Protect Against Influenza While RVing--Free Sample

We've mentioned in our other blogs that RV travelers need to beware the N1H1 virus--the so-called swine flu--but there are other bugs out there that can sideline you easily. Viruses are generally spread by physical contact--and our hands are the "prime suspects." Here's a new product that promises to kill off 99.9% of germs causing illness--just like hand sanitizers. But what the company that makes SkinWear better is that it lasts not just 15 seconds, but up to 8 hours. It also doubles as a skin moisturizer.

With such a deal as this, and you can get a free sample bottle the company says can protect you for up to a week. What's the catch? You'll need to log on to the company website at skinwearusa.com and click on the free sample tab. Fill out the e-form and in a few days, your sample bottle will wing its way to your mailbox and waiting hands.

Texas RV Parks Want You: Give Guide, Discounts

A group of Texas campground owners wants you'all to come and visit. To make it easier, they've published a slick paper magazine, dividing that big countryside up into regions, and cleverly showing you where to find each one of their parks--and oh yeah, they've even thrown in a couple of New Mexico RV parks to sweeten the deal.

This is not the first year group has made this offer, and apparently it's a bit popular. The book hasn't hit the streets yet and the group is crowing that 2,000 folks have already asked for the latest edition. Of course, if you're into RV campgrounding in the Lone Star State, it may be because the outfit includes a "Texas Saver Card" which grants the holder 10 to 15 per cent off at participating parks.

To latch on to your copy, call (682) 518-1989, or visit the current on-line edition (the 2008 will be available in January).

On-Line Scenic Drives Great for Trip Planning

No matter what state you visit in the US, there's a scenic drive nearby. The trick is finding them, and knowing whether there's something on the drive you want to go for. Enter firestonelegendarydrives.com. Herein lie the most scenic drives in the country, along with tips and information about places to drop into for a good feed.

Since the sponsor is a tire manufacturing firm, you can also figure that a good focus on the site are automotive museums. Great detail is given to these. Although other attractions are listed, the coverage is not nearly as thorough but it's not a bad start.

Here's an example entry of the kind of information you can pick up on the site:

"The town of Florence, halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, is the last place to offer hometown amenities before venturing onto the desolate highway. Be sure to check your gas gauge before leaving the city limits – there won't be a gas station or convenience store for the next 45 miles. Although Florence is a quiet burg, its main thoroughfare exposes some of life's reality more harsh than its desert surroundings.

"At the intersection of Rte. 79 and Butte Avenue is the Arizona State Prison Complex, a sprawling mass of buildings that house five correctional facilities. Hardened types from as far away as Alaska are brought here. Across from the prison, on Butte Avenue, is the Prisoner Outlet Store – a retail shop for those travelers seeking that "one of a kind" gift. Traveling down Rte. 79, you pass the Arizona National Guard Training Range and the River Bottom Saloon, a local watering hole at the edge of the now dry Gila River. With the glitzy sparkle of the prison's sunlit barbed wire still visible in your rearview mirror, head south out of town into the Sonoran where the arms of the saguaro cactus embrace you for 45 miles on your driving journey toward Tucson.

"Plenty of wayside areas are along the road, including one dedicated to the early cowboy film star Tom Mix. These sites make for an adventuresome picnic stop, but like the desert itself, lack water and the usual creature comforts. Picnic tables and cabanas are provided; tree shade is not. Driving the old two-lane to where it splits at Oracle for Tucson takes you into the desert, not past it. The beauty of Rte. 79 is its slow pace, where one can absorb the grandeur of Sonoran Desert."

Photo: firestonelegendarydrives.com

Looking to Visit Arizona?

If you're looking to visit Arizona this fall or winter, you won't be alone. If statistics hold, tourism will up again this year. In 2006 the Grand Canyon State estimated that about 3.3% more out of visitors showed up than in previous years. Not surprisingly, "Baby Boomers" made up the largest share of those who came--36% of non-resident visitors. But following on their heels, "Gen-Xers" made up 30% who came from out of state for leisure.

What did they come for? Camping ranked high on the "West Coast" of Arizona. And plenty of sight seeing: 2 1/2 million folks visited the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City--but if that's big, consider those who visited the Grand Canyon, nearly 4 1/2 million in 2006.

What about you? Want a free trip planner for your visit to this winter wonderland? Arizona tourism folks would love to send you one. Sign up for an e- or print version here.

Free answers to questions for Walleye anglers

RVers who enjoy fishing for Walleye can now get free answers to their questions about the freshwater sport by fishing researcher Dan Eggertsen at his new website Ask Walleye Fishing. Eggertsen and his panel of Walleye fishing experts field questions from Walleye fishermen throughout North America in hopes of bringing more exposure to the hobby, and also to satisfy the knowledge gap that exists between beginners and experts. There is no cost to ask a question on the site askwalleyefishing.com.

Free Access to US Public Lands September 29

This Saturday, September 29th, RVers (and others) can get free access into any area managed by the US Department of Interior. And with a little bit of your sweat, you can get a free pass for a day's visit later. See the full story on RVs in the News.

RVers Get A Free DVD Rental from Redbox

RVers love DVD players because they are light and compact. They also have them installed in their RV entertainment systems. Here is an offer to take advantage of a free DVD rental from Redbox DVD kiosks. This a great idea for RVers because you can return the DVDs at any Redbox kiosk at over 3,500 locations nation-wide. This means you can pick up DVDs while you’re traveling and not have to worry about returning them back to the same place you got them. Get your free DVD here: Redbox Keeping you up-to-speed on the latest RV issues - Jim Twamley