The Underground Railroad refers to the efforts of free citizens to aid individuals, and sometimes families, in escaping from slavery prior to and during the Civil War. The “railroad” provided an opportunity for sympathetic white Americans to play a role in resisting slavery and in providing freedom for all.
In August of 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened in Cincinnati, Ohio, to help educate people about this incredible operation.
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Barrier islands are found on coastlines all over the world. In the United States, you won’t see them along the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean, but they’re very common along the Atlantic coastline from New England down to the southern tip of Florida, and along the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.
Why barrier islands — also known as barrier spits — exist is still debatable, but the general agreement seems to be that they were formed approximately 18,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. -
During the summer of 1967 five couples with motor coaches gathered on weekends to camp at the lakes in Kansas. They decided to form a club and invited others to join.
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“Participate, volunteer — and have fun!” was the challenge issued by charter member John R. Kelley, L6562, to fellow chapter members and guests attending the Heartland Travelers’ 15th anniversary rally October 15, 16, and 17, 2004, at Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area near Omaha, Nebraska.
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Q: In the July 2004 issue of FMC in the “Cummins: Built-In Confidence†story (page 73) it is stated that the oil change interval is “15,000 miles or one year.†I hope you are right, but my Cummins operation and maintenance manual (pages 2 through 8) calls for the oil and filters to be changed every 6,000 miles or six months for my 500-horsepower ISM engine. Cummins’ policy will make me think hard before buying another one.
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The “Fuel Price Survey” in the January 2005 issue (page 64) listed the tax for diesel fuel in Oregon as .001. The correct tax should be .240.
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FMCA is continually striving to encourage and entice its members to join a chapter. It is frequently said that the true enjoyment of FMCA is experienced through chapter membership.
I have often compared FMCA chapter membership with belonging to a family, and chapter rallies to family reunions. -
The Governing Board of the Family Motor Coach Association recently passed several bylaws amendments. Changes to Article VIII of the FMCA Bylaws specifically impact Executive Board member term lengths.
The Executive Board consists of the national president, senior vice president, secretary, treasurer, and the 10 area vice presidents, as well as the immediate past president. -
I could hear the boom of thunder off in the distance as my wife, Teri, shook my shoulder. “Honey, wake up!” she whispered tersely.
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Islands, islands everywhere. The East Coast of the United States has a bounty of small islands waiting to be explored.
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Ask most Americans if they have ever been to Jacksonville, Florida, and they are likely to respond, “Well, I’ve driven through it.” Perhaps that perception will change as the city hosts the National Football League’s Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6. More people will undoubtedly discover that Jacksonville deserves to be recognized as a destination in its own right.
Jacksonville covers 759 square miles in northeast Florida. -
In our travels we often encounter fellow RVers who pine for a new motorhome, with dreams of varying features not present in their existing traveling abodes.
Mine is a case in point. Fifteen years ago I purchased a 1972 Newell motorhome whose size and basic layout satisfied our needs. -
When you own a company that builds fine log homes, you must have skilled craftsmen in your employ. And if you also own a motor coach, it makes perfect sense to have those craftsmen customize it in a like manner.
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The flags of eight different countries have been raised over Amelia Island, Florida — quite a claim for such a pint-sized place. Like real estate anywhere, the quest for ownership has to do with three words: location, location, location.
The island is slightly more than 13 miles long and sits off the northeastern top of the Florida peninsula, near Jacksonville. -
A few miles north of Atlanta, Georgia, lies the gateway to the North Georgia mountains and all the possibilities they hold: Lake Sidney Lanier. Lake Lanier is an excellent base from which to discover the outdoor recreation options, the shopping, and the history of the area.
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As the sun set on Cincinnati, Ohio, three hours before the Bengals and Denver Broncos kicked off their “Monday Night Football” contest, Joe Cahn, F202477, was primed for action. As he made his way through the parking lots around Paul Brown Stadium, shouts of “Hey Joe, where you been?” and “Joe, over here!” guided him into groups of orange-clad fans, all his newest best friends.
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Our reclining chair has a circular steel base, so we cut a piece of plywood to fit onto the base and serve as a shelf. The dog’s comb, several rags, a brush, and outdoor shoes can be stored out of sight.
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To help RVers keep track of their expenses while on the road, Sad Seagull Enterprises has developed TravelTrak. According to product literature, the computer software program — which is designed to be used on personal computers using any Microsoft Windows operating system — allows users to maintain an organized collection of costs, activities, and contacts related to their travel.
