wpblogtesting

Author: Olivia de Soria

  • Cooking the Fish You Catch: From Fishing Line to Frying Pan

    Cooking the Fish You Catch: From Fishing Line to Frying Pan

    In the camping trips of my youth, I would sit by the water for hours on end with a fishing pole in my hand. In those days, fishing was a long hard game of patience. Occasionally, my endurance paid off with a great big tug — my little red bobber making waves on the surface of a perfectly placid lake. That was the dream. It was always the biggest fish ever until … a little bluegill would finally break the surface of the water. Even so, the thrill was real. But as an adult now, the thrill of cooking the fish you catch (big or small) is an added bonus.

    Nowadays, fishing is a lesson in culinary sport. Whether we are diving down for grouper hiding underneath coral heads, or hunting for lobsters in the Florida Keys, we know dinner is going to be a delight. And every minute we spend catching it, is another minute spent making lifelong memories. I remember lobster hunting along the iconic sea grass in Bahia Honda State park in Florida. A young hammerhead shark swam by and looked at me with one precarious eye as I scanned the murky waters for antennas. She was letting me know I wasn’t the only hunter on the scene. Those lobsters came out of the oven with the sweet aroma of a freshly caught meal, and a side of the-best-dinnertime-conversation ever. As it turns out, the best things in life are free. And fishing is undoubtedly one of the best things in life (although not always free).  

    Where We Do Our Fishing

    A lot of what I’ll share about cooking the fish you catch is from a saltwater perspective (our family travels by sailboat and RV), but some principles (like cooking) also apply to freshwater fishing. But whether you’ve parked the RV by your favorite fishing hole, made an epic road trip to land your dream fish, or moored into a parking spot by the shore, there’s something for you here.

    So, let’s dive into both parts, from the fishing line to the frying pan, so you can experience what cooking the fish you catch is like. (It’s incredible.)

     

    Catching the Fish

    There are so many rabbit holes to go down when it comes to bait and lures. I don’t claim to know the inner secrets of old, salty, seasoned seamen. But I do know that you don’t need a bait store or a fancy fishing lure to catch a tasty fish. The quickest and easiest (and freeest) way to catch fish is to feed them what they are already eating. Use a cast net to source your bait straight from the water where you will be getting your dinner. 

     

    Cast Netting

    If you have ever thrown a cast net, you know, it’s easier said than done. And if you’ve ever caught your bait fish that way, you also know that it takes time and a little local knowledge to find them. But, after you’ve done it once or twice, the skills will follow you on all your fishing adventures to come. A cast net is a great tool to keep in your RV or Boat to source bait fish no matter where you find yourself. 

    Here’s a tutorial on how to throw a cast net. And after you watch this video, find a nice secluded place by the water where you can practice for an hour or two, alone. Why alone, you ask? Learning how to throw a cast net is the most awkward thing in the world. You may want to trudge through that muddy learning curve in solitude, just you and YouTube on the scene. Or, you could go the other way with that. If you find yourself pretty much anywhere along the Atlantic Coast, head to an inland waterway early in the morning, preferably when the tide is coming in, and you will see local fishermen casting their nets. Strike up a conversation! Ask for some pointers! There is so much knowledge to be gained from local fishermen, and so many colorful stories to be shared. 

     

    Finding the Bait

    After you have mastered the art of the cast net. How do you find the bait? That part is easy. Head to an inland waterway. The IntraCoastal Waterway goes the entire distance from the Florida Keys all the way to New York, with countless rivers, tributaries, sounds and estuaries in between. 

    To find the bait, you just need to look for the telltale signs on the water. The surface of the water has a recognizable pattern when bait fish are swimming underneath. Once you see it a few times, you will start noticing it a mile away. 

    If you don’t know where to start, let nature give you some clues. Waterfowl are nature’s most skilled fisherman. Where you see egrets, green herons, blue herons, et cetera, you will likely find bait fish. 

     

    Finding the Fish

    We have had the best luck finding fish around the mouth of creeks and cuts. We also pay attention to who else might be fishing the area. Birds are the best fish finders. The smaller waterfowl are fishing for bait fish, which means there are probably some bigger fish around taking bites. The same goes for dolphins. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about inland waterways: Dolphins are always around. And they are usually doing exactly what you are doing: fishing.  

    Another important factor to find your fish: timing. Check the local tide charts. And if you are fishing along an inland waterway, make sure you are checking the tide of the river or inlet where you are fishing as it can be more than an hour ahead or behind the tide charted for a nearby beach. Understanding tide charts can be a rabbit hole of confusing data. But we have had the best luck with Navionics tide charts on our iPhones or chart plotter.  

     

    Cooking the Fish You Catch

    These are the lessons where I learn the most. My husband and I and two kids lived on a boat for a year, and most of the time we were way off the grid, miles, even days from a grocery store. Fishing was more than just a past time. It was how we fed our family.  

    Cooking the fish you catch isn’t just a lesson in the kitchen, it’s a lesson on appreciating life. Food doesn’t come prepackaged and wrapped in plastic under halogen lights in a crowded grocery store isle. It came from a living thing. Fishing is a small reminder of that, and I think it adds more appreciation and flavor to the dinner table. 

    When we cook what we catch, there isn’t a scrap of food that is wasted.

     

    Samples of Our Favorites Catches

    Personally, cooking the fish you catch forces me to get out of my culinary comfort zone. When my husband comes back with his catch, there is no time to waste finding a recipe to fit the species. And if we are out of cell phone range, I have to conjure one up on the spot.  

    In the Caribbean, conch ceviche was without a doubt the most fun I’ve had cooking in the kitchen. I watched some locals shell the conch meat and got some great Bahamian tips on conch ceviche.

    However, lobster bisque was the family’s vote on the best tasting meal. The key is to save the broth that you boil the lobsters in, and use it as your seafood stock.

    And the grouper? Oh my! The grouper was so delicious it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. There are too many grouper recipes to share just one, so here are a few to chose from. 

    In the Florida Keys, we caught yellowtail snapper like it was no body’s business. Where you find one, you will find others! In my opinion, yellowtail snappers don’t need much to make a tasty meal, garlic and butter will do the trick! 

    And if the season is upon you, cubera snapper are a step up from the yellowtails in Florida. 

     

    Don’t Forget Your License!

