Escapees September-October 2022

ESC EES Sharing The RV Lifestyle

ESCAPING THE SUMMER HEAT Boondocker’s Digest Part VIII PAGE 34

DOMICILE Does it matter? PAGE 40 MY RV RADIO

Taking Internet Broadcasting Technology to a whole new level PAGE 50

September/October 2022 | Vol 44 Issue 2 www.escapees.com

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thoughts for the road

“Whatever road our children choose to follow, they are going to have their own mountains to climb and rivers to cross. Our role is to cheer them on. They will over come all their challenges if they are following their own dream and not someone else’s. Unless you choose to follow your own dream, happiness will get lost as easily as a cup of water tossed into the ocean, and the promise of what you could have been will evaporate like smoke from a dying camp fi re.” Kay Peterson #1

EXCERPT FROM KAY PETERSON’S EDITORIAL ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN ESCAPEES MAGAZINE, MAY/JUNE 2007

Co-founder

Annual Bash 2018 sunset camp fi re. PHOTO BY DAVID GOLDSTEIN #126793

contents

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features 34 Boondocker’s Digest Part VIII BY MARK NEMETH Escaping the Summer Heat 40 Domicile: Does It Matter? BY SAMUEL BURK First, many will likely want to know, “What is domicile?” 44 Apples BY DOROTHY RIEKE

J. Sterling Morton voiced his dedication to and appreciation of trees when he stated, “If I had the power, I would compel every man in the state, who had a home of his own, to plant out and cultivate fruit trees.” 50 My RV Radio BY RENE AGREDANO One Xscapers couple from the terrestrial radio world is taking Internet broadcasting technology to a whole new level. 54 All About Co ff ee BY EVANNE SCHMARDER Today I am the grown-up (kind of) and my morning ritual is not all that different than that of my parents,’ but the coffee scene most certainly is. 58 The Unplanted Life BY NATE LAVENDER While conventional wisdom highlights planting roots, the RV and van life community have lives that grow, thrive and bear fruit while on the move.

On the Cover PHOTO BY JOYCE SPACE #61818

Joyce Space submitted this inter esting photo of an umbrella boulder found at Lee’s Ferry, Arizona. (See her submission on page 28.) You can fi nd information about these fascinating rock formations online at www.nps.gov/ places/balanced-rock-at-lees-ferry.htm.

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022 2

contents

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44

50

54

travel 17 Day’s End compiled BY GUY GIPSON 70 Escapees Head Out Program BY LISA KOCA 80 Park Chart and Events 39 RVers Boondocking Policy 88 RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy 26 SKP Stops 14 View fi nder lifestyle 10 Escapees SmartWeigh 09 Escapees RVers Boot Camp 16 From the Bookshelf BY MARCELLA GAUTHER 06 Mark, My Words BY MARK NEMETH 08 RV Gadget Box BY MARK NEMETH 01 Thoughts for the Road BY KAY PETERSON 10 Weight and Safety Tip BY JIM KOCA

community 12 62nd Escapade BY DUANE AND JEAN MATHES 82 Birds-of-a-Feather Groups

77 Calling All Chapters 20 Camping Chair Chat 76 Chapter Map

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

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

September/October 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine 3

contents

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

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

TAMMY JOHNSON #39557 Editor, Escapees Magazine

National Escapade Directors Duane and Jean Mathes ChapterDirector/BoFCoordinator Jimmy and Lockie Sailer HOP Director Lisa Koca Hangouts Directors David and Cheryl Goldstein Convergence Director Hollie Parks Educational Director Jim Koca Brand Director Brandon Hatcher Marketing Director Kerensa Durr Communications Director Georgianne Austin Magazine Sta ff Managing Editor Tammy Johnson Copy Editor Carol Rice Editorial Assistant Kelly Evans-Hill Graphic Artist Krystina Evans Graphic Artist Cole Carter Advertising Director Kelly Evans-Hill Technical Advisor Mark Nemeth • Submissions of features on all phases of RV living are welcome. Writers’ guidelines and payment schedule are available upon request: editor@escapees.com • For commercial display ads, contact advertising by calling 936-327-8873 or e-mail advertising@escapees.com. • Send address changes to Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 or clubbusiness@escapees.com. Escapees magazine (ISSN-1556-7486) is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351. Periodical postage paid at Livingston, Texas, and additional mailing o ffi ces. 936-327-8873. Fax: 936-327-4388. Website: www.escapees.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Escapees RV Club, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351-9300. Copyright© 2022 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.

