Issue 2603
Today’s thought
“And she said, ‘Don’t hate. Hate is like a poison you make for your enemy that you end up swallowing yourself.’” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Poultry Day! Whether you celebrate the animal or the meat today… we’ll let you decide.
On this day in history: 1918 – The U.S. Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.
Tip of the day
How I plan, pack, and book for six months on the road
By Nanci Dixon
We are going to be on the road for the next six months and planning, scheduling, booking and packing is a momentous job! It was a lot easier when we were full-time. Then it was basically plan, pull up jacks, bring in slides, and go.
This year we will be making the long haul from Arizona to Washington, D.C. We have to be there on a set date and there is very little leeway for breakdowns, storms, or heavy winds. I have had to be diligent in making sure we have campsites along the route booked and that there is flexibility. After D.C., the schedule is pretty loose, as not much is booked and we have no particular plan.
Although there are many other good RV trip planners available, I use… Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Will my RV’s charger be sufficient for new lithium batteries?
Dear Dave,
I switched from two regular batteries to two LiFePO4 batteries. I have a 2020 Salem Hemisphere 26BHHL trailer. Can my trailer converter maintain/charge these batteries? … Also, can I cut a hole in the floor in a remote area for a small 4-inch computer fan to shove extra heat under the floor to keep the lines from freezing? —Jim, 2020 Salem Hemisphere 26BHHL Read Dave’s answer.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Noises on your RV roof will likely be louder and thus get your attention more than at home. Even a small bird walking on the roof makes noise. A pine cone dropping from a tree sounds like a bomb. A branch rubbing the roof in a strong wind can be annoying. On a rainy day, when the clouds open up, it can be hard to conduct a conversation until the downpour stops or slows. And hail: That’s really loud!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why retaining an RV expert witness is essential to RV legal matters
By Dustin Simpson
Retaining an RV expert witness can be essential in legal matters where specialized knowledge about RVs is required. An RV expert witness is typically someone with extensive experience and expertise in various aspects of RVs, including design, construction, maintenance, safety, and industry standards. Continue reading to learn more.
Video of the day
Matt of Matt’s RV Reviews shares dramatic weight loss journey
By Cheri Sicard
When we polled our readers in the past about their favorite RV YouTube channels, Matt’s RV Reviews always came out on or near the top of the list. But if you haven’t seen Matt lately, boy, are you in for a surprise. He has changed. A lot! So much so that I walked right past him at a recent RV show and did not recognize him, even though I have been watching his videos for YEARS. Go, Matt!
DIRTY CAR? DIRTY RV? Crumbs in your cupholders? Dust in your vents? This gets rid of all of it!
Featured article
Dublin Gulch, California—Cave dwellers of the 20th century
By Dave Helgeson
In this entry of Ghost Town Trails, we are visiting Dublin Gulch, located in Shoshone, California. You might consider Dublin Gulch a “ghost neighborhood,” rather than a ghost town, as the main portion of Shoshone is still inhabited by 22 souls, according to the 2020 census, and open for business. What makes Dublin Gulch so interesting is the fact that most of the residences are still intact, yet there are no standing buildings. You see, the residents of Dublin Gulch lived underground.
Reader poll
Have Americans become ruder or nicer since the COVID pandemic in 2020?
Quick tip
A free stop that can teach you something
A terrific place to pause on your RV travels is at a library. And the price is right — free admission (and sometimes even free or very inexpensive internet access). Search for local or regional magazines: They may provide ideas of things to see and do. And the same goes for the local newspaper, which will not only provide quick clues about local news and events but about the residents and their culture. Most libraries have a section devoted to regional history. Browse through a book or two. You will learn things about the area that you would never learn otherwise. In small libraries, consider donating a book you’ve read. It will be appreciated.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: I installed a new water pump and it’s still loud. Now what?
- RV walk-through: Tour the 2024 Lance 825 short-bed truck camper
- Video: Las Vegas food tour: 6 restaurants you HAVE to try!
- Featured article: Amazing 20-year dream 1935 Bowlus restoration is completed
Website of the day
Over The Fire Cooking
Now that it’s spring (tomorrow!) and nice (well, nicer) weather has arrived, we can finally start cooking outside again! Check out this website for tons of recipes and cooking ideas for the campfire!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Okay, waiiiiiiit… these are actually kinda nice. No, they’re really nice! Might be the coolest ones of these we’ve ever seen. Just don’t lose them on the picnic table because you’ll never find them!
