will be their 50 fi nal state to visit. The Condit family has always been into camping, from tents, to slide-in pickup campers to a 40-foot fi fth wheel. While most of their camping was here in the US, they lived in the Netherlands for fi ve years where month-long summer 'holidays’ involved camping in every western European country, except for Spain and Portugal. Their favorite places were in Switzerland, Italy and Greece. In 2015, Dave and Tammy came to Escapees CARE to volunteer for two months. Two months eventually turned into six months. Both loved CARE and the residents in the park. They returned to the road for a year to travel the Northeast US, along with exploring the Southeast Canadian providences. After a year of traveling, Dave was offered the Maintenance manager position at CARE. In 2017, Dave came out of retirement and began working at CARE. Several big projects were laid out and overseen by Dave. These included building the new 18 RV sites, acquiring/installing the third, fourthand fi fth Generac generators, replace wiring/ pedestals at the older lots, adding the new addition to the Thrift N Gift (TNG) resale store and relocating the laundry to a larger and more modern facility. In the fi rst quarter of 2022, the existing director, Russell Johnson, announced his retirement, and Dave was recommended to become the new director and was approved by the board of directors. Tammy has always been actively working in CARE’s TNG re-sale shop since 2017. In 2022, the TNG’s manager stepped down. Tammy was ‘next in line’ to become manager, which she accepted. At that same time the TNG’s new larger building was added, allowing a much larger selection of products to be displayed. Tammy had her work cut out for her during her fi rst few months, with setting up and moving into the new building, plus redecorating the existing facility. Dave and Tammy are not only active in the life at CARE, but extend their lives into the city of Livingston and to Polk County, Texas, through their church’s outreach to the homeless. Each Tuesday, Tammy purchases, prepares and delivers a home-cooked meal to 35-plus homeless Livingston, Texas. Dave and Tammy are excited to call Livingston their “Hometown” and CARE as their “Family.” Escapees CARE Needs Volunteers and Donations! Volunteers receive a free site, three meals per day, free WiFi in our center and more. Volunteers give 28/36 hours per week for four weeks. Donations (via www.paypal.com/ givingfund, www.iGive.com, www.escapees.com/store, or through a bequest in your will) all help support Escapees CARE. For further details, call 936 327-4256, e-mail carefd@escapees.com, 155 Care Center Dr, Livingston, TX 77351 or visit www.escapeescare.org |

Let me introduce you to our new execu tive director at Escapees CARE, Inc.: Dave Condit. He was born in Oklahoma, but lived most of his life in Texas. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married 53 years. They have three sons, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and another on the way. A fter graduating from college in 1972, Dave spent his entire career life as a software engineer for banking, telephone, oil and gas, and aeronautical companies. Dave’s most exciting days were working in the Mission Control Center, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, along side the mission-control team and the astronauts fl ying in both the shuttle and international space station. Dave says, "Everyday at NASA was exciting, fun, and you were consistently learning and trying new things. The worst day ever was February 1, 2003, when Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the atmosphere over Texas, killing all seven astronauts on board." Dave and Tammy retired in 2010, bought a fi fth wheel, sold the house and became full-time RVers, trav eling to eight Canadian providences and most of the US, except two states. They took a cruise from California to

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023

NEW AND IMPROVED RV EDUCATION ANYWHERE!

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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

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 May/June 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.

