aowanders-blog

[aowanders-blog]

Trump vs Corona Virus

In light of current events and the seeming resurgence of the virus and the complete absence of a coherent national strategy to resolve, execute or implement anything resembling a solution for the NATION.  I’m overwhelmed in a state of confusion. 

Corona Virus Breeds Compassion

Ninety five days ago 330 Million Americans united under a common goal for the benefit of our society.  Some of us needed more convincing than others, but in the end all of us “individuals” agreed to do what was right for the “majority” of humanity.  

It was a wonderful display of unity.  Unfethered kindness and endless generosity.  Even from the government.  Which stepped in and swiftly dispersed money that so many of us desperately needed to carry us through these trying times.  

It was unbelievable!  People were actually doing the right thing, and not just for friends, family and coworkers.  People were extending their kindness and generosity to complete strangers in need.  

The coronavirus was bringing out the best in humanity!  But as the saying goes,”All good things must come to end.”  Which is why I am publicizing today’s journal entry.  Because the generous kind acts we’ve grown accoustomed to over the last couple of months have come to a complete hault.  

Minneapolis Ground Zero

Civil unrest has replaced compassion with unfocused chaos.  Lashing out at any target within arms reach.  Creating symbolism out of trivial brands and products just so theres another log to throw on the fire.  

I understand where the root of this frustration begin with an overzealous power tripping authority abusing police officer.  Who was so detached from reality he couldn’t even comprehend a lifeless body wasn’t a threat to him any more.

Unfocused Protesting

What I don’t understand is what is the end goal here? Race vs race? #civilwar USA becomes 50 individual nations?

Who is actually in charge here? Trump? State governors? The kid who burnt the cop station? The group that wants to change the label on my syrup bottle? Is it the neighborhood that just renamed my rice? Is it the support group that’s going to help me understand why Elmer Fudd cant hunt wabbits anymore? Is it the CEO of Amazon who is now censoring what I can choose to watch? Is it the kids partying in the Seattle barracade?

What’s really confusing is that there are so many blind followers in the herd completely unaware that what they actually want isn’t what they are fighting for.

Defund The Police

Instead of griping over the past why not placate for longterm solutions instead of temporary victories? Why demand police reform when all that is required is a change in the language?

Simple Police Reform

If a federal law was passed that said, “No victim no police interaction,” I would be willing to bet without even looking up the stats that every one of these unarmed riot inciting murders would have never happened!

When you say #defundthepolice do you mean let’s go back to 6 shooters on our hips, or do you mean refocus the police to actually protect and serve while politicians delete outdated laws and start passing laws that are for our benefit and protection?

Do we really need an armed police officer to show up at a traffic accident to oversee driver information exchanges?  Does society really need armed individuals patrolling our streets for cracked windshields?  

How will society endure without having anyone to call for boats causing a wake?  People playing in a public park after sunset?  Hiking off trail with their dog unleashed in a National Park or any other VICTIMLESS REVENUE GENERATING INFRACTION OF THE LAW that nobody dead or alive actually cares about including the police enforcing them!

Coronavirus Raises Minimum Wage

What really needs the focus of unilateral reform is a National Minimum wage that is high enough to meet todays cost of living?

I’ve lived in more places than most people have had the chance to read about in their lives. I’ve seen the best of our country, and the worst of our country.  

I dont actually believe the root of our society’s problems is “systematic racism,” and I dont think you do you either.

The problem that I believe these protestor’s are trying to fight for is not being able to chase down their dreams because the cost of living in todays society is so high that it takes FIVE DECADES of survival skills to navigate your financial responsibilities.

Stop The Struggle

How are you supposed to get ahead in life when you spend majority of life spinning your wheels in neutral?  What are you supposed to do with a full time job that pays less than poverty?

Theres a saying that I’ve heard from locals in every tourist town I go to,”You either have 3 houses or 3 jobs in todays world.”

How is that proportiantely acceptable in todays world?  Being poor shouldn’t be probable cause for police interaction!  Driving a beat up vehicle shouldn’t put you on a police officers radar!  Changing lanes without a blinker shouldn’t warrant an armed person to investigate!

I don’t know the exact number, but I would be willing to bet 90% of all police interaction stem from a traffic infraction in a poor neighborhood!  There is no reason an armed invidividual needs to enforce traffic infractions!

Just like your skin color shouldn’t define your class!  

Which is what I believe the problem is in society.  We have allowed police departments to dictate their existence through melodramatic justifications.  We have allowed police officers to justify their funding through targeted patrols.  Which inevitably leads to poor neighborhoods because its more likely to find traffic infractions in neighborhoods that can’t afford vehicle upkeeps.  Regardless of race.  It’s a simple numbers game, but are we funding the police to protect and serve or to play the odds?  

Do we really need armed police forces patrolling for seat belt violations?  The better question is do we really need double punishment for traffic infractions?  Did you know that 3 speeding tickets in twelve months equals a suspended license?  Are you aware that public transportation doesn’t exist in majority of the towns in America?  

How do you expect people to be a productive member of society in todays world without reliable transportation?  How do you expect them to educate themselves or better themselves if they can’t get to school?  How do you expect them to pay for vehicle registration if they can’t get to work?  

The DMV is the Devil

Before we go to far down this rabbit hole I can tell you from first hand experience that the DMV/DMS literally DESTROYS lives on a daily basis!  Based off of police interaction in poor neighborhoods, and if the federal government would raise the National minimum wage to $25/hour which is what it costs to live in America in 2020 majority of society’s problems would cease to exist!

People wouldn’t be side hustling in illegal activities just to keep roof over their heads.  If a full time job would pay a liveable wage careers wouldn’t be an extinct animal.  There wouldn’t be fraudelent online posting every other ad if people could afford the products and services of America with their paycheck!  The internet wouldn’t be our generations gold rush if companies could be content with millions in profits instead of billions!  

How to Save $20,000 in 90 days

The list of examples is infinite and could sprawl throughout society, but it would all come back to the cost of living in todays world!  If 2 million Americans weren’t given that extra $600/week from the American government how big of a fiascle would this Pandemic have been with 2 million people only making $1,200/month for 3 months?  How desperate would people have gotten with no money in their pocket and no toilet paper in the stores?  How many businesses would be closed for good?  How violent would these protest really have gotten had people been starving before seeing George Floyd’s death?  

Its time to overhaul America, but we need to focus that makeover.  We need to steer the direction of our future towards a longterm solution.  Removing statues and changing food labels isn’t the key to enhancing the quality of life.  From 22 years of travel I belive society’s frustration is based solely on financial responsbilities.   Rent is too high.  Paychecks are too low.  Vacations are for the wealthy!  

If theres not going to be a national leader that’s going to step in to guide society in the right direction. Than its time for a new leader.  A leader thats going to heal the country by forcing every employer to pay a livable wage! So that the bottom half of society can delete their frustrations of desires and chase their dreams.  If this is truly the greatest country on Earth, and you can be anything you want to be than how come after 50 years of working most Americans still have no safety net? 

This is my journal entry for the day.  Which I usually don’t post for public consumption, but the answer is always NO if you never ask.

Take this time to self reflect, game plan and strategize a longterm solution for the change you want to see in the world for yourself and society.  While systemic racism is unacceptable I think society’s current frustrations reside a couple layers deeper!  Let me know what you think in the comments below.  

CoronaVirus/Covid 19 Journal Day 95 – Civil Unrest Recap Trump vs Corona Virus In light of current events and the seeming resurgence of the virus and the complete absence of a coherent national strategy to resolve, execute or implement anything resembling a solution for the NATION. 

#American Protests #Be the change you want to see #Black Lives Matter #Defund the Police #George Floyd #Minneapolis Police #National Minimum Wage

[aowanders-blog]

How To Find Cheap Longterm RV Lot For Rent

How To Find Cheap Longterm RV Lot For Rent

Cheap RV Hookups

Finding a cheap longterm RV lot for rent can be somewhat challenging at times! Depending on the season, RV park owners may not be willing to offer a nightly RV rental space for a discounted monthly rate. City folks are unwilling to rent out driveways and backyards. Some towns have ordinances and zoning laws that prohibit full-time living out of an RV. Locating a longterm RV space…

View On WordPress

[aowanders-blog]

Coronavirus Lockdown Activities

There’s a world full of activities, but sometimes you’re just not in the mood to make a choice. Finding fun things to do when you’re bored can be torture, and this coronavirus lockdown isn’t too entertaining either.

   The first couple of days were heaven. No work. Free to sleep in. Enjoy a late breakfast. Clear the DVR of your favorite TV shows. Maybe even crack a mid-day beer without feeling guilty, but then it happened. 

You find yourself pacing between the kitchen and the living room. You’ve watched all the best travel movies on Netflix. If you have to binge-watch one more documentary or TV series, you’re going to puke!

Not even your phone can rescue you at this point, but you keep checking every 2 seconds, just to be sure.   Lists of dreamy travel activities and far off adventures keep coming up as you scour the internet for fun things to do when you’re bored.  

Are you going stir crazy at home because of this coronavirus pandemic? So am I, but I’m also taking full advantage of the situation. By tackling household projects, learning new skills, catching up on work, and exploring the vast outdoors.  You can too!

Be Productive With Your Down Time

There’s no shame in being bored!  It’s natural to feel antsy as the walls are closing in when there’s nowhere to go and nothing to do. If you’re struggling to keep yourself sane from boredom, take on a productive activity!

When I’m bored and looking for something to do, I narrow my focus down to three categories.

Productive

Entertaining

Practical

Doing this helps me find the perfect activity for when I’m bored and looking for something to do.  

An example for myself was creating a functional day planner that never needs to be refilled or reordered. It’s the perfect digital/day planner for bloggers and website owners.  

Monthly View

Daily View

Weekly View

Probably a complete yawnfest to you, but this project entertained me for a whole week. Plus, I learned a lot of new skills and gained a real sense of accomplishment.  All the distracting ingredients needed when you’re bored!

Finding fun things to do when you’re bored is personal, and sometimes you just gotta do what makes you happy!  Still, there has to be some practicality to your choices.

I would love to take a road trip right now or fly to some exotic paradise, but what would I do with the world on lockdown?  All the hotels, restaurants, and tour operations closed.  No destination has immunity from COVID-19.  Trust me, I’ve been scouring the internet for opportunities and solutions to our “travel problem.”

The fact of the matter is, discovering fun things to do when you’re bored is going to be more challenging today than it was yesterday!

Fun Coronavirus Activities to do When You’re Bored

Learn a new language for free thru this link

Landscape your yard

Cook a new recipe

Create a neighborhood scavenger hunt to learn your community

Go camping

Build a treehouse

Clean out your closet

Organize your computer

Did you know spring is the beginning of gold panning season

Take an online class to teach yourself how to brew your own beer, create websites, photography, potty train your dog, and so much more.

Apply for a REAL work-at-home job by following this link

Learn how to blow glass

Create pottery

Start Garden

Learn To Code Websites

Fix your car

Learn the world of podcasts

Help your neighbor

There are so many fun things to do when you’re bored, and right now is the perfect time to explore them all! 

I bet you didn’t you know you can access over 10,000 online classes for less than $10 a month thru this link.

The two biggest excuses I hear from everyone about not being able to travel, pursue a hobby, or learning a new skill are time and money. 

Instead of sitting at home being bored, pursue those hobbies you always wanted to.  Learn a new skill that will free you from the paycheck anchor you detest! 

More Fun Things to do When You’re Bored

Whether you’re stuck, home alone, or with the whole damn family cramped into a tiny RV, take advantage of the situation.  

Learn a new skill with access to thousands of online courses through Udemy.com or Skillshare.com.   Check out the world of photography at Kelby.com.  Learn to code for free Codeacademy.com.  Did you know Kahn University is entirely free, or choose from one of these  450 FREE Ivy league classes?

Fun Outdoor Things To Do When You’re Bored

Maybe online classrooms aren’t your thing, and you’d be more interested in outdoor adventures like cave diving or cliff wall camping. 

You might want to check out my popular 34 outdoor fun things to do when you’re bored article.

Which is a list of outdoor activities for kids, parents, and adventurous adults who are going stir-crazy.

When your bored, it’s a challenge to find fun things to do, but the trick is discovering new activities you can find enjoyment in.  They might start off as a one-off activity and turn into a weekly, monthly, or annual tradition among friends and family. 

Fun Virtual Activities To Do When You’re Bored

The other day I was invited to a virtual dinner party! Yes, you read that right.  Hanging out with friends on three continents while playing classic board games was a blast!!

I learned a new dinner recipe.  Discovered a new wine and even made a new friend.  Who called me out for cheating in Monopoly.  Which I was, but it was a fantastic night of entertaining memories I wouldn’t have even participated in pre-coronavirus.  

I’d never heard of a virtual dinner party, but not only was it a ton of fun. I also learned there’s a Facebook group that hosts a virtual karaoke party every Saturday.  

Embrace New Activities When You’re Bored

The world’s changing, and even though your usual “entertainment options” are closed to the public new ones are sprouting up in their place.  If you’re craving social interaction and still looking for fun things to do when you’re bored, explore virtual options among your friends and family.

Fun Activities Are Discovered Thru New Interests

Stop looking for fun things to do when you’re bored before you go bonkers and search for new activities that may interest you.

