The Best of Burning Man 2009 - Black Rock Brews

This is the 4th in a series of posts about Burning Man 2009 submitted to us by a friend who attended the event...

Black Rock Brews was a theme camp for beer lovers to come and belly up to the bar or relax on the couches enjoying the pour of the day. The day we stumbled on Black Rock Brews they were pouring a hoppy Belgian that was really good.

Black Rock Brews at Burning Man 2009

Also see:

• The Best of Burning Man 2009 - The Technology of Burning Man
  
• The Best of Burning Man 2009 - The Creativity of Burning Man
  
• The Best of Burning Man 2009 - Sunrise on the Playa

Top Accessories to Take on an RV Vacation

Readers often ask us about accessories that make an RV camping vacation perfect. Here are some top accessories our readers have suggested to take on an RV vacation:

Top RV Comfort Accessories

• Folding Travel Chairs - Sit outside in the great outdoors in comfortable sling-type travel chairs that fold up into easy-to-store bundles.
• 12V Personal Care Appliances - Hair dryers and curling irons built for 12V current go with you on any RV camping trip.
• Tabletop Propane or Portable Gas Grill - If you're RV camping often, or host tailgate parties in your motorhome, there are many options for grilling.
• Portable Air Purifier - RV campers who suffer from allergies swear by their portable air purifiers. They plug into the cigarette lighter and filter out allergens and toxins no matter where you travel.
  

Top RV Travel Safety & Convenience Accessories

• Portable Generator - For serious RV campers who want consistent power without hookups, a generator is the way to go. Look for clean running styles and keep a supply of air filters in your RV.
• GPS System - Never fight an unfolded map again! Key your travel destination into your RV's GPS system and follow the prompts. What could be easier?
• USB WiFi Antenna - If your laptop is a permanent part of your life, having a WiFi antenna often lets you pick up a signal where your computer's built-in antenna can't.
• First Aid Kits - Put together your own, or buy one of the great options available from camping stores, but definitely put together a kit with basic first aid supplies.
• Weather Radio - Know what you're driving into, or what's rolling toward your campground, in time to avoid disaster. Weather radios can be tuned to local weather reporting stations so you'll be alerted if there's danger. Solar versions are available here.
• RV Tool Kit - Your RV may be well-maintained, but traveling without a tool kit onboard is a bad idea. There are packaged tool kits specifically made for RVs, or you can pull together you own kit that fits into an easy to stow case.
  

Top Green RV Camping Accessories

• Biodegradable Products - Hand soap, dish washing liquid and toilet paper keep your RV camping trips easier on the earth.
• Solar Camping Lantern - Keep your late night sessions in the great outdoors green with solar camping lanterns. Some even come with emergency strobes and radios.
• Bamboo Kitchen Accessories - Green RVers love using sustainable products! Bamboo dishes, utensils and cutting boards are a great addition to the green RV kitchen.

Now that we've piqued your interest in adding to your RV camping gear, here are some great websites for buying accessories:

• RV Supply Warehouse
• RV Toy Outlet
• The Green RV

Let us know your favorite RV accessories, too. Happy camping!

Gemstone Hunting RV Camping Ideas in California

There are so many possibilities for mining gem-rich ore in California. A popular stop for gem lovers hoping to find green or pink California tourmaline is the world famous Himalaya Mine near Santa Ysabel in San Diego County. Prospectors can purchase buckets of gem ore to screen onsite with equipment furnished by the Mine. Lake Henshaw Resort, adjacent to the Mine, is a beautiful site for RV camping, lake fishing and plenty of hiking in the foothills of the Palomar Mountains.

Another real gem for RV camping prospectors is found right in the same county! Oceanview Mine in Pala, California charges a set fee that allows gem hunters to screen fresh, unprospected mine tailings all day long. Recent visitor finds include aquamarine and many colors of tourmaline.

For your RV Rental needs in San Diego County, be sure to check out the El Monte RV San Diego RV Rentals location.

About two hours southwest of Fresno, screen for benitoite, California's state gem. The California State Gem Mine near Coalinga is open most weekends to prospectors. Dry camp your RV at nearby Los Gatos Creek County Park and spend the day sifting mine tailings near where a fabulous 34 carat rough benitoite was recently found!

El Monte RV has numerous California RV Rentals locations that you can use for a gem hunting RV vacation starting point.

A Civil War RV Vacation Itinerary

What greater way to spend a vacation studying Civil War sites than in the comfort of an RV rental? Whether you plan to visit Antietam, Bull Run or Atlanta, history buffs will soon be engrossed in the drama of the Civil War. Plot your course for the places made famous by the War Between the States, and make your base camp a luxurious motorhome. Here's an overview of Civil War historic sites you'll want to visit.

Civil War Sites North of the Mason Dixon
What better place to start your Civil War RV Vacation than in Pennsylvania, where the largest battle of the War Between the States was fought in Gettysburg? Gettysburg National Military Park commemorates the significant places that were part of this momentous three-day battle. In nearby New Oxford, PA, take the time to take part in one of the historic walking tours, where townspeople re-enact the daily lives of Gettysburg citizens during the Civil War.

