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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Camping at Hiddenite (NC)
The last of the U.S. National Park’s fee-free dates for 2015 is almost here! On November 11, 2016 entrance fees to the parks will be waived. So grab a picnic basket, field guide, some hiking poles and head to your nearest national park this Veterans Day.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
Don’t forget to visit your local U.S. National Park August 25-28 2016 in honor of the National Park Service’s Birthday. The National Park Service was established in 1916, making this their 100th anniversary. To celebrate entrance fees to all the parks will be waived. So make sure you mark you calendar!
August 25-28 2016
National Park Service Birthday
Photo by H.S. Cooper © USS DRUM
Memorial Day Weekend is… HERE! And that means it is officially camping season. So if you haven’t already dusted off the camping gear, packed the RV or made cabin reservations at your favorite park… you are a little late. But don’t fret! Some parks still have openings for the holiday weekend – just call ahead and check on their availability.
No matter where you are spending this holiday weekend, please have a safe one and remember those who have fought (and still are fighting) for our freedom.
NOTE: Make a flag for your campsite this holiday:
https://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/rotating-pvc-pipe-flag-poles/
https://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/smaller-flags-for-rv-parks/
Photo by H.S. Cooper © BLUE RIDGE PKWY
Been too busy to participate in National Park week? Don’t worry, there is still plenty going on at your local National Park Service this weekend! In addition to waiving park entrance fees, the park service has some other events going on. Click on the links below to find out more information on how you can participate.
April 22nd Earth Day
April 23rd National Park Instameet
April 24th Park Rx Day
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
After ten years of Full-Time RVing, we have encountered our share of bad parks. Every unpleasant experience puts a giant X on their park listing in our campground directory and earns the offending park an unfavorable online review.
Sometimes the problem is simply the park’s location. Like the one in Texas that bragged on being the place to get plenty of rest, only it didn’t indicate in the ad that you had to sleep during the day because the campground was located beside railroad tracks that were active at night. We were also lured in to one park in Mississippi that promised Southern charm, only the appeal wore off as soon as we realized we were at the end of an airport runway. Although one of the worst locations we’ve stumbled upon was in Florida. A small, seemingly quiet park appeared to be a good place for a few nights’ rest. The first night was so peaceful we actually considered extending our stay a few more days. Luckily we didn’t because that evening we were awakened to some bone-shaking music until the wee hours of the morning. We were unaware that the backside of the park bordered a nightclub that had been closed the previous evening!
Even if the location is ideal, sometimes it is the condition of the park that affects your stay. Usually the offender is meager Wi-Fi or poor cable TV. We’ve certainly had our share of that and while it is no problem for a night or two, issues with this during an extended stay reflect poorly in our online reviews. These are generally simple fixes and if nothing is done to correct the problem it indicates poor management. A few years ago we overnighted at a park in Florida that offered a Wi-Fi “hotspot”. When asked at check-in, we were told that it was under a tree in the middle of the RV park! Another problem we occasionally encounter is water pressure, albeit that it is normally too high. Imagine our surprise when we stayed at a park in Pennsylvania that had the water pressure at twenty. However, the management insisted that such a low number was safe!
Though sometimes it is the staff members who make you feel unwelcomed. Like the time we pulled into a park in Maryland and found the office closed and no after-hours check-in board. As we started to leave a staff member appeared on a golf-cart and started screaming at us that we were going to jackknife as we swung the rig around to exit. She literally kept screaming “jackknife” over and over. In reflection, I wish I would have taken a video of the maniac screaming at us – that would have gone viral! And the time we stopped at a campground in Virginia and politely asked the clerk for a Big Rig pull-thru for the night. She said people like us needed to “just go to a truck stop” – so we did! And lest we forget the park we overnighted at in Arkansas. The cable TV didn’t work and we immediately reported it to the office since we were being charged additional for it. A work-camper came over to our site, never even looked at the frayed cable at the pedestal. He just said, “I don’t think you need it tonight” and left!