“I hope you enjoy the articles our editorial department has prepared for you this issue…” Welcome to fall, y’all! As I write this on a swel tering triple-digit summer day in Southeast Texas, you can only imagine the anticipation that I feel for those cooler, pleasant days in the near future. I’ve even lit a fall-scented candle to set the mood and mentally move forward into the next season. M any parts of the country have been under siege by oppressive heat, but as an added bonus for you lucky RVers, an unpleasant climate issue can easily be resolved by pulling up the chocks and moving on to greener, or in this case, cooler pastures! Yet, one more reason to have a home with wheels. I was able to escape the of fi ce desk this summer for a short vacation to the California Coast. I dipped my toes in the Paci fi c at Venice Beach, and cruised through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. Although I didn’t spot a celebrity, I was content with the possibility that I had an unknown brush with greatness who was incognito. I also spent some time with family on the Texas Gulf Coast at Port Aransas. While there, I stayed in a relatively small RV with my two adult children. It was then that I realized, I am spoiled to a spacious abode. Sharing tight living quarters with other adults de fi nitely requires patience and compro mise, as well as an adjustment period. For you Snowbirds who love the beach and are headed south this winter, Port Aransas is a great place to visit. It is approximately a fi ve-hour drive south of Livingston, Texas, the headquarters for Escapees RV Club. I hope you enjoy the articles our editorial department has prepared for you this issue, and feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with us. I always enjoy hearing from our readers. Stay safe, and I wish you many exciting adventures this fall season.

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022 4

mark, my words

Reducing Sway Q. As a returning RVer from 20 years ago, I have purchased an older Bounder gas 35E. I had a class C before, so driving on the highway is much di ff erent now. I have read up on trying to control the steering stabilization of a class A motorhome. (steering stabilizer or anti sway bars.) The wind, grooves in the road and truck push seem to be a daily way of life. Before I invest a solution, do these products really help the motorhome to control the highway? Bob A. Steering stabilizers do help, but no combination of anti-sway bars or stabilizers will completely eliminate that push from wind or passing trucks. The stabilizers are designed to reduce the effect to a comfort able level. If you are currently having to white-knuckle it, I suspect that adding stabilizer hardware will help. However, if the sway or wander is not really signi fi cant, or if you feel reasonably comfortable driving the rig and just want it to handle more like a car, the limited improvement you’ll get from adding a stabilizer may not be worth the cost. Tires can also have a big effect on the way the rig handles. You might want to try experimenting with tire in fl ation pressures a little. Sometimes increasing or decreasing tire pressure will help reduce sway or wander. Just be sure not to drop the pressure below the minimum recommended tire pressure for the weight the tires are carrying. Also, have the steering gear and suspen sion checked. One loose component or an alignment problem can make a huge difference in the way a rig handles.

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

Tank Treatment Q. My parents have moved into their travel trailer full time for their retirement. They sit long periods of time in one place. Will the chemicals work in their holding tank when they don’t get any mixing from the trailers movement? Is there one type of chemical that will work better under these circumstances? Ray A. In my opinion, the best choices for tank treatments are the biological ones. These are bacterial or enzyme in nature, and are very effective at liquefying waste, which is even more important when your RV stops moving for a while. It will also be a big help if your parents get used to using more water each time they fl ush (they aren’t dry camping, after all) and wait until the tank is close to full before emptying it. That will help give the treatment more time to work, and it should keep things

fl owing smoothly. Choosing a toilet tissue that breaks down fully will also be a big help. If in doubt, always do the jar test: take a sheet or 2 of your TP, put it in a jar 1/2 full of water and give it a shake. Safe TP will dissolve readily; bad stuff won’t and shouldn’t be used in an RV.

Get Rid of Rid-X? Q. We RV full-time. Is it okay to use Rid-X in the black water tank and, if so, how much? Rick

A. Several years ago, I contacted the folks who make Rid-X and asked about the product’s suitability for use in RV holding tanks. I spoke to several of the techs in the labs, and also to their sales staff and management. The fi nal answer that I got was (in

essence) that Rid-X was designed for use in septic tanks. The Rid-X folks do not speci fi cally recommend Rid-X for use in RV holding tanks. However, they did state that the product will not harm RV plumbing systems or holding tanks. My opinion is that, while it’s probably okay to use Rid-X in your holding tanks, you’ll likely get better overall perfor mance from a waste digestion product that’s designed for RV use.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022

mark, my words

Three-Week Test Trip Q. I am a 63-year-old, single woman who roamed the world in my 20s and I’m ready for that again. In about 18 months, I plan to retire and hit the road. I am also an avid reader of Henry David Thoreau and Emerson and have been assiduously practicing “Simplify, Simplify” for the past year or so. My plan is this: I will drive to the west coast in my car. After arriving, I will sell my car and buy a 16– to 20– foot travel trailer and the vehicle that will safely and adequately pull it. I will then travel around and hopefully get work in the national parks for months at a time. I hope to keep this up for about three to fi ve years. I will have my cat as my co-pilot. Can you recommend some 16–20 foot travel trailers that would fi t my bill? Would second-hand units be chancy? Can you recommend some vehicles that will pull this safely through the West? What are the speci fi cations I should look for? Edie A. I understand the desire to simplify, but if your goal is to full-time RV, consider that you are going to be living in this thing. That means you will need more storage space than if you are just “out for the weekend.” Remember that there will be days (weeks?) when bad weather forces you to stay inside. Simple creature comforts like a comfortable chair to sit in or a couch to stretch out on become more important. Think about what you want to bring with you when you hit the road and try to estimate what kind of storage space you’ll need. I have met some folks out there full-time RVing in very small rigs, such as