Arizona CONGRESS: Lg gravel lot. O/N OK. No restrictive signs. Free. From SR 89 in Congress, go 3 mi SW on SR 71, S side. Room for 3 lg rigs. Close to hwy, but quiet at night. Circ and Cindi Toepel #141223 CORDES JUNCTION: Agua Fria NM (BLM), lg pkg area. Signed “not a rest area,” but trucks use it anyway. Free. 14-day limit. I-17 x256, go E on Badger Springs Rd. 34.23695 -112.10959. More camping spots down gravel rd leading to and beyond pit toilet. Hiking trails, petro glyphs and some ruins. Paul Codyer #151338 HOLBROOK: Hopi Travel Plaza, pkg areas. 6.5 mi E of town, I-40 x292, NW quad. 34.9759 -110.08833. Going in, TL toward restaurant, park along E edge of lot, quieter than with trucks in other lots on N and W sides. Good food. Chas Wilder #88717 KAYENTA: Burger King, lg gravel lot in rear. Sign in front says “RV/Truck All-Day All-Night Pkg.” Free. US 160 MM 392, 0.4 mi W of jct with US 163, N side. OK WiFi. Inter pretive ctr/gift shop next door. Paul Codyer #151338 California LINCOLN: Thunder Valley Casino, huge pkg lot for trucks/ RVs. NB, I-80 x106 go N on SR 65 towards Lincoln, exit to L (W) on Sunset Blvd, TR on Foothills Blvd, TR on Athens Ave. 1200 Athens Ave. 38.83611 -121.31068. SB, SR 65 x313 to R (W) on Twelve Bridges Dr, TL on Industrial Ave, TR on Athens Ave. Long distance from casino but can phone them for shuttle pickup. Nearby RR horn is loud, but not too often. 916-408-7777. OLD STATION: Bogard RA. 9 long, paved pull-thru spaces. 24-hr rest rooms with fl ush toilets, hot water in sinks, tables, unthreaded W spigot, trash cans. Free. 8-hr limit. 23 mi E of Old Station on SR 44 (29 mi W of Susanville), go S at turnoff to Bogard RA, MM 14.5, 40.58586 -121.08842. Go short distance, take fi rst R into RA. 1/4 mi off hwy, paved access. No Verizon. Longer stay at adjacent Sno-Park. Carl and Patti Williams #118698

TRUCKEE: Free BD areas near Boca and Stampede Reser voirs. I-80 x194 (Hirschdale Rd). If you come from the W, at end of ramp TL onto paved CR 894AA1 (Stampede Meadows Rd) 1/2 mi, under interstate to where ramp from E ends. If you come from the E, TL there. Now go 0.25 mi to large pkg area on R under big oak trees, just after crossing bridge, between rd and RR tracks. Free. Noisy. More areas further down rd. Paul Codyer #151338 TULELAKE: Lava Beds NM Rd, BD outside of NM (NF). Fire ring. Free. 14-day limit. Burned, dead trees surround sites, potentially hazardous, use care. 24 mi S of town on SR 139, TR (W) towards Lava Beds NM, go 2.6 mi, TR (NW) on Lava Beds NM Rd (paved but bumpy), go 7.3 mi, TL on Little Sand Butte (FR 44N17Y, gravel), go 0.6 mi, on L. 41.6588 -121.41175. 2 lg rigs. Good solar. Sm site shortly after turn on to 44N17Y. Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano #103274 Iowa FAIRFIELD: Jefferson County Park. 24 level, graded and shaded sites with 30–50-A E, 19 of which have W. Modern rest rooms/showers, D. $20 if hooked up to E, $15 if not, self registration. May—Oct. From US 34 x212 go N towards city 0.2 mi to Libertyville Rd, TL (W), go 1.2 mi to entrance on R. Paved access and interior rds. Good Verizon. Alex and Carol Patterson #109349 FOREST CITY: Ambroson Rec Area (county). No facilities except dispersed pkg. Free. No signs prohibit O/N. No posted stay limit. Four mi N of town on US 69, on L (W). N43.32123 W93.63825. One entrance to a long, unmarked gravel pkg area, mid-sized motorhome with toad should be able to turn around at end. Kayak launch, picnic area, fi shing, hunting. www.tinyurl.com/2s4yun6z Jill Iteen #94918 SOLON: Sandy Beach CG, Coralville Lake (COE). 50 sites with 30-A E/W, 2 F-HU and 8 BD, tables, fi re rings. W, fl ush toilets/showers, D. $18–$22, S/A Pass 1/2. Reser vation required, 877-444-6777 or rec.gov. 14-day limit within 30 at Coralville Lake. I-380 x10, go E on 120th St. 1 mi, TR on Curtis Bridge Rd, go 1 mi, TL on Sandy Beach Rd, go 3 mi to CG on R. 41.81361 -91.59528. Many lg-rig sites, some with lake views. Boat ramp. 319-338-3543. Fred and Eve Schindler #126989