Occasionally it is the park guests who bring about an unfavorable stay. Clearly it is hard to be quiet when your slides are on-top of each other in some of the older parks. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to be a good neighbor. Like the time we were staying in Washington and the woman camped beside us wanted to know what antenna TV channels we got. Instead of coming over to our site and knocking on our door, she opened her slide-window, took a cane and pounded on our door. Imagine our surprise when we answered the door to see a cane poking out a window at us! Or the folks in Virginia who parked their golf cart under our master bedroom slide because they were, well, frankly, morons. And don’t get me started on the park in Texas where the neighbors built a Tiki bar on their site. By the third day the “bar” included a large flat screen TV, karaoke machine and additional seating. They expanded beyond their tow vehicle space and then started parking on our campsite. It was senseless to complain as we saw the park manager had become a patron of the bar! We found another park for the remainder of our stay in the area.
From dry camps to high-end RV resorts – we certainly have had some memorable reviews! After all these years, we have learned to take the bad with the good. Thankfully with so many online review sites, we have a way of warning other travelers. So don’t be shy about taking recourse by writing reviews. And, remember, if you visit a RV park in Maryland and a maniac starts screaming at you – get it on video!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Rocky Mountain NP
The first of several fee-free days scheduled for 2016 is just around the corner. So consider visiting your local U.S. National Park on Monday, January 18th. Entrance fees to the parks will be waived that day. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
If you have been putting off a trip to your local U.S. National Park, mark your calendar for with the 2016 fee-free days. On these dates, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply. So what are you waiting for? Unwrap that new 2016 calendar and start planning!
January 18, 2016
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
April 16-24, 2016
National Park Week
August 25-28 2016
National Park Service Birthday
September 24, 2016
National Public Lands Day
November 11, 2016
Veterans Day
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Silver River SP
In honor of Veterans Day the entrance fees to Florida State Parks (except the Skyway Fishing Pier SP) will be free on November 11, 2015.
Photo by S. Cooper © GSNP
The last of the U.S. National Park’s fee-free dates for 2015 is almost here! On November 11, 2015 entrance fees to the parks will be waived. So grab a picnic basket, field guide, some hiking poles and head to your nearest national park this Veterans Day.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Olympic National Park
Don’t forget to visit your local U.S. National Park on August 25th in honor of Founders’ Day (the National Park Service Birthday). To celebrate entrance fees to all the parks will be waived. Already have plans? Well, stop by the National Park Foundation’s website and sign the birthday card.
August 25, 2015
National Park Service Birthday
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Flag flying on the USS LEXINGTON fantail
Memorial Day Weekend is… HERE! That means it is officially camping season. So if you haven’t already dusted off the camping gear, packed the RV or made cabin reservations at your favorite park… you are a little late.
But don’t fret! Some parks still have openings for the holiday – just call ahead and check on their availability. And don’t forget to take along and proudly display The Flag!
No matter where you are spending this holiday, please have a safe one and remember those who have fought (and still are!) for our freedom.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
To kick off U.S. National Park week, the National Park Service is waving entrance fees. In addition, some other special offers may apply this free-weekend.
April 18-19, 2015 (opening weekend of National Park Week)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Two trees in our fifth-wheel
It’s that time of year again! And up go our two Christmas trees… yep, 2 trees in 1 RV!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © LBJ National Historic Park
If you have been putting off a trip to your local U.S. National Park, mark your calendar for with the 2015 fee-free days. On these dates, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
January 19, 2015
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 14-16, 2015
Presidents Day weekend
April 18-19, 2015
opening weekend of National Park Week
August 25, 2015
National Park Service Birthday
September 26, 2015
National Public Lands Day
November 11, 2015
Veterans Day
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © LBJ National Historic Park
If you don’t have any plans for today, don’t forget that entrance fees to U.S. National Park are waived on September 27, 2014 in honor of Public Lands Days. Or mark your calendar for the last fee-free date of the year – November 11, 2014 (Veterans Day). During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Flag at Cape San Blas
Can you believe that the last of the Big Three (July Fourth, Memorial Day, Labor Day) summer holidays is already here?! For most folks, this is the last time they will head to that favorite camping spot until next summer. Whatever your plans are this Labor Day weekend… safe travels!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Fort McHenry National Monument
Summer pass you by? There are a two upcoming holidays to take advantage of our U.S. National Parks “fee-free” – one in August and one in September. During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply. For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website. The next “fee-free” holiday will be in November.
