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Mmmm. Fresh fish, perfectly prepared.

Dear RV Doctor:
I have an oldie, a 1973 Lifetime motorhome with a Dodge chassis. It looks as though the batteries are connected together with one 10-gauge wire from the alternator charging circuit going to some kind of box.

Q: I own a 1999 Monaco La Palma with the Ford Triton V-10 engine. For the last year or so the starter fails to engage right away when the ignition key is turned.

The local telephone number that the editorial staff was given for VDC Electronics, maker of a battery and alternator tester featured in the December 2005 “RV Products” column (page 56), was incorrect.
The correct number is (631) 445-1064.

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Rations Can Be Fun
Dear Editor:
I am writing to say how much I appreciated your article in the December 2005 issue by John P. Brackin titled “Road Trip Rations” (page 126).

In the August 2005 Executive Director’s Commentary, I introduced you to the Privacy Matters Identity Theft Protection Plan that FMCA has decided to offer as a member benefit. As I indicated at that time, this new benefit will provide protection against identity theft and will assist members in restoration if they should ever become a victim.

After FMCA’s Executive Board and committee meetings ended in Cincinnati this past November, Darlene and I traveled home to Illinois for Thanksgiving with our family. On November 28 we traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, as did FMCA’s senior vice president, Connie Pool, F140306, and her husband, Corbett; national secretary Ginger Painter, F23514, and her husband, Charlie; and national treasurer Jim Kern, F63208, and his wife, Jo Ann.

My friends Paula and Rosemarie are both professional crafters. They each have workshops set up in their garages with band saws, sanders, sewing machines, and enough paint supplies to rival a craft store.

Most of us know something about the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in the Sierra Nevada foothills on January 24, 1848, but we may not be aware that many of the immigrants who came to mine northern California’s rich ore also brought with them gold of their own in the form of wine grape rootstock. By the end of the 19th century, El Dorado, Calaveras, and Amador counties had more than 100 wineries, with more acreage devoted to the growing of grapes than anywhere else in California.
The mines continued to extract ore until they were shut down in 1942 by the War Production Board.

Motorhomers who roll into Fairplex in Pomona, California, for FMCA’s 75th International Convention, March 20 through 23, 2006, may find themselves wondering how they’ll find time to see and do everything that’s been planned for this gathering. Besides the usual fellowship that takes place at such get-togethers, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about their motorhome and the RVing lifestyle through the many seminars presented; tour the newest motorhome models on display; peruse products offered by suppliers in the indoor display area; create a lovely craft; or take an in-depth tour of a Southern California landmark or area of interest.
Trying to squeeze so much into a handful of days is sure to wear out even the hardiest of convention-goers, so FMCA has scheduled an array of daytime and special entertainment to help people unwind and relax during their stay in Pomona.

In most cases it’s difficult at best to avoid dissension when talking about the modern American presidency. But in the case of President Ronald Reagan, most people can agree that he accomplished great things and truly earned his nickname, “The Great Communicator.”
The 40th president led the United States from January 1981 to January 1989.

When many people plan a Florida vacation, their thoughts turn to the theme parks of Orlando, the beaches of Daytona, or the cultural heritage of Miami. Yet there’s a destination that combines all of these attractions and much more to create one of the Sunshine State’s best all-around vacation destinations: Tampa.
Located on central Florida’s Gulf Coast approximately 80 miles west of Orlando, Tampa has grown from a small Indian fishing village to the third most-populous city in Florida.
Ponce de Leon sailed into Tampa Bay in 1521, but for three-and-a-half centuries after that, the area remained largely unsettled.

When Marathon Coach Inc. opened its doors in 1983 to design and build custom coach conversions, an uncharted journey began.

Small-town hospitality mixed with Old World charm; gourmet dining; superb wines and wine tasting; hiking trails through fields of wildflowers into the back country — that’s a good description of the treats in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. Add to this an old Spanish mission, museums, a fishing lake, wildlife cruises, llama ranches, and an ostrich farm.

It’s a bright and breezy morning. You’re heading north on Interstate 15, leaving the Los Angeles basin behind and looking forward to spending the first night on the road in Las Vegas.

Shelf liner under door handleSelf-stick shelf liner can be used to protect the wood cabinets in your motorhome, especially in areas where water often is splashed. I put a strip of clear liner along the edge of the cabinet door.

VIOLight Travel toothbrush sanitizerInformation from the Centers for Disease Control states, “Even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms.” But the VIOLight Travel toothbrush sanitizer can help folks keep their toothbrushes bacteria-free when on the road.
VIOLight technology utilizes a special germicidal ultraviolet (UV) bulb — the same used in hospitals and dental offices — to eliminate germs and bacteria on toothbrushes. According to company literature, VIOLight’s UV bulb has been proven to eliminate 99.9 percent of germs it comes into contact with on a toothbrush.
Simply place the toothbrush in the pencil-case-size unit, close the lid, and the sanitizing begins.

