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My Eleven Biggest RV Goofs:

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My Eleven Biggest RV Goofs:

1.           Our rooftop antenna is up while moving, resulting in damage to the TV antenna.

2.           The steps have not been retracted, causing damage when contacted

         by other objects.

3.           Tire pressures were not checked, overloaded and under inflated tires fail. As a “gator” rubber separates from the tire causing major damage to the wheel well and sidewall of our rig.

4.           We do not hold the sewer hose in place while dumping, we get gunk all over our shoes, clothing and dumpsite. Anything we dump on the ground well end up in our drinking water.

5.           Our lights are not checked on the toad or (anything towed behind our rig) and someone rear-ends us – not enough time for them to stop.

6.           We leave our water hose attached and left on while away from our rig – we come back to find the entire rig flooded from a water line break.

7.           I forget, as we travel, electrical wiring and pipes may vibrate, chafe or brake or short out. Be careful, when hooking up after a long day, water may leak, things may vibrate loose, and electrical systems may have been damaged.

8.           After traveling, open cabinets with caution, stuff may fall out and injure you or damage itself.

 9.     Check the torque on your wheels lug nuts, wheels do fall off.

10.    We lose our sewer hose on the pavement while traveling - the cap

          fell off of the sewer holder.

11.    A damaged awning, unfurling while traveling or during a storm.

Happy Camping,

Fred b.

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What Ever Happened To Rear Windows In Motor Homes?

Looking at class “A” coaches over the past 20 years has to beg the question “What ever happened to the back window?”  Twenty years ago the majority of coaches had back windows.  Over the years they have disappeared on almost all diesel pushers and on many higher line gas designs.  Today nearly all diesel pushers and most gas A class coaches are without rear window.

Perhaps it was faded out as it offered very little to the coach.  So let’s look at what advantages the rear window actually offered.

• Provides extra light into the rear or bedroom area.  The difference a rear window makes to extra light can not be over stated.  It can turn that hazy dark room into a bright cheerful space.  All of this with a blind to select dark when needed.  
• Provides an inside visual when backing for a spotter.  Ever had to back into a site in heavy rain?  It’s either wet spotter or no spotter.  With a rear window, your spotter can stay in the comfort of the rig and observe the area you are backing into and use verbal warnings, if required.
• It can provide scenic views in back-in sites that are not normally visible.  Most parks are built with the electrical box and services on a given side.  This side dictates which way you can park on the site. Many times the view, a lake for instance, is behind on a back-in space.  These differences are a result of lots that have been designed for either a motor home or a travel trailer.
• It can increase the viewing angles from within your coach for security concerns.  If you have any issues regarding something behind your coach, such as your towed vehicle, you can observe it.  This eliminates the need, or added risk, of having to physically go out to check it. 

So, why with all these seemly great features, would the manufacturer designers eliminate it?  Could it be only to reduce costs?  No, I’m sure not.  Even though, obviously its elimination does reduce costs in both material and labor.  But, I believe that it was floor plan design changes that probably played the major part in this event.  Locating wall space for cupboards, closets and like storage is a challenge when designing an RV.  Many rear bedroom coaches now are designed with the bed cross ways.  This leaves the rear wall completely vacant.  Some, or most, of this area will be required for storage as the position of the bed now allows no wardrobe and very little cupboard space on the walls at the head and foot of the bed.  Full width storage is the only right solution here.

Through the years too, there may have been negative feelings towards the rear window by some potential buyers.  These people saw no windows in the larger, up and coming diesel pusher lines and wanted that look.  To them, it represented a newer look, a more expensive appearance.

There were, and are, benefits derived from the window’s removal.  The ability to better control and maintain the temperature in the rear of the coach on hot sunny days was one.  Additionally, the huge storage that can be gained by using the entire rear width of the coach can not be understated.

Still, after all is said, there are buyers out there that still want the added light and brightness that the rear window provides.  This is even more important if the floor plan incorporates an office area within the bedroom.  Fortunately, there are makes and models that are still available.  One of the choices which actually has two models is Monaco’s Holiday Rambler.  Their model 40 PAQ, a 40 footer and their 42 PLQ, a 42 foot coach, are both rear office/bedroom floor plans with the rear window.  If you have never been in one, it may be hard to imagine, but the rear window really opens up the room.  It not only brightens the room up, but it feels so much more spacious. 

Well, who knows, perhaps we will see the rear window returning to coaches in the future.  The demand for variations in floor plans may very well be the driving force.      

