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Spring vacation 1977. My parents thought leaving the snow and cold of Wisconsin during spring break and taking four children on a warm, sunny vacation to Florida would be a memorable trip. However, they had no idea how memorable it was going to be, and not for the reasons they had in mind. Full Story...

Skepticism turned to disbelief Monday afternoon as Patricia Tuell watched the boxy, 26-foot motor home slide into the dirt driveway of her Ferrum home.

Never in her wildest dreams did she think that one click of the mouse would bring $250,000 worth of prizes right to her doorstep.

But as she gazed at the new motor home, her eyes wide and shining like marbles, she had one thing to say:

"They said it was going to be green. But it's brown."

Tuell is the winner of American Online's "Win What You Want Now," an instant-win sweepstakes she entered while online at the AOL Web site.

Tuell said she plans to take a trip to Disney World with her older daughter and her three children, and then another trip with the other half of the family. Full Story...
How to Buy an RV, Before you Buy it An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark Polk

A decline in the number of visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway has led to some concern about trends in parkway usage.

Last year, 18.7 million people visited the parkway, according to preliminary figures released this month. It’s the third year of decline in a row, a 6.3 percent drop from 19.9 million in 2004 and 20.2 million in 2003.

Officials have attributed the drop to everything from gas prices to the weather, but a tightening of National Park Service funding may also be contributing to the disappointing numbers.

Camping stays also declined last year, to 65,630 nights last year from 88,561 in 2004. Noblitt attributed this both to the rainy weather and the primitive facilities.

The parkway covers 469 miles in North Carolina and Virginia. Full Story...

Planning for retirement, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mary Olson didn't know which state she wanted to live in, so she made a choice that allowed her to enjoy them all: she bought a recreational vehicle.

Olson had never driven a large vehicle or even gone camping in her life.

"I said to the salesman, 'Maybe before I give the down payment I should go out on the road.'" She took the wheel of a 36-foot motor home (RV enthusiasts call them "rigs") and navigated a misty, windy day on Interstate Highway 10 in Texas.

"I made left turns, I made right turns, got back and parked it between the yellow lines in the parking lot, and said, 'Oh, I think I can do this,'" Olson said.

It was 1999, and the single former nurse had just joined the ranks of the approximately 1 million people in the U.S. who live in their RVs full-time, according to Rachel Parsons of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association in Reston, Va.Overall, Olson is pleased with her life and has no plans to buy a conventional home.

Speaking from San Antonio, Texas, she said, "You can get up in the morning and be at the beach or the mountains or the desert, and if you don't like your neighbors you can move. Though I can stay in parks, I'm also self-contained, so I can be in the middle of nowhere." Full Story...

Are you an RVer looking for a great adventure this summer? Thinking of coming to Alaska and the Kenai Penisula? Need an experienced Alaskan to book the best salmon or halibut fishing charters, float trips, or fly-in bear viewing for your summer adventure in Alaska? You can find it all at Kasilof RV Park.

Kasilof (Alaska) RV Park is centrally located 15 miles south of Soldotna, Alaska, just 60 miles north of Homer, Alaska in the small, quiet, community of Kasilof, Alaska. The park-like setting is complemented by very modern and clean facilities. You won't just be staying in one of those the parking lot style Alaska RV parks you'll be staying at a peaceful retreat, away from the combat fishing campgrounds, but still accessible to all Alaska has to offer. Full Story...

RVers Ben and Ina Sims have taken extensive trips in their motor home before, but none impacted them quite like their last.

The Salem, Oregon couple ventured to Mississippi for 6 1/2 weeks and volunteered for a faith-based relief agency that continues to provide aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"We could have put X number of dollars in, but who would we have given it to?" Ben Sims said. "We thought the best thing we could do was to go ourselves, then we'd know exactly where our funds were spent."

Ben managed a supply warehouse for the United Methodist Committee on Relief in the community of Wiggins.

Ina sorted new and used clothing that came into the warehouse, which also distributed bottled water, food and cleaning supplies.

The Sims, who are both in their 70s, also volunteered in the town of Lakeshore, which is about a mile from the gulf. They parked their motor home on the property where a Baptist church once stood before the hurricane struck.

"It was heartwrenching," Ben said. "There was much more devastation than we had imagined." Full Story...

Auto parts store AutoZone and RV dealer network FreedomRoads, put together a sweepstakes to award one lucky Auto Race fan a 19-foot Fleetwood Camping Trailer.

The national promotion for AutoZone, which ran for three weeks as part of AutoZone's Fall Car Care Sweepstakes. A record number of entries were turned in and a winner was chosen in early December. Mr. James Berna of Johnsburg, IL is now the proud owner of a brand new Fleetwood trailer. Full Story...

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Fuel prices are "frustrating," said Jim Williams, who recalled paying about $285 the last time he filled the 100-gallon diesel tank of his 38-foot Dutch Star motor home in December.

Former Cape Coral residents and full-time RVers Marty and Terry Doede said they don't move their motor home as often as they did when gas was cheaper: "You really think about where you travel — and you make it worthwhile when you get there," said Marty Doede, 69. Full Story...

