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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Hobo,
Good to hear from you guys. Hope your computer class goes well. I have lots of fun helping people in the computer classes down at Sun City and believe me, you two aren't alone in that catagory!! The key to it is to go right home and do what they did in class right away - several times! :B
Take care
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Ron Butler
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05/23/12 06:22pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Yah Yah Yah, you get to enjoy some nice weather but we get to enjoy the rain..Eat your hearts out.....Doc said today I am going to live, I am a happy camper for now. Now to get past the cardiologist without any major burps and we will be back to using the MH....
That's good news Bob, glad to hear it.
We got into Spokane and with the visiting of relatives in Montana and the funeral up in Conrad, just didn't have enough days in the week to get down for the rally. Sounds like you have had a good time and certainly lots to eat, but has that ever been a problem at a rally!
Sad news on our front is that we had to take Sadie our Irish Terrier in today and have her put down. She was failing more and more on the trip north and was bleeding from her mouth last night. We were just hoping to get her back to Federal Way. She gave us almost 13 great years and was an incredable traveler, both in the sailboat and the motorhome. Now just the little clown Happy with us!
Hope everyone has a safe trip home from the rally.
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Ron Butler
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05/20/12 02:02pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Puget Sound/Olympic Peninsula, WA recommendations
Anyone have suggestions on a great CG/RV park to winter over in Puget Sound/Olympic Peninsula in Western WA? Would be about a 4 - 6 month stretch every winter, and would need to accomodate 36+ Class A and toad. Open to workcamping, etc. Looking @ the northwestern part of the state
Thanks for your recommendations!
WHY would you want to spend 4-6 months of the winter there?:@:h This is from a native Puget Sounder! I had a sailboat for 25 years and sailed that area and north extensively, but not in the winter!
Point Hudson RV park in Pt. Townsend is great, one of our favorite, but that is during the summer! Same with Anacortes! Yes, Sequim is in the rain shadow of the Olympics, but its not warm!!
Yes, you will be continually fighting dampness and mildew in your rig during the winter.
BTW, we spend our winters out of the grey clouds, drizzle damp cold down in the warm, sunny southwest now! We are still slowly working our way back to the "wet" side of the mountains from AZ. According to stories, the Puget Sound area suffers from a high degree of depression and suicides during the winter months! Also, our state motto "The Evergreen State" is that for a very good reason! It is green, but you need lots of rain for that to happen!
Well, hope you get a drier than normal winter!
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Ron Butler
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05/15/12 09:23pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Newbies headed to Yellowstone
Hi everyone. My husband and I are new RV owners (although we did a lot of camping when the kids were little). We are planning a trip to AK this summer, but want to stop at Yellowstone along the way. We have a 35' MH and will have our 4 small dogs.
A couple of questions for all of you with so much experience:
* Is it possible to just go a find a campground without reservations that will handle the MH? We don't care if it is in park or not.
Let me add a few thoughts here. You said you were leaving June 1. When do you plan to be in Yellowstone? Fishing Bridge is probably already booked up. If you don't mind dry camping, try Madison (still may need reservations there however) or Mammoth Springs. You will be there just at the start of the busy time.
* Can we leave our campsite to tour the park and come back?
Already answered well.
* We won't be towing any vehicle, so will we be able to drive much of the park (loops) with the MH?
Yes, you can "drive" the roads with your rig, HOWEVER, I have to strongly disagree with several people who thought you would be able to park it at some of the attractions. You would really be rolling the dice (with better odds in Vegas!) on finding parking places for your rig. PLEASE, keep in mind, the parking lots at most most of the attractions were built years ago and not with 35' motorhomes in mind!! I would second the suggestion about renting a car in West Yellowstone for several days. I am not a "tour bus" type, but that could be a good alternative for you.
Remember, Yellowstone is a HUGE park and traffic doesn't move fast, especially when the wildlife is out, which is frequent! We were there last Sept. for 5 days and put on over 250 miles on our tow car. That was our 3rd. visit in 6 years and we still discover new things and places. It is a fascinating place, enjoy your visit.
Thanks so much for your help. We plan of leaving TX June 1.
