Leaderboard

As mentioned earlier, we've had 2 RV Lock keyless locks on our 2022. Both failed, one possibly due to water intrusion because Oliver cut the latch hole in the door too big, leaving a gap next to the exterior portion of the lock where water could get in. OTT sent us a replacement and I caulked around it. Even so, the replacement failed after 3 years for unknown reasons, so we gave up on RV Locks. We were just at the Hershey RV Show and met a rep from Global Products Group who showed us their Ultra ES Pro lock. The first thing I noticed was that it was very substantial, all metal construction. It also uses a different handle configuration inside and out. We talked him down to a price we could accept and bought one. I just installed it with no issues. The first thing I noticed was that the exterior portion was larger than the RV Lock, so it covered the gap left in the door by OTT nicely. It also included a large neoprene gasket, which was nice. Installation was easy and it functions well. One interesting note: there is no separate deadbolt. The deadbolt function simply locks the single bolt in place, rather than extending a second bolt. It would still stop someone from jimmying it open, though. The second thing I noticed is significant for us. Even with the striker plate all the way out, our door never latched easily. We had to really slam it to get the RV Lock to engage (perhaps the cause of the demise of lock #2). This latch closes cleanly and easily using the original striker plate. Our sleeping neighbors will be much happier. OTOH, the Bluetooth app for the lock seems glitchy. It has trouble staying paired to my Pixel phone. Not a huge deal for me, but maybe for someone else. Time will tell if this lock holds up. Will update here if things change. Here's an Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0bzR8SDZ

I posted something about this BLM dispersed camping site in another thread, "Oliver - Again?" But this reference should really be in our favorite thread, "Where' Ollie!" So here it is! So many of us drive by Flagstaff AZ, whether you're going to The Grand Canyon or Sedona, elsewhere in northern AZ or just traveling to or from California! Winona AZ is 16 miles east of Flagstaff and just east of Walnut Canyon, which is worth a visit (I posted pics from our visit here just a few weeks ago). Walnut Canyon and these boondocking campsites are only 10 minutes south of I-40. Drive south on Winona Ranch Rd and turn right on FS Road 128. These are well maintained service roads with some ranch traffic. Our campsite was 2.5 miles down and there are 100s to chose from! Camp another few miles down this road and you'd be a short hike to the western rim of Walnut Canyon. 🤠

Our daughter graduated from NAU in Flagstaff so we made many trips north from Sierra Vista/Ft Huachuca while she was there. We always looked forward to seeing her but also enjoyed the area around Flagstaff a lot. Walnut Canyon was worth the visit!

We stayed at Henry’s Lake SP and had a very nice experience. Close to Yellowstone and a relaxing place to stay!

Almost forgot! Check out this horse ranch at the start of Winona Ranch Rd with views of the San Francisco Peaks! Flagstaff sits below the left end of this mountain range. Picture taken when leaving camp the next morning. Home in under 2 hours. “I’ll be back!” 🤠 Where are you camping or have recently visited? Please post!

Yellowstone Shuts Showers at newly revamped Fishing Bridge: We’ve had a reservation in Yellowstone for 9 months. They just sent a notice of no working showers today. We will be fine but I sent the GM a 50% refund request … at $125 a night, showers and bathrooms must work. I’ve grown weary of company execs who are clueless and don’t care for the customers they are supposed to serve. The "Amenity" Loophole: Because your reservation at Fishing Bridge RV Parkprovides you with a physical campsite, water, and electrical hookups, Xanterra classifies the public shower facility as a "complimentary amenity" or a separate service rather than a guaranteed part of your nightly site fee. Their terms dictate that the closure of a single amenity does not qualify a guest for a partial refund on the campsite itself. [1] Read more Thursday at 05:33 PM 1 1 Edit Report topgun2 My personal opinion is that you are absolutely correct. These "vendors" don't put nearly enough back into our National Parks and as a result, trash bins overflow, the lodges we all paid for are in sad need of maintenance as are the kind of facilities you mention. Yes, we are loving these Parks to death but I don't see where the vendors are doing anything but "taking" with precious little "giving. Bill Yesterday at 06:54 AM Report Tom and Doreen We had the a similar issue camping at Skidaway Island State Park, they had a water main break. We had no city water connection for the duration of our stay; no discount or refund. 19 hours ago Report Galway Girl Update: I emailed the GM for Xanterra with a concern of false advertising of amenities. He had a person call back to explain that they still had nearby restrooms open but no shower for 25 miles. They said they will apply a $50/night discount for the inconvenience. This dropped the price at Fishing Bridge from $125 to $75/night. Tip: Next year these bookings will be managed by Rec.gov instead of Xanterra, and they now only allow 6 months advance booking so if your going to Yellowstone next September, bookings open March 1.

4 nights at Henry’s Lake in Island Park ID. Before heading into Yellowstone. Great park and every sight has a great view. It can get a little windy though.