Escapees May-June 2024

ESC EES Sharing The RV Lifestyle

RV SOLAR PART 4 Build a Better Battery Bank PAGE35 DAY’S END DIRECTORY

The History and Continuity of Escapees’ Free and Low-cost Overnight Parking Spot Compilation PAGE40 IF WALLS COULD TALK Cliff Dwellings and Pueblos of the Southwest PAGE44

May/June 2024 | Vol 45 Issue 6 www.escapees.com

DOMICILE Legal advice on questions of domicile as a full-time RVer. www.escapees.com/ mail-service/domicile/texas/ domicile-suite/

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

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

FINANCE & TAXES In-depth evaluation of your current fi nancial situation. Tax preparation, planning, and bookkeeping for RVers

Creating Meaningful Connections with Local Professionals for Escapees Mail Service Members D MICILE SUITE OF SERVICES TEXAS

thoughts for the road

I thought about the high-wire acrobats who share top billing with the lion tamer (at the circus). Yet it is the clown’s silly trick of trying to sweep up a moving spot of light that makes us laugh, giving our hearts time to recover from the fear that an acrobat’s partner might not catch her. We all tend to daydream about taming wild animals while a crowd roars approval, or somersaulting through the air while thousands of hearts nearly stop beating, and no one dares to breathe. The reality is that we know we are more like the clumsy clown who trips and falls and picks himself up to try again. Maybe it is because we see ourselves in him that we love the clown we see in each other. And maybe that is why, in the end, it is the clown who captures our hearts.

An excerpt from Escapees magazine May/June 2004

Co-founder

1

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

contents

44

features 35 RV Solar 4: Build a Better Battery Bank BY BY DAVID HUTCHISON AND SHARI GALIARDI

Is a deep cycle battery necessary for my RV solar powered system? The short answer is: yes! But, where to start your journey to fi nd the right battery for your system is another question altogether. 40 “Day’s End” Directory BY RENE AGREDANO When we joined Escapees in 2009, I didn’t realize how much our membership would enrich our travels. 44 If Walls Could Talk BY EMILY FAGAN Cliff dwellings and Pueblos of the Southwest. 50 Account Features BY JOANN OATES Travel with Peace of Mind 52 The Thrill of the Grill BY EVANNE SCHMARDER Whether you crave the traditional fl avor you get when cooking with charcoal, prefer the convenience of propane, opt for the versatility of a pellet grill or enjoy the ease of electrics, there’s a grilling style to suit every RVer’s preference. 56 Part City, Utah BY BIANCA DUMAS A town that has lived the cat’s nine lives.

On the Cover PHOTO BY EMILY FAGAN #99408

Mark and Emily Fagan make our cover photo selection easy this issue with yet another one of their breathtakingly beautiful RV settings. This sunset photo accompanied Emily’s article for this issue. She captions this photo with: “During our travels in New Mexico, we stayed at Cochiti Lake Recre ation Area where we witnessed a blaze of brilliant changing colors over the camp ground at sunset one evening.”

2

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

contents

08

24

52

56

travel 17 Day’s End compiled BY GUY GIPSON 70 Escapees Head Out Program BY LISA KOCA 82 Park Chart and Events 43 RVers Boondocking Policy 88 RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy 26 SKPStops 32 View fi nder lifestyle 11 Escapees SmartWeigh 10 Escapees RVers Boot Camp 34 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 11 Weight and Safety Tip BYJIMKOCA

community 12 63rd Escapade 79 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

77 Calling All Chapters 20 Camping Chair Chat 76 Chapter Map

25 Escapees CARE, Inc. 64 Escapees Hangouts 73 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

3

May/June 2024 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 Director Kirsty Halliday Convergence Director Hollie Parks Educational Director Jim Koca Brand Director Brandon Hatcher Marketing Director Kerensa Durr Digital Content Manager Jeannie Dees

“The editorial department is always happy to hear from our readers.” Escapees magazine can help you along the way as you head out for summer fun. Whether you’re looking for a unique destination spot or a fun gathering of RVers, this issue has it all. If you’re curious about the “Day’s End” column in each issueof Escapees magazine, check out Rene Agredano’s article. She explains the history of the “Day’s End Directory” and how the free and low-cost camping locations became a valuable resource for our traveling members. Find out how you can become the new editor for this handy compilation. If you’ve always been fascinated by the cliff dwellings and Native American ruins in the Southwest, you will enjoy Emily Fagan’s article. She takes you through New Mexico and Arizona areas where you can fi nd these ancient reminders of the past lives of the fi rst people of America. It is a destination spot you must put on your bucket list. Now that summer is approaching, you’ll want to pull out the grill and get cooking. Evanne Schmarder provides some pointers in this issue that will help us up our grilling game and make our meals the best they can be. At your next cook out, don’t be surprised when your RVing neighbors follow the aroma of your grill to your campsite! Have you found a hidden gem of a destination spot, made a useful modi fi cation to your RV or found a gadget that has been a game-changer on the road? Maybe you’ve had an insightful or inspirational experience that could bene fi t someone else. Remember to share your stories, thoughts and ideas with us, and help fellow Escapees members make the most of their RVing experience. The editorial department is always happy to hear feedback from our readers. Be safe, and enjoy your summer travels.

RV Show Directors Larry and Robyn Schultz 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© 2024 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.