 

With A Non-Transparent View   -   Lug_Nut    -    Peter Mercer

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RV Doctor - Is There An Easy Way to Access RV’s Water Lines?

Dear RV Doctor,
I have a water leak that looks like it is coming from under the tub when I turned the hot water tank bypass off. Is there an easy way to access the water lines without destroying the inside of the bathroom? I think the damage is caused from mice chewing a hole in the water line. Please help! - Joe Linneman, (Wentzville, MO)

Answer:

Joe, from a technical standpoint, one of the nice things about working on RVs is the relative ease at which some components can be exposed. Unfortunately, this fact often does not apply in every instance.

RV water lines can sometimes be difficult to locate. But typically, by removing a panel or an accessible flooring section, one can successfully gain access to most of the fresh water plumbing system. The clue to a removable panel is to look for screws instead of staples holding them in place. And it’s quite common to find such a panel under or near a tub enclosure.

In those instances when a removable panel does not exist, it is often possible to carefully cut an access hole and install a larger piece of like paneling trimmed with garnish to cover up that opening after the repair is made. In other cases, a small access hole can be cut in order to facilitate the repair and then an aftermarket louvered vent secured to cover the hole. The fact is; if there is a water leak, you’ll have to gain access somehow, even if it means designing some type of cover-up afterwards.

(Please feel free to comment, however, please also note that due to the volume of communications I receive from multiple channels I cannot guarantee a personal response in every instance. However, questions of an overall general interest may be considered and published in an upcoming RV Doctor column.)

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2001 Foretravel U320

2001 Foretravel U320

Previously $269,995 - Now $225,580

This 42 ft. diesel class A features a reading table with Euro chair, leather sofa, leather booth dinette, walk-around queen bed & ceiling fan in bedroom, and much more! Offered from Tennessee RV in Knoxville, TN. Learn More!

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From the Blue Ridge Mtns. to Atlanta on One Tank

The Peach State is the largest state in the southeast, and travelers are sure to encounter warm and friendly locals during their cruise through her towns and highways. Georgia is rich in U.S. history, perhaps most notably Union General William T. Sherman’s burning of Atlanta during the Civil War. In the 21st century, Georgia serves as the nation’s leader in paper production, as well as being the communications and transportation center for the entire Southeast. This one-tank RV trip route from Woodall’s takes you through some of the north state’s most popular destinations.

Blairsville
Blairsville makes a perfect starting point for your trip through Georgia. Positioned in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blairsville is embraced by beautiful green valleys, crystal clear lakes, dazzling waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Plentiful recreation areas offer opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and you can even pan for gold! Various Native American ruins have been uncovered by archaeological teams, and are available for tours and limited exploration. Blairsville’s leisurely pace makes it a great place to stop and smell the roses, and get your road trip off to a relaxing start.

Hiawassee
It’s only a 15-mile north-easterly drive on the US-76 to the town of Hiawassee, in Towns County. Brasstown Bald Mountain is the tallest mountain in Georgia at nearly 4,800 feet in height; on clear days you can see Georgia, both Carolinas, and Tennessee from its peak. Hiawassee also offers boating, fishing and rafting, along with plentiful places to hike or ride horses. If you care to put your golfing skills to the test, some of the most challenging courses in Georgia are found here in Towns County, so grab your clubs and see how you fare on these low-par links. After that, seek out local vintners and sample some of the best wines in all of Georgia.

Each year, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds play host to a series of popular events, one of which is summertime’s Georgia Mountain Fair. The fairgrounds themselves are located on the shores of majestic Lake Chatuge, and the fair provides plenty of excitement and nostalgia to thousands of visitors each year. In addition to electrifying thrill rides, one-of-a-kind attractions, and plenty of tasty concoctions to please the palate, the Georgia Mountain Fair hosts performances by such A-list musical talent as the Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, and Pam Tillis. If you’re in the area in July, make a point of seeing this fun-filled and extremely popular event.

Helen
Continuing south on the US-76, merge with the GA-75/Unicoi Turnpike and you’ll soon arrive in the city of Helen. This is a town whose very creation centered around the outdoors, and the outdoor life remains a centerpiece of modern living. It’s interesting to note that the town of Helen is an authentic recreation of a Bavarian village, complete with cobblestone roads and Old World-style towers. The Bavarian Nights of Summer runs from June to August and features live polka music along with some of the best Bavarian fare available. Admission is free, so be sure to eat, drink and be merry!