August 25, 2014
(National Park Service Birthday)
September 27, 2014
(Public Lands Day)
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Backed-in
Backed-in and ready to get some rest and relaxation for awhile…
hmm… now where did we pack that grill? 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © PVC Flag Pole
If you have been in a campground, especially during a flag-holiday, you have probably seen those rotating PVC-pipe flag poles. We have seen some really creative ones. People have taken the basic pattern and added a section for a name plaque or solar lights (great in parks with no street lights so your flag is lit in the evening) or have painted the pipe either black or silver.
Usually you can find at least one person in a campground who makes them. If you want to make one yourself, there are free instructions online.
You can find everything you need to complete one at a Lowe’s or Home Depot. A good quality U.S. flag will cost you $20 – $30. Less expensive ones may fade or fray, so keep that in mind when you purchase one.
When placing your flag pole at your site, be mindful of your neighbors and the landscapers. We have seen folks place their flag pole a little too close to their neighbor’s site and when their neighbors opened their car-door they emerge into a tangled flag! Also try not to place the flag in a lawn mowers path. In addition, remember to remove your flag pole during rain and wind storms.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Boat Flag
It is hard to believe that Memorial Day Weekend is here! And that means it is officially camping season. So if you haven’t already dusted off the camping gear, packed the RV or made cabin reservations at your favorite park… you are a little late. But don’t fret! Some parks may still have openings for a night or two during the holiday weekend because of last minute cancellations – just call ahead and check on their availability.
No matter where you are spending this holiday weekend, please have a safe one and remember those who have fought (and still are!) for our freedom.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Blossoms
Have a Happy Easter!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Fort McHenry NM – Star-Spangled Banner
To kick off U.S. National Park week, the National Park Service is waving entrance fees. In addition, some other special offers may apply this weekend.
April 19-20, 2014
(U.S. National Park Week Begins)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Getting deep!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Stormy day at the campground
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Water front site
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Gray, dreary day
As Full-Time RVers, we are always concerned about severe weather. Although RVs can withstand moderate winds, they are not intended to be used for shelter in any type of severe storm.
And early this morning we had a wake-up call from our NOAA weather radio indicating we were in a Tornado Watch. We were sound asleep and had no clue what the weather was doing outside. Thankfully the radio’s high shrill alerted us to severe weather conditions.
All Campers should invest in a NOAA weather radio or weather alert radio. A nice handheld radio with wall adapter and back-up batteries can be purchased for around $20 and in case a storm Watch or Warning is issued, you will have the latest information. Don’t solely rely on a phone app for weather alerts.
If you are staying in an area prone to severe weather or possible flooding then you should find out where it is best to seek shelter or what evacuation route is closest. Make sure you know where to go and have a little family meeting. Even if you are just on a week vacation, discussing a plan with your family for just five minutes could end up saving your lives.
Ask the campground staff if they notify their campers about severe weather alerts and what they advise campers to do in stormy situations. Some campgrounds may recommend their restroom or recreation buildings for shelter. Many have concrete buildings that would be a solid structure to go to if there isn’t time, such as in the case of a tornado. But if you have time and know that severe weather will affect your area, make sure you seek an official shelter.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Missouri
1) Do you live in a RV for 12 months out of the year?
