SeaDawg

We're getting closer.... Although I liked the KingDome on the 2nd Oliver, and the general shape of the trailer on the third.... I like the jazzy, stylized appearance of the coin... I don't think it's necessary totally realistic. I think I'd still recognize your rig from #2 or #3. Awesome idea! Sherry

Thanks, Doug, for the info. We'll definitely check it out next time we're through middle Tennessee. We have stayed at David Crocket State Park, which was very reasonable, south of Hohenwald, and Henry Horton SP (north). Of the two, I prefer Henry Horton. Nice campsites, and one of the nicest bath houses in a TN state park. Tennessee is justifiably proud of their state park system... We've stayed in eight or ten so far, and have enjoyed each one. Sherry

Doug, Please keep us informed on the next two campgrounds on the Natchez... Sounds like a place we'd love! We'd like to drive more of the Natchez on one of these trips. We've only seen a few sections, but we agree, it's relaxing and beautiful. Thanks. Sherry PS How many sites (approx) are there in the Meriweather Lewis Campground? And, do you have cell service there?

Doug, We stopped briefly at the Meriwether Lewis Monument on our way out of 1000 Trails, but missed the sign to the campground. We went on to a state park, instead. Is the Meriweather Lewis CG far from the Monument? Sounds really nice, especially when our guidebook listed it as "primitive camping only, free.".... I thought it was probably only for tents. My mistake, I see! Sherry

On another forum, I found a link to a map site. Here, you can create a map colorcoded with the states you've visited with your Oliver.... Go to http://www.epgsoft.com/VisitedStatesMap/ Click on the states you've visited in the list, save in the format you like and the size you like, and upload like a normal photo. I added mine to our signature line in user control panel. I thought it was kind of fun to see where we'd been this year in the Oliver. Sherry PS If you don't like this one, google "map states visited" and you'll find a number of other programs to do the same thing.....

I forgot to mention, North Carolina is not on the Fall Colors Hotline... So, I'm checking the High Country Webcams to see what's going on up there! http://www.weatherusa.net/skycamnet/sho ... lina&id=33 Sherry

We got a mailer today from Camping World regarding GMAC RV insurance ..... Which, by the way, we already had.... The Camping World/GMAC policy offers replacement of your trailer in the first five years (not a check for replacement cost, but replacement with a new trailer of same make and model, equipment, etc.), and purchase price (less your deductible, but not depreciated) if you opt for a check instead of trailer replacement. I checked the many pages of our policy to find we had the same clauses (and we do)... nice security, and pretty reasonable cost. We got our policy through Good Sams. Just an FYI... not an endorsement. I don't work for any of them.... GMAC, according to the CW mailer, also offers higher limits on personal property and liability for full-timers. Sherry

The refrigerator running on DC is a hungry beast... It uses more power than our vehicle alone can provide while charging from the tow..., draining additional power off the trailer batteries. However, since we had our solar panels installed, I'm happy that we can now run the refrigerator on DC with the additional amps provided by the solar panels. We do, however, unplug the trailer from the truck if we stop for lunch or shopping to avoid draining the tow vehicle battery. (No help traveling at night, of course....) Sherry

Thanks for sharing these great ideas. Sherry PS It was really great to see both of you Monday!

We weighed our trailer today at a Flying J on our way home from camping. Easy, fast, and inexpensive. ($7.50 for two weighs). Our weight: 3960 pounds, loaded for camping. Tongue weight 420 pounds. Weight on tires/axles= 3540 pounds. Our extensible tongue was set on the middle of the three positions. We do not carry a basket or generator on the tongue. These weights are easily within the towing capacity of all three of our tow vehicles. Freshwater mostly empty, a few gallons (we're going to drain the remainder into a bucket to find out just how many...) plus the six gallons remaining in the water heater. Black and gray, guesstimate, 7 gallons (no, I'm NOT going to drain into a bucket to get a better number, yikes) Two full, steel, 20 lb. propane tanks. Loaded for camping... full closet, usual gear, toiletries, a couple gallons of bottled water, a few canned goods, probably 20 lbs of food and beverages in refrigerator and freezer, etc. Bedding, including 3" mattress pad and pillows, blankets, etc., plus rugs Books, manuals, DVDs, hiking boots & poles, kitchen utensils, dishes, pots & pans, etc. Options on our trailer include : Dometic AC, Norcold Refrigerator, Awning, 2-100 watt solar panels, electric cord power reel, outdoor shower, quick disconnect gas, extra outlets, outdoor AV hookups, Jensen DVD system, TV, and mounting arm, Suburban furnace, 6 gallon hot water heater, electric jacks all around, courtesy floor lights (inside and out), King Dome satellite system, SMEV stainless steel 2 burner stove, convection microwave, FanTastic Fan. Sherry

