As soon as summer is over, we start thinking about where we’d like to go in our next season of RV travel. . . . the next time we can break free and hit the RVing road again. A few weeks ago we watched a documentary on the Travel Channel entitled Travel Channels Top Ten Wonders of the West. This program, which highlighted the majesty of several nature wonders in the western U.S, and was inspiring. With each commentary –we knew we had to visit these places. And there isn’t a better way to see the country than to pack up some food, hitch up the trailer and take to the road on a new RV adventure.
Denver is in the heart of the West, and realistically, if you took them one by one, all of these parks are within one to three days drive from our home base. But when we dream, we dream big, and can imagine hitting several of these locations in one trip. Planning and early reservations requests will be necessary. For example, my initial discovery of traveling to the Grand Canyon, camping reservations must be made at least six months in advance – and there is only one RV park near the Canyon with full-hooks up. If the Grand Canyon is one of our stops next year, we’ll need to clear time on the calendars and start laying out the trip now. Reservations will need to be made before the end of the year. We’ll explore all the options – and share all the results. We’ll take you through the whole adventure with us - one step at a time – and look forward to sharing our RV travels to each destination. Join us for the Top Ten!!
Here’s the list of the Ten Wonders of the West, with mileage from Denver.
Arches National Park, Utah (349 miles
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico (584 miles)
Channel Islands National Park, California (1,079 miles)
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (1,212 miles)
Death Valley, California (869 miles)
Mount Hood, Oregon (1,209 miles)
Redwoods National Park (1,230 miles) and Yosemite National Park, California(1,585 miles)
The Grand Canyon, Arizona and Nevada (677 to 856 miles, depending upon North or South Rim)
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (593 miles)
One of the recommended first steps for any RV adventure across several states . . . get all the info you can in advance. A great source of information about traveling in any state, is the Department of Tourism. Request the States’ tourism packages and guides, and sign up on their websites to receive event information and travel updates. These publications are free and the information extremely valuable. Many States offer coupons to major attractions and detailed maps. Follow the link and order the FREE State Tourism packages for each State.
A good friend of mine lives in the great State of Utah and is an outdoor adventurer as well. If you are into RVing and ATV riding, check out Utah ATV Trails for a complete list of ATV trail reviews in Utah.
RV Adventurers, please email us at rvweekenderreview@gmail.com/"; we’d love to hear your comments/suggestions for any of the “Top Ten” you have visited.
10/12/2009
9/20/2009
TIME TO WINTERIZE !!
It’s Cooling off in Colorado . . . Snow expected above 7,000 feet
Our winterizing weekend is just around the corner. Here’s the list we use at the end of each season and again after we’ve decided on a nice weekend - spontaneous winter getaway trip to our favorite local State Park. Because we park and store our RV at our home in an uncovered and unheated area, we must do a complete winterization on the rig. Your winterization list will vary depending on where you are able to store your RV.
• Give your rig a good washing. This gives you the chance to check all window seals, seams, vents and siding. Roll out the awning and give it a good cleaning and check-up too. Wait until your awning is completely dry (top and bottom) before you roll it up. Take this time to also clean the screens and windows from the inside. A good vacuuming is a must. You never know what might be lurking under the cushions or in and around the mattress. I once found a half-eaten PB&J left by one of the grandkids. A nice winter snack for passerby pests. Even the smallest of cracker crumbs can be a feast for a family of ants. I vacuum everything – top to bottom – all cupboards and storage areas.
• The sun is intense at 5,280 . . . close your window shades while in storage – it prevents sun fade on the interior. (We also keep our shades closed whenever the rig is parked during our RVing season. Another tip: Keep the shades up when bouncing down the road; this will reduce shade and cord wear, and keeps the shades from banging on and scratching at the screens and rubber seals.)
• Check out what you have in your exterior (and interior) storage areas/compartments and clean out (as necessary) items that can’t weather the weather. Any oils, fluids or cans should be removed – you don’t want anything freezing and exploding.
