May 2006

Looking for an offbeat travel theme? Well, how about vacationing where a giant ice-age flood ripped through the northwestern United States? The settings are dramatic and the history amazing.
During the last ice age, a series of gargantuan floods, known as the Missoula Floods, scrambled the landscape of Montana, Idaho, eastern Washington, and northern Oregon. The floods broadened the Columbia River Gorge, rerouted the Snake River, and, in places, made both rivers run backward.

There’s good reason why, halfway between the Southern California coast and the area near Palm Springs, hundreds of giant wind turbines lace the hillsides and valley floor. The prevailing wind travels through a natural funnel-shaped pass that gives it tremendous velocity.

Liberty Coach of Florida, C9408, welcomed 140 guests for the company’s annual “Open House” event at its dealership in Stuart, Florida, February 2 through 5, 2006. Coach owners who attended camped in their luxury coaches at the eight-acre facility for four nights where they enjoyed meals, seminars, and entertainment.
This year’s rally raised money for the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s research.

Paw kit dog organizerThe Paw Kit from FunStuffForDogs.com is a handy travel bag that can be used whenever you and your dog are on the go.
The bag includes seven labeled mesh pockets — for leash, toys, water bottle, towel, bags, bowl, and treats — to keep accessories organized and handy. The spacious interior provides plenty of room for additional items, and the bag’s neoprene exterior makes it durable and waterproof.
The Paw Kit, available in hot pink, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $34.95.
For more information, contact:
FunStuffForDogs.com
9188 Chivalry Court
Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 712-2812
www.funstufffordogs.com

Stable sewer pipe connectionThe sewer pipe connections at many campgrounds are above or below ground level, resulting in a less-than-tight connection for the sewer hose. This is a condition we all would like to avoid.

If you’ve ever had an automatic transmission fail in your motorhome, then you are familiar with the meaning of the word “expensive.” Rebuilding an automatic transmission is costly, with repairs starting around $1,500 and ranging upward of $3,000 or higher if a complete rebuild or replacement is necessary. Furthermore, since Murphy’s Law is ever-present in our universe (it is in mine, at least), odds are if your transmission fails, it will do so while you are on the road, adding to the overall cost with towing charges and motels, plus ruining your trip.

There’s something alluring about an island, especially when it’s not connected to the mainland by a bridge. The attraction is more than just a physical detachment from everyday life, though; it’s that mental million-miles-away-from-it-all feeling you get by simply arriving.

Lyle Reed, a retired executive with 33 years of experience in the railroad industry, recently transferred the management skills, business acumen, and enthusiasm he had acquired during that career to focus on the production and marketing of high-line motor coaches. Those attributes now are being applied to Foretravel Inc., C236, a high-line motor coach manufacturer based in Nacogdoches, Texas, that has been an innovative force in the RV industry for decades.
Mr.

A few weeks ago we were attending a small rally held at an older RV park when I observed three guys hovering around the utility post for one of the coaches. They were in a friendly but intense discussion, so I walked over to satisfy my curiosity.

When compared to other Alabama cities, Dothan is a bit out of the way. It’s far removed from any interstates, making it one of those places you need to travel to on purpose.

When Lou Holtmann, F369233, chose a family activity that everyone in his clan of 21 would enjoy, he did it in a big way. The retired corporate executive from St.

These recipes were chosen to be easy on the cook, tasty for the crew, and highway-friendly for the family that loves motorhome travel.

Seafood Corn Chowder

Canned seafood is a lifesaver in the galley, because a little goes a long way. Surprise guests show up for supper? Reach into the pantry for a few cans to make this hearty chowder, which can be served with hot, crusty biscuits.

Another successful area rally, this one hosted by FMCA’s Southeast Area, was enjoyed February 1 through 5 in Brooksville, Florida. The rally theme this year was “Celebrate Mardi Gras at S.E.A.” Each day was filled with lots of activities.
The fun began early.

Did you watch the Winter Olympics on television this year? If you did, you probably also witnessed the debut of the new Go RVing television ads. The ads that aired during Olympics coverage kicked off the fourth three-year campaign of the highly successful promotions that have generated significant interest in the RV lifestyle.

Dear Editor:
Just a heads up that in Houston, Interstate 10, from the intersection of Interstate 610 westward for approximately 30 miles, is under perpetual construction. It is navigable, but in many cases drivers should proceed with extreme caution and forethought.

Q: My motorhome has a 1997 Chevy 7400 Vortec V-8 engine with a Banks lifetime air filter. Can you explain how to connect the air-conditioner fan to a switch so I can turn it on and off when I want to (only the fan, that is)? The reason I’d like to do this is when I go up hills in the summer months with the dash air on, the engine starts to heat up, the engine loses horsepower, and the fan clutch makes a lot of noise.

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a water heater that seems to be leaking although I cannot actually see it leaking. But I have a towel placed close by the heater and it does get wet.

The 18th Annual Western Area Rally took place at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, California, January 11 through 15, 2006. The event definitely sparkled and shone in the warm desert sun, attracting approximately 1,370 family coaches and 1,900 interested visitors who purchased day passes.
The rally kicked off Thursday afternoon with a delightful parade.

In 1972 the Sportscoach Owners International (S.O.I.) chapter was formed to bring together owners of motorhomes made by Sportscoach Corporation of America. It was the beginning of an incredible journey for motorhome owners at that time.
Back then, a Time magazine ad for Sportscoach stated, “It costs you $25,000 to join this exclusive club, and for that we will throw in a Sportscoach for you.” That caught my attention.

We hadn’t realized until recently that the Amish are no longer clustered only in the Eastern United States. They now live in half of the country, as well as eastern Canada.

Just because full-timers live a different lifestyle doesn’t mean they don’t have the same interests, responsibilities, and challenges that recreational motorhomers do. Here are a few pointers and warnings to help make life on the go more manageable.
Work as you go
If you’re a seasoned worker in search of a conventional, long-term job rather than the type of position found through KOA Work Kamper or Workamper programs, try job hunting at www.job-hunt.org or www.seniorjobbank.org.

There’s no denying it: American badgers do get nasty at times. Maybe it’s in their genes.