    The fishing pier in Cape Coral, Florida, is just a few blocks away from my dad’s house. I’ve been fishing there for years and have never seen a wildlife officer stop by. I explained all this to my husband as I convinced him that, no, we don’t actually need licenses to fish there because there’s never anyone checking. 

    About ten minutes after we started fishing on the pier, guess who saunters onto the dock: a wildlife officer. Of course. 

    My husband freaked out. He was about to throw his pole into the water and make a run for it. I grabbed his arm, and we took a deep breath, packed our things and left as quickly as we could walk without running. 

    In many states, fishing is a privilege, not a right. In Florida, if you are fishing on a boat without the proper license, they can confiscate your vessel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers are well funded and serious about protecting our resources. Check the fishing requirements wherever you’re intending to go and make sure your fishing license is current, and applicable to the species of fish you are catching. 

  • Four-Season RV Camping: Your All-Weather Guide

    Four-Season RV Camping: Your All-Weather Guide

    When you picture RV life, what imagery comes to mind? I bet somewhere in your mental image there is a blue sky. And maybe some green grass and budding wildflowers somewhere. Perhaps you envision the rocky cliffs of Utah’s robust red desertscape. Or a multicolored autumn highway. But I would bet that your mental picture doesn’t come with icicles hanging from your awning, or sheets of rain gathering mud and mini landslides next to your campsite. Being outside is an invigorating experience that many of us strive to attain regularly. But if you give yourself to four-season RV camping entirely, you and your RV must be prepared for the elements. 

    So, let’s dive into all four seasons and what you need to do get ready — and stay safe.

     

    Summer: Planning for Extremes

    Don’t Forget About Rain

    Our family spent the most delightful summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains this year at Wilson’s RV Park in Asheville. The summer flew in on the tails of fireflies and butterflies. The weather was so perfect it was like a dream. Until, it wasn’t.

    Around the middle of summer, it started to rain, and it didn’t stop … for three straight weeks.  

    Instead of making s’mores and catching fireflies by the campfire, we were huddled inside. All the while rain and hail pelted our camper. And when it wasn’t raining, the mosquitos were hatching, buzzing, and biting. It can feel miserable when rain imprisons you inside your small RV space.

    Rain, in most seasons and across multiple landscapes is flat out fixture. Which means you’re going to have to be ready for it in four-season RV camping. But don’t despair! Here are some ways to mitigate the rainy-day discomforts: 

    Tips for Summer Showers
    • Assess Your Site Selection. When choosing your RV site, if there is rain possible during your stay, be judicious about selecting your site. If you are near a river or other water feature, ask how often it floods, and in which areas. I have stayed at campgrounds where RVs have literally washed down a raging river. 
    • Bring the Right Rain Gear. Make sure your rain gear is up to par. Not all rain gear is created equal! (No, water resistant is not the same as waterproof.) A good, light, rain jacket, is invaluable. If it packs up small, even better. 
    • Throw in the Towel. Have extra towels. I find myself using towels endlessly during rainy stays in the RV. 
    • Let the Games Begin. Designate a game section in your RV! Rainy day games are such a fun and cozy way to connect with friends and family. 
    • Start Arts and Crafts. Make something that you’ve always wanted to make, but never have time to when the weather is ripe for exploration. I love making crafts in the RV. (It drives my family nuts, but I find it soothing and satisfying. )

     

    Handling That Summer Heat

    The only thing worse than summer rain, is summer heat. Rain is uncomfortable, but heat can be dangerous. We stayed in Utah in the middle of summer in our RV, boondocking by the Colorado River without any hookups. Everyday we crossed our fingers that our Honda inline Generators would continue purring behind our camper, powering our life saving AC unit. Utah is one of those places where you have to be mindful and aware of the heat on a consistent basis. People die in that kind of heat. Regularly. 

    Here are some things to keep in mind when RVing in excessive heat.

    Ways to Beat the Heat
    • Extend Your Awning. Your awning will be your saving grace. Don’t lose it! Keep it rolled up and put away if you aren’t using it. It only takes one microburst to come barreling through the canyon to tear apart your awning in under 5 seconds! (Yes, this happened to us).  Without our awning, we had no shade under the relentless desert sun. It was awful. 
    • Open an Umbrella. Bring shade with you! Don’t go anywhere without a hat. Make shade with an umbrella if you need to. I love walking around with an umbrella in the sun. I would attach one to my hat if it wasn’t’ so absurd. 
    • Protect Any Paws. If you have a dog, be aware that the heat on asphalt or even sidewalks can burn the pads on their paws. In Utah, the first thing we did was find a pet store and buy little doggy booties for our pup. She is a black dog, and being in the sun can be hard for her, so I fashioned her a little white cape out of an old tshirt. It made a huge difference! (Read more on hiking with dogs.)
    • Plan for Power Failure. Have a back up plan in case your AC unit or generator dies. If you’re in a campsite with no shade, you will want to have an escape plan if something breaks. We love our Honda in-line generators, they can run together, or independently, so if one craps out, we aren’t up the creek. 

     

    Fall and Spring: The Seasonal Sweet Spots

    Fall and spring are undoubtedly the best time of year to be in an RV. They’re the pinnacle of four-season RV camping. The weather is cool and crisp, and perfectly warm under the sun. In the fall, you might see the leaves turn red and orange on the east coast, or the Aspens turn the Colorado mountains into a golden fire storm of picture perfect views. 

    As you soak in the scenery, be prepared for variations in weather. The only downside to these seasons is having enough space to pack all your weather gear. Fall and spring are perfectly delightful, but they carry more temperature variations than other seasons. So, you need to have your summer clothes, your winter clothes and everything in between. Make extra space in your closets! Personally, if I’m traveling to new places with varied climates, I like to pack light, and use it as an excuse to hit up the local thrift stores. Especially out west where the thrift stores know no equal! 

     

    Winter: Four-Season RV Camping’s Big Challenge

    Step 1: Dress Accordingly

    Winter can be the most intimidating climate of them all. But I find that it doesn’t matter how cold it is, your comfort level is directly connected to your ability to dress and wear appropriate layers. Our family spends extended amounts of time living in cold weather, on a sailboat and in an RV. Knowing how to dress for the weather, means we are perfectly comfortable in almost any temperature. 

    Here are some tips for keeping your body warm, but not hot, in cold temperatures. 