• Tire care: inflate them to the maximum stated cold pressure level – this will avoid flat spots next year. No matter where you store your vehicle, it’s a good idea to put planks under your tires and all wheels should be chocked. Since we’ve had such a cool summer this year, I’ve noticed we’ve been inundated more than normal with bugs, spiders and mice around the exterior of our house than during our very warm summers. Since we store our RV here at home – I’m going to try the dryer sheet trick this year. The pests don’t like the smell. Place a few dryer sheets next to your tires between the chocks, and also shove a dryer sheet into any open area, hole, crease, etc.; on the underside of your trailer . . helps keep the rig pest free.
• Defrost, clean and wipe down your fridge and freezer. Don’t forget to blow out the drain lines for the fridge to prevent the line from freezing and future refrigerator issues. Keep an open box of baking soda in both the fridge and freezer. You don’t want the fridge smelling like an old cooler next year. It works very well – just as it does for the fridge in the house.
• Be sure to cover your air conditioning unit and TV antenna with a covers designed to fit and protect. Critical!
• Pipes and Tanks: Here’s the fun part and the MOST IMPORTANT of all your winterizing chores. Drain and flush the black and grey tanks first. Then drain the fresh water system, and utilize an air compressor to blow out the lines – keeping all faucets (hot and cold) wide open during this process. Someone should watch from inside to confirm there isn’t a single drop of water left coming out of the faucets. Be sure to open up tub and shower lines too. Next, be sure to remove drain plugs from your water heater, refrigerator and ice maker (if you have one). Last year we completely missed blowing out the little plastic inlet line in the toilet. Big mistake. The small amount of water left in the inlet to the toilet froze and split, and cost us a waterless weekend on our first trip of the year (our shakedown cruise). . and then another $200 at the RV store to buy a replacement john!
• After you are sure all of the water has been flushed and blown out of the lines, it’s time to finalize the process with a good RV antifreeze product. Pour a little down your sinks and in the shower. This will protect any water left in the P-traps from freezing. We also pump antifreeze into the black, grey and fresh water tanks to keep any puddles left on the bottom of these tanks from freezing.
• The best way to protect our trailer batteries is to unhook them and store in an area that won’t freeze. Be sure your battery fluids are topped off before storing. For the propane tanks, make sure the main valve on the tanks are shut off.
• And the finishing touch . . . bring in the slide-outs and cover your unit, leaving one of the vents open just a bit for a little air flow.
A good winterizing ensures our first RVing adventure next year will go smoothly. We’re serious about our RVing and serious about protecting our investment. We want to be on the road as much as possible and good upkeep on the unit it worth every minute of time and every dollar spent. Happy RVing!!!
Our winterizing weekend is just around the corner. Here’s the list we use at the end of each season and again after we’ve decided on a nice weekend - spontaneous winter getaway trip to our favorite local State Park. Because we park and store our RV at our home in an uncovered and unheated area, we must do a complete winterization on the rig. Your winterization list will vary depending on where you are able to store your RV.
• Give your rig a good washing. This gives you the chance to check all window seals, seams, vents and siding. Roll out the awning and give it a good cleaning and check-up too. Wait until your awning is completely dry (top and bottom) before you roll it up. Take this time to also clean the screens and windows from the inside. A good vacuuming is a must. You never know what might be lurking under the cushions or in and around the mattress. I once found a half-eaten PB&J left by one of the grandkids. A nice winter snack for passerby pests. Even the smallest of cracker crumbs can be a feast for a family of ants. I vacuum everything – top to bottom – all cupboards and storage areas.
• The sun is intense at 5,280 . . . close your window shades while in storage – it prevents sun fade on the interior. (We also keep our shades closed whenever the rig is parked during our RVing season. Another tip: Keep the shades up when bouncing down the road; this will reduce shade and cord wear, and keeps the shades from banging on and scratching at the screens and rubber seals.)
• Check out what you have in your exterior (and interior) storage areas/compartments and clean out (as necessary) items that can’t weather the weather. Any oils, fluids or cans should be removed – you don’t want anything freezing and exploding.
