Taos Ski Valley is well known for it's killer ski runs and is a popular destination in the winter.  Now, Taos has developed a series of events to draw visitors to the ski valley in the summertime.     For Memorial Day weekend, The Enchanted Circle Festival's “Bring-on-Summer Jammin” will feature a free, 3 day Music Fiesta at the Bavarian Stage and Stray Dog Deck.  The Music Fiesta will feature Latin R&B, ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Living in New Mexico we don’t think about tornadoes much, but if you’re traveling in your RV to locations that frequently experience tornadoes, would you know what to do to be safe?  The odds are good that your RV won’t be hit by a tornado considering that you are not a very big target, but the possibility does exist.  The most important things you can do are to be aware and be prepared. Local TV stations that are in tornado prone areas have state of the art storm...

[Read the rest of this article...]

The Petroglyph National Monument, located on the west side of Albuquerque, is in for a spectacular treat on May 20th!  The first solar eclipse viewable in North America in the last 18 years will darken the sky before sunset and Petroglyph National Monument is at the center of the eclipse path.                   At its peak, the eclipse will resemble ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Contrary to what most people think, it is possible to train a cat - you just can't herd them!   Cats are incredibly adaptive creatures and with a little patience, persistence and some kitty treats, you can get a cat to do just about anything. The easiest way to get a cat used to a RV as a home is to start off with a kitten.  But, if you have a mature cat that you want to take with you, there are several steps you can take to make the transition easier on you and the cat. Don&rsqu...

[Read the rest of this article...]

You may be asking yourself, "what does skin cancer have to do with RV's and boats?"  The answer is that we use them to get out and enjoy the outdoors which puts us in the sun often.   Did you know that New Mexico is ranked as one of the states with the highest incidents of skin cancer in the country? One reason is the thin atmosphere from our altitude which allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach our skin.  The other reason is not using sunscreen and other methods to red...

[Read the rest of this article...]

School will be out soon and many families will be hitting the highways for summer vacation.  We thought some game to play while traveling down the road would help keep the kids occupied and engaged with each other.  Some of the games are classic and others take some advance preparation, but all of them are free or inexpensive to play. License Plate Game   This travel game is for teams or s...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Although most of us RVers want to get away from it all and explore America and experience the great outdoors, these days we also find it necessary to stay connected to the internet so we can communicate with friends and family, pay bills, upload pictures, play games, search for a nearby restaurant, etc.  One big frustration is finding a good WiFi signal, even at some RV parks that offer the service it can be difficult to pull in a strong connection.  Connecting at "WiFi hotspots,...

[Read the rest of this article...]

If you love to have meals outdoors when traveling in your RV but hate fighting the bugs, add on a screened-in room!  You may have seen other RVers with these nifty additions and you might be pleasantly surprised at how affordable they are.  You can find a room to add whether you’re traveling in a luxury motor home, 5th wheel, travel trailer or truck camper.               ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

When you're on the road, you never know what surprises await you. Unfortunately, not all surprises are pleasant ones. Someday you may find that fire or flood has damaged your RV, or that a burglar has taken many of your valuable personal possessions.  A personal belongings inventory is very important should disaster strike. If so, your insurance company will ask you to provide them with a list of what's been damaged or destroyed, the value of those items, and proof of ownership, just like ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

To me, one of the absolute best things about camping is having a nice fire to sit around and roast marshmallows. Starting a fire isn’t always so easy. If you take the time to make fire starters, you won’t have to struggle the next time you build a fire. 1.  Take an empty egg carton and fill each cup 2/3 of the way full with sawdust, pencil shavings, shredded paper, charcoal...

[Read the rest of this article...]

    Wouldn't you love to know how the trip went?  Good chance he ended up doin' some unintended off roadin' somewhere. Check the 'hills' in the background. How would you like to meet this rig on a two-lane road...coming down the mountain in your direction...power steering works real good no...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Why Buy a Pop-Up Camper?   There are a variety of reasons why you might prefer to a pop-up tent camper over another type of RV.  They are designed for active, growing families on the go.   A typical pop-up camper may not offer all the luxuries that a motor home, 5th wheel or travel trailer might offer but for camping lovers this might be the ultimate choice!   Here are a few reasons why you might want a pop-up tent camper:     Affordability   Pop-u...