If you answered YES, continue below. If you answered NO… you must live in a house, apartment or condo for a portion of the year. Sorry, but you aren’t a Full-Time RVer. You are just a Seasonal RVer. But don’t worry, there is hope for you yet! 🙂
2) Do you have a rental storage facility or a place where you keep items too large or numerous to store in your RV?
If you answered NO, continue below. If you answered YES… then you are not yet ready to be a Full-Time RVer. You may think you are a Full-Timer and can tell people you are but deep down, you really aren’t ready to part with the holiday decorations, extra clothes, “cool” 70s furniture or stuff you bought from yard sales the last 30 years…If you sit down and calculate the current resale value of the items you have in storage and your monthly/annual storage bill, you may find yourself making a trip to the local flea market to sell those “costly” treasures. With the storage gone, you’ll have the money to get those wheels moving and be one step closer to being a real Full-Timer.
3) If you made it this far, CONGRATS! You are a Full-Timer! But let’s see how devoted you are to the lifestyle… Do you periodically find yourself wondering which state you are in?
If you answered YES, continue below. If you answered NO, it sounds like you may be a Full-Timer who is stuck in the same area. Don’t forget that RVs come with wheels!
4) Can you remember the last time you visited an airport, bus or train station and/or the last time you slept in a hotel?
If you answered NO, you are a real Full-Time RVer! CONGRATS! If you answered YES… don’t let any other die-hard Full-Timers know or they’ll tease you! 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © GINS – FP
Photo by H.S. Cooper © REDWOOD NP
Photo by S. Cooper © GSNP
Photo by H.S. Cooper © ACH NHP
Photo by H.S. Cooper © LBJ NHP
Photo by H.S. Cooper © DEATH VALLEY NP
Photo by H.S. Cooper © BR Parkway
If you don’t have a yearly pass to your local U.S. National Park, then mark your calendar for at least one of these fee-free dates. During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
January 20, 2014
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
February 15-17, 2014
(Presidents Day Weekend)
April 19-20, 2014
(U.S. National Park Week Begins)
August 25, 2014
(National Park Service Birthday)
September 27, 2014
(Public Lands Day)
November 11, 2014
(Veterans Day)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
And please don’t forget to support some of your local and non-profit attractions in 2014! 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Winter in Washington State
Watching the Weather Channel and seeing the States getting snow… oh, I remember what it’s like to winter camp as I sit here with my iced tea watching the pelicans drift by… 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Camping Santa
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park
Last of the 2013 fee-free days is quickly approaching. So if you haven’t had a chance to visit your local U.S. National Park, mark your calendar for Veterans Day Weekend. From November 9 -11 entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
November 9-11, 2013
(Veterans Day weekend)
For more information, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © “ScareKrow”
Aww! You don’t scare me! 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Rose O’Neill home and statue
So you planned to take that dream trip across the country to a national park or visit that must-see museum only to find out it’s closed… What’s a family to do about vacation plans now?
There are many wonderful hidden treasures across the USA and if you take a closer look, a few are probably right in your own backyard!
The first thing to do is visit an area’s local tourist or visitor center website. Often they will list attractions, recreation and events and have links to other websites that contain more details. Don’t forget to look for small museums, historical sites and botanical gardens! And there are still places that offer free admission, but appreciate donations. Your support of these smaller attractions and non-profit organizations helps keep them open. You may find yourself enjoying the less popular attractions as they are not as crowded and their volunteers are eager to share information about the site with visitors.
So before you begin to panic about your upcoming travel plans, browse the web! Like TV shows? Find out about your favorite and visit places from the show, like the Walton’s Mountain Museum (Shuyler, VA). Enjoy history and art? Check out Rose O’Neill’s home “Bonniebrook” (Walnut Shade, MO). Love sci-fi? Drop by the International UFO Museum & Research Center (Roswell, NM). The possibilities are endless!
If you had planned to stay in a park lodge or campground, don’t fret! Most private campgrounds offer cabins with basic bunks and beds to deluxe cabins completely furnished. Ask if they have discounts, as most campgrounds will offer a free night if you stay longer than a week. Although private campgrounds are a bit higher priced than national and state parks, consider ones with additional amenities like playground, scheduled activities/events, ice cream socials, free breakfast, Cable TV and WiFi to get the most for your money.