• Tire care: inflate them to the maximum stated cold pressure level – this will avoid flat spots next year. No matter where you store your vehicle, it’s a good idea to put planks under your tires and all wheels should be chocked. Since we’ve had such a cool summer this year, I’ve noticed we’ve been inundated more than normal with bugs, spiders and mice around the exterior of our house than during our very warm summers. Since we store our RV here at home – I’m going to try the dryer sheet trick this year. The pests don’t like the smell. Place a few dryer sheets next to your tires between the chocks, and also shove a dryer sheet into any open area, hole, crease, etc.; on the underside of your trailer . . helps keep the rig pest free.
• Defrost, clean and wipe down your fridge and freezer. Don’t forget to blow out the drain lines for the fridge to prevent the line from freezing and future refrigerator issues. Keep an open box of baking soda in both the fridge and freezer. You don’t want the fridge smelling like an old cooler next year. It works very well – just as it does for the fridge in the house.
• Be sure to cover your air conditioning unit and TV antenna with a covers designed to fit and protect. Critical!
• Pipes and Tanks: Here’s the fun part and the MOST IMPORTANT of all your winterizing chores. Drain and flush the black and grey tanks first. Then drain the fresh water system, and utilize an air compressor to blow out the lines – keeping all faucets (hot and cold) wide open during this process. Someone should watch from inside to confirm there isn’t a single drop of water left coming out of the faucets. Be sure to open up tub and shower lines too. Next, be sure to remove drain plugs from your water heater, refrigerator and ice maker (if you have one). Last year we completely missed blowing out the little plastic inlet line in the toilet. Big mistake. The small amount of water left in the inlet to the toilet froze and split, and cost us a waterless weekend on our first trip of the year (our shakedown cruise). . and then another $200 at the RV store to buy a replacement john!
• After you are sure all of the water has been flushed and blown out of the lines, it’s time to finalize the process with a good RV antifreeze product. Pour a little down your sinks and in the shower. This will protect any water left in the P-traps from freezing. We also pump antifreeze into the black, grey and fresh water tanks to keep any puddles left on the bottom of these tanks from freezing.
• The best way to protect our trailer batteries is to unhook them and store in an area that won’t freeze. Be sure your battery fluids are topped off before storing. For the propane tanks, make sure the main valve on the tanks are shut off.
• And the finishing touch . . . bring in the slide-outs and cover your unit, leaving one of the vents open just a bit for a little air flow.
A good winterizing ensures our first RVing adventure next year will go smoothly. We’re serious about our RVing and serious about protecting our investment. We want to be on the road as much as possible and good upkeep on the unit it worth every minute of time and every dollar spent. Happy RVing!!!
9/15/2009
CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK - COLORADO
CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK, DENVER, COLORADO
One of our favorite “just gotta getaway” spots, Cherry Creek State Park is located just off of I-225 and Parker Road in south Metro Denver, very close to our home base. Operated by the State of Colorado and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, Cherry Creek State Park is a dam and water storage facility.
We like Cherry Creek because of its proximity to the house, but also because of the beach areas and the camping loops. It a favorite place to take the grandkids for just an afternoon or for the weekend. There are approximately 150 sites at Cherry Creek, full hookups for trailers, and multiple tents and group camping spots, ranging in price from $11 to $22.50 for full hook ups. Because it is so close to the city, grocery stores and supply stops are only minutes away. Sites and camping loops are secluded, some are wooded, all are close to the water and are very quiet . . . we also find that Cherry Creek is very well kept and clean. Because of the easy access from anywhere in the Metro area, Cherry Creek is a hot spot for bicyclers, hikers, water craft and of course, fishing. Last year my son caught a 5 pound rainbow trout in the lake. Yummy!
We’ll get back to Cherry Creek at least once if not twice before the season is over. Colorado’s spectacular State Parks system, as well as our abundancy of national parks forest land, the Colorado Rockies and all our 14ers make great camping and visiting spots – year around!!!
One of our favorite “just gotta getaway” spots, Cherry Creek State Park is located just off of I-225 and Parker Road in south Metro Denver, very close to our home base. Operated by the State of Colorado and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, Cherry Creek State Park is a dam and water storage facility.
