RV camping is a popular way to explore the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of home. RV stands for “recreational vehicle,” and these vehicles come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small trailers to large motorhomes. RV camping provides the flexibility to travel at your own pace, with the freedom to choose your own route and schedule. RVs typically have all the amenities of a home, including kitchen and bathroom facilities, sleeping areas, and entertainment options. Many RV parks and campgrounds offer full hookups for electricity, water, and sewage, as well as amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and hiking trails. RV camping allows travelers to experience nature up close and personal, with the ability to explore national parks, forests, and other natural areas. However, RV camping also requires some preparation and planning, such as obtaining proper permits, researching campground options, and ensuring that the RV is properly maintained and equipped. Despite the preparation required, RV camping can provide a unique and memorable outdoor adventure for those who love to travel and explore.
We set out on a northeast-bound road trip from our home in New Mexico, traveling in our Ford F-150 with our two dogs and Donna’s mom along for the ride. Towing our 30-foot Keystone Cougar 5th wheel trailer, we made our way toward Frankenmuth, Michigan, where we planned to join the Rotary RVF (Recreational Vehicle Fellowship) group. Averaging 250 to 300 miles per day, we stayed at a variety of campgrounds along the route.
After connecting with the RVF group in Frankenmuth, we followed their organized itinerary through the scenic route to Fort McLeod, Alberta, Canada, before turning back toward home. The entire journey spanned three weeks, covered over 6,000 miles, and was filled with memorable stops, new friendships, and countless unforgettable experiences.
Above: Segway tour of downtown Dallas Stop at JFK Memorial
I embarked on an exciting adventure, taking my camper to Grapevine, TX for the NMRA Convention held at the magnificent Gaylord Texan Resort. My journey included a scenic stopover at Monahans Sandhills State Park before settling in for the week at the Vineyards Campground.
During my time at the convention, I had the pleasure of attending two captivating model train layout tours and participating in two informative classes, where I honed my skills in crafting model mountains and creating a lifelike creek scene. As the week unfolded, my son Steve joined me for an unforgettable exploration of the area.
Later in the week, we embarked on a thrilling segway tour of downtown Dallas and took a captivating tour of the renowned Dallas Cowboys AT&T stadium. Our Friday was highlighted by a visit to the train show at the Gaylord Convention Center, followed by a delightful Mexican dinner at one of Grapevine’s charming restaurants.
Saturday was a day of exploration as we toured the picturesque town and embarked on a nostalgic journey aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, traveling from Grapevine, TX to the historic Ft. Worth Stockyards. Amidst the adventure, we indulged in some window shopping, enjoyed a tasty snack, and eventually boarded the train for a return trip to Grapevine.
With the weekend coming to a close, Sunday saw both of us embarking on our homeward journeys. I paused for a peaceful night at San Angelo State Park before completing my drive back home on Monday.
Above – One of many model train layouts during the tour. Below – My creek scene creation.
I drove to Pagosa Springs, CO to join a team of people who were helping to build homes/garages for low-income families. I stayed at Mountain Landing RV Resort and worked 8-3pm on Tue., Wed., Fri & Sat. for two weeks. During my free time I went fishing, hiked various trails in the area; rode the Cumbres & Toltec railroad, and visited a mine. Great trip and nice weather.
Riding the Cumbres & Toltec railroadPurchasing amethyst earrings for Donna from the owner of the Last Chance mine
This trip was Plan B. We were originally scheduled to go to Sri Lanka, however a delay in our COVID test results forced us to cancel that trip. So we packed up the camper and the dogs and drove 1,700 miles to Florida to visit Donna’s friend Sharon in Spring Hill and Donna’s cousin Patti in Naples. We stayed in RV parks and State Parks every night for the 2 weeks we were traveling.
January in the Florida Botanical GardensLook what I found. G Scale model train
We took the camper and the dogs and headed to Colorado. We stayed at two State Parks and visited 3 others. Had a great time at Rifle Falls State Park. Hiked several miles each day and built a campfire at night. Nice relaxing vacation away from the crowds.
We drove to Tecate, CA where we met the Fantasy RV group at Potrero County Regional Park, then crossed the border into Mexico heading for our 14-day whale watching adventure. We traveled with 20 other RV rigs (33 people) for over 1000 miles in the Baja peninsula, stopping at various campgrounds along the way. We actually touched several whales during our visit and had a wonderful time & fellowship with the people we met.
Getting ready for our Fantasy RV trip into the BajaReaching out, touching a whale. This is not something you get to do everyday
We loaded the camper and travel 5,700 miles (roundtrip) to the northeast to visit family and do some sightseeing in New York and Vermont. We stayed at several Harvest Host campgrounds during our travel and visited several museums. Great trip with plenty of time for campfires and hiking.
Camping with the kids and grandkids in PennsylvaniaLunchtime
We took our 2 dogs and loaded them into the truck then hauled our 5th wheel camper through several western states with the plan to reach Big Sky, MT. We camped and did sightseeing in Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico over a two-week period. During the trip we hiked trails at each stop and visited several national monuments. We had a great trip and really enjoyed the cooler weather along the way. We even had a tour of a gold mine and saw numerous spectacular waterfalls in each state.
Donna & I spent two weeks in Las Cruces, camped out at the Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity campground and office location. We worked with 14 other people who were part of the Care-A-Vanners team to build homes for partner families in Las Cruces. We also had time to visit a few parks in the area and enjoyed Happy Hour with our fellow RVer’s.
These ladies are hard workers – getting the job doneReady for the roof
We flew to PA to spend some time with our kids and grandkids. Donna left a few days early to visit her sister Jan in Dallas and attend a baby shower for Jan’s daughter Rachelle. Carey met Donna in the airport in Dallas and we flew to PA. The grand event was to have a birthday party for Kevin (Donna’s oldest son), but it also provided us the first opportunity in 20+ years to have all of our kids and grandkids in one place at the same time.
Hiking on one of the trails in Reading, PAChris, Kevin and the baseball gang at the Reading Phillies game