This is a beautiful country and there are plenty of ways to experience and explore the USA outside of it’s national parks and museums.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Walton’s Mountain Museum
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Possum Monument
A gal at the campground today mentioned possums and that got me talking about the Possum Monument. Yes, the Possum Monument! Apparently I have neglected to mention our pilgrimage to this roadside memorial before.
Off Highway 77 in Wausau (FL) there is a stone monument dedicated to the possum. In 1982 the Florida Legislature passed a resolution that the first Saturday in August would be Possum Day. Now you are probably scratching your head thinking, “Why?” Well, the possum did play a role in helping early Southern settlers during tough times by providing an additional food source… so that’s kinda worthy of a monument. Baked possum is still a popular dish. Of course, modern recipes involve beer and Tabasco sauce!
But what would a monument be without a festival? There is a Possum Festival every year in August. Although this year’s festival is over, you can always work your vacation plans around it next year. 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Gulf Islands National Seashore
Only a few more days remain for 2013… so don’t delay another trip to your local U.S. National Park. Mark your calendar for at least one of these dates and GO! During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
August 25, 2013
(National Park Service Birthday)
September 28, 2013
(Public Lands Day)
November 9-11, 2013
(Veterans Day weekend)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Gulf National Seashore – Fort Pickens
Looking ahead… there are a few more fee-free days at U.S. National Parks. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for at least one of these dates. During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
August 25, 2013
(National Park Service Birthday)
September 28, 2013
(Public Lands Day)
November 9-11, 2013
(Veterans Day weekend)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
NOTE: And don’t forget to support some of your local and non-profit attractions this year!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Flowers and Flags
Memorial Day Weekend is… HERE! And that means it is officially camping season. So if you haven’t already dusted off the camping gear, packed the RV or made cabin reservations at your favorite park… you are a little late. But don’t fret! Some parks still have openings for the holiday weekend – just call ahead and check on their availability.
No matter where you are spending this holiday weekend, please have a safe one and remember those who have fought (and still are!) for our freedom.
NOTE: Make a flag for your campsite this holiday:
https://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/rotating-pvc-pipe-flag-poles/
https://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/smaller-flags-for-rv-parks/
A ‘CLASS A’ STASH by H.S. Cooper
Catch the first book in my new Campground Mystery series, A ‘Class A’ Stash, before the second book in the series, The Propane Game comes out later this summer! Get $10 off one copy of A ‘Class A’ Stash by using the coupon code SHARING10 at checkout! But hurry, this offer ends May 2, 2013*. Softcover edition of this new campground mystery is only $11.59… so $10 off is a steal of a deal!
*$10 off code and deadline according to information provided by publishing company
If you haven’t thought about what to do in an emergency situation while on the road, consider some pre-planning with your family before making those travel plans. For more information on preparing for natural disasters, check out my book On the Road to Disaster.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © CHRISTMAS TORNADO
On Christmas afternoon we found ourselves in the midst of severe weather and potential tornadoes. Instead of watching holiday movies, all eyes were on the local weather!
The RV resort lacked adequate shelter facilities, so when the tornado warning went into effect, we grabbed our hardhats (I knew that souvenir hardhat from Hoover Dam would come in handy), a couple stiff pillows and flashlights, and then made a mad dash to the Chevy Silverado. We buckled ourselves in and drove to a low ditch-area near the park entrance. Moments later we saw that other Campers had the same idea.
Fortunately the storm passed quickly over the resort; however, a park less than two miles away had a tornado touch-down. Thankfully no one was injured but several homes were destroyed.
Sometimes you have to make the best of a bad situation. Keeping alert of the weather and having a type of RV emergency plan can keep you and your family safe.