20-foot class C motorhomes and 16-foot travel trailers, so it’s possible, but possibly not optimal. If you're considering hitting the road for good in a small travel trailer, my advice to you is to take a three-week trip in one and see if you can live in something that small. Second-hand RVs, especially trailers, can be a real bargain! Obviously, you’ll want something that is struc turally sound, and in good overall condition. In general, travel trailers are likely to be lightly used, and buying a pre-owned unit helps you avoid the hit you would take from depreciation on a brand-new one. Don’t buy your tow vehicle until you have picked out a rig. Then, make sure that the tow vehicle has adequate tow ratings to handle the trailer you’ll be towing. Bumper-pull trailers allow you the widest range of tow vehicles, so you can choose a van, SUV, car or truck, as long as it is adequate for the job. Check manufacturer’s weight and tow ratings on any prospective vehicle, and match them to your trailer’s gross weight rating. Leave some headroom, too. Chances are, if you are full-time RVing, your trailer will probably be pretty close to its rated capacity when loaded. Good luck in your search!

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

September/October 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine 7

rv gadget box

Latch-It Step Covers By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor

My RV steps were looking pretty sad: splotchy paint and worn non-skid material. It’s a big job to strip and repaint, maybe some step covers would be easier. The only problem is that most of the step covers I’ve seen on RVs were hard to keep clean and some don’t stay attached too well. A fter some research, I was intrigued by the covers sold under the Latch-It name. The manufacturer says: “LATCH.IT makes all RV Step Rugs superior from the rest with UV resis tant fabric! Double-layer thick polyester on areas where it matters, and all metal grommets and springs allows us to outlast the competition!” That, and a lifetime replacement warranty, convinced me to give them a try. I was impressed with the quality of the material and the very secure fastening method, which uses springs to stretch and hold the covers in place. They went on quick and now look at those steps! Whew, that’s a lot easier than repainting them. In use on the road, the covers stay fl at and tight to the steps, and don’t interfere when they retract. The “carpet” material is densely woven plastic and cleans with a small whisk broom. You can even pressure wash them if you need to. I did, after a trip down a muddy road, and they look like new. If you’re looking for a good step cover, this is it!

Before

After

LATCH-IT RV STEP COVERS —available in sizes to fi t most RV steps. Step cover sets are around $40, and can be ordered on the Latch-It site, www.latchit.org. Selected products are available on Amazon and eBay.

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022 8

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 16–18, 2023 Escapade, Pima County Fairground Tucson, Arizona APRIL 21–23, 2023 SKP ACRE, Coastal Georgia RV Resort Brunswick, Georgia NOVEMBER 11–13, 2022 Rainbow's End Rainbow Park Livingston, Texas FEBRUARY 3–5, 2023 North Ranch SKP Co-Op Congress, Arizona

For more information, call 936-327-8873 or to register for an event, visit WWW.ESCAPEES.COM/BOOTCAMP

Did you know students who completed RVers Boot Camp may qualify for a discount on their RV insurance?* For more information, visit www.escapees.com/education *Disclaimer: Discount may only be applied if account has not already reached maximum discounts allowed.

weight and safety

GARMIN DASH CAM 20 STANDALONE DRIVING RECORDER

Cameras By JIM KOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

Nowadays, just about everyone has a camera. This includes cameras that are built in with our phones, video cameras and still cameras to document our travels. They are a great way to protect yourself and your property by showing damage that occurred in order to fi le an insurance claim but, most importantly, they are great for security. V ideo cameras have been used by law enforcement agencies to document calls in service for evidential purposes for the prosecution of suspects. Trucking companies are installing video cameras for the protection against lawsuits, as well as transit agencies, such as city buses and over-the-road buses. They video their entire trip to document near misses or accidents that might occur during their trip. These vehicle cameras have come down in price, and many RVers are installing them in their vehicles. RVers who have installed these video cameras are using them for documentation of their trips. It is a great way to re-live your trip through the scenic countryside. These cameras can also be used to provide added security in case you are in an accident. What better way to show the investigating of fi cer exactly what happened by the video camera installed in the rig. These video cameras are easy to install by the use of a suction cup and are powered by 12 volts. They can be plugged into the 12 volt power point or hard wired into the fuse box. An easy-to-use camera can be yours for under $100. Many cameras are offered for sale at RV shows and, of course, they can be bought online from various retailers.

NEEDS YOU! Due to a family emergency, Escapees needs to replace the Weighmaster at our permanent site at North Ranch, in Congress, Arizona. This is a great opportunity to help your fellow RVers while enjoying the nearby attractions in pic turesque Arizona and Nevada. This position is open to all Escapees and Xscapers members. Training can be tailored to your schedule. The position o ff ers monetary compensation and a fl exible schedule.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, E-MAIL SMARTWEIGH@ESCAPEES.COM

10

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022

COVERAGE & SERVICE FOR all of your journeys.