Hiking trails take us down to the magnificent beauty of Unicoi Lake, as well as to the gorgeous Anna Ruby Falls; you may need to rent a 4×4 to access the Falls, however – the roads are steep and the terrain is rough, but the visual experience of these enticing falls is well worth the effort. The Chattahoochee River runs through the city of Helen and provides several recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking and tubing.

If you’re in the area in the fall, Helen’s Oktoberfest is a six-week extravaganza that runs from mid-September to early November, and is the longest such party in the South. Daytime activities include browsing through the town’s many shops or lounging in the beer-garden and sampling as many of the large variety of German beers as you can handle. At night, the place to be is the Festhalle, where you can enjoy all kinds of authentic German bands, stuff yourself with bratwursts, and dance the polka until you drop.

Atlanta
When you’re ready, get back on the road for a 90-mile drive southwest to Atlanta. It’s a relatively smooth trip, with a southwest cruise a few miles down the GA-75, where you catch the US-129-S for about 20 miles then merge with the I-985-S. A little more than 20 miles later, this highway becomes the I-85-S, and a 30-mile drive brings you to the city of Atlanta.

Atlanta’s a city with a prominent history, which is evident everywhere you look. From the tense Civil War days and the founding of Coca-Cola to the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Hank Aaron’s record-breaking home run, Atlanta has been there for it all. The city is chock full of so many things for a traveler to see and do that it’s difficult to narrow them down to a manageable number for one visit. Try the following attractions for your introduction to Atlanta.

Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre theme park, geared toward family fun. Some of the park’s highlights include a skyride to the top of Stone Mountain itself, a paddleboat cruise on Stone Mountain Lake, and a spectacular end-of-the-day laser light show, followed by a bombastic fireworks finale.

Located in Downtown, Underground Atlanta is so named because of a viaduct construction project in the 1920s, which elevated the streets one level higher so as to permit easier traffic flow. Local shop owners moved their operations to the new street level, leaving the old storefronts behind for storage and service. In the late 60s, the area was declared a historic site and was turned into a retail and entertainment district. In the late 80s, the area was refurbished and reopened, offering a unique mix of family shops and entertainment. It’s definitely a fascinating place to visit while you’re in town.

The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest such facility, with more marine life than any other acquarium swimming in more than 8 million gallons of water. One of the aquarium’s distinctions is that the grounds possess a state-of-the-art aquatic veterinary facility, designed by veterinarians and conservation organizations. The aquarium is well worth a day’s visit.

Another don’t-miss spot is Six Flags Over Georgia, one of the jewels in the Six Flags crown. The park features more than 30 rides, ranging from the mild ones found in Bugs Bunny World, to the way-cool Superman: Ultimate Flight roller coaster. Superman: Ultimate Flight is one of the fastest coasters in the worl. Riders are suspended beneath the track in a head-first flying position as they shoot along the nearly 300-foot track at 60 mph. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to being able to fly if you’re not from Krypton.

The Peach State offers so many unique opportunities for all kinds of entertainment you’ll want to spend several days and many return trips to explore them all.

Where to Stay: The Atlanta South RV Resort in McDonogh Georgia is clsoe to the Interstate just 30 minutes drive from downtown Atlanta. The park features 140 sites with full hookups (80 pull-thrus), a dump station, propane and more.

Other Area Sponsors in Georgia:
Allatoona Landing Marine Resort & Campground
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Stone Mountain Family Campground

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2009 Airstream Interstate 22′

2009 Airstream Interstate 22′

Previously $97,695 - Now $87,995

22 ft. Class B with Mercedes Benz turbo diesel engine, sleeps 2, one AC unit, leather interior, flat screen TV, and more! Offered from Colonial Airstream & Itasca in Lakewood, NJ. Learn More!

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Product Highlight - McKesh Towing Mirrors, Still #1

Towing mirrors aren’t just a good idea, they’re the law. In fact, if you check the laws in 50 different states, you’ll find that they all have little variations.

Be sure to check your own state laws before buying your trailer or next set of mirrors. There are websites with the regs for all 50 states listed, but it’s best to check directly with your own department of motor vehicles. Often, the “one stop” information on the web is outdated.

A good rule of thumb is: If you can see a car that’s 125′ (about 7 car lengths) directly behind your trailer, you’re in good shape. But also make sure your mirrors are stable, meaning they don’t vibrate at highway speeds.