Rent an exotic car for a thrilling day of unique experiences.  Ever heard of waterfall hiking or zorbing?  

The world is filled with fun activities to do when you’re bored.  While you may not be able to go shopping, bar hopping or ziplining there are plenty of fun free outdoor things to do when you’re bored.  Last year alone, 330 million people visited America’s National Park system.  Now is the time to explore all that outdoor recreation has to offer!

New Hobbies Cure Boredom

The theme throughout this list of fun free things to do when you’re bored is to learn a new skill, pick up a new hobby or pursue activities you’ve been dreaming of for far too long.

At the end of this social distancing, self-quarantining, and possible martial law lockdown here in the United States.  Do you want to be able to say you were productive or just killed time? 

Do you want to be proud of yourself for learning a new skill or taking on a new hobby? Do you want to be able to brag about new adventures, or simply just recap TV shows when this is all over with your friends & family? 

Take the time now to pursue a new hobby like glass blowing, pottery, or whatever you’ve been dreaming of for far too long. 

CHEAP Fun Things To Do When You’re Bored Coronavirus Lockdown Activities There’s a world full of activities, but sometimes you’re just not in the mood to make a choice.

#fun outdoor activities #how to learn a new skill online #new hobbies #outdoor fun when your bored

[aowanders-blog]

No Shame In Being Bored

Searching for things to do when you’re bored can be frustrating.  Even though theres a world full of activites you just can’t seem to settle on anything.  Nothing feels practical or entertaining! 

The cure is focusing on FUN outdoor things to do when you’re bored?  Because most outdoor activites are free and adventurous.  

Activities like caving, surfing, hiking and even gold mining are all free outdoor things to do when you’re bored!

Willing to spend a little money?  Scuba diving, wing walking and zorbing are all excellent outdoor things to do when you’re bored!  Stop pacing from the kitchen to the living room looking for something to do. Use this list of FUN outdoor things to do when you’re bored and go explore the great outdoors for FREE!

Some Unique Outdoor Activities to do When You’re Bored

Create a Scavenger Hunt

Build a Fort

Go Gem Hunting

Climb a waterfall

Fly a Peregrine Falcon

Pan For Gold

Tube Down the River

Go Bear Watching

Climb a Mountain

There are endless possibilities of outdoor things to do when you’re bored.  Go camping, climbing, fishing, hiking or do them all for one adventurous weekend! 

Instead of sitting at home being bored, pursue those hobbies you always wanted to.

Below is my list of outdoor activities to do when you’re bored for kids, parents, and even adventurous adults who are going stir-crazy from boredom. 

34 Outdoor Things To Do When You’re Bored

The great thing about nature is it’s full of entertaining outdoor things to do when you’re bored. Whether you have a low budget or a bottomless bank account, there is always something fun to do outside.

Kayaking, Canoeing or Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Have you ever charged the rapids of a spring-time raging river, or gone on a water exploration that leads to lunch on an unknown island?

Most of us haven’t, but if you’re looking for something to do watersports are a great way to get out of the house.

Activities like canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle-boarding also provide the added benefit of a full cardio workout. Haven’t hooked you yet?

Exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota will take your breath away. With over 1,100 lakes, the BWCA offers almost 60 different 1,500-mile routes of remote wilderness and tranquil scenery. Filled with local wildlife from birds to big game.  Such as moose, black bear, and bobcats.  

Not ready for a life-changing canoe trip? How about something a little milder? Like standup paddle-boarding!

Imagine skimming across the water on your stand up paddleboard surrounded by granite mountain peaks, sandy beaches, and views 70 feet deep. An experience only found on Lake Tahoe or, more accurately, the crystal clear waters of Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. Here are seven water trails on Lake Tahoe you can explore today.

Looking for quieter waters?  Quaint communities and a rich wilderness experience filled with a surplus of wildlife? Whether you’re a novice or avid paddler looking for that memorable wilderness experience, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail is 740 miles of bliss spanning across the Northeastern United States. 

Learn to Surf, Windsurf or Kitesurf

You can kitesurf on flat watered bays, choppy waters, or even big wave seas. People of all ages, from teenagers to senior citizens, can participate in this watersport.  Kite surfing is an amazin outdoor activity to do when you’re bored!

Another watersport I am fascinated with and want to get more involved in is surfing.

Surfing can be a bit more challenging, but the excitement factor of riding a wave for your first time or millionth time is a thrilling experience.

Surfing waves off the coast of Florida, California, and Hawaii is a national pastime thats been pursued by free-spirited souls for decades. 

Watersports are the perfect outdoor activity to do when you’re bored! 

ATVs Are A Blast

When I was a kid every weekend and holiday in the summer, we headed up North to our land. We prepped in the summer and hunted in the fall. While other kids were playing video games, having sleepovers, and toilet-papering the neighborhood, I was playing in the woods. 

Mobbing through swamps and jacked up dirt roads on our families ATV’s. Sometimes for fun. Sometimes for work. 

ATVs can be a great source of outdoor enjoyment when you’re bored!

The SOO Line ATV trail in Minnesota consists of 253 maintained miles of ATV fun!  With thousands of tributary branches that allow you to explore all that Minnesota ATVing has to offer.

Searching for outdoor things to do when you’re bored?  The perfect place to set up base camp is the Spider Lakes Recreational Area for a fun weekend of ATV fun in Minnesota.  Free to camp as long as you want, and directly ties into the SOO Line ATV trail system. 

Out West, in places like Idaho and Montana, there is an extensive Forest Service road system that accommodates free camping and thousands of miles to explore on your ATVs.

Nevada and Utah have millions of miles to rip around an on ATV. Along with thousands of places to boondock camp for free.

Riding around on ATVS is a great outdoor activity to do when you’re bored!

Paragliding, Hang Gliding, Parasailing or Hot Air Ballooning

Finding yourself miles above the Earth and soaring through the open sky is the perfect outdoor activity when you’re bored. 

Hang-gliding over the red rock landscape of Utah is always a welcome activity for its ideal soaring conditions 365 days a year. 

Parasailing is a wonderful outdoor activity to do when you’re bored. 

Lake Powell & Pend O’reille offer plenty of room and magnificent beauty for a day of parasailing.

Take in the setting sun of the Arizona desert through hot air balloon rentals.     

Stop searching for outdoor things to do when you’re bored, and just do something. Any wilderness activity will be more fun than a day of TV!

Sky diving/Bungee Jumping/base jumping

When looking for outdoor things to do when you’re bored few activities can match the thrill of free-falling thru the air.  Turn to the adrenaline and adventurous activity of sky diving or bungee jumping!

Plummeting through the air, screaming on the inside or maybe for the whole world to hear, waiting for the parachute to open or the bungee cord to end your free falling terror is an unforgettable experience! 

Imagine being able to admire the incredible bird’s eye view at umpteen thousand feet.  

If you’ve never been free-falling, now is the time to check this adventurous activity off your bucket list of outdoor things to do when you’re bored. 

Soar over the Canyonlands of Utah like I did a few years back with Skydive Moab. Check out the sparkling lights of the Las Vegas skyline. Not ready to truly fall out of the sky, check out Las Vegas’s Indoor Skydiving packages. 

See Australia from the clouds at the Reef & Rainforest in Cairns. Need a little more security like a bungee cord attached to your body? Enjoy the thrills of bungee jumping over Lake Sevilla in Spain. Costa Rica has some extreme bungee jumping opportunities in Monteverde.

BaseJumpMoab has three different packages to choose from here in the United States.

Free-falling through the air is a remarkable outdoor activity to do when you’re bored!

Caving and Cave Diving

With endless miles of underground adventure, caving offers a level of raw exploration that few outdoor activities can when you’re bored.

Letting your imagination run wild as you discover walls covered in crystals and stalagmites. Secretly hoping to find a treasure chest full of gold buried by pirates centuries ago. Sound boring to you?

Caving is a fascinating experience for both young and old. Nine of the most inspiring cave systems can be found internationally in countries like the Philippines, New Zealand, Belize, and Malaysia. Still, America has underground gems of its own. 

Like the Natural Bridge Caverns found in Texas, or the Carlsbad Taverns found in the neighboring state of New Mexico. The Cosmic Cavern in Arkansas features two bottomless lakes that divers have yet to see the bottom. Its not the Great Blue Hole of Belize that scuba divers from around the world come to explore, but will afford you the chance to do some underwater cave diving exploration right here in America. 

Caving is one of my favorite outdoor things to do when you’re bored!

Whitewater Rafting

If you’ve never experienced a rafting trip, slept outdoors, or eaten a shore lunch you’re missing out on life.  Probably the reason why you’re searching for  fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored.

Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating activity to do on a lazy afternoon. With some of the best river shoots found up and down the East Coast, throughout the Midwest and all over the West Coast there’s no shortage of opportunity.

Head West to run the Colorado River in the Rockies or deep in the Grand Canyon. The North Fork up in Montana or the Salmon River in Idaho offer anything from lazy day river runs to death-defying class five rapids.

Whitewater rafting is an exhilirating activity to do when you’re bored.

Waterfall Hunting

Of all the outdoor things to do when you’re bored waterfall hunting is easily the most fun.  It costs nothing and is pure adventure.  It’s like stepping into a time a maching and becoming one of world’s first explorers.  Thanks to an ex-girlfriend, hiking waterfalls is one of my all-time favorite hobbies. 

I’m not talking about climbing raging waterfalls like Angel Falls in Venezuela.

I’m referring to mild meandering rivers that cut through the mountains and wooded landscapes of rural America. Offering nothing but beauty and the soothing sound of rippling water. Where you’ll find cascading waterfalls and hidden wilderness beauty visited by few.

Hiking waterfalls like the ones found on the Kadunce river just outside of Grand Marais, MN, offer a completely different experience than hiking the designated trail above. 

By allowing you to explore the algae-covered canyon walls up close, and wading over smooth-edged boulders in the crisp waters. While conquering three waterfalls before finding a secret swimming hole not accessible from the official Kadunce River trail. 

Waterfall hunting is an outdoor activity both young and old can enjoy. Providing endless fun and new adventurous challenges for anyone to enjoy looking for outdoor things to do when you’re bored.  

  Bridge Climbing

When your struggling to find outdoor things to do when you’re bored turn to the Australian’s. Who offer a great way to see a city with unique 360-degree views through bridge climbing.

The most famous bridge climbing destinations are in Australia & New Zealand. The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb is the ultimate experience and the only way to see this iconic city Downunder.

Bridge climbing is an adrenaline packed outdoor activity to do when you’re bored with far less risk than sky diving.

Sandboarding, Volcano Boarding, Sand Yachting, kiteboarding, Mountain Boarding

These five sports honestly had to have been invented by someone digging deep for  outdoor things to do when you’re bored. If your looking for an activity to do away from the masses and is just pure fun in the sun, look no further.

Any form of sandboarding will bring a smile to your face for days. Don’t worry about the learning curve. All you have to do is hold your balance and let gravity or wind do the rest. 

It’s a ton of fun, and best of all, there’s no admission to surf down a sand dune or race across the desert.

Stop climbing the walls of your house out of boredom and head out to the sand dunes for a day of fun!  Sand boarding is just one of those epic things to do when you’re bored.

Rappelling

Some of the best outdoor things to do when you’re bored will be outside of your comfort zone. Grab some rope, a harness, and an anchor point high above the ground.

Rappelling is fun, memorable, and a heart-pounding outdoor adventure experience fun for all ages. You could be dangling over raging rivers, deep canyons, or directly off your deck. 

Rappelling doesn’t have to be exotic for it to be fun and memorable, but after you master the basics, there will be a new world out there for you to explore.

With waterfall rappelling, cave rappelling, and even sea cliff rappelling. When you’re looking for something outdoors thats cheap, safe, and easy to do.   Rappelling is one of the more popular outdoor things to do when you’re bored!

Mountain Biking

Before you go looking for exotic fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored, why not try a therapeutic and cardio rewarding hobby like mountain biking!!

It adds adventure into your life and gets you closer to nature. Mountain biking creates terrific opportunities to discover new parts of the world and gives you confidence while teaching you about self-sufficiency. 

Mountain biking is not just a sport; it’s a way of life for a large community people. This enjoyable activity is also a fantastic workout routine that will have you meeting some wonderful peeps from around the world. 

So kick start that New Years Resolution of getting back in shape by hopping on a mountain bike and getting out of the house. No training, courses or lessons needed. You just need to get off the couch and go. 

Mountain biking is a rewarding outdoor activity to do when you’re bored. 

Dog Sledding

Racing through the woods during the winter months along a snowy trail behind a pack of racing sled dogs is a thrilling outdoor experience.

Wind whipping through hair. The eye’s crying from the blistering cold air. Finger’s gripping the handlebar for dear life. No, I’m kidding. Dog sledding is a mild-mannered enjoyable experience. Just think of it as sledding with a little bit more speed, but your still entirely in control.

Dog sledding is one of those unique outdoor things to do when you’re bored!

Skiing

I’ve been a passionate ski bum for over a decade now, and one of my all-time favorite outdoor things to do when you’re bored is skiing!!!

Skiing is a beautiful activity that gets you outdoors. Provides a great workout and supercharges the soul with good vibes.

