It’s been a weird year. And that’s probably an understatement. Between the elections, the economy and just life in general, we’ve all had a lot to deal with. Fortunately, November is a month that provides some perspective. With Thanksgiving, comes a time to count our blessings. To find some gratitude for the good things that may seem less obvious these days. Here’s what sticks out in my mind:

• Family – This is the obvious one. My life is tied so closely to those who are closest to me and the Mrs. Though miles may separate us, our kids and grandkids are the center of our universe. They always will be. And for this, I’m forever grateful.

• Friends – Like our family, our  friends are cherished more than they’ll ever know. Time spent with them, and the joy that brings, is irreplaceable.

• The Great Outdoors – We’re beyond fortunate to  live in a place where nature’s beauty and bounty is just outside our front door. We’re never lacking an excuse to enjoy it whenever we can.

•  Health – We’ve had a few  health “scares” in recent years, which have further taught us the importance of never taking our good health for granted.  Good health allows us to enjoy good times traveling and making memories. We’re always mindful of this.

• Faith – I’ll leave it at that.

I hope you find many reasons to be thankful this season.

Happy Holidays and Happy Camping,

Bob

It’s October. The days are getting shorter (and colder). The leaves are barely hanging on, awaiting their cue with a good wind storm. The sun seems to have headed south with half our senior population. And something spooky is in the air…

In the true spirit of Halloween, I’d like to share my top 5 things that “scare” me most about RV-ing, especially this time of year.

#1) The Weather – No one’s better at throwing off travel plans than Mother Nature.  And this time of year, she’s so unpredictable. There’s nothing like a well-planned weekend ruined by a sudden snowstorm. One minute you’re marveling at the fall colors and then “poof”—overnight, you’re blanketed in six inches of slushy snow. So much for that nature hike.

#2) The Wind – Sometimes, I think we RV-ers deserve hazard pay. Especially when driving our big rigs on really windy days (and October has a lot of them.) It can be downright scary. Need an example? Try navigating your Class A across the Mighty Mackinac Bridge with a strong side wind. Talk about white knuckles.

#3) The Darkness – Shorter days mean less daytime driving. And if you’re like me, the daylight is much kinder to your aging eyes, especially when it comes to seeing the road and anything that may cross it suddenly. When fall comes, I log fewer miles per day, or simply camp closer to home.

#4) The Solitude – Don’t get me wrong…I love the scenic solitude when my wife and I have the RV to ourselves. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the extended family, who are busy with work, school and other fall activities in the fall. Sometimes, it just gets too quiet.

#5) Doing it all over again. For all the “scary” things that October can bring, I  wouldn’t change this  time of year for anything. Between the amazing fall colors and the uncrowded campgrounds, this is still my favorite time of year to be out and about. Thinking I couldn’t enjoy  the great outdoors would be the scariest thing of all.

Happy Camping,

Bob

The kids are back in school. For many families—especially those with school-age kids—this means a return to schedules filled with sports, clubs and lots of driving back and forth. For those of us without such hustle and bustle in our lives, we get to enjoy a special time of year…a time when the pace of life slows down, parks clear out, and those of us with a little more “leisure time” get to enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.

At least, that’s how it used to be…

Today, the fall season has become more popular than ever with RVers. According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), 27 million Americans are planning to go RVing this fall. In fact, RVing has surpassed traditional rental properties as a preferred choice for an outdoor getaway. Not surprisingly, much of this is being driven by Millenial and Gen Z campers. According to RVIA, 33% of Millennial leisure travelers express a desire to take an RV trip in the coming year, with 32% even considering purchasing an RV. Gen Z isn’t far behind, emerging as the most active travelers with keen interests in food tourism and music festivals. Clearly, this isn’t your grandpa’s RV industry anymore.

Overall, I think this is a great thing. If we really want to preserve our natural heritage and the outdoor lifestyle we all embrace, it has to be accessible to everyone, especially younger and future generations. On a personal level, I love the active energy that young families bring to the campground (as long as kids and/or pets are cared for appropriately.)

So yes, there may be a few more travel trailers in my favorite camping spot this fall. But I’m not worried. There’s plenty of room in the great outdoors for all of us to  enjoy the awesome-ness of autumn.

Happy Camping,

Bob

It happened last week. For one brief moment—sandwiched between sweltering, sweat-filled days in the 90s—the morning temps dropped into the 40s. It was glorious. For a few fleeting minutes, it felt like a crisp, fall day. It was a welcome reminder of what’s to come…my favorite season of all. Fall! The season of fiery colors, football games, and a fabulous excuse to get outside and experience nature in all its amazing wonder.