McKesh Portable Towing Mirrors are designed to accommodate all state and Canadian province regulations. Extending out to 20″, with large 6″ x 9″ mirrors, McKesh mirrors offer more visibility than any towing mirror on the market. Add the optional convex mirrors and increase your range of vision even more, especially in those toll booth lines where the guy in the Accord is trying to squeeze by on your passenger side.

McKesh mirrors are made of rugged steel and virtually vibration free. They strap onto your vehicle’s door in just a few seconds. Thick padding prevents marring the vehicle finish. The mirrors are removed with one push of the small catch next to the strap knob. On and off in a few seconds.

McKesh mirrors are available direct from the factory. Call Hensley Mfg. at 1-800-410-6580 to order a set, currently on sale for $125. Convex mirrors are $15.50 each. You can also order them online at www.hensleymfg.com.

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VIDEO: Parlez-Vous RV? Long Long Honeymoon in QUEBEC!

When visiting different places, travel “experts” tell us to visit museums, tour historic buildings, and generally behave like obedient fourth graders on a field trip. Our Long Long Honeymoon approach, for better or for worse, has always been a little different…

Yes, when traveling we tackle our share of activities we’re “supposed” to pursue. We hit historic sites and museums. We gaze upon ancient statues and flowing fountains. We even check out empty orange juice boxes that are masquerading as modern art. (If you don’t believe me, visit the Buenos Aires MALBA - Museum of Latin American Art. You’ll leave wondering how much they actually PAID for those juice boxes!)

But the stuff that sticks with me — the encounters that I really enjoy and remember — usually occur far outside the local museum of modern art. Often magic happens in the most mundane of locations — in a grocery store or a gas station or a sidewalk cafe.

In addition to the obvious change in scenery, a key reason we travel is to experience different cultures. There’s no better way to do so than to tackle an ordinary, everyday activity in which the ground rules have been changed. You may walk away shaking your head and muttering, “Why on earth do they do it that way?” But that’s what makes it fun.

This is why I so enjoyed the Canadian Province of Quebec. First and foremost, what impresses about Quebec is the cultural experience. Of course, language comes to mind. French is the official language. Everywhere you look in Quebec, you see French. Walk into a store, and you hear French. You’re confronted with French everywhere you turn. Personally, I find this refreshing — it sets Quebec apart as a distinctive travel destination.

At the moment there’s tension between the Province of Quebec and the rest of Canada. The situation is certainly bizarre. Quebecers recently voted on a referendum to secede from Canada; the motion failed by a razor thin margin of 49% to 51%. When visiting Quebec, you’ll see more Quebec flags than Canadian flags. While I can understand that this ongoing political unrest would cause angst amongst Canadian citizens, for this visitor the dynamics were fascinating.

I won’t wade into the politics of the situation any further. As the saying goes, I don’t have a dog in this fight. But from a cultural standpoint, I’ve visited most of Western, Central, and Eastern Europe. Being in Quebec reminded me of being overseas. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and am perhaps a little shocked that such a cultural opportunity exists so close to home.

If you have an RV, get a passport and check out Quebec. If you’ve never been to Europe, this is as close as you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic.

—
Like our stuff? See ALL of it on the big screen at LongLongHoneymoon.com.

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Rockabilly Rocks On

They came from the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta, from the piney woods of Tennessee, from hardscrabble farms, from the small towns and big cities across the South. They brought with them the traditions of country music that defined their families lives, but they embraced a new art form called rock and roll. By combining the best of both, they created their own unique blend of music, which was quickly labeled rockabilly. It took the country by storm in the early 1950s.

Rockabilly made many of these artists stars overnight. It was said that musicians like Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison went from “cotton fields” to “Cadillacs” in a very short time.

The International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson, Tennessee traces the history and highlights of rockabilly music, and features rare memorabilia and photographs to honor the musicians who created the genre.

The museum is the brainchild of Henry Harrison of Jackson. Harrison felt it was appropriate for the museum to be in Jackson, since the city is the hometown of rockabilly star Carl Perkins, and is located between Memphis (the home of rock and roll, and blues music) and Nashville (the home of country and hillbilly music).

The greats of rockabilly music are enshrined in the museum’s Hall of Fame. The first group of people were inducted to the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame at a ceremony on April 15, 2000, and groups have been inducted every year since. A panel of rockabilly artists and notables selects the inductees.

The museum displays artifacts from noted rockabilly artists, including stage costumes, instruments, record albums and photographs from such popular stars as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Robison, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Sonny Burgess, to name just a few.