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Illinois HAVANA: Lg, level, fl at paved shaded two-ended picnic area. Tables. Free. No signs. Two mi E of town on US 136, N side. 40.29719N 89.99535W. Herb and Ginger Conly #110297 PEORIA: Par-A-Dice Casino, lg, fl at, well-lit pkg lot. Free. Van driver said O/N OK. No known stay limit. I-74 x95, go 1 mi E on US 150, on L. 40.6776 -89.56156. Room for trucks and RVs on back side. Quiet. Excellent restaurants inside casino. John Nye #167346 PITTSFIELD: Pitts fi eld City Lake CG (CP). 33 shaded, fairly level gravel E/W sites, tables, fi re rings. Rest rooms, shower, D, dumpster. $15. 14-day limit. No reservations. Go 2 mi E on SR 106 to 415 St, TL (N), go 1.5 mi N. Do not follow GPS as will be on curvy narrow rds. 39.63046 -90.75153. 2 double pull-thrus, 1 single pull-thru. Beware of pkg under hickory nut trees in fall. 35' max. Playground, nature trails, ball fi elds. Steve and Pam Ritchie #48345 SHELBYVILLE: Lithia Springs CG (COE). 111 E sites, and 8 FHU, tables, fi re rings. Showers, fl ush toilets, laun dry, D. $18-2, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. 4/15-10/29. Reservations required: rec.gov or 877-444-6777. Reser vation service may indicate no vacancy while fi rst-come availability exists, ranger sta open 12–2p and 4–7p, 217-774-3951. 3.2 mi E from town on SR 16, go 2.1 mi N on CR 2200E, TL (W), go 1.4 mi on CR 1500 N. 39.43437 -88.76067. 2042 1500 North Rd E. On E side of lake. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint OK. No T-mobile. Visitor Ctr, playground, beach. Fred and Eve Schindler #126989 Indiana EDINBURGH: Irwin Park (CP). 12 30-A E/W sites, tables, fi re rings. Porta-johns. D. $20. 14-day limit. 4/1–10/31. I-65 x80, go W on Shelbyville Rd, curves L (S), becomes N Grant St, TR (W) on E Center Cross St, TR (N) on N Main St into Park. Sites are one side of a berm with riv and bank on other side. Lg shade trees around Park. Blacktop rd and pads, 37–40' max. Playground, 2 soccer fi elds. Relatively quiet. 1 bar Verizon, 4–5 bars T-Mobile. Of fi ce 812-526-3535. www.tinyurl.com/mryjkh22 Al and Greta Boldt #137250 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 -86.04759. No tents. Hoosier Horse Park has 70 E sites for those with horses, same price. Playground, community camp fi re. www.jocoparks.com/campgrounds Dave Ed #62492 Missouri HERMITAGE: Damsite Park CG, Pomme de Terre Lake (COE). 102 gravel E/W sites, tables, fi re rings. Showers, toilets, D. $22, S/A Pass 1/2. E-only season Mar 25–Apr 15, Oct 1– Nov 30, $10, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. Reservations not required but recommended for wkends, 417-745-2244. Three mi S from town on SR 254/64 to Carsons Corner, TR (W) on SR 254 toward the dam, go 0.3 mi, TL (S) into entrance. 37.90472 -93.30778. 45' max. 16 pull-thru sites (not all have W). Mostly level. All sites have lake view. Roomy, some sites shaded. Playground. Steve and Pam Ritchie #48345 SAINT JOSEPH: Heritage Park Softball Complex (city), paved near-level pkg lot. No facilities. Free. No posted restrictions. From I-29 x56 go S on I-229 to x7 (Highland Ave). (From US 36 go N on I-229.) TL on Highland. TR on McArthur, go over bridge, after Stop continue R (N) 1 blk past casino. 39.78981 -94.87569. Long paved walk/hike/ bike trail along riv from above Softball Complex to past Nature Ctr. Alex and Carol Patterson #109349 VANBUREN: Watercress Rec Area (NF). 17 paved BD sites, tables, fi re rings. Potable W and fl ush toilets May 1–Oct 1 (also may be off until rebuilding complete). Vault toilets in day use area. $10, $20 double, both S/A Pass 1/2. No reservations. Open late Apr–end Oct. WB, go 1.5 mi N from US 60 on CR V/US 60Bus, TR immed after sign for Ozark Natl Scenic Riv Visitor Ctr (NPS) onto Watercress Rd, go past Ctr, bear L into NF CG. EB, go 0.2 mi W from US 60 on US 60Bus/James St, TR on Main St, go 6 blks, TL just before NPS sign onto Watercress Rd, go past Ctr, bear L into NF CG. Site 11 is pull-thru. Sites 12 and 18 are double. www.tinyurl.com/y43ek7oh Nu and Dana Young #111687 WALNUT SHADE: Misty Mountain RV Park. 10 pull-thru sites with 30-A E/W/S. $20, $350 and up/mo. Self check-in, drop box, no reservations. Open all yr. 11.5 mi N of Bran son, MO, on US 65, W side. Watch for signs. On top of a hill, visible from hwy. 36.8108 -93.2261. Pets on leash OK. Part-time attendant in Park, 417-443-3357. Fred and Eve Schindler #126989