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 Es capees Club Discount!

escapade

1ST PLACE • RV COMMUNITY • SARRAH LOMBARDO #146486

1ST PLACE • MUSIC • DAN URBAN #159531

1ST PLACE • FLORA • PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER • SARRAH LOMBARDO #146486

escapade

One event attendees look forward to year after year is the annual Escapade photo contest, and the 61st Escapade was no exception. This year’s contest challenged amateur photographers to submit their favorite pictures within the theme “Music &More!” As in years past, there were three distinct categories to choose from; RV Community (RVing, camping, SKPs having fun), Music (photos that make you ‘hear’ music), and Flora (trees and plants that honor Lebanon, Tennessee, history). This year’s contest was sponsored by RV Life, and all of the photos submitted this year were beautiful. People submitted their undisclosed photos in person upon arrival at Escapade, and the photos were displayed for all attendees to admire over a few days. A team of independent judges were chosen, and the competition was judged under the watchful eye of Lora Newby, who creates and manages the yearly contest. The judges are asked to consider how well each photograph depicts the overall theme of the contest and the speci fi c category in which it is entered. In addition to the judges, all attendees were encour aged to vote by selecting their favorite for the People’s Choice Award. This is never an easy task. Each year the quality of the photos along with the skill and creativity of the photographers keeps improving. 61st Escapade Photo Contest

Springtime in the desert southwest promises sunny days and balmy nights as the 62nd Escapade returns to Tucson, Arizona. Plan now to enjoy a week of educational fun, exciting entertainment, and unforgettable days of comradery with fellow RVers in the sunny desert southwest! Tickets go on sale fall of 2022 We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to enter the 61st Escapade photo contest Music & More! Congratulations to the winners on your excellent photos. Everyone enjoyed admiring them. We’d like to give a big thank you to Lora Newby, RV Life and all the volunteers who helped make the contest a reality. Look for the 5th annual photo contest at the 62nd Escapade, next March, in Tucson, Arizona. The theme and of fi cial rules of the contest will be posted on the Escapade webpage. Start browsing through your photos and see if you may already have a winner! Jean and Duane Mathes, Escapade Directors Lora Newby # 94421 (left) with the 61st Escapade photo contest winners. Left to right: C. J. Carter #144763, Dan Urban #159531, Viki Reeder #144030, Roger Gregory Allen #144030, Sarrah Lombardo #146486, Michele Johnson #164807.

March 1 9–24, 2023 FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DETAILS VISIT www.escapees.com/escapade

13

September/October 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine

view fi nder

In October 2021, my husband Larry and I pulled into the Rocky Gorge parking lot along the Kancamagus Highway, in New Hampshire, and we noticed this camper in front of us. It was exciting to see another SKP camper because it’s rare to see Escapees RVs in the Northeast. I put a note on their window, and they came to meet us when they got back to their RV. BY JOYCE SPACE #61818

RVing in Autumn

SHARE YOUR VIEW—A NEW THEME EVERY ISSUE With each submission, include your name, Escapees membership number, a description of the photo and the name of the photographer, even if you took the photo. Only a few photos will be selected for each issue. Submissions do not qualify for payment. To submit photos for “View fi nder,” send high-resolution, unaltered digital photos as e-mail attachments to view fi nder@escapees.com. ND22 (DUE JULY 10) WINTER WONDERLAND JF23 (DUE SEPT 10) REFLECTIONS MA23 (DUE NOV 10) FLORAL UTOPIA MJ23 (DUE JAN 10) ROADSIDE RELICS JA23 (MARCH 10) LOOK WHAT I FOUND! SO23 (DUE JULY 10) CITY LIGHTS

First day camping in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. BY CATHY BENTON #64041

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022

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from the bookshelf

Books for RVers By MARCELLA GAUTHIER #12371

Sparks of Memory 75 Years of Adventure PAUL T COX SR #55487 • INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED 2021 ISBN: 979-8779992534 • PAPERBACK: $12.95 • KINDLE: $6.95 This book’s cover claims this to be “A collec tion of journal-based memories that chronicle adventures and misadventures over a lifetime of camping, hiking and living on the road.” Wow! Seventy- fi ve years of interesting and intriguing adventures all while camping, hiking and RVing with a wide variety of rigs. Paul’s fi rst trip across the country was a secret that his mother did not share with the rest of the family, so apparently, a love of the sound of travel came to him in the womb. In addition, Paul has the wonderful

For Goodness Sake, Sasquatch Is In Segno! CARRIE HENDRIX #50066

WWW.AMAZON.COM/DP/B09F1G42CT KINDLE: $5.99, PAPERBACK: $22.99

After publishing the fi rst book of her Podunk Paranormal Series, Oh My Goodness, There Is A Haint In Hillister! , Carrie Hendrix #50066 has completed her second book. In this story you’ll follow the misadventures of the East Texas Preternatural Task Force and psychic, Samantha Thorne, through the Big Thicket of Texas in search of an ape-like creature that has been seen by residents. Along the way, Samantha deals with her rambunctious family members, several departed souls and some cantankerous local char acters to uncover a decades old murder. Carrie Hendrix is the wife of Escapees RV Club’s longtime IT specialist, James Hendrix. They welcome you to check out their Facebook page, “East Texas Unusual,” that is dedicated to unusual topics such as Bigfoot, paranormal subjects, UFO sightings and cryptozoology.