The museum also has a nice collection of videotaped interviews with the people who created the music. This collection continues to grow, and presently includes  interviews with Brenda Lee, Wanda Jackson, Bill Haley’s Original Comets, the Jordanaires, Ace Cannon, Maria Elena Holly (the widow of Buddy Holly), Tommy Allsup (one of Buddy Holly’s Crickets), D.J. Fontana (Elvis Presley’s first drummer), Bob Moore (bass guitarist who played on a number of rockabilly hits), Bill Griggs (music historian and expert on rockabilly music), and rockabilly author Billy Poore. Most of the videos were shot at the Sun Recording Studio offices in Nashville by Jackson television station WBBJ, an ABC affiliate.

Every year the museum hosts the International Rockabilly Music Festival, which features concerts, celebrity appearances, historic videos and a dance with late 1950s dress style. The festival is the world’s largest gathering of rockabilly history makers.

Even if rockabilly is not your preferred form of music, a visit to the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame and Museum is well worth your time if you’re in Jackson. It is a trip back in time, and you’re sure to find yourself humming an old tune or tapping your toes to the music as you watch the videos of the early artists. And you just may be surprised and find yourself discovering a new old music style to enjoy!

The International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame Museum is located one block from City Hall in downtown Jackson, at 105 N. Church Street. The museum is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking is on city streets, so you should leave your RV at a local campground and drive your tow vehicle or dinghy to the museum. The displays are all on the first floor of the museum, so people with physical difficulties should not have any problems with access. For more information on the museum, call (731) 427-6262.

Nick Russell
www.gypsyjournal.net

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Historic Tombstone

Many places in the United States are full of the history that formed our country and, as Gary and Barb discovered, Tombstone in Arizona is one of those fascinating locations. Writing of their experiences in Tombstone on their journal, Gary and Barb’s Travels, the couple share in detail what they gleaned about the city’s past.

Back in the mid 1800’s, the name of the town was Goose Flats. Prospectors were common in those days, but no mines had yet been discovered and begun in this area. One prospector in particular who was working the Sonoran Desert was Ed Shieffelin. In speaking with another man in nearby Camp Huachuca, Ed was told that by continuing on into the vast desert to search for riches, the only thing he was likely find would be his own tombstone.

Disregarding this advice, Ed began prospecting in the area. In 1877, his hard work paid off as Ed found veins of silver. The mine that he opened was the very first silver mine that had ever been seen in the area.

Upon the opening of his silver mine, Ed decided to rename the city. Remembering his conversation with the bloke at Camp Huachuca about finding his own tombstone, Ed renamed Goose Flats “Tombstone”.

The town today provides a home for a whopping 100 people; giving it the slogan “a town too tough to die”. While the town may be, others were not so lucky. The famed gunfight at the OK Corral took place here in Tombstone, Arizona, with the end result being the death of three men.

Some of the Western world’s most famous names gained their notoriety in Tombstone, Arizona. Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday still roam the streets in this historic city, their likenesses depicted by impersonators for the tourist trade. Open to the public for viewing are Wyatt Earp’s home, the Courthouse and the Judge’s house. The Courthouse is now a museum and a State Park, and features an interesting sight: the original hangman’s gallows that was used in the days of the Old West.

Another popular sight in Tombstone is that of the World’s Largest Rose tree, which besides being immense in size is also of great age at 123 years old. Unlike many octogenarian items, it requires very little care, with watering and pruning only being performed on the massive bush.

Some of the most visited sights in Tombstone, Arizona are the tombstones for the gunmen killed at the gunfight at the OK Corral, which are located in the Boothill Graveyard; the jail in the Courthouse where many tourists such as Gary and Barb enjoy having their pictures snapped; and watching the Wild West Show.

Visitors are not limited to the city of Tombstone for interesting sights to see. Nearby, in the city of Tucson, the San Xavier Mission offers breathtakingly beautiful art and captivating history to its viewers.

When traveling through the Sonoran Desert, a stop at historic Tombstone, Arizona with its history and Old West fame is a must see for anyone.

Dan Parlow
Personal Travel Websites by RV.Net ; Online Travel Journals by MyTripJournal.com ; Explore Good Sam Club Trip Journals ; Woodalls Trip Journals ; Travel Journals by Trailer Life Directory ; Traveling USA Travel Blogs

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Back on Track

By Lynn Difley

A big hello to all those on the road, or about to take off for summer activities.  I’ve been down but not out for a couple of weeks, due to a computer malfunction–as in “she’s done broke”. I’m glad to say I had purchased a long term warranty along with the computer from Circuit City. Oops, Circuit City closed and had their final sale. They are no more. My heart sank at the thought that I would have to buy another computer, and had perhaps lost all the material I had carelessly neglected to back up. Drat and bother, this blankety blank economy.