Don't miss the National Civil War History Museum at Harrisburg before leaving Pennsylvania. It gives an excellent overview of the conflict from start to finish. These are only a few of the dozens of historic Civil War locations to be found on the Pennsylvania leg of your RV vacation.

Next door in Delaware, you'll find Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island, in the middle of the Delaware River. Tour the prison, where thirty thousand Confederate soldiers were held prisoner during the Civil War. Fort Delaware has an excellent living history program your entire family will enjoy.

Before leaving the Northern States, be sure to visit Grant's Tomb in New York City. Along the Hudson River in Manhattan, this National Parks Site is North America's largest tomb.

Civil War Sites South of the Mason Dixon
Turn your RV south to Virginia and make a stop at Appomattox Courthouse, where the Civil War came to an end. Maintained by the National Parks, Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Site is filled with displays, living history presentations and walking tours that will fascinate Civil War enthusiasts.

One of the many other important Civil War historical sites in Virginia is the Confederate Section of Arlington National Cemetery. Walk among the almost five hundred graves of Confederate soldiers and learn the fascinating history of the Confederate Memorial at their center.

Virginia also hosts dozens of historic Civil War battlefields. Manassas, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Courthouse, just to name a few, were scene to thousands of Union and Confederate casualties and now give a solemn glance into Civil War military strategy.

As your RV rolls down the road to North Carolina, stop at Fort Fisher, site of one of the last strategic losses for the South. You'll also find important battlefields at Averasborough and Bentonville, NC.

If you hope to dig further into Confederate history, you must include Georgia on your Civil War RV Vacation. Chickamauga, Jonesborough and, of course, Sherman's deadly march through Atlanta are all memorialized by Georgia historians.

There's so much more to say about Civil War history that can be learned from the comfort of an RV. Visit Mississippi, home to Vicksburg, where one of the War's most brilliant military strategies unfolded. As you pass through Alabama, stop to study about the fierce battle of Mobile Bay.

Farther north in Tennessee, Shiloh Battlefield marks the place where more than twenty thousand lost their lives in two short days. Kentucky, Arkansas, South Carolina and West Virginia each are home to battlefields and monuments worth visiting.

You may find yourself scheduling several RV vacations in order to study completely the War that divided the US. Choose your starting point for your first trip, book a luxurious RV rental and get started! The history of the Civil War may just become a lifetime passion.

RV Camping In and Around Yosemite National Park

RV campers who have never experienced the extraordinary beauty of Yosemite owe it to themselves to make the trip. No matter what the season, there are special joys to be experienced at Yosemite National Park. To make your journey easier, we've pulled together some top tips for RV camping in and around Yosemite. Read through our ideas and then start planning your trip today. There's a world of wonder waiting when you journey to Yosemite.

Finding an RV Rental Near Yosemite
If you're in need of an RV rental before you camp, we suggest contacting the El Monte RV Modesto RV Rentals location. From Modesto Airport (MOD), we're only five miles away and can quickly get you down the road to Yosemite National Park. The Park's Big Oak Flat Entrance is about an hour and a half from Modesto.

RV Camping Within Yosemite
RV camping is allowed within Yosemite National Park, and can be a great experience with some preparation. The first thing you should know is that there are no RV hookups within the Park. During the summer, there are two dump stations available to make things easier.

There are ten campgrounds inside the Park boundaries that can accommodate RVs, with some specific length restrictions. Most of them have potable water and all are relatively inexpensive.

These campsites are primarily on the valley floor and can be crowded during the summer months. It's important to make your reservation far in advance, because Yosemite sees millions of visitors each year. Here's the Yosemite National Park Campground Reservations link for learning what dates each year those reservations can be made.

One more very important thing to know about camping within Yosemite National Park has to do with not tempting the wildlife by leaving food lying about. To keep yourself and your RV safe from hungry bears and other creatures, food must be kept out of sight and all windows, vents and doors of your RV closed tight.

To make yourself familiar with the rules and regulations of RV camping within Yosemite, click here to learn more about RV Camping in Yosemite National Park.

RV Camping Around Yosemite National Park
RV campgrounds can be found in beautiful mountain settings surrounding Yosemite. About fifteen miles west of the Park in El Portal, Indian Flat Campground is the closest RV camp to the Park on the Highway 140 route. Enjoy camping along the Merced River each night as you return from Yosemite.

Thirty miles west of Yosemite near the historic mining town of Mariposa, you'll find Yosemite West/Mariposa KOA Kampground. With a convenient shuttle to Yosemite, and a whole host of optional activities available, this campground is a great base for your trip.

Another beautifully scenic RV campground is twelve miles from the West Gate within the Stanislaus National Forest. Yosemite Ridge Resort in "Buck Meadows" features a waterfall and swimming hole your kids are sure to remember, plus a general store, vintage campsite buildings and an on-site restaurant.

One more place to consider for RV camping outside Yosemite National Park is High Sierra RV Park & Campground in Oakhurst, California. The spectacular mountain setting and abundant amenities make this one of the most highly-ranked RV parks in the area.