The program features modules for calculating fuel mileage and fuel costs for both the motorhome and towed vehicle; maintenance costs for both vehicles; and daily expenses. -
Damon Motor Coach, C4690, based in Elkhart, Indiana, has unveiled its all-new 2005 Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers.
According to Dave Miller, Damon vice president of diesel sales and product development, the production of the Astoria and Tuscany are the result of Damon’s return to the “Value by Design†philosophy, a longtime theme for the company.
The 2005 Astoria features the ultimate option package — the Waldorf Edition — an upgrade that bundles numerous popular options in one package. Included in the Astoria Waldorf Edition are full-body paint, an upgraded furniture package, a home theater system with surround-sound stereo, and ceramic tile in the entry and kitchen/bath areas.
The Astoria also features a Freightliner XC raised-rail chassis, a 300-horsepower Cummins engine, full air brakes, a 100-gallon fuel tank, and up to two slideouts. -
High, wide, and handsome, the Cruise Master Luxura flows down the highway like a schooner on the high seas. In fact, during our first campground visit while testing the coach this past summer, my wife and I drove up a narrow pathway between closely packed campsites, where I noticed a young boy eyeing us.
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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.
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As any traveler will tell you, the need for good telephone communication is heightened when the road beckons. To help enhance enjoyment of life on the road and provide peace of mind to members, FMCA began offering an emergency telephone message service in 1982.
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We had no idea how many good uses there are for cornstarch until we began to do research for this column. One thing is certain: it won’t take us five years to use a box of it anymore.
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Many questions arise around the campfire when the subject of batteries is discussed. What is the best type for RV use? What brand is the best? Should we buy the most expensive battery with the best warranty, or the least expensive battery with the largest capacity?
In short, there are no concrete answers — only opinions, and the opinions often are voiced by an expert who has a profit motive, prompting me to consider the advice with a bit of caution.
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Who needs a recipe? When your cupboards are stocked with shortcut ingredients that contribute a bouquet of flavors, you may need only a few items to create a sophisticated, delicious recipe. Here are some ideas:
Mexi-jon Pork Chops
Using cooking spray, lightly grease a baking pan that will hold the number of pork chops you will need to feed your crew. -
Just about anyone who has spent an hour at a lake, stream, or pond has seen the American coot (Fulica americana). These all-terrain, duck-like birds can be found throughout most of North America.
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Fifteen years ago, a group of Pace Arrow motorhome owners got together to form the California Pacers chapter of FMCA. We started with 40 charter member families, and three still remain active in the club: Roger and Shirley Clark, F106016; Don and Ester MacDonald, F114045; and Patricia Nelson, F42570.
Fun is the main focus of our chapter, as we have so much at every rally. -
As the staff of the Six-State Rally Association began arriving at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana, on September 13 and 14, 2004, to start setting up for the South Central Area’s 31st Six-State Rally, it looked as though an unwanted visitor might be making an appearance in the area. Ivan, a strong category 3 hurricane, appeared to be headed right toward Gonzales by way of New Orleans.
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Q: I want to tow a new Volkswagen Beetle with a manual transmission four wheels down. Are there any speed restrictions? What fuses or wires can be disconnected to stop the odometer and headlights?
Ted Smook, F330084
Ruther Glen, Virginia
A: When we have compiled our annual towing surveys in recent years, Volkswagen has indicated that it does not recommend towing any of its vehicles. -
The telephone number noted in “Enter The Freedom Machine” (November 2004, page 86) for Winnebago Industries’ Special Vehicles division has changed. The correct number is now (800) 492-9135.
Tiffin Recall Clarification
The November 2004 “Recall Corner” included NHTSA recall 04V383000 (page 28), which involves buckle assemblies on Amsafe seat belts installed in some 2004 and 2005 Tiffin Allegro, Allegro Bay, Allegro Bus, Phaeton, and Zephyr motorhomes. -
Each year as I write this column for the January issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine, I try to entice readers to turn to the member benefits section in this magazine and become familiar with the benefits that are available to you as a result of your membership in FMCA. This year the “Member Benefits Guide” begins on page 186.
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The president of the United States gives a yearly “State of the Union” address. Along this line, in last January’s issue, I wrote an article titled “State of the Association” to inform you of the status of the Family Motor Coach Association from my viewpoint as the association’s president.
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When I first heard about Recipes From The Road, which was described as a combination cookbook and travelogue, I was intrigued. My wife, Linda, and I enjoy cooking together and, not surprisingly, since we have been FMCA members since 1982, we also enjoy visiting new places.