Along Florida’s Expressways guidebookDave Hunter, author of the popular Along Interstate-75 guidebook, which takes travelers from Michigan to the Georgia-Florida border, has published a new book specifically for those driving Florida’s highways. Along Florida’s Expressways ($23.95, Mile Oak Publishing) is intended to help anyone travel through the Sunshine State with ease, comfort, and safety.
Unlike a destination guide, this book features 77 full-color maps with detailed information about exits and services for all of Florida’s expressways (main and subsidiary routes), along with the author’s personal observations and suggestions, not to mention fascinating trivia.
Mr.

A leader among luxury motor coach builders is based in what might be a surprising location to some: not a mainstream, high-tech venue, but a small town in northeastern Oklahoma. The company in question is Newell Coach Corporation of Miami, Oklahoma. Last summer I visited Newell headquarters to pick up one of the company’s new P2000i motorhomes for a test outing.

Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Grand Ole Opry, was the destination for the Tri-State Traveliers’ fall rally, October 13 through 16, 2005. Forty-three coaches made the trip on one of the most beautiful weekends, weather-wise, of the fall season.
Our home base was the Nashville KOA, which is close to many of the attractions in the area.

Parking for FMCA’s 75th International Convention will commence on Saturday, March 18, at 7:00 a.m. Please display your admittance card on the front windshield, lower left hand corner of the passenger side.

The word ferret is often used as a verb, but in this column we’re interested in the furry little critters you seldom see in the wild. The black-footed ferret was once common in the prairies and grasslands of North America, from central Canada to Texas and farther south.

Following is a list of advice, books, reminders, and places to find products that will help to keep your life on the road happy and healthy.
Have any ICE?
When you’re unable to speak for yourself because of injury or illness, what is the fastest way to get word to your loved ones? To first responders, “ICE” stands for In Case of Emergency. It’s one of the things paramedics and other emergency workers look for in your wallet or, more recently, on your cell phone.
Put ICE numbers where they easily will be seen.

In our own times, it can be tough to make a living. But imagine building a railroad without heavy equipment.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association’s new slogan is “Alaska B4UDie.” Many motorhome travelers put the Great Land at the top of their travel wish list and, for a lucky few, the state is a second home. Thank your lucky stars that you travel with your own kitchen, allowing you to shop for fresh Alaskan seafood and produce to prepare recipes such as these.

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Kodiak Wild Salmon Piroshki
This is my simplified version of a recipe from Kodiak Island.

Back in October 1988 a chapter called the Pace Arrow Wanderers was organized. Geographically, it encompassed FMCA members in the South Central Area.

The theme for the South Central Area’s 32nd Annual Six-State Rally, September 27 through 30, 2005, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas, was “Return to the Yellow Brick Road.” The title was selected to carry on the “Wizard of Oz” theme that was used the last time the Six-State Area Association presented the event in Hutchinson in 1999.
The staff and cadre — led by South Central Area vice president Tony Innocenti, F56315; senior vice president Ben Loganbill, F164247; North Regional vice president Dale Johnson, F157253; South Regional vice president Dave Davies, F230525; secretary Irene Renfro, F138913; and treasurer Tom Drennon, F18175 — arrived early to prepare the fairgrounds and set up directional signs, made by sign maker Shelby Rash, F219015, in time for the volunteers’ arrival. The volunteers were from the host chapters: GMC Flatlanders, Heart of America Coachmen, Hi Plains, Midwest Prairie Schooners, National RV Central States, and Ozarks Prairie Sooners.
As the 337 family coaches, 42 display coaches, and 72 vendors began arriving, the parking crew, under the direction of parking captain Ted Snell, F242374, made parking the coaches a simple task.

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a 1994 Winnebago, gas-powered, that I have been living in since the firestorms in this area awhile back. Upon checking the batteries, I found they are dry.

Q: I have read articles on supplemental brakes until I am blue. I find I just get confused.

The telephone number listed for Sooner Coaches chapter secretary Rita Millspaugh in the November 2005 “Chapter Spotlight” column (page 44) was incorrect.
The correct number to call for more information about the Sooner Coaches chapter is (405) 820-7177.

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Here And There
Dear Editor:
The article “Old And New In Fairfax County, Virginia” (November 2005, page 100) has a map on page 103. The cartographer has placed Mount Vernon on Chesapeake Bay, over 100 miles from Washington, D.C.
Indeed, Mount Vernon is only 10 miles south of D.C.

The January issue of Family Motor Coaching always includes updated information regarding the many benefits and services available to members of the Family Motor Coach Association. I hope you are aware of them all.

As I write this month’s column, the Executive Board and committees of our association have just completed successful meetings at the FMCA national office in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Executive Board consists of the four nationally elected officers  —  president, senior vice president, secretary, and treasurer  —  along with the 10 national area vice presidents and the immediate past national president.

