Friday, January 3, 2014

Found this fantastic article over at CampingRoadTrip.com.  We've added a few thoughts to it.  Hope you find it useful!

Taking a trip in your RV can be a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life. It is also an ideal way to spend time with friends and family. Let's take a look at some of the best accessories that will help to enhance your next RV getaway:

1.  50-Foot 30-Amp Extension Cord
Most rigs usually come with a standard 25-foot cord. While you will be parked in close proximity to the power source of the campground the vast majority of the time, there will occasionally be a time when you will need a longer cord. You might run into a situation where the power source for your parking space is broken. However, the person next to you has two plugs. Having a long cord in a situation like this will prevent you from having to park your RV extremely close to your neighbor.  

Camco 55197 30 AMP 50' RV PowerGrip Extension Cord


2.  Camper Leveler With Wheel Chock
You do have the option to buy only the chocks. However, it makes no sense to do this when you can buy a chock with a leveler built inside for a reasonable price. They are readily available at retailers everywhere. Make note of the weight cut-off. You will find some that can go all the way up to 5,000 pounds, but there are some models with a lower capacity rating.

Camco 44573 RV Yellow Tri-Leveler


3.  12-Volt Crock Pot (or we like a Rice Cooker to warm up leftovers :)
The microwave, stove and grill are the three most common ways to prepare food during a trip in your RV. A 12-volt crock pot is an excellent way to make some tasty meals that you can't make with the other devices. It can hold up to 1.5 quarts, uses your cigarette lighter for power and can make the food on your trip a little more interesting.

Aroma ARC-914SBD 4-Cup (Uncooked) 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer


4.  Awning for Rain Protection, Privacy and Shade
If your rig is missing an awning, you need to pick one up immediately. You will wonder how you ever got along without one. You will want to find one made from a fabric that is mildew-resistant. They come in many colors, so you are sure to find one that matches your current color scheme. It would be wise not to try the cheap route when buying an awning. Get a custom-made awning that is specifically designed for your particular RV. You can pick one up from a dedicated retailer.

5.  Child Gates
You will put these across stair, kitchen and bathroom entries of RVs containing small children. You can also use them to create a perimeter on the patio for a small child, protect your food and cooler from pets and to corral your pets. The gates made with interlocking panels are ideal because you can change the gating size. You can find these at major retailers and stores that specialize in baby products.

North States Superyard 3 in 1 Metal Gate


6.  Spare Sewer Hose
Abrasive rocks, animal damage and improper storage are just a few of the things that can go wrong with your sewer hose. It is also possible that a fellow camper could damage your hose by driving over it. Having an extra hose with you can be a lifesaver when you really need it. You can pick one up at a store that sells RV parts. Please, do not buy a 'cheap' sewer hose.  It will crack sooner and likely be very difficult to attach.  You will regret it!

Camco 39761 RhinoFLEX 15' RV Sewer Hose Kit with Swivel Fittings


7.  Rear View Trailer Level
This device enables you to take all of the guesswork out of leveling your rig. It can let you know if the trailer is level front and back as well as side to side. You will no longer need a spotter to tell you this. Simply attach it to the front of the trailer. Make sure you can see it in the rearview mirror. It is especially useful for RVs that contain a fifth wheel.

Hopkins 04025 Rear View Level


8.  Gardening and Disposable Gloves
When you're dealing with sewage lines, old water hookups or even mechanical things that require the use of a wrench they help protect your hands, keep them clean and give you extra grip. You may also consider getting some disposable gloves for handling sewer hoses and sewer hook-ups that previously were connected to other campers' sewer tanks. You can get gardening gloves and disposable gloves at Walmart, Home Depot etc.

500 Disposable Gloves


Having the best RV accessories can make your RV trips that much easier and enjoyable.
Brian Hawkins works as part of the internet development team at Dave Arbogast RV Depot in Troy, Ohio, where he writes about the RV industry daily. When he's not covering the RV lifestyle he enjoys camping with his wife and children.

Copyright ©2013 Camping Road Trip, LLC

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Friday Dec 27th through January 3rd



Hope you all are having a nice winter break.  It was sunny and (did I say sunny - yes, gloriously sunny) here in Winthrop!  Crisp and Blue - Perfect for Ice Skating.

If you get a chance, check out www.methowtv.com.  It's a Video Blog of all things Methow!

Here's the scoop for next week:

FRIDAY DEC. 27
FREESTYLE DANCE: Heart-centered dance at The Studio, Twisp. $5. 996‑2017. 5:45-6:45pm
COUNTRY ROCK: RT Junior at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996‑3183. 7pm
CLASSICAL GUITAR: Terry Hunt performs in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996‑2211. 7pm

SATURDAY DEC. 28
SKI RODEO: Cancelled due to poor snow conditions
NATURE OF WINTER: Snowshoe tours every Saturday through March 8 at Sun Mountain Lodge and North Cascades Basecamp. Free with trail pass. www.mvsta.com. 11am
WINTERFEST: Bonfire, music, art, food and drink at TwispWorks. $5-$10. 997‑3300. 4pm-late
HOLIDAY DANCE PARTY: Live rock-and-roll dance party by a huge band of favorite local musicians. No-host bar, 21 years and over only at the Winthrop Barn. Free. 429‑6328. 7pm-midnight