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The noise of interstate highway traffic fills the air as you roll along in your motorhome on Interstate 75, which runs from Michigan to Florida. There’s no doubt you’re in the frenetic 21st century.
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No matter where we travel, FMCA family motorhomes are instantly recognizable to members and nonmembers alike by our “goose eggs” — the white-on-black, oval-shaped plaques displayed prominently on our motor coaches.
Each pair of plaques bears a unique member number. That means more than 350,000 of them have been turned out since Family Motor Coach Association was founded in 1963. -
FMCA’s next international convention will take place in a town known for its proximity to a number of great Southern attractions.
FMCA members will find an ample supply of Southern hospitality and charm in Perry, Georgia. From the unusual, quaint shops of the downtown district to the hustle and bustle of the state-of-the-art Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, FMCA members are sure to experience enjoyable moments during their visit.
Perry is promoted as the “Crossroads of Georgia” because of its advantageous location just off Interstate 75, approximately 25 miles south of Macon. -
So you’re thinking about buying another motorhome? You’re obviously not alone. Motorhome sales have been very good for most manufacturers for several years now, and the companies continue to introduce exciting new products to please us.
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Our new motorhome has beautiful beveled-glass mirrors on the medicine cabinet doors in the bathroom. On the cabinet frame near the bottom of the mirror is an indentation in the wood that allows you to reach under the door and open it.
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Wind ‘N Go FlashlightThe Wind ‘N Go Flashlight from Max Burton by Athena is a rechargeable unit that never requires batteries, making it an ideal accessory to keep in a motorhome, towed vehicle, garage, or stationary home in case of power outages.
Crank the flashlight’s wind-up arm for one minute and the unit’s rechargeable lithium battery will be charged to 80 percent capacity, enough to generate at least 30 minutes of lighting power. The Wind ‘N Go Flashlight, which is equipped with three light-emitting diodes (LEDs), can be operated on either high (three LEDs) or low (one LED) illumination levels. -
Thousands of visitors will make their way to Florida during the months of December, January, and February to take part in a ritual dubbed “Tailgate Tourism” by VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official source for travel planning.
According to VISIT FLORIDA, tailgate tourists are those who visit a community for a sporting event and then travel beyond the stadium on their vacation. And this season thousands of pigskin partisans will flood into Florida to be part of six major football games that will be played in the Sunshine State.
The lineup of games includes five college bowls, including the Orange Bowl, where the University of Oklahoma and the University of Southern California will play for the national championship on January 4, 2005, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. -
Ballots on the amendments to the FMCA Bylaws were tabulated by FMCA’s CPA firm on November 11, 2004. There were a possible 488 votes, of which 391 ballots were returned.
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For trip-planning information, contact these tourism offices. The contact information was accurate as of November 2006.
UNITED STATES
Alabama Bureau Of Tourism & Travel
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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.
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Prepare these delicious, one-dish meals in a nonstick skillet and cleanup is a cinch. Have you seen the new Spazio line of Teflon-lined, nonstick cookware? The name means “space” in Italian, referring to the line’s unique, space-saving, folding handles.
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This is the final of three columns reporting the results of the full-timers survey published in the April 2004 “Full-Timer’s Primer” column. Nearly 300 replies were received, representing the opinions of approximately 600 full-timing singles, couples, and family members.
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Having traveled through 49 of the 50 states, we rank the Florida Everglades among the top places for plant and animal diversity. Oddly enough, Everglades National Park has only two seasons: wet and dry.
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One of the nicest things about touring caves is that you can do it in almost any season. If the weather is hot, windy, or cold outside, descend into the realm below where the temperature stays in a more moderate range.
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Almost 25 years ago, an FMCA chapter was formed for owners of motor coaches built on Prevost bus shells. Today more than 900 families belong to the Prevost Prouds chapter, and it keeps growing.
The chapter members’ motorhomes all look a bit different, but that’s no matter. -
When my wife, Linda, and I arrived at Three Lakes RV Resort in Hudson, Florida, in November 2003, the new corner lot we had purchased was filled with sand and weeds. Being a bricklayer by trade and having owned my own custom construction business, I decided to get busy and make our site homey.
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Q: I have read in FMC about how to wire the lights on the Malibu for towing. Could you send me that info or tell me how to get reprints?
Walter Palmer, F93779
Andalusia, Alabama
A: Family Motor Coaching has not published an article recently that addresses wiring towed vehicle lights.