    Things You Can Do For You
    • Work Those Layers. Layer yourself with a lightweight base layer, preferably polypropylene. The polypropylene dries quickly, in case you start sweating. We also love merino wool base layers. We used those on both our kids, and they were happy as clams in sub freezing temperatures, all day. Tip: don’t wear constricting socks or gloves. 
    • Think About Extemeties. Staying warm really is all about the extremities. Here is my secret sauce to keeping warm in cold weather: Keep your ears/head warm with hat or ear muffs + keep your neck warm with scarf or buff + keep your hands warm with light gloves + keep your feet warm with (not too tight) socks, + keep ankles warm with wool leg warmers. Everything else is secondary! 
    • Keep Your Hands Warm. Hand warmers! We live by these things. I used to spend all day in a horse barn in the cold midwestern winters of Iowa, and I would stick one of these warmers in between two layers of socks in each of my riding boots. But be warned, if you keep the hand warmers on bare skin for too long, you could end up with a small chemical burn. And if you’re really out there, like skiing or snowboarding, consider a rechargeable hand warmer! 
    • Prevent Cold-Weather Injury. The biggest risk in cold weather climate is hypothermia. It happens more often than you would think. Some tips to avoid that are: 
      • Staying dry (hence the quick drying base layers).
      • Good head gear (we loose more heat off the top of our heads than anywhere else).
      • Avoid overly constricting socks, gloves, and hats. 
      • Listen to your body! If you feel confused, if if you’re shivering uncontrollably, extremely tired, or stumbling when trying to walk, you may be experiencing symptoms of hypothermia.  
      • Get out of the wind if you feel the effects of hypothermia coming on. 
      • Be prepared with a blanket (or space blanket) if you’re going on a long hike or even a long drive somewhere cold and remote. 

     

    Step 2: Prep the Inside of Your Rig for Four-Season RV Camping

    I think being in an RV in winter is pretty much the coziest thing ever. You just need a few things in place to keep your basic comfort needs met. 

    • Invest in Space Heaters. A small space heater can go a long way in an RV. We find this small portable one does the trick for us. Without it, we were too cold in the mornings to get out of bed! I love the automatic shut off feature on the heater. I probably wouldn’t use a heater in such a small space without this feature. And I definitely wouldn’t use any kind of propane camping heater. They do make propane camping heaters, but I think they are meant to be used outside, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t really a thing. 
    • Beef Up Your Bedding. This is especially important if you don’t have access to a heater of any kind. My favorite four-season RV camping essential: a puffy blanket. It’s warm, but light and airy. I never feel stuffy or sweaty, but I’m always perfectly warm under it, no matter how cold it is. 
    • Maintain Propane Safety. If you find yourself cooking indoors often, don’t forget to open your windows and maybe even your door if you’re using a propane stove. We sometimes use an induction hot plate to supplement using so much propane indoors.  

     

    Step 3: Keep Your RV Pipes Warm

    If you’re in subfreezing temperatures, you may want to think about taking precautions to keep your lines from freezing. It only takes 24 hours of sub freezing temperatures for the pipes to freeze. 

    • Keep a space heater on.
    • Keep your faucets on a slow trickle if necessary. 
    • Open the cabinet doors under your sinks to keep the warm air circulating.
    • Install some heating pads on your tanks if possible.  
    • If the tanks are above the floor level, you can wrap a blanket around them to help with insulation. 
    • Invest in RV heat tape for your pipes. 
    • Consider investing in an RV with a heated underbelly. A heated underbelly will keep your lines, fresh water tanks, and holding tanks from freezing. 
    • If you are investing in a four seasons camper, make sure there is sufficient insulation, in addition to the heated underbelly. Closed cell rigid foam insulation is the best option for RV walls. 

     

    Breaking Out When the Weather Gets Tough 

    • If you have kids, hit up the local library! (This is always great for homeschooling your child while you travel.) You can learn so much about the history, natural science, and key attractions of the place you are visiting at the library. I find librarians to be the easiest people in the world to talk to. They can offer local knowledge, and even some hidden gems and attractions in the area. 
    • Go to a museum or aquarium! Even the tiniest towns are usually equipped with some sort of museum or local attraction.
    • My favorite rainy day event: thrift store shopping. 

     

    Even when the weather takes an ugly turn, go outside anyways! My guess is that the reason you’re interested in four-season RV camping is that you love adventure. So, bad weather shouldn’t stop you from exploring. Get your cold weather or rain gear on and take a hike! This summer in the RV, after weeks of wet weather, we discovered a fascinating biproduct of summer rain: mushrooms! Mushroom hunting has become a top activity for our family. At first, we just looked. But after discovering dozens of different species in only a week’s time, we decided to start foraging. (Here’s a great book on how to forage for mushrooms without dying.) The bottom line: Four-season RV camping is awesome, because nature is awesome. And when you’re out there every season, you see things folks at home never will.

  • What RVing Teaches Your Kids

    What RVing Teaches Your Kids

    Maybe you’ve encountered it, this skepticism about kids being thrown into the deep end of a nomadic lifestyle. How does that impact their education? Their social skills? Or their security? But what you seldom hear advocated is what RVing teaches kids. Maybe that’s because it’s subtle, deep, and difficult to explain. Truth is, it’s often better shown than told. So, let me start by sharing a memory of mine.

    Just before dusk we took our seats at the entrance to the cave. The ranger laid out the rules: no phones, no talking, no flashes. The most important rule: absolute silence.

    Then it began. From the mouth of Carlsbad Cavern, a single bat emerged. Moments later, the sound of a waterfall arose from the inky depths before a torrent of little black wings burst into the open, rushing up towards the sky. And just when we thought the flow would ebb, another surge. The air filled with the chatter of 350,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats emerging from their cave to hunt for food and feed their young.

    Everyone was stunned to silence. My two children craned their necks to look up, way up, to follow the stream of flying mammals snake into the cloudless New Mexico sky. Wonder and awe were plain on their faces. No classroom video could possibly convey the magic of the moment that we all shared.

    And what RVing teaches kids goes far deeper than sensation. Let’s take a look at just how valuable travel is in shaping who they are.

     

    What RVing Teaches Your Kids: A Closer Look

    “They Are Too Young To Remember It”

    It’s said that kids don’t remember events until they are around four years of age. And there is some truth to it. Most adults can’t clearly recall events from early childhood. But does that mean that children don’t gain anything from their earliest years? Absolutely not.

