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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/27/2021 in all areas

  1. Thanks for the suggestions. We are at the swanky High Country RV Park two miles southwest of downtown Whitehorse. It cost C$178 for three nights, full hookups, plus C$25 for three days of unlimited Internet. Unfortunately that crawls to a stop at the busy times. But it feels great after the Cell Phone Desert along the Cassiar Hwy. Tomorrow, Friday, we are going to explore the city, hike some, see the SS Klondike 2 steamer, and take advantage of a dry and sunny day. Saturday will be soggy (0.6” of rain expected) so we will visit museums, do some shopping, and wash clothes here at the CG. Sunday we will head out south via the eastern leg, through Watson Lake and Nelson, then to Prince George and south from there. Depending on wildfires, we have to choose a populated city so we can get Covid tested, then wait for the lab results, then cross over to the USA. We had hoped to go back down the Cassiar, even though it is agonizingly slow and stressful driving, but the weather is being uncooperative. It is glorious, jaw dropping glacial scenery when the sun is out, unfortunately we had steady rain and fog for two days coming north from Meziadin Junction (turnoff to Stewart), plus endless road construction north of Dease Lake, so the truck and trailer got extremely filthy. Gas was crazy expensive (worst was C$1.79 per liter, US$5.38) and many of the pumps are closed and the towns are obviously in enormous financial distress. All the First Nation towns and facilities (museums, stores) are closed to outsiders. Along Hwy 1 a bunch of the commercial resort campgrounds are closed. It makes finding a spot to stay very challenging, and refueling is stressful when there is one pump with diesel and regular, and a double trailer semi truck is blocking one side for twenty minutes, while six cars and trucks with trailers are jockeying to get the the other side. And it is “Pay Inside Only” (with four people stacked behind the only register). And the next pump is 80 miles down the road, if it is even operable…. My truck is getting really bad mileage, similar to when I am driving those precipitous Idaho backroads, I suspect the gas quality is very poor, even though I religiously use a fuel additive. I am happy to see 10 mpg. Normally I get around 12. With a 25 gallon tank, range anxiety is painful. I do carry an extra 10 gallons in jerry cans and so far have not needed it. If anybody is thinking about crossing into western Canada, forget it. Wait until next year. Too darned stressful! John Davies Spokane WA
    3 points
  2. We lucked out, the Cracked Glass guy checked it out, said, “No Worries, we see that kind of damage all the time. I have an iPhone 11 display in stock and can have it ready in a couple of hours.” He added a screen protector but told us we should not drive over it again…. We had a burger and cruised Canadian Tire for a while, went back and the phone looked great. You could not tell it had been damaged. US$376 total with tax. My wife was delighted. No insurance claim and deductible, and all her apps and data are there. How cool is that? BTW we made it to Whitehorse YT. Woohoo. John Davies Spokane WA
    3 points
  3. We’ve had one two day service done. We went to Nashville. Went to the Grand Ol Opry, had a couple nice restaurant meals and enjoyed downtown Nashville with all the music clubs and museums. Amber Falls Winery is a Harvest Hosts member and is only about 15 minutes from the factory. They also have a small house/B&B you can stay at but I think it’s kind of pricey. Mike
    2 points
  4. We went with the Rad E-Bikes. We picked the RadMini for my husband and the RadMini Step-Thru for myself. The bikes have the fat tires for off road or sand plus they fold. We carry them in our truck bed under a Leer Topper with only the handles folded down. When not camping we tend to buzz around in our Jeep and both will fit in the back with the seat folded down. They are mid-priced, not the cheapest bike offered and certainly not even close to the most expensive. They work great for us. They are a little heavier than some of the more expensive brands so we team lift to load them. My husband can load them by himself but it's easier with two people lifting them into the back of a 4WD truck. radpowerbikes.com Cindy RV travels with plenty of room for our Blackstone Adventure Grill, Aluminum Table, Gas Firepit, Outdoor rug, 2 chairs, storage box with helmets, life vests for kayaks and more photos of Jeep travel.