In the early 20th century, the United States had the largest railroad system in the world, with nearly 300,000 miles of track. Today that impressive system has shrunk to less than 145,000 miles, and more than 2,000 miles of railroad tracks are abandoned annually.
This trend provides that much more of an opportunity when it comes to the development of rail-trails.

You needn’t polish your halo before chasing after the stately spires encountered during the Painted Churches Tour, which originates in Schulenburg, Texas. They may look like typical country churches on the outside, but the interiors of these houses of worship are mini museums of Old World heritage and artistry.
They’re called “painted churches” because of all the wonderful painting on the inside, tour guides explain.

Alabama Bureau Of Tourism & Travel
P.O. Box 4927
Montgomery, AL 36103-4927
(800) 252-2262
www.touralabama.org
Alaska Travel Industry Association
2600 Cordova St.
Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99503
(800) 862-5275
www.travelalaska.com
Arizona Office Of Tourism
1110 W.

Frostbite is defined as damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. In its most severe stage, frostbite can cause the skin and tissue to freeze and turn gangrenous, requiring the affected body part to be amputated.

Families will be assigned a day and time of admittance based on the date their registration is received at FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati. All registrations will be divided equally over a three-day period.

Nestled at the foot of the colorful Calico Mountains in the high Mojave Desert, midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, is the nicest little ghost town you would ever want to visit. Called Calico, it was the site of the richest silver ore discovery ever recorded in Southern California history.
Like all mining towns, Calico had good times and bad times.

It’s the unplanned things that make life fun, and because he recognizes that, Matt Jenkins, F307407, can put merriment into any FMCA gathering. He says his best shows happen when a crowd participates and you’re not sure what will happen next.
Similarly, Matt really didn’t plan to join FMCA and be favored by motorhomers.

A two-lane road from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Hoover Dam snakes across the countryside, through landscape that hasn’t changed in thousands of years. As you crest a knoll, Lake Mead looms ahead like an enormous oasis in the middle of the desert.

Back in 1851 my great-great-great grandfather Washington Peck traveled by horse-drawn Conestoga wagon through fledgling Los Angeles on his way to Sacramento and the gold fields. Fortunately for me, he kept a detailed journal of his travels.

NASCAR drivers do it. Golf pros, bull riders, and hot-air balloon enthusiasts do it, too.

Fixing jalousie window openersWe love having jalousie windows in our motorhome. They can be left open when it rains and we can enjoy the fresh scent provided by the shower.

Envision Series A27W221 TV/computer monitorThe Envision Series A27W221 from AOC Displays is a 27-inch HDTV-ready LCD TV that also can function as a PC monitor. The wide-screen TV, with 1280 by 720 lines of resolution, is said to have excellent clarity, and with its extremely wide viewing angle, everyone is able to enjoy the show no matter where they’re sitting.
Multiple inputs allow users to add a satellite/cable receiver, a DVD player, a game console, or a computer.

Mandalay Luxury Division, part of Thor Industries, C847, unveiled the 2006 type A diesel-powered Presidio this past August at FMCA’s 74th International Convention in Minot, North Dakota.
New features on the 2006 Presidio include a full 84-inch interior ceiling height that expands the living area and increases overhead storage. Attractive porcelain tile has been added in the entryway, kitchen, and bathroom.

What to do about the mail is always a concern for the traveling family. Motorhomers who enjoy extended summer trips or winters in warmer climes and full-timers who travel wherever the winds may take them are especially aware that keeping up with the mail can be a source of frustration and worry.
FMCA’s mail forwarding service* was instituted as a member benefit so that families might enjoy their travels without having to worry about when and where they would receive their mail.
FMCA members who wish to sign up for this service are asked to follow the procedures listed below to ensure uninterrupted mail service once they depart.
1.

Effective January 1, 2001, FMCA contracted with MEDEX Assistance Corporation to provide active family and life members with coverage under the MEDEX PLUS Program. This program helps traveling members to effectively manage the complexities and expenses of out-of-area medical and travel emergencies.

Updated information regarding the many benefits and services available to members of the Family Motor Coach Association.
Membership in the Family Motor Coach Association brings with it a wealth of benefits that are of value to the motorhome traveler. Some of these benefits are obvious — the subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine, for example — and some are not so obvious.

Mound Builders is the designation archaeologists have given to the ancient people who built large earthen mounds in the United States. In this column we’ll look at mounds in an area bounded by the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River, and the Appalachians.

Cream cheese has many uses for cooks on the go. Spread it on toast or bagels for breakfast.

Even the most avid motorhomers sometimes feel squeezed for space. Here are ways to make your coach hold more, let in more ambient light, and seem more expansive.

Add a second shower curtain rod parallel to the existing rod. The first holds the shower curtain.