Fabulous Gifts for the Camping Enthusiasts in your Life!

We've scoured the Net to find you some Unusual and of course Classic last minute Gifts for the Camping Aficionados in your life!

Fantastic & Unusual Gifts for Campers & RV'ers

Cast Iron Cookware, excellent for cooking over the fire or on a propane stove top. Quality for $30

Bird Identification Book Bird Watchers Bible

Redneck Beer or Pop Camo Holster

Mystical Flames Turn your Campfire into a Color Show!

GPS - about $80 Click here for a well-rated GPS

Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker ;o)

First Aid Kit Who can't use one of these?

Camping Journal Great Memories!

Snipe Hunt 2010 Game of the Year 

Propane Fire Pit Usable during Burn Bans

Coleman Lantern Decorative String Lights

Emergency Cell Phone Charger Radio & Flashlight

Space Saving Kindle

Enameled Dining Set Tried & True

Gift Certificate to the Pine Near ;o)

Please share more great ideas for last minute Gifts with us!

Decorate your RV or Travel Trailer for Christmas! Ho Ho on the Go!

Here are some hints and tips I picked up on various sites on Christmas decorating in RV's and Trailers. Check them out and let us know if you have any to add!

• Use your holiday decorations. No sense in them sitting in storage collecting dust. And those pretty candles - light them, smell the cinnamon, that's what they're for!
• Bake Gingerbread and other festive smelling treats.  They will make your RV smell great! You don't have to eat them, gift them!
• Look beyond an item's intended purpose. Give your pet an adorable stuffed reindeer toy for the Christmas season. 
• Keep tradition. Hang stockings and small versions of whatever you did previous to your RV life. Pin stocking to the curtains. Or, screw  small cup hooks to the underside of the overhead cabinets and hang your stockings in a row.
• Have a focal point, like a small Tree or Christmas Quilt.
• Use tree ornaments as wall hangings. 
• Use free decorations. A basket of evergreen branches (trimmings picked up at a tree lot) or pine cones from the park,  tied with a red ribbon looks festive on the counter. Nice scent too!
• Decorate with things meant to disappear, like seasonal fruit, nuts and candies.
• Hang a wreath from your grill.
• Embellish the outside of your RV with sparkly Christmas lights. Let everyone enjoy your Christmas Cheer.
• Drape your Dish Network or Direct TV tripod with your old Christmas Tree Skirt! (I love that one!)
• Create a mood. Play seasonal music - carols, fun childhood favorites, and new renditions by artists. Answer the phone with, "Merry Christmas!" And sometimes, in the dark of evening,  just watch the twinkling of tiny lights on your Christmas tree and think about why it is that we celebrate Christmas in the first place. 
• ...And don't forget the Candy Canes :o)

Check out these decorating ideas:

Hunting in Winthrop, Twisp - Methow Valley Wildlife Area, WA

The Methow Valley Wilderness is heavily populated with Mule Deer and also White and Black Tailed.  If you are considering Camping in the Mazama, Winthrop, Twisp or Carlton area the Pine Near RV Park and Campground is a great choice!  Centrally located in Winthrop - just one block above Main Street - walk downtown, have a couple beer, swap stories with other hunters and get back safely to your Camp!  We have Full Hook-up sites complete with running water, sewer, and your choice of 20/30/50 amp power. Free Wireless Internet, Hot Coin-Op Showers  and an on-site Laundromat. There is plenty of room for tenting, whether it's a one man pup tent or 12 man Outfitters Cabin Tent.  Camp with our Modern Conveniences and still cook on the fire!  Wood for sale here.  No hunting in town, of course.  Click here for reservations: http://www.pinenearpark.com/rates/

Check out the below information from http://wdfw.wa.gov.

The Methow Wildlife Area is 31,000 acres in seven units located in the Methow River watershed in the western half of Okanogan County. Acquisitions began in 1941 to relieve mule deer damage to local farmland by creating preferred habitat. Maintaining migration corridors and habitat for the Methow Valley’s migratory mule deer herds is the primary goal of most units, but other wildlife from songbirds to salmon also benefit. Many of the units border U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land. The wildlife area also provides access for wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and other recreation.

How to Get Here

For driving directions and more information on this Wildlife Area's units, please click on the links below:

Big Buck Big Valley Early Winters Golden Doe Methow Rendezvous Texas Creek

Wildlife Area Map

Modern Firearm General Deer Seasons
Black-tailed Deer	Oct. 13-31	407, 418, 426, 448, 450, 454, 460, 466, 501–520, 506a, 524–556, 530ad, 560, 568, 572, 574, 601–633, 638–653, 658–673, 684	Any buck
		GMUs 410, 564a, Deer Areas 4013, 4926, 6014, and 6020	Any deer
		578	3 pt. min.
		437, 636, 654, 681	2 pt. min.
White-tailed Deer*	Oct. 13-26	101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 124	Any buck
		373	Any deer
		117, 121	4 pt. min.
	Oct. 13-21	203–284, 328, 330–368, 372	Any buck
		127–154, 162–186	3 pt. min.
		379d, 381	Any deer
Mule Deer*	Oct. 13-26	373d, 382, 388	3 pt. min.
	Oct. 13-21	101–154, 162–186, 203–284, 328, 330–368, 372, 379d, 381	3 pt. min.
Late Modern Firearm General Deer Seasons
Black-tailed Deer	Nov. 15-18	407, 454 , 466, 501–520, 506a, 524–560, 530ad, 568, 572, 601–633, 638–653, 658–673, 684 and 699d	Any buck
		636, 654, 681	2 pt. min.
		GMUs 410, 564a, Deer Areas 4013, 4926, 6014, 6020	Any deer
White-tailed Deer	Nov. 10-19	105, 108, 111, 113, 124	Any buck
		117, 121	4 pt. min.
Hunters 65 and Over, Disabled, or Youth Modern Firearm General Deer Seasons
White-tailed Deer	Oct. 18-21	101, 105, 108, 111, 113	Any deer
		117, 121	4 pt. min. or antlerless
	Oct. 13-26	124	Any deer
	Oct. 13-21	127–142, 145, 154, Deer Area 1010, and 172–178	3 pt. min. or antlerless
	Nov. 10-19	Deer Area 1050	Any deer
		Deer Areas 1060, 1070, and 1080	Anterless

RV Etiquette Reminders

RVing is about adventure and fun!  If you own an RV we know you enjoy nature, meeting new people, campfires and making memories with your family and friends.   You want to keep the good times rolling, so check out a few simple etiquette stand-bys so every RV trip is as fun as the first!    
  
Introduce Yourself to the Neighbors- Be friendly with other RV campers! It always pays to be kind.  Here's a few reminders on RV Park Camping.

1. Don’t Trespass- Respect the property of other RVers.  Walk on paths and not your neighbor’s yard.
2. Pet Peeves- Try to restrain your pooch from late night howling serenades to the moon!  Also, be sure you dog or cat doesn’t roam free from your RV area into your neighbors.
3. Clean the Dump Station When You’re Done- Remember, your dump station often faces another RVer’s patio space.  Consider leaving hose stored away until you need to dump.  Be courteous and insure everything is washed down after you do dump.
4. Parking the Rig- Keep all awnings and slide-outs from your RV on your side of the parking rig. 
5. Late Arrivals- Being unobtrusive while pulling in your RV may be a challenge, but keeping setup to a minimum on your late night arrivals is a good gesture toward fellow RVers.
6. Respect Quiet Hours- Keep the noise from your party to a minimum and within your property.  Respect other RV campers going to bed at an earlier hour.
7. RV Caravan- When traveling with other RVers, choose a lead driver, agree on a route and average driving speed before departing.

These tips were taken in part from Explore RV.

Canning Relish in an RV

 We found this blog over at: http://lifeinanarv.blogspot.com/

Today was relish making day in the ol’ RV. Two weeks ago or so, I put up 27 quarts of dill pickles and decided I wanted to give relish making a whirl. Now, I am not a fan of sweet relish. I mean, it’s ok, but it’s not my favorite. I like dill relish. I found a recipe that looked straightforward enough, click HERE for the link. I wanted to add in some more stuff and I decided to monkey around with the spice measurements.
I started out with 6 pounds of pickling cucumbers.And…I’m not sure what in the hell possessed me to want to chop all this up by hand, but I did :/
Chop, chop, chop…
Slice, slice, slice…I even sliced a bit of finger…not too bad, though.
And, finally, after, literally, 3 hours, I came to the end of the damn cukes. I was really starting to hate those things!
See…6 pounds all with my handy-dandy, rummage sale find cleaver…I love that thing!
Six pounds makes a lot!! This pot was the other rummage sale find, it’s a six-quart.
I had obtained some purple bell peppers from the farmers market on Saturday…I chopped them up, too!
Interesting color combo.
These are “Godfather” peppers…at least that’s what I was told from the guy who runs the produce stand where I buy all my cukes from. I chopped them up, too.
3 good-sized onions got chopped up…
and an entire head of garlic. You can never add too much garlic.

I added 1 cup canning salt to the chopped veggies and let it all set for an hour. Then I drained it and rinsed it well in cold running water.
This is my water bath canner aka Godzilla! It takes 2 burners on the stove inside. I forgot to have Bob set up the camp stove this morning before he left for work, so it was do or die!
This is my relish brine…6 cups of white vinegar, 5 teaspoons EACH dill seed, mustard seed and celery seed, 1-1/2 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon tumeric and that whole head of minced garlic…bring it to a boil…
Add the drained and rinsed veggies into the brine and bring it back up to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Sterilized jars waiting to be filled.
Relish is starting to simmer…
Looks good, huh?
I was able to fill 11 pint jars, so I think it’s a safe bet that I will not have to buy relish in the coming year.
I processed the jars for 15 minutes in the water bath. I always flip my jars upside down when they come out. Someone who is far more knowledgeable than I am in the canning department told me to do that, so I do and I’ve never had a jar not seal up for me. I leave them upside down for about 15 minutes. As I am writing this, I can hear PING! PING! PING! I love hearing that sound!

Peace!

Tags: dill relish, relish, water bath canning

Perfect time to Camp in Winthrop!

So.... School is starting just after Labor Day.  Our RV Park and Campground in downtown Winthrop, WA will be much quieter.  Come take advantage of our Warm Sunny Weather.  Relax and enjoy watching the deer and birds meander throughout our park. Visit with us and other campers of you choose ;o).  By the Way... For any of you who don't know... We have joined the Good Sam Club and Passport America.  Good Sam Campground.  We are big rig friendly.  See reviews on our park at Yelp! , RVParkReviews and Trip Advisor.

Convenient and Creative Camp Cooking

All season we've been impressed by the tantalizing smells of our guests camp cooking.  If you are concerned about creating a fabulous camp meal, don't be! Just about anything can be made in your outdoor kitchen.  We've seen Lasagna, Carne Asada, Rice and Vegetable Stir Fry (rice made on the fire!!) and of course, Steak, Chicken, Salmon, etc!

Here is a link you can check out for highly rated camp meals including an entire section devoted to Vegetarian Cooking: Camping Recipes

Experiment with them and no worries... If they don't work out our Campground is just one block away from many fantastic restaurants in downtown Winthrop :o).  Dining in Winthrop

We have Morel Mushrooms at the Pine Near!

Morel Mushrooms are here at the Pine Near!

 The Morel Mushroom is one of the most delicious, edible and desirable genus of acsocarp (mushroom with a fruiting body) mushrooms. The Morel Mushroom is on the " Most Wanted" List for outdoor enthusiasts. They are not only appetizing but enjoyable to hunt and easy to prepare.  Morel Mushrooms are most commonly found in damp areas in the the spring months, however, they can grow in numerous locations.

There are numerous ways to cut, prepare and eat Morel Mushrooms however the "King of Morel Recipes" is the Crispy Mushroom Fry.

Prepping your mushrooms is very important, soak the Morels in saltwater for one hour to kill any insects and cleanse. Refrigerate until ready for use.

Morels, sliced in half length wise
4 eggs; beaten
2 Cups flour (bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs if you want them extra crispy)
2 Tablespoons of butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large bowl, roll the sliced Morels in butter until fully covered

In a separate bowl mix together dry ingredients (flour or bread crumbs and your salt and pepper to taste).

Dip the egg covered Morels in the flour or bread crumbs, make sure every surface of the mushroom is covered.

In a large skillet melt the butter on Medium-High heat, fry the Morels until brown and crispy on all sides. It's best to fry the Morels in small batches to ensure you don't over crowd your skillet and that the mushrooms are cooked thoroughly.

Repeat this process until your so full, you can't take another bite or until all Morels are gone.

Although this recipe doesn't list the exact amount of Morels to use; just adjust the recipe by adding more eggs and butter until the all the Morels are gone; which will be much sooner than you want!

Thanks to our friends at http://mushroom-appreciation.com/morel-recipes.html we found this easy and delicious recipe. For the Top 10 Morel recipes click the link above.

ENJOY!

Come visit and stay at the Pine Near for your next outdoor adventure and experience Morel Mushrooms first hand.

Winthrop Has So Much to Offer

If you need a reason to get away this summer check out Winthrop.
As I was browsing the internet, I came across this article (linked here:
http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/washington/winthrop) and it reminded me of why Winthrop is such a nice place to stay. No matter who you are, you can be sure to find something you like to do in Winthrop. If you like to stay active you can choose from tons of different sports such as rock climbing, water rafting, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Even in the winter there are plenty of ways to stay busy such as, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and snow shoeing. If you want to get away to relax, you can take a nice walk through down town and look at all of the different neat shops they have to offer. You could also take a scenic drive down the beautiful back roads of the Methow Valley. There are plenty of nice restaurants right in town to enjoy. Including a couple of places to get an ice cream cone and some candy in the summer.
If you come to visit Winthrop this year we hope you'll stay at the Pine Near RV Park. Sitting only one block above Main Street you'll have easy access to all Winthrop has to offer.

Hope to see you soon!

Need A Convenient Place to Stay for '49er Days?

Will you be visiting Winthrop for their annual '49er Days Parade this year? Need a close-by place to stay?
The Pine Near RV Park is the perfect place for you, your family and friends to stay during your visit.
This campground is located just one block above Main Street in Winthrop where the parade will be taking place! Talk about VIP Access! Avoid the hassle of trying to find a place to park, if you stay at the Pine Near, you can just walk right down!
Bring your RV or bring your tents. Tent sites are only 15 dollars a night!

The '49er Days Parade will be May 12th, and will be starting at 11am on Main Street.

Stay a couple extra days and enjoy all of the neat on goings during the '49er Days, May 11th-13th.

For more information on this years '49er Days activities please go to Winthrop's website: http://www.winthropwashington.com/49ers.html

We look forward to your company during '49er Days this year! - Your friends at the Pine Near RV Park.

We Can Still Have Fun Times in Hard Times

It seems like these days no matter where you go everyone is taking notice of the rising gas prices. Even the people residing in smaller places like Winthrop, Washington ( the home of our own, Pine Near RV Park ), are effected by the frustrating obligation to empty their wallets every time the need arises to fill up. With the way the economy is today, many people have no choice but to get creative with their transportation methods.

So whether your an avid "RV'er" or dream of someday traveling around in your own home-on-wheels, the appeal seems to drift further and further away from your  financial reality.
So what are we to do? Can we still have some fun times in today's hard times?

The answer I've found is yes.

With a little research you can find the RV that's right for your life style and financial situation. According to an article I found online, (linked here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-RV-MPG&id=1401752) you can own a number of class B or C RVs with a higher end of 22 miles per gallon. This is better than many trucks and SUVs on today's market. 

So just when you think all hope is lost for fun in these hard times, This is your friends at the Pine Near RV Park reminding you to think again! And telling you, you still CAN have fun in today's economy- you just have to look for the right opportunities.

When your out traveling this year, make the Pine Near RV Park one of your destinations - We cant wait to visit with you!

26 Creative, Cheap and Easy Camping Tips

Camping and backpacking are awesome frugal activities and they are fun for the whole family. It costs nothing to take a hike, it costs a bit more to camp over night however it is can still be done inexpensively and resourcefully. Getting a chance to appreciate nature and explore the outdoors creates memories that will always hold a special place in your heart.  As I was searching for fun camping tips and games I stumbled upon this creative and informative list of frugal camping suggestions; originally posted by Usenet Group Rec. Scouting, 03 DEC 1994. ENJOY!


26 Creative and Easy Camping Ideas and Tips

1. Channel lock pliers make good pot holders.
2. Nylon rope can be used as shoe laces.
3. Use a large zip lock plastic bag, filled with air, as a pillow.
4. A plastic bottle makes a good latrine for cold weather camping. (You don’t
   have to ‘go’ very far from your sleeping bag). Keep it just outside the tent flap.
5. Carry several pieces of lumber cut into two-inch squares to summer camp and
   use these to level platform, tent, and cot.
6. Old shower curtains make great ground tarps.
7. Waterproof matches by dipping them in nail polish.
8. Waterproof matches by dipping in melted paraffin.
9. Make fire starters by filling paper condiment cups with saw dust and pouring
   paraffin into the cup.
10. A length of chain and a piece of coat hanger bent into an S-shape will allow
    you to hang your lantern from a tree limb.
11. Keep batteries in prescription bottles.
12. Prescription bottles also make good match safes.
13. In fact, prescription bottles (or 35mm file containers) make good storage places for small items of all sorts.
14. A frisbee will add support to paper plates when the plate is place inside
    the frisbee.
15. Laundry lint makes good tinder.
16. Keep the water in your canteen cooler by wrapping the canteen in foil.
17. When it comes time to pack up at the end of a camp, a wet toothbrush, face
    cloth and bar of soap wrapped in foil won’t dampen the other things in your
    kit.
18. To prevent batteries from wearing down if a flashlight is accidently nudged
    on while you’re traveling, put the flashlight batteries in backwards.
19. To protect your feet from blisters, smear soap on the inside of your inner
    sock at the heel and underneath the toes. Carry along a bar of soap and,
    when you feel your feet become tender, give it a try.
20. To keep mosquitoes away rub the inside of an orange peel on face, arms and
    legs.
21. Wrap fishing gear in foil to keep line from tangling and hooks from rusting.
    By lining the compartments of a tackle box with foil, you can prevent rust
    damage to plugs and other equipment.
22. To remove musty smell from canteen, put three teaspoons of baking soda into
    the canteen with a bit of water. Swish it around and let sit for an hour,
    then rinse out the canteen.
23. An empty plastic soda bottle, cut off to a convenient height, will work as a
    camp bowl. You may want to sandpaper the cut to smooth the edge.
24. Save inner cardboard tubes from kitchen and toilet rolls, stuff with waste
    paper and use as fire-lighters.
25. Use zip-lock bags for mixing foods, be sure it is closed tight and the top
    is held shut before shaking or kneading.
26. Duct tape can be used to repair most everything on a trip. Use it to patch
    tents, mend poles, hold up schedules, patch torn shoes, hold poles for
    mosquito nets to cots, etc.

Feel free to share your money saving and creative camping tips with Pine Near RV Park via comment, facebook or blog.

10 Skills Every Woman on the Road Should Know

Thanks to our friends at Trailerchix.com, these 10 simple skills should be in any "on the go" woman's guide book.
Everything from changing a tire, to grilling on the right grill to lifting the heavy stuff, they got it covered; in a creative and fun article.
Enjoy!

10 Skills Every Woman on the Road Should Know

Major events in Winthrop and Twisp

If you are looking for a Winthrop RV Park or Campground you might also like to know what is shaking in the Methow Valley this year...   Here's a list of the major events:

Winthrop '49er Days
May 11-13, 2012

Methow Valley Rodeo

May 26-27, 2012

Winthrop Rhythm & Blues
Festival
July 20-22, 2012

Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival
July 27 -August 4, 2012

Methow Valley Rodeo
September 1-2, 2012

Winthrop Auto Rallye
September 7-9, 2012

10th Annual Winthrop Chamber
of Commerce Goft Tournament
September 15, 2012

Christmas at the End of the Road
November 24-25, 2012

Winthrop Snowshoe Softball
February 16-17, 2013

It's always good to keep an eye on Methow Arts and the Confluence Gallery

Here you can find every single thing that's going on in the Methow: http://methownet.com/calendar.html

Ever feel like smoke is following you around the campfire?

Why is it that every time you sit at the campfire, smoke gets in your eyes?

You move to the right and it gets you. So you move to the left and it gets you! But why?

Fire takes in air from all sides. When you sit in front of the fire, the flames suck in the air between you and it. This leaves a vacuum. The smoke will quickly fill this vacuum, therefore "getting smoke in your eyes."

When you move out of the way, the same thing happens - more smoke!

To avoid this smoky phenomenon, build your fire near something larger than you and non-flammable. This can be a large rock, or even a dirt mound or sand bank. The larger object should create a greater vacuum, drawing the smoke towards it - not you.

Just a little known fun fact from your friends at the Pine Near RV Park and Campground! 

If you are looking for a Winthrop RV park, check us out at 316 Castle Avenue, Winthrop, WA 

Traveling & Camping with a Motorcycle -- Adventure Touring

The North Cascade Scenic Loop is an excellent choice for Adventure Touring.  Choose to take the Main Drag through the Methow Valley on State Rt 20 or jet off on some of our side roads.  It's an excellent route to take in some of Washington's finest scenery on roomy paved roads.  Also you can  take some lightly traveled detours and get out in the back country if you'd like.  

Speaking of back country, we highly recommend you check out Harts Pass while camping with us in Winthrop. A gravel road leads 19 miles from our neighboring area known as Mazama past the 2,000-foot slopes of glacially carved Goat Wall, and on to Harts Pass (6,197 feet), where it crosses the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The road splits at the pass. Turn left (south) for nine downhill miles to the ghost towns of Barron and Chancellor, once home to 2,000 miners. Turn right (north) for three steep miles to Slate Peak Lookout.

When you park there, you’re at the highest point you can drive to in Washington State: 7,440 feet. A short walk leads to the lookout tower; be ready for spectacular 360-degree views of the entire Cascade Range. Harts Pass Road is steep and narrow; RVs and trailers are prohibited.  When planning your road trip please consider the following: The road is gravel and quite narrow.  The road is not plowed beyond Lost River in the winter and there is often snow remaining in June.

Make the Pine Near Campground your base while adventure touring in the Methow Valley.  We are one block above downtown Winthrop with easy access to all kinds of dining and entertainment! Check out our website for information about many of the things Winthrop has to offer.

For a little teaser about what you will view when riding Hwy 20 toward Winthrop, WA please check out Rob's Biker's Road Guide.

More News about Methow Valley Camping

Just a quick note to say we've been updating the Pine Near RV Park and Campground website.  If you are thinking about Twisp camping, Winthrop camping or Mazama camping you should check out the Pine Near!  Make our campground your headquarters for enjoying all the Methow Valley has to offer.

Our Winthrop RV park is one block off the North Cascades Loop.  Easy downtown access!

www.pinenearpark.com

New Owners of an old Favorite.  Fully Modernized Camping for 2012

Check out our Facebook Page for more interesting information about the Pine Near RV Park, Campground and surrounding area.

Planning a Road Trip in the Winter?

Planning a road trip to the Methow Valley in the winter is a great idea!  The shimmering snow and crisp, crystal-blue skies are definitely worth the drive.  Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama are magical winter time stops for a road trip.  Follow Hwy 20 in to Twisp. You may want to make Glover Street Market (on Glover/Main Street) your first stop.  They have really tasty food and an excellent juice bar. Swing in to Winthrop where you can go ice skating or skiing for the afternoon.  No gear? No problem!  You can rent it all right in town!  Stay overnight with us at the Pine Near.  We are just one block above Main Street in Winthrop.  Meander down to the Rocking Horse Bakery in the morning where there will be espresso and an assortment of breakfast goodies waiting for you. While you are in the Methow Valley take a breathtaking drive right on up to Mazama.  Rent some snow shoes and spend the morning exploring in the snow.  We recommend you stop by Mazama Country Store for a homemade bagel.  They are to die for!

Now, here are some tips for Winter-time Road Trips...

Tires and Traction: You should have at least 1/8-inch tire tread depth and proper inflation. Cold temperatures have a lowering effect on tire pressures—check frequently to maintain adequate inflation. Carry chains or invest in winter tires (for mud and snow). In some states, you can use studded snow tires, but they are illegal in others. Traction devices often greatly increase your stopping distance, so control your vehicle carefully. "All-season" tires are not your best choice for poor conditions outside the sanded, sheltered streets of a city—make sure you have good lugged snow tires if you are traveling through heavy snow country.

Know the difference between standard brakes and ABS brakes, (click here for more about this) and how to use each. When using ABS, press the brake and hold it. Do not release the pressure. With standard brakes, use threshold braking. Press the brake pedal until the wheels begin to lock, then release just enough pressure to get them rolling again. It is important to have your brakes serviced so they do not pull to one side or the other.

Recommended Equipment:

• CB radio
• Cell phone
• Scraper and brush
• Folding shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow rope
• Sand or cat litter (for traction)
• Flares
• Blankets
• Cold weather clothing (like insulated coveralls)
• A good flashlight (cold kills batteries, make sure they're fresh and carry spares)
• High-energy food (see sidebar)
• Drinking water
• Medications for longer trips.
• A can of lock de-icer (don't use hot water on glass or locks—it will only make things worse)

This is no time to get stuck with a flat tire, so make sure you have a jack, lug wrench and an inflated spare tire in good condition.

Get last minute information on weather and road conditions— The Department of Transportation (DOT) Web site is the best place to start. Washington Department of Transportation You need the latest information—weather FORECASTS (like those in newspapers) are notorious for unreliability! Ask about any potential avalanche conditions along your route.

Last but not least: Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to arrive.

Source:  http://www.roadtripamerica.com/travelplanning/Winter-Driving.htm

See you at the Pine Near RV Park and Campground :o)  www.pinenearpark.com

Tiny Trailer Camping

Are you worried about the amount of fuel you'd burn pulling a big travel trailer around?  Wondering where you'd store it when you are not using it...  Don't have a truck...

Consider a Tiny Trailer.  Teardrop camp trailers are lightweight and can be towed behind a fuel efficient car!  Our friends over at Tiny Trailer make a cozy cabin for two with hard sides that will shelter you from storms and allow you to comfortably sleep in bear country.  :o)  They have full length storage underneath for fly rods and camping gear.  The trailers are made with an efficient camp kitchen that has a pull out cook stove at a comfortable working height.  You can stand up under rear hatch, sheltered from the sun or rain while preparing meals.

Take a minute and check out the Tiny Trailer website. Tiny Trailers is locally owned and environmentally conscience.  What's not to love!

P.S. There's a chance you can request a lower price at RV Parks and Campgrounds since Jack's Tiny Trailers don't take up a lot of space.  It never hurts to ask!

Thinking of RV'ing in the Winter?

While most RVers head south for the winter some can and do enjoy the cold and the snow. Imagine yourself in the Methow!  You could afford-ably ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and more all winter!

If you plan to spend extended time in places like Winthrop that get below freezing for more than a few hours at night, here are a few things you should know:

1.  Choose the right RV: Most RVs are not made for cold weather. The amount of insulation does matter and the four-season rigs come with double-pane windows and heated basement compartments. If you are still looking, join RV Consumer Group to find out the rating of RVs you are considering.

2.  Winterize your rig: If you are living in your RV in a place like this, you can take some measures to keep the heat in and protect your RV. Put skirting in the form of bales of hay, boards or other material around the bottom of the rig. This will keep the bottom warmer and lessen the likelihood of your tanks freezing. You can put plastic or aluminum foil over windows and skylights to keep heat in. If your tank compartment isn’t heated, add a light bulb you can leave on in below freezing temperatures.

3.  Reduce condensation: When your rig is closed up tight, condensation develops, particularly from using propane. Keep a vent or jalousie window slightly cracked. Open cupboards and closets to let air circulation. Invest in a dehumidifier.

4.  Disconnect your hoses: Fill your internal water tank and disconnect your hose so the hose doesn’t freeze. Attach it only to fill the tank. You can use heat tape, but make sure that will be adequate. Ideally the faucet should freeze-proof or self-draining and the hose needs to be removed for it to drain. Attach the sewage hose only when time to dump. Prop the hose so it flows at an angle the entire way from RV to opening in the ground.

5.  Heating solutions: For long stays, get a larger propane tank that can be filled by a local company. It will be less expensive and easier than filling small RV tanks. Install a catalytic or ceramic heater. They are more efficient, though you’ll need a slight crack for air. You can also purchase electric heaters, though you’ll have to see whether propane or electric heaters are less expensive to run if you are paying for the electricity.

If you are a skier, you may be able to find a Workamping position near the ski trails or slopes!

There is no reason you can’t spend time in extremes if you are prepared for it.

Source: http://www.rvlifestyleexperts.com/free-rv-info/full-time-rving/rving-in-the-cold/

Ever think about living in your RV or Travel Trailer full time?

Ever think about living in your RV or Travel Trailer full time?

Currently, there are thousands upon thousands of Full-Timers on the road (some people report over a million). Though statistics show that the majority of them are retired couples over the age of fifty, the demographics are changing rapidly.

Singles, couples, and families of all ages and income levels are giving up their traditional lifestyles to hit the road. Many Full-Timers have been RVers or campers for years before going Full-Time, but more and more people are becoming Full-Timers with no RV experience whatsoever - like us.  Look at the Benefits!

Experience Nature

Pursue Adventure

Travel North America

Re-Connect With Loved Ones (Or Really Connect For The First Time)

Meet Kind, Interesting People

Find Solace, Peace, And Maybe Even A Little Spirituality

Escape High Stress Jobs, Concrete Jungles, And Societal Pressures

Teach Their Children In A Controlled, Real Life, Environment

And seriously ~~ Save some money!

Intrigued? Want to explore further? Let's see if Full-Timing is something you want to pursue. Click on the link below if you'd like learn more.  http://www.rv-dreams.com/dream.html

And of course, make the Pine Near RV Park one of your stops.  Stay as long as you'd like ;o)

Pine Near RV Park and Campground has a Blog!

Hello out there!

Welcome to Pine Near RV Park's blog spot.  We hope to keep you updated on our remodel progress and share interesting tips to help you with your RV, Camp Trailer, Tent Trailer, to enhance your camping experience in the Methow Valley and beyond!

First, a little about the Pine Near... 


The Pine Near is a small, unique, private and modern park.  Established in 1972, modernized in 2012 by local new owners (that'd be us), the Pine Near has 40 years of happy overnighters and long term guests.  Our intimate setting lends itself towards neighbors gathering if they choose or enjoying some peace if they'd rather.  Many lasting friendships and memories have been formed at the Pine Near.

Guests can safely leave their RV parked and take an easy walk to Downtown Winthrop.  This is a near priceless amenity as downtown Winthrop is extremely popular, making parking a challenge.  Winthrop is packed with one-of-a-kind shops run by local artists, craftsmen and interesting pardners! You must not miss it!

Check out our new website:  http://www.pinenearpark.com

Also, check  out the chamber of commerce's website for all things Methow!   http://www.winthropwashington.com/