    In fact, modern psychology suggests that rich experiences, even when children are preverbal, fundamentally shape a child’s early brain development. Though the specifics of an event may fade, its impact will persist through adulthood. With every interaction, you are introducing them to concepts and stimuli that will shape them forever. Here is an article on how early experiences affect our children, and why you should take the trip, even if your kids won’t remember.

     

    Lessons From the Road

    Traveling teaches fundamental life skills. We learn to plan, navigate, and observe. We also learn to be patient and adapt when things go awry. And we learn about our limits. How to push beyond them to reach the top of that hill, and when to back down and call it a day. Our children learn by watching us. They learn that when something breaks, we can fix it or work around it — whether in the RV or in life.

    In my opinion, however, they learn the most by simply being outside. They can practice their social skills, develop their imaginations, and learn to problem-solve by engaging in free play outdoors. (Also, homeschooling your kids from your RV is totally possible.)

     

    Treasuring Memories, Not Objects

    Living in a small space teaches us so many lessons — how to maximize packing space, how to share and take turns with others (particularly the bathroom), and how to squirrel snacks away onboard without anyone noticing.

    At the end of the day, however, it’s learning about what really matters. That may sound cliché, but until you have been forced to trim down your stuff to a bare minimum, you don’t realize how few material possessions you need in day-to-day life — and what you stand to gain by exploring the world around you. Instead of enticing children with a new toy, let them look forward to the next adventure.

     

    Resolving Conflict Instead of Avoiding It

    Another direct lesson that my children have learned from the RV is conflict resolution. When there’s an argument, there is nowhere to go to avoid the other person. Sure, you can go on a walk (weather permitting), but you won’t be hiding away in a bedroom somewhere — unless you are lucky enough to have a much bigger RV than we possess.

    On one hand, it can be a bit uncomfortable in the moment, but I’ve seen my children resolve issues much quicker and take their disagreements in stride. What RVing teaches kids is that it’s best to address issues immediately. It’s how you prevent negative emotions from building.

     

    Understanding and Preparing for the Elements

    It’s a vicious cycle. Kids that don’t spend much time outside have a much lower tolerance for being outside … so they won’t want to spend much time outside. And if it rains or if it’s cold, well, forget about it. You can hang up that hike or whatever you had planned and call it a day! But kids that spend time outdoors and get exposed to elements on a regular basis grow accustomed to the changes in temperature, humidity, and weather that can happen in a day.

    Their bodies learn, and so do they. They learn how to prepare for a hike when it’s wet. They know how to stay cool and hydrated on a walk in the desert sun. And they also learn to make the best out of an unexpected situation. A little rain can be fun! It doesn’t have to ruin the day.

    Sure, it may seem like a needless skill when the modern world whisks you from one climate-controlled environment to the next. What RVing teaches kids is that the outdoors is where the fun really happens. Because it’s wild, sensory, and full of discovery. And if we are preparing them for a life of travel and discovery, then this is a crucial skill to develop at a young age.

     

    Being a Custodian of the Earth 

    It’s easy to take our environment for granted even as we marvel at its gifts. A blanket of starlight over a dry desert horizon. The call of coyotes in the distance. Or the rush of plunging into a cool lake. The role each of us plays in preserving this world for future generations cannot be overstated. When we teach our children to be mindful of what they bring with them on an outing and to clean up after themselves, it’s not just a lesson on tidiness, but of our shared responsibility as inhabitants of planet Earth — it’s the only one we’ve got!

     

    Learning About Nature, In Nature

    It’s impossible to capture the smell of a flower in a photo. Neither can the scale of the Milky Way be conveyed on a television screen. At Carlsbad Caverns, my kids didn’t just learn about bats; they shared the same physical space and observed them in their natural environment. In school, they would have learned about these animals from the pages of a book or pixels on a screen. Out here, our children engaged in the lesson using all their senses. And later that night at our RV site, we all watched as bats flitted around our camper, a cozy echo of the earlier spectacle.

    Traveling in an RV brings us all a little closer to nature, with countless lessons to learn both on the road and at every stop. Whether it’s life in close quarters or the great outdoors, children are exposed to a wide gamut of rich experiences outside of the everyday. It’s never too early (or too late) to get out there and see the joy on their faces as they discover the magical world just beyond their own. 

     

    Learn More About RVing with Kids

    Sharing space with your kids in a camper is not for the feint of heart, but it is awesome (and often comical). And like everything in the RV life, we’re always looking to hear and share good advice. The following articles are great if you want to learn more about RVing with your tiny brood.

     

    5 Places to RV and Blow Your Kids’ Minds

    Teaching Your Kids About Camping

    Homeschooling Your Child While Traveling by RV

    5 Easy RV Meals Kids Love

  • Easy Rider: How to RV with Your Motorcycle

    Easy Rider: How to RV with Your Motorcycle

    Traveling by RV sure is great, but it doesn’t replicate the rapturous, untamed freedom that a motorcycle can offer. And if you’ve ever taken a cross-country motorcycle road trip, then you’ve had a taste of that Tom Petty magic. It’s perfectly wild and free, iconic in every way. That is, until it’s time to set up your tent in the rain, in the dark, after a seven-hour ride. You’re tired, cold, hungry and irritable, to say the least. But it’s possible to indulge in the freedom that a motorcycle brings us without having to tough it out in the rough. Because you don’t really have to choose between traveling by RV or by bike. You can RV with your motorcycle.

    For everyone who would like to have your cake and eat it too, this is the dream. With an RV, you can travel with all the comforts of home and bring your motorcycle with you. You can freely explore your destination. Range far and wide —all while having a nice cozy bed to sleep in at day’s end, rain or shine.

    Here’s what you need to know to make that happen — the methods, the key numbers to know, and the best RVs to do it.

     

    How to RV Your Motorcycle with an RV

    There are a few ways to transport your motorcycle with your RV. You can tow it behind, mount it on the back, or park it inside. With a Class A motorhome, you can either use a lift on the back of the motorhome, or you can tow the bike behind you. With a standard fifth wheel, you’re limited to towing your motorcycle with a lift on the back. While many fifth wheels do not have a frame sturdy enough to support the lift, some do.