advantage of having his mother and Sharon, his wife of 50 years, keeping travel journals. Paul and his wife highly recommend keeping a journal collection. There are many journals especially designed for capturing travel memories, and many available in camping stores and on various online sites. Find the one that suits your needs and use it. Forgotten memories may come tumbling out of a well-documented journal that would have been otherwise forgotten over time. Paul and Sharon have traveled throughout the country in everything from camper vans to their latest rig, a class-C motorhome. Traveling in a “teardrop-like” small camper with a bed only big enough for two sleepers and a dinette barely large enough to sleep an assortment of their fi ve children often caused Sharon to encourage them into “sleeping under the stars” or in tents. There are so many stories of mishaps and destination misadventures to keep everybody entertained and de fi nitely educated, whether instructions on how to harvest clams or the best places to watch sunrises. Paul is a wonderful writer and, with the use of the many travel journals, he was able to call up memories of places, people and events. He’s an intelligent observer of life as it unfolds. Again, the many memories packed into 75 years give him a perspective of how things have changed and, I suspect, give him thanks for modern RVs. How nice it is not to have to stumble out into a dark rainy night with a fl ashlight and, if you are lucky, fi nding a toilet (or making do with Mother Nature’s facilities.) I found Paul’s writing to be entertaining and instructive, and his stories often caused me to laugh out loud as it brought back memories from my past adventures. These are wonderful stories; I could not stop reading a single chapter until I reached the end. I had to see how it came out. I suspect you will fi nd this true as well and will be entertained and enlightened with the joys of travel ing and being in the outdoors.

Editor, Tammy Johnson

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022

day’s end

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

Nevada ELKO : Valley View RV Park. FHU pull-thrus. Laundry. $15.12 incl tax. No stay limit. EB on I-80, x303, go S to frontage rd, TL (E), go 3 mi. 6000 E Idaho St. 40.88686 -115.7127. WB, x310, go S to frontage rd, TR (W), go 3 mi. Many long-term residents but room for O/Ners. Between I-80 and RR, hardly any noise. 5000' elev. Near Lamoille Canyon. 775-753-9200. Dale Southern #75777 HAWTHORNE : Golden Gate Truck Stop, gravel lot behind sta. Free. US 95 Bypass, just E of jct with US 95Bus. 38.53399 -118.62255. Trucks use. Port o’ Subs. McDon alds across st also has truck pkg, very rough gravel lot. Paul Codyer #151338 MOAPA : Gravel pkg area. I-15 x100, NW side. OK for several lg rigs. Circ and Cindi Toepel #141223 NORTH LAS VEGAS : Aliante Casino/Hotel, pkg lot. Free. Security collected my info, said I could stay the night in designated area. N end of town, CR 215, go N on Aliante Pkwy, immed TR on Elkhorn Rd, pkg lot on R by movie theatre. Gary Engstrom #173527 Texas BRENHAM : Yegua Creek CG, Somerville Lake (COE). 82 gravel back-in sites, 65 with 50-A E/W, all with tables, fi re rings. Flush toilets, hot showers, D. Mar—Sep, $28; Oct—Feb $26, S/A Pass 1/2. May also have BD sites $20, S/A Pass, 1/2. Go 11.5 mi N from town on SR 36, TL on FM 1948, go 2.5 mi, TR into park complex, following CG signs. 30.30278 -96.54472. Along Lake, most sites have lake view. Two boat ramps, interpretive trail, playground and fi shing. Verizon and AT&T OK. John and Bonnie Archer #113438 KERRVILLE : RA, pkg areas. D with fl ush and potable W. I-10 MM 514, both sides. 30.0536 -99.026545. WB side has limited pkg and is busy and noisy. EB side has loop, room for 8–10 lg rigs, when entering RA bear to R and look for signs to picnic tables. Well away from hwy noise. Very good Verizon signal. tinyurl.com/lnrzqep Jack and Dottie Barry #65881 LA GRANGE : Weikel’s Bakery pkg lot. O/N for customers who obtain a permit from the Bakery or Sealand Restau rant next door (must purchase $5 or more). 24-hr limit.