We like Cherry Creek because of its proximity to the house, but also because of the beach areas and the camping loops. It a favorite place to take the grandkids for just an afternoon or for the weekend. There are approximately 150 sites at Cherry Creek, full hookups for trailers, and multiple tents and group camping spots, ranging in price from $11 to $22.50 for full hook ups. Because it is so close to the city, grocery stores and supply stops are only minutes away. Sites and camping loops are secluded, some are wooded, all are close to the water and are very quiet . . . we also find that Cherry Creek is very well kept and clean. Because of the easy access from anywhere in the Metro area, Cherry Creek is a hot spot for bicyclers, hikers, water craft and of course, fishing. Last year my son caught a 5 pound rainbow trout in the lake. Yummy!
We’ll get back to Cherry Creek at least once if not twice before the season is over. Colorado’s spectacular State Parks system, as well as our abundancy of national parks forest land, the Colorado Rockies and all our 14ers make great camping and visiting spots – year around!!!
9/14/2009
ROYAL GORGE, LEADVILLE, TWIN LAKES, COLORADO
The Royal Gorge, Leadville and Twin Lakes - Colorado
LEADVILLE, COLORADO
Set in the central Rockies at 10,400 feet, Leadville, Colorado is a historic mining town and was quite the hot spot during the mining boom in 1860 through 1880’s. Leadville is touted as the nation’s highest incorporated city at 10,400 feet. There are magnificent views of the central Rocky Mountains from the town and surrounding area. On the road to Leadville and near Leadville itself, you can view some of Colorado’s highest peaks – the “14ers” (elevations over 14,000 feet). Mt. Shavano – 14,229 ft., Mt. Antero – 14,269 ft., Mt. Yale - 14,196 ft., Mt. Harvard – 14,420 ft., and the two largest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Elbert at 14,433 ft and Mt. Massive at 14,421. All nicely lined up in a row on the south or north route to Leadville via Colorado Highway 24, through Poncha Springs and Buena Vista. Leadville, even at over 10,000 feet, offers a fairly mild climate for the elevation. The temp rarely gets over 80 degrees, but be assured the nights can get quite cool. During our trip to Leadville and the Twin Lakes area, the temperature topped out a 67 during the day, and a low of 35 at night. Not bad for the Rockies in September! Even though we dry-camped this round, an extra blanket in the evening was all that was needed. We were a couple of weeks ahead of the Aspen’s turning – but the views were breathtaking nonetheless.
History buffs must make a stop at the National Mining Museum in Leadville, which gives a complete history of mining activities and the fortunes made in Leadville in gold and silver – notables such as the Tabors, Guggenheims, Molly Brown and Marshall Field. Scenery buffs and railroad enthusiasts can take a train ride on the infamous Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad (LC&S) which winds through the old Denver and South Park rail lines through the Arkansas River Valley. The cost is $33/adult and $20/children for a 2 ½ hour ride.
ROYAL GORGE (Canon City, CO)
On our way to Leadville, we decided to take the longer way around out of Denver to make at stop at the Royal Gorge, just outside of Canon City, Colorado. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the world at 1,053 feet high and a quarter mile long. We have been to the Royal Gorge area many times – it is so beautiful and so many things to do in the area:
• Walk or drive the bridge (walking is better – fantastic photography opportunities)
• Petty Zoo and Elk Wildlife Park
• Royal Rush Skycoaster – for thrill seekers! (not for the faint-hearted . . it goes out over the edge of the Gorge – you couldn’t get me on that thing for a million dollars!)
• Trolley and Aerial Tram Ridges
• Incline Railway
• Horseback and burro rides
• Pavilion and Plaza Theaters
• River rafting . . . . . . . and much more!
My most favorite attraction is the Royal Gorge Dinner Train. Very pricey at $80 to $120 per person – but well worth the money and the time. . . and the food is pretty good. You’ll need to MAKE RESERVATIONS early – the train is almost always at full capacity especially in the summer and early fall months. The train departs from the Canon City Depot – right off Main Street (Highway 50) in the center of town. Follow the signs – it’s very easy to find.