Leslie
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Ron Butler
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05/15/12 09:10pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: 12 day trip to explore Utah's Scenic Highway 12 and parks
We have just come up Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon a week ago. Can't anything to what has already been suggested except for this one. If you want to stay in any of the Utah State Parks, you had better get reservations!! Kodachrome SP was full when we took a day trip there with the car from Bryce. Escalante Petrified SP was full when we pulled into there. We could have hung around for a dry camping spot, but it was still early in the day and we didn't feel the need to that. If they were full - this was the middle of the week in April!!- I can imagine what they will be like later!
Correct, campgrounds at Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon NP and Capital Reef NP Fruita campground (Not to be missed, one of our all time favorite national park campgrounds) are first come first serve.
Between Red Canyon and the entrance to Bryce NP, there is a GREAT wildlife museum. Be sure to visit that - it is one of the very best that we have visited anywhere!
Have a great trip.
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Ron Butler
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05/08/12 09:44pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Family trip to Yellowstone NP, any advice?
We are planning to take a family trip to Yellowstone NP in summer of 2012 and are looking for advice. My wife and I, with our 6 children (ages 2 to 14), will be taking our Suburban and 34' travel tailer (304 Surveyor) from Nebraska. We will probably set aside about 10-12 days for the trip. With our large family, range of ages, and length of stay, we strongly prefer hook ups for electric, water, and sewer. Also, a little space for the kids move around and burn off energy is important, such as a good playground.
I know very little about Yellowstone, but it looks like RV options in the park with full hookup are very limited.
- Is there a best time of summer to visit? We were thinking June.
- Any suggestions are were would be a good place to stay at or near Yellowstone?
- Any favorite spots to visit in the park, especially family friendly spots?
- Any ideas for a good route to travel to minimize work for our suburban towing?
- Any other thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks a bunch!
Not sure that I can add much more to what has already been said, but here are a few observations from our experiences. We spent 5 days in Yellowstone in Sept. as we went south for the winter and have been there 3 times in the past 7 years and still love it.
#1 - you have to keep in mind that Yellowstone is BIG and travel is SLOW, especially if the wildlife is out!! You will have instant traffic jams then! We put on close to 250 miles on our Saturn just inside the park in 5 days and that was with diminished crowds and traffic!
#2 - I would really recommend attempting to get reservations at Fishing Bridge, just because of #1. Make them as early as you can in order to get a spot. It is also probably the most centrally located campground in the park, especially with hookups. Its location at least gives you the opportunity to "wagon wheel" yourself out to various places and features in the park.
#3 - Yes, the park at West Yellowstone is great, especially for kids, but you have just added at least 30-40 mins. to get into the park and any of highlight features you would want to see. (At least an hour to Old Faithful) See #1 for that reason! The same for staying up at the north entrance at Gardiner.
#4- must see, in my opinion! (A) The hotpots at Yellowstone Lake - if I remember its called Tom Thumbs ....but not sure on that right now! (B) Old Faithful and the geysers and mudpots on that side of the park. (C) the canyon and Inspiration Point. (D) Dunraven Pass and LaMar Valley - great for spotting buffalo at least, if not other wildlife. Of course, the wildlife can and will appear at any time and at anyplace within the park, hench instant traffic jams!!
#5 - get the kids involved with the Junior Ranger programm, as that will give them some structure and purpose for them to get more out of their visit. Have the kids do some research on the geological features of the park so they can get an idea of what to look forward too before you go. In their research, guide them into some of the early exploration of that area and how people didn't believe the accounts of the natural wonders that had been discovered! In this day and age of digital photography, have each make their own travel log with photos or create their own travel blog online to let their friends know and see what they are missing!!
Yellowstone really is a natural wonder and full of geological sights that makes it one of the wonders of the world. Can you see why we love it so much?!?
The earlier in June you can get there, the better for getting around in the park. July and Aug. is like a zoo there!
Hope this gives you a little different perspective and inside to this incredible wonderland. Have LOTS of memory cards for the digital cameras.
Have a great trip!