Like mountain biking, skiing isn’t a hobby or even a sport. Well, I suppose it is, but to the vast majority of us. Skiing is a passionate pursuit of a way of life found only on the mountainside. Stop looking for fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored and get out skiing today. 

Skiing is one of those outdoor acitivities that will challenge, frustrate and reward all in the same day.  When you’re bored and looking for something to do in the outdoors take up skiing!

Deep-Sea Fishing

Trying new things is one of the best outdoor activities to do when you’re bored! Activities like deep-sea fishing, for example.

The warm sun beating down on your face and sweat dripping into your eyes. Every muscle in your body is pulsating from exhaustion as you stare down at a 400 pound Yellow Fin Tuna flopping around your boat.  Well hopefully.

Deep-sea fishing is a marvelous activity that affords the rare occasion of landing a mythical fish only see on TV.

For most of us, deep-sea fishing will amount to nothing more than filling the live-well with groupers and sea bass. While getting sunburnt and shit faced drunk on cheap beer. 

Grab the gas can bait cooler, 12-pack, and cast off the bowlines in search of that mythical monster lurking in the ocean waters.   Because deep-sea fishing is the ideal outdoor activity when you’re bored!

Hammock & Cliff Face Campin

From simple to exotic summer is full of activities to do when you’re bored!

One of those simple summer activities is swaying slightly from side to side high above the ground in my hammock. With the sounds of a crackling campfire below me. A good book and a bottle of wine. One of the best outdoor things to do when you’re bored is “hammock life.”

Hammocks are the greatest invention ever made!!!

Seriously, they weigh next to nothing. Extremely affordable. Provide shelter from the bugs and weather. Setup can be anywhere and takes only a few moments to accomplish. No tools or instructions are required, and they’re super comfortable!

The only thing that beats hammock camping is cliff face camping. Combine rappelling and cliff face camping, and you’ve got yourself an entire weekend of fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored.

Glacier Climbing

I can already see you rolling your eyes and sighing. Glacier climbing??

Hey, not all of us live on a Caribbean island. Some of us live north of the equator. So if you’re having a hard time trying to find fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored and fortunate enough to live near a glacier, stop rolling your eyes and go exploring!

Glacier climbing is a unique experience in some of the world’s most remarkable locations. So if the opportunity arises, you should grab it with both hands. 

Glacier climbing is a bucket list activity that should be experienced by everyone. 

Coasteering

What is Coasteering? Coasteering is a new fad of hiking, which isn’t new, but I’m sure the name itself came from a bored group of individuals.

Coasteering is where one attempts to hike a coastline in a tidal zone. Where you press on as far as you can by land, and when that’s no longer an option, you jump into the sea and swim to the nearest landmass to begin again. There’s nothing fancy about it. It’s like making up an obstacle course as you go. 

Any new activity like coasteering and waterfall hiking are the perfect outdoor things to do when you’re bored!

River Boarding

An exciting new sport sweeping across the globe is river-boarding, where you can experience the exhilarating feeling of conquering rapids and waves that never end. A thrilling, fun outdoor activity when you’re bored.

Unlike surfing where you have to wait for the wave to roll in, and then paddle back out to catch the next wave. Riverboarding is an endless activity you can do on any river, stream, or creek.

Just wade in. Hop on your board, and if you fall off, stand up and try again. Riverboard surfing truly is an activity-packed with fun. Low entry cost to begin, and with a little common sense reasonably safe. 

Stop searching for fun free outdoor things to do when you’re bored, try river-boarding this summer.

Storm Chasing

Watching a storm roll in from afar is a grand event.  Especially out west where you can watch lighting strike mountain tops in the distance.  Easily one of the most underrated outdoor things to do when you’re bored is storm chasing!

The temperature gets colder. Sun disappears behind dark grumbly clouds, and lighting begins to lash out in every direction. Shaking the ground and air with its crackle. It’s a superb exhibition of nature and science, and in the right environment an unforgettable experience.  

Under the right conditions watching a storm roll in is a fascinating outdoor activity to do when you’re bored!   

Airplane Wing Walking

The absolute most unique outdoor activity to do when you’re bored is airplane wing walking!

Walking on an airplane wing while it’s flying through the sky is sensational!

Wing walking is not for the faint of heart, or people scared of heights.  Its for adrenaline junkies.

Strapped into a five-point harness on a vintage biplane, you will be whisked into the air while standing on an airplane’s wing. With the wind reforming your face and rushing through your hair you might find the meaning of life during this outdoor activity. 

One of most sensational outdoor things to do when you’re bored is wing walking!

Cliff Jumping

If wing walking terrifies you, but still craving a rush of adrenaline? How about some good ‘ole fashioned cliff jumping. 

When we were kids cliff jumping was always at the top of our list of outdoor things to do when you’re bored.

Throughout my travels I’ve learned that everyone knows of a place to go cliff jumping. I used to go to a site called the “Beehive” in Stillwater on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Over 80 feet above the Mississippi River was our launching point where we mustered up the courage to huck ourselves into the waters below. 

You don’t have to find an 8-story rock to enjoy cliff jumping. In fact, cliff jumping’s a lot more fun when your life doesn’t flash before your eyes. 

There’s a quarry in St. Cloud Minnesota with a rock that’s only 10-15 feet high and the waters over 100 feet deep. Making it an enjoyable day of water activities and the perfect outdoor thing to do when you’re bored.

Free, simple, and with a little comment sense completely safe.  Cliff jumping can be a lot of fun, and when you’re looking for fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored cliff jumping can save the day.

Zorbing

Outdoor things to do when you’re bored are endless, and one of the most enjoyable ones on this list is Zorbing!

What could be more fun than rolling down a hill in a giant bubble ball? Zorbing came on the scene a few years ago, and it’s an absolute blast. You can Zorb in a field, hill, or even in water. 

Most Zorb’s come filled with water, and the participant sloshes around until the ride comes to an end.  A completely harmless activity fun for all ages. No experience required, and indeed something the whole family, from grandma to little johnny, can do. 

Book your zorbing trip today. Show up confused and leave with a smile that will last for days. I promise!

Horse Back Riding

I’ve only been horseback riding one time, but I would never be bored if I owned horses.

There’s just something soothing, relaxing, and a bit adventurous about riding a horse through the woods. The horse I rode oh so long ago wasn’t a bucking bronco either. In fact, all he did was try to eat everything, including me. But it was a fabulous lazy day activity. Allowing me to get to know my new friends better while exploring the area around me. 

The horse does all the work. Just enjoy the experience. It sure does beat sitting at home wondering what to do?  

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving

Let’s get one thing straight scuba diving is one of the most intriguing hobbies on the planet. By providing a remarkable opportunity to discover an underwater world that most people will never see. 

From underwater caves. Sunken battleships. Colorful fish and beautiful coral are just a few of things you can discover while scuba diving. 

I’ll admit scuba diving requires a little bit of dedication before you can go off looking for underwater buried pirate treasures, but boy is it worth it. Snorkeling, on the other hand, can be just as much fun and far cheaper. 

When I went to the Virgin Islands, I rented some snorkel gear and headed to the beach. Within seconds I was face to face with a Barracuda, and moments later, I was getting towed through the water by a giant sea turtle. 

Trust me, it’s a lot more fun than sitting at home, microwaving a pizza pocket, and secretly envying those that are out there exploring an underwater world. 

No list of “Fun Outdoor Things To Do When You’re Bored” is complete without including scuba diving and snorkeling!

Shooting Guns

Origami made be cool on your dining room table but compared to a 50 caliber sniper rifle and flame thrower. There’s no competition. There’s also no reason to own either one of those weapons, but they are a ton of fun!!

Gun owners are never bored! Any excuse to shoot paper targets is a day of fun and entertaining destruction! The rest of you are probably shaking your head, rolling your eyes and asking yourself WTF!!  But seriously, who doesn’t like destruction?

In all seriousness and in the right environment, guns are an endless source of entertainment.

Fishing

Fishing was always my go-to as a kid for free outdoor things to do when you’re bored. We used to load up our bikes full of gear, rods, and bike seven miles to the nearest the lake. Some times with friends, and sometimes solo.

Fishing is a relaxing pastime that provides freedom from the stresses of life, and a perfect activity to detach with on a warm summer day.

When you’re bored and looking for something to do. Grab a can of corn, a tin of worms, head out to the lake and log some peaceful wilderness time.

Did you know you don’t even need a boat or license to fish in Glacier National Park! Ever wanted to learn how to fly fish? There’s no time like the present! What else are you doing? Get out there and catch some fish!

Camping

I might be a little bias on this one because I’ve been camping for over 20 years, but when you’re looking for fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored camping is an immediate injection of fun!

Even if it’s just in your backyard, its a change of routine. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, head out into the backcountry for a long weekend overnight camping trip.

Let the songbirds wake you in the morning. The moose startle you on a mid-day hike and let the setting sun captivate you.

Camping’s one of those activities that provide perfect moments all on its own, and a great accomplice to an endless list of other activities to do when you’re bored.

One of the greatest things I love about camping is it’s FREE, even with an RV or a camper.

Climbing

Maybe your not up for a multi-day camping trip just yet, but still looking for a wilderness adventure. Rock climbing is an unbelievable way to release pent up boredom. 

From bouldering to ascending vertical cliff walls without ropes, all ages and abilities will find immense joy in rock climbing.  

Climbing is one of those activities you can make it as straightforward or as challenging as you like. Combined with other outdoor activities like camping or kayaking and you’ve got an outdoor wilderness adventure your whole family can enjoy. 

When looking for outdoor things to do when you’re bored I suggest free activities like camping and hiking because they’re fun for all ages.

Go hiking

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do because anyone can do it. It’s free. No rules or boundaries. 

Hiking gives you a sense of adventure into the unknown.  Which is why I love waterfall hiking.

You can be a day hiker, multi-day hiker, thru-hiker, and even an overnight hiker. Did you know there are even trash hikers? 

Whatever classification you fall into hiking gets you out of the house. Allowing you to see new landscapes. Let the dog run. Get a bit of exercise, and even explore new recipes for your hiking adventures. 

There’s no good reason not to go hiking if the weather permits it, and sometimes hiking is even more fun in bad weather.

Hiking is a cheap rewarding activity that requires nothing but the will to participate, and is one of the ultimate outdoor things to do when you’re bored! 

Gold mining

Panning for gold is a ton of fun, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. Because, I sure as heck have no clue what I am doing, but the anticipation of what might be in your gold pan fuels the excitement of the experience. 

This is a list of fun outdoor things to do when you’re bored. Not how to become a millionaire, but this activity just may put some extra money in your wallet. 

The best thing about gold mining, besides possibly striking it rich, is gold panning teaches you new skills. Develops independence. Gets you out of the house and into nature where all the best adventures begin.

Gold mining is an activity that can be as social or as solitude as you wish. Still, more importantly, all it takes is a shovel and bucket. So pack your camping gear, hammock, rappelling gear, and head out for a weekend of gold mining camping adventures. 

Take a road trip

Road trips are always a blast because the journey’s the destination, and the experience is the adventure!  Road trips are one of the few activities where less planning means a more rewarding experience. In today’s world of uncertainty, I bet a road trip would be an extraordinary adventure!

One of the greatest things about a road trip is you can do them solo or with a group of friends, and its an instant cure to boredom!

Rent a houseboat

Are you bored and looking for an experience that will undoubtedly deliver a one of a kind outdoor adventure?  Houseboating is the most underrated outdoor activity in the world today.

I’ve owned two houseboats in my life, and have deeply regretted selling them! You can literally’ call home to any place you feel like anchoring.

Have shore lunch on this island. Camp on the next island. Sunbathe on a sand bar. Drop anchor at your favorite swimming hole. Dive off the roof or watch the setting sun drop into the river. Host a dinner party, or cast a fishing line.

With all the amenities of home, including a rooftop deck, house boating provides an endless supply of leisure and enjoyment. From island hopping to exploring uncharted waters, house boating is an experience that will awestruck you from the moment you step aboard.

There is no comparable travel activity close to house boating, and if you’re looking for something remarkably fun to do when you can’t find anything else. Look into the possibilities of house boating in your area.  

Learn to sail

The magic of sailing and RVing can be traced back to the freedom they deliver.  

When you’re out exploring the world in an RV or sailboat, a buffer gets created between you and the rest of the planet. You become completely isolated from the stress and craziness of society, but gain this complete sense of freedom you can’t find anywhere else.

The freedom that sailing exposes you to makes it one of the most alluring adventure activities on the planet.  

Learning a new hobby like sailing will forever chang your life. From the moment you tie your first knot to watching the sun set into the ocean horizon you’ll become a sailing addict.

Imagine island hopping in the Caribbean, or setting off to South America just because you can.  There is nothing is boring about sailing!

Trick to finding Outdoors Things To Do When You’re Bored

When everything seems mundane and boring turn to the outdoors.  Because most outdoor things to do when you’re bored are FREE, fun, exciting and full of adventure!!!

There are so many activities to do when you’re bored in the outdoors its pathetic!  Why do you think there are so many big box stores full of outdoor gear?  Outdoor recreation is so popular that its estimated 340 million people visited a National Park last summer alone!

Trying something new is the key to finding an enjoyable new hobby of outdoor things to do when you’re bored.   