TWIN LAKES, COLORADO
At the base of Mt. Elbert, Twin Lakes area in the San Isabel National Forest is a pair of natural spring lakes. Breathtaking scenery and multiple hiking trails to choose from. Our dry camping spot was just about 300 yards up from the lake, $12 a night. After our adventures to Royal Gorge and Leadville, we found Twin Lakes the perfect place to sit back, take in the scenery and relax with the grandkids for the remainder of the long weekend. Perfect!
View Larger Map
LEADVILLE, COLORADO
Set in the central Rockies at 10,400 feet, Leadville, Colorado is a historic mining town and was quite the hot spot during the mining boom in 1860 through 1880’s. Leadville is touted as the nation’s highest incorporated city at 10,400 feet. There are magnificent views of the central Rocky Mountains from the town and surrounding area. On the road to Leadville and near Leadville itself, you can view some of Colorado’s highest peaks – the “14ers” (elevations over 14,000 feet). Mt. Shavano – 14,229 ft., Mt. Antero – 14,269 ft., Mt. Yale - 14,196 ft., Mt. Harvard – 14,420 ft., and the two largest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Elbert at 14,433 ft and Mt. Massive at 14,421. All nicely lined up in a row on the south or north route to Leadville via Colorado Highway 24, through Poncha Springs and Buena Vista. Leadville, even at over 10,000 feet, offers a fairly mild climate for the elevation. The temp rarely gets over 80 degrees, but be assured the nights can get quite cool. During our trip to Leadville and the Twin Lakes area, the temperature topped out a 67 during the day, and a low of 35 at night. Not bad for the Rockies in September! Even though we dry-camped this round, an extra blanket in the evening was all that was needed. We were a couple of weeks ahead of the Aspen’s turning – but the views were breathtaking nonetheless. History buffs must make a stop at the National Mining Museum in Leadville, which gives a complete history of mining activities and the fortunes made in Leadville in gold and silver – notables such as the Tabors, Guggenheims, Molly Brown and Marshall Field. Scenery buffs and railroad enthusiasts can take a train ride on the infamous Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad (LC&S) which winds through the old Denver and South Park rail lines through the Arkansas River Valley. The cost is $33/adult and $20/children for a 2 ½ hour ride.
ROYAL GORGE (Canon City, CO)
On our way to Leadville, we decided to take the longer way around out of Denver to make at stop at the Royal Gorge, just outside of Canon City, Colorado. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the world at 1,053 feet high and a quarter mile long. We have been to the Royal Gorge area many times – it is so beautiful and so many things to do in the area:
• Walk or drive the bridge (walking is better – fantastic photography opportunities)
• Petty Zoo and Elk Wildlife Park
• Royal Rush Skycoaster – for thrill seekers! (not for the faint-hearted . . it goes out over the edge of the Gorge – you couldn’t get me on that thing for a million dollars!)
• Trolley and Aerial Tram Ridges
• Incline Railway
• Horseback and burro rides
• Pavilion and Plaza Theaters
• River rafting . . . . . . . and much more!
My most favorite attraction is the Royal Gorge Dinner Train. Very pricey at $80 to $120 per person – but well worth the money and the time. . . and the food is pretty good. You’ll need to MAKE RESERVATIONS early – the train is almost always at full capacity especially in the summer and early fall months. The train departs from the Canon City Depot – right off Main Street (Highway 50) in the center of town. Follow the signs – it’s very easy to find.
TWIN LAKES, COLORADO
At the base of Mt. Elbert, Twin Lakes area in the San Isabel National Forest is a pair of natural spring lakes. Breathtaking scenery and multiple hiking trails to choose from. Our dry camping spot was just about 300 yards up from the lake, $12 a night. After our adventures to Royal Gorge and Leadville, we found Twin Lakes the perfect place to sit back, take in the scenery and relax with the grandkids for the remainder of the long weekend. Perfect!
View Larger Map
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