    A toy hauler, on the other hand, is an altogether different animal. Toy haulers can come in the form of either a fifth wheel or a travel trailer. With a garage in the rear, a toy hauler can safely store your motorcycle, provided the garage is big enough. In most cases, if you’re buying or renting an RV to transport your motorcycle, toy haulers are the best place to start.

     

    Key Considerations for Motorcycle Transportation

    When look for the perfect solution to RV with your motorcycle, keep the following key numbers in mind:

    Motorcycle Weight

    Ideally, you’ll want to weigh your bike, but you can use the manufacturer’s stated curb weight as a starting point. Include the weight of any equipment (such as spare tires) that will be riding along with your motorcycle.

    Motorcycle Dimensions

    Every trailer and carrier is different, but you can cover all your bases by measuring your bike’s overall height, width, length, and wheelbase, as well as the width of the tires. If you’re looking at an enclosed trailer, add in a little extra maneuvering space.

    Load Capacity

    When shopping for a trailer or mount, look for a load capacity greater than the combined weight of your motorcycle and any equipment.

    Trailer or Mount Weight

    The weight of the trailer or mount itself, which can be much heavier than you might think.

    Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Towing capacity)

    If you are mounting your motorcycle to your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that the total weight —motorcycle, mount, and everything else inside — does not exceed the vehicle’s GVWR. If you are towing your motorcycle, then you want to make sure that the combined weight of the motorcycle and trailer do not exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity. Exceeding these limits will affect vehicle stability. It can also cause excess wear and tear on your vehicle. As result, that could potentially lead to expensive repairs or even an accident.

    Axle Weight Rating

    This is an additional limit to consider if you’re mounting your motorcycle. Because the weight of the motorcycle will be resting entirely on the rear axle of your RV, you’ll need to make sure that it can handle the disproportionate weight.

    State Towing Limits

    There are many rules and regulations on towing. Maximum weight for trailers without their own brake. A reduced speed limit. How many trailers you’re allowed to tow. There are many states where it’s not even legal to tow a motorcycle trailer behind your fifth wheel (called double- or triple-towing). Check the local laws for every state along your itinerary so you aren’t caught off guard.

     

    The Best RVs to Transport Your Motorcycle

    Toy Haulers

    Toy haulers are designed to RV with your motorcycle (or other large toys). Therefore, they’re built with the towing capacity and space you need. When shopping, factor in storage for accessories and equipment in addition to the toy that you are hauling. Some toy haulers allot the majority of floor space for the main event, leaving little extra room for other items you may want to bring along.

    Grand Design, Forest River, and Keystone consistently stand out among the crowd of toy hauler makes. The Momentum 376TH Toy Hauler has won numerous accolades, a reflection of Grand Design’s consistent attention to detail and quality product.

    Which toy haulers are the most popular within the riding community? The Keystone Raptor Series received great reviews among veteran Sturgis Harley riders.  Why? It boasts a roomy garage with a flexible floor plan.

    The Forest River XLR series offers a variety of toy haulers, both as fifth wheel and travel trailers. The XLR Hyperlite Toy Hauler comes in a variety of models, offering an enclosed garage, open deck, or open passageway. The floor plans are roomy with a spacious garage to boot.

    If you have two full-size Harley-Davidson motorcycles that you need to transport, then you may want to consider something along the lines of a Forest River Series Platinum Salem Fox Toy Hauler. It’ll get the job done and is reasonably light at 6,500 pounds dry.

     

    Class A Motorhomes

    Generally speaking, gas-powered Class A Motorhomes can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while diesel-powered motorhomes can tow up to 10–15,000 pounds. In many cases, you will be able to tow your secondary car and use a hydraulic lift to transport your motorcycle. A Class A is a heavy-duty vehicle that gives you the many options for your auxiliary travel toys, but you’ll want to double-check your weight limits and towing capacity before deciding.

    If you aren’t towing a secondary vehicle, you can tow your motorcycle behind your Class A motorhome in all 50 states. This is a versatile solution to RV with your motorcycle that is limited only by your towing capacity and trailer configuration.

    A lift can come in handy if you already have something hooked up behind your RV. If you are looking at installing a lift on your Class A motorhome, it’s important to do your research; picking the right lift and the right installation method depends on your needs and your particular RV. Since a lift extends from the back of your motorhome, also check to see how it interacts with your towing setup and that you have the clearance you need to hitch and unhitch a trailer.

     

    Fifth Wheels

    Of the three types of RV we’re talking about today, this is the trickiest when it comes to accommodating a motorcycle — but it can be done. If you have a fifth wheel and you want to install a lift onto the back, keep in mind that you will need to have a frame that’s sturdy enough to support the load. Alternatively, if you decide to tow your motorcycle behind your fifth wheel, make sure you confirm the legality of double-towing (sometimes called triple-towing) in all states along your journey.

  • 5 Places to RV and Blow Your Kids’ Minds

    5 Places to RV and Blow Your Kids’ Minds

    Imagine this: You are sitting in silence with your toddler just a few feet from the edge of a canyon that drops so deep it seems to take time and space with it. The tranquility is indescribable, almost otherworldly. Sharing five minutes of quiet under a blanket of stars is a memory that my daughter and I will cherish forever.

    We have traveled both nationally and internationally with our two children, by boat and RV. But we always come back to the magic that thrives in the untamed landscape of the American West. Here are five of our favorite places to take your family RVing and blow your kids’ minds.

     

    Dead Horse Point, Utah

    This off-the-beaten-path RV destination holds a special place in our hearts. The canyon offers a special kind of stillness that is well worth exploring with kids. The history is almost palpable. And the night sky here is second to none. Our kids saw the Milky Way for the first time at our RV site in Dead Horse Point. It shone so bright it was like a blanket of fog surrounded by countless bright lights illuminating the dark sky.

    Dead Horse Canyon is a state park, so it gets a fraction of the visitors that the national parks in the surrounding areas around Moab will bring. The canyon is magic in every way, and I personally found that it left a bigger impression on me than the Grand Canyon.

     

    Salida, Colorado

    RVing with kids can come with challenges. One of the best ways to mitigate those challenges is to pick your destination with them in mind. Salida, Colorado, is packed with an easygoing kind of energy that we could have spent months soaking in. The greenways were endless, passing through breathtaking vistas that will etch themselves into your memory forever.