COLUMBUS : Pull-out areas, E of town on SR 9 to El Paso. Border patrol sometimes parks in these areas: MM 92.5, N side; MM 95.5, S side.103.1, S side. By rd maint gravel piles, excellent view to the W.108.5, S side.126.5, S side.128.5, S side. Gail Kapusnick #113306 LAS CRUCES : Sierra Vista CG, Organ Mtns—Desert Peaks NM (BLM). BD. No facilities. Free. 14-day limit. I-25 x1, go 7.5 mi E from town on Dripping Springs Rd, TR (S) on dirt rd to Sierra Vista Trailhead (popular mtn biking use) at N32 19.393 W106 37.828. First 1/3 mile is OK for lg rigs but only 5–6 sites. Not very level. Rd continues S beyond Trailhead pkg area and has sites for sm rigs only due to wash crossings and rough rd. Gorgeous scenery at foot of Organ Mtns. Very weak Verizon. Paul Codyer #151338 SANTA FE : Rodeo de Santa Fe FG. 8 FHU sites. $25, incl tax. No reservations. 3237 Rodeo Rd, 87507. I-25 x282B, 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 VAUGHN : Huntsinger CP. No restrictive signs. US 54, W edge of town. Also lg pull-out 1/2 mi W of town on US 54. Steve and Gail Ault #41031 VILLANUEVA : Villanueva SP. 12 E sites, most with W, 34 BD sites. Back-in sites on gravel, many with adobe shel ters. Tables, fi re rings, showers, fl ush and vault toilets, D, trash. BD $8–10. E sites $14, must be reserved. Reserving campsites through the online reservation system adds a $4 per day ($12 maximum) non-refundable convenience fee. www.stateparks.com/villanueva_state_park_camp site_search.asp?site=Camping. Annual passes avail, free BD and $4 E, see website. 14-day limit, 6 out. From I-25 x323 (23 miles S of Las Vegas NM) go 15 mi S on SR 3 (narrow, winding, paved). Or, from I-40 x230 go 20 mi N (not as winding). E sites are clumped together near park entrance, before Visitor Ctr. Paved rd between Visitor Ctr and D goes to upper CG with BD sites and nice views (best for sm to med rigs, check ahead), more privacy. Entrance gate to park closed 7p–7a. No Verizon upper CG. Busy wkends. Along Pecos Riv, stocked with fi sh Fall thru Spring. 5600' elev. Strenuous hiking trails. Chuck Bahner #139852

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2247 W State Hwy 71. Flat, level gravel lot, behind gas sta and bakery. Bakery and deli open 5a–9p daily. Great bread. Pkg for RVs away from busy hwy, fairly quiet at night. Good Verizon with 4G. Rich and Carolyn Wellborn #102930 MULESHOE : Ray and Donna West CP. 10 side-by-side level gravel 20/30/50-A E/W/S pull-thru sites. D. First 3 nites free (donation requested if E used), may stay up to 5 more nights with permission, $25/nite. In town, 1918 W Amer ican Blvd/US 70/US 84. 34.237245 -102.74571. Hwy noise, but less at nite. Some RR noise. Lg st light in ctr of camp. Solid fence along rd to cut some noise. Nearby two laundromats, 2 good size grocery stores, good restaurant. Ron Jose #111293 PORT BOLIVAR : Bolivar Beach Access, hard-packed sand BD, porta-johns, trash barrels. Free. No posted stay limit. Go 4.6 mi N from Bolivar Ferry on SR 87, TR on Rettilon Rd, go 1 mi to beach access. 29.38386 -94.72199. Signed 1 mi on beach up to the “washout” does not require a permit, but S of the access requires a permit. Any size rig. Ron Johnson #111044 Utah FERRON : City FG. E (mixture of 20/30/50-A) sites. Pota ble W. D and fl ush W. Rest rooms near playground may be open, not well-serviced. D and W free. E sites $10. Payment/donations at city hall (drop box at door). No stay limit, but closed during some events (call city hall 435-384-2350). SR 10 S of town, E side, watch for “RV D” signs. Another entry from 100 South/Molen Rd, E from SR 10. 39.08612 -111.13171. Some sites paved, most gravel, all are sloped. NE of main pkg lot has 10 sites with 15/30-A E. Along entry rd (W) are smaller sites with 15-A. Free good WiFi. Verizon fair to good. Fuel/C-Store, grocery store nearby in town. David Richardson #96343 HANKSVILLE : Temple Mtn CG East (BLM), lg pkg lot for BD, no designated sites. Steel fi re ring/grills. Vault toilets. Free. 14-day limit. SR 24 20 mi N of Hanksville, or 30 mi S of I-70 x149, go 5.5 mi W on Temple Mtn Rd (0.5 mi past SB turnoff to Goblin Valley SP, paved rd narrows but OK for lg rig), area is on L. 38.65677 -110.66123. At edge of picturesque San Rafael Reef. Swarms of ATVs on wkends. Unshaded. Verizon roaming, weak AT&T, no T-Mobile. tinyurl.com/ya3yulal Glenn and Denise Nawa’a #130500 MONTICELLO : The Needles CG (Canyonlands NP, Needles section). 26 BD sites, tables, fi re grates. Trash cans, W