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Ron Butler
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05/08/12 09:10pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Phoenix area advice
if you are adamant about hookups, you will miss a big part of the nascar "experience", not to mention having to navigate heavy traffic both in and out of the track on race day - it can be challenging, at best
if it is the "boondocking" you are worried about, i can safely say that if you have a sufficient gen you are good to go - tracks make sure that there are both fresh water and waste trucks driving around all day, everyday - and the rates are pretty reasonable, $30 to $45
I would have to agree, even though we have never attended a NASCAR event. Just basing it on other large events that we have attended and dry camped in, plenty of water trucks and pump-out trucks to make it "comfortable"!! Besides, knowing the traffic in the West Valley area (we now winter in Sun City), you, or at least I, really wouldn't want to deal with it!!
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Ron Butler
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05/08/12 08:09pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Grand Canyon in early November
Don't stay in Williams and do that long boring drive when you can stay right at the canyon!!! Jim/Cindy's recommendation above for Trailer Village is the best for full hookups. The park's shuttle bus will pick you up free at the campground entrance and you can ride it all day long getting on and off whenever. We have also been there in November and the weather was perfect. Every year is different. You just take your chances. Have a great trip!
X3 on this recommendation. Couldn't agree more with it. Keep in mind, depending upon what time in Nov. you will be there, it could start being really cold (below freezing) at night and the possibility of snow. Earlier in Nov. the better.
Also, Trailor Village is run and operated by an outside vendor and they don't honor your Senior Pass discount. Still far better than losing an hour on that long drive!
Enjoy your trip.
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Ron Butler
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05/08/12 08:04pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Here we are in Helena MT. at a cousins ranch. Drove over the Elk Mts. from Butte yesterday and hit high winds and blowing snow! Got into Helena, gas at Costco then started off and heard this rattling. Pulled over and the back trim piece of the roof on the drivers side had gotten blown up off the track! Have an appointment with the RV place in town at 8 in the morning to have it reattached!
Got word several days ago that my 100+ year old cousin in Conrad passed away, so we will go up there for his memorial service on Tues. He and family has a 10,000 acre ranch up in Conrad, so it will be interesting to see if I remember any of it from a kid.
That will probably set us back on our schedule, so it still may be somewhat tight to get over in time for the rally, but still looking at it.
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Ron Butler
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05/06/12 10:14pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Dick - thanks for the link to the Elks RV sites. I thought I had that, but the website looks different from what I was on.
We spent 3 days at Bryce Canyon NP and boy did it get cold the last night!! Did the infamous Utah 12 route over the "hogback" and I didn't even know when we got across it - neither did Carolyn, much to her relief!! :B
Spent 2 days in the Fruita Historical District campground in Capital Reef NP, it is still one of our all time favorite national park campgrounds. BIG spots, grass, shade trees, deer, Fremont River and lots of old Mormon history and orchards, along with the incredible scenery of Capital Reef. No cell service however.
Currently parked at Cabela's just north of Lehi Utah overlooking the north end of Utah Lake and mountains all around us. What a spot and its free, with a dump station and water!! Can't beat that with a stick!! :B
Meeting up with a cousin for several days up in West Jordan. Hope everyone is fine.
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Ron Butler
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04/30/12 07:26pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Bob,
Don't worry about it, I know you guys have a lot on your plate right now. No, I don't have any of the books. Do you have the name of the lodge that puts them out?
I have gotten some info off of the Elks website. I couldn't find any lodges in Utah!! Is that a surprise?!? :@:B
Hope you get everything lined up and feeling better before you leave.
Ron
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Ron Butler
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04/20/12 08:38pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
John - thanks for the reply on the reverse polarity! We had an electrician out last week to replace a breaker, before we had the rig out in front. Will have to call him in Oct. when we get back. I ran the extension cord through the front window for the rig and no problem. It was right behind the outside one!!
We go out of Sun City on Thurs. morning - Wed it had hit 95 and suppose to hit triple digits by Fri. or Sat. Made it all the way to Boulder City NV. and staying at the Elks club. Full hookups for $18/night! What a deal.
Spent 4+ hours at Hoover Dam and the tour down into it. Really neat.
Will head for St. George UT. on Sat. and stay a state park just out of town there for the weekend. Another long 175-180 miles!!