    Our favorite activities to do as an RVing family were available in surplus: biking on greenways, wildlife watching, historical tours, and trout fishing. We saw more wildlife here than anywhere else. The trout fishing is world class. The walking and biking paths in Salida go on forever. If you wanted to, you could bike or run from one town to the next on a protected paved path shared with the occasional billy goat, bighorn sheep or mule deer.

    Ever heard of “ghost towns”? Many Colorado towns were founded at the peak of the silver mining boom in the 1800s. At the start of the 20th century, their inhabitants left in droves, leaving behind weathered buildings and landmarks to tell their story to visitors. The ghost towns near Salida are living relics out of history books in the forefront of Colorado’s iconic rugged landscape.

     

    Morro Bay, California

    If you are like us, you want to experience the American Landscape without the crowds – no pushing past people just to get a glimpse of a view, or waiting in a hot car in endless lines of traffic to get through the entrance gate of a park. So you can bet that my itinerary suggestions will be off the beaten path, but not without an immersive, unforgettable experience.

    Our favorite place on the California coast is Morro Bay: iconically foggy, then a crisp blue sky as the sun chases away the morning mist. It’s a fishing town, offering a postcard-perfect view of the waves, boats in the water and ashore, and the smell of fish markets. My kids adore the otters just off the waterfront, all lounging on their backs with their hands folded on their bellies.

    It was the perfect place for our family to relax after RVing all the way across the country from the coast of South Carolina. And if the season permits, you can take a boat to go humpback whale watching, an event your children will be sure to remember forever! And don’t forget to check out Morro Bay State Park. They have incredible birding walks, and their Junior Ranger workbook is still our favorite. The town itself is a pure joy to walk through, speckled with the most lovely local gardens with hummingbirds constantly chattering above.

     

    Goose Island Campground, Utah

    Moab is most assuredly not off the beaten path, but there are ways to experience it without the crowds. The place is just so raw and beautiful in every possible sense, we couldn’t let our kids miss it. Goose Island Campground is right around the corner from Arches National Park.

    There are so many things in and around Moab to see that will blow your kids’ socks off. Goose Island Campground is BLM land, so it’s cheap and less frequented. It lies along the Colorado river, shaded by the breathtaking and austere cliffs on the other side of the water. There is a lovely bike path that will take you through the magnificent canyon; and in the other direction, you can take the path all the way to Moab if you want.

    My daughter’s favorite activity in this area was the dinosaur trail just outside the city, nestled in the most stunning and isolated views of Utah’s rugged landscape that we had yet to see. The trail is speckled with fossilized dinosaur bones and tracks. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you could attempt a drive on the Shafer Trail in the Canyonlands. But I can only recommend this if you have previous off-roading experience and a capable vehicle with four-wheel drive. The views and death-defying cliffs here will definitely carve out some family memories.

     

    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    I can’t imagine anything more mind-blowing than the epic walk through Carlsbad Caverns. Oh wait, yes I can: the 350,000 bats that fly out of the cave at sunset every night! They come out like a waterfall of black specks snaking through the twilight sky. If you want to go to Carlsbad, try to go between May and October, when the bats settle in the caves. It’s one of the most memorable and beautiful things we have ever witnessed.

  • Teaching Your Kids About Camping

    Teaching Your Kids About Camping

    My most vivid childhood memories are from when my mother took me camping – walking through the wet grass, looking for tree frogs under the starry night sky, and watching, awestruck, as a stick bug rocked back and forth mimicking a branch in the breeze. As an adult, I treasure these happy, carefree adventures, but also the invaluable lessons taught by the great outdoors. Camping with children encourages exploration, inspires curiosity, and teaches independence, laying a foundation of essential skills and starting them on a journey of lifelong learning and growth.

     

    Get Them Excited

    I remember when I was 6 or 7, I went to a friend’s house for a camping trip. I was so excited I could barely stand it. We were sitting on the carpet inside the living room, dreaming about all the things we would do at the campground. I looked out the window and realized it was starting to get dark outside. Why haven’t we left yet? My friend’s mother walked into the room shortly after with “good news and bad news.”

    The bad news came first, “Well, it looks like we won’t be going camping tonight. But the good news is, you can set up your tent right here in the bedroom and have a blast!”

    I will admit, it was surprisingly fun to set up a tent inside, on the carpeted bedroom floor of my friend’s little apartment.

    The best way to get your kids engaged and excited about the idea of going outside for a few nights is to practice at home! Help them set up their tent inside. And if that’s too overwhelming, make up a tent with a sheet and pillows. It’s amazing what kids can make a tent or fort out of. And that’s basically what camping is: a little fort outside, equipped with the bare essentials and a little personal flavor.

     

    Food Planning

    Food prep can be a great way to teach your kids about what goes into taking long trips outdoors. Have them be a part of the meal planning, and of course, preparing s’mores!

    Our favorite activity while camping is making s’mores – and putting our own spin on them. We’ve tried strawberry slices, and it tastes like a strawberry shortcake with a smoky twist. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe it. Here are some berry s’more recipes to get your mouth watering. If your kids show any interest in the culinary arts, there is boundless potential here.

     

    Packing

    It doesn’t matter what kind of trip you are taking – whether it’s a day hike, a weekend trip, or a month abroad – having your kids help pack for it is a great way for them to learn about where they are going and what they will be doing, and what type of clothing and accessories those locations and activities require.

    My kids love to pick out the clothes and toys they bring on our travels. We organize their bags together and familiarize them with weather-appropriate gear, safety equipment, and first aid kits. It can feel overwhelming at first, so if you need a place to start, here’s a great checklist for camping essentials.

     

    Campsite Tasks

    The best way for kids to learn about camping is to contribute. It can be so easy to set our kids in front of a screen to ensure they stay put and quiet until we are finished with a task. In fact, I am also guilty of this. But if we can take a deep breath and slow down a little, we may find the time and space to bring our children into the process and all work together.

    The task can be simple, like setting up the tent poles or the rain tarp. I’ve noticed that if they have some time to get excited about their “job” or responsibility, they will take it more seriously, and put in a careful, concerted effort. We like to use the car ride to get them pumped up about how they’ll pitch in. It’s a great way to foster cooperation and teamwork during your camping adventure.

     

    Safety First

    Whether you are camping or RVing, there are some potential hazards to being outdoors that should be discussed beforehand. I prefer to go over ground rules in the car ride to avoid screaming them to my kids while simultaneously setting up a tent in the rain.