No matter where you camp when you visit Yosemite, it's a vacation of a lifetime. Sights like El Capitan and Half Dome restore our wonder for America's natural beauty. Yosemite Valley and the Falls are photo opportunities from every angle. Plan enough time to absorb the glory of Yosemite. It's definitely a place where you'll long to linger once you've arrived.

The Best of Burning Man 2009 - The Technology of Burning Man

The Art cars when from mild to wild at Burning Man and here are a couple of the wild.

"The Beast" - Also Known as the Spider Car

Weight: Almost 6 tons
Size: 11 ft tall, 8'4” wide X 23 ft long.
Capacity: 8 people including the driver

For more info:

• See The Beast Website
• See: Mechanical Spider at Burning Man 2009 on YouTube

"NeverWas Haul" by NeverWas Crew

This is a pre-turn of the century, steam powered, mobile Victorian house was originally built for Burning Man 2006. It stands 3 stories in height, and is decorated with the relics and artifacts collected in its journey around the globe. It has had some additional specimens collected during it's journey through Black Rock City.

Also see:

• The Best of Burning Man 2009 - The Creativity of Burning Man
  
• The Best of Burning Man 2009 - Sunrise on the Playa

RVing to the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally

Every year in late October, dozens of hot air balloons descend upon Taos, New Mexico for three days of balloon lifts, parades and just plain fun! It sounded like such a great idea for an RV camping trip that we've pulled together information about the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally and interesting things to do in the surrounding area.

Balloon Rally in the Mountains
Each year, thousands of people flock to the mountains surrounding Taos, to watch colorful balloons rising into the dawn. Hot air ballooning is popular in Northern New Mexico and many balloon outfitters operate balloon ride concessions year-round. This makes the Balloon Rally a natural event for the Taos area, and it gets bigger every year.

A number of events during the Rally have emerged as crowd favorites. The Dawn Patrol, held at six a.m. each day, is spectacular, so don't forget to bring your camera! There's also a mass ascension of balloons an hour later. There's nothing quite like seeing dozens of balloons rising, one after another, into the cool, clear air above the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The ultimate photo op at the Rally is the sundown "Balloonmenshine," where balloon crews "shine" the balloons on the ground by flaming up their burners. Treat yourself to a balloon ride sometime during the weekend, too.

When it's time to settle down for the evening, RV camping in the mountains is a great experience. Here are a couple of ideas for area campgrounds our readers have recommended.

RV Camping Possibilities
Nestled in a mountain valley near the Balloon Rally site, you'll find Taos Valley RV Park. This beautiful park offers mountain views, free wireless and full hookups for RVs.

Monte Bello RV Resort, down the road on Hwy 64, sits on a high mesa that offers a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside. Located near the Rio Grande Gorge suspension bridge, this campground features a convenience store, hiking trails and picnic pavilion.

Things to Do in Taos
Spend three days in the midst of hot air balloon activities, and then stay, if you can, to explore the rich possibilities around Taos. If you've never traveled to Taos, you'll be amazed by the cultural, historical and outdoor sports activities you'll find there.

Taos Pueblo is a fitting symbol of this area rich in Native American history. The Pueblo is a Native American community continuously inhabited for over one thousand years! Once the Pueblo has sparked your interest in Native art, spend time exploring more than eighty art galleries in the Taos, New Mexico area.

We also recommend spending time in the mountains around Taos, whether your sport is mountain biking, hiking or lake fishing. Rio Grande Gorge is a spectacular place to visit, plunging eight hundred feet through red rock to the Rio Grande River below. Carson National Forest is adjacent to Taos, and offers over a million acres of mountain beauty rising from six thousand to over thirteen thousand feet!

The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally is a wonderful way to experience the rugged beauty of Northern New Mexico. Fly into Albuquerque and pick up your reserved RV rental at our Albuquerque RV Rentals office there, then head north to Taos. Your trek along the road to Taos, and at least three days of fun around the Balloon Rally, will have you calling to book your RV rental reservation for next year!

The Best of Burning Man 2009 - The Creativity of Burning Man

This is the 2nd in a series of posts about Burning Man 2009 submitted to us by a friend who attended the event...

Burning Man is the most creative place I've ever been some of it good, some bad and some ugly but all creative. Everywhere you looked there was something of interest to see, a piece of artwork, something humorous, performance art, things with a twist.

My favorite art piece was a women. She stood about 50 feet tall with metal-dreaded hair, her arms reaching towards the sky. This art was amazing during the day and even more impressive at night.

I have found out since my return that she was one of three huge sculptures of human form. The skin of the huge forms consists of metal chains and rings welded together. She was the tallest of the three facing the Playa.


Also see: The Best of Burning Man 2009 - Sunrise on the Playa

RV Vacation to Washington Wine Country

Here's a great way to spend your next RV camping vacation - touring Washington's Wine Country! More than one hundred wineries can be found throughout Washington's wine-producing regions, and there's no shortage of gorgeous RV campgrounds as you travel. Let's take a quick drive through two suggested Wine Country itineraries, just to give you a taste.