Take care
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Ron Butler
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04/20/12 06:01pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Got a real basic, dump electrical question. If I flip the switch and nothing happens, I'm stuck, so please don't make too much fun of me!!:B:@
We've go the rig parked out in front of our house down here in Sun City (temps getting back into the high 80's & low 90's again!) loading it up to start getting ourselves back to the "wet side." I've plugged it into the electrical outlet at the front of the house and I am getting a reverse polarity reading on my indicator that I have inside the rig. I even tried the outlet in the garage and get the same. Brought the indicator into the house and no problem there. Even switched extension cords.
My question is - will I do any damage to the electrical circuits in the rig if I leave it plugged in? Really just want to turn the frig on Tues. and get it cooled down and use the vacum cleaner to vacum the rugs. It seems like I remember that it could damage electronics, but not sure of that.
Thanks for the info. I think I know who I will hear from first!
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Ron Butler
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04/15/12 01:03pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Bigdog,
Sure glad you got that fire out. That's the one thing I always feared on the sailboat and with the motor home. It's usually true that yoou can't carry too many fire extinquishers, but we have 5 + an automatic one in the refer compartment. None of them are the soda type, they are all the new freon(??) type.
You may want to explore the engine compartment extingisher that automatically goes off when there is a rise in temperature. Thats what we have in the refer compartment.
Good luck
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Ron Butler
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04/01/12 09:23pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Tradewinds-
Glad to hear that the old ticker is doing better. Did the doc tell you to stay on flatter desert ground for awhile? :@ Are you still thinking of getting up in time for the rally? We haven't made reservations for it yet, still looking at timing as we SLOWLY work our way north from Sun City.
We may have our first 90 degree day this weekend, but then they are saying that it will "cool" back down to 78-82 on Sunday then back to the 80's!! How "cool" does that sound? :B
Haven't seen anything from Bob. Hope he and Holly are doing fine.
Take care.
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Ron Butler
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03/30/12 11:09am |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Roger,
We have made that drive on 95 several times in the past 5 or 6 years! Wish I had known where you were then. We will be heading north from Pocatello towards Helena this time, but will be in Spokane for several days. May drop down to see you from there, will see what the timing is.
I have been thinking of something like that to tear around in out in the desert down here. Nothing as serious as Bob does with his Jeep however! Been pricing out used golf cars to use here in Sun City, but not sure I want to spend that kind of money, even on a used one.
Cloudy, "cooled off" to 60 yesterday and today with some showers. 3/4" of rain here in SC! Has helped settle the dust. Heading back into the 70's Tues. and the 80's by the end of the week!
Take care.
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Ron Butler
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03/19/12 10:19am |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Grousehunter,
Where are you in Idaho? We are going to come up through Pocatello this spring on our way back to the northwest. Heading up to Helena MT and Seeley Lake first however.
Drop of 20 degrees here today and tomorrow with even enough rain that the ground is wet!
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Ron Butler
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03/18/12 04:54pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Escalante & Highway 12
Lauren - yeah, Fruita campground is one of our all time favorites so I am sure that the rig will turn east for it when we get up there to Torrey!
MeloMike - great blog and thanks for the link to the route guide. Downloaded and will be reviewing it.
Thanks to all for the responses.
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Ron Butler
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03/12/12 09:30pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Escalante & Highway 12
We have in the past, but not going that far east this time!
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Ron Butler
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03/11/12 11:37pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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Escalante & Highway 12
On our way north this spring want to stop in at Bryce NP again as well as Kodachrome SP. We have driven Highway 12, so not worried about that.
Want to spend more time heading north on Highway 12 through the Escalante area. I know that there are at least two Utah state parks along that route. Any comments, pro or con, about either one? Anyother suggestions for stops along that route before getting to Highway 24 and Bicknell? We prefer and enjoy national and state park campgrounds the most and don't mind dry camping.
Also, has anyone visited the Paunsagaunt Wildlife Museum on Highway 89? Is it worth a stop? Room to park a 33' Class A with tow car?
Thanks for any suggestions.
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Ron Butler
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03/11/12 10:13pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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