    Water

    If you are camping near a river or water feature, make sure your kids know the dangers of fast-moving water. Any body of water can seem safe to a child if they are used to wearing flotation devices in a controlled environment. Discuss the dangers of rivers, lakes, or marshes that may be present near your campsite. If a soccer ball goes flying into the water, make sure they know not to go after it. This may seem obvious, but pediatric drowning statistics would shock you.

    Make sure you also show them where to get drinking water (and where not to).

    Plants

    Another good rule to ingrain in impressionable minds is staying away from certain plants and berries. Some kids do this naturally, while other children like to put pretty, shiny things in their mouths. I am always reminding mine not to eat anything wild unless we all know that it’s edible. There are so many poisonous plants and berries out there and it’s important to make sure they know what to avoid. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about local plant life. Here is an illustrated list of common poisonous plants in the USA that you can use in your lesson.

    Wildlife

    Generally speaking, wherever you are camping in the United States, the chances that wild animals will be a danger to you, or even come within sight of you, are very slim. But every now and then, you’ll come face-to-face with the local fauna.

    At Gilbert Ray Campground near Saguaro National Park, we encountered an unbridled landscape full of dangerous plants and animals. Not a quarter mile from our RV, we spotted an enormous tarantula sauntering across our path, only to walk right over top of a scorpion as we tried to avoid it. Next, we saw a lovely specimen of a diamondback rattlesnake. As we walked back to our RV, we noticed that a band of coyotes were following us, yelping and howling at our dog as we tried to keep her on a short leash. All of these encounters took place in under 20 minutes.

    Teaching your children how to identify and respect local wildlife will help keep them safe during your camping trip and provide them with the names of all the cool critters in the stories they tell after.

     

    Don’t Forget to Play!

    It’s easy to fill up your camping itinerary with endless activities and adventures. Nowadays, with a universal library at our fingertips at all times, we can get a little overzealous with our agenda. Don’t forget to take the time to simply bask in your surroundings, and let your kids play around the campsite, fueled by their own direction and curiosity. It’s been said that children learn the most from free play. So, take a break, relax, maybe even recline, and let your kids explore the precious gift that is the natural world.

  • How to RV the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

    How to RV the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

    The only thing better than seeing America’s wild and rugged landscape is experiencing it. In a car, the breathtaking scenery rushes by outside like scenes from a movie. But on a motorcycle, we are transported into the landscape. On a bike, the smells, the sounds, the wind, the weather, and even the danger surround us with an uplifting sense of life and vitality. And what could be more iconic than taking your bike — and that rugged sense of adventure — to the Black Hills of South Dakota for the world’s largest motorcycle event: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

    The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is 78 years old, and has grown from 9 participants in 1938 to over 700,000 attendees. It’s on almost every motorcycle enthusiast’s bucket list — but did you know that less than half of Sturgis’ attendees arrive by motorcycle?

    Taking the trip by motorcycle will undoubtedly leave you with a lifetime’s worth of golden memories, but it will also leave you with extreme exhaustion, windburn, sore legs, a sore butt, back pain, wrist pain — the list goes on. Let’s save those experiences for the rally itself.

     

    RV Parks Near Sturgis

    There are dozens of campgrounds available for the Sturgis Rally. Days End Campground and Sturgis RV Park are the closest facilities, offering full hookups. Glencoe Campground has over 1,000 RV sites, and more than 200 acres at their disposal. And if you’re interested in something a little more quiet or off the beaten path, here is a link with a discussion on seven other RV parks available during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

    Plan to make your reservation well in advance! In July of this year, the Glencoe Campground was almost at capacity for their RV sites. And every year, as the rally grows, space will only get tighter and be in higher demand.

     

    Traffic Tips

    When planning your RV route to the rally, keep traffic in mind. If you’re arriving after the start of the event, be aware that some of the highways will have reduced speeds, and some will even be closed to four-wheel vehicles. South Dakota’s Department of Transportation has an updated list of temporary road closures, highway speed reductions, and temporary traffic signals during the rally.

     

    Weather Readiness

    If you’ve never been to South Dakota, it’s worth doing a little research on the weather before you go. The heat of the summer will be upon you during the rally, and you will want to be prepared with preventative measures. Most days will be hot, with temperatures in the mid 80s; but thunderstorms can pop up violently and unexpectedly.

    In contrast to the hot sunny days, evenings tend to be chilly. Bring a variety of clothing for all types of weather. Be sure to check the forecast and keep an eye on the weather as you plan your long motorcycle rides. You don’t want to get caught in a hail storm if you can help it! And if you are bringing pets to the event, please keep the heat in mind. The temperature inside an RV baking in the sun could be lethal to animals left inside.

     

    Mastering Meal Prep 

    In my opinion, the biggest benefit to RVing versus camping is the food. There is only so much cooking and food prep you can do in a tent with a cooler. Tent camping is great — until you start trying to grill in the rain, or use your propane stove on a windy day, or all the ice in your cooler melts, leaving your delicious margaritas warm and sad.

    Don’t get me wrong! Culinary magic does happen at the talented hands of camping gurus; but, personally, I find it to be more hassle than it’s worth. In an RV, the kitchen is your oyster. You will have endless opportunities to cook wonders and feed your friends. If you’re really resourceful, you can food prep for the entire 10-day event, and leave the worries of meal planning behind you. Here’s a great two-week food prep meal plan with ideas for potlucks and feeding larger groups of people.  This food prep map is a great place to start even if you don’t like the recipes — you can always insert your own! Meal-planning the Sturgis Rally is an excellent way to free up more time for scenic motorcycle rides and socialization with new and old friends.

     

    Sites and Sights Around Sturgis

    At the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally you will relish in the company and energy of other bikers. Highways are packed with riders, and much of downtown is designated for two wheels only; that alone is one of the more enticing attractions of the event. But veteran Sturgis attendees know that there is so much more to the rally than just the parties.

    The Black Hills of South Dakota is a land with historic ties to the Lakota people. The topography is laden with ancient sedimentary rock and bedrock aquifers. Here is a link to some of the most scenic motorcycle rides around Sturgis that will leave you with unforgettable memories of the American Landscape.