spigots near rest rooms, no D. $20, S/A Pass 1/2. 7-day limit. No reservations. 33 mi W of US 191 on SR 211 to NP entry sta, go 2 mi further to CG. Max length 28'. May fi ll in early AM during peak seasons. tinyurl.com/bpxsehz VERNAL : Red Fleet SP. Oct 15—Apr 14, BD $13, FHU $23–26. Apr 15—Oct 14, BD $15, FHU $25–28. 13 mi N of town on US 191. 8750 N Hwy 191. stateparks.utah. gov/parks/red- fl eet. Greg and Kim Ketcher #140941 Wyoming ALCOVA : Independence Rock State Historic Site. Lg-rig pkg spaces, some along drive furthest from hwy. Free D and potable W. 24 mi W of town on SR 220, SE side, accessible both directions. N42.4935 W107.1381. Jim and Gail McManus #106499 CODY : Spirit Mountain Rd dispersed camping (BLM), gravel lots and pull-outs further along rd. Free. 14-day limit. 3 mi W of town on US 20, 1/2 mi W of FG, TL (S) next to stables. 2 lg lots at base of mtn, good for many rigs. Rd gets rougher the higher you go, switchbacks, not recommended for lg rigs. Cave at top of rd requires permit and key from BLM of fi ce in town. Paul Codyer #151338 LARAMIE : Gelatt Lake Public Access Area (WY Game & Fish). Lg fl at gravel, dirt, grass BD area. Vault toilets. Free. 5-day limit. I-80 x311, go 8.7 mi SW of town of SR 230, TR on Pahlow Lane/CR 422. Go 4.9 mi to sign for Gelatt Lake on R. N41 14.208 W105 50.213. Entry road 1/4 mi of good gravel. 4–5 lg rigs. Elev 7250'. Good Verizon. Note: Rd to L to Meeboer Lake (4.3 mi from SR 230 on CR 422) is washed out and fl ooded, do not take lg rig down rd. Wayne and Carol Thomas #119083 LUSK : Outpost Truck Stop, lg gravel pkg area. O/N OK per employee. S end of town, E side of US 85, 1025 S Main St. Share with trucks. S pkg area reduced by half, so quickly fi lls with trucks after dark. Very good food at cafe. 307-334-2048. Ron Walter #73417 POWDER RIVER : Hell's Half Acre (county), very lg mostly level dirt/gravel overlook pkg lot. No signs re: pkg. 40 mi W of Casper on SR 20, MM 45, S side. 43.04638 -107.09244. AT&T and Verizon OK. A car every hr or so stops to view (thru a chain-link fence) the 320-acre canyon. Info sign. Quiet. Verizon 2–3 bars. Jack and Dottie Barry #65881

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

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022

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camping chair chat

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

RV Emergency In reference to "Emergency Contact Information" in the May/June issue. I'd like to share my input on the sub ject! What if your partner went to the store for some milk and, while on this outing, they had a medical issue, and are found unresponsive? How would the authorities fi nd you? Your partner’s driver license has a home address but, perhaps, no one is home! Nothing else in their possession says that you are only a few miles away. Also, if you are out together in your tow vehicle and there is an accident where one or both of you are incapacitated, would either of you have anything on you that would tell emergency personel or law enforcement who to notify? Some RVers may have family members, but no children. These family members may not be able to obtain critical information due to the HIPAA privacy law that limits information that can be released. The solution is to put the information on paper or in your smartphone. State your full name: My phone number is: My partner’s name is: My partner’s phone number is: (Everything above here can be permanently printed) We are RVers, and we are temporarily residing at: Location/Park Name | Phone number | Address | Site number | Important information | Et cetera (This area is left blank and fi lled in when residing in a new location.) Below list at least four children, nieces, nephews, friends or “next of kin” names and contact information. List all that apply. Make sure information is correct regularly. Please contact if both named above are found unresponsive, apneic or pulseless: Name | Relation | Address | City, State, Zip Home phone number | Work phone number | Cell phone number Now you know that someone will be noti fi ed if anything happens to you or your partner. Believe me, it can happen as it has happened in our family years ago! And, yes, the same information can be on the refrigerator in case an emergency occurs at the RV! Don and Verda Weaver #92968

ICE Contact In the May/June 2022 issue of Escapees Magazine, Robert Baker wrote about emergency contact information. Another way to have next-of-kin or some contact person available in case of an accident is to have a phone number labeled "ICE" in your phone contact list. ICE stands for "In Case of Emergency." Authorities would know to dial that number to reach next-of-kin. Joyce Space #61818

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camping chair chat

Torque Wrench Tip I enjoyed Jim Koca’s “Weight and Safety” column on properly torqueing lug nuts in the July/ August issue. It reminded me of something I recently learned about torque wrenches. My friend and I were reassembling an engine and were having a problem torquing down the head bolts. It was evident that the torque wrench was releasing at a much lower torque than we set it for. When we borrowed a torque wrench from a neighbor who is a diesel mechanic, we explained why we needed it. He informed us that torque wrenches should always be set back to zero before they are stored. Otherwise, the spring inside will lose some of its strength over time and start giving false readings. Scott Vermilye #141031 Ant Removal Solution In a previous issue someone addressed a question about