Photo taken by H.S. Cooper © DEATH VALLEY NP
It’s time to dig out that new 2013 calendar! The first of the entrance “fee-free” days of the year is scheduled for January 21st in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On this day entrance fees to U.S. National Parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © McLean House at Appomattox Court House NHP
I know, I know! I keep posting these dates… but do you go? Don’t delay another trip to your local U.S. National Park. Mark your calendar for at least one of these dates and GO! During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
January 21, 2013
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
April 22-26, 2013
(U.S. National Park Week)
August 25, 2013
(National Park Service Birthday)
September 28, 2013
(Public Lands Day)
November 9-11, 2013
(Veterans Day weekend)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
NOTE: And don’t forget to support some of your local and non-profit attractions in 2013! 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper © US FLAG
It’s not too late to visit your local U.S. National Park for this year’s remaining fee-free day! Entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply. So grab some grub (and your favorite Veteran) and hit the trails. 🙂
November 10-12, 2012
(Veterans Day weekend)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Eek!
Digging out the Halloween decorations, I have to chuckle… a few are from Washington, some Virginia, some Florida, some Texas and, quite honestly, some I can’t recall what state they came from!
Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Especially since there are bowls of chocolate everywhere you go and it gives me an excuse to watch Harry Potter movies all month! But for those who have never camped in October, you might be surprised how popular of holiday it is in campgrounds.
Many campgrounds have Halloween activities from carving pumpkins to haunted hayrides. Some have designated site trick-or-treating for the children and most parks encourage families to decorate their campsites. A few places we have been have even held decorating contests.
One year we were in Virginia and the campground celebrated Halloween every weekend in October. Folks were encouraged to decorate. Normally we keep our outside items at a minimum, but that year we decided to go “all-out” and we based our theme on a children’s Halloween party. We decorated our picnic table with costumed “children” having a Halloween party. The table included plates, cups, candy (emptied and resealed wrappers, of course!), plastic toys (spiders, bats, pumpkins) and orange Halloween lights. And the table was even webbed-over by a few rather ambitious spiders adding to the design. The “children” were dressed up, such as a skeleton, scarecrow and, of course, Frankenstein. Our little creations were easy to make – we created their bodies out of recycled water bottles, two-liter soda bottles and one-gallon tea containers. All their costumes were purchased from the local thrift store for less than ten dollars. When the party was over – the “children” went into recycle bin and their clothes get washed and donated back to the local thrift store.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Little Frankie
One year we spent Halloween in Washington and that year it was a little too wet to put out decorations. Although that was an unforgettable Halloween for us – we hiked to Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park. It was 31 degrees! Oh, and did I mention that we were camped beside a cemetery and the week before they had an attempted grave robbery? No? Well, I’ll have to save that for another time! 😉
Another year we were on the road, exploring scenic Highway 391 in the Eastern Sierras. That was another October of extreme temperature changes for us. We went from 19 degrees (our hose froze) outside Bridgeport (we were visiting Bodie SHP) to over 100 degrees at Death Valley NP. Traveling from the “cool” ghost town to the hellish landscape of Death Valley was certainly an experience!
And then there was there year that we were in Florida and the monkeys…oh goodness, I could go on-and-on! I wonder what memories we’ll make this year? Although I do know it will involve at least one bag of KitKat’s! 😉
Photo taken by H.S. Cooper ©NO RAINBOW
Photo taken from the back window before the rain came!
From fires in the west to tropical storms in the east… this summer is providing extreme weather for those travelling and camping.
If you haven’t thought about what to do in an emergency situation, consider some pre-planning with your family before you head out on the road this season.
Although RVs can withstand moderate winds, they are not intended to be used for shelter in any type of severe storm. All Campers should invest in a NOAA weather radio or weather alert radio. A good one can be purchased for around $30 and in the event a storm Watch or Warning is issued, you will have the latest information.
For more information on preparing for natural disasters, check out my book On the Road to Disaster by H.S. Cooper.
Three Modern Nomads 