4

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

20% OFF ESCAPEES MEMBERS

Start Saving Today!

Receive your personalized 50% Discount Camping Card BENEFITS OF BECOMING A PASSPORT AMERICA MEMBER: New & Improved my Passport America mobile app - featuring nearby parks, trip routing, saved trips & more! FREE online edition of the well known RV America magazine with Exclusive discounts on RV related products & services. Trip Routing, First Class Customer Service 800.681.6810 , and so much more!

Only

a year + Escapees Members receive 20% off

SCANTO LEARN MORE!

Call 1.800.681.6810 or Join online: passportamerica.com Code: SKP20 ** NEW MEMBERS ONLY **

mark, my words

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

Electric Steps Q. When my motorhome is parked at home, should I leave the electric steps out or retracted over some time? Dr. Jack A. It doesn’t matter, do whatever feels right to you. I leave my Kwikee electric steps extended at all times when the RV is parked and only retract them for travel. There is no downside to doing that, as the steps are designed to be used that way. Once I am parked, and my steps are extended, I turn off the power to them with a switch. This will keep them extended regardless of door position. When the engine is started, my steps automatically retract even if that switch is off, so there’s no chance of forgetting them and driving off. I suspect your steps work similarly.

WaterPump Q. We have a leisure time van on a sprinter chassis. Our water fl ows fi newhen we are hooked up to the faucet, but will not “draw” when we are underway, even when we know the water tank is full. Possible troubleshooting short of “the pump is burned out?” What might cause the pump to burn out? Corinne A. First, disconnect the RV from city water and make sure you have water in your freshwater tank. Then the fi rst thing to check is: does the pump run at all? Locate the water pump (it may be in a cabinet or under a couch or bed inside, or in an outside compartment). Once you fi nd it, open a faucet in the RV and turn the pump switch on. Does the pump run? If it does, but no water fl ows make sure the hose that comes from the water tank to the inlet of the pump is not kinked or blocked. Disconnect the inlet hose from the pump and make sure water runs through it from the freshwater tank. Also, check the hose connected to the outlet of the pump for any obstructions. If the pump runs and the hoses are OK, but it still doesn’t move any water, there may be a failure in the pump itself, and it is probably time for a new one. If the pump doesn’t run with the switch on, check to make sure the pump has 12V power coming to it by measuring the voltage at the 2 wires that supply power to the pump. If you have power, and the pump still doesn’t run, it may either be a faulty pressure switch on the pump, a disconnected wire at the pressure switch, or the pump is “burned out.” Those pumps are pretty tough, and it’s hard to do anything that will burn it out, but they do fail internally from time to time. Thankfully, a new pump isn’t all that expensive, and they’re usually really easy to swap out.

6

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

mark, my words

Dehumidi fi er andAC Q. I run a dehumidi fi er when I leave my fi fth wheel in Naples, Florida, for a few weeks. Would you recommend also putting theA/Con? Al A. My home in Livingston is pretty humid, too, so I run adehumidi fi er inside the rig when it is not on the road. It produces a lot of water, so I plumbed in a dedicated drain for it that lets the water drip under the RV. Most dehumidi fi ershavea fi tting for an optional hose to drain the water, as opposed to letting it collect in the built-in tank. If you choose to drain it into a tub or shower, be aware that several quarts of collected water a day are possible. Make sure you won’t over fl ow the grey tank by leaving the dump valve open if you are connected to the sewer. I do not run the A/C when I have the dehumidi fi er running, I think it is an either/or situation. If you run the A/C, you don’t need the dehumidi fi er. here’s my worry: anytime we’re plugged into shore power, the panel in the stairway starts buzzing. Not only is it distracting, but it’s concerning. The panel is where the fuses, and possibly the inverter, are located. When you open the cargo space, it is even louder. I called my dealer and the service representative said not to worry because it’s under warranty if anything should happen. What can happen? Could this eventually cause an electrical fi re? Is there anything I should do? John A. What you are hearing is most likely the converter: that is what provides 12V power to the RV when you are plugged into shore power. It also charges your batteries. Most transformer-based RV converters hum or buzz to some extent, but if the noise is loud enough to be annoying or distracting, then something is not right. It could be as simple as a loose mounting screw on a component inside, or something that is in contact with the case of the converter that is amplifying the sound. It could also be something in the 12V system that is caus ing an abnormal load on the converter and, although the fi re risk is probably low, I wouldn’t discount it. Since your RV is under warranty, I suggest that you ask the dealer to diagnose and correct the problem. You do not have to wait until it fails to ask for warranty service! One hint: you could ask them to plug a similar rig on the sales lot into AC power and see if the converter sound is as loud as yours. If nothing else, it would establish what the “normal” sound level should be. RV Converter Q. We just bought a new fi fth wheel that we love, but

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. oxidizes over time, as part of the natural aging process. This surface oxidation is in the form of a chalky material, and rain washes some of it off and down the sides of the RV, where it dries into a streak. These streaks don’t indicate a problem, and several streak-cleaning products for RVs will help remove them. You can also wash the roof to help remove that layer of oxidized rubber. This will reduce the streaking problem. Use a rubber roof cleaner or a mild soap and water solution, and a scrub brush, and rinse it thoroughly. BE CAREFUL on the roof, especially when it is slick with sudsy water. It’s best to do one small area at a time and start at the front of the rig and work back to the ladder. The accumulation of dirt and dust on the rear of the RV is caused partly by oils on the surface of the road that get sucked up into the turbulent air behind the rig as you’re driving. There’s not much you can do to prevent it, but keeping a good coat of wax on the rear of the RV will make it easier to clean. If the residue seems quite oily, it may indicate a leak of oil or fl uid from your RV. An occasional drip from the engine or transmission will get atomized by theair fl ow underneath and wind up on the back of the coach. Stubborn Streak Removal Q. My motorhome often gets streaks on the wind shield, windows, and wall after rain. What causes these dirty streaks? Are these the results of aging rubber roof coating or aging paint coating above the window and windshield? What can we do to minimize these dirty streaks? Also, I often get a lot of dust and dirt accumulated at the back wall of our motorhome on the highway, and they are quite di ffi cult to remove. How can you reduce the stubborn dirt that accumulates on the back of the motorhome? Philip A. If those streaks are white, they are most likely coming from the rubber roof. The rubber membrane

7

May/June 2024 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 techquestions@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

Gripstic ® Bag Sealers By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor, Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

or bag clips. Our patented slide and seal technology locks in freshness by sealing the entire bag air tight. Locking out air and moisture is the best way to prevent your potato chips, pretzels, snacks or cereal from going stale. They are great to keep your produce fresh longer and these are also safe to use in the freezer to prevent freezer burn on your food. Ranked number one among consumers, The gripstic bag sealers are a must-have kitchen gadget! Eliminate kitchen clutter and keep your pantry neat and organized. The original GRIPSTIC is compact, easy to use and easy to store.”

In many RVs, drawer space is limited, so if you have a bunch of bag clips fi lling one of your precious drawers, I have a solution: GRIPSTICs. These are slide-on bag sealers that do a superior job of sealing just about any kind of bag. Easy to use, and they take up less storage space than those silly bag clips. Check them out at www.gripstic.com.

Yes, they really do work! I have tossed all my old bag clips and use these ingenious things on all my various bags, and everything stays fresh a lot longer! To save even more drawer space, I picked up some

According to the manufacturer, “The GRIPSTIC is the best bag sealing device ever made! Much better than chip clips

inexpensive wall-mount remote control holders and mounted them on the inside of cabinet doors. Each one will hold up to 14 GRIPSTICs and

keep them out of my way until I need one. This is the holder I ordered on Amazon, but youcan fi nd them just about anywhere. www.amazon.com/dp/ B0CDGHRWS4. They work great for TV remotes as well!

GRIPSTIC ® WWW.GRIPSTIC.COM FIRST TO MARKET PRODUCTS INC.

Available from RV show vendors and online retailers. A starter 12 pack of assorted lengths is around $25, and you can buy individual sizes at gripstic.com

8

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

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!

Keep Your RVing Knowledge in Shape EDUCATION

GAIN CRITICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN: Hitch-up | Basic RV Systems | RV Driving | Tire and Weight Safety | Fire and Life Safety | Personal Safety

NEXT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: MARCH 13–14, 2025 Boot Camp at Escapade Tucson, Arizona JUNE 13–15, 2024

Boot Camp at Escapade Rock Springs, Wyoming MARCH 08–10, 2024 Livingston Boot Camp Livingston, Texas

For more information, call 936-329-6499 or to register for an event, visit WWW.ESCAPEES.COM/BOOTCAMP

weight and safety

Oil and Water Analysis By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

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 analyze the fl uids regularly, any potential problems can be found early, preventing costly repairs, and your RV will operate at its best performance for years. Oil and water analysis is an extremely cost-effective way to approach your RV maintenance. If you will fl uid can be checked for wear metals, clutch materials and oxidation levels. At the same time, the coolant water can be checked for corrosion inhibitors, pH levels and leaks. It is suggested that the engine oil should be checked every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, the transmission fl uids every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, the generator oil every 50 to 100 hours and the coolant every two years. The cost will vary depending on the lab and the number of fl uids to be analyzed. The lab that I have used for my engines is JG Lubricant: WWW.JGLUBRICANTSERVICES.COM/RV.HTML

When you go to the doctor for a physical examination, one of the things that hap pens is that they draw blood. This is a nec essary evil to fi nd out what is going on in side your body. The engine for your vehicle or your RV, as well as the generator, has fl uid inside to keep the parts working. Many companies that have fl eets of vehicles will do an oil and water analysis at every oil change to detect early signs of wear and tear and to prevent costly repairs. It can also optimize maintenance schedules. S ome of the bene fi ts of performing an oil and water analysis is it looks for wear metals, contamination and other potential problems before they become costly. It can also con fi rmif the oil is still performing effectively. It could extend the interval between oil changes. In addition, it provides you with data into the health of the engine which can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns and will ensure optimal performance of your RV. Not only can the engine oil be analyzed, but the oil in the generator can also be checked. The transmission

11

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

escapade

The Escapade is the Escapees RV Club’s premier event of the year! It’s our largest and most extensive gathering of the Escapees community and a fantastic way to learn more about the RV lifestyle from professionals and experienced RVers. From the youngest RV ers to the oldest, from part-time to full-time RVers alike, there is something for everyone! Here is why we think you should attend: Top Reasons to Attend the Escapade By ROB AND LAURA KERNODLE #131897

10

TheVendor Market The vendors who come to Escapade know you’re coming to do some shopping! They are well prepared with products all RVers are going to need at some point in their travels. From solar systems to awning repair and black tank treatment to window shades, the Vendor Market at the Escapade will have you covered!

12

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

escapade

7

Visit The ROW What is the ROW ? Well, in the early years of the Escapade, Escapees members who had started Birds of a Feather and regional chapter groups would have tables out in front of a row of their RVs sharing information about their group with attendees. Referencing these areas as The ROW stuck and has been a fi xtureat Escapade even as our regional Chapters and Birds of a Feather groups have grown. So, what are these Birds of a Feather groups? They are member-led special-interest groups centered around a shared lifestyle. Biking, hiking, boondocking, working on the road and pet lovers are just a few of the interests covered. If you’re interested in meeting up with a group of Escapees near your home base or along your travel routes, consider joining any of our regional Chapter events. Everyone is welcome!

8

EnjoyThe Entertainment Lineup Live music gets everyone’s feet moving after a day of seminars at Escapade. It’s a time to relax, listen and tap your feet or get up and dance. Not only are large bands scheduled, but local bands get their shot at entertaining Escapees, too! And we certainly can’t forget the ever-popular Escapade’s Got Talent where you get to see how amazing your fellow SKPs are when they hit the stage.

9

ClubSwag Do you need an Escapees or Xscapers hat or T-shirt? What about a new club sweatshirt, insulated mug or koozie? We bring almost everything from the online store to Escapade for you to purchase. You can even order as many badges and dangles as you want and have them engraved while you attend the event!

13

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

escapade

6

5

Xscapers After Parties Xscapers are another lifestyle group geared toward the working-age RVer. But you don’t have to still be working to join the Xscapers! Every one is welcome to come to their silent disco and socials during Escapade. Come hang out while you dance the night away to music coming through your own headset. Match up the colored lights on your headset with some one else and you can dance together! It’s great fun!

AttendThe SNEAK Party Register for early arrival to Escapade and join our SNEAK Party. SNEAK stands for Saturday Night Early Arrival Kickoff, and we have some fun activities planned for you. There will be food, music, games and a welcoming atmosphere ready for you to make some new friends —all before the event of fi cially kicks off.

4

Get Active! Escapade has a lot of activi ties on the schedule for you to stay active and fi t. Join in on pickleball games, yoga and even line dancing to get theenergy fl owing!

14

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

escapade

1

3

Community, Community, Community! And the number one reason to attend Escapade is community! It’s always heartwarming to see old friends reuniting after their time apart. We especially love it when we have so many Escapade fi rst-timers creating new connections, exchanging contact informa tion and planning on meeting up with their new friends as they travel after the event is over. And there you have it, folks! The top 10 reasons to come to Escapade. We can’t wait to see you there! If you haven’t already registered for this year's Escapade, Escapees.com is where you can fi ndoutmore about camping, pricing, entertainment, the schedule and past Escapades. Keep checking back as information is updated frequently!

GiveBack We have many opportunities for you to give back to the RVing community. Meet with your friends over coffee and doughnuts before seminars begin. Then be sure to bid on some delicious, sweet treats in our Cupcake Auction. During Dip-A-Chip for CARE, taste some great dips and vote for your favorite by dropping a donation next to the dip of your choice. Even the dinner at our SNEAK Party is by donation to kick off our spirit of giving! The Escapees CARE Center is a Caring Affordable Respite Experience. At CARE, RVers are offered a safe haven when their journeys have been disrupted by age or health-related challenges, ensuring their well-being and peace-of-mind. All of the money earned at each of the fundraisers mentioned above goes toward supporting CARE.

2

Education

Escapade is known for education seminars geared toward RV life. Put on by your RV peers as well as some of our vendors, you get to increase your knowledge on topics such as from National Park visits, getting Internet on the road, travel photog raphy, fi nding campsites, solar powered accessories and volunteering on the road. There’s a great variety!

15

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

LEARN HOW TO RV FOR FREE! Members can now sign up for RV Foundations: Operation, Safety and Maintenance withall electives including domicile for free through July 4th, 2024 and receive one year of access. Heading out full-time? You still receive your member discount when purchasing Roadmap to Full-Time RVing. SAVE MONEY, AVOID MISTAKES AND JUMP-START YOUR LIFE OF FREEDOM! ONLINE UNIVERSITY RV EDUCATION ANYWHERE!

FREE FOR ESCAPEES MEMBERS!

MEMBER DISCOUNT

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.

Find out how you can take part in this educational experience. WWW.RVERSONLINEUNIVERSITY.COM

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.

turnoff, huge area on L, sparse trees. Good AT&T. Elev 6715'. Quiet, wildlife. Bike trails, scenic overlook, ponds, tall pines and oak, excellent for “leaf peeping” in late Sep. Weather limit May—Sep. Busy wkends, many ATVs, dusty. Other BD areas further down rd. Margaret Murray #103630 California CORNING : Olive Pit Store. O/N pkg in paved lot. 10 spaces for lg rigs. Free, but show appreciation with purchase. I-5 x631, go E on Solano St. past fi rst traf fi c light. Go to pkg lot behind store on N side. Distant I-5 noise. Excellent olives and almonds. Dwight Thomas #135302 CORNING : Rolling Hills Casino. RV and truck pkg area. Free. 3.5 mi S of town, I-5 x628, W side. 2655 Barham Ave. N39 52.304 W122 12.22. Park in long-rig spaces, as far from casino as possible to avoid some trucks. Pay showers and coin-op laundry in “travelers ctr” near pkg lot. Also E/W/S CG way over fee criteria. Age 50+ get half off all meals at the buffet Tuesday and Thursday with club card. 530-528-3500. Gary Thompson #56944 PAICINES : Pinnacles NP. 83 BD sites and 37 sites with 30-A E. Potable W, D, showers. $41 BD, $59 with E, both S/A Pass 1/2. Wkends $10–12 addl. 14-day limit. From town, go S on SR 25, then S and W on SR 146. CG is on E side of the NP. 36.46639 -121.17611. Paved interior rds, gravel and dirt site pads. Store, swimming pool. No Verizon. Pay phone outside visitor ctr. Generators not allowed. Busy season late Feb—early Jun, esp wkends. 30-miles of trails of varying dif fi culty. A California condor release site. Wild turkeys, quail and other wildlife seen in CG. Turkey vultures roost in the CG trees in the evenings. nps.gov/pinn Bob and Sam Flechtner #102683 NewMexico AZTEC : Vacant lot. Open access, no signs. W edge of town, just W of Oliver Ave, N side of SR 516, between child care ctr and fenced-in lot with for sale sign. N36 49.638 W108 1.319. Across hwy from county of fi ces. Guy Gipson #84383 BLOOMFIELD : San Juan County Arch Library and Museum Salmon Ruins, paved secluded pkg lot ideal for O/N. Three mi W of town on US 64. Ruins and museum open 9–5 daily. Employees arrive 7:30am. Greg and Cathy Taylor #52926

Seeking a New Editor Fifteen years after expanding the “Day’s End Directory,” Guy Gipson is ready for other adventures. If you are interested in taking over as editor, you can contact Guy at DAYSENDDIRECTORY@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 208-340-4993. IN THIS ISSUE: “THE HISTORY AND CONTINUITY OF ESCAPEES’ FREE AND LOW-COST OVERNIGHT PARKING SPOT COMPILATION.” SEE PAGES 40–42.

Day’sEnd DIRECTORY By RENE AGREDANO #103274

Contribute to “Day’s End” If you are interested in contributing to the “Day’s End Directory,” downloading the complete compilation or taking over as editor, you can contact Guy Gipson at DAYSENDDIRECTORY@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 208-340-4993.

40

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

Arizona FLAGSTAFF : Cosnino Rd, BD area (NF). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit within 30. I-40 to E, 1) S from x207 (11 mi E of town). Or x204 (8 mi E of town), go S, TL on last dirt rd (well graveled) before Walnut Canyon NM, becomes Cosnino Rd. A few lg-rig sites along rd. Or 2) N from x219, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, huge pkg lots with designated RV area. Free. 35.16493 -111.26145. Paul Codyer #151338 FLAGSTAFF : BD (NF). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit within 30. 8 mi N of town, on US 180, MM 224, TL (W) on FR 222. 35.26971 -111.74214. Lots of dispersed camping along fairly good gravel rd starting 0.5 mi in, potholes in rainy season. Beautiful tall pines. Steve and Gail Ault #41031 FLAGSTAFF : Cinder Hills OHV Area. No facilities. Free. 14-day limit within 30. Go 7.8 mi N of Flagstaff Mall on US 89, MM 426.8, TR (E) on FR 776 (washboarded), at Cinder OHV Area sign, 35.3285 -111.54548. No camping for 1 mi, then many possible sites in OHV area, 1 at 35.3294 -111.524. No sign SB on US 89, turn at GPS. Use caution driving on soft cinders. Verizon and AT&T OK. Rhonda Olsen #36111 FLAGSTAFF : BD areas (NF). No facilities. Free. 14-day limit within 30. I-17 to S, x326, just N of Munds Park, go 0.8 mi W on FR 253/Willard Springs Rd to where paved rd bears R into waste facility, instead continue straight onto old paved rd (old deteriorating asphalt, some very rough washed-out spots), then into lg fl at gravel area. Can park along edges (muchtraf fi c goes thru middle). Or continue straight thru gravel area onto dirt rd FR 253, at 0.9 mi from x326 TL into lg area, N34.97047 W111.69387, many intertwined rds (some very rough), BD sites everywhere under sparse trees, best to check 1st w/ sm vehicle. Or from 1.2-1.8 mi in, huge areas both sides for BD, some shaded, 1 at N34 58.477 W111 41.724. Or 2.0 mi in, just after FR 9469P

17

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

day’s end

BLOOMFIELD : Angel Peak CG (Angel Peak scenic area, BLM). BD, 9 sites, tables, fi regrates. Vault toilets. Free. 14-day limit. Go 15 mi S on US 550/SR 44 to MM 136.8 (watch for sm sign parallel to hwy), TL (E) on CR 7175 (do not take CR 7225), go 6 mi on gravel rd (washboarded fi rst mi). 36.54716 -107.86141. Nature trail. Good AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Also three overlooks on way to CG, suitable for lg rigs, no restrictive signs, 1st at 36.52279 -107.93189, 2nd at 36.52018 -107.90723 (has covered table), 3rd at 36.528 -107.89362 (Picnic area, vault toilet). Wayne and Carol Thomas #119083 BLOOMFIELD : Gallo CG, Chaco Culture Natl Historic Park (NPS). 49-unshaded BD sites, tables, fi regrate/grills. Non-potable W, rest rooms/ fl ush toilets, D. $20, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. Open all yr. Reservations recommended: recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. From town, go 37 mi S on US 550, TR on CR 7900 (3 mi SE of Nageezi at MM 112.5), go 8 mi on paved rd, TR on CR 7950, go 13 mi (rough dirt washboarded rd, especially last 5 mi not maint by county, could be impassable when wet) to park. CG is one mi E of visitor ctr (paved rds in park). Clearly-signed, OK for any vehicles per NPS website. Most other access routes are 4WD only. 35' max. Sites 35–49 tents only. No fi rewood sold, gathering not allowed—bring your own. Pets on leash OK. Potable W at Visitor Ctr pkg area. Petro glyphs/cliff dwelling, scenic. Free tours. Reasonably quiet. Good solar. Generator hrs 8a–8p but only one hr at a time. AT&T OK, no Verizon. Can call for rd conditions and site availability 505-786-7014 ext 221. tinyurl.com/pp2ket6 Rick Schafer #81691 SANTAFE : Hyde Memorial SP. 8 level 45' paved, back-in sites with E (4 reservable May—Sep). 39 no-HU sites. Paved rd and pads. Grills, tables. Vault toilet, W spigot, trash service, D ($10 for non-SP payers). $14 E/W, $18 E/W/S, $8 or $10 BD. Annual passes avail. E sites open all yr, weather permitting. From I-25 x278 go 7.3 mi NE (to historic district) on Cerrilllos Rd/SR 14, TR on Paseo de Peralta (it circles historic district). Rd narrows and goes thru 2, 4-way stop signs. TL at stop light on Bishop’s Lodge Rd, which has a raised divider between lanes, making it a tight turn. Go short distance to another stop light, TR on Artist Rd/Hyde Park Rd/SR 475, go 7.8 mi to CG (steady climb, 7% grade last 4 mi, curves, 25 MPH limit). N35.73249 W105.83675. Or, from x282 go 3.1 mi N on St Francis Dr/US 84, TR on Cerrillos Rd, go 1/2 mi, follow above. Continue past Visitor Ctr and entrance to no-HU CG (one-way dirt rd, not recommended for RVs >35'). Continue on hwy to sign on L for Hyde Memorial RV CG, with E sites right next to hwy. 740 Hyde Park Rd. Elev 8763'. Narrow canyon and 7% grade thru SP, most areas unlevel. Long or underpowered rigs not advised. 505-983 7175. GD mail OK at PO in historic district. Circle Trail, across from Visitor Ctr, ascends 1000' to 9400' in 1 mi. SR 475 continues on 8 mi to ski basin (10,000' elev, summer tram 72 yrs+ ride free). Rita Poe #95664

SANTAFE : Black Canyon CG (NF). 29 back-in mostly-level shaded paved sites, tables, grills. W, vault toilets, trash service, D. $10, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. May—Nov. 8 mi NE of town on SR 475, near Hyde Memorial SP (see detailed directions in listing). N35.72809 W105.84008. 40' length limit. 8400' elev. No Verizon. 505-753-7331. Dennis Bowden #133518 SANTAFE : US 285 between I-25 and I-40. 1) Between MM 283 and 282, lg gravel area, W side. Level. No signs. 2) Between MM 255 and 254, lg area, E side. Litter barrel sign at hwy. Somewhat unlevel. Phil and Karon Noll #76483 SANTAFE : Tesuque Casino, pkg lot. Free. Security appoved ON; some stayed 3-nights. Go 8 mi N of town on US 64/84/285. N35.76969 W105.94564. 7 Tesuque Rd, Santa Fe, 87506. Quiet. Casino is nonsmoking. Dustin Fields #116447 SANTA FE : Ski Santa Fe, overlook and pkg lot. Free in summer. NE of town on SR 475, at 8 mi pass Hyde Memo rial SP (see detailed directions in listing), continue uphill 8 mi to the ski resort, much free pkg in the area with no restrictive signs. N35.79568 W105.80228. Elev 10281', cold at night. Lots of hikers and cyclists. Overlook a short way before the ski area also OK for O/N, N35.78686 W105.80866. Richard and Kathy Howe #74769 SANTAFE : Rodeo de Santa Fe FG. 8-FHU sites. $25, incl tax. No reservations. 3237 Rodeo Rd, 87507. I-25 x 282B, go N on US 84, immed TL (W) on Rodeo Rd/SR 300, go 2.5 mi, TR (N) into rodeo grounds. 35.64067 -105.99873. 505-471-4300 for availability and gate code. Leave check or cash in black dropbox inside PRCA of fi ce directly behind RV sites. Cheapest FHU in Santa Fe. Rene Agredano #103274 South Dakota DEADWOOD : BD areas, Rochford Rd/CR 205 (NF). No facili ties. Free. No stay-limit posted. No restrictive signs. 6.5 mi SW of town on US 85/14A, MM 33.3, TL (S) on N Rochford Rd/CR 205 (paved), 1) TL directly into lg dirt pkg area. Or, TL on Black Forest Rd and then L into area. Lg rig friendly. Plenty of room to turn around. Most level at N end. 2) Go 6.1 mi on CR 205 to Dumont Snowmobile Trailhead (NF), level gravel pkg on R next to log cabin warming shelter. Table, W (hand pump), vault toilet. Also sm grassy sites behind shelter. Nice view of meadow, quiet. tinyurl.com/ y8x5fcad. Skip and Linda Pohle #102349 DEADWOOD : BD areas, Hanna Rd/CR 196 (NF). No facili ties. Free. No stay-limit posted. No restrictive signs. 1) 11 mi SW of town on US 85, TL (S) on Hanna Road/CR 196, go 3 mi, N44.26588 W103.8476, lg open fi eld between rd and stream. Room for 3–4 rigs. Lovely spot with great

18

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

day’s end

views. Deep grass. Some rd noise. No cell internet. 5652' elev. 2) 4 mi from US 85, TR on Long Draw Rd/CR 209, 44.2572 -103.8415. 40x50' level pkg area next to sm lake. 1–2 lg rigs. Minimal cell service. Nesting Swain Hawks and Red Deer. Guy and Karen Dana #124559 DEADWOOD : Roubaix Lake CG (NF). 51-paved sites in 4 loops, tables, grills. W spigots, vault toilets. Mid-May thru Aug. $28, S/A Pass 1/2. 16 mi S of town on US 385. Or from Rapid City, go 17 mi W on SR 44, TR (N) on US 385, go 10 mi, TL on FR 255 to CG. 44.2 -103.67. Forested CG on N side of Roubaix Lake. Fishing, hiking, swimming. Steve and Gail Ault #41031 DEADWOOD : 100' wide pkg area (NF). 5 mi E of town on US 14A, go 0.1 mi S on Camp 5 Rd. 44.3878N 103.62W. Steve and Gail Ault #41031 SPEARFISH : Iron Creek Trailhead, lg pkg area. No sign prohibiting O/N. 11.4 mi S from town into Spear fi sh Canyon on US 14A, MM 22, 3 mi N of Savoy, just N of a bridge, W side of hwy. Steve and Gail Ault #41031 Utah HEBERCITY : Lodgepole CG (NF). 21-sites, tables, grills. Threaded W spigots, vault toilets, D ($10). $28, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. Mid May—Sep. From Park City go 24.8 mi SE on US 40 (thru Heber City), MM 33. Max RV 70'. 7800' elev. Gene Ladd and Mary Dixon #109821 HEBERCITY : Strawberry Bay CG (NF). 227 paved sites, 78 are pull-thru, most with covered tables, fi re pits. Threaded Wspigots, fl ush toilet, D. E sites $45.03. BD $35.12 (long term 30-day min, 142 day max, $20), S/A Pass 1/2, more for double sites. From Park City go 33 mi SE on US 40 (thru Heber City) to FR 131 at MM 40.1. Go 3.8 mi S of visitor ctr, TL at Strawberry Bay sign to Strawberry Bay CG. Go 0.6 mi to Loops A-E, 1.5 mi to Loop F, and 1.7 mi to Loop G. Any size RV. Good Verizon. Fish cleaning sta. Boat ramp. 7600' elev. Swim/ fi shing area with sandy beach 1 mi S on FR 131, past CG entrance, no day use fees. Bob McIntosh and Elinor Aderton #31885 THE DAY’S END DIRECTORY is a useful tool for helping you save money and fi nd safe overnight parking recommended by fellow Escapees mem bers. “Day’s End” listings are submitted by traveling members. Please be aware that these listings are not veri fi ed by Escapees magazine, and the information is subject to change without notice. Want more? Order online or write Guy Gipson, 107 Rainbow Dr., #755, Livingston, TX 77399-1007. Online Search and Download: $15/year. Include your complete name and Escapees membership number. Order the Day’s End, Good Guys and Boondockers Journal Directory by visiting www. daysenddirectory.com

Wyoming ROCK SPRINGS : Pull-outs, on way to Flaming Gorge NRA. No prohibitive signs. 6 mi W of Rock Springs, I-80 x99, go 12 mi S on US 191. N41.39374 W109.30032. 1) Paved pull-out, W side of hwy. Room for several lg RVs. Susie Morrow #49974 viewed Aug 16. 2) Continue 1.4 mi on US 191, TR (W) on CR 33/Flaming Gorge Rd, go 0.6 mi. 41 22 36N 109 18 1W. Gravel overlook for Big Firehole Canyon. Signed from W but not from E. Room for 1 RV. Before NRA boundary. 7190' elev. Jack and Dottie Barry #65881 ROCK SPRINGS : Dispersed sites, Flaming Gorge NRA (NF). Host at Firehole Canyon CG offered use of showers and D. May be Use Fee. 16-day limit. 6 mi W of Rock Springs, I-80 x99, go 14 mi S on US 191. At MM 515 go 10 mi W on CR 33 (paved), continue past Firehole Canyon CG (rd becomes dirt) W, then S. Numerous side rds end at reservoir and are OK for sm—med RVs. 4WD not needed on most rds. Limited turnaround space. 2 seen with RVs: N41 18.984 W109 29.074 and N41 5.855 W109 30.889. Jack and Dottie Barry #65881 ROCK SPRINGS : Firehole Canyon CG, Flaming Gorge NRA (NF). 40-BD sites with ramadas, tables, fi re pits. W and D. Rest rooms/free hot showers. $25, S/A Pass 1/2. $48 double site, may be no discount. 16-day limit. 6 mi W of Rock Springs, go S 14 mi on US 191 from I-80 x99. At MM 515 go W 10 mi on CR 33 (paved). N41 21.074 W109 26.693. Most sites are less than 35', 4-sites 40'. Not all sites are level. All sites are spectacularly gorgeous with views of sculptured rocks and reservoir. Boat ramp, beach. Very minimal cell, satellite OK. Bill and Priscilla Scott #87327 ROCK SPRINGS : US 191, pull-outs and pkg areas. O/N OK. Most no facilities. Free. No prohibitive signs. S to N, MM 10.3, lg gravel pull-out. 9 mi N of I-80 x104, go E on Chilton Rd/CR 17, immed cross cattle guard, immed on R (S side, by lg brown sign to petroglyphs, Boars Tusk, etc). Quiet at night. Excellent Verizon. Also, MM 10.5, pkg areas, both sides. 41.72895 -109.27665. Level space for 4–6 rigs. Excellent Verizon. Some hwy noise. Others N toDaniel. John and Bonnie Archer #113438

19

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

camping chair chat

W e host Twist Your Throttle, one of the BoF groups. It is for any Escapees member who enjoys RVing with their large toy such as a motorcycle, sidecar, trike, side-by-side or any street-legal, motorized large toy. When you haul large toys, it isn’t about just strapping it on the back and heading out. There are a lot of things to learn, consider and plan for each trip. In September, we have the privilege of hosting an Escapees Hangout in Nashville, Tennessee. Large toy enthusiasts should attend the hangout, not only to experience all types of hauling options by other RVers, but also to learn from other attendees and share their experiences. Although we have had Escapees group rides in the past, this will be the fi rst time bringing together this community of shared passions in a week-long event. The concept for the hangout grew out of our RV and motorcycle experiences, stories shared by other RVers along their travels and former hangout director Theresa Julo who used to ride. Every campground or camping area we visit, there is at least one other RVing motorcycle/large toy enthusiast on site. We travel in a 44' fi fth wheel hauling a sidecar and a Harley Heritage. We have traversed the U.S. for fi ve years now, sharing RV and motorcycle experiences via rallies, international motorcycle shows as well as through RV and motorcycle magazine articles in RVLIFE , RideTexas , Let’sRV , RV

Escapees RV Community: Support For All Anyone in the RV community knows it is a tight, supportive group. Within this com munity are smaller groups that share a speci fi c interest (or more). In our brief fi ve year, full-time RV life, it has been transition al, yet renewing, to be a part of this expe rience. If you investigate Escapees Birds of a Feather groups (BoFs), you will see the diversity of passions, hobbies and lifestyles. (See pages 79–81 for more information.)

20

ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024

camping chair chat

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

Leveling Up In MyNewRV I was a brand new RVer three years ago and had no idea what my needs were. The options seemed endless. My husband and I purchased one of the fi rst travel trailers we stepped foot in. It was a “this will do” kind of moment. At the time, it checked all my boxes. Now, three years of full-time RVing and thousands of miles later, we knew we needed a major upgrade. It was a good fi rst RV, a Keystone Cougar, with a lot of space and good amenities, but I was tired of being only a foot away from all my husband’s conference calls. I was sick of hosting in a space where my tall friends’ heads would almost touch the ceiling and the inevitable wear and tear that comes with most standard RVs. Upgrading was on the vision board, and when I heard of the Brinkley RV group, I immediately fell in love. T he Brinkley RV is different from any other brand out there. First, they are built by RVers, RVers who understand the industry and what people want. They understand the importance of customer service, quality and reli ability. I was obsessed with the Model Z3100 a year before we pulled the trigger, and now it feels like a dream to be a proud owner of one. The Z3100 is a 35-foot fi fth wheel with a residential feel, and when I say residential feel, I mean the interior is basically a luxury apartment. Residential is the brand’s theme, and each rig is complete with wood trim and top-quality fi nishings, unlike the stapled fi xings you fi nd in many RVs. From residential countertops and tile backsplashes to premium soft-close cabinets andbrass fi nishings, the attention to detail is truly unmatched. We are constantly getting questions and compliments about it from others in RV parks.

Today , The Sidecarist and Escapees . We also have two related books on Amazon, 14 Sturgis Rally Rides in 6 Days and RVing with Motorcycles so we are excited to bring these stories to Escapees Hangouts. What is the Twist Your Throttle BoF goal? It is to create an atmosphere of learning and sharing how to make traveling with large toys easy and fun. Not only will there be a lot of community sharing at the hangout, but there will also be a lot of activities created especially for riders to experience Nashville. Come and enjoy some of these events with our riding community: • Natchez Trace Group Ride • Poker Run Lot Crawl • Coffee Talks on RVing with Large Toys • Lynchburg, Tennessee, Group Ride (Jack Daniels Distillery) There will also be meet-and-greets, group rides around Tennessee, local city tours and camp fi resat night. Every moment is a time to connect and meet other RVers who travel with large, motorized toys. The hangout will also include great Nashville music, live bands and Southern food. We hope to meet you there! For more information visit Nashville Music & Motos Hangout—https://escapees.com/event/nashvillehang out2024/ or like and follow us at https://www.fb.com/ TwistYourThrottle. Lucinda Belden #159950

21

May/June 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine