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RE: Popup vs. Small TT
Maybe a 16' or 17' Scamp or Casita with front bunks and sided bath? www.fiberglassrv.com
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huachuca
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03/10/10 05:11am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Best spot on Blue Ridge Parkway
Both Pisgah and Linville Falls are good spots. The National Forests (Pisgah and Nantahala) in that area also have some beautiful 'rustic' campgrounds that we enjoy even more so you might want to check them out as well.
Al & Cindy
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huachuca
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03/05/10 10:27am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Tent questions for solo camping
We used the big box screen rooms for several years before and they didn't offer much protection from rain even when we opted for side curtains. Most of them were destroyed by high winds when camping along the Outer Banks.
After talking to another camper who had a Paha Que model about five years ago, we went with their 12x12 model. http://www.pahaque.com/
Its not cheap and is difficult to put up alone but its been through some really tough weather with us. Properly guyed, its survived a weekend of sustained 25 mph winds with gusts reported at 50 and a driving rain through most of it. When we left, the campground dumpsters were full of pop-up canopies and tents that didn't make it. Customer support is excellent as well. When a friend borrowed it and didn't stake it properly, one of the poles was severely damaged when a summer storm came through. It was replaced for the cost of shipping.
I doubt it would be a solution when solo camping but its worked well for the two of us. They make a 10x10 but the 12x12 is much better over a std 8' picnic table.
Good luck with your decision. We expect to get 24 hrs wihout temps in the 20's today - If it was Saturday, I'd go camping.
Al
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huachuca
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02/21/10 05:34am |
Tent Camping
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RE: Tent questions for solo camping
Jeff, that's where the screen room comes in. There can't be many people with more 'stuff' around a campsite than us when we're camping out of the Tacoma.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q278/huachuca/PI-0909/th_056.jpg
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huachuca
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02/20/10 06:12am |
Tent Camping
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RE: Tent questions for solo camping
Cindy and I backpack, car camp and have a small (16' Scamp) trailer. For the past several years, our tent has been a Pinnacle Pass 3XTA by Eureka. Its light enough for overnight hikes and has plenty of room for the two of us - We even slept three when our daughter joined us on a recent trip to Big Bend NP. They can be found for under $150 with a bit of searching on the net.
For us, a tent is for sleeping. We don't cook, eat, lounge around or even store much gear in ours. Living in NC, most of our camping is on the Outer Banks (sand) or in the mountains (rain). Sleeping in gritty or wet bags just isn't much fun so we minimize traffic in and out of the tent. If we're car camping or in the Scamp and will be at the same spot for two or more days, we'll usually set up our screen room and use it for kicking back when we're at the campsite.
Over the years we've had large cabin style tents (both canvas and polyester) but found the combination of a smaller tent and a good screen room (Paha Que 12x12) work much better for us.
YMMV - Al
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huachuca
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02/19/10 06:31am |
Tent Camping
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RE: new to the forum
Welcome to the forum. We're in NC but try to make at least one trip to Texas each year - Thanks for having us. Our State Parks folks could sure learn a thing or two from your TPWD.
Al & Cindy
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huachuca
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02/11/10 05:53am |
Tent Camping
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RE: Big Bend NP question
We were there two weeks ago and found coverage to be a bit spotty as usual but we were able to pick up a signal at several points throughout the Park. Couldn't get anything in the Basin itself but had a good signal about two thirds of the way down the road out. Our carrier is US Cellular.
Al
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huachuca
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02/01/10 02:17pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Big Bend area RV park information needed
Do yourself a favor and drive through both the Cottonwood and Rio Grande Village (not the RV park) campgrounds and see if there's a site open that you'd be comfortable getting into. For us, staying within the Park is a big part of the BB experience.
The Starlight Theater in Terlingua is a hidden gem of a restaurant - try the chicken fried antelope. La Kiva is a one of a kind local watering hole worth a looksee.
Drop me a PM if you want recommendations for hikes and backroad drives within the Park.
Enjoy your visit - Big Bend is a great Park no matter where you stay.
Al & Cindy
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huachuca
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01/31/10 06:01am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Is there a decent air mattress out there?
How much are the Therma-rest products? I don't need one for back-packing so I'd want to get the thickest one possible for maximum comfort. I will use it at home or when tent camping for a weekend.
Any suggestions? You just open a valve and then inflate? How does that work? then, how do you de-flate it before you leave?
-Greg
Greg, this site should give you some idea of the various Thermarest products available
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/category
Most retailers are fairly consistent with their pricing but you can often find 'seconds' or discontinued models with a bit of research - google is your friend. Look for extras like free shipping or free stuff sacks. Our five year old Trail Comfort model has been replaced by the Trail Pro series - $80 for regular and $90 for large at Campmor. There are thicker (3") and pricier ($175+) models available.
When you store the mat, you roll it tightly which forces the air out, close the valve and store it in a stuff sack (or strap it). Unroll it, open the valve and it will self inflate. You may need add a few breaths of air to for a bit more firmness. Close the valve and you're good. When you get back home, unroll the mat and leave it inflated until your next trip.
These are easily repairable in the field. One of ours suffered a cactus stick several years ago on an overnight backpack and the patch I made is still good.
Al
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huachuca
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01/23/10 06:58am |
Tent Camping
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RE: 'Bucket List' of Parks.....
Gotta get a plug in for something in the southeast.
Portsmouth Island in Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Twentyfive miles of unspoiled beach, no permanent inhabitants, no roads, no amenities, hard enough to get to so that we can often spend an entire weekend without seeing more than a half dozen other people (except during fishing season) AND less than four hours from home.
Al
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huachuca
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01/22/10 05:47am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Is there a decent air mattress out there?
"I am interested in the "self inflating" ones mentioned, but are they fairly comfortable since they are only around 2" thick?"
We've used two of the Thermarest Large Trail Comfort Series pads for several years (25"x77"x2", 3.2 lbs) and found them to be a great compromise for both backpacking and car camping. Plenty comfortable and I'm 6'4", 250 lbs and on the plus side of 60. We used them in Big Bend NP just last week,
Al & Cindy
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huachuca
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01/21/10 09:42am |
Tent Camping
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RE: Which Thermarest Pad will work for me?
We have two of the Trail Comfort series (large size - 25"x77"x2"). I'm fairly certain Thermarest has discontinued these and replaced them with another model designation but they've worked out great for us for both backpacking and car camping. At a bit over 3 lbs each they're not too bad on the trail and are actually quite comfortable (At 60+, comfort is becoming a priority).
Good luck - Al & Cindy
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huachuca
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01/20/10 01:23pm |
Tent Camping
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RE: obx cg for 32ft tt?
If you need hookups - 1) Ocean Waves, 2) Frisco Woods, 3) Camp Hatteras, 4) KOA
If you don't, one of the NPS campgrounds - 1) Frisco, 2) Ocracoke, 3) Oregon Inlet. 4) Cape Point
Personally, I'd rather stay with the Park Service. Sites are generally larger and many of those at Frisco are fairly private. Big difference in price if that's a consideration.
Al
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huachuca
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01/05/10 05:58am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: single mom needs advice
Hi Joy, A quick google showed a 5K tow rating for Xterras but check your owner's manual to confirm this. If true, both Scamp and Casita offer 16' models that would work but you'd have to go 'pre-owned' to stay within your budget. Nothing wrong with that as the molded fiberglass style is relatively bullet proof with a minimum of care. We have an 02 16' Scamp wih the front bunks / side bath floor plan that we bought in early 04 and have had no significant problems. Good luck with your search and let us know what you find.
Al ^ Cindy
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huachuca
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12/28/09 07:57pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Summer Trip To Mountains
Sounds like a great trip.
We've camped at Palo Duro several times and prefer the Mesquite campground as its the most remote of the developed facilites. Lots of nice hiking trails - The Lighthouse is our favorite.
Mesquite campsite
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q278/huachuca/BB_12_07/IMG_0031.jpg?t=1261588767 width=640
A little exploring
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q278/huachuca/IMG_1214.jpg?t=1261589277 width=640
I'm not sure what your route is but Carlsbad Caverns NP is hard to beat - The Lower Cave is a good extra; reservations recommended. If you do end up in that area, I'd suggest the Dog Canyon campground in Guadalupe Mtn NP - about an hours drive from Carlsbad and great scenery. Sitting Bull Falls in Lincoln NF is on the way in/out.
Have fun.
Al & Cindy
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huachuca
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12/23/09 10:29am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Tent camping R Us
WTW, Cindy won the Cabela's shower at an RV event but we got by for years with a tarp. pvc pipe, bucket, hose and shower head. Google "camping shower" for the essentials. When camping out of the Tacoma and where spigots are not readily available we carry about five gallons of water per day. That along with the melt water from the coolers is plenty for cooking, washing dishes and showers for the two of us.
With your setup, I'd suggest a larger trailer mounted tank; Something like this http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200347992_200347992
Paint the barrel black and the water will be plenty warm if left in the sun. Get a longer hose, swap out the wand for a shower head, rig up an enclosure with PVC/tarp and you're good.
Keep in mind showers such as this are not permitted in most campgrounds as you're essentially dumping gray water. I'm not familiar with Fl State Park regs but suggest you check before making any investment. Even where they are allowed, be sure to setup at least 200' from any natural water source and use biodegradable soap.
Good luck with your plans. Before the Tacoma and Scamp we used an old M416 Army trailer pulled by my Wrangler to haul all our gear to the boonies. Good times.
Al
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huachuca
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12/23/09 06:49am |
Tent Camping
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RE: Tent camping R Us
Guest, there's no reason you can't enjoy tenting and the pup today. In fact, we have three options - the Scamp, car camping and backpacking. We carry a screen room, a shower tent and our backpacking gear in the camper. We usually boondock or stay at rustic USFS campgrounds with the Scamp so we're not depriving someone of a site if we use that as a base for a more remote opportunity.
The Scamp in Big Bend NP
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q278/huachuca/GUMO-BB-08/IMG_0390.jpg?t=1261510195 width=640
Car (truck) camping on Portsmouth Island - Cape Lookout NS
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q278/huachuca/PI-0909/056.jpg
Backpack to the South Rim in Big Bend NP (left the Scamp in a parking lot)
http://www.bigbendgallery.com/uploads/files/VBDSC773.jpg width=640
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huachuca
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12/22/09 12:34pm |
Tent Camping
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RE: Generators In No Hookup Campgrounds: A Poll
"#3 Do you think CGs should designate certain areas for generators for medical needs and severely limit or not allow generators elsewhere?
No - If you have medical needs, you shouldn't be camping where you have to rely on a generator."
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Fulltimers, you're certainly entitled to your opinion but I'll have to disagree with this statement. Camping opportunities for people with health issues are limited enough - no need at all for further restrictions.
We car tent, backpack and have a small trailer (16' Scamp w/genset). We're about 50/50 between boondocking in wilderness areas or other public lands and rustic (USFS type) campgrounds.
Yes, we have been disturbed by generator noise but not outside of posted hours.
When I get to be King, I'd like to see:
1) Separate generator sections - preferably segrgated by distance or a natural noise buffer
2) Limit hours at 0700-1000 and 1700-2000
3) Limit and enforce maximum db levels
And while we're at it, the same time limits and db levels on anyone idling their engines (gas or diesel).
All things considered, I think Vapor_Trails and jtbeck have the right solution.
Al
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huachuca
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12/19/09 07:33am |
Tent Camping
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RE: Forest Service 50% off for Old Folks May Be Abolished
I have to ask, what public good is being served by giving a discount based on age? Previous posts have talked about "people struggling to make ends meet", but the 60+ age group is BY FAR the wealthiest segment of society. Why not give a discount instead to people struggling to make ends meet, regardless of age?
Answer: They aren't a reliable voting block, and retirees are.
Excuse me, but many of the posts I've read are nothing but self-serving whines. Don't get me wrong, whining is how you get what you want in the political system, but take a moment to consider all the segments of society who DO NOT get discounts, so you can get yours. This includes single mothers trying to raise families, veterans (under 65 and undecorated), and yes, people who cannot afford it. Why should they have to make room for you?
I realize many people here are struggling to keep up the payments on their $500,000 MH, so every $12 discount helps. But that $12 has to come from somewhere, and the likliest source will be someone WORKING too hard to take the time to vote against it.
Hope this helps.
Big leap here, but I'll play. If your statement is correct, it also seems reasonable the 60+ folks have 'contributed' the most of any segment of the population. Consider this a return on our investment rather than a discoun
No whining here - just expecting people and govennments (same thing) to honor their committments and take to responsibility for the consequences of their actions. My wife works in public health and my daughter is a teacher. Believe me when I say you don't want to argue the merits of our social programs and, as the mods stated, this isn't the place. Also, as a proud vet (Draftee, Sgt. US Army 69-70), I don't think I'm owed anything for my service but I do get ticked when something I've been promised is taken away.
I don't see too many of the big boys camped at the facilities we use but I have no problem with those that do getting what they've been promised. Neither you nor I have any idea what price they paid to get where they are and it really doesn't matter. And, FWIW, I'm still working and contributing significantly to enjoy my $12 'discount' with my 16' Scamp.
Actually, it did. Thanks
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huachuca
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12/05/09 08:39am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Where to go (west) after San Antonio, TX
Lots of good suggestions here - DesertHawk is usually spot on with recommendations for the types of activities we enjoy - scenic and minimal crowds. ymmv. Take Hwy 90 out of San Antonio down through Del Rio on on to Big Bend NP. Overnight at one of the primitive sites on Lake Amistad NRA and/or at Seminole Canyon SP (take the guided tour). In Big Bend NP, spend at least one night at the Rio Grand Village campground (not the RGV resort located across the street) and take your canoe back into Boquillas Canyon. On the west end of BBNP, stay at the Cottonwood campground (you'll have to forego the genset use) and explore Santa Elena Canyon with the boat. Dinner at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua - the menu will suprise you. Lots to see in BB especially with the 4WD truck you have. When leaving, take the river road to Presidio and then north.
Second the suggestions others have Carlsbad Caverns (highly recommend the Lower Cave tour and you will need reservations for that). Sitting Bull Falls in Lincoln NF, Guadalupe Mtn NP (TX) and you're still in eastern NM. This is just a great area to visit - have fun.
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huachuca
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11/16/09 11:58am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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