But wait! The good news for me was that the warranty was still being honored by their warranty contractor. I had to take my computer into Radio Shack, where they helped me wade through a pile of paper work (who says this is a paper free society?) and I sent it off to a repair center. I waited, ok, I was a bit nervous about it, but we checked by Email and all seemed to be progressing normally. A part that was necessary was on backorder–isn’t the one part you need always on backorder? Soon they answered that the computer was in shipment, and the next afternoon I went down to Radio Shack and picked it up. Hooray, it is as good as new, with a new motherboard, whatever that is. Now I’m back on line and in business.

So what did I miss? Do let me know what you were up to, what happened while I was off line and out of contact?  I was relieved the first week it was gone, free of the responsibilities I had taken on and unable to keep up with world wide internet events, surely the personal responsibility of every computer owning citizen. I had lots of extra time to prepare for classes, read and enjoy the summer weather. However, by the third week, somehow all that free time had filled itself and I found myself rushing as much as ever to accomplish my daily list of to do’s. I wonder how it happens. Time is much like a purse, the more room you think you have, the more you find to fill it with, until all of a sudden you have an overwhelming accumulation of questionably important items. So now I have my computer back, where was I?

We all know that water is good for you. It can help you feel fuller, it’s a good replacement for sugary drinks like soda or juice, improves the look of your skin–the list is long. But did you know that drinking water might also help reduce your risk of a heart attack?  Here’s a study that established that participants “who drink five or more glasses of plain water a day have a much lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease compared to those who drink less than two glasses per day.” 
 
The risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (like blood viscosity) appear to be elevated by dehydration. Study participants were generally healthy (without a history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes) and reduced their risk of dying of a heart attack by half or more. The benefits were not the same if participants drank five or more glasses of other fluids each day. It appears that the reduced risk came with people who drank plain water.

Drinking five glasses of water per day is an easy habit for most people to develop. And who knows what other health benefits you might get from making sure you stay well-hydrated throughout the day! I think I’ll go pour myself a nice cold glass of water. Here’s to your health! Lynn 

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2009 Airstream PanAmerica 34′

2009 Airstream PanAmerica 34′

Previously $93,121 - Now $75,107

34 ft. travel trailer toy hauler sleeps 4. Features flat screen TV, separate interior shower, front queen bed, microwave & stove, lounge dinette, and more! Offered from Colonial Airstream & Itasca in Lakewood, NJ. Learn More!

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Awesome Fall Foliage in Georgia’s Vogel State Park

General Info: One of Georgia’s oldest state parks, Vogel State Park is a popular destination for visitors searching for outdoor recreation in Blairsville. Located at the base of Blood Mountain (about 20 miles as the crow flies from the North Carolina border) the park’s 233 acres are surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Hours and Fees: The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the park office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the park office at (706) 745-2628 for more information.

Activities: The 22-acre lake is open for non-motorized boats only, and there is a scenic beach for swimming along the shores. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent a pedal boat on site in the summer to cruise around the lake. Take a break at the covered picnic areas, where you can enjoy your refreshments in the shade of the park’s woodland canopy. Vogel State Park has several hiking trails of various length and intensity where you can get a better look at the park’s beautiful wilderness. Gather the troops for a round of miniature golf on the park’s course for $3 per person, or challenge a friend or campsite neighbor to a round of horseshoes after your morning fishing.

Camping Info: Vogel State Park’s campground features 85 gravel trailer/RV campsites with good paved interior roads. Each site has a patio and water and electrical (30/50 amp) hookups only. Back-ins measure 18×30′ and pull-thru sites measure 18×45′. But be warned: there are several tight turnarounds! Handicap accessible showers and restrooms are located throughout the campground. Laundry facilities and a dump station are available for your convenience. Firewood and limited groceries can also be purchased on site. The kids will enjoy the ball field and playground located near the campground entrance. Nightly rates range from $23-$25 per site. Download the park campground map PDF.

Those of you with longer trailers or rigs may want to try Trackrock Campground and Cabins in nearby Blairsville, which features 60’ pull-thrus and back-ins.

From Blairsville you can follow the Woodall’s One Tank Trip route down to Atlanta for some historic and cultural sight-seeing. If you’re from Georgia or have visited Vogel State Park in the past, please chime in with your stories and travel tips!