[Read the rest of this article...]

In many countries, there’s a shared belief that specific actions taken on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day—or at the stroke of midnight when one becomes the other—can influence the fate of the months ahead.  In other countries, New Year’s customs are about driving away the bad spirits of the past year, so that the new one can arrive unsullied and uncorrupted. No matter how odd they may seem to us, though, these customs share an optimism that’s ha...

[Read the rest of this article...]

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure you are prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions. If you are travelling a long distance, plan your route ahead of time. Let someone know of your destination and expected time of arrival. It...

[Read the rest of this article...]

When I was younger and traveling with my parents in their RV to camp and fish, I was always mortified and embarrassed when it came time for Mom to back the RV down the boat ramp to launch the boat in the water.  My father would yell at her constantly.  It was difficult backing the RV down a ramp.    Apparently they never had a clear set of signals worked out for the situation.   That’s one of the keys to backing a RV easily.  Here are some other tips and ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Looking for something to keep those little RV travelers busy while on the road to Grandma's house?  Here's an easy project that doesn't cost a small fortune to do and will make some very nice stocking stuffers.  It's not very messy and easy to clean up! Decoupage Rock Paperweights Supplies you will need: Rocks Fabric Scraps - Holiday Themed or Other prints Stickers (Letters and Decorative) Decorative Paper or Tissue Paper Decoupage Medium Sponge Brushes Conside...

[Read the rest of this article...]

10 Tips for Stretching Your Travel Food Budget   1.  Make a list You will spend less money if you plan your meals first and then develop a shopping list from the meal plan.  Categorizing the list will help keep you on track and prevent you from wandering down aisles you don't need to shop.  We keep our list in order of fresh items first, like meat and produce.  Then baked goods and dairy products.  These items you will use first or they will go bad.  Then ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

In a previous article we shared tips on how to prepare for safe RVing in the winter cold.  If you're a "Snowbird" that's getting ready to fly to a warmer climate for the winter, here are some important tips for securing your home while you're away. Create a Checklist The checklist will come in handy when you return home to help you remember all the things that will need to be reversed.   Have a Contact Person Ask a friend, neighbor, or relative to be the contact person fo...

[Read the rest of this article...]

We’ve always lived by the rule that it’s always better to ask for forgiveness than permission.  That usually works fairly well for most situations, but when it comes to looking to park your RV for free overnight it might be better to ask for permission first.   Then you can sleep soundly with worrying about someone bothering you in the middle of the night asking you to leave or getting issued a trespassing ticket. Here are a few free RV parking possibilities: H...

[Read the rest of this article...]

If you're a fishing nut who will go fishing even when it's freezing cold outside, here are some important tips for being safe and staying warm. Cold weather boaters need protection from hypothermia, both on deck and in the event of falling overboard. Cold water shortens in-water survival time, making a quick rescue essential. Fortunately, you have options whether you hunt, fish, or cruise on cold water. Choose the right gear to increase your chances of surviving a cold-weather mishap. 1. Flot...

[Read the rest of this article...]

RV Decorating for the Holidays There are almost as many ideas for decorating a RV for Christmas as there are types of RVs.  Small space decorating means that you don’t have to have a ton of decorating items to make a big impact.  Of course there are those who say the more the merrier!  Which ever philosophy you embrace, here are some tips for decorating your RV. Decorating the exterior of the RV can be simple or over the top, depending on where you are parked for the holid...

[Read the rest of this article...]

