23ac Outdoor Life

Media coverage surrounding the extent of damages of BP’s oil spill in and around the Gulf Coast is affecting local business and tourism. As many people watch to see the extent of the damage of the oil spill RV enthusiasts are booking vacations elsewhere. RV Campgrounds are seeing numbers drop despite the fact many beaches in the Gulf Coast have not yet been affected by the oil spill.

RV Campgrounds aren’t the only ones suffering due to the disaster. Fishing businesses and tourist-based services are also seeing their business suffer. However, even as some businesses are declining, others are seeing a steady stream of vacationers heading in for what they hope will be a busy summer season. While some beaches have been affected, most areas throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida remain pristine.

Florida has been proactive by creating the website www.pcbeach.org so people can go and see in real time what the beaches look like. Beaches epitomize summer and summer fun. It is important for those who want to take vacations down south to make a few calls and see what areas have been hit by the oil spill and which areas are safe to visit. However, on the heels of the recession, already struggling businesses see decreased visitation as a big problem.

Others visitors are willing to take their chances. For some, the Gulf Coast calls. The fishing and atmosphere are to good to pass up. For those that do head south, RV Campgrounds are open. Class A, Class B and Class C RVs are welcome as are travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Because so many parts of the Gulf Coast offer incredible recreation, there is a destination for you. A little research will help reassure you that there’s nothing to worry about by heading south. It’s true, BP’s oil spill has done a tremendous amount of damage to wildlife and wetlands, but the entire Gulf Coast has not succumbed to the effects of the spill. There’s no need to re-route vacations before getting the facts.

As an incentive, some campgrounds and hotels are offering a 100% refund if beaches are affected during the course of a vacation. No one is positive how far reaching the effects of the oil spill may end up being, but for now, there are still plenty of scenic areas for visitors.

Directly around the spill, work efforts are helping the local economy with workers staying in local campgrounds and eating at local restaurants. For those who have lost business due to the disaster, they can file suit with BP, who in an effort to regain some goodwill with those affected is offering to pay any and all legitimate claims for business lost during this time.

The Gulf Coast has so much beauty to offer. There’s no reason to head anywhere else until you check out the conditions of the area you are heading to. Make a few calls and do a little research to ensure your trip down south will be all you hoped for.

Looking to find the best deal on Class B RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Summer is sizzling. Even in the mountains temperatures are shooting up to the mid-90s during the day. With more and more people heading out in their RVs for vacation times, people are asking ‘how do we stay cool in our camper, our travel trailer or our Class A RV?’ Not to worry, we have answers for you.

Air Conditioning. Air conditioning is the old stand-by for staying cool. RV enthusiasts have many options of air conditioning systems. Fortunately there are solar powered options that allow air conditioning to run without having to be hooked into an electrical outlet. There’s always the 12-volt stand-by as well.

RV Windshield Covers. These were created to help block the sun’s rays. Instead of being set up inside the windshield, these go over the outside of the windshield. These are great to use when RVs are being stored as they help prevent fading and UV damage.

RV Awnings and Window Shades. These help keep the sun from entering side windows. Awnings also create shade so sitting outside in the afternoon or evening becomes enjoyable not sweltering. Another trick is to open windows during the cooler hours of the evening and then close windows and blinds in the morning to keep the cool air in for as long as possible.

Portable Fans. These battery operated mini fans can go anywhere you go. Attach them to the bed or set them up in the kitchen to help get air flowing. If you’re cooking open up all the windows and doors to let the hot air out.

Jump in a lake. It’s not going to keep your RV cool, but it will help you cool down. Staying at RV campgrounds that have swimming pools or camping close to the ocean or to lakes will let you jump in and cool down any time you need.

Cold showers. Along the same lines, taking a cold shower before bedding down can help you fall asleep faster and bring your body temperature down for a good night’s sleep. Drinking cold drinks will also help keep you cool. The hotter it gets, the more important it is to stay hydrated.

For those who struggle in the heat, plan a vacation to Canada or Montana. The higher the elevation, the cooler you’ll be. In fact, there’s still snow over 10,000 feet in some areas. Travel trailers, fifth wheels and RVs become cooking machines when they sit in the sun for long periods of time. Finding a covered area or shady place will help keep everyone cool. Don’t forget your pets. They feel the heat, too, so it’s really important to remember to take them with you. Leaving a pet in a hot RV can lead to dehydration or even death. Air conditioning, awnings, fans, lakes and cold beverages all help beat the summer’s heat, so enjoy your RV vacation in comfort.

Learn more about RVs and campers. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

Steady numbers show first quarter sales were not a fluke. Summer is in full swing and RV companies are still stocking their dealerships with new model RVs.

The nation is watching closely to see if sales will continue to grow or if they will stall out. Travel trailers have been a popular item this year while sales of larger RVs such as Class A RVs and Fifth Wheel Travel Trailers are also picking up.

While the younger generation is driving numbers up as far as travel trailers, baby boomers are pushing sales of higher ticket RVs such as Fifth Wheels and Class A RVs. As record numbers of the population are retiring, baby boomers are hitting the road in their new RVs and campers.

Park model RVs are springing up across the country. They resemble cabins and are meant to be stationary. RV Parks are using them to provide accommodation to those who want a little more space overnight, or those traveling by car. As the demand grows, so does the amount of manufacturers creating park model RVs.

Record numbers of people seem to be hitting the road and visiting National Parks. In June alone, in excess of 700,000 people headed to Yellowstone National Park. July tends to be the busiest month for National Parks so visitors will probably swarm the parks in July.

For those that are reconsidering vacations south to the Gulf Coast, there are websites that are keeping up-to-the-minute information on contaminated areas and oil-free zones. Before canceling your beach trip, contact the resort. Some places are giving a full refund if oil contaminates their beaches before or during your visit. There are still many incredible beach destinations to visit.

The mountains are just beginning to peak with summer wildflowers. For those who prefer slightly cooler temperatures, Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park still offer nighttime temps in the 30′s and daytime temps in the 60′s and 70′s and higher depending on elevation. They also have less visitors to the back country than some of the country’s more popular parks.

Adventures abound for RV Enthusiasts. No matter your style of travel – travel trailer, fifth wheel camper, Class A RV or pop-up camper – there is an affordable option for you. After buying your new RV, hit the road and check out some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. This year is the RV Industry’s centennial year, which means lots of RV enthusiasts are gathering to share their stories and adventures. Start building your adventures now.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Spring is a fantastic time to observe animals in the wild. They are coming out of hibernation and they are hungry. Many campers make the mistake of feeding them in order to get a “better viewing.” This can be very detrimental to both animal and camper. Beaudry RV offers the following tips for handling wildlife appropriately:

Bears. Deodorant, toothpaste, French fries, and other foods can entice bears to break into vehicles. Bears have become for notorious for this behavior. It has become a regular nuisance to campers in campsites; bears charge campers for their food. They climb trees and steal unsuspecting campers’ dinner. The bear’s intense sense of smell makes it extremely important to remove all food and scented toiletries from RVs during overnight stays. They must be kept in bear-proof containers (bear boxes).

Bear canisters can be used to prevent bears from stealing food (leaving campers hungry). The more human food bears consume…the more aggressive they become. Springtime often leaves campers with the desire to photograph a mother and cubs, but allowing them to take food leaves them with a feeling of entitlement to human food. And this creates a dangerous situation for both the bears and the campers.

Foxes. While there aren’t many reports of human attacks by foxes…the fox is a scavenger. And they have been known to swipe small animals (cats and dogs, etc.) from campgrounds. Feeding foxes only entices them closer to the campsite and increases the chance of scavenging among campsites. Wild animals eventually learn to expect humans to provide food if the situation presents itself consistently. This makes them more likely to scavenge among human food stores in campsites. For viewing of foxes look for dens in covered spaces like culverts or water drainage pipes.

Fox cubs begin exploring in early morning and evening. Keep your distance and never give them food. They are wild; they need to develop their hunting instincts in order to survive. The end of tourist season will result in death for wild animals that have come to depend upon humans for their day to day sustenance.

Squirrels. Squirrels are not typically considered a problem or a danger, but those who see them as adorable little creatures that will eat from their hands are often the victims of squirrel attacks. Squirrels have very sharp teeth and often have fleas that are carrying the bubonic plague (making squirrels common transmitters of the disease).

On the other hand squirrels can be very fun to observe. They are so frisky in their activities. Find them in their natural habitat. They live in variety of locations and are active throughout the day. Keep your distance to ensure you don’t learn just how sharp their teeth are.

Wildlife is just that…it’s wild. And campers should see it as their responsibility to do nothing to disrupt the natural order of things in the areas in which they are camping. Do not feed them. Keep your distance. And campers can feel comfortable knowing that they enjoyed their stay without leaving a negative lasting effect on the wildlife of the area when they depart.

Looking to find the best deal on used RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

With the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and summer travel approaching consumers are watching gas prices with a wary eye. They’re watching for price spikes that could impede planned summer vacations. Up to this point gas prices seem to be remaining fairly steady for 2010, although they are slightly higher than 2009. Experts and those knowledgeable in the industry can make fairly accurate predictions based on: political situations, amount of consumption, cost per barrel, etc.

Prices at the pump do not seem to have been affected by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This lack of negative effect has come as a welcome relief to many summer RV travelers. While Class A and Class C recreational vehicles do have high gas consumption in comparison to other forms of transportation, the RV mode of travel is still a very affordable means of travel after factoring in the number of people accommodated by the vehicle.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) there will be an approximate 3% US real gross domestic product increase. That means that there will be an approximate $0.12/gallon price increase at the gas pumps. Gas prices always vary by state. Some states will see gas prices reaching $3.00/gallon this summer, but the national average for gas prices throughout the most popular travel season from April through September will be $2.94/gallon. For all of 2010 the average price of gas for the entire nation is $2.98 (in comparison the average for 2009 was $2.86/gallon).

The all time high national gas price average came in 2008 ($3.80/gallon). This caused a lot of vacationers to change their plans; staying closer to home and downsizing recreational vehicles used for travel. The all time high gas prices signaled the beginning of the recession and while many RVers kept their RVs just as many cut their total travel time significantly which had an overall negative effect on the RV industry (from manufacturers to dealers to campgrounds).

Gas prices will always fluctuate. But expert predictions give RVers reason to relax when thinking about planning summer travel in 2010. The prices of gas should remain steady making RV travel a fantastic choice. For those who want to fully take advantage of the economical advantage of RV travel the following should be considered: trips close to home, trips with extended stays in one spot, and lightweight RVs that can be hitched to small to midsized vehicles.

The “break” from school that comes with summer inspires many to take a “break” from work. It’s a time to relax. It’s a time to rejuvenate. It’s a time to create stronger bonds with family and friends. And there’s no better way to do any of that than taking to the open road in a recreational vehicle. It allows for spontaneity, fun, relaxation, adventure…it’s the most versatile of all traveling methods.

RV enthusiasts don’t seem daunted as long as gas prices remain around (or under) $3.00 per gallon. RVers will be on the road (whether they be traveling close to home or embarking on international travel) and enjoying their summer in 2010. There’s so much to explore and it’s even more fun when all the summer incentives are available (watch for fee-free weekends at national parks).

2010 RV travel isn’t being limited by high gas prices. RVers love the open road just as much as they always have. Class A motorhomes, Class C RVs, lightweight travel trailers…any RV can be the home away from home that makes a trip into an ultimate vacation.

Looking to save BIG on a BIG selection of new and pre-owned RVs? Beaudry RV has just what you need! Check out Beaudry’s HUGE selection of motor homes, trailers, 5th wheels and RVs today!

RV enthusiasts, which include the larger model Class A and Class C RVs to the smaller model Class B RVs are seeking out eco-friendly campgrounds to spend their money in. The basic designs of RVs are turning greener by the day, as RV enthusiasts use LED lights and solar panels to be a little friendlier to the environment. Even the designs of RVs, towables and pop-up campers are changing with lightweight models and aerodynamic designs. As the vehicles go green, so do the campgrounds where they stay.

Eco-friendly campgrounds are popping up all over the place with campers and Class B Motorhome enthusiasts soaking up the new green amenities. One organization, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has set up a list of criteria for campgrounds to qualify for their green certification. The program, called Plan-it-Green offers advice on how to go green and has set up a standard for the industry.

To be considered a Green Friendly Park, Campgrounds need to incorporate a minimum of nine of the following criteria:

1. Motion sensors are used in bathrooms and club houses

2. Park has switched to energy efficient light bulbs

3. Cleaning products are both non-toxic and biodegradable

4. Water saving shower heads and auto turn-off taps are used to save water

5. Bins are provided for recycling

6. Energy Star products or other similar energy saving products are used

7. The campgrounds educate guests about Leave No Trace ethics and eco-friendly tips

8. Parks landscaping consists of wood chip, pebble, paved, or grass paths and is used to decrease soil erosion

9. Signs stating ‘Reduce Water Usage are posted around the campground

10. Lighting, heaters and/or coolers have timers

11. Park uses Solar Power or Wind Power

12. Waterless urinals and low flush toilets are installed

13. Park use of Grey Water (if allowed in state)

14. Park utilizes On-Site Organic Composting

15. Park minimizes paper use by sending emails when possible in regards to reservations and notices

16. Park uses geo-thermal heating/cooling

17. Trees are planted often

18. Water heaters have been converted to tank-less water heaters

Campgrounds have shown an enthusiastic response with over a hundred joining ARVC in the three years since it was founded. Because campgrounds pledge to be kind to the earth and educate people as to how they can reduce their carbon footprint, it’s a win-win situation for all.

Flagstaff, AZ is a great example of a successful eco-friendly campground. They have solar power and use their rainwater instead of hose water for their landscape, which is made up of native plants. Windmills help capture energy.

Not to be outdone, Carlsbad’s KOA has a wind turbine and their pool is heated with a solar water heating system. These touches are earning them recognition not just within their organization, but with the campers staying there.

The more popular environmentally friendly campgrounds become, the more campgrounds will start converting. Class B Motorhome enthusiasts have so many options to live according to their green beliefs, it’s easy to take guilt-free vacations.

Learn more about Class B Motorhome. Stop by Beaudry RV Company’s site where you can find out all about RVs and what they can do for you.

Remember camping before children? So simple – throw some clothes in a bag, grab a sleeping bag and tent, and grab some food and you are good to go. The spontaneity was part of the fun!

Have you seen the families go camping with large luxury trailers and generators for power? Wow, we have come a long way since the days of camping around a fire with no electricity. But for some, having a trailer for the kids to sleep in is just easier.

I still like to camp the old fashioned way, and while it is not as easy with kids, I try to teach them about necessities. I have them identify which items they would like to take versus which items they truly need to take.

After the necessities have been packed, let your kids select a few of the other items. Ask them which items will make the trip more fun and which items will easily fit into their bag.

Now – what are you going to feed everyone? Think about how you will be preparing the food first. Do you really want to spend all day cooking? Probably not.

So what are you going to do during your camping trip? Don’t get too wrapped up in answering this. Just try to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Chances are, once you get away from all of the distractions of modern technology, you’ll find plenty to do.

Instead of preaching to children that simple things can be entertaining, be an example of this. Start having fun out in nature yourself and your kids will join in.

Camping may require a little pre-planning once you have children in tow, but it is a very rewarding experience. Every child should experience a camping trip. In today’s society of speed and technology, the lesson of slowing down for a few days and appreciate nature is more important than ever.

This author also regularly gives advice about topics like home monitoring security system and do it yourself home security systems.

These days, if one desires a new tent, the answer is simple. Merely proceed online or go into your nearest sports equipment store. There, you will find many highly advanced materials and designs have become available to anyone in the form of quick setup tents.

Many manufacturers now offer tents which can literally be set up in less than one minute! How can they do this? Mostly, they achieve this by being completely pre-assembled, with no threading or construction required. Once removed from the carry bag, the tent is manipulated to pop open and is then ready to be staked into the ground.

The materials that go into this equipment include polyester that is tough and resistant to the elements. Wind and rain should be no problem. The material is also fire-retardant. The poles which create the dome of the tents are fiberglass or aluminum, which are flexible and lightweight.

Options to be considered when choosing a tent are myriad, but can be narrowed down to a few key concepts. Size is first, as there can be room for one, or up to four persons in a single tent. The largest are domed high enough for a grown man to stand upright. Some smaller ones can only accommodate crouching. Overall weight is important, especially when one is backpacking to a campground. Also, weather features, such as a rain fly, are worth the additional cost.

Once all the decisions have been made, and a great new tent is in hand, the fun can soon begin. The ease with which the campsite can be set up allows the novice adventurer to proceed, even if only in the backyard. Old camping hands have that much more time to hike, fish or climb. Everyone can enjoy the outdoors sooner when their camp set up is easy, and that is the goal.

The old struggle with poles and canvas is a thing of the past, as quick setup tents have become a standard option for every level of camper.

You can find reviews and find the best tents at Quick Erect Tents. The author also organises seminars on Sales Training

When deciding to buy a small gas grill, there are some basics you need to consider.

One of the main reasons people buy small gas grills is because the space they are going to be grilling in is limited. So the the first thing to do is get an idea of the measurements of that space. How much space do you really have for your grill?

Small grills are mostly used on patio’s, veranda’s, small balconies, and courtyard gardens. So measure that space, give yourself extra to move around the grill and then you will have a reasonable idea of what space you have available.

Now another reason people like small grills, is because they can easily be transported to a friends or the park or the beach. I say easily, but that is only if they fit into your car. So the next thing to do is measure that space.

Lastly, what about storage, where will you be storing your grill when not grilling. Your grill will last a lot longer if you have somewhere out of the reach of the elements, where it can be kept when not earning it’s keep.

Having made your purchase it is a good idea to get a cover. You can buy one or make one, as long as it covers the grill it will be invaluable.

Make sure to register your grill with the manufacturer as soon as you get it home. You should do this so that:

1. You invoke your 12 month or extended guarantee. Don’t forget to do this, and yes sometimes things can go wrong with them.

2. The supplier will often contact you with news and updates on your grill, which are handy to know.

3. Probably the most important reason to register, is in case there is a call back on your small gas grill or any part of it. This applies to all grills, small, big, cheap, expensive. It is rare but can happen to any product you buy.

A call back is a good thing in a sense and a positive step that a supplier or manufacturer can take if they have found lots of customers and users reporting problems with the product.

Caring for your grill. Now the tedious part is that you should clean it after use. That is, if you really want to get value for money. Keep it clean and shiny and you will get many years out of your grill. Oh yes, and make sure you use the cover, they do not work very well when left in the box.

How much should you pay? You don’t have to pay a lot for your grill. The most crucial thing is that is suits what you want to use it for, and that it fits the space intended for it, after all that is why you are checking out a small gas grill. If on a budget, try to resist the extra gadgets that you know you don’t need.

And finally, remember a gas grill doesn’t have to be for warm weather only. You can have great fun all wrapped up on a cold winter day, sitting outside enjoying healthy grilled food on the tiniest of grills.