The GMC PAD, short for Portable Architectural Dwelling, is a high-tech drivable house that is at home on the road or in a parking lot.

And it's not the mobile home that your grandparents drive to Arizona each winter. Its designers envision a media-rich "urban loft with mobility," with wall-mounted television screens and wireless Internet capability. The vehicle also is equipped with solar panels and a diesel-electric hybrid power system. Full Story...

How to Buy an RV, Before you Buy it An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark Polk

Bud Schick has watched mile after mile of open road slip beneath the big front wheels of his motor home, but he's hit a bump just a few steps from his front door.

His hometown of Hawthorne, CA decreed this month that motor homes and other large vehicles can no longer park on city streets for more than a day. Other South Bay cities, from Lawndale to Rancho Palos Verdes, are considering their own restrictions on when and where oversized vehicles can park.

For his part, Schick, 79, considers Hawthorne's answer "totally unacceptable" -- barely enough time to get his motor home up and running, much less pack it for the long haul. "Twenty-four hours is no good whatsoever," he said. "That's totally ridiculous." Full Story...

Unfortunately, record high gas prices dominated Winnebago's 2006 first fiscal quarter, which ended Nov. 26. The Forest City, Iowa-based company reported net income for the first quarter was $14.6 million, down from $19.5 million recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

"Revenues and net income for the quarter were negatively impacted primarily by lower motor home deliveries as a result of lower consumer confidence, which in our opinion is due mainly to the increase in fuel prices," said Bruce Hertzke, Winnebago's chairman and CEO, in a Dec. 14, 2005, press release. Full Story...

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is sponsoring the 40th Annual Detroit Camper & RV Show, February 15-19, 2006, at the new Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Mich. New, year 2006 recreation vehicles will be on display including folding campers, motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, park models and fifth wheel travel trailers. Display models range in price from $4,000 to more than $300,000. Full Story....

Jan. 16, 2006- The five-day (5) 2006 Spring Motor Home & Trailer Show starts Wednesday, March 1st at the International Centre in Mississauga. The Spring Motor Home & Trailer Show has been at this location for over 30 years, it is a five (5) day show, and over 263 brand names are represented. This is the only recreation vehicle show in Canada with factory-sponsored exhibits and factory-selected RV experts who can answer attendees' questions about recreation vehicles. It's a one-on-one learning experience that could change some outdated Canadian ideas about affordable vacations and travel for many people.

The 2006 Spring Motor Home & Trailer Show, known to RV enthusiasts as "the big one", starts Wednesday, March 1st at 10:00am at the International Centre, on Airport Road, just north of the main airport entrance. Full Story...

HOBE SOUND — A controlled burn that was supposed to be extinguished Friday was fanned to life by brisk winds Saturday had crews from Martin and Palm Beach counties and the state Division of Forestry fighting the blaze at Jonathan Dickinson State Park and surrounding woodlands.

Campers in the Pine Grove section of the park were evacuated and moved to the riverfront campground.

"They're taking care of us," said Shawndra Golden, who has been staying at the park for a month while she and her husband work on the Blue Roof hurricane program. Full Story...

Awards from its parent company are nothing new to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park campground resort in Mill Run,Pennsylvania, but this year the campground received the highest honor it could -- Camp-Resort of the Year.

The local campground took this honor over 63 other Jellystone parks in the United States and five in Canada, each independently owned and operated.

"Each year, we strive to be the best park in the system and to achieve any of the 12 awards," said campground owner Randy Work.

From 1993 through 2005, the Mill Run campground has received the Pinnacle Award for maintaining an inspection rating of 95 percent or higher by franchise inspectors. In 1996, it received the Operator of the Year Award for excellence in management, improved inspection ratings and growth in business. And since 2002, it has earned the Special Recognition Award for Recreational Programming. Full Story...

TAMPA, Fla. —Those attending the 2006 Florida RV SuperShow Jan. 18-22 will have an unique opportunity to compare the comfort, power, performance, ride and handling of two identical Class C motor home models built on different chassis. For anyone who owns a motor home built on Workhorse chassis, there will also be a chance to win some premium prizes. Full Story...

Visitors climb the few stairs -- one, two, three -- then stop,
abruptly, to gasp or let out a low whistle.

Such is the reaction inspired by the Beaver Marquis Jade IV, 45 feet
of deluxe recreational vehicle replete with buttery leather, Corian
countertop and polished mahogany.

"Everything you see is real wood," Michael Weiss, fleet manager for
McMahon's RV in Irvine, tells the newcomers. "There is no veneer
anywhere. With the exception of the burl wood inlay."

Weiss is happy to show off her features: the lighted liquor cabinet.
The dishwasher. The washer-dryer. The 24-cubic-foot Whirlpool side-by-
side refrigerator. King-size bed. Satellite radio. Bose sound system.
Dashboard GPS navigation. Even a video monitor to allow you to see
all those cars way back there, behind your rear bumper.

Visitors, caught in the tasteful glow of indirect lighting, steel
themselves for the price tag.