Wine Country Itinerary 1: Columbia Valley
We suggest starting your trip in Seattle, where the great staff the El Monte RV Seattle RV Rentals location will have your reserved RV waiting. On this trip, head to the Columbia Valley wineries via I-90, then back north at George on Hwy 28. On this northern leg, visit Saint Laurent and Sunset Vineyards, then continue north to find Horan Estates at Wenatchee. There are actually eleven wineries along the road from Quincy to Leavenworth, so plan to visit tasting rooms to your heart's delight!

If you're ready for more wine-tasting adventures, wind your way a bit farther north to Lake Chelan, where nine wineries are nestled near the city of Chelan itself. There's a terrific RV campground right in a City park there, so why not camp in the center of this wine-rich city and plan to spend several days?

Wine Country Itinerary 2: Yakima Valley
This itinerary also starts at El Monte RV Rentals in Seattle, then heads south from I-90 on Hwy 97 to Yakima, WA. From Yakima to Benton City along Hwy 82, you'll find more than fifty wineries to tempt your palate! Fabulous variations of Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot are available in wine-tasting rooms throughout the Valley.

Labels like Sagelands, Piety Flats and Masset Winery can be found at Wapato. Farther south, the town of Zillah boasts Claar Cellars, Agate Field and Paradisos Del Sol wineries, among ten or more vineyards in the area! You could literally spend weeks learning the joys of Washington vintages, without ever leaving the Yakima Valley.

As you rest your palate for another round of wine-tastings, consider staying at Yakima River RV Park, just north of Yakima, WA or Wine Country RV Park in Prosser, WA.

Whether you're filling out your own wine collection, or buying Washington wines to give for gifts, making the trip to Washington wineries by RV will be unforgettable. Experience Washington's Wine Country for yourself, we're here to help make your pursuit of the grape most enjoyable!

The Best of Burning Man 2009 - Sunrise on the Playa

This is the first in a series of posts about Burning Man 2009 submitted to us by a friend who attended the event...

I wouldn't say it was quiet because Burning Man was never quiet, but it was peaceful on the Playa at sunrise. There was still activity, the end of the previous day for some and the beginning of a new day for others. It was nice time to be out for a run, ride, a photo hunt or just to be out.

Sunrise on the Playa - Burning Man 2009

Hamming it Up as Sunrise

Some Nice Resources for People Vacationing in the Salt Lake Area

This was provided to us by the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Following are some excellent resources for anyone who will be vacationing in the Salt Lake City area...

Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass

The Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass allows you to be your own personal tour guide of everything Salt Lake has to offer - just take your pass and go to more than 12 of Salt Lake's best attractions.

Available in 1, 2 or 3-day increments, your Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass is activated the first time you use it and will remain active for the number of consecutive days purchased, however, the pass is limited to one (1) visitation at each participating attraction.

Golf Salt Lake Super Pass

With the Golf Salt Lake Super Pass you can gain access to the best tee times at any one of Salt Lake's 10 top golf courses. With the pass you get:

• 18 holes of play
• Golf cart rental
• Access to tee times 60 days in advance of play
• A small bucket of range balls
• A 10-20% discount on Golf club rentals at any of the participating courses

All this helps to ensure that you have plenty of opportunities to turn those pesky Bogeys into brag-worthy Birdies.

Ski Salt Lake Super Pass

The Ski Salt Lake Super Pass give you the freedom to ski or ride where you want. You can redeem the Super Pass for:

• Adult full-day pass at Alta Ski Area (snowboarding not permitted)
• Adult Super Day lift ticket at Brighton Resort (9 am to 9 pm, when night skiing is available)
• Adult all-day Tram & Chair pass at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
• Adult all-day lift pass at Solitude Mountain Resort Plus free UTA Transportation (Round-trip travel on UTA ski buses and TRAX light-rail. Ski buses provide service to/from Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. Does not include service from Salt Lake City Airport. Ski bus service begins in December and runs to April.).
  

All this helps to ensure that you have plenty of opportunities to ski or ride The Greatest Snow on Earth™

Fossil Hunting RV Vacation

Rock hounds who also enjoy RV camping can find fantastic fossil hunting possibilities near great RV campgrounds. We've researched some fossil-rich areas for you, to make your RV vacation planning easier. Here are just few of the many US locations where fossils are often found.

Fossil Hunting RV Vacation in Texas
This great website on fossil hunting possibilities tells us that Lake Worth in the Dallas/Fort Worth area can yield wonderful fossil specimens, if you're willing to explore the gullies and trails in the area.

If you'd like to start your search a little farther south, head for Bryan, Texas and check the banks of the Brazos and Little Brazos rivers for fossil finds. Also, go back west across I35 to Bend, TX, where fossil hunters have found great specimens along the Colorado River.

An added plus to searching for fossils in Texas is the abundance of great RV campgrounds. Collect your reserved motorhome rental at either El Monte RV's Palmer RV Rentals location or our San Antonio RV Rentals location. To enjoy a great night of RV camping in the Fort Worth area, try Frontier RV Park in nearby Azle, TX. Boone RV Park near Lampassas, TX is a great central location for your fossil hunting jaunt through Texas Hill Country.

Fossil Hunting RV Vacation in California
What a beautiful way to spend an RV camping vacation - scuttling up and down the California coastline searching for fossils. Capitola Beach in Central California is the perfect place to find shell fossil specimens. Pick up your RV rental at our Santa Cruz RV Rentals location, and plan to stay at Seacliff Center RV Park in nearby Aptos, CA.

In Northern California, there's an inland paradise for fossil hunters. The Rio Dell/Scotia Bluffs/Ferndale area is filled with fossil-rich locations. Park your luxurious motorhome from El Monte RV Rentals in RiverWalk RV Park in Fortuna for an unforgettable woodland camping experience.

Fossil Hunting RV Vacation in Illinois
Sixty miles south of Chicago, you'll find Mazonia Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area, one of the few State Parks in the country with a whole area devoted to fossil collection. Pick up a comfortable motorhome at our Chicago RV Rentals location and then head south to the banks of Mazon Creek near Morris, Illinois.

The creek bed is filled with fossil finds, as is the nearby Mazonia Braidwood Park. Fossil collectors report finding dozens of ironstone nodules that contain well-preserved plant fossils. After a day digging in the dirt and cracking rocks, spend a night in RV comfort at Fossil Rock Recreation Area Campgrounds about ten miles up the road near Wilmington, IL.

A couple of rules to remember when you're searching for fossils, no matter what State. Some locales require a day permit before you start digging, so be sure to check before you go. Also, be sure to stay on public lands while searching for the next great fossil specimen. Final rule…have a great time on your fossil hunting RV vacation, and be sure to let us know what you found!

Fairs, Festivals and Foliage in Central Massachusetts

This was provided to us by the Central Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Fairs, festivals and foliage make the fall a wonderful time to visit Central Massachusetts. There are multiple celebrations and events almost every weekend, and beautiful rural driving routes along which to admire the changing seasons. There are so many compelling reasons to set up camp and stay for a while, but where?

As it turns out, campgrounds abound in Central Massachusetts, so there are plenty of sites from which to choose for extended stays in this beautiful region. Pine Acres, on beautiful Lake Dean in Oakham boasts resort amenities along with the charm of country solitude. And just down the road in Barre is Camp Coldbrook, which features a par three golf course, Olympic-size swimming pool and 22,000 acres of nature to explore.

In addition to great history, culture and shopping, The Blackstone Valley offers several sites, including: Indian Ranch, located on lovely Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (or Webster Lake!) The loose translation is "you fish on your side; I'll fish on my side, and no one fishes in the middle." This campground features an entertainment venue – check the website for schedule. In addition, King's Campground in Manchaug, Lake Manchaug Camping in E. Douglas and The Old Holbrook Place in W. Sutton all feature waterfront views of Lake Manchaug. Sutton Falls Camping Area in W. Sutton offers quiet family camping on a private pond.

The Sturbridge Townships also offer campgrounds in abundance, along with many tourist attractions, like Old Sturbridge Village and fine dining at The Publick House, Sturbridge and Salem Cross Inn, W. Brookfield. Nearby are Highview Campground and The Old Sawmill Campground in W. Brookfield, which offer great family recreational activities. In the town of Sturbridge, Outdoor World provides daily planned activities, weekend entertainment, an indoor pool and 200 acres of beautiful pines. Also in Sturbridge, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is open all year, offering great fun for the whole family, with Yogi, Cindy, Boo Boo and more!

And while you're here, be sure to enjoy some of the area's festivals and attractions. And take advantage of the season's offerings. For adventures in Apple Picking, Central Massachusetts has many great orchards and farms where you can "pick your own" with family and friends. Enjoy leaf peeping with a walk or bike ride on the Central Massachusetts Rail Trail; participate in one of 106 walks in The Last Green Valley throughout October for the 19th Annual Walktober, or visit North Quabbin Woods for a spectacular display of foliage and wildlife.

For optimum leaf peeping, Route 20 spans the entire state (East-West) of MA and offers scenic vistas and attractions, particularly in the Sturbridge area. And Route 31 North will take you from the CT border to breathtaking Wachusett Mountain, where you can ride the gondola (weather permitting) for a picturesque view of the foliage all the way to NH and Boston. In addition, Route 122 heading North from Worcester, is rife with photo opportunities along the roads in Paxton, Rutland, Oakham, New Braintree, Hardwick and throughout the Quabbin Reservoir region.

This is just a taste of what Central MA has to offer. For a complete listing of events and activities, please visit: www.centralmass.org.

And for RVing to any of these wonderful destinations, El Monte RV Rentals' Boston RV Rentals in Sutton, MA will be able to take care of all of your RV rental needs.

RVing to the Pocono Balloon Festival

What could be more beautiful than a Fall weekend in the Poconos? We've heard great things from RV rental customers about the Pocono Balloon Festival every October, and we wanted to get the word out.

The Pocono Balloon Festival is held each October at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Ski Area is cloaked in fall colors during the festival. The three-day Balloon Festival is a great place to spend an RV camping vacation.

One of the nicest things about the Pocono Balloon Fest is watching the early morning balloon launch as hot air balloons rise above the Poconos at sunrise. Throughout the weekend, balloon demonstrations, lifts and competitions are held. If you'd like to book a ride on a hot air balloon, this is the perfect place to do it! Few sights are more spectacular than the Delaware Water Gap dressed in fall foliage, and you can see it all from a birds-eye view.

The Festival has, by the way, become known as the Hot Air Balloon and Timber Festival, as it also highlights a regional lumberjack exhibition. Get ready for some exciting competition! Your family will love watching the pole climbing contest, log rolling and other events borne from the area's logging heritage.

Plan to spend the three-day weekend enjoying music performances, food vendors galore and plenty of activities for the kids.

Where to Camp

• Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountains KOA Kampground is just a half mile away from Balloon Festival action.
• The venue also recommends Dingman's Campground, fifteen miles away in Dingman's Ferry, PA.
• The Festival also partners with Hemlock Campground & Cottages in Tobyhanna, PA.
  

No matter where you stay, you'll be surrounded by photo opportunities, outdoor sports adventures, and, of course, the Festival. You can fly into Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and pick up your RV rental at our El Monte RV Rentals location in nearby Kingston. From Kingston, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is a little over an hour away.

Doesn't this sound like a fun way to spend time in Poconos? Call and let us know when you're leaving, so we can book the right RV rental for your trip. Be sure to share you photos with us when you get back!

RV Your Way to a Gold Panning RV Vacation Adventure

Ever considered looking for gold on your next RV camping vacation? All across America, there are places for greenhorns to pan for gold nuggets. Panning for gold is relatively inexpensive, and who knows, you might just come home with the mother lode! If doing a little prospecting on your next vacation sounds good, use the ideas below to start planning your next RV camping vacation.

Southeast US Gold Panning RV Vacation Ideas
For a southeastern gold panning RV vacation, head for Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, GA. Tour the mine, and then pan five gallon buckets of ore for nuggets and gemstones.

Just down the road from the Crisson Mine, you'll find Consolidated Gold Mines, where your family can go underground for the mine tour before panning for gold in a sluice. Dahlonega is also home to some beautiful north Georgia RV campgrounds.

Central US Gold Panning RV Vacation Ideas
The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado is a great place for gold panning enthusiasts! Your admission includes a guided tour of the historic Phoenix Gold Mine, plus the chance to spend all day panning for gold.

Another super family experience is right down the road at the Argo Gold Mine and Mill, also in Idaho Springs. Tour the famous Argo Tunnel and Double Eagle Gold Mine, established in 1893, and stay to pan for gold and native Colorado gemstones. Great RV campgrounds can be found just outside Idaho Springs.

While you're in Colorado, continue your tour in Cripple Creek in Pikes Peak country, home to the world famous Mollie Kathleen Mine. Take the thrilling mine elevator one thousand feet into the earth to tour the mine, and then head down-valley to the nearby town of Victor to tour the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum. Try your hand at panning there for gold, turquoise, and topaz. There are plenty of RV camp sites right in the midst of Cripple Creek action.

West Coast Gold Panning RV Vacation Ideas
California is the ultimate Gold Rush State, and plenty of gold panning action can be found there by RV campers. Right in the heart of Gold Country, your family is going to love Jimtown1849 Mining Camp.

Located in the historic city of Jamestown, the Mining Camp will take you back to the days of the Gold Rush. Your family can prospect Wood's Creek for gold with experienced guides and take home what you find.

Head north from Jamestown to Washington, CA, and pan gold from one of the scenic campsites in Tahoe National Forest along the Yuba River. This gold-rich area is open to casual prospecting, and tourists have been known to "see color" in their pans.

You should also definitely go to the source of the California Gold Rush and pan gold on the American River at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. See a replica of Sutter's Mill and twenty other historic buildings where James Marshall found gold in 1848. Park visitors have been known to find gold while panning, so don't miss this historic opportunity!

Within this gold-rich area between Downieville and Mariposa, there are streams and rivers on State and National Park land where panning is allowed. Check with Tahoe, Eldorado, and Sierra National Forest personnel as you plan your RV gold panning vacation.

This is just a quick tour of places your gold-seeking friends and family might want to visit. Doesn't this sound like a great way to spend time on an RV vacation? Pack up your boots and jeans and head for the hills. It's definitely time to find some vacation gold!

Be sure to check out our other posts on RV gold and gem hunting adventures:

• How About Looking for Gold on Your Next Vacation?
• How About Digging for Diamonds on Your Next Vacation?

Favorite Year-Round RV Campgrounds

If you're like many of our customers, the fun you had RV camping this summer has you longing to be back out on the road. Our clients who live in warm climates will enjoy RV camping trips all winter, but did you know many cooler climate campgrounds are open year-round? To encourage you, no matter where you live, to enjoy RV camping as the leaves begin to change, here are some favorite year-round RV campgrounds.

Mountain Shadows RV Park, just south of Salt Lake City, is close to snow ski resorts and numerous Salt Lake City attractions and can accommodate the largest of RVs. You can pick up an RV rental at El Monte RV's Salt Lake City RV rentals location to start enjoying the best in outdoor winter fun.

Speaking of spending time in the great outdoors, Winding River RV Resort at Grand Lake, Colorado is right in the middle of a winter sports wonderland. Families will love the activities they offer—horseback riding, snowmobile rentals and guided hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The historic village of Grand Lake is definitely worth some exploring, too.

One more great place to stay in Colorado if your family loves to ski is Cozy Comfort RV Park in Dolores. This southwest Colorado resort is located near both the Telluride and Durango ski areas. It's also surrounded by Native American history and culture, so why not plan to stay a few days longer and explore? Let our Denver RV Rentals office help you rent the right RV for your trip.

For our friends who enjoy Pacific Northwest scenery, why not pick up the perfect motorhome at our Seattle RV Rentals location and then head for Tall Chief RV Resort near Redmond? This top-ranked RV campground in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains puts other RV parks in the shade. What a great way place to come home to after a full day of hiking or skiing!

Here's another tip for a great Northwest adventure year-round: SealBay RV Park on Vancouver Island, BC is at the heart of the glorious Comox Valley, home to some of the best winter sports venues in Canada. Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a particular favorite among downhill and cross country skiing enthusiasts and snow boarders. Making your trip in autumn, instead, will reward you with fabulous mountain to ocean views on this unforgettable island.

Doesn't a winter RV camping trip sound great? Get in touch with the El Monte RV Rentals location nearest your favorite winter destination and get rolling!

Arizona RV Camping Adventures

It's easy to think of Arizona as saguaro cactus and sand. The truth is there are a wide variety of RV camping destinations in Arizona just waiting for your next trip. The Grand Canyon is perhaps the best known Arizona outdoor destination, but there are plenty of other breathtaking landscapes to discover. Let's explore two more fascinating categories of Arizona RV camping destinations.

Arizona Scenic Drives
It's almost easier to say "what's not scenic in Arizona?" Following are just a few of the amazing vistas to visit by RV in the Grand Canyon State.

• Red Rock Scenic Road: If you travel to Sedona, don't miss this fifteen miles of spectacular canyon scenery. Along State Route 179 from Phoenix to Sedona, the Red Rock Scenic Road takes travelers past towering red rock spires and fantastic hiking trails. While you're in the area, also take the time to drive the Dry Creek and Mingus Mountain Scenic Roads. RV campgrounds in beautiful mountain settings abound in the area around Sedona, so why not plan to linger in north central Arizona?
• Kaibab Plateau/North Rim Parkway: Travel State Route 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim Area of the Grand Canyon and you will have a vacation's worth of photo opportunities! Make your way through gloriously scenic Kaibab National Forest to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. There you'll find once-in-a-lifetime views of the Canyon from the higher elevations of the North Rim. Camp at Jacob Lake, in the National Forest itself or at one of the RV camping venues near the North Rim.
• White River Scenic Road: Delve into Native American culture on the enormous White River Apache Reservation in southern Arizona. The White River Scenic Road rolls through awe-inspiring meadows and parallels the river all the way to historic Fort Apache and the Kinishiba Ruins. Also plan to spend time at the Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and Hon-Dah, the Apache tribal casino resort at the beginning of the trail.
  

Arizona Family RV Camping Destinations
Travelling with the kids? You're going to find plenty to keep them occupied in Arizona. Not only will they be exposed to fascinating Old West and Native American history, they can also play outdoors to their hearts' content.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers plenty of fishing, hiking, RV camping and wildlife photography opportunities. Older kids will love hiking the rugged trails, while the little ones will want to take turns naming all the animals you spy. RV campsites are abundant in this National Park site, but be sure to make your reservations early.

For a break from the road as you pass through Phoenix, CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park features acres of exciting activities. Visit the Bungee Dome or the multi-level, award-winning mini golf park while you're there. The kids are going to love this place!

If your RV camping trip takes you through Tucson, don't miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a zoo full of desert wildlife to fascinate your family. Wild West buffs in your group will also want to stop at Old Tucson Studios, a theme park filled with Wild West entertainment where movies are still being filmed.

One more suggestion for Arizona family RV camping - Homolovi Ruins State Park in northeastern Arizona gives a glimpse into fifteenth century Anasazi tribal life. The ruins of this ancient Native American culture are spread throughout the state park along the Little Colorado River. Camp at one of the Park's convenient RV campsites and then take a trip back in time to learn more about the ancestors of today's Hopi tribes.

Arizona RV camping destinations offer something for everyone in your RV. Bring the family or explore the Grand Canyon State with friends. Either way, your RV camping experience in Arizona will be absolutely memorable.

Great RV Camping Idea – Exploring New Mexico Ghost Towns

The Land of Enchantment may also be the Land of Haunted Places, if you're really into ghost towns. We knew you wouldn't want to miss the many ghost towns of New Mexico, so we've put together a list of places RV campers will want to go.

Northern New Mexico Ghost Towns
Glorieta: East of Santa Fe is a fascinating place called Glorieta. The Civil War battle that ended the Confederate threat in New Mexico took place nearby in La Glorieta Pass. Within a few years, a village grew where the railroad came through the Pass and Glorieta was born. Numerous businesses operate in Glorieta to serve the tourists who come to see the original 1870s buildings.

Western New Mexico Ghost Towns
Horse Springs: This former ranching center sits just off Hwy 12 in western New Mexico. A large natural spring for which the town was named drew ranchers to the area but didn't make up for the poor soil, so Horse Springs was soon no more.

Aragon/Fort Tularosa: The former Fort no longer exists, but you'll find signs of the early settlement as well as a few modern-day residents.

Eastern New Mexico Ghost Towns
La Lande: Interesting stucco ruins rise up in the desert of eastern New Mexico on the site of La Lande, a failed farming village.

De Baca: Farther west on Hwy 60, you can explore several abandoned homes and businesses at De Baca, another small town that faded when farmers failed to make a living.

Southern New Mexico Ghost Towns
Brice: Just north of Orogrande in southern New Mexico visit Brice, where visitors will find a cemetery and the remnants of a turquoise mining settlement.

With so many ghost towns to explore and great RV parks to settle into, New Mexico presents real possibilities for RV campers who love the unusual. Start your trip with a call to El Monte RV Rental's Albuquerque RV Rentals location. Our friendly staff will help you reserve a luxurious motorhome to keep you comfortable on your trip. Happy ghost hunting!

Fantastic RV Road Trip Idea: Seattle to Anchorage!

We have just heard about a super RV road trip idea and wanted to pass it along to our readers. If you're ready for the ultimate RV journey, plan a road trip from Seattle, Washington to Anchorage, Alaska! Does that idea have you running to pack your bags? Here's the scoop on how to travel by RV from Washington to Alaska.

Washington/Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
The drive from Seattle to Anchorage is about 2400 miles one-way. Obviously, you should set aside two or three weeks to mosey up the road to Alaska with time to enjoy the sights along the way.

The first leg of our suggested itinerary takes you from Seattle through Bellingham to Vancouver, British Columbia. For an incredibly scenic side trip, detour to Hwy 11 from Burlington to Bellingham. Not only will you look out over the San Juan Islands, you'll also see some of the most fertile farmland, orchards and vineyards in the Northwest.

Head north from Bellingham to Vancouver, BC. The most popular place to cross into Canada is the Peace Arch/Blaine Border Crossing. American RV travelers will need a passport to enter Canada.

Plan to stop in Vancouver to visit Vancouver Lookout, a twenty-eighth floor observation deck at the top of the city's Harbour Centre. You'll find a thriving arts community in Vancouver, and this fascinating BC city also boasts mountains, ocean and river views!

If you're ready to stop for the night, Burnaby Cariboo RV Park in Vancouver sits on the shores of Burnaby Lake.

Once you leave Vancouver for the next leg of your RV camping adventure, get ready for the great outdoors! We're headed now for one of three destinations -

1. Prince Rupert, where you can drive your RV right onto one of the famous Inside Passage Ferries for the rest of the trip to Homer, Alaska, a short jaunt in your RV from Anchorage. Travel west from Prince George, BC on Hwy 16 to Prince Rupert to follow this route. RV campers recommend Prince Rupert RV Campground (have your camera ready for deer right next door!)
   
2. North from Prince George along the Alaska Highway (PDF) to White Horse and, finally, Anchorage. This route takes you along the eastern edge of British Columbia. You will definitely experience the vastness of both BC and Alaska if you choose this route. Wide valleys, mountains, and rivers rushing through canyons are standard fare along the "Alcan." RV campgrounds along the way include Tok RV Village in Tok, AK and Pioneer RV Camp in Whitehorse, AK.
   
3. Along the Stewart-Cassier Highway (Hwy 37) from Prince George, BC to the Alaskan border, then on to White Horse and Anchorage on the Alcan. I'm told this route is absolutely spectacular, winding past glaciers, deep mountain valleys and rivers full of salmon.
   

Once in Anchorage, you'll find a thriving city of about two hundred thousand people. Don't miss visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Earthquake Park and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you'll see both mountain and ocean views as you hike or bike.

No matter which route you choose to travel by RV from Seattle to Anchorage, remember to fill your gas tanks whenever you have the opportunity. Also, plan ahead for emergencies, as services aren't available nearly as often as along most US highways. Even so, an RV journey from Washington to Alaska will be the trip of a lifetime.

El Monte RV Rentals help can set you up with a luxurious motorhome for the journey. Pick up your RV at either the El Monte RV Seattle RV Rentals or Vancouver/Bellingham RV Rentals locations. Head north to Alaska in a comfortable motorhome and bring home tales of the North to share for years!