One of the best things about outdoor recreation activities they are even more fun to people with no experience, and there is always a rental shop willing to help you sample your new outdoor activity.

Did I miss anything?  Got any outdoor things to do when you’re bored recommendations?  What’s your favorite activity to do when you’re bored?  Leave your questions, tips and concerns in the comments below.  

34 Free, Fun & Exciting Outdoor Things To Do When You’re Bored No Shame In Being Bored Searching for things to do when you're bored can be frustrating.  Even though theres a world full of activites you just can't seem to settle on anything. 

#cool things to do on a road trip #free outdoor activities #fun outdoor activities #fun outdoor activities to do on vacation #outdoor activity ideas #things to do on a summer family vacation #things to do when your camping

[aowanders-blog]

Website Owner’s Digital Planner

[aowanders-blog]

3 Tax Season Tips For Full Time RVers, Backpackers & Travelers

A Travelers Insight Into Tax Season

When it comes to tax season; travelers and full-time RVers can make it as simple or as challenging as they like.  Tax season for me personally, I like to make it as simple as possible.  By claiming residence in one of the 9 states that have no income tax.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Tax Loophole For Travelers

This is easier for me than your average citizen…

View On WordPress

#tax refund #tax season #taxes

[aowanders-blog]

Defeat Frozen Camper Door Locks in 5 Seconds For Free!

Defeat Frozen Camper Door Locks in 5 Seconds For Free!

My Camper Door Lock is Frozen

Winter camping presents some unique challenges that most RV owners will never experience, but will definitely teach you some valuable lessons from the RV mistakesyou will undoubtedly make.  Like standing outside in the middle of the night with a key that won’t open your frozen camper door.  Casting blame and cursing yourself for locking the camper doors in the…

View On WordPress

#frozen camper door locks #quickest way to dethaw frozen RV door locks #unthawing camper doors #winter camping mistakes #winter camping preparations

[aowanders-blog]

6 STOOPID Easy Ways to Get Mail While Living In Your RV Full-Time

6 STOOPID Easy Ways to Get Mail While Living In Your RV Full-Time

How To Get Your Mail if You Live an RV, Van, Camper or Travel Trailer

The first question I get asked by new RV owners, “How do you get mail while living in your RV full-time?”

Mail service is one of those tricky logistics that most of us take for granted while living out of a “conventional” home like a house or an apartment. 

For longterm travelers like myself mail delivery…

View On WordPress

#Google voice for RVers #How RVers get their mail #how to get mail when traveling in an RV #how to get your mail when travel for long periods of time #longterm travel mail logistics #mail delivery for thru hikers #mail service for RVers #mail setup for longterm travel

[aowanders-blog]

SIX 5th Wheel Brands To AVOID!

SIX 5th Wheel Brands To AVOID!

These are the most AWFUL 5th Wheel Brands on the Market Today!

There is a heated debate on which 5th wheel brands to avoid when buying one of these oversized campers and fancy travel trailers. 

If your unaware a fifth-wheel camper is nothing more than a simple camper box palace balancing its weight on 1-3 dead axels.  The engineering that goes into these mobile recreational vehicles is…

View On WordPress

#5th wheel brands to avoid #5th Wheels #Awful 5th wheels #Worst Campers

[aowanders-blog]

Official McCall Winter Carnival Guide

Official McCall Winter Carnival Guide

Your Complete Guide to The McCall Winter Carnival

Carnivals and Festivals happen all over the world, and whatever the reason, every month for many different reasons, you’ll find people descending on a location to celebrate ritualize and share in a common experience. 

On the last weekend of January to the end of the first weekend in Feburary, McCall hosts the iconic Idaho event known as the

View On WordPress

#Brundage Ski Resort #Happy New Year #McCall Winter Carnival #Snow Sculptures

[aowanders-blog]

Brand New Thai Restaurant McCall Idaho

YUM YUM GET YOU SOME!  Jasmine and Ginger is a hot new Thai restaurant in McCall, Idaho I’ve been dying to check out. Mainly because most ski town restaurant scenes amount to deep fried bar grub, greasy Mexican and the local nightmare burger joint.  Plus, I absoutely love Thai food because it gives ordinary bland food superhero flavor through exotic spices, blends and marinades.  Which, bring back wonderful memories of my backpacking days in Southeast Asia.  So when a friend blew into town on his birthday I didn’t need any more motivation to give the new Thai restaurant, Jasmine + Ginger a try.  

Waterfront Dining at Jasmine + Ginger in McCall Idaho

This waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating is guaranteed to be on every hungry diner’s short list for a place to eat, meet & greet.  So be sure to call ahead for reservations.  Because theres only two restaurants in McCall that offer waterfront outdoor patio seating, and I promise Jasmine + Ginger’s will fill up fast.  

Jasmine + Ginger Thai Restaurant Menu With Plenty of Gluten Free Options

While flirting with a cute blonde bartender and browsing the hot new menu I realized 15 out of 35 menu items are labeled “gluten free“.  So bring it on Celiac’s!

Before sampling  “Asian” infused martini’s and a Thai version of the moscow mule.  Be sure to try the shrimp wonton crackers.  They’ll leave you craving their subtle flavor profile.  While waiting for your happy hour bento box and gluten free Mango Tango Noodle Entrée

Jasmine + Ginger’s menu has something for everyone at this refreshingly vibrant Thai restaurant in McCall, Idaho!  From eclectic appetizers, refreshing salads and must try soups it’ll be a challenge not to over order.  So bring that big Thanksgiving appetite, and be sure to save room for the classic rice dishes or highly desirable main courses.  Don’t overlook the gluten free noodle & curry entrees, simple kids menu and sneaky good desserts. 

The menu at Jasmine + Ginger will hit you with a vibe of professionalism, a dash of creativity, a pinch of pushing the boundaries and a pulse of polished tradecraft from a local chef named Steve Topple.  Who knows how to trim the fat, and deliver a notable dining experience at an affordable price.  

#gallery-0-25 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-25 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-25 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-25 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

  Bento Box Delight

My favorite on this first time visit was actually the bento box my friend ordered.  Because it didn’t break the bank, and allowed me to mini sample the menu.  The next visit though is going to be quite a challenge choosing between the Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Crispy Snapper & Halibut-Tiger Shrimp Yellow Curry.

Price Points of Jasmine + Ginger Menu

So what are the menu prices at this awesome Thai restaurant in McCall Idaho?

Adult Entrees = $13-$24

Kids Entrees = $7-10

Appettizers = $8-$20

Bento Box =  $12.50 (only available until 6pm)

If you have kids or on a budget order an adult entrée to split.  There will be more than enough food.  I promise! 

For the two of us that weren’t even paying attention to prices and ordering drinks our bill came to $70 before tip. Which is pretty standard for a resort town.  Considering the burger joint down the road will charge you $50 for two burgers & a couple of pints.

#gallery-0-26 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-26 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-26 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-26 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Bars of McCall Idaho

Walking into Jasmine + Ginger’s bar for the first time will give you a feel of the big city instead of the charming ski town your in.  While you wait for your dinner table to become available, or spend happy hour drinking with friends at the high top rounds. 

Even the mirror backed shelving and under cabinet lighting will make you think you’re in a swank uptown neighborhood bar on the North side of Chicago.  That for whatever reason prominently carries Domaine de Canton and SOHO Lychee.  A refreshing reprieve from the bar decor “norm” of ski towns across the country.   Giving Jasmine + Ginger’s bar a very comfortable atmosphere with a posh vibe.

The Only 6 Bars With Liquor

None of which would be possible if it weren’t for the savvy business owner Chef Steve.  Who scooped up the only available “hard” liquor license available in Valley County in the last 40 years!!!  Allowing Jasmine + Ginger to be one of only 6 bars in McCall to serve “hard” liquor.  And 1 of only 2 waterfront outdoor seating options. 

With a full liquor license, waterfront real estate and the McCall Lake Cruises launching directly from their dock; Jasmine + Ginger is setting themselves up for long-term success with some of those “good problems,” any other restaurant in the area would kill to have.     

The only 6 restaurants or bars in McCall Idaho that can serve hard liquor.

The Shore Lodge

The Grill

Foresters

Yacht Club

Lardo’s

Jasmine + Ginger

>>link this<<Click here to check out an article that dives deeper into why Idaho only allows so many liquor licenses per town.

Cocktails of Jasmine + Ginger

With a full bar stocked with American products getting your usual cocktail won’t be a challenge, but try something new.  Step out of your comfort zone. Be adventurous, curious and explore the other options you usually ignore.  Ask for a Mai Thai, “special” tea or even a spiked Chai!  You can always swing by the gas station and pick up a Bud Light or Steel Reserve on your way home if Thai cocktails left you unsatisfied. 

Unaware of the official names of the two cocktails I ordered, they were both more complimentary to my experience than a watered down lager would have been.  Try new things and you never know what you’ll discover. 

Thai Cocktail #1 ~ Domaine de Canton Mule

A simple easy refreshing entry level Thai drink.  Nothing exotic to be scared of.  Most “mule” drinks on the market today are simply your base liquor, ginger beer and lime juice.  A quick easy crisp and smooth drink that’s compatible with just about anything on any menu.   Perfect summertime cocktail after a long day in the hot sun. 

If I wasn’t in exploratory mode I would have ordered another Domaine de Canton mule, and you should absolutely give it a try. 

  Thai Cocktail #2~ SOHO Lychee Martini

Another simple entry level Thai drink with nothing exotic to be scared of is the SOHO Lychee Martini.  I’m not exactly sure what the “mixers” are in this martini because ……well sometimes flirting takes precedence over focus. 

It’s pretty comparable to any vodka/juice martini drink though.  I wouldn’t be shocked if someone told me it was a triple sec, blood orange & SOHO Lychee mix with a salted rim.  Would go great with the Crispy Snapper!  Give it a try.

Between the two Thai cocktails my favorite was easily the Domaine de Canton Mule, and my next visit will explore more adventurous options with this French ginger liqueur.

Location of Jasmine + Ginger

Where is this new Thai restaurnt?

Located in the same space as the old Anchor Bar & Restaurant that quietly closed down at the end of summer.  You’ll find Jasmine + Ginger in the lower level of the Yacht Club Building.  Need another landmark?  Its directly across from the Manchester Ice Rink.

Use the map below to find Jasmine + Ginger located at 203 E Lake St, McCall, ID 83638.    

Hours of Operation ~ Menu ~ Website ~ Phone

Currently Jasmine + Ginger is only opened 5 days a week for dinner.  I suspect that will change eventually.  Most likely next summer, but there’s evidence that Chef Steve likes to have days off. 

Jasmine + Ginger’s Hours of Operation ~ McCall Idaho Monday Closed Tuesday 5 pm – 9:30 pm Wednesday 5 pm – 9:30 pm Thursday 5 pm – 9:30 pm Friday  5 pm – 9:30 pm Saturday 5 pm – 9:30 pm Sunday Closed

***Menu Prices = $13-$27***

Phone Number ~ [phone] ***Click Here to Make Online Reservations** https://jasmine-ginger-mccall.com/ Jasmine + Ginger Reviews Ragazza Di Buffalo Restaurant in Donnelly

#gallery-0-27 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-27 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-27 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-27 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Why You Should Try The Thai Restaurant in McCall

I rarely set high expectations when checking out a new restaurant.  Mainly because I’ve been disappointed by 5 star restaurants just as many times that I’ve been wow’d by1 star restaurants. 

I’ll admit I had low expectations when going to the new “Thai”restaurant in a 2 block mountain town where ranch & mayo are considered complimentary meal enhancements. 

But Jasmine + Ginger isn’t a dive bar, local grub pub and has plenty of potential.  The menu will intrigue you.  Atomosphere will comfort you, and the staff will wow you with their friendly nature. 

The 35 item menu is sure to delight you.  The bartenders have the knowledge to whip something up on the fly, or poor the perfect classic cocktail.  After choosing one appetizer, bento box and an entrée we sat in anticipation while the chefs worked there magic.  So we could go back to  flirting with a bartender. 

Jasmine + Ginger Menu Items

HOMEMADE PORK POT STICKERS ~ $11

Hand crafted dumpling stuffed with minced pork, cabbage, onion and ginger, served with soy ginger vinaigrette

Bento Box ~ $12.50 (4pm-6pm)

Crispy Egg Roll served with a ginger plum sauce

Pad Thai

Pineapple Fried Rice

Salmon Filet

MANGO TANGO NOODLES (GLUTEN FREE)~$21

Wide rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, mango, green peppers, jalapenos, cilantro, and sweet black garlic sauce #gallery-0-28 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-28 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-28 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-28 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Everything we ordered was deliciousl and full of flavor.  Except the Salmon.  Which unfortunately was awful.  I attribute this to being a one off mistake by new staff at a new restaurant, and will be dialed in just in time for the holiday season. 

Jasmine + Ginger Dirty Little Secrets

If this is your first time visiting my travel blog thanks for stopping by, and hope to see you around more often.  Because I always include a travel tip you can’t find anywhere else on the internet. 

Today’s secret travel tip —  Jasmine + Ginger has a secret lunch menu, the only late night menu in town and a second restaurant in the neighborhing town!