"It's only $600,000," says Ron Berti of Pacific Grove. "Hey, you
can't take it with you."

In the world of high-end motorhomes, it turns out, the Jade IV is not
even close to the most expensive. Custom models can cost upward of $1
million. <a href="http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/
transportation/13578349.htm">Full Story...</a>

Visitors climb the few stairs -- one, two, three -- then stop, abruptly, to gasp or let out a low whistle.

Such is the reaction inspired by the Beaver Marquis Jade IV, 45 feet of deluxe recreational vehicle replete with buttery leather, Corian countertop and polished mahogany.

"Everything you see is real wood," Michael Weiss, fleet manager for McMahon's RV in Irvine, tells the newcomers. "There is no veneer anywhere. With the exception of the burl wood inlay."

Weiss is happy to show off her features: the lighted liquor cabinet. The dishwasher. The washer-dryer. The 24-cubic-foot Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator. King-size bed. Satellite radio. Bose sound system. Dashboard GPS navigation. Even a video monitor to allow you to see all those cars way back there, behind your rear bumper.

Visitors, caught in the tasteful glow of indirect lighting, steel themselves for the price tag.

"It's only $600,000," he says Ron Berti of Pacific Grove. "Hey, you can't take it with you."

In the world of high-end motorhomes, it turns out, the Jade IV is not even close to the most expensive. Custom models can cost upward of $1 million. Full Story...

RV Education 101, founded in 1999, announced the release of a new book, titled “The RV Book”. RV Education 101 produces professional RV training videos, DVD's and books on how to use and maintain the systems onboard a Recreation Vehicle (RV). Owner's Mark and Dawn Polk felt there was not enough emphasis placed on properly educating RV consumers on the complexities of owning and operating an RV.

Mark Polk, the author, said “I wrote The RV Book to help make the readers RV experiences safe, fun and stress free. We purchase RV’s so we can travel to new destinations, relax and build lasting memories with our family and friends. We want to get away from work, the phone calls and other day-to-day hassles. RV’s give us the freedom to go wherever we want, whenever we want. But, nothing will ruin a trip or a vacation quicker than not understanding how to properly use and maintain your RV. Buying an RV is a major investment and a new RVer can be overwhelmed when just starting out. What type of RV is right for me? How do I tow or drive an RV? How do I safely use an RV? How do I take care of my new RV? I have researched and gathered all of the information, into one place, to simplify the entire process of RV ownership for the RV consumer.”

The RV Book covers all types of RV’s from pop-ups to type A motorhomes and everything in between. Peggi McDonald, author of RV Living in the 21st Century, stated “After 20 years of fulltime RVing, I still discovered new information after reading The RV Book. Mark’s book is so well written and informative…he patiently explains each basic necessity that every RVer should be aware of to assure safe operation of their RV.”

Dawn Polk said, “This book is so informational and practical, especially for those new to RVing. RV owners and soon to be owners will thoroughly understand what a Recreation Vehicle is, how to buy it and once they own it, how to use it.”

For more information Click-> The RV Book

To celebrate 70 years of service, Woodall's is releasing its special 2006 Collector's Anniversary Edition of the Woodall's North American Campground Directory, which features more than 15,000 listings of RV parks and campgrounds, RV service centers, and attractions. The 2,000-page edition will cover locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will include detailed maps as well as Rules of the Road for each state or province.

Woodall's is also celebrating with a Win! with Woodall's Sweepstakes. More than $50,000 in exciting prizes will be given away, including a Pilgrim RV trailer. Entry forms can be found in the Directories as well as at the Woodall's website at http://www.woodalls.com -- Full Story...

Most Utahns who own motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, trailers and motor homes will get a tax break beginning Sunday.
State lawmakers earlier this year eliminated the value-based property tax on boats and a variety of recreational vehicles in favor of a simpler age-based fee. The new fee system was implemented for Utah cars and trucks in 1998, a move that eventually garnered wide support because it simplified registration and capped registration fees. Though some vehicle owners saw their registration costs increase, most paid less. Full Story...

DES MOINES, Iowa The first working day of the New Year traditionally has been something of a lottery for people wanting to book one of the 72 cabins at Iowa's state parks.
Staff at each of the 13 parks with cabins would randomly pick through piles of waiting letters, process deposits by hand and begin to mark a calendar with reservations for the year.

Starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, the process goes online.

First for cabins and then, on February 13th, for about half of the state's 52-hundred campsites.

Park visitors will be able to make reservations via the Internet at http://www.reserveiaparks.com or by calling 1-877-IA-PARKS.

State parks officials say the change comes as more and more inquiries for the cabins and overnight spots poured in each year.

According to Reserve America, the nation's largest campground reservation service, it's a national trend.

After traveling the country in their motor home for four years, a Gold Hill couple are inviting 1,000 or more road-trip-loving souls the chance to submit "$100 and 100 words" on why they’d like to try doing the same.

"We were having a hard time selling it and my sister had been involved in a similar type situation ... and it seemed like a great idea." Full Story...