North Ranch Creative Getaway 2023 A Week of Creativity: February 19–24, at North Ranch Rain bow Park, Congress, Arizona The second annual North Ranch Creative Getaway (new name after 14 years of “Bead Week”) will be February 19–24, 2023. Just when you thought you couldn’t learn one more craft, along come talented artisans to show you the way. Along with beading and Kumihimo (a traditional Japanese art-form of making braids and cords) and polymer clay creations, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and enjoy new mediums! Last year’s event was a great success and we’re excited about the upcoming projects which will be fi nalized soon. Beginners are especially welcome! You don’t need an art background to join us. Share your creativity, and you’ll be thrilled with your imaginative results. The North Ranch Creative Getaway has the answers. For only $15 plus any kit fees, you’ll come and learn something new and have a great week. See you in 2023! For more information, e-mail Sharon Maurina, the Co-Chairperson, at sharon@rovingcats.com. Cathy Benton #64041

ants in the RV. I had tiny sugar ants that I suspect had moved into my home. They appeared year ’round for a few years. I don’t use toxic products and I’ve lived in the tropics for years, on St. John in the Virgin Islands and, then, in Southern Flor

ida. Tero ant bait has never worked for me in any form; however, about a year ago, I discovered a fantastic product called Hot Shot Kitchen Bug Killer Botanical that has given my cat and I an ant-free existence! Hooray! It has almost no oder, so it is rather pleasant smelling. Lowe’s sells it for less than Walmart. Lynne Thorsen #140074

Fantasy Animals with Boni Pienups. PHOTO BY CATHY BENTON #64041

Pie Town In the May/June issue on page 51 an author suggests going to Pie Town for the best pies ever! I loved the Pie-O-Ne’er; but sadly they closed permanently after the pandemic year of 2020. Lynne Thorsen #140074

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September/October 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine

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Tuesday, May 24, 2022, dawned promising a glorious day ahead. After several days of triple-digit weather, the heat fi nally relented. Hubby Claude and I had postponed several chores in town, waiting for more pleasant weather conditions. Finally, today would be the day. So, with list in hand, we went in to Hondo, Texas, 10 miles east of our home at the Lone Star Corral Escapees Co-Op RV park. We were driving on Texas Hwy. 90, when we were struck with the variety and number of emer gency vehicles speeding west. At our fi rst stop, we were told there was a shooting in Uvalde. We were shocked, and then we learned it was in a school, and we felt devastated. Completing our chores, we hurried home and turned on the TV, waiting for news we knew would not be good. As I write this, 24 hours after the incident, the grim number of victims continues to grow. The The Autumn Years When a person retires, regardless of age, and commits to the full-time RV lifestyle, most often, they don’t think much about what’s at the other end of the rainbow. We had a home in a Sun City community in Texas and had been RVing for two years before I retired in Novem ber of 2004. Shortly before retiring we considered keeping our home and going on the road for part of the year. Then we decided that by leaving Texas to avoid the summer heat and the spring storms and allergies, we’d only be in the home for about four months out of the year. It sounded like RVing full-time was the way to go. We sold the home, sold and/or gave away most of its contents, and started our 18 years of RVing full time. Early on, we tried to experience too many things in too short a time. When you’re working and only have two weeks to squeeze in a months worth of sights and attractions, you tend to go at a frenetic pace. It takes a while to realize that, barring some unforeseen circumstances, it’s okay to go at a slower pace. Still, with a whole country, and even neighboring countries to explore, time is still fi nite. Over the years we had a basic route: Texas for doctor appointments in early winter, Arizona until the snow melted up north, various ramblings through the north

family and friends are suffering unimaginable grief. Life for them and the fi rst responders has changed forever. Through different programs throughout the year, the members of the Lone Star Corral support and interact with the children in the local school of this South Central Texas town of D’Hanis, located a short 30 miles east of Uvalde. Unfortunately, two days before the end of the current school year, even these children must be dealing with the brutal reality of those events. There will be hard times ahead for them but, fortunately, counselors are available to help. Please remember our friends and neighbors in this sleepy farming area in the heartland of the great state of Texas. Bless our fellow Americans. They will never be fully restored to life as it was prior to May 24, but we will endeavor to persevere. Diana Stone #74876 west, Michigan and Virginia to visit family, then back to Texas. Although I feel that we are among the few RVers who did not take their rig to Alaska, we did get to tour Canada, and travel through all the lower 48 states. We got to attend the Albuquerque balloon festival, Calgary Stampede, numerous festivals and national parks and serendipitous attractions we happened to come across. Another lasting effect of the RV lifestyle are the people you get to meet along the way. We have estab lished several close relationships and many casual relationships that we maintain to this day. Now, due to health problems, it is dif fi cult for my wife to travel. We are extremely grateful we have been able to experience what we did. We, of course, are going to miss the touring and wandering but, oh, what fabulous memories, and what a blessing that we were healthy and vital enough to do what we did when we did it. So, now we spend fall and winter in southern Arizona and the spring and summer a couple of hours north of Phoenix where it’s a little cooler. Our wanderings have now been reduced to two 100+ mile trips. At the same time, the purpose of one’s existence comes into question, so the best you can do is entertain yourself through hobbies, pets and practicing a healthy lifestyle. Who knows what the winter years will bring. By Jerry Friedman #83844

Remember Our Friends and Neighbors in Uvalde, Texas

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2022