Nifty idea. There was an article in our local newspaper this week about the return of the Victorian "calling card"... the non-business, personal version of the business card. An easy way to exchange information and stay in touch, no pen and pad required. I think your coin is sure to be a hit! Sherry

Herm, Geez, for some odd reason I thought all these years that you got 20 lbs. of gas in a 20 lb. cylinder. Thanks for the info. You raised an interesting question, so I weighed the one Kevlar "20 lb" tank we have that's empty. 12 lb. Full, 30 lb. If the steel tank only holds 17 lbs as you suggest, it means our kevlar tank holds an extra pound of gas, while overall is still five pounds lighter. (I don't have an empty steel tank to weigh, so I'm going to check next time... I wonder if I'm getting even 17 lbs of gas, now.) Plus the Kevlar tanks are guaranteed not to rust, and it is helpful to be able to look at the tank and know exactly how much gas you have. Obviously, since Suburban charges us the same to fill any "20 lb tank", we're getting a much better deal using the kevlar tank. Wish I could find Tractor Supplies everywhere... They actually meter what goes into your LP tank, and you can take a half full tank in and be charged for ONLY the half tank they fill. Sherry And, I agree... the kevlar tanks do look cool, and easy for me to carry, empty or full. Sherry

FYI..... We have the two standard 20 pound standard steel tanks on our Oliver. We stayed with these knowing that we could trade them in, if necessary, at Blue Rhino or whatever, anywhere we travel. (Although our first choice is Tractor Supply refills... only pay for what you need, at a very reasonable rate...) I remember that someone had posted about kevlar tanks some time back, but couldn't find the post. About a year ago, we bought the new kevlar tanks for our boat so as not to have to deal with the rust issue. Today, Paul took in one 20 lb. steel tank, and one 20 lb. kevlar tank to get filled at Suburban. Out of curiosity, Paul weighed both at the filling station, after filling. A 20 lb standard steel tank was 35 pounds and the Kevlar tank, 30 pounds. Reinforces our decision that carrying the older style, standard steel tanks is worth the extra 10 pounds and less cost... for the convenience of being able to trade out if we're stuck somewhere. Just our thoughts.... Sherry

We missed that fudge shop.... but I still had half a pound of fudge in the freezer from the Hendersonville apple festival.... Probably a good thing I didn't find it!!! Sherry

Speaking of fall colors, last year the best leaves around Boone and Banner Elk, NC coincided with the annual "Wooly Worm Festival" (October 18-19 this year). http://www.woollyworm.com/ This little fuzzy guy is said to have predicted the weather with his stripes each year, and a "historical accuracy check" (don't know by whom), says he's right 85% of the time... Kind of the fall version of Groundhog Days! Banner Elk is a beautiful little town with fun shopping, great restaurants, a small college, and three nearby ski areas in the winter... Beech, Sugar, and Hawksnet. (Appalachian Ski Resort is close, too, near Boone and Blowing Rock). Besides the town of Banner Elk and the fun little festival, you can camp at Linnville Falls on the BlueRidge Parkway (comfort station, no hookups, no showers,reservations available for some sites) and explore the river, the falls and the Gorge. Nearby Boone, home to three time national football champs at Appalachian State, is another great town to visit. Like many University towns, it's a vibrant and lively community, with the bonus of a small size, and gorgeous mountain scenery.... Do unhook the trailer and leave it at the campground. Many of the roads and highways around Banner Elk and Boone are best explored without a trailer in tow. Roads can be steep and narrow, but reward you with amazing valley and mountain views. Take a drive (and maybe a hike, too) and check out Grandfather Mountain (the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains) near Banner Elk and Seven Devils, and a side trip to the artsy little community of Blowing Rock (named for the rock where the strange wind currents will send a dropped paper flying upwards!), a longtime resort in Western North Carolina. We're planning to be in the area for the Wooly Worm Festival if all goes as planned... Maybe we'll see you there! Sherry a photo from the Grandfather Mountain website... http://www.grandfather.com/index.php

It's the time of year when many people plan a camping or driving trip to coincide with the changing colors of autumn. On a trip last year, we were able to catch the magnificent blazes of yellow and orange on the mountainsides around Boone, NC at the height of their vibrant colors.... but just by chance. The US Forest Service has established a hotline to help "leaf peepers" catch the changing leaves at their peak around the country. You can call, or check their website: http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2008/releases ... lors.shtml Sherry

Mousetail Landings State Park, near Linden, Tennessee, is a lovely little campground for the money, but a tough access road for newer towers or underpowered vehicles. The road in and out has stretches of very steep (I'd estimate 15% or better) grades. Though well paved and wide enough, it would not be an easy drive for beginners. It is also not very well marked. Nicely spaced, shaded sites, most of the 24 have water and electric. Bathrooms are clean and neat. Only $16, less for seniors. However, if you're new to towing, or your engine is small, David Crockett SP is almost as close to Hohenwald, and a much easier drive.( It is also a very nice park, only a few dollars more, and we enjoyed our stay very much.) Mousetail offers hiking, fishing, and swimming... I understand there's a no hookups campground nearby, Spring Creek, but we didn't see it. Probably even less. Tennessee keeps their parks neat, clean, and affordable. Campsite photo at Mousetail One of the steep and not very wide roads in Mousetail Sherry

Land between the Lakes, Piney Campground, Northwest Tennesse & Southwest Kentucky. An excellent place to spend a week or more. This forty mile long park between two ACE lakes offers so much to do: a marina, boating (rentals available),a planetarium, an elk & bison habitat, bison range, hands on "nature station", hiking trails, hunting, fishing, a pioneer homestead museum, bike trails... take your pick. Two other big campgrounds besides Piney, and other small primitive CGs as well, over 15 camping spots and campgrounds in all. In September, Piney sponsors a five-day camping festival with bands, flea market, RV show... If you've read my "Perfect Fit", you know I loved it there in the tent loop, right on the lakeshore. Lakeside spots are also available in the RV loops, with hookups, but you may want to reserve ahead for Piney or any of the others if you want hookups. view of the lake from our site in Sweetgum One of the RV loops. The marina at the north end of LbL. All the loops had decent spacing. Bathrooms were neat and clean, though not new, and no lights in the bathroom in the tent section, but there's a hook for your lantern. In Sweetgum, no hookups, $14, I think, and less for seniors. About $10 more for hookups. Really pleasant hosts greet you at the entry gate. Pets ok. Small entrance fees to Elk & Bison Habitat, Planetarium, etc.. a combo pass is available. Created in 1963 as a national recreation area, to enhance the environment left from the creation of Kentucky & Berkely Lakes, and promote growth in the area. They did it well. Entrances near Paducah, KY, and in Tennesee, north of Nashville. More info at their website: http://www.kentuckylake.com/lbl/main.htm Sherry

In northwest Georgia, James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park, near Summerville, Georgia,(not too far from Rome) south of HWY 27, is a nice little park to spend an evening or weekend... Two lakes, small but stocked, hiking trails, and a nice campground. One lane loop road, newly paved but narrow. Decent and clean bathroom & showerhouse, campsites have the usual fire ring, picnic table, decently spaced but not as much elbow room as many other state parks we've visited, "nestled in the wooded hillside" means no view of the lake, just the surrounding trees, a mix of pines and hardwoods, and very little breeze, either. Georgia parks are a bit pricey compared to many other neighboring states . Water & electric, dump station as you exit the park, was $24 plus another $3 to drive the road and park your vehicle. An annual pass, should you want to spend a lot of time in Georgia, is $30... for parking. No discount on camping comes with the pass, just unlimited day use & parking. Many of the state parks charge even higher fees... up to $50 a night at some of the more popular ones (plus the $3). Less for seniors.Day or annual fishing license required for the lake. About half the sites were occupied on a weeknight in September.... Sherry

In late August, the hurricane winds blew a couple visitors our way in North Carolina. Bugeye (Pete) and Oscar the Smiley Dog, along with their happy face Oliver, came to the mountains and braved 7.5 inches of rain in 48 hours with us. We had so much fun! Considering, we helped Pete unhitch and set up in a cats n dogs downpour, and spent much of the night in the same... We had a lot of fun conversation, and a great time getting to know them both. On the day Pete & Oscar left, we had a little sun and played tourists... we hiked the property, looked for (and found) bear track, and took a ride down to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and had lunch. Sadly, we had to say goodbye in the afternoon, as Pete had commitments up the BlueRidge with some old friends. Here's a view from our hike, from about 3000 feet or so, a third of the way up the mountain.... two Olivers at base camp (2800 feet) Pete & Oscar the Smiley Dog Pete pulling his Oliver up the gravel road, through the tree canopy And our last view of Pete, Oscar the Smiley Dog, and the Happy Face Wonder Egg as they left the property in the afternoon.... Just talked to Pete, and he and Oscar are in New Mexico, somewhere, on their way to Colorado. Happy travels! and hope to see you again soon.... and hope for better weather the next time you come to boondock with us in NC! Sherry & Paul

On the farm, our solution was a big can of tomato juice as shampoo. Now, there are more modern solutions: http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-o ... -smell.htm Most dogs only chase the pretty Pepe once! Sherry

Our neighbor in Piney Campground, Land between the Lakes, warned us about the skunks that had been visiting their campsite the past few days. As we're used to camping in sites with bear precautions, we don't leave trash or food outside.... but that didn't keep little Pepe le Pew from visiting us after dusk. We were quite startled when we looked down and saw the skunk gliding along the ground not twelve inches from our toes. We sat very still and silent till he moved further down toward the lake. At the dump station the next day, we met some really nice Casita owners whose dog had not been so silent, and was rewarded with a not so charming odor. Poor baby... he got it bad. If Pepe is known to visit your camp, you may want to keep the dogs inside from dusk to dawn as much as possible, and just leave Pepe alone and sit still and quiet if he wanders thru. Resist the urge to reach for the camera, and let him go by. Spraying is actually a last resort for a skunk... it can take him a week or more to produce enough oil and chemicals to spray again and protect himself. Not my photo.... but very much like the pretty little skunk who visited us twice at LbL. Sherry

Again this week, we were reminded of how happy we are to own a trailer that not only fits us, but fits almost anywhere we want to go. Coming home from Missouri, we traveled through parts of Illinois and Kentucky. Paul had always wanted to camp in Land Between the Lakes, a long, narrow park running about forty miles north from Kentucky (near Paducah) south into Tennessee. We arrived on the tail of Hurrican Ike, and found most facilities, including all three welcome centers, closed. All campers had been diverted to the southernmost campground, Piney, in Tennessee. Since this week in September is also the Camping Festival at Piney CG (a 35 year tradition), Piney was packed in the loops with hookups. When we asked the host about lakefront campsites, he looked at our trailer, and asked us if a spot in the tenting area (Sweetgum Loop) would work for us... Gave us a site on the lake with no hookups, and offered to exchange it if we found something else we liked better. Once again, we were rewarded with a charming "leftover" spot. No hookups, but a great site with privacy, lovely views of the lake, and wonderful tenting neighbors from central Illinois. We "shared" the entire loop with one tent. Wow. We enjoyed the sunset views, the open space, and the quiet in our loop. We watched squirrels and hummingbirds in the morning, and the kids walking down to fish on the shore. We'll definitely go back to Land between the Lakes, and this spot will be our first pick... Sherry

A member sent me a pm asking me to post photos of our mudflaps, so here goes: This is a photo of the small mudflaps that Oliver installed for us on the trailer wheelwells. And this is a photo showing the removeable mudflaps mounted on our pickup. These flaps are mounted to a bar, not the truck, and mount to the receiver, so that we can take them off when not needed. We bought ours from Costco, online (we're not members... you can order online without a membership) for about $180. Also available from other sources, at a variety of prices. If you look carefully at this photo, you can see the permanent, smaller mudflaps we had installed on the truck for the days we don't use the big Rock Tamers. 15,000 plus miles now, and no chips yet! Sherry Sherry

We so enjoyed meeting both of you at the rally, and all the other fine folks who made us feel so very welcome to Arkansas. The mini eggs were wonderful... Would you please share photos of them, too, for the folks who couldn't attend? Sherry