March 2004

Imagine that you’re hiking along a stream and run across a beaver, North America’s largest rodent, busy at work. An adult beaver can grow to be four feet long (including its 12- to 16-inch tail) and weigh anywhere from 30 to 68 pounds.

Why would you go to Louisville, Kentucky, in early December in your motorhome? Believe me, it’s not to camp out and enjoy the outdoors. In December 2002 when we visited Louisville, we encountered eight inches of snow.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, with its history, architecture, and art, will likely be the most popular side trip for FMCA members who visit Albuquerque in March for the association’s 71st International Convention. You can travel from Albuquerque to Santa Fe in just less than an hour if you take pedal-to-the-metal Interstate 25.

FMCA and Hartford Life Insurance Company have just put the finishing touches on a brand-new accident insurance plan for family members. It’s called the “Loyal Years Plan,” and it’s quite different from anything you’ve seen before.

As any careful insurance shopper knows, not all accident insurance plans are the same.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, site of FMCA’s 71st International Convention, March 16, 17, and 18, is a city so diverse that it cannot be defined simply by its geography, history, or inhabitants.

These differences provide the foundation for the city’s distinctive spirit. Albuquerque is ancient and contemporary; traditional Hispanic and red, white, and blue American; small town and big city.

When Spanish colonists arrived in what is now New Mexico in 1607, they found the ruins of an American Indian pueblo at the site where the state’s capital city now stands. Among the colonists were aristocrats who knew how a proper Spanish city should be laid out.

For many years, a number of leading industry suppliers and manufacturers have been offering some degree of repair service at FMCA’s major rallies and conventions. Initially, this service was incidental to displaying their equipment and talking with coach owners, and was usually offered for emergency situations only.

In our travels across the country, we sometimes cross time zones as well as state lines. It is customary for us to call relatives in the evening after settling in a campground.

Outdoor activities are a major part of motorhoming for many people, but wet boots and gloves can put a damper on further outdoor fun. The Sahara Shoe and Boot Dryer may be the answer to this dilemma.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, C1731, located in Newport Beach, California, will offer married couples staying at the resort’s RV park on Valentine’s Day, February 14, a special discount based on the number of years that they’ve been married. For instance, a couple that’s been married 10 years will receive a 10 percent discount.

Motorhomers interested in taking advantage of the resort’s Valentine’s Day promotion simply need to state the number of years they’ve been married when making their reservation.

Newport Dunes’ 406-site RV park features double-wide spaces that are individually fenced for maximum privacy; cable TV outlets; and 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electrical service.

It amazes me how much communication has changed just in the past few years, and how these changes have paved the way for smooth travels for motorhome owners. One example is telephone communications.

At press time it was discovered that FMCA commercial members in Quebec, Canada, were omitted from the Business Directory, a listing of all FMCA commercial members, in the January 2004 issue (page 1073). Unfortunately, because of time and space constraints, it was not possible to publish a list of these missing companies this month.

Produced by General Motors from 1973 through 1978, the innovative GMC Motorhome gained a following that is still as strong — if not stronger — today. This three-part series explores the fascinating history of a motorhome still considered by many to have been far ahead of its time.

Following World War II and a lapse of auto production of nearly four years, former GIs and the general public longed for new cars.

It has been said that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Well, here is another motorhome modification that came about because of need. Most of the credit should go to my lovely wife, Jennifer.

Our 2000 Allegro Bay 36IB has a walk-through bathroom, as do many motorhomes in the 36-foot size range.

Despite its freedoms and joys, full-timing also presents its share of challenges and problems. Here are some solutions that might work for your life on the go.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or are looking for economical meals, here is a collection of recipes that do not call for meat. Imitation sausage- and ground beef-flavored crumbles are meat substitutes that are made from soy and seasonings.

As much as we love travel, there are days when our bodies can’t do anything but complain. However, that doesn’t mean we sit in a chair and pout — what fun would that be? Many minor aches and pains respond to a little TLC, so give these tips a try when you’re feeling a little under the weather.

In June, July, and August of 2003 a limited trial of a new highway symbol was conducted in Oregon on a small portion of Interstate 5. The symbol, a 12-inch circle with 8-inch-high “RV” letters inside, was created to help RV travelers locate businesses that offer easy access and parking.

A majority of FMCA members are volunteers. Whether they serve as national officers or help to put on a chapter rally, they like to give.

Father Ralph Carney, F309996, is a retired Catholic priest who serves members of FMCA as the chaplain of a new chapter called The Roamin’ Catholics, and also as chaplain of FMCA’s Northwest Area.

Q: I want to use a tow dolly and pull my 2004 Porsche mid-engine Boxster with its drive wheels on the dolly. Your article states not to pull backward.

Someone once said, and I’m undoubtedly paraphrasing, “Travel is not just about the exercise of getting from point A to point B, but rather the trip itself.” RVing, in general, and motorhoming, to be more specific, confirm that notion. And RVing in a Fleetwood Excursion, to be even more specific, is the proof at the bottom of the pudding bowl.