T’was just before Christmas not a snowflake in sight And no amount of praying will make it be white No chimney for Santa in Rigs or RV’s Baubles and lights hang from Palm Trees Santa is wearing a t-shirt and shorts No playing hockey, its pool time for sports Once again it’s that time of year When thoughts of family will cause us to tear We really don`t mind all of this sun Or spending our days just having fun Most of the time we are good with this life It’s ver...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Here's an honest to goodness real letter sent to Dear Abby.  How would your answer compare to hers? Dear Abby:  I recently bought a small travel trailer that I use for weekend fishing trips.  My dog, Goldie, accompanies me on these short trips and sleeps with me on the only bed in the trailer.   My wife, Shirley, is now expecting to go on some of my fishing trips with Goldie and me.  The problem is, Goldie is used to sleeping with me, and I believe she should h...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Hot Dog Cooker  Easy Project to Do with the Kids!  No flames are needed for kids to cook hot dogs this summer once they've created this fun and easy aluminum foil Hot Dog Roaster. What you'll need: ·   1 cylindrical oatmeal container with lid ·   Sharp scissors ·   Aluminum foil ·   Hole puncher ·   Long wooden skewer (for shish-ka-bobs) ·   Plastic wrap, optional How to make...

[Read the rest of this article...]

July is prime time for spending time in the sun at the lake in your Bayliner bowrider, at a beach with your travel trailer or in the mountains enjoying your RV lifestyle.  Are you being overexposed?  Did you know that any type of a suntan, whether dark or minimal, is a sign of skin damage?  Here in New Mexico where the atmosphere is thin you really need extra protection from the sun!  Thank goodness for sunscreen! Not only does it protect you against a sunburn, but it als...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Many people love to bring their pets with them when they travel. In fact, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, 57 percent of recreational vehicle (RV) owners in 2007 brought their pets along on road trips. If you want your RV trip to include your pet, planning ahead will make the trip easier and more enjoyable for all. Take your pet to the veterinarian first. Tell your vet about the trip you are planning and ask if your pet needs any vaccinations or other medication...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Last month our Good Times Trek featured Palo Duro Canyon State Park located near Amarillo, Texas.  This week news was released that Palo Duro Canyon State Park is getting a new group recreation facility, the first of its kind in a Texas State Park. The new stone-clad facility will be 5,200 square feet with meeting and dining hall space, restrooms, and a commercial kitchen perfect for wedding receptions and family reunions. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the $1 million donation by ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Make a Marshmallow Shooter for the Kids! If you're wanting a fun project to do with your kids, try making a marshmallow shooter.  It will prove to be an enjoyable experience for you and them, and will provide hours of fun at home or at the campground. Marshmallow shooters are safe for all ages.  This would make a unique gift idea, but if it's for your own children take some time and build it with them; and let them help! When built correctly, these shooters are actually quite a...

[Read the rest of this article...]

A very important item that should be in every RV and boat is a first aid kit.  This is especially true if you are boondocking.  Any outdoor activity such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, water skiing, camp fire building and other outdoor activities carry a risk of injury.   The first thing you should include in any kit is personal medication - that is any medication that has been prescribed for you that you need on a daily basis. The rest of your kit should consist of...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Geocaching Treasure Hunting with GPS   Geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting. RVers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. Using a GPS unit, RV geocachers venture out onto the highway and byways to find the hiding spot of the cache. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. If the visitor takes something out of the cache, they are asked to leave something in return. For RVers,...

[Read the rest of this article...]

10 Tips for Campground Etiquette   RVing is supposed to be fun. And some simple campground etiquette helps to keep it that way for everyone. If you are starting out or need a refresher, here are 10 tips on minding your camping manners to make your stay enjoyable.    1.  Follow the rules:     Individual parks usually hand you a copy of their rules when you register. Adhering to these rules is one of the basics of campground etiquette. It makes things ea...

[Read the rest of this article...]

One of the secrets of good eating on an RV adventure is simplicity. The other - advance preparation.   Before You Go Plan your menus.  It may seem like too much effort but it will be time and cost saving in the end!  It's something you can do during commercial breaks while watching TV.  Get out a calendar and figure out a meal plan for each day you'll be away from home. Photocopy your calendar or daily planner and mark up the photocopy with the meals you have in mind, taki...

[Read the rest of this article...]