I can’t wait! And neither should you. If you haven’t made plans for an autumn adventure, do it now. The crowds are smaller. The bugs are fewer. And the days are cooler and more comfortable (usually!). Here are a few of our favorite fall retreats. (Guess where I’ll be!)

Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground – Nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota, this is the perfect place for enjoying nature in all its scenic solitude. You’ll see more moose and bald eagles than people. Come fish, canoe, hike and enjoy a roaring campfire at day’s end. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

www.gunflintpines.com

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Campground – If you haven’t visited Fredericksburg—the unofficial capital of the Texas Hill Country, you’re missing out. Located 90 minutes from San Antonio and Austin (north and south), this burgeoning burg has become a treasured tourist destination. It features wineries, craft distilleries, brewpubs plus the area’s best golf, downtown shopping, natural areas and more.

https://www.fbgtx.org/343/Lady-Bird-Johnson-RV-Park

Sea & Sand RV Park – If you love the ocean’s pounding surf, you’ll adore this place. Located on the Oregon Coast near Depoe Bay, the park puts you just steps from the beauty and majesty of the Pacific. Everywhere you turn is a pic-worthy moment. The views are breathtaking. The sunsets are spectacular. The waves lull you to sleep each evening. You’ll never want to leave.

Wherever you go, may your autumn be awesome!

Happy Camping, Bob

There’s going to come a day—hopefully, not too soon—that I can’t do this anymore. I can’t endure the long trips to distant destinations. I can’t go through the lengthy process of prepping my rig for each trip. In short, someday I won’t have the energy, strength or mobility to enjoy the active RV lifestyle. I’m not looking forward to that day…

That’s why today, I take every opportunity to get out there. I pursue every chance I can to enjoy whatever adventure awaits me around that next bend or over that next hill. What’s more, I make every effort to prolong my active lifestyle by taking advantage of gear and accessories that add convenience and promote my and my family’s personal safety.

You can probably see where I’m going with this, as Stromberg Carlson makes several of these handy items. And it’s no coincidence. All of our products are the result of first-hand experience in the outdoors…either our own or that of our dealers or customers. Here are a few that are always part of my must-have travel accessories:

• Lend-A-Hand Assist Rail – This is a no-brainer, especially for those of us who deal with reduced strength or mobility. It provides safe, steady support when getting in and out of the RV. To me, it’s a must.
• Bunk Ladder – Another handy item for safe climbing in and out and up and down. The injection-molded tread ensures sure footing for any size foot.
• Extend-A-Shower – Create more room in your RV’s shower for added comfort, privacy and safety. Added Bonus: No need to use the public showers anymore.

Staying safe and reducing stress and work can go a long way to extending your time enjoying the RV lifestyle. I’m going to be out there for as many more years as possible. I hope you are too.

Happy Camping,

Bob

The thermometer outside my kitchen window was telling me everything I needed to know. It was hot. Really hot. 95 degrees, to be exact. And it was only the middle of June. To make things worse, the humidity had turned my body into a giant lint roller. I clung to everything I touched.

Sound familiar? I wish I could say temperatures like this are a fluke. Our meteorologists are saying otherwise. And let’s face it, summer in an RV can be tough, anyway. The small air conditioners have trouble keeping up with the extreme heat. Parking in the shade, covering windows, etc. help only so much. So, what are we, as diehard campers, supposed to do to beat the heat?

Glad you asked…

Here are three easy ways to keep your cool this summer while enjoying all that nature provides:

1. Head for the hills – It’s simple math…higher elevations mean lower temps. So, for your next RV destination, choose a mountainside park. Not only will you be rewarded with breathtaking views, but you’ll also enjoy the cool breezes that swirl around the soaring cliffs.
2. Go North – There’s a reason snowbirds head north in the spring. The longer days and cooler temps just can’t be beaten. Plus, there are thousands of amazing parks spread across the northern U.S., from Washington to Maine. Just pick your date and destination—far in advance! —and go.
3. Book early. Book late. It may be too late for this summer, but next year, plan your vacation during the seasonal bookends: April/May and September/October. The temps will be—hopefully! —cooler. The parks will be less crowded. And even the pricing may be better. 

One last thought…keep a sunny attitude. Yes, it may be hot, but chances are you’re somewhere beautiful, enjoying time with loved ones. You’re surrounded by nature and likely have an ice-cold beverage within easy reach. So, enjoy! It’s summer, after all.

Happy Camping!

Bob

The campfire was dying. I lazily poked at the few remaining embers, trying to spark a flame. Overhead, a canopy of stars shone brightly, almost making up for the lack of a fire. I wondered at the beauty of it all. It was another memorable Memorial Day weekend.