Trivia
The world’s oldest bottle of wine dates back to around 325 A.D. Discovered in 1867, this ancient bottle was found in a Roman sarcophagus near the town of Speyer in Germany. Known as the Speyer wine bottle or the Römerwein, it is now housed in the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer. Despite its age, the bottle still contains liquid, though it’s more of a brownish vinegar now due to centuries of oxidation.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Riker (Great Dane) is both a great travel companion and a mobility service dog trained at Service Dog Project Inc. In keeping with the ‘largest dog in smallest RV’ rule, he takes up a lot of our 23′ Ekko. Riker loves to travel, eat, explore, eat, and take up almost all of the space.” —Renee Le Verrier
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Leave here with a laugh
Q: When a fly hits a windshield, what’s the last thing that goes through its head?
A: Its butt.
[groan]
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Why isn’t the poll coming up on screen? Hasn’t for the last week
Been working on my end.
I see it every day.
I voted. It works.
Hi, Lee. Here’s what one of our IT folks suggested awhile ago when a poll doesn’t show up: “Sometimes script blockers and ad blockers interfere with our polls since they are from a 3rd party site. If you have one of these try and turn it off and see if that fixes the issue.” I hope that works for you.🤞 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Most likely the polls do not work because of the “ad blocker” on the individual’s computer or phone. The individual has to correct this; not RV Travel.
Thanks, Marsha.👍 That’s why I mentioned that to Lee, especially since others haven’t had a problem with it. In fact, there have been 850 “votes” on it so far. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Possibly a blocker like uBlock Origin Lite or Privacy Badger. You may have to adjust those to allow pop-ups and such on the site.
Libraries also have a used book store. Cheap reads.
“Hate has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.” – Maya Angelou
Riker looks like a great traveling companion! My youngest daughter’s family has a Great Dane. They are wonderful dogs and I like that I don’t have bend over any to pet her!!!
Just be sure to carry a scoop shovel and a small garbage bag with you when taking one for a walk in the campground!!! 💩😵🤣
Maybe Chuck will correct his posting of fake news!!!!
Its really amazing how fake news can warp people’s outlooks Canadian visitors to the US who stay longer than 30 days have condemned the DHS saying they must register and be fingerprinted. Below is EXACTLY the rule
“DHS is amending existing regulations to make available another method for aliens to comply with the alien registration requirements of the INA. The rule seeks to better ensure that all aliens in the United States comply with such requirements. The rule does not impose any new registration or fingerprinting obligations separate from the obligations already contained in the INA.”
As a Canadian, I have zero issues with this.🇨🇦
I have been in the US since late November returning to Ontario late April.
Researching the I-94 website it appears to be a nothingburger for me this year.
So, what does the INA state?
Maybe…… but I doubt it.
We share our 22’ TT with a 45 pound pitty and 11 pound cat. I can’t imagine sharing space with Riker but I’m sure it is well worth it. Riker Rules!! Thanks for sharing!
Danes Rock!! Keep those pics coming!
A great source for things to see and do are those racks of brochures that we see in check in offices. I always check those to see if there is something interesting to see. A couple that comes to mind. I was in Canada and after checking in, I found that there was a railroad museum just a mile down the road. It was fantastic. Another time I found an aeronautical and antique car museum that I ended up spending a few hours in. I have also found short waterfall hikes and other free attractions and interesting places to visit this way. Oh, there are plenty of brochures for the expensive attractions, but that’s just not my style.
I agree with the flyers. We’ve found some really interesting ‘small’ attractions.
Most of the time, Googling only takes you to the tourist traps.
If traveling with someone have them google with a tablet in hand and do some research on the area from that. I use google and type in the place and it does have all the info you can want on that place. Much easier then going into library. I go into a library twice a month for the book clubs I have joined. Otherwise I use kindle or other app to read books. Audio works great when you get tired of radio changing channel. FYI
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Given what has happened to our hometown newspapers (Chattanooga Times and Chattanooga News-Free Press), which first merged (the Times won, so lots of N-FP staff layoffs) and now only print a Sunday edition (M-Sat are on-line only), I wonder how easily one can find a local paper outside of major population centers? More is the pity. (I have a mental picture of Paladin getting an arm-load of newspapers from Hey Boy to catch up with the turning of the world in many episodes of Have Gun, Will Travel.) Have a great day and safe travels!