     

    Riding Off the Beaten Path

    If you want to dig deeper into the ancient history of Black Hills of South Dakota, you won’t need to go far. You can see the remains of mammoths and other megafauna dating back to the ice age at a paleontological dig site that you can tour in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Along with many other natural landmarks. Here are some more hidden gems in and around the Black Hills of South Dakota that are rider-friendly. If you have the time to explore South Dakota outside of the Sturgis Rally, you won’t be disappointed. The landscape will leave a permanent footprint in your memory.

    If you’re headed to the biggest motorcycle rally in the world, the best way to experience it is to the fullest. And to do that, you need to bring your RV. (With all good nights of sleep with it.) If you’re still on the fence, here is a great discussion on motorcycle RVing versus motorcycle camping.

  • Homeschooling Your Child While Traveling by RV

    Homeschooling Your Child While Traveling by RV

    The thought of being on the road comes with so many iconic images that sparkle around the edges. The reality is a little grittier. Living a transient life requires sacrificing all the creature comforts that society has laid out for us in nice, neat rows. We consciously choose the road less traveled. And in doing so we must continuously and actively buck the trends and systems set up for sedentary life. For parents, the most difficult trend to buck might be the modern education system. So, let’s talk about homeschooling your child while traveling in an RV.

    Nowadays, there are so many terms for homeschooling in a nomadic capacity. There’s road schooling and worldschooling. There’s travel schooling, boatschooling, unschooling, natureschooling, and deschooling. And lastly, good old homeschooling. That’s the word that my in-laws love to hate.

    What the Naysayers Say

    For some folks, homeschooling is attached to a deluge of negative associations. So, the push back from outsiders is a force to reckon with. Sometimes, it feels strong enough to break the dam. For example, my in-laws repeatedly remind me how important “institutionalized education” is for my children, but they don’t really consider the immeasurable benefits that education on the road fosters. They will never know what it’s like to learn about constellations under the dark sky of the Mojave Desert — learning where the stars are so bright they are like a blanket of light. They will never know what it’s like to take education out of the pages of a book, and into the most beautiful pockets of the world imaginable.

    Peter Gray, the author of, Free to Learn,  is a wonderful resource about the nature of education. It helps remind us on a human level that educating outside of an institution can be freer and more natural. Ultimately, only the nuclear family unit can determine the best way to embark on an educational journey. Everyone else’s opinion is just that: an opinion.

    Traveling on the road will give you golden memories with your family. And homeschooling on the road will weave those memories into the core and foundation of who your children are, and how they will see and face the world in years to come.

    How to Measure the Immeasurable

    The benefits of taking school out there, into the real world, can’t really be measured in a traditional sense. They certainly can’t be measured by standardized tests or report cards. The reward comes in the form of real life skills that only applied learning can nurture.

    Homeschooling on the road facilitates an experiential avenue of learning. Learning through travel will take your child’s education and interweave it with what they see and interact with on a daily basis. It’s like the counterpart to institutional education. Instead of learning about things that can’t be seen, touched, felt, or heard in the pages of a book and behind closed doors, your children will be learning with all their senses, fueled by the wonderful and boundless curiosity that children possess. That in itself will attach a positive association with learning. Institutionalized education simply cannot replicate that.

    Here’s an article by CBS news on the upswing of homeschooling with your child while traveling since COVID, and the benefits of taking education into the real world.

    The Wild Rumpus

    The energy that children possess is a marvelous wonder to behold. If it could be bottled up it would be a precious elixir worth more than its weight in gold. But, as any parent knows, their energy can suck us dry into a shriveled haggard thing with nothing left to tend to our own basic needs.

    Now, pack that energy up and put it in a tiny space, and hit the road in your RV! I suggest having resources available ahead of time, so you aren’t stuck in a cactus garden after an 8-hour drive, with nowhere to go to keep the kids away from the endless pin cushions at every corner. (Yes, this was us at Gilbert Ray Campground outside Saguaro National Park.)

    3 Life-Saving Resources for Homeschooling Your Child While Traveling

    As I looked around at our prison of Saguaro Cactuses as far as the eye could see, I could feel the walls closing in around us. We were going to be in this campground for over a week! How would we keep the kids from running head first into a giant precariously leaning cactus? Some national parks are so grand in scope and scale, they can be overwhelming upon arrival. And after a long drive and two small children bursting with energy, there isn’t much time to sit and ponder your next move. Our saving grace came straight from the national park.

    The Junior Ranger Program

    The Junior Ranger Program is available at every national park in the county, and even most state parks. It’s a site-specific activity filled work book for children of all ages packed with information, history, and interactive activities throughout the park. It offers a path for success to embark upon the exploration of your national parks. After a certain number of activities in the workbook have been completed, you can watch as a Park Ranger officially swears in your child, and presents them with a badge. It’s beyond precious. And if you’re not careful, you will end up like us: obsessive collectors of all the junior ranger badges. We have almost 20 now, and they are our most prized possession.

    Participating in the Junior Ranger Program taught us so much, not just about each place we visited, but about each other. We learned together, in an active capacity, applying each educational fact to a real world setting. I learned that being a teacher is so much more fun and successful when I am learning with my children. It makes the event more engaging and interactive. Teachers don’t have to be experts on everything they are teaching. In fact, one might argue that learning would be more fun and informative, if both student and teacher were learning together.

    Libraries

    Maybe this goes without saying, but libraries offer the most reliable resources for all things homeschooling. We have homeschooled, worldschooled, boatschooled and roadschooled with our children; and public libraries gave us familiarity, routine, and even just a safe place to land on our journeys. Almost every library has a kids corner, and they also carry reference books specific to your area which are great for learning about local flora and fauna, history, geology and so much more. Want local knowledge? Ask your local librarian! No matter where you find yourself when you’re homeschooling your child while traveling, the likelihood is that you’re not too far from a library.

    Socialization

    This is probably the biggest fear factor that people use to advocate for a more traditional schooling environment. It’s the one thing that we can’t control or replicate as parents. But lucky for all of us, in this post-COVID modern age, finding a social group related to your family’s chosen path in life is available in almost every corner of the world. My husband and I and two children have traveled extensively in and outside of the country by boat and RV. And everywhere we found ourselves, there was a Facebook group of other families doing the same thing, in the same place. Want to take your family in an RV to Mexico but worried about socialization for your children? No problem! There’s a Mexican RV Caravaning social media group for that!