Secret Lunch Menu

If you’re craving Thai food for lunch while visiting McCall head on over to the Yacht Club Bar.  Located in the same building as Jasmine + Ginger.  Just one floor up, and open for lunch serving Chef Steve’s enticing version of light bar grub.  I recommend the Mahi Mahi Tacos & Truffle Tator Tots with parmesan and red chili flakes. 

#gallery-0-29 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-29 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-29 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-29 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Late Night Food Options of McCall Idaho

These Yacht Club (Jasmine + Ginger) bar bites are only available until 930pm, but the Yacht Club offers personalized flatbread pizzas until 2 am. Yum yum get you some! 

#gallery-0-30 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-30 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-30 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-30 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

***Travel Tip*** The only place to get hot food after 11pm in McCall is the Yacht Club.

Second Restaurant Location

This isn’t Chef Steve’s only restaurant.  So if you like his style he also owns the Ragazza Di Buffalo in Donnelly, and the menu looks just as fabulous.  The lobster tortellini, and crab stuffed trout off of Ragazza’s Menu will be sampled very soon.  I promise.

My Review of Jasmine + Ginger

I’ve been calling ski towns home since 2008, and its overwhelmingly refreshing to see the culinary sprawl here in McCall.  Most of these resort town restaurant scenes amount to burger joints, dive bars, grub pubs and out dated mom and pop shops. Which you will still find here, but the culinary scene in McCall just got elevated thanks to the new Thai restaurant called Jasmine + Ginger. 

Chef Steve’s from the United Kingdom and has been perfecting his culinary craftsmanship at iconic vacation destinations around the globe.   Studying under world class chefs in Vail, Sea Island, Lake Placid and more.  He provides delightful dinner experience with none of that hoytie toytie attitude found at comparable restaurants. 

Jasmine + Ginger ONLY Thai Restaurant in McCall Idaho? Brand New Thai Restaurant McCall Idaho YUM YUM GET YOU SOME!  Jasmine and Ginger is a hot new…

#mccall restaurants

[aowanders-blog]

The Lessons, Benefits & Mistakes of Full Time RV Living

As a full time RVer the only regret I have is not sharing my RV experiences sooner with the rest of you.  Because there are so many things you need to be aware of.  Nothing you need to be an expert at, but trust me when I say your going to learn some new skills.  In fact learning as you go is the norm and what makes “RV life” so enjoyable! If you were to wait until you learned everything about Full Time RV living you’d never leave your driveway.   

    Whether you’re part-time, full-time or a weekend warrior RVer you’re going to make mistakes.  You’re going to learn lessons the hard way.  At some point you are going to pull the wrong handle and drain your blackwater tank all over the ground at the campsite you just paid for.  Which will have you racing out of there in embarrasment before anyone realizes what just happened.  Don’t worry your not the first, and won’t be the last.   Everyone was new to full time RV living at some point, and everyone has made this mistake!

The first year of full time RVing is the most enjoyable, frustrating, challenging and by far the most memorable year your ever going to have.  

Because you’re learning and experiencing everything new.  You don’t have a routine set in place, a checklist of reminders or a network of RV traveling friends.  You don’t have the first clue on how to drive your new rig.  Check into a campground, or whether to leave your black water tank opened or closed at a campground.  You’re unaware that its normal to drink wine out of plastic cups because washing dishes is a f***ing nightmare! 

First Year Moments of  Full Time RV Living

That first year of full time RVing your going to have so many “ahh haa” moments, WTF moments, ARE YOUR KIDDING ME moments and OH MY GOD moments!

You’re going to laugh, cry, smile, yell and cringe.  Throw things! Break things!  Your first year of full time RVing is going to push your boundaries, comfort levels and test you on a daily basis.  And your going to LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t forget to check out these 34 RV Mistakes and the lessons I learned from my first year of Full Time RV Travel

#gallery-0-13 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-13 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-13 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-13 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

How To Start Full Time RV Living

A good friend of mine just celebrated his 1st year of Full Time RV Living.  He is a family of 5 traveling full time in a 41 foot Class A RV.  Unedited and untouched this is the email he sent me to share with all of you.  

A glimpse into what your first year of full time RV living is going to look like………

In the beginning people will tell you that your crazy, batshit padded room crazy.  It will never work, you don’t understand what your doing.  You know what?  They’re right. It is crazy, it doesn’t go as expected, you sure as hell don’t know what your getting into!   Full time RV living is an enjoyment you have to shape, mold and get back up when it knocks you down.

The Full Time RVer Curse

Than the “RV travel bug” will bite you one day.  You’ll realize how stress free RV life is, & how obtainable full time RV living can really be.  How traveling with a family is easier and more memorable than the 18 years prior.  

How RV Life Will Make You Happier & Healthier

It’s crazy that full time RV living will change how you eat.  By making you eat healthier.  More veggies, less grease and a whole lot less eating out.   Full time RV living will help you loose weight because being in the outdoors is infectious.  You’ll choose to go on a hike or a walk over TV.  A couple of times a day!

Soon you’ll discover the value of the night time sky full of twinkling stars and a campfire.  A much better family bonding moment than sitting on the couch for your nightly shows.  You’ll begin to talk with each other and not at each other. 

Trip Planning Tips for Full Time RVers

The family memories you create while full time RV living will be cherished like no other family memories you’ve ever had.  Your kids will remind you when Nanna & Grampa tried warning you that this was a stupid idea as your driving route 66.  Dang if they were not right!  Because nothing ever goes as planned when your full time RVing.  We didn’t plan on seeing route 66, but here we are finding out it takes a month to drive route 66. 

You could drive route 66 in 2 weeks, but if you want to see all the attractions, sites and sounds of route 66.  This road trip will take over a month.

#gallery-0-14 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-14 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-14 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-14 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Sites and Sounds of RV Life

Dang if my parents weren’t right when they said it would never work!  It didn’t work when we tried to visit the Everglades for a weekend and wanted to stay forever because of how much fun we were having.  It didn’t work when we called Disney World during Christmas to book a week stay.  We ended up booking for 3 weeks to get the discount, and loved every second of it. 

It didn’t work at all when we stumbled upon a place called Devils Den.  Attempting to only stay for 3 days we ending up calling it home for over a month!  While learning to scuba dive.  We were supposed to drive through Alabama, but instead we ended up spending two days walking the decks of battleships. 

Who Knew New Orleans Was Home to the WWII Museum

I hate admitting that my parents were right about Full Time RV Living not working out, but they were right as parents always are.  I mean we only planned on staying in New Orleans for a couple of days, but ended up staying for almost 3 weeks.  The kid had a report to do on WWII, and guess what? New Orleans is home to the WWII Museum.  A 70 page slide show and powerpoint presentation earned him an “A” on his WWII report while full time RV living!  That sure wasn’t expected, and now I have to go tell my parents once again that my New Orleans stop didn’t go as planned.  

Learning to Drive a Class A RV

All those people said you have no idea what you’re doing, and full time RV living is for retired folk! I hate to say it but they were right. I had no idea how to drive a 41 ft Class A RV with everything we owned inside, but I learned.  Because that is what you do when your a full time RVer.  Before this year of full time living with the family I had no idea how expensive my wife’s cameras were, or how useless half the stuff we packed really was. But I learned to say yes dear very quickly, and embraced a more minimalist lifestyle.

More RV Lessons

I had no idea how to do maintenance on anything really. Before becoming a full time RVer I just called a guy, but like everything else over this last year I learned.   I asked questions.  Relied on my RV neighbor’s.  Did the research.  Bought the right tools.  Joined RV Facebook groups.  Signed up for RV Travel blog newsletters like this.  I reached out to others at the campground, internet forums or even called actual RV manufacturing companies.  

Full Time RV Living Will Make You a “How To…”Expert

I learned how to rewire my RV slideout from a YouTube video.  Learned how to change the hub assembly on my friends travel trailer from this blog.  The biggest lesson I learned this year is that there is no stupid question.  The answers are out there.  All you have to do is ask, and speaking from experience the less you ask the more you’ll regret later.  

Life on the Road

I had no idea how to scuba dive before turning the key for the 1st time on our 41 foot Class A RV a year ago, but I learned at a place called Devils Den.  Which I had never heard of before setting off on a year of full time RV living.  Now I can’t recommend that place enough.   I thought I had seen a lot of the country before this year long family road trip.  I was wrong, and learned I have yet to even scratch the surface.  

Cost of Full Time RV Living

My friends, family, co-workers and neighbors said it would cost too much to live full time in an RV for a year.  They were right,  but I learned how to bring the costs down.  Because I asked questions to other full time RVers In person or on the internet.  Which lead to me learning that boondocking is actually an RVer term.  Along with dry camping.  Both by the way are free, and usually more fun than spending the night at a costly campground.

Specific Cost of Full Time RVing

Which by the way campgrounds are the biggest expense when it comes to full time RV living. 

The cost of RV Life can be broke down into 5 categories

Campgrounds (Lodging) – Campgrounds, RV Parks or even private RV Hookups will generally cost you around $50-$65/night.  Unless you explore options like Harvest Host.  Where you can stay for free at local hosts.  Like Golf Courses, Wineries, Breweries and much more.  

Gas/Fuel – Every RV will be different, but the average fuel cost is $50 for every 200 miles.  Some rigs will be less and some rigs will be more.  The lower the RPMs the better fuel economy your RV will get.  

Entertainment – This is one of those sliding scale budget items.  That can include anything from tire pumps to beer.  For our year on the road our RV entertainment costs averaged out to be $150 a week for a family of five.

Maintenance – The newer your rig is the less maintenance you will have to account for, but every rig requires “RV Maintenance“.  From oil changes to cutting boards your always buying something.  Especially your first year because your figuring everything out as you go.  Our RV maintenance cost for a year tracked at $125/week.

Food – Buying for a family of five is never cheap, but once we implementing reheatable family meals our food cost dropped drastically.  In the beginning we were spending $75 a day.  The last 6 months of full time RV living we were spending less than $20 a day.  Buying bulk meats, or even a variety of meats was a game changer.  Every Sunday we would cook 3-5 different meals that were easily reheatable throughout the week.  

After mastering the art of boondocking your only expense is gas and maintenance.  Which is less than most people pay for car insurance in a month, but boondocking still has some unique expenses.  

Boondocking Expenses

The most notable “boondocking expense” is fuel.  Which for us was $5 a day to run our Champion Generator.  The only other expense we had were travel days.  This is what are family nicknamed Sundays.  Where we would travel back to a campground to empty our black and gray water tanks.  Refill our water & fuel tanks.  Before spending the rest of the day cooking our new food supply for another week of boondocking.  

Monthly Cost of Full Time RV Living

Our first couple of months of Full Time RVing cost us almost $5,000 each month!! Ridiculous I know, but the more we learned the less we spent each month.  Campgrounds and fuel were our biggest budget killers.  Racing from destination to destination there were days we were spending $500 a day on fuel.  Then eating out twice a day as a family of five.  Was an easy $200 more dollars a day.  Plus nightly campground fees!!! Our first couple of months were expensive lessons.  

After slowing down, cooking our own meals, taking advantage of weekly and monthly campground rates or even boondocking our monthly cost of full time RVing averaged below $2000 for the last 5 months.  

Month 1 – $4,837

Month 2 – $5,200

Month 3 – $3,800

Month 4 – $3,700

Month 5 – $3,900

Month 6 – $3,100

Month 7 – $2,400

Month 8 – $2,200

Month 9 – $1,900

Month 10 – $1,200

Month 11- $1,800

Month 12 – $1,100

How To Make Money While Full Time RVing

Eventually you’ll come across a thing called work camping.   Where you’ll get a free campsite with full RV hookups for simply checking people in/out and emptying trash cans.  Or in our case the amusement park we worked at provided full RV hookups for seasonal staff.  Never had so much fun in my life and got paid to do it.  An unforgettable job I found at www.myadventurejobs.com

***AOWANDERS ADDED EXPERT INFO/TIPS MAKING MONEY AS A FULL TIME RVer***

If you are a full time RVer seasonal jobs are the way to go to make money while living out of your RV.  Most of the iconic vacation destinations or resort towns across America have more jobs than they do employees.  

#gallery-0-15 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-15 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

For example, Grand Lake, Colorado has a population of 291, but it is literally the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.  10 million vehicles drive by, thru and around that town every summer!  I worked two restaurants at the exact same time on 4th of July because they didn’t have enough staff.  By the end of the summer I was working at 5 different restaurants each day, and walked out of there with over $30,000 in cash.  While living in my RV which was parked in a co workers driveway.  

I’ve been paying for a life of travel since 1998 by way of resort towns all across the country.  From Alaska to the Virgin Islands.  I’ve lived, worked and enjoyed them all.  If you want to make big bucks while living in your RV full time check out a resort town next summer, and try to land a server or bartending gig.  No experience necessary.  The only requirement is you have a pulse.  

These resort towns price out the locals with absurd costs of living requirements, but the campgrounds are usually never more than $500 a month.  The high cost of living also creates the opportunity to find someone willing to rent out their backyard to you as well.  Or driveway.  Or whatever for only couple hundred bucks a month.  

If you want to make good money while living in your RV full time restaurants and resort towns are the way to go.  $200-$400 per shift depending on the location, time of year, menu and restaurant system. 