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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camping chair chat

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

Making Friends on theRoad Two years into full-time RV life and I only now feel like I’m building my community. It’s hard! And, it can be even harder when you focus too much of your energy on it. Here are some tips to relax, go with the fl owand let the friends come in abundance. 1. GET LOCAL WITH IT —Meeting other nomads is great because of the like-mindedness, but building a commu nity of locals is pretty cool, too. The fact that I know I have friends stationary all over the country is what makes going back to places so great. That’s why I got into stand up comedy. It’s kind of the best of both worlds. I get to do something I love and make people laugh, while also getting to know the local comedy

scene. One of my favorite memories was going to a kara oke bar after an open mic and belting out some 2000s hip hop with the locals. Tucson, Arizona, just became a place I want to go back to solely because I know that group will be there slinging jokes. This works with any hobby: local yoga classes, fi tness classes, hiking clubs, trivia nights, and paint and sips to name a few! 2. NOMAD EVENTS —There are so many resources nowa days for nomad events. Xscapers does a great job at their annual bash and other Convergences throughout the year. I also love the app Sekr, because it gives you the opportunity to create your own events tailored to what interests you. I recently hosted my own desert gathering, and the response was overwhelmingly posi tive and full of appreciation. It became glaringly obvious

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We Can All be “Janes” Most of us who have attended an Esca pade have heard Kay’s story about how she and Joe met when she attended her very fi rst (and almost last) Par ents without Partners meeting. I can’t remember exactly why Kay thought she wouldn’t come again. (She was too shy to meet people? Not the Kay we all know and love!) Anyway, as Kay was leaving, a lady (I’ll call her “Jane”) asked Kay to be a greeter at the next meeting. So Kay had to come back. That’s when Kay met Joe, and the rest is history. I am at Rainbow’s End in Livingston, Texas, and I stopped at one of the benches along the walking paths in the park. I sat for a moment feeling completely relaxed, which put me into a contem plative mood. I had just read the March/April issue of Escapees magazine with Joe’s wonderful happy smile on the cover and was thinking about the huge impact they both had on all of our lives. They have received awards, accolades, hugs, praise and recognition for it all, as well they should.

that everyone was there for the same reason, to fi nd their tribe. It’s what inspired me to write this article. Someone came up to me in the middle of the event and said she was having a tough time on the road. Her car broke down, she fell off her car roof, she was tight on cash and low in morale. Two days before hearing about my event she contemplated getting off the road entirely. To put it lightly, she was in a dark place. But at 10:00 p.m. dancing around the fi re with a dozen strangers, you’d never know it. You could see the light in her. She let me know this event was everything she needed. Because community is all we really need. The hard days seem lighter when you’re staring up at the night sky with people that get it. 3. MUSIC FESTIVALS —This can get expensive, but it's so much fun. Music festivals are a great opportunity to make new friends, especially when camping is included. This past summer my husband and I went to the Above & Beyond festival at the Gorge Amphitheater in Wash ington state. It was a very cool feeling to be surrounded by and dancing with thousands of people and have the ability to pop back into the RV and be at home to rest when needed. Festivals are where life long friendships are created. Some festivals to check out in 2023 are Coachella, Gem and Jam, Innings Festival, Beyond Wonderland and Stagecoach. 4. SOCIAL MEDIA —With so many places to explore and camp, it’s rare to be at the same place at the same time. This is what makes social media sites, like Instagram and Facebook, so great. You can do the preliminary work of getting to know a person by following their journeys. People can be really receptive, so why not slide into those DMs? 5.SAYHI! When all else fails, just say hi. Camp grounds fi ll up, especially in the summer, making it a great opportunity to invite your neighbor over for s’mores, have a meet and greet with your dogs or start small talk and fi nd out from where they've come. I think loneliness has the potential to reach everyone on the road, and you’ll never know how much that small talk can make someone’s day. It’s a win/win. Making friends on the road requires one to put themselves out there, and sometimes that can be uncomfortable, but in a lifestyle that pushes all bound aries of comfortability, leaving the comfort zone is kind of our thing. Two years into this lifestyle and I can con fi dentially say, it’s not about where you go, it’s about who you spend your time with when you’re there. Kelley Welch #173565 e