SUNDAY DEC. 29
FOOTBALL: Seahawks vs. Rams on the big screen at Twisp River Suites. $10. 997‑0100 for reservation. 1:25pm
ART OPENING: The Gallery winter exhibit opens at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 997‑7005. 4-7pm
CLASSICAL VIOLIN: Tara Kaiyala Weaver performs in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996‑2211. 7pm
MUSIC: Nashville duo You Knew Me When at Twisp River Pub. Free. 997‑6822. 7pm

MONDAY DEC. 30
VINTAGE SKI FEST: Vintage gear costume promenade, wooden ski race and refreshments at the Mazama Store courtyard. Free. 
www.methowvalleynordic.com. 
10am-noon

TUESDAY DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE POTLUCK: Visit, eat, party at the Mazama Community Club. Free (bring a dish to share). 996‑2071. 6:30pm
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Honey and the Killer Beez at the Twisp River Pub. $5. 997‑6822. 9pm-1am
LIVE MUSIC: Nashville duo You Knew Me When at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996‑2211. 9:30pm-12:30am

WEDNESDAY JAN. 1
BIATHLON: “Come Try Biathlon” event at Corral Trailhead, Mazama. $20. 996‑3287. 10am-2pm
PIANO CONCERT: Michael Brady performs a variety of classics and talks about his half-century at the keyboard, at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. Free. 996‑5002. 2pm

THURSDAY JAN. 2
ON THE CAMINO: Talk and slide show about the DeLong family’s 500-mile walk across Spain, at the Mazama Community Center. Free. 996‑2557. 4pm
PINES AND SOUP: “Whitebark pine in the North Cascades, Risks, and Restoration,” by Connie Mehmel at North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. Free presentation, $8-$10 for soup. 996‑2334. 5:30pm soup, 6pm presentation
WAXING CLINIC: Hands-on ski waxing clinic with David Ford. Free. 996‑4115 for reservations. 6:30pm

FRIDAY JAN. 3
NORDIC SKI CLASSES: 10-week series begins with Methow Valley Nordic Club. Costs and locations vary. Register at www.methowvalleynordic.com
SENIOR DANCE: Hottell Ragtime Jazz Band at the MV Senior Citizens Center, Twisp. Free. 12:30-2pm
TEEN CENTER: Come on in for ping pong, video games, wi-fi, dinner and a movie. Free. 997‑9211. 4-11pm

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Holiday Cheer and Winter Break Fun


Happy Holidays!  Here are some free stocking stuffers you may give to your friends!  





Now for the Winthrop Winter Break Fun!  

TUESDAY DEC. 24
MEET SANTA: And decorate cookies at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996‑2211. 11am and 2pm
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Candlelight Christmas Eve service at Friendship Alliance Church, 809 Highway 20, Winthrop. Free. 699‑1063. 7pm

WEDNESDAY DEC.25
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Methow Valley Snowmobile Association’s annual Christmas dinner, at the MV Senior Center, Twisp. Free. 996‑2378. Noon-2pm

FRIDAY DEC. 27
COUNTRY ROCK: RT Junior at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996‑3183. 7pm
CLASSICAL GUITAR: Terry Hunt performs in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996‑2211. 7pm

SATURDAY DEC. 28
SKI RODEO: Family-friendly ski races, 1K-10K, at the Mazama
Community Center. $30-$40. www.mvsta.com. 10am
WINTERFEST: Bonfire, music, art, food and drink at TwispWorks. $5-$10. 997‑3300. 4pm-late
NATURE OF WINTER: Snowshoe tours every Saturday through March 8 at Sun Mountain Lodge and North Cascades Basecamp. Free with trail pass. www.mvsta.com. 11am

SUNDAY DEC. 29
CLASSICAL VIOLIN: Tara Kaiyala Weaver performs in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996‑2211. 7pm
MUSIC: Nashville duo You Knew Me When at Twisp River Pub. Free. 997‑6822. 7pm

MONDAY DEC. 30
VINTAGE SKI FEST: Vintage gear costume promenade, wooden ski race and refreshments at the Mazama Store courtyard. Free. www.methowvalleynordic.com. 10am-noon


TUESDAY DEC. 31 
NEW YEAR’S EVE POTLUCK: Visit, eat, party at the Mazama Community Club. Free (bring a dish to share). 996‑2071. 6:30pm
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Honey and the Killer Beez at the Twisp River Pub. $5. 997‑6822. 9pm-1am
LIVE MUSIC: Nashville duo You Knew Me When at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996‑2211. 9:30pm-12:30am

FRIDAY JAN. 3
NORDIC SKI CLASSES: 10-week series begins with Methow Valley Nordic Club. Costs and locations vary. Register at www.methowvalleynordic.com
MUSIC: Alyse Black Trio at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996‑3183. 7pm

Saturday, December 15, 2012

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 ChargeRadio & 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!

    Thursday, December 6, 2012

    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:







    Wednesday, October 3, 2012

    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
     Wildlife Area Map - Click to enlarge

    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

    Thursday, August 30, 2012

    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.