I’ve worked at restaurants were co-workers would pay other co-workers up to $100 to take their breakfast shift that only makes $200-$300 per shift.  Because the night shift would pay over a $1,000 per shift. I left that season with a brand new truck, travel trailer and $40,000 cash.  For 5 months of work.  

Sorry didn’t mean to interupt.  Back to the recap of my friends first year of full time RV living……

Persistence is The Key to Success

It has been a remarkable and unforgettable year of cheap RV living full time.  

I learned so much this last year about travel, budgets, family, mechanics, packing, planning, photography, hiking, camping, climbing, road tripping and so much more.  

Stop Dreaming About Full Time RVing

And ya know……… after a year what I learned about those people who said it couldn’t be done? They just never did it. They never wanted to try it. If they didn’t then why oh why should I?

For those afraid to go on the road as a full time RVer because people are talking about how crazy it is.  How expensive it is. How you just can’t do it, or don’t know what your doing.

Its Ok to Fail and Make Travel Mistakes

Those people are right.  If you don’t put any effort in to learning or adapting your going to hate RV life.  Full time RVing is a crazy eventful one of a kind experience that never stops delivering the fun. You can’t do it until you try and find out you can. It is expensive until you learn how to make it not be.

Full Time RV Living Advice

The best advice your going to ever recieve about full time RV living is to take it in stride.  Try it for a week.  Then go for two weeks.  Then push it to a month.  You’ll figure it out as you go.  There is no wrong way to Full Time RV.  You’re going to make mistakes.  We all do.  I’ve been full time RVing for over a decade and look what happened on my last RV road trip.   I intentionally ignore my plans because when the plans go to shit is when the adventure begins. 

Read this popular article of mine: How To Create RV Adventures Of Your Own.

However you choose to live or travel in your RV is fine!  There is no right or wrong way to travel.  You’ll learn what works best for you, and what doesn’t.  You’ll figure out what you can live with out and what you can’t.  Along with what campgrounds you can stay at, and which ones you will avoid like the black plague!  And you know what….. it will all be an unforgettable stress free adventure.  That I hope you share in the comments below!

Happy Travels Everyone!

  What You Need To Know About Full Time RV Living Including Cost The Lessons, Benefits & Mistakes of Full Time RV Living As a full time RVer the only regret I have is not sharing my…

#cheap rv living #Class A RV #first time rv owner #My first rv #rv #rv adventure #rv costs #rv life #rv living #rv parks #rv travel #RVer #Travel Interviews

[aowanders-blog]

RV Camper Inspection and Buyers Checklist

RV Camper Inspection and Buyers Checklist

Buying a Used RV/Camper Inspection Checklist~

CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE OR PRINTABLE RV BUYING CHECKLIST

GENERAL CAMPER OWNER INFORMATION

Year__________ Make_________________ Model______________

RV class______________________ VIN_______________________________

Registration Expiration Date (license tabs)_______________________

RV/Camper Mileage _______________________ First…

View On WordPress

#buying an rv #cheap rv living #rv costs #rv life #rv living

[aowanders-blog]

Find Your RV Road Trip Adventure Today

An RV road trip adventure isn’t planned and organized.  The adventures begin with one uncomfortable decision after another.  Until a buildup of choices lead you out of your comfort zone.

Everyone wants to experience travel tales full of excitement and adventure.  An epic RV road trip adventure that delivers from start to finish full of unforgettable memories with adventurous travel partners.  Awarding you with bucket list photos and time standing still moments, but the best stories come from those “shit hits the fan” moments during these extraordinary travels.  Like my first RV trip or my first bear attack.  Where you’re experiencing a sensory overload of euphoria through a series of events, and the next moment you’re faced with a sobering dose of reality.  The choices that you make at that moment in time are what set the ordinary travel stories apart from the legendary RV travel tales.  Where RV road trips transform into legendary RV adventures!

Epic RV Road Trip Adventure Intro

In the last 60 days, I’ve been on 3 traditional Minnesota family vacations watching 4th of July fireworks.  Competing in turtle races and fishing contests in cabin country where there’s more fishing rods in one boat then there are businesses in town.  Before heading West to the mountains for ski season, and passing through the undeniable beauty Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.  Before finding myself shit-faced drunk standing in the middle of Yellowstone River between a massive mama bear, her three cubs, and an even bigger male grizzly bear.

Leading to get lost on an Indian reservation with no cell phone service, radio signal or civilization.  To finding myself bartering a freshly made turkey sandwich to another mama bear and her two cubs for the life of my beagle & myself.  The jury’s still out on the value of that trade.  Because 6 hours later I spun a bearing on my travel trailer.  Leaving me stranded at a ski resort playing mechanic with hand tools in a dirt parking lot for over a month.  While I fell in love with a town and it’s not because I got to hold a real live dinosaur!  No, this magical town offered more than just services, but before I could become a local I had to participate in a fight to the death.  Click here if you want to read the full version of that epic RV road trip adventure!

This adventure happened because my only plan was to turn the key and push the pedal on the right.  Maybe you’re not looking for an RV adventure that close to the redline of RPMs, but if you’re looking for any adventure be flexible in your planning.  Force yourself to be social.  Step outside of your comfort zone.  Do things you wouldn’t normally do, or at least don’t make a plan for every second of the day.  Try a new food.  Ask a stranger looking at the menu outside of a restaurant if they would like to join you for dinner.  With so many ways you can transform an ordinary RV road trip into a unique adventure without intentionally putting yourself in jeopardy.

Recipe for Road Trip Adventures

Start small.  Instead of making reservations for 7 nights at the campground.  Book only 6 nights and boondock it the last night.  You don’t have to hike out into the desert with no water to find adventure.  You just have to do something you normally wouldn’t do.  For example, rather than heading to your desired destination settle for somewhere close to it.  So that you can explore an area you know nothing about, and if it turns out to be a bust you always have a great backup plan.  But you’ll never know if the adventure of a lifetime was there if you don’t try.   RV road trips are so consumed with fuel economy, campground amenities, time of the year and annual passes.  Just turn the key and let RV life unfold.

Lessons From Backpacking

Years ago when I was backpacking across Europe and Southeast Asia it was so much easier to find unknown adventures and travel partners because people were more social.  While backpacking you most likely stay at hostels.  Where you share a room with like-minded individuals and cook family meals in the community kitchen.  Sit down and share your travel stories.  Invite strangers along for the adventure because the more the merrier.  Each day started out in similar fashion with the intent of curious exploration but ended with a chapter of pushing your boundaries with newfound travel partners.  You never knew exactly what the day was going to bring, but you knew it was going to be something more than trivial routine.

Art of Travel Becoming Extinct

With people buried in their phones, laptops and various other devices to keep them focused on the goal at hand.  Those days are long gone.  It’s a research, seek and conquer mentality in today’s travel world.  The art of travel is on the brink of extinction thanks to technology.  Slow down.  Get to know the people and places your traveling too.  Take a wrong turn.  It will lead somewhere.

RV Must-Have Travel Apps

This is exactly how you can transform your ordinary trip into a legendary RV camping adventure that will make any audience jealous when listening to you regale the trials and triumphs of your experience.  Put down the technology.  Walk out the door and turn the key of your RV with only a direction in mind.  Refrain from using travel apps like Trover, ioverlander or other digital travel guides.  Walk up to a local and ask them, “What is the one thing you have to do before leaving the city?”  You’d be surprised at some of the responses I have gotten over the years.

Let Local Guide Your RV Travels

A lady in Chicago once told me bumper cars at this miniature golf course was the best thing to do in the windy city.  A drive-in movie theater was the best recommendation I got from a Pittsburgh native.  Locals live and breathe in the destinations we visit.

They know where the worst places are to eat, and all the hidden little treasures to discover.  They know if you bring your receipt from this store to that club you get free door cover.  Locals know who has the best happy hour, and the best places to have a bonfire.  Where police won’t interrupt them for camping overnight.  The internet is a sea of regurgitated information, but locals will provide unique vantage points and treasured secrets of the areas you wish to explore.   So that you will see things other travelers won’t.  Allowing you to turn your ordinary trip into something spectacularly unique.

Travel Angels

These are the tricks of the trade when backpacking through other countries.  Traveling by foot mandates you to put yourself into a social situation.  Forces you to try new things and expand your comfort zones.  One undeniable characteristic I uncovered while backpacking around the world was everyone wants to be a hero.  Everyone wants to be friendly and help out where ever they can.  The cash register girl at the hardware store.  The bus driver who looks like he’s about to drop dead from fatigue.  To the random individual just walking down the street. There’s a reason why every travel blogger says, “This place is amazing and the people are so nice!”

Transforming your trip into an adventure is as easy as asking a simple question to a random stranger.  I understand its scary to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but they feel the same way you do.  One of you has to make the first move, or neither of you are going to find your adventure.

RV Life

I have since given up my backpacking days for full time RVing across America before I attempt to drive around the world, and RVers have this one uniquely odd characteristic that I struggle with daily to overcome.  Most RVers are incredibly genuine level headed independent introverts.  That instantly disconnect from the community of travelers.   It’s kind of a cross between I don’t need anything from you, and I’m trying to respect your boundaries by not intruding on your campsite.   But if you somehow initiate a conversation with me I’ll be your best buddy until one of us has to leave.

RV Social Scene

I get it.  You have all the comforts of home while you travel around in your metal box, and don’t need to rely on anyone for anything.  Because you can get directions, pay campground fees, make reservations and even find area attractions all online.  Taking also into consideration that the majority of the RV community is families on a road trip who already have enough to focus on or elder retirees on a limited income who cite safety concerns as well.   There isn’t a lot of ambition to become a social butterfly with strangers at a temporary home base.

RV Travel Made Better

I can empathize with both of those scenarios, but the RVers who are content with sitting in the security of their tiny home allowing the days to pass by one TV show at a time baffles me!  For a single guy or gal to travel thousands of miles away for a paid parking spot to slam beers while watching daytime TV confuses the heck out of me.  There is no right or wrong way to travel as long you are out there traveling, but with just a little bit of effort, your trip could be drastically different.  To transform an RV road trip into an RV adventure take advantage of small opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise for a chance at exploring newfound experiences.  Some of these experiences may turn out to be awful!  While others may be life-changing.

RV Road Trip Options

Instead of heading south for the entire winter.  I challenge you to spend a weekend at “B” lot in Crystal Mountain Washington.  The experience is one of a kind, and changed the course of my life forever!  Next time you’re at a campground invite your neighbor over for drinks or dinner, or ask them if you can help them set up as they pull in.  You never know where the conversation will lead.  Freeways are great for delivering you to your destinations, but jacked up dirt roads leads to untold adventures.  Camping in the middle of nowhere under a blanket of stars in the backcountry is phenomenal, but discovering new boondocking destinations with travel partners is magical!  Next time you’re sitting around a social campfire see if anyone wants to play RV hide & seek?

Cheap RV Living

This is where one RVer drives off to an unknown boondocking destination, and a group of other RVers tries to find them the following day through clues.  Deliver the clues through group text messages or CB’s.  It’s a great way to add some spice to an otherwise ordinary weekend camping trip.  Make up some ground rules like the destination has to be within 50 miles and be able to accommodate at least 5 rigs.  We used to require each clue have 3 variables.  Direction, street name & landmark.  West of the red house on Maple Street doesn’t mean I am on Maple Street.  Just means I am West of the red house on Maple Street.  With so many different ways to transform an ordinary RV trip into an epic RV road trip adventure, but it all comes down to being social.  Traveling is awesome, but travel partners are life-changing!

RV Travel Partners

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or strangers travel becomes more than cherished moments.  When you have someone to share your experiences with they become highlights of life through an emotional connection of inspiration, passion & sentiment.  Sometimes people don’t mesh and it turns out to be a nightmare experience.  But even a that becomes a travel tale worth telling over and over.  The right personalities will transform an ordinary RV road trip into a legendary adventure.  That you will tell for years to come.

What was your last RV road trip like?  Ever had an RV adventure?  What do you do to turn a trip into a legendary RV road trip adventure?  Whats your best trick to meeting people out on the road?  Leave your thoughts, ideas and suggestions in the comments below.  Happy Travels, and if you want more RV Life tips or stories follow this link to all my camping related articles.

RV Road Trip Adventure Pins

#gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

  How To Transform An RV Road Trip Into A Legendary RV Adventure Find Your RV Road Trip Adventure Today An RV road trip adventure isn't planned and organized.  The adventures begin with one uncomfortable decision after another. 

#adventure #adventure destinations #adventure ideas #Adventure travel #rv adventure #rv life #rv living #rv travel #travel ideas #trip ideas

[aowanders-blog]

No one plans a legendary RV road trip they just kind of happen.  It’s like the old saying goes “Opportunity is where luck and preparation meet,” or in this case where bad luck and no preparation met.  But everyone wants more adventures, exciting travels and interesting stories to tell.  You want to collect those cherished memories, amazing tales and one of a kind photos.  The ones you can only find on spectacular adventures!  And if that’s something that interests you check out my popular, “How To Turn An Ordinary RV Road Trip Into A Legendary RV Adventure.”

#gallery-0-37 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-37 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-37 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-37 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

The key to these epic RV road trips is just to let the adventure unfold.  Plan and commit to nothing.  Take a left when you were supposed to take a right.  Blow off a prior engagement to blaze a trail into the unknown. Test your skills, blow passed your comfort zones and expand your boundaries.  Get caught up in the exhilaration of your travels until life delivers a shot of reality.  Like my first RV trip or my first bear attack.  There in that moment when everything is in chaos is when your ordinary road trip becomes an epic RV adventure.  Giving you the opportunity to choose between a legendary travel tale or a simple RV outing.

In search of another legendary epic RV road trip adventure of my own, I cast my sails and this is what has unfolded.

#gallery-0-38 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-38 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-38 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-38 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Start of Epic Two Month RV Road Trip

Like the blast of a starter’s gun my RV road trip adventure began with 4th of July fireworks.  Watching the night sky light up in an array of twinkling colors over Platte Lake.  As the water lapped against my Uncles pontoon boat in this sleepy little town of Hillman, Minnesota, where there’s more fishing rods in a single boat then there are businesses.  The following days concluded over bonfires and beers before storming the house to play random card games, or crowning winners to games I still don’t remember the name.  But positive any question to the rules came back with four different answers.  A good clean drunken Minnesota summer family holiday vacation.

Before I could officially say goodbye to my home state and reunite with the mountain life I have fallen so deeply in love with over the years.   I had to wait like a bullpen pitcher waiting for the coach to make the call.  Because I had two weeks to kill before the other side of the related clan set off on their Minnesota summer family vacation.  I wandered around like a dementia patient through cabin country.  Uncovering a few treasures here and there, but traveling in Minnesota during July & August is like walking through Afghanistan with a U.S. flag.  Bloodthirsty mosquitos and vicious horse flies, also known as the state bird, will kidnap you and drag you back to their layer.  There’s a reason why the Spider Lakes Recreation Area, a primetime ATV playground and boondockers destination offering all kinds of family free outdoor fun in the land of lakes, was a ghost town the week after 4th of July.   During the Moondance Jam event in Walker, I didn’t have one visitor for over a week at the free waterfront Six Mile Campground outside of the Leech Lake Reservation.  It might have something to do with being located in the most confusing combination of public lands I have encountered in 20 years of travel, but let’s just go with the bugs in Minnesota are awful in late summer! I would rather high dive into a pool of broken glass than visit northern Minnesota in August!

Hiding behind locked doors with knives & hatchets against the buzzing of little vampires outside.  The days began to blend together.  Until I found myself standing in the front yard of my first home.  The house my dad and his brothers built for us back in the 70s before he passed away a few years back.  A field trip I decided to take out of boredom but found myself completely unprepared for the weakness I felt in the power of that moment.  And with nowhere to be I took more time than appropriate to embrace the rush of memories I never knew I had.  An experience I repeatedly cherished over the next few weeks. By clutching the necklace that holds his ashes around my neck; since that tragic day.

Still reeling from the experience and searching for the freedom to exhale the pain of the past.  Family vacation number two was coming down the pipeline of life.  Rowdy binge day drinking and family squabbles were not going to be on display with this side of the family.  No, this getaway was focused on the kids and their enjoyment.  Which should have been apparent when I heard the nightly cabin rental came with unlimited s’mores, water toys, turtle races, and kids fishing contest.  Where awards were given to the smallest, largest, fastest and most caught.   An iconic family fun community tradition that has been hosted in Longville since the 1960s!

Unfortunately, I felt like the ex-spouse attending a family function that had been planned before the divorce.  Each day brought a reminder of what I had been missing while out traveling the world.  From watching children play with sparklers around a fire built in the rain.  To cleaning fish I did not catch before starting a family riot from attempting to season the fish recipe.  And drinking Jagerbomb shots with brothers I have a history with but no day to day relationship with.  Because I’m a frugal traveler who’s more comfortable sleeping under the stars in a hammock than in a warm cozy bed inside.  It was an unforgettable traditional Minnesota family vacation in the land of 10,000 lakes.  Full of smiles and long overdue bonding moments, and in the end we all got rewarded with a double rainbow goodbye from our lakefront cabin.

#gallery-0-39 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-39 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-39 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-39 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

After all the family fun of two Minnesota vacations, I needed less stability, more uncertainty, and a razor’s edge of danger.   Like a man with a broken metal detector walking through a minefield.  Upon delivering my final goodbyes I fled my home state faster than a herd of turtles or cream rising on buttermilk.  And if you’ve never lived on a farm your about as likely to find cream on buttermilk as you are to see two rabbits screwing in a wool sock.

With Minnesota in the rearview, and driving through easily forgettable North Dakota I was giddy like a child at Halloween.  Eager for the towering Rockies and endless beauty of the Pacific Northwest to court my heart while taking my breath away.  An on again off again relationship that picks up right where we left off.  Discovering her secret waterfalls and washing the endless mountain hikes away in her crystal clear alpine lakes of the West.  I was coming down with a case of the travel bug fever when the Enchanted Highway of North Dakota begins to capture my curious wanderlusting eyes.  Than completely teasing me with the landscape beauty from the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Pit stops I had ignored on every other field trip west for the last 10 years, unaware of the fact that North Dakota and beauty belonged in the same sentence.   This time was going to be different.  Instead of being an ignorant traveler I set off to discover the dramatic scenery of sweeping red rock spires and buffalo grazing landscapes that this “flat” Midwestern state had to offer.

#gallery-0-40 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-40 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-40 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-40 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Exhausted from sweeping vistas, scenic looking drives and taking a step back into time to visit the Badlands gateway town of Medora.  Were just some of North Dakota’s finest attractions in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  The RV road trip needle of excitement was starting to twitch, but it was time for a warm fire chaperoned by the soothing ripples of a nearby river.  And below a setting sun with a glass of cold pinot grigio in one hand and Pandora choices in the other.   The city-run free campground in Columbus, Montana was the perfect way to end the adventurous RV road trip chapter of North Dakota.

However, as fate would have it the needle needs to do more than twitch to be a legendary RV road trip adventure, and the Montana chapter was about to write a life and death prologue.  Half drunk…… let’s be honest I had a bottle wine with no intention but chilling out for the night…..so let’s go with fairly drunk.  Wading through the shallow rapids of the Yellowstone River with Kota the air temperature dropped.  Time stood still.  Even the water stopped moving.  As did Kota.  My blurry vision became focused.  My heart stopped with instant sobriety.  Ten feet to my left was a massive brown bear.  Lying down with his head resting on a driftwood trunk.  Marinating on the sand bar like a “zoo bear” in a cage he flicked his ear and tilted his head in my direction.  You could feel the energy fill his eyes and creep into his limbs, but he appeared to have no interest in eating me or my little dog for trespassing onto his private beach.

#gallery-0-41 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-41 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-41 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-41 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Then the splash of water…once…..twice…..three times forced me to shift my eyes from the lethal teddy bear who hadn’t made up his mind about dinner.  To a mama bear with her three cubs wading into the river from the opposite shore.  Like a surprise storm rolling in on a one-armed sailboat captain, the situation took a turn for the worst.  Standing in the autumn waters of the Yellowstone River with nothing more than a delicious beagle snack and a bottle of wine it dawned on me I was in bear country.  So like any drunken fool in a life or death situation, I took pictures of my soon to be executioners.  While using my belt for a choke collar on my beagle dinner bell praying to the high heaven he didn’t make a sound as we retreated from the bear’s den of the Yellowstone River in Columbus Montana.

Narrowly escaping yet another brush with death which is becoming all too common in my adventures I did the only thing that was acceptable in today’s era of social media sewage.  Posted a cute picture of bears on Facebook with a positive spin of course.  While singing like a walrus giving birth to farm equipment over my drunken dumb luck.

Just another moment in “A” life, and now I was off to see the attractions of Missoula.  Until google maps started screaming at me like a southern gal throwing a hissy fit to take a left. Not remembering I set a destination I was as confused as a blind man at a silent movie, but what did I care.  Let the adventures begin, and before I knew I was dropped into a canyon on a remote highway with no cell service, radio stations or civilization.  Cutting through the Clearwater National Forest & Nez Pierce Reservation.  Surrounded by a landscape of towering mountains on one side sprinkled with vegetation and painted with colors from the rainbow.  A winding lazy flowing sometimes raging peaceful river on the other side.  A real boondockers paradise with free campsites everywhere.  From roadside pull-offs to dirt roads that bring you to mountain top campsites with 360-degree views, privacy, and endless outdoor adventures.  Free waterfront campgrounds & rest areas with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets.  I had to pass up some of the most desirable photogenic free camping I’ve seen since British Columbia or Alaska because of the size of my travel trailer.

#gallery-0-42 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-42 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-42 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-42 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

In terms of landscape, Idaho is one the most underrated beauties with some of the most remote wilderness in the country creating epic RV road trips by default.

Finally reaching cell service with a gaslight on an inviting day-use area presented itself for a much-needed break.  Providing a panoramic view of the sweeping river bend, and spying a trail that led to a picnic table out over the water’s edge on a jutting rock formation.  This was the spot, but with one last corner in the trail to my courtside seat, I could feel a case of turrets coming on.  As my eyes locked with a mama bear and her two cubs.  At least this time I had a fresh sandwich to offer as an appetizer before the main course of delicious beagle and decadent mouthwatering wannabe outdoorsman began.  Hoping two ounces of turkey didn’t turn me into shredded beef I began a snails paced retreat.  Lowering the sandwich to capture Kota’s focus.  Mama accepted my sloth-like surrender and the cubs playfully made their way to the water.  Inside the safety of my four-walled travel trailer that possessed locked doors, knives, hatchets, BEAR SPRAY, wasp spray, starter fluid, hot sauce, and heavy objects to throw I slammed a  couple of beers before busting out the bear safe distance camera!!!  Gotta fill that Facebook quota.  Plus who doesn’t want to hear me sing like a walrus giving birth to farm equipment again?

After escaping my fury executioners it was time to make tracks to the best-kept secret in America.  McCall Idaho.  Comparable to Whitefish, Sandpoint or even Lake Tahoe.  McCall has a vibe and pulse to it that speaks to a certain soul.  Giving it a personality that invokes a bit of epidemic jealousy for not living there, and an alpine lake mountain ski town I’ve been seeking for 20 years!  A town full of live and let live genuine individuals who are quick to lend a helping hand.  Something I learned firsthand when I became stranded within the first hour.  Through the help of anonymous Youtube mechanics and the community of McCall by lending me tools, I was able to claim the title of backyard mechanic after replacing my Ujoint, hub assembly & axel.  Along with a visiting friend’s alternator.  Free camping in this dirt parking lot at Brundage Ski Resort has been home for over a month now with free concerts and mountainside movie nights on the weekends.  Giving me the opportunity to see the sites, explore the town and meet the people.  Who divulged secrets like live music at Crusty’s, $2 tacos at the Yacht Club, proof of dinosaurs and the beauty of Ponderosa State Park.    A real exclamation point on this RV road trip so far.

#gallery-0-43 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-43 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-43 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-43 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Then on the 8th night, the subtle sound of metal scratching returned.  Like someone trying to pick my lock.  Sitting in the dark armed with weapons for a brutal self-defense I sprung out of my ambush post and onto my feet.  Before I could unleash an attack on my unsuspecting victim I realize the noise was coming from behind me.  Wheeling to strike with devastation I locked eyes with my haunting intruder.  Who’s been watching me from the shadows for over a week.  The rumble for king of the mountain was about to begin.  My adversary elusive and swift had lost the element of surprise, and chose, “live to fight another day.”

I was being stalked by a stealthy opponent.  Alone and stranded on this mountain top I declared war.  For nine days I strategically set up booby-traps, trip wires & false decoys to learn his movements.  To plan the perfect ambush and block the escape routes.  Consumed with nothing less than victory from the impending battle.  Household items transformed into weapons of death.   Carnage and clash were looming in the air.  Battle was on the brink.

#gallery-0-44 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-44 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-44 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-44 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Then it happened just as you expected.  A strike from the shadows! He caught me napping but needed more than surprise on this battlefield.  Springing into action I dropped the nets over his escape routes like poachers funneling their prey to the kill box ahead.  Then he did it.  Squared up on me!  Brazen and defiant he charged.  Both missing our fatal strikes to one another.  Forcing me to enter into his obstacle course of hidden dangers.  Counter strike after counter-strike we threw.  Tiring each other out in this ring of death.  Then like our first match he tricked me with misdirection.  Unaware he was dangerously playing into my hand.  Forcing me to spin in defense when I heard the trap spring behind me.  Reaching for the nearest cache of weapons I had strategically placed on the battlefield.  His instincts kicked in allowing him to dodge the land mines of death.  Once!  Twice!  KABAAAAM!!!!! He zigged when he should have zagged.  Landing him squarely in my kill box.  Without hesitation, I pulled the trigger.  Lighting this mofo up with a strike straight to the dome!

No one should have been able to survive that, but he was fierce and struggling to rise.  Not willing to admit to defeat knowing only one was allowed to leave.  Delivering the fatal blow was bittersweet as I watched the life leave his eyes.  Not because of the heart this warrior had, or the adversary role he played in this life-changing battle between good and evil.  No, it was bittersweet because even with death knocking at his door he outsmarted me.  Forcing me to inflict great bodily harm.  Because this GODAMN MOUSE GOT ME TO SPRAY HIM WITH BEAR SPRAY INSIDE MY RV BEFORE HE TOOK HIS LAST BREATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A subtle throat tickle and a slight skin irritation began.  Kota started hiccupping, and my dumbass began wiping my face.  Like beating off with a cheese grader coated in salt and lemon juice the pain engulfed my senses.  Unable to see while breathing clouds of peppery mist I stumbled my way to the generator.  Starting it by brail, and rushing back in like a firefighter into a burning building to save my beagle.  Flipping the switch for the fan before racing back outside to the relief of fresh mountain air.  Crying, puking and coughing on all fours I cursed that rodent for eternity.  Before washing my face with bar soap.  Then dawn dish soap.  Followed by Lysol cleaning pads and even Axe body wash.  Two hours later the pain was manageable but still lingered the following morning.  Out of spite, I drove over his carcass a dozen times before lighting his ass on fire.  I had thwarted my RV intruder, but instead of victory dancing, I was crying myself to sleep.  Like a prom queen who found her date with another girl.

This ordinary RV road trip started out in cabin country Minnesota at low RPMs but quickly called in its ace to start throwing me big league curveballs.  From dodging bears to melodramatically killing a mouse while trying to commit suicide from bear spray its been an eventful couple of months.  Even playing mechanic with Walmart tools in this dirt parking lot has been phenomenal.  Holding a 25 foot live Sturgis was remarkable, but before all this began I’d been contemplating giving up a life of travel.  This mild-mannered two month RV road trip only solidified why that’s impossible.  The worlds a small place with so much to discover, and you never know what’s around the next corner.

#gallery-0-45 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-45 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-45 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-45 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Brundage Ski Resort in combination with McCall has been overwhelmingly comforting, and free camping under a blanket of mountain sky stars has been remarkable.  From the cherished memories of Minnesota to the comfort of bear spraying myself here in McCall this has been one amazing RV road trip adventure that’s delivered gift after gift.  Rekindling a burning passion for a legendary RV road trip around the world that I put on hold because I didn’t have a travel partner, but I think it’s plain to see Kota & I can get into enough trouble all on our own.

Leave your thoughts, scolding’s and recommendations in the comments below.  Until next time  Happy Travel Y’all

  Epic RV Road Trip That Ends In A Fight To The Death No one plans a legendary RV road trip they just kind of happen.  It's like the old saying goes “Opportunity is where luck and preparation meet,” or in this case where bad luck and no preparation met.  

#adventure #cheap rv living #free camping #rv adventure #rv living #ski resort camping #ski towns #travel inspiration

[aowanders-blog]

How Big Of A Generator Do I Need For My Camper

How Big Of A Generator Do I Need For My Camper

My First RV Generator

There are all kinds of questions you need to answer before purchasing an RV or travel trailer.  Because there are so many RV accessories you have to buy after the fact to enjoy your new camper.  The most overlooked RV accessory is a generator because people don’t ask themselves, “How big of a generator do I need for my camper?”  Buying a generator is a lot like buying an RV.

View On WordPress

#adventure ideas #Adventure travel #camping #cheap rv living #cheap travel #first time rv owner #free camping #rv adventures #rv costs #rv life #rv living

[aowanders-blog]

Its hard to become a savvy traveler when you only take one family vacation a year.  This becomes even more challenging when you try something new.  Like renting an RV for a family road trip.  It takes most RVers years to figure out how to navigate the pitfalls of life on the road.  Like campground fees, full RV hookups, camper maintenance, RV memberships, boondocking or even how to pack your camper.  Let alone choosing a destination that your whole family can enjoy.   Even simply refueling your RV can be a bit confusing on your first attempt no matter how many RV gas saving tips you read.   With all the different tanks and their own doors its easy to confuse which one is the fuel tank, blackwater tank, fresh water tank or even the propane tank.  Unfortunately, I just met a lady who filled her fresh water tank with diesel fuel.  Wouldn’t want to be her husband right now. Might have to talk to her about more than just RV gas saving tips.  Yikes!!!   

When refueling your motorhome you need to pay attention.  Not just on which tank your filling, but what gas station your using. You can find all kinds of RV gas saving tips on the internet.  From lowering your RPMs to driving under 55 mph.  Using high octane gas along with fuel additives to even how much weight you are packing in your camper.  There are even apps like TruckMap to help you plan a fuel efficient route.  Then there are farfetched urban myths that claim if you drive at night you get better gas mileage because the pavement is harder.  I had a guy in Wyoming tell me I would get better RV gas mileage driving in elevation because there is less wind resistance since the air is thinner. Theoretically I suppose that is true, but I am not going to plan my route driving mountain passes in a rig that is notoriously known for awful gas mileage. 

The number one RV gas saving tip I can provide from personal experience is avoid refueling your motorhome camper at truck stops like the black plague! Because neighborhood gas stations only authorize $1 before refueling, but truck stops authorize $150-$500 depending on which pump you use.  Passenger car gas pumps usually get hit with a $150 pre-authorization charge, and trucker gas pumps pre-authorize $500 at each refueling stop. These pre-authorization holds can tie up you RV road trip money for up to a week!  So when refueling your RV, Camper or motorhome always use the car pumps or a neighborhood gas station.  Or better yet go inside and pre-pay for your fuel to avoid unwanted bank holds on your travel funds.

Truck Stop Gas Saving Tips for RVers

Truck stops can destroy a family vacation in less than a second because filling up at the wrong pump can cost you thousands of dollars a day?  Up until a few years ago I used to rely heavily on routes that supported truck stops for all my RV gas saving tips.  While traveling from one destination to the next in my travel trailer.  Until one day when the gas pump declined my card.  Attempting to pay for fuel inside the cashier also informed me my card was declined.  A bit nervous and scared someone had gotten a hole of my card number I quickly logged into my bank account to see the previous 10 truck stops at placed a $500 hold every time I refueled my rig for a measly $50!!!   I was completely cut off from my road trip funds until the truck stops closed their credit card batches and my financial institution processed the transactions. 

After the initial shock and rage wore off I found a spot to post up and call home in the parking lot while I waited for the world of finances to do what they do.  I assumed by morning everything would be finalized, but what I was unaware of was that Monday was a banking holiday and my small mountain bank was going to take their sweet time.  For 7 days I was denied access to my travel money because $500 worth of gas had put a freeze on $5,000 of my road trip money!

How does this happen?  By refueling your RV at the wrong gas station, wrong pump or wrong point of sale.  Technologies a pain in the ass sometimes!

RV Gas Saving Travel Hack History

I used to road trip across the country with less than $20 in my bank account, and brag about my RV gas saving tip.  You can still do it today if you’re a savvy traveler like myself, but most people who try are going to incur NSF fees from their bank.  Or worse, find themselves stranded in a destination they don’t want to be.  Years ago, I had a broke travel friend who needed to drive from Alaska to Florida, but only had $100 to his name.

I told him about the RV mistake I made years ago and the RV gas saving travel hack when low on road trip money I learned from this experience.  Where you pay at the pump, and drive as far as you can before the charges catch up with you.  Starting on a Friday gives you one free day with no banking transactions.  In 5 days he navigated 4,700 miles across two countries and only spent $37!  Banks, fuel stations and technology has caught up to this travel hack.  Which brings me to how truck stops can ruin a family vacation in less than a second. 

How Can Bank Holds Destroy a Family RV Trip

Because of people like me, or others who took my RV gas saving travel hack a step further by disputing fuel charges and not paying for any of the gas they purchased we now have bank holds.  I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a retired operations manager (lets call him Bob) for a major gasoline chain about RV gas saving tips, but instead found myself in a conversation about pay-at-the-pump bank holds.  Bob was in charge of fielding customer complaints from around the country regarding their companies policy on bank holds from fuel purchases.  Mainly from road tripping RVers who were following RV gas saving tips they found on the internet.  

While Bob has no affiliation with Pilot the gas station at the center of heated RVers debates and complaints he explains Pilot has no ability to place holds on your money.  They can only request your bank to actually place a temporary hold on available funds until that branch closes their credit card batches for the day.  Once this happens the responsibility shifts to your financial institution to process the transaction.  Depending on the size of your bank, day of the week and even time of the year this process can take up to a week to finalize.  In most cases the bank hold on your money will be cleared up in 1-2 business days.  If you have a small town bank, like I did, that is behind the times of technology this bank hold from purchasing gas for your RV could last even longer than a week.  The same inconvenience can occur for nationwide banks with branches across the country on busy holiday travel camping weekends like Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.  Don’t forget about other weekends like Sturgis, Burning Man & Coachella who draw massive crowds of people from around the country. 

Combine this with the inherently awful gas mileage of your camper you might become an unsuspecting victim during your family RV road trip.  Because while the normal bank request hold for fuel purchases is between $50-$75 for passenger cars.  Pilot Fuel Stations has adopted a new company policy to request a financial hold on fuel purchases of $100-$150 for passenger cars, and $500 for semi-truck pumps.  Most RVers fill up 2-3 times a day.  So you can see a bank hold of $100 each time can add up fast, and if you make the mistake of filling your RV up at the semi-truck pumps you could rack up thousands of dollars of bank holds in one day! With no options but too wait for the bank to finalize the transaction of your RV fuel purchase. 

Don’t use the semi-truck gas pumps to fill up your RV or you will incur a $500 hold on your bank account!

In addition to being out of your normal travel areas while refueling your RV several times a day across vast distances may trigger fraud alarms at your financial institution forcing them to shut your card off!  Before interviewing Bob I met a lady who was stranded in Eastern Montana because she refueled her RV 7 times at Pilot gas stations using the semi-truck gas pumps in one day.  Each fuel purchase was less than $100, but Pilot requested a $500 hold each time for a grand total of $3,500!!!  She started out with roughly $3,800, and now had less than $200 her name while she waited for her financial institution to process the transactions.  Luckily for her she ran into me because I knew of a free campground less than 10 miles away she could stay at for 10 days.  Complete with showers, bathroom & even free firewood in Columbus, Montana.  Needless to say she was pretty thankful to not only run into me, but that she wasn’t on a time frame either. 

How To Avoid Bank Holds When Refueling Your RV

From my backing packing days I learned all kinds of financial travel hacks.  My favorite is using an alternative payment method.  When traveling I have always had some form of online wallet that I only load a limited amount of traveling funds too.   Whether that is Paypal, Netspend or prepaid credit cards, and I usually only load up a couple hundred dollars at a time.  This way if someone steals my wallet or I use an unscrupulous credit card reader thieves don’t have access to all of my travel money.  The same travel hack can be used when road tripping in your RV.  Using a secondary payment method or online wallet guarantees that your road trip travel funds won’t be tied up in bank holds because instead of putting a hold on your finances they just limit the amount you can purchase.  Usually $50-$75. 

#gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Another RV travel hack method to keep your finances available when refueling your motorhome is to not pay at the pump.  Walk inside the store and tell them the amount you want to charge.  If you come up short guessing how much your RV needs when refueling the difference gets refunded to you.  Instead of waiting on credit card batches to be processed to lift bank holds for 3 or 4 times the amount of what you actually needed.  Now you’re simply waiting for banks to process your transactions and refund you the couple of dollars here and there that you didn’t use.  Which would you rather be waiting on?  $20 in refunds or $1,500 in bank holds for refueling your RV.

One other way to avoid these vacation killers is to use your debit card.  When using your debit card and entering your pin number at the point of sale all transactions occur in real time.  I was a holdout for a long time before embracing this type of transaction.  Who knows where those numbers are being stored and who has access to them, and while that’s not an unfounded fear.  Hear in the states things are pretty secure, and banks are quick to side with you regarding any fraudulent charges. 

If you are low on funds or want to avoid bank holds when refueling your RV during the family road trip go inside and prepay.  This stops the hold and lessens the risk of credit card fraud.  Leaving you access to all your travel funds.

Stop Refueling Your RV At Truck Stops

Truck stops are great for what they are, but if your new to RV life on the road truck stops are not where you want to learn your RV lessons.  Truck stops are great for one night stand boondocking sessions, filling up on road trip supplies, quick bite to eat, showers and even navigation tips.  But when it comes to refueling your RV truck stops are a budget killer.  Because truckers pump $500 worth of a fuel easily, and some motorhomes take $300-$400 to fill their gas tanks.  Taking that into account truck stops have had to implement a policy to protect themselves from getting burned by people who can’t pay for the fuel they pump.  So most truck stops authorize $500 to refuel your RV if you choose to pay at the pump.

Remember when I told you I have a friend who traveled from Alaska to Florida on only $37?  He was able to do that because your local gas station authorizes a trivial amount just to make sure the card is active.  Then submits the actual amount at a later date to sort it out with your bank.  Truck stop and other commercial refueling stations have been burned one too many times so they have chosen instead of place holds on customers finances until the transaction is finalized to ensure they get their money.  Most gas stations only authorize $1 instead of preauthorizing $500!!  Which is how my friend was allowed to drive 4,700 on only $37!!!!

  You can find RV gas saving tips and other RV tips by simply following this link to my RV Life category or clicking on this photo

RV Gas Saving tips – Truck Stops Will Ruin Your families First RV Trip Its hard to become a savvy traveler when you only take one family vacation a year.  This becomes even more challenging when you try something new. 

#cheap rv living #cheap travel #free camping #rv adventure #rv costs #rv life #RVer