But my thinking went back a step to “Jane.” What if she had not asked Kay to be a greeter at the next meeting? Do you realize the impact that one little act of Jane’s a h

Jane

had on all of us? What if Kay hadn’t returned and met Joe? Think of all that would not be today: all the friends we would not have met if there

were no Escapees RV Club, all the RV parks we would not have been able to enjoy and the wonderful mail service we could not use. “Jane” probably never knew the domino effect her invitation had on thousands and thousands of lives. You never know how far your simple act of including someone or doing a simple kindness will go. I know Kay has often given similar messages at Escapades and in Escapees magazine, but the thought of it all just amazes me all over again! We can’t all be Joes and Kays, but we can all be the “Jane” or “James.” Joyce Space #61818 Reprint from July/August 2011

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camping chair chat

The American Bison in South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota to study and photograph them. They're America's national mammal, and there are few places you can get as up close and personal to them as you can in these parks. As I drove around Custer State Park, I saw a herd of them in the distance, and I parked off to the side of the road. Balancing my longer lens on the hood of my Jeep, I took images of them as they walked past in the distance. Then, one large female slowly turned and headed directly toward me. As she approached, I climbed into the Jeep, suddenly aware that I had removed the door panels, leaving little to protect me. I started the motor and slowly and quietly backed out of harm's way. I don't think a 3500 lb Jeep would have stood much of a chance against a charging 2500 lb bison. The American bison is the largest surviving terrestrial animal in North America. They are broad and muscular with shaggy coats of long hair. Adults can grow to almost seven feet tall and nearly 12 feet in length. They can weigh from around 800 to 2,800 lbs. Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota offer a unique opportunity to view these magni fi cent animals. These bison have beaten out narrow paths through forest and open plain and are easily located throughout the parks for countless generations.

She strolled along slowly and majestically straight toward me. Her massive shaggy head bobbed up and down as she walked. Her cold dark eyes seemed to stare right through me. I had read all of the warnings about the bison of Custer State Park and had been told never to approach them. But, apparently, the bison had not read the warnings about approaching people! S he seemed very old, wise and without a care in the world. Then, about 50 yards out, she stopped for a quick lunch. Watching any big animal forage is exciting, but hearing this massive bison snort ing, munching and grinding was incredible. Words fail to describe these ambassadors from our distant Western past. Once hunted and killed for sport, they have managed to thrive with careful conservation once again. Though the terms are often used inter changeably, buffalo and bison are distinct animals. Old World "true" buffalos are native to Africa and Asia, while Bison are native to North America and Europe. I am a professional photographer and writer, and I have wanted to work on an article about bison for years. I recently traveled to Custer State Park and

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PHOTO BY GREG STANGL.

Bison are nomadic grazers and travel in herds. The bulls, which are slightly smaller than females, leave the larger group at two or three years of age and join a herd of males. Mature bulls rarely travel alone. However, toward the end of the summer, the bulls will seek out females when the urge strikes. Reddish-brown calves are born in late April and May. The carefully protected calves can keep up with the herd two to three hours after birth. It is important to note that the Bison's temperament is highly unpredictable. They often appear peaceful and even lazy, yet they may attack anything without warning or apparent reason. They can move up to 35 mph and cover long distances at a lumbering speed. While fi lming a large group wandering along a trail one day, I observed them suddenly changing directions and charging back from where they came. When dealing with bison, the number one rule is always to observe them from a safe distance, staying at least 100 yards from them. Stay close to your vehicle and keep your car between you and them. There have been rare incidents where tourists have been killed or mauled, but common sense will keep you safe. Bison's massive heads can be used as battering rams using the momentum produced by their large build. However, their most dangerous weapons are the horns on both males and females. They will also use their hind

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 department seditor@escapees.com. Be sure to put Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park on your bucket list of places to visit. Seeing the bison in their natural habitat is a life-chang ing experience and once seen, they are not easily forgotten. By Greg Stangl #177901 legs to kill or maim, especially when defending a calf from predators such as wolves and brown bears. Later that same day, I was caught in a small traf fi c jam when a herd of bison decided to cross the road in front of my Jeep. Some other cars drove up and parked to the left and right of me. Cars crowded in, with more people wanting to see the bison cross. In the car next to me was a chatty four or fi ve-year-old girl happily talking away to her grandma. As the bison crossed, she stopped talking! Mouth wide open, large eyes were staring at the bison. I am sure this is something she will never forget.

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May/June 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine