Escapees November-December 2023

ESC EES Sharing The RV Lifestyle

CARBON MONOXIDE An Odorless, Tasteless, Toxic Danger PAGE40 CANADA’S NATIONAL PARKS Rocky Mountain High PAGE44

INTROINTO RVSOLAR Learning the Basics PAGE51

November/December 2023 | Vol 45 Issue 3 www.escapees.com

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

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

BANKING Banking services to support your personal and business fi nan cial 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

B y the time we got to the hotel, in Singa pore, we were an hour late, but our new friends were still waiting. After dinner, all the hotels have a Christmas Eve party, but we decided to go to the Orchard Street public festivities. The police closed this main street to all except pedestrians. It became like Times Square on New Year’s Eve. People smiled and wished strangers good luck as the crowd moved down the street, stopping at certain places to watch storefront performances by school children. At times, someone would start singing, and everyone would join in. When we fi nally reached the far end of Orchard Street, it was roped off so young people could dance. When we got back to our hotel, we found a stocking on our pillow fi lled with candies, cookies and an orange shipped in from California! Christmas doesn’t have to be lonely if you can’t spend it with family. Sharing it with others, whether friends or strangers, is what makes the holidays special.

AN EXCERPT FROM ESCAPEES MAGAZINE NOV/DEC 2010

Co-founder

November/December 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 1

contents

33

features 34 Holiday Lights BY EVANNE SCHMARDER F or maximum sparkle saturation, I’m all about a good holiday light festival. 37 Kate’s Rules of the Road BY RENE AGREDANO I discovered that one of the best parts about this lifestyle is meeting mature RVers who defy stereotypes about aging. 40 Carbon Monoxide BY MARK NEMETH An odorless, tasteless and toxic danger 44 Canada’s National Parks BY EMILY FAGAN Although we went to Canada’s Rocky Mountains to see snowcapped alpine scenery, one of the biggest highlights during our month in the area was the many sightings of big game animals. 51 Intro to RV Solar BY DAVID HUTCHISON AND SHARI GALIARDI Learn basic electrical terminology and size your system. 58 Safe and Secure BY FIRST NATIONAL BANK Helpful tips from First National Bank of Livingston, Texas

On the Cover PHOTO EMILY FAGAN #99408

Emily says, “The Canadian Rockies are a fabulous RV destination with spectacular mountain views everywhere you turn.” Her photo isde fi nitely a spectacular shot! Read about this amazing destination in Emily’s article on page 44 of this issue.

86 Article Index

A reference compilation of Material that appeared in Escapees Magazine in 2023

ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023 2

contents

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34

37

44

travel 19 Day’s End compiled BY GUY GIPSON 70 Escapees Head Out Program BY LISA KOCA 80 Park Chart and Events 57 RVers Boondocking Policy 88 RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy 22 SKPStops 33 View fi nder lifestyle 10 Escapees SmartWeigh 56 Escapees RVers Boot Camp 30 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 18 62nd Escapade 77 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

75 Calling All Chapters 12 Camping Chair Chat 74 Chapter Map

32 Escapees CARE, Inc. 64 Escapees Hangouts 72 Events and Rally Calendar 85 Final Journeys 62 Message from the Board 76 SKP Dine-outs 67 Xscapers 83 Advertisers Index

82 Marketplace 84 Classi fi edAds BC ClubBene fi ts

November/December 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 3

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 Administrative Coordinator San Juanita Hobbs General Manager Kelly Brown

TAMMY JOHNSON #39557 Editor, Escapees Magazine

Escapees RV Parks Administrator Cindy Neilsen National Escapade Directors Rob and Laura Kernodle Chapter Director/BoF Coordinator Wendy Stanwood HOP Director Lisa Koca

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

“There is always something new to learn about the nomadic lifestyle, and we are here to help you along your way.” Once again, the winter season is close at hand, and the holidays are quickly approaching. For most of us, it is a magical time of feasting with family and anticipating all the festivities that take us back to the joys of childhood. Even though you may not be near your hometown, family, and friends, you should know that you are sure to fi nd a holiday gathering with your Escapees RVing family. I f you are preparing for your 2024 travels, check the “Events Calendar,”on pages 72 and 73, in this issue, to see what is available for adding to your itinerary. Be sure to check out the HOP, Hangouts and Xscapers pages, too! Many folks are working hard to bring you exciting events, so I hope you can fi nd one or more that meets your needs. In this issue, we have some fun and exciting articles about various destinations throughout the country. The article on carbon monoxide is priceless information and is a must-read for all RVers. And, for those thinking of going solar, David Hutchison and Shari Galiardi share some excellent tips for beginners. Our “Camping Chair Chat” column is where you can fi nd stories from the road, a place where members can share their feedback, insight and tips that are bene fi cial to fellow travelers. If you have a funny tale, helpful hint or just a re fl ective musing in your thoughts of RVing, feel free to share it with the editorial department. There is always something new to learn about the nomadic lifestyle, and we are here to help you along your way. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season, and fi nd many great adventures along your travels!

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.

ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023 4

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mark, my words

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

Plumbing in Freezing Temps need to add tank heaters, which attach to the tanks and plug into your rig’s 12V electrical system, and also add additional insulation to the outside of the tanks. Don’t forget to insulate the connecting pipes and the dump valves as well. Some folks who winter-camp build insu lated boxes to cover their holding tanks and use a small

PHOTO BY STEVE MAURMANN #125584

Q. I purchased my fi rst RV and I am anxious to hit the road. However, this time of the year it can get pretty cold. What can I do to the RV to ensure my plumbing does not freeze? Also, are there any heater elements to place on the black and grey tanks to keep them warm and from freezing. Gene A. Winter in an RV can be a bit of a challenge, but it can be done with some preparation. When camping in sub-freezing weather, most folks fi nd it easier to fi ll their onboard fresh water tank and disconnect the hose and drain it between uses to prevent it from freezing. The same principle can be applied to your holding tanks: don’t leave your sewer hose hooked up when at the site. Only hook it up to drain your tanks, and then rinse it out and stow it. Make sure that the park water source will stay active and unfrozen. Many RV parks shut o ff water systems in winter to prevent frozen pipes. You’ll probably be OK without major mods if the temps stay above freezing during the day and don’t fall too far below the 20s at night, but, if you get a cold snap, it will be tough to keep everything working. If your tanks are exposed underneath the rig, you really

light bulb to provide heat. If your tanks are enclosed already, you may be fi ne as is, but tank heaters of some sort will de fi nitely add to your peace of mind. You will also need to run your rig’s furnace for heat (most furnaces supply some heated

air to help protect holding tanks and plumbing), and keep cabinet doors open where plumbing is routed to help prevent freeze-ups if it gets cold. Here is a website that shows some of the tank and plumbing

heaters: www.recpro.com/rv-tank-heater pads You can order from most RV parts sources, and Camping World also carries tank heaters. Good luck and stay warm!

ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023 6

mark, my words

GreyWater Draining Slowly Q. I have a Puma 20-foot travel trailer. This is my second travel trailer, and, prior to that, my husband and I had two di ff erent motorhomes. In each one, we had the problem of the grey water draining very slowly and sometimes would not even completely empty. I know I am supposed to drain the grey water after the black water, but it drains so slowly and the drive at the dump station starts backing up with impatient camp ers. What’s the deal with this and is there something that can be done? Janice A. There are some RVs with poorly designed drain systems that simply won’t dump properly, but it is much more common for dumping problems to be caused by the buildup of gunk in the tank or pipes. Over time, soap residue and oily solids can build up in the grey water tank and drain pipes and restrict the fl ow of water. These solids, which are kind of like the blockages that build up in your arteries from too much cholesterol, are caused by what you put down the drains. That’s why, in an RV, it is important to minimize the amount of oils and grease that get washed down the drain. I always wipe oily or greasy pans and dishes with paper towels fi rst, to get rid of as much residue as possible before rinsing or washing them. This includes things like creamy salad dressings and buttery sauces. It all will slowly build up in your pipes. To clean the existing deposits, you can try one of the RV tank cleaning products on

TVs Stored in Freezing Temps

Q. Can LCD or LED TVs be left in campers in cold or freezing temps without damage? Phil

A. In general, LCD screens are rated by the manufacturer with an operating temperature range and a storage tempera ture range. Most will operate safely between 32F and 100F. Most will tolerate storage temps between -20F and 140F without damage. Check the owner’s manual on your LCD TV to make sure,

Traveling with the Furnace On Q. I am curious if I can go down the road with my heater running in the winter. I have a fi fth-wheel with electric tank heaters, and the lines and basement are heated by the furnace. Will the pilot light be blown out during travel? Roger A. In general, the typical RV furnace will run fi newhile the RV is traveling down the highway. The furnace uses a fan-driven forced-air system to bring in combustion air and exhaust the combustion byproducts through a vent on the side of the RV. As long as you have propane and battery power to run the furnace, it will operate just fi ne and will keep your RV warm as you travel, but there are some issues that you need to consider. Having the propane turned on at the tank and having a propane appliance operating while traveling can increase the risk of a fi re or explosion in an accident. Many RVers choose to travel with the propane system shut off at the tank for safety reasons. Also, when you approach any kind of fueling station, you must shut off all appliances that produce a spark or operate with an open fl ame. That includes the furnace, water heater and refrigerator. In the case of propane refueling, all appliances and the propane main supply valve must be off, and all occu pants must exit the RV during the fueling process.

the market, but I have found them to be only partly effective. The real answer is to get some high pressure water up into the tank and pipes to blast the residue

loose. This is dif fi cult for the average RVer to accom plish. There is a service called “All Pro Water Flow,” that specializes in pressure cleaning RV holding tanks. Their system is generally very effective, and they are a mobile service: they come to you. Check them out: www.allprowater fl owltd.com

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.

November/December 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine 7

rv gadget box

Orion Compact Camper Roadside Safety Kit By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

I usually try to keep a low pro fi lewhen I’m RVing, but the one time I want everybody to know exactly where I am is when I’m on the side of the road with a problem! I I f you travel the interstates in your RV, it’s always a good idea to have safety devices to route traf fi c around you if you break down. This isn’t as signi fi cant a problem on secondary roads, but they can sure be handy there, too. I’m talking about cones or fl ares, and believe me, I hope you never have to use them. However, if you do use them, they will signi fi cantly improve your visibility and safety, especially on busy roadways. I still carry a set of DisposaCones (https://www.amazon.com/ DisposaCone-Re fl ective-Cones-3pk-Disposable/dp/ B003HL361O) and, thankfully, I haven’t had to use them yet. However, this nice little road fl are safety kit showed up in the gadget box mail slot and it would make a good addition to any RVer’s safety gear. T he carry bag is only 16"L x 3.5"W x 5" H, so it will fi t almost anywhere. The carrying case has a big Velcro pad on it, making it easy to mount just about anywhere in the RV. Mine is stuck to the wall behind the driver’s seat, out of the way, but easy to grab.

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

So, where do you fi nd one? Right now, Orion is distributing this new product via RV dealerships and parts stores. There don’t seem to be any available online yet but check your nearby RV dealer’s store for an Orion product display or contact Orion directly and tell them you want one!

ORION COMPACT CAMPER ROADSIDE SAFETY KIT MSRP under $40, Orion Safety Products 1-800-637-7807, customerservice@orionsignals.com www.orionsignals.com/project/camper-rv-roadside-kit

“This very compact little bag contains three 30-minute road fl ares, a safety vest, a re fl ective triangle, a rain poncho, a19-piece fi rst-aid kit and a safety guide.”

ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023 8

Whether you are a full-time RVer, or simply on an extended RV vacation, using an RV mail service makes it easy to get your mail on the road.

WHERE CAN YOU RECEIVE MAIL ON THE ROAD? Posto ffi cevia General Delivery Friend's or Family's house Campground O ffi ce Mail Box Store

Always check before having mail sent to a PO Box or RV park.

ESCAPEES RV CLUB MAIL SERVICE IS THE LARGEST MAIL SERVICE THAT CATERS SPECIFICALLY TORVERS. Give us a call and we can help you set up the right mail-for warding solution for your needs today! 936-327-8873

www.escapees.com

weight and safety

Emergency Roadside LED Flares By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

see truckers use, or there are the burning road fl ares that will last about 20 minutes, then it is time to set out some more. Now there is the advancement of LEDroad fl ares. These LED lights come in

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road, especially at night. I n my travels, I have had a truck radiator burst and, of course, the problem of having a rapid air loss, also known as a blowout. Not just one tire, but two duals at the same time. In both cases, after pulling off

various sizes and shapes. They can be in the shape of hockey pucks or look like road fl ares. Some are rechargeable or they can use AAA or AA batteries. The problem with the recharge able fl ares is that they will aways need to be charged for use. I have tried these, and they don’t last as long as the emergency. I elected touse fl ares that require AAA batteries. If the fl ares start to dim, I can always put in fresh batteries. I do not like to keep batteries in them since they could go bad, leak and damage the fl ares. TheLED fl ares that I use come in a case that has two fl ares. They are called Twinkle Star Emergency Roadside Flare Kit, from Amazon. A set of four fl ares is $31. You can have the fl ares blink or display a red signal. In addition, they have a fl ashlight built into the fl are. Escapees hopes that you do not have a roadside emer gency, but, before you do, you might want to purchase a set of LED roadside fl ares for the unexpected.

the roadway and making sure everyone was okay, it was time to warn other drivers that we were parked on the roadway in an emergency.

There are several ways that this can be accomplished. There are the traditional orange safety triangles that we

THE SMARTWEIGH PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCURATE INDIVIDUAL WHEEL WEIGHTS FOR YOUR RV,

toad and tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are

available in Livingston, TX, Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-329-6499 for information and reservations.

Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

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ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023

camping chair chat

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

The Mules Of Grand Canyon

Park Sierra SKPCo-Op APleasant Surprise The last week of June, a lady friend and I visited Park Sierra SKP Co-Op outside of Coarsegold, California. I had made a reservation by phone, not really knowing what Park Sierra was like. W e were pleasantly surprised. When we went into the of fi ce to register, the woman informed me that my friend could wait in their very nice clubhouse, while Joe showed me the site. It was a nice, level spot with conve nient hookups, although it looked like it might be dif fi cult to back in my 28-ft trailer. Joe informed me not to worry, as he would come back and help me, which is exactly what he did. The next day, we drove into Yosemite and and had a wonderful time. Thursday dawned quite warm, so we went to the of fi ce and asked if there was a spot with a creek or other water and shade. We were given directions to a lovely creek where we spent part of the day listening to the water and a variety of birds. All in all, it was a relaxing few days with friendly people, a nice location and an abundance of quail, woodpeckers and other wild fowl to keep us entertained. Joe Sullivan #183915

Love in bloom can happen when Mr. Donkey falls in love with Ms. Horse. Their resulting o ff spring will be a mule: an animal unique among the equines and well known for being more steady, strong and reliable than a horse. But, most of all, mules are known for being sure-footed, and that fact is why mules, not horses, are used at the Grand Canyon when visitors want to travel the trails into, or along, the canyon. A mule’s eyes are farther apart than a horse’s eyes. That gives the mule the ability to see all four of its hooves. A horse sees only its front hooves. Being able to see where to put all of your feet is important on the narrow trails of the Grand Canyon. Mules also have a gentler gait than horses, which makes the mule riders happier— especially those visitors who have never been astride any member of the equine family and, perhaps, haven’t even been on a carousel! Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can register for guided mule rides to Phantom Ranch, a small lodge and campground near the shore of the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Food, supplies, materials, tools, incoming mail and other necessities must be brought to Phantom Ranch by mule train, and outgoing mail, waste and, sometimes, exhausted or injured hikers need to leave Phantom Ranch and be brought back to the rim. The Phantom Ranch trip involves riding to the site on day one, spending the night, and returning to the South Rim on day two. Check www.grandcanyonlodges.com/plan/mule-rides, 888/297-2757 for availability. A distance to the west of Phantom Ranch, but also near the shore of the Colorado River is the Havasupai Indian Reservation. It is indepen dent of the portion of the Grand Canyon that is administered by the National Park Service. A community of about 600 people live at the site, but there are no roads to the reservation so, everything is brought in or out by mule (or horse or helicopter). The mule train carrying the mail is the only such pack train left in the US Postal Service. Limited tourism is allowed by permit only (phone 928-448-2180 or www.havasupaireser vations.com for information). Tourists began coming to the Grand Canyon in the early 20th century. In 1907, a mule barn was built at the South Rim and is still in use today. Most inner canyon trips from that barn will use the Bright Angel Trail. A smaller barn is located at the South Rim’s Yaki Point, for trips using the Kaibab Trail or rides along the South Rim of the canyon.

12

ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023

camping chair chat

September/October Cover We always enjoy the clear layout and informative articles in Escapees Magazine, and the current September/October issue is no exception. However, we are concerned about the cover, which shows an RV perched over a double yellow line on a public high way, and hope that appropriate safety measures were taken for the photo shoot. A note in the “On the Cover” description would have been reassuring. Mike and Donna Lane #167844

Most of the Grand Canyon mules are from farms in Tennessee and Wyoming and are saddle-broke when purchased. They range from about 900 to 1,800 pounds. They are trained and tested for the jobs of packing supplies or being mounts for tourists on the mule rides. There are about 200 mules at the Grand Canyon, but not all are used for mule rides. Some are needed for packing supplies in and out of the canyon. A staff of wranglers cares for and feeds the mules, and acts as guides for the riders year round. During the winter, weather permitting, the tourist rides continue, but the mules wear special shoes with grippers that prevent sliding on ice or snow. The mules selected for tourist rides are fi ttedwith special, hand-crafted saddles that feature a high cantle and a larger horn than most saddles—features that help even inexperienced or novice riders achieve a more comfortable ride, especially when descending the trails of the canyon. If all this sounds like a fun adventure for you, be aware that the mule trips are very popular and there is often a waiting list of a year or more for the rim and inner canyon rides, so plan far in advance. Currently, the inner canyon/Phantom Ranch ride is so popular that a lottery has been established to choose riders. However, if you are among the lucky ones to venture into the Grand Canyon or along its rim aboard a mule, you will be amazed at not only the canyon’s beauty, but the ability and intelligence of your partner mule! Dr. Stephenie Slahor, Guest Contributor

To those who may have been concerned about the positioning of the truck and trailer on the cover of the September/October issue, below is clari fi ca tion from the contributor assuring us that the photo was staged with safety in mind. We would

never want to encourage RVers to drive in an unsafe manner or put other drivers in danger while staging a photo shoot. Editor Safety is always our fi rst priority and there were no other drivers or vehicles on the road coming in either direction. We use walkie talkies when driving and drive a second vehicle for our travels. I drove ahead and pulled completely off the road in a pull-off area and took the picture within seconds. No traf fi c was on the roadway and in no way was anyone’s safety put in jeopardy or any other drivers in danger or inconvenienced. Tarah Wisser #177268

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November/December 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

camping chair chat

RVing With Mental Illness You may wonder, “How can someone like me drive a big rig across the country every winter?” My mental disorders have actually helped me to survive and even thrive while RVing!

I rationalized that if I could work in the ICU, RVing would certainly be a breeze. I ignorantly believed that hauling a travel trailer through the Rockies in winter would not even challenge me. Of course, we experienced some disasters during every trip, but I learned I could beokay. My inability to focus (I prefer to call it multitasking) is an asset at times. For instance, when setting up at a campsite, I scan everything instantly and solve multiple issues before we even put the steps down. Driving is one of my favorite things because there is so much new information to process while traversing various terrains. It calms me down. Our 2023 Arizona trip was a crucible for me, and it proved that I could survive almost anything. While in Phoenix, my husband, Ed, suddenly developed a potentially fatal infection. This is one of my biggest anxiety-producing scenarios - going to a strange hospital and relying on staff with which I am unfamiliar. I changed gears and returned to my ICU nurse person ality. We drove into an inner-city hospital emergency room and had the fascinating experience of observing the clients. Perhaps I should have been frightened but I found it distracting from my morbid thoughts about Ed’s condition. We were treated by an exceptionally kind and

Before I considered becoming an RVer, I compared myself to the carefree campers in magazines and in television shows who were perpetually happy and never struggled with anything. RVing for them was one blissful experience after another. Daily life can be challenging enough for me because I have depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention de fi cit disorder (ADD). P reparing for any RV trip can cause anxiety for anyone. For me, the preparation phase can be overwhelming. Even after completing fi ve winter trips from Wisconsin to Arizona, I obsess about the next trip before we are home. Naturally, this exacerbates my anxiety. Add to this cocktail my inability to focus; you might think planning a trip with me is unpleasant. Yes, I drive my spouse crazy, but we always have our rest stops reserved; we are prepared for any emergency (several fi rst aid kits, my stethoscope, fl ares), and I have plans A, B, C, and D rehearsed.

When I was an intensive care nurse, it was essential to learn how to function with my mental disorders. I was skeptical about working in the extremely stressful ICU environment, but I realized I could use them for my bene fi t. For example, fi xating on minute details made me a better nurse. Obsessively strategizing meant that I already had several solutions when something catastrophic happened.

“After recounting the catastrophes of our road trip to friends and relatives, some suggested quitting the RV life.”

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ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023

camping chair chat

professional medical team who quickly diagnosed the problem, and he recovered after a round of antibiotics. Ed and I were relieved to head home on April Fool’s Day. I foolishly believed that we had already experienced our annual catastrophic RV event and that the trip home would be enjoyable. We had a week layover in San Antonio to unwind and refresh. Unfortunately, we learned that our new rear RV tire was already worn. We consulted with our RV experts, who assured us that if we just replaced the tire and drove cautiously, we would make it safely home. While the AAA staff were replacing the tire, I extended the awning because it was raining. We did not know that a Texas rainstorm could quickly become a monsoon. Suddenly, a large boom jolted us, and we were horri fi ed when we realized that our (brand new) awning had collapsed and had been destroyed. When we left San Antonio, I was anxious but attributed it to my obsessing over the tire and the awning. Sometimes I cannot discern between my intuition and my natural tendency to worry, but I had a feeling that something would happen. While we were driving west of St. Louis on I-44, I noticed a plume of smoke rising from the rear RV tire. I desperately scanned the area for an exit, but the nearest one was far away, so I pulled over on the side of this busy, two-lane freeway. Remarkably, despite a considerable adrenaline surge, I grabbed my phone and called AAA. Ed climbed out of the passenger side to assess the situation. While glancing in the rearview mirror, I was horri fi ed to see my disabled husband rolling down a ravine! I was amazed at how quickly my 65-year-old body could leap over our console. My husband, Ed, was lying face down but could get up with assistance. He exclaimed that he lost his footing because of the shock of seeing that our tire was gone and only the axle remained. Eventually, we were towed to our campground and tried to decompress. After recounting the catastrophes of our road trip to friends and relatives, some suggested quitting the RV life. They could not comprehend how we would recover from so much trauma and verbalized their concern about my mental health. Remarkably, I feel stronger because we experienced some things I fear the most. We survived and used our critical thinking skills after this trip, and I decided to focus on gratitude for everything, both the good as well as thebad. Yes, I have mental disorders, but I am learning how to channel them so that they are assets, and I am fully embracing the RV life, part-time, of course. Marie Haas #182749

Not Just Cold Florida Cold

Like many RVers, we’re from a place with real winters, where the wind blows heavy snows into drifts and shuts the highway down. So we were unhappily surprised to arrive in Florida our fi rst December wear ing fl ip fl ops, only to run back inside the camper and start layering on button-ups and fl eece jackets. It was 58 degrees. N ow, had it been 58 degrees on a December day in our home state, we’d have been in T-shirts, strutting around proudly and bragging about how warm we were. But the sight of palm trees made all that a moot point. That Christmas, we threw the kids in the pool and told them to look happy while we took pictures of them for the folks back home. When they got out, they were shivering and asking for hot chocolate. What was going on, we wondered? Was it a case of false advertising? Were we really going to be able to enjoy afternoons poolside and evenings strolling through Downtown Disney in our short sleeves? Had we taken a wrong turn and ended up in Minnesota? While it never gets really cold in Florida like it does in our blizzardy home states, it can be surprisingly chilly. In North Florida, for example, the wintertime lows

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camping chair chat

regularly dip into the 40’s. In Central Florida, including Orlando, overnight lows of 50 degrees are common. Gardeners even watch out for frost from December until mid-March. Occasionally, Central Florida experiences a hard freeze, where the temperature dips below 28 degrees for more than two hours. This is dangerous for the orange groves, and citrus farmers spray down the trees with water to form a protective shell of ice, which acts as an insulator. But overnight lows are not the same as daytime highs, and these are not easily determined by a quick online search of “average monthly temperatures.” While it’s supposed to be 75 degrees out when we’re setting up the Christmas Mickey outside our motorhome, it’s frequently much cooler than that. There’s really no way to know what you’re going to get until you get there. For example, in 2022, an “arctic blast” from the north caused a string of 50-degree days (and colder nights) in Central Florida, triggering one of the state’s quirky “Falling Iguana” warnings. Not only were Snowbirds a little stunned by the temperatures, but so were the iguanas, which can lose their grip after several days of severe chill and fall from their perches. I understand that the locals look forward to a break from the heat. Maybe they’re not into 50 degree days, which force them to cover their landscaping with burlap coffee bags, but they do enjoy a streak of days in the low-60’s, which are common. Among RVers, it’s the older men, especially those named Bob, who also seem

to relish this weather. And it’s the moms with kids howling for CoCo Key Water Park who are the ones shivering with frustration. But there’s another aspect to getting cold in Florida. You can get acclimatized, and then you get cold even when it really is warm. On another winter trip, we were enjoying ourselves at an RV park in the Florida Keys. The kids had spent half the day paddling canoes in the bay and the other half swimming in the pool. It felt like summertime, and I was dressed in a thin cotton shirt, shorts, and sandals. But that night, as we parents lounged in our camp chairs, I got up to get a sweatshirt. And then a jacket. Finally, I gave up and put on a down vest. I rubbed my cold hands over the fi re and said, “Geez, what’s the temperature out here?” My friends’ answer made me shout. It was 68 degrees by our little propane fi re pit. How could I possibly be cold? And then one member of the group told a story. He’d been an airplane mechanic in the army and had been stationed in Saudi Arabia, where they often saw highs of 120 degrees. One particular time, he and his crew were working the night shift when the temperature started to plummet. They called for their heavy-weather gear, including coats, gloves, and hats. When they asked what the temperature was, they were as shocked as I’d just been. Their cold hands and shivering shoulders were being caused by an ambient air temperature of 80 degrees. Well that explains the long johns I saw for sale at the Clermont Target. We acclimatize more quickly to heat, more slowly to cold. Not only that, a large temperature difference is hard for the body to handle, even if the low is in the range we’d normally consider comfortable.

Photo Correction View fi nder “City Lights” In the September/October 2023“View fi nder” column, this photo was incorrectly A Minaret (tower from which Muslims are called to prayer) at night near the plaza in Marrakesh, Morocco. There was a place for RV overnight parking behind the tower. With the minaret all lit up, it was easy for us to fi nd our way back to our camper after enjoying the captioned. The correct information is below.

We sturdy types who grew up snow skiing or ice fi shing don’t think it could happen to us, but it can. Spending just a couple of years “chasing 70 degrees” can cause our bodies to recalibrate. A merely warm day can start to feel hot, and a merely chilly night can have us running for hats and woolly mittens. If we stay in a hot climate permanently, we can become intolerant of the cold altogether. I decided that the thing to do was get a little snow under my boots. We went out west and wintered in our RV. We went snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and sledding. We snuggled under blankets and ran space heaters at our feet. We drank hot chocolate. And what was my husband’s response? “We could be in Florida right now.” By Bianca Dumas, Guest Contributor

evening on the busy plaza. PHOTO BY JOYCE SPACE #61818

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camping chair chat

The Ultimate Camping Spot dark green from ageless forestation along the upper slopes, to gray from the jagged bare peaks with white tops. All was contrasted against a light blue sky. We pulled out our portable canvas chairs and a rolled-up portable table from the RV compartments. The outside lunch was long and solemn, interrupted only by the captivating views and small talk. Our most memorable camping spot was on the Fishhoock Trailhead o ff the Fishhook

Willow Road in the Palmer Alaska area. It was on the way to the Independence Mine State Historical Park that this very large paved empty parking area, appeared out of nowhere. W e were ready for lunch and pulled in parallel to the outermost edge. Looking out of our windows, a most mind-capturing vista developed. We stepped outside and were mesmerized by an endless view down a valley cradled by long impressive mountain ranges still wearing white hats left by the winter snow. The colors varied from light green from the newly awakening fl ora in the valleys, to

We did see the Independence mine while using our tow car, but spent two days at this beautiful spot. We hiked up a nearby hill and took in the crisp air along the way. The second day, a paraglider landed nearby, and a young girl on a skateboard rolled all over the parking area wind-powered by an overhead parakite. They were father and daughter and offered a unique opportunity for friendly conversation. Overall Alaska was fi lled with endless incredible and memorable sights and was the most RV-friendly state we have visited. The Dynamic Duo, Margie and Gary Spangenberg #82922

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

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November/December 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

escapade

5 Days 1k Sites

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

Plan to be in on the action at Escapade 2024, at the Sweetwater Events Center in Rock Springs! We look forward to fi ve nights of live music, dark sky presenta tions in the Boar’s Tusk Campground, the addition of Saturday Night “early arrival” festivities, another packed seminar schedule and so much more! Summer travel plans can kick off with, or include, Rock Springs—the gateway to so many great destinations such as Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge and Grand Tetons. Escapade is the perfect time for all Escapees to gather for a great reunion of old and new friends! Tickets will go on sale in January. Rob and Laura Kernodle #131897, Escapade Directors

ESCAPEES.COM/ESCAPADE Tickets will go on sale in January.

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ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 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. CANADA, Alberta

GOLDEN : Redgrave RA, both sides. Tables, pit toilets. No signs. WB side 37 KM W of town on TCH 1 (110 KM E of Revelstoke, 10.5 KM W of Donald Sta (bridge)), N side of hwy, 51.49067 -117.27589. EB side 0.5 KM further W. WB side shaded, less open to hwy, narrow circular rd, 2–3 lg rigs. Some hwy noise. Linda Williamson #102614 Arizona QUARTZSITE : Marketplace CG. 40 acres of BD (RV only, no tents) and vendor area. $7, discount for lg groups. D and W ($10). 50 E Kuehn St, just E of SR 95 and S of I-10, N side of Kuehn. 33.66036 -114.21547. 541-571-3118. Drinking W and tank pumping avail from vendors. Across st to S, at 55 E Kuehn, is Rice Ranch, a pricier CG with HUs. Chas Wilder #88717 QUARTZSITE : RV Pit Stop. E sites avail, over fee criteria. D priced by size of rig. RO W 25c/gal, $1/5-gal. Propane avail. 425 N Central Blvd. Dean and Judy Sheeley #68258 QUARTZSITE : Tumbleweed (formerly Rose) RV Park. $10 BD sites, E/W and FHU pull-thrus $30 ($39 in Jan), also wk/mo rates. D $15, W fi ll $5, both $20. Dumpster. 600 E Kuehn (N side), E of US 95, parallel to S side of I-10. Easy in/out. 405-306-2309. tumbleweedrvparkquartzsite.com John Parker #96350 QUARTZSITE : BLM BD areas near town. Free. 14-day limit within 28 (if moving to more BLM land, it must be at least 25 mi away or to LTVA). Any size rig. 1) DOME ROCK (WEST) : I-10 x11, S frontage rd, both sides. 6 mi of BD E to x17. Best sites for level and lg rigs start 1 mi E of x11. Also accessible from x17, go W on S frontage rd. 2) DOME ROCK (EAST) : I-10 X17, Take S Frontage Rd W To Cholla Rd, S on Cholla to 1st wash, Bd Is To W end of rd. Bd access area is only 1/4 mi wide but widens out as you get away from the rd. Adjacent to the western dome rock area, separated by a wash that maybedif fi cult to cross with your rig. 3) SCADDAN WASH : from I-10 x19, go S on Riggles Ave 0.4 mi to intersection, TL (E) on rd that becomes frontage rd S side of I-10, pavement goes four mi, last three have BD to R. Also, at pavement end tr, go 1.5 mi to where Main Rd makes sharp L. Instead, go R into huge boondock area (N33 38.989 W114 09.096) or go S on US 95 (Central Blvd) and, just after where the interstate crosses, TL on Kuehn St. Go straight past Riggles Ave, follow above.

CANMORE : Safeway, three long RV pkg spots. Ask permission from manager for O/N. Ctr of town, on N side of store. W and D at Welcome Ctr on W edge of town, O/N not permitted. Linda Williamson #102614 JASPER : Snaring River CG Over fl ow, Jasper NP. 250 gravel BD sites, tables. Vault toilet, trash bins, W and food lockers. $16.75. Three-nite limit, extendable on request. Appears to be closed except when CG is full. TCH 16, 11.6 mi (19 KM) N of town (toward Edmonton), TL (W) on paved Snaring Rd, go 5.5 KM. Snaring CG (over fee criteria) is on L just before a bridge. Cross bridge, TR into over fl ow. 53.0149 -118.08625. Good signs, easy off/on, good side rds. Lg rock lot, 200 rigs of all sizes. Easy to level, some shade. Fabulous mtn views, near Snaring Riv. Wildlife. Bruce Ratcli ff #48001 and Maxine Vert #49242 LAKE LOUISE : Lg, level gravel lot (some paved). BD O/N. Pit toilet, trash bin. $10.80, self-register/pay kiosk. One-nite limit. From jct PH 93 and TCH 1, go 5 mi SE on TCH 1 to "Over fl ow Camping" sign on R. N51.38692 W116.12957. Easy access. Some hwy noise at night and noise early am from trucks pulling out. Room for many RVs any size, good solar, poor Verizon. Bus from pkg lot to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake $4/adult. Mark and Sue Bryer #86611 CANADA, British Columbia GOLDEN : Husky Truck Stop, fairly level gravel over fl owpkg lot. We asked permission and were told RVs are permitted to park O/N despite eight-hr limit sign. TCH 1, 0.2 mi NW of jct with Hwy 95, E side of hwy, N edge of Truck Stop in front of Ramada Inn. Xlnt food at Truck Stop. Linda Williamson #102614 GOLDEN : Kicking Horse RA. Long pkg spots OK for lg rigs with towed. Washrooms. Free. No stay limit posted. 14.1 KM E of town on TCH 1, N side. A bit sloped. Bob and Melanie Ashton #113199 GOLDEN : Redburn Creek Forestry Camp (known locally as IOOB campsite). Pit toilets. 6.4 mi NW of town on TCH 1, TR on Moberly Branch Rd, go 1.3 mi, TL on Golden Donald Rd, go 0.6 mi, curve R onto Oberg Johnson Rd, go 1.6 mi, TL on Moberly School Rd, go 0.4 mi, curve R onto Blaeberry Rd, go 4.3 mi crossing 3 bridges. When rd curves L over the 4th bridge stay straight ahead to lg pkg area on L with view of snow covered mtns and a creek. 51.47527 -116.97208. Any size rig. No cell signal. Nancy Holmes #95280

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November/December 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine

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Florida ALVA : Alva Country Diner, very lg smooth level gravel pkg lot. SR 80/Palm Beach Blvd, stop light 1/2-way between Ft Myers and La Belle, at corner of Packinghouse/Broadway. 21200 Palm Beach Blvd. Lot is behind the diner. Three entrances, easy in/out. Any size rig. Surrounded by trees. 239-728-3366. John and Bonnie Archer #113438 ALVA : W P Franklin North CG (COE). 29 paved E/W sites, tables with shelters, fi repit/grills. Rest rooms, showers. $30, S/A Pass 1/2. Reservations rec.gov. 14-day limit within 30. Open all yr. I-75 x141, go 2 mi E on SR 80, TL (N) on SR 31, go four mi, TR (E) on SR 78, go 5 mi, TR (S) on N Franklin Lock Rd, follow signs to CG. 26.72417 -81.69278. Some sites fi t rigs over 35'. CG is basically an island in the Caloosahatchee Riv. Boat ramp, fi shing pier. Good kayaking. Good Verizon. 239-694-8770. Terry and Barb Brown #105261 AVONPARK : Dump sta. $10, pay inside of fi ce. At South Trails RV Ctr. US 27 S. Not reported as an O/N location. Dave Ed #62492 FORTMYERS : Camping World pkg lot. I-75 x139, go E on Lucket Rd, 1st L, then immed L onto Waycross Rd. 26.65764N 81.79766W. Follow sign to store. 4681 Waycross Rd. Very crowded pkg. Rd noise. Propane at store. LABELLE : Ortona Lock South CG, Caloosahatchee Riv (COE). 51 mostly-level paved sites, covered tables, fi re pits. 20/30/50-A E/W, showers. D. $30, S/A Pass 1/2. 14-day limit. All sites reservable, no fee. Open all yr. Go 8.1 mi E from town on SR 80 to where hwy reduces to two lanes, TL (N) on Dalton Ln, go 1.5 mi to CG. N26 47 15.0 W81 18 28.98. Very busy Jan/Feb and holidays. Few trees. Good Verizon. Free WiFi at W side rest rooms. Fishing piers. Watch boats and manatees go thru lock. Alli gators, ospreys, otters frequently seen. 863-675-8400. Terry and Barb Brown #105261 LORIDA : Hickory Hammock Equestrian CG (S FL Water Mgmt District). Tables, potable W (threaded spigot), composting toilets, trash bins. Free, must register on website and get special use permit (provided instantly), tinyurl.com/l4etu67 or at Visitor Ctr, or call 561-924-5310. 8-day limit/stay, 1 day out. 30-day limit/yr. Entrance is 2 mi E of town (8 mi W of Cornwell) on US 98 at N27.42551 W81.21432. Lock combination provided on registering. Enter locked gate, go 3 mi down lane to CG. Horse not needed. Camping not restricted to designated sites. May fi ll during hunting seasons especially late Jan-early Mar. Rick Davis and Carol Deaton #60248

4)HI JOLLY : MM 112, N of Quartzsite on E side of SR 95. Or, from I-10 X19, take N Frontage Rd to Plymouth Rd, N on Plymouth to Tyson, W on Tyson to SR 95, which takes you around the congestion downtown. BD is E of SR 95 at MM 112. 33.70955 -114.21594 right off paved Rd. Lg rigs okay. Lots of space for groups. 5) PLOMOSA RD : Look for Plomosa Rd, E of SR 95, 1.5 mi N of Hi Jolly. 33.74876 -114.2161. Get permit at host location. Go further down to fi nd spots R & L of Plomosa Rd (paved). Lots of room. Pay attention to the “No Camping Beyond This Point” signs for limits of BLM area. 6) ROAD RUNNER : From Jct SR 95 and I-10 go 5 mi S on SR 95 (MM 99), Go W short distance on 53rd St, S of and next to La Posa LTVA. 33.58106 -114.21874. Good for lg rigs and groups. Stan Miller #51443 California CAJON JUNCTION : Numerous BD spots. Several isolated sections of old unused rd accessible for pkg, and some picnic and pull-out areas. No prohibitive signs. Off I-15 N of I-15/I-215 split, from x124 (Kenwood Ave) to x129 (Cleghorn Rd), Cajon Blvd (Old US 66) follows Cajon Creek and the RR around the hill for fi ve mi on W side of I-15, looping back to I-15. Area among grove in narrow canyon; OK for several lg rigs. N34 16.008 W117 27.5417. Scenic. sounds from hwy and RR. Chas Wilder #88717 CAJON JUNCTION : BD (NF). Undeveloped dirt pkg area. No facilities. Free. I-5 x131, go 1.2 mi W on SR 138 toward Palmdale/Wrightwood, TL (S) on Lone Pine Canyon Rd, go 1.6 mi to Swarthout Canyon Rd, make sharp L onto dirt rd where guardrail ends. BD site is on L in 100'. 34.30121 -117.5111. 1–2 rigs. Lg rigs might require three-pt turn. Nice views of desert mtns. Well away from I-5 and RR noise, near rd but quiet at night. Scott Ross #109562 TRABUCO CANYON : O’Neill Regional Park (county). 80 BD sites, some with W spigots, some for RVs only. W, rest rooms/showers, D. $20 ($15 age 60+ and/or disabled) +$5 addl vehicle fee if towing a motorized vehicle (but not for a trailer). 14-day limit. I-5 x91, go 8 mi NE on El Toro Rd, TR on Live Oak Canyon Rd, go 3.3 mi to entrance on R. In beautiful Trabuco and Live Oak Canyons. Heavily wooded, coast live oak and sycamore trees. Walk to xlnt country steak house. ocparks.com/parks/oneill lenn and Denise Nawa'a #130500

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

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ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023