    2 points
  5. Went down to the Wind River Range in Wyoming the 3rd week of July and just now finishing up with photos from the trip. We camped one night the Grand Canyon of the Snake River which by the way is a drop dead gorgeous canyon with some nice USFS campgrounds although close to the road. From there we headed down to the Green River Lakes area in the northern part of the Winds. Had crystal clear blue skies and no fire smoke until the last day. Great hikes beautiful country just an awesome trip. For anyone inclined to take this on be forewarned there is 20 or so miles of very rough gravel road to get back in there, no cell service for at least an hours drive out. Figure about 15-20 mph going in with a few patches of smoother gravel for a few but not many miles. To provide an idea of how rough the road is, we shook 3 of the window frame shades of their mounts, the solar controller in the basement became dislodged from its installment screws, one of the cables for the pins that latch the rear bumper broke loose. Anything not tied down was strewn all over the camper. I'm probably forgetting a few things. Trudi and I had briefly visited this place some 40 years ago and its been on my bucket list ever since. Highly recommended, I would go back in a heartbeat. Regarding true boon docking there are many places along the Green River to accommodate and initially this was our plan until talking with another family who tried it for one night but the bugs and ants were so bad they couldn't even get out of their camper, a Lance in this case. With those words of encouragement we opted for the USFS campground @$6 per night for the geezer crowd. By any measure the vast majority of campers here are tent campers, and the new rage of clamshell tents that carry on top of trucks, suvs and fold out into a top mounted tent. There are two loops here, one small higher the other a bit large and closer to Green River Lake. No reservations, its far too remote and in fact never saw a ranger and there was no camp host at all for the entire week. No problem at all getting a good site and most people only stay one or two nights. BTW the lake and campground itself are approximately 8,000 feet elevation give or take a few. Posting a few quick and dirty iPhone photos below. Green River camp above. Most of the sites here are very large probably between 1/4 or perhaps 1/2 an acre on average. Campsite at the Grand Canyon of the Snake River. Green River Lake sunrise with Sqaure Top Mountain. Preferred a b&w for this one. Beach at the far end of Green River Lake, about a 2-3 mile hike one way, we did the complete loop around with a few other excursions for a total of about 8-9 miles View from the west shore of the lake returning from hike up Clear Creek Canyon Clear Creek approximately half way to the end of the canyon where a natural bridge crosses the creek. Another view of Square Top on the route out from Clear Creek. I was nursing a plantar fasciitis one one foot this day so the almost 12 mile hike just about did me in. We had a few outrageous sunsets accompanied by a rising near full moon. Thanks for looking.
    2 points
  6. Hi All, I've been thinking about a visit to Hohenwald for service/potential upgrades on ILOVHER and wanted to know (prior to starting a service ticket) what your experiences have been with planning a visit. It's a long haul for me and I really don't know anything about how they handle service to used Ollies but have a number of questions: 1. Where do you stay when your trailer is being worked on? I saw in a thread that there may be room on their lot for service customers but if they have your unit for a few days, is there any place to stay close by to possibly tent camp? 2. What things are included in the general service and is it worth the price? Not sure if I should just contract someone local for brakes, etc. I know they would answer my questions readily but I thought I'd ask anyway. 3. Is there a long wait time for service appointments? 4. Have you been happy with the service you received? I really have a short list of items I'd like addressed (definitely the fresh water pickup) but I feel a visit with the infamous tour might be enjoyable! Regards..
    1 point
  7. 1 point
  8. Oliver's Service for "used Ollies" is no different than it is for "un-used Ollies" and it is just about the only place where you can get that fresh water pickup issue fix right the first time. 1. If the camping area located just outside the Service area is open then that would certainly be the place to stay. If it is not open yet then you could camp at the old Sales Office but tenting is probably not what I'd want to do there or at Meriwether Lewis on the Natchez Trace (they have water available and flush toilets and the sites a fairly well shaded but there is no electric). 2. I don't know about the "general service" but I did just have my wheel bearings serviced and a chassis lube done for about $250. I'm sure that this would also include a good look at the brakes if you ask. 3. Wait time for appointments varies but I would think that something inside of two weeks is certainly possible. 4. I've always had good service at Oliver. The prices are in line with others that I've seen and they really do know Ollies. With regards to #1 above - when you call or open a service ticket be sure to ask about the camping and how long they estimate repairs will take. Even if they don't finish what you want done in a single day I'm sure that they can arrange it so that you will still get your camper back for the night or they will help you make other arrangements. Bill
    1 point
  9. Maybe I'm overly indexing to experience driving our bouncy Ford camper van over very rough unpaved roads but I don't trust gravity to keep things from jumping upwards if not constrained from doing so by something more than their weight. On our last trip I stashed the microwave platter and the sink cover/cutting board under the twin mattresses at the front (ie the end toward the door) so they wouldn't slide under there in event of an emergency stop. We have the KTT mattresses which have plenty of weight to hold them down and have the Hypervent pads underneath which provided a nice soft-ish base. Like Susan we mostly avoid having heavy stuff in the upper cabinets while in transit (don't want to be top heavy) and we pack so as to minimize ability of stuff to shift around. We put trash in plastic shopping bags (we've saved up a hoarder level number of these 🙂 ) which when in use hang from one of these trash bag holders (with some duct tape on the inside of the part that goes over the door to limit scratching/scuffing) which we typically have hung from the top of the closet door (we camp with our dog so want the trash well above her reach; otherwise the lowest kitchen drawer of the aft set of drawers would be a nice and fairly out of the way option). But when we move we tie up the bag and bring it in our TV to toss it at the next available trash receptacle - often a campground dumpster, and the trash bag bag holder goes into a kitchen drawer. We carry drinking water typically in both 2.5 gallon supermarket type water jugs (often refilled at home or with giardia level filtration plus carbon for chlorine etc when on the road) and in one liter nalgene bottles which we have in the tow vehicle when in transit - these are the most heavy and potentially mobile missiles we have so we long ago figured out where to stash these so as not to have them smashing around.
    1 point
  10. I have no problems with KOA's, but my biggest dislike is the camping spots are usually very close together, I realize this is not a problem in some KOA's. My biggest dislike for close camping spots is some campers/RV's run two A/C units and it seems like they never shutoff, takes away for us being outside around our trailer and enjoying nature, etc. trainman
    1 point
  11. I found this tiny drainer that fits perfectly in the sink. I got it at TJ Maxx. I do dishes with it in the sink and rinse and dry in place. It travels there under the cutting board as well.
    1 point
  12. It is really important to get a brand that has a local dealer, these machines are not as simple as regular bikes, they can have electronic and electrical issues just like a car, and many bike shops will not work on them! I do not have an ebike yet, but I am partial to the Yamaha ones, they have a superior warranty and are very high quality. Mid-drive with both speed and cadence sensors will give you the most natural feel. It makes you feel like Superman, with a very transparent assist. Avoid any bike with a hand throttle that can make the bike go by itself, they are illegal in many states on bicycle paths. “Pedal Assist” types only if you want to ride bike trails, and most states limit the power and motor assisted speed (tho you can pedal faster, no worries, like downhill). Look for light overall weight and a removable battery, that makes loading and unloading a lot easier, and the battery should be stored out of the weather and out of sight (theft). I would buy this Cross Connect, it is 49 pounds with fenders and rack; since I live in an arid climate, I would take those off and store them for the next owner, or sell them. I think it is a very sexy design too. https://www.yamahabicycles.com/bikes/crossconnect/ The Haibikes are quite nice and are a great value, but they do not compare to the Yamahas. https://www.haibike.com/ Watch a bunch of ebike review videos, that will teach you a lot. Don’t walk blindly into a store and just take the sales droid’s recommendation. John Davies Spokane WA
    1 point
  13. I'm at the looking stage also. A store near me has a Specialized Vado demo bike that fits me that I'll likely be trying for a day in the week ahead (they charge a rental fee that's applied 100% if you buy one). I'm hoping for something that's decent as an upright pavement bike as well as good for gravel (sometimes with rough bits). One thing I've heard is get a center drive (motor on crank not a wheel hub) so you can use the bike's gearing to help the motor do its best.
    1 point
  14. We are up here now. we picked up the Blue Ridge Parkway at the SW end leaving the Great Smokey Mountains NP. we are up to Fancy Gap, doubled back with out SNYSDUP to see Music Center & Mt. ARY (Mayberry). Tomorrow we head out to Lynchburg Area, Drop Anchor, and explore. Then the BRP and the Shenandoah Skyline Drive, to Luray, VI. Eventually up to Maine, then back to ND.
    1 point
  15. Indeed, bison can be both fishermen and gentlemen. This guy decided he wanted to cross right in front of where I was fishing and then he came back to "help" Mom and child across? Then, later, a buddy of his was sleeping on the bank. I didn't see this last guy as I was getting out of the stream, but, his snores were loud enough to wake the dead. Unfortunately, I didn't capture the little clouds of dust that came off the ground as he exhaled!
    1 point
  16. Or, a boondocking spot on Lower Sunshine Reservoir outside of Meeteetse, Wy? If you ever find this spot, make sure that you DO NOT set up your Clam screen tent. The wind can be fierce - don't ask me how I know.
    1 point
  17. How about a nice quiet Oliver campsite right on the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River north of Cody, WY?
    1 point
  18. Earlier during the trip I was walking back to the Ollie. Mind you that this is big time bear country (I always carry bear spray and a fairly large side arm) and well up the road I saw movement of what I thought was black fur. Indeed, it was and it wasn't.
    1 point
  19. My condolences! Hope your insurance covers your loss.
    1 point
  20. Bubble net feeding. The humpback whale blows a ring of air bubbles to confine a school of fish, then surfaces though them with gaping jaw. You can see the ring. How cool! John Davies Spokane WA
    1 point
  21. If you haven’t been to Amber Falls Winery near Hohenwald, you should go. Good wine, friendly folks. We camped there with HH for the first time this year although we’ve been visiting and buying their wines since the fall of 2015.
    1 point
  22. A growing source of Boondocking or Dry Camping (no hookups) is Harvest Hosts. The past couple of years we’ve camped at about a dozen HH locations, mostly wineries and farms. Sometimes you’re in a parking lot, sometimes just a field and sometimes out in the middle of the vineyard. We enjoyed camping at Amber Falls winery just outside of Hohenwald. We’ve camped next to a barn on a farm where we had chickens and horses all around. We’ve never had any hookups, although a winery in PA offered a 20a electrical hookup which we didn’t need or take advantage of. This is at Leyden Farm Vineyards and Winery in RI. Great spot and nice facilities. We enjoyed a glass of wine (or two) on their patio overlooking the vineyards.
    1 point
  23. Greetings, all y’all - We’re Mike and Christy from Oklahoma, retired and pretty good at it. We ordered our 2022 Elite II in February, Hull 970, and are in line for delivery the first week in December. Following the wisdom of the Forum, we now have a pretty good idea of what to expect as owners of a EII. We are updating from a 40 sq ft pop up camper to the new space - with amenities of an Ollie. Looking forward to seeing all y’all on the road! Mike
    1 point
  24. Good thing you had a third camera to document the event…. You really do haul around everything imaginable in triplicate in that big ol truck of yours🙂
    0 points
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