Historic Tombstone

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Tuzigoot National Monument

Pueblo ruins dot the Verde Valley in central Arizona; remnants of the Sinagua people from the time period between 1100 and 1450 AD. Recently, a visit to one of the largest and best preserved of these – Tuzigoot National Monument – was made by Larry and Lee Ann and their experience is documented in their online Trip Journal, Larry & Lee Ann’s Journey. The name “Tuzigoot” is a term originating from the Apache language meaning crooked water. The term applies to the nearby Peck’s Lake, which is a runoff from the Verde River. The site has provided a great deal of information and insight to the Sinagua people through excavation; over 400 burial sites have been located in the hillside. The structures themselves also give a glimpse into their lifestyle of the time; the large pueblo has two stories that in all contain 110 rooms. It is likely that hundreds of Sinagua people were living in this and other pueblo homes. The land was purchased by Yavapai County in Arizona for the paltry sum of $1.00; a sale which enabled the land to pass from United Verde and Phelps Dodge to the County allowing excavation to continue. In the hands of Yavapai County, federal relief grants were able to be secured to finance the research project once the land was turned over to the Federal Government. Excavation of the pueblo and surrounding area was completed through the University of Arizona, headed up by Louis Caywood and Edward Spicer. From 1933 to 1935, the ruins were carefully... Read more

Furnace Creek at Death Valley National Park in CA

For travelers Ron and Jane, Death Valley National Park is a destination that everyone would be able to enjoy. In their travel journal, Ron & Jane 2007-08-09, they describe their favorite spots here, which include Furnace Creek. Furnace Creek is a village in the center of the beautiful Death Valley National Park. Accommodating travelers that visit the National Park with the Furnace Creek Ranch, Furnace Creek Inn and several campgrounds, Furnace Creek is also the location of one of the Park’s Visitor Centers as well as a museum. For a taste of the area’s history, visitors can browse amongst actual pieces of machinery that were used years ago in the local borax mines. The Borax Museum can be found at the Furnace Creek Ranch. The name Furnace Creek just might be attributed to the fact that the highest North American temperature reading was recorded here; 134 degrees in the year 1913. This temperature almost rivals the world high temperature which was documented as 136 degrees in 1922, occurring in Libya. Furnace Creek is also just a short trip away from some of the best attractions in Death Valley National Park. The Badwater Salt Flats used to be a salty lake which blanketed Death Valley long, long ago. The incredibly salty water, around three times saltier than sea water, is credited with the moniker “Badwater”; so named when a thirsty mule refused to partake of the water. While the area will still fill with water after a hard rain, the evaporation rate in the area... Read more

State Parks with Great Appeal: Picacho Peak

Arizona is a magnet for travelers. And for good reason: incredibly painted skies against which virtual forests of immense multi-armed cacti display their dignified spires; deep, rich cultural history of Native American, Spanish and American influences; a blanket of wildflowers covering the desert terrain in spring. Tucked away in some of the most vibrant areas of Arizona are 28 state parks; one of which, located in the southern region of Arizona, was a particular favorite of travelers, Ken and Ann:Picacho Peak.They speak highly of their experiences at the Park in their site, http://www.mytripjournal.com/ann-ken. Interstate highway 10 crosses Arizona to the south, and when passing east of Casa Grande, you will arrive at Picacho Peak Park.Construction has just been completed on the new Visitor’s Center, which is rated “silver” on the LEEDS scale for environmental consciousness; a first for Arizona State parks.The park’s name was given centuries ago by the Spanish, and literally is a duplication of names, as Picacho is the Spanish word for “peak”, so its translated name is, quite simply, Peak Peak. The peak is part of the Picacho Mountains, which has its historical roots imbedded in Civil War history.A military outpost was built in Tucson and later abandoned at the onset of the war as soldiers joined ranks with the Union or Confederate armies.In 1862, members of each of the Union and Confederate troops met in a battle around Picacho Peak; providing possibly the westernmost... Read more

Natural Treasures a Step Away from Red Rock RV and Camping Park

Across North America, we have arguably some of the best variety national parks anywhere in the world, from wetlands to prairies to awe-inspiring mountain ranges. As travelers Juanita and Gordon can attest, one place to enjoy some of our national parks is the Red Rock RV and Camping Park. In their Trip Journal “Seeing the USA in Our Chevrolet,” one can easily see the many attractions to be found here. Read more Tell a Friend Read More →

RV Battery Monitor

A good way to stay fully informed about the performance of your battery is by using the Xantrex Battery Monitor. This clip also shows you how to install the equipment to your RV. Note the price of this product may have changed since the taping of this clip. Tell a Friend Read More →

Trip Notes

By Lynn Difley We just got back from a family shared vacation in Hawaii, a celebration of the end of a long, difficult two years, and the beginning of a new page in all our lives. It is the first vacation I can remember that was not in our beloved RV and that pointed up some of the good and bad to be found in our wonderful home on wheels lifestyle. My own bed. This was a big deal for me, bigger than I thought. When I was younger, I could sleep any time, any place. I could and frequently did, flop down on the floor with a blow up mattress and I was good for 7-8 hours of sleep. I found out those days are gone. Another bed is just not your own bed. Whether you like it hard or soft, double wide or a single, flannel sheets or percale, piles of blankets or a duvet, a pile of pillows or one small neck ring, even the familiar lumps of your own sleeping platform welcomes and encourages total relaxation and rejuvenating rest in a way an unfamiliar bed does not. Read more Tell a Friend Read More →

My Top Ten Or So But Whose Counting, Bucket List!

It is a funny thing, that before I entered my 75th year on this old planet and the movie the Bucket list came out, I never gave a Bucket list much of thought. But it finally dawned on me that at three quarters of a century of age, how many more years have I got of pushing the old coach around. The kids are all grown up, educated and partnered off, our parents are no longer an issue taking time and effort, and it is just Lucy, Earl the kitty kat, and I. Read more Tell a Friend Read More →

So, you want to be a Camp Host?

From the desk of Firedude Well it can sure be an interesting position. I was a volunteer camp host on the central coast of California for California State Parks for nearly 6 years. During which time I hosted about 9-10 months of the year and traveled the rest. I thought I had seen it all in my 33 year career as a firefighter, but couldn’t have been more wrong! The position was great and I was allowed to set the schedules. We worked a 3 day on 3 day off (firefighter style) shift. That meant you worked 3 straight days and off 3 straight days leaving you time to go places, see things and even take short trips if you desired. This didn’t mean you had to be in the campground 24/7 by any means. My position consisted of a morning and noon camp check and be available to sell firewood at hours you designate (within reason) and available to answer questions etc. In reality it could have been done in a matter of 2-3 hours per day. You can put forth more effort if you wish and of course I did because I enjoyed it. I decided even though I was retired I wanted to stay active and not sit on my duff. In exchange you received your full hookup campsite and other perks such a free tours of Hearst Castle for you and friends, an annual swim party at the pool at Hearst Castle, a free day use pass for all Ca. state parks, free firewood and some others. Staff also put on a few BBQ’s per year as well and very enjoyable. In our sector there was NO maintenance or cleaning of restrooms... Read more

The cost of full-timing. Can you afford it?

From the desk of Firedude The age old question comes up all the time in the forums and I get emails all the time asking “how much does it cost to full-time”? This question has so many variables it is hard to answer since we all have varying needs, desires and differing financial status. To come up with an answer that fits all is impossible. Read more Tell a Friend Read More →

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