My thoughts wandered, as they often do around a campfire. This outdoor lifestyle is something we choose, willingly and happily. But there are those who must be outside, with no say-so whatsoever. This being Memorial Day weekend, I’m reminded of our military personnel and the many sacrifices they have made throughout our country’s history.

Imagine, for instance, that brutal winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. Washington’s Continental Army was not only fighting the British; they battled the frigid elements, along with a lack of food and clothing. More recently, our armed forces in Vietnam had to deal with monsoon conditions, thick jungle and inhospitable terrain, malarial mosquitoes, and extreme heat. Not to mention, they all faced the real possibility of injury or worse, on a regular basis.

We owe so much to our servicemen and women. Because of their courage and commitment, we enjoy unparalleled freedom. One that allows us to come and go as we please, enjoying the great outdoors, with only the occasional pesky mosquito to bother us.

Thank you to all our amazing military personnel for their service. You truly are the best.

Happy Camping,

Bob

By all indications, it’s going to be a busier-than-ever camping season. As more campers escape to the woods, there’s something that shouldn’t escape any of us…the need to exercise some etiquette.

We all know “that guy” (or girl). The camper who blares their music late into the night. The one who lets their big dog run freely all over the park. And, yes, the one who leaves cans, bottles and paper strewn around their campsite. It’s annoying. And more than that, it’s rude and it ruins the camping experience for everyone. So, as we all prepare for what looks to be a busy camping season, let’s all remember the rules of park etiquette. Here are my top five (I’m sure you have others.)

1. Keep your campsite clean – It almost goes without saying…don’t turn your campsite into an eyesore. Pick up after yourself. Throw trash away as soon as it becomes trash. Put cans and bottles into containers. Store your gear when not in use. We come to the outdoors to enjoy the beauty of nature. Don’t spoil it.
2. Observe quiet hours – This is a no-brainer. Or it should be. Enjoy your music but mind the volume, especially after the sun goes down. Enjoy your evening talks by the fire. But refrain from raising your voices. Remember, silence is golden.
3. Control your pet – You brought a leash. Use it. Keep Rover under control at all times, especially around other people and pets.
4. Be prepared when using dump station – This one is a pet peeve of mine…people who pull into the dump station without their gloves, black tank hose or connector piece handy.  Be ready so we can all do our business and quickly be on our way.
5. Respect your neighbor’s space – Don’t be that person who takes shortcuts across your neighbor’s campsite. Give people their space. Wait for an invitation before entering someone’s RV.

Be kind. Be patient. Be respectful. Follow these simple rules and we’ll all enjoy what promises to be a wonderful camping season.

Happy Camping,

Bob

Spring is here. Actually, it’s been here since mid-February, when the temps topped out at 70 degrees in our neck of the northern woods. It’s just plain crazy. And it appears the year is just going to get crazier.

It’s an election year and this one’s going to be a doozy. It’s going to be hard to ignore the media feeding frenzy going into November. Fortunately, we have a Class A solution. And hundreds of parks, campgrounds and beautiful distractions to calm, refresh and inspire us.

I was reminded of this when, a few weeks ago, the first crocus pushed its purple head through the snow along our driveway. Its vibrant color stood out from its dingy brown and gray surroundings. In its small way, it reminded me of the singular promise of spring…hope!

It’s important to remember this. We’ll always have the pressures and problems of the “real world” trying to pull our attention away from what really matters. We have to resist. And I find the easiest way to do that is simply to escape. Even if it’s only for a three-day weekend. Clean air and uncrowded surroundings can work wonders on the psyche. And even restore some hope.

I hope you can find time to get out there in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be plenty glad you did.

Happy Camping,

Bob

As any seasoned RVer will tell you, the fun and excitement of any adventure is not so much about where you’re headed. It’s more about who you’re sharing the adventure with. I was reminded of this a couple weeks ago after returning from a much-needed getaway with my wife, Janice.

I had just wrapped up one of the busiest work travel seasons. I had been consumed with work for weeks. For a guy working in a business dedicated to leisure travel, even I get a little too tightly wound without a break. That’s when I know I can count on Janice.

She’s been at my side, my trusty co-pilot, for more years than I’ll share here. We’ve been through many adventures, both on the road and on the road of life. Both have had their peaks, valleys, twists and turns. Somehow through it all, we’ve managed to laugh at the little problems, trust each other and work through the bigger issues, and enjoy the scenery wherever life leads us.

With this being February, what with Valentine’s Day and all, it seems appropriate to share my feelings about our time together. I wouldn’t trade these treasured moments for anything.

I hope you have a trusted travel companion that lightens your load on the road of life. And I wish you many years exploring and discovering new adventures together.

Happy Camping!

Bob