“Smokin Hot Wife” Prayer at NASCAR
August 3, 2011
by Duane Careb – President RVchurchesUSAAlex Murashko of Christian Post Reporter reports that a prayer by Pastor Joe Nelms thanking God for his “smokin’ hot wife” during the invocation at a NASCAR event in Nashville has more than just race fans buzzing. Nelms, a pastor at Family Baptist Church in Gladeville, Tenn., and obviously a race fan, was asked to give the invocation at Nationwide Federated Auto Parts 300 on Saturday. His prayer, which included praise for just about all-things racing, caught many by surprise.
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for all your blessings. You said in all things give thanks. So we want to thank you tonight for these mighty machines that you brought before us. Thank you for the Dodges and the Toyotas,” Nelms prayed before the crowd at the Nashville Superspeedway.
“Thank you for the Fords … Thank you for GM performance technology … and Goodyear Tires that bring performance and power to the track,” he continued.
“Lord, I want to thank you for my smokin’ hot wife tonight, Lisa, and my two children, Eli and Emma, or as we like to call the ‘The Little E’s.’”
Nelms inclusion of “my smokin’ hot wife” is a line from the movie “Talladega Nights.”
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He ended his prayer: “In Jesus’ name, boogity boogity boogity, Amen.”
Reports from those in attendance at the speedway say the crowd roared and many race fans were sent into hysterics during the conclusion of the prayer. A video of the invocation shows drivers chuckling with heads bowed.
Reaction to the prayer has been mostly positive. Race winner Carl Edwards told The Tennessean that he appreciated Nelms’ humor in the prayer.
“I turned to Jack (Roush) after that. I said, ‘If anything happens, I want him to be at my funeral.’ That was one of the best invocations I have ever heard,” Edwards said.
New RV Park Finder Phone App
August 1, 2011
by Woodall’s Campground Management August 1, 2011
The Trailer Life Directory announced that its new RV Park Finder app is now available for iPhone, iPad 
and iTouch in the iTunes App Store.
The RV Park Finder application provides RVers with the same comprehensive and accurate campground information that they have grown to expect from Trailer Life Directory, according to a news release.
Users can search by city, state or province to find all of the 11,800 RV parks, campgrounds, attractions and travel services that are listed in the Trailer Life Directory. Listing information includes location, park amenities, site information, photos and website link.
All of the Good Sam discount locations are marked by red icons on the map and have the Good Sam logo in the listing.
The RV Park Finder app is also equipped with RV friendly routes and Google maps to make getting to each of the campgrounds even easier.
KOA Touts Father’s Day
June 9, 2011
Woodall’s Campground Management
Forget the socks for Father’s Day!
What all dads really want on Father’s Day is quality time with their families. And what better quality time is there than a weekend of camping in the great outdoors, says Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) in a Father’s Day promotional news release
With fuel prices falling and temperatures finally rising for the first time in 2011, there has never been a better time to plan an affordable camping trip for Dad’s big day. With thousands of campgrounds nearby (including more than 470 Kampgrounds of America parks in North America) campers won’t have to go far to spend time roasting marshmallows and making memories.
Campgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada may have changed a lot since the last time many people ventured out. While the more than 8,000 public and privately operated campgrounds in North America still have great spots to pitch a tent or set up a recreational vehicle, many (including KOAs) now offer camping with all of the comforts of home.
KOAs have rustic Kamping Kabins that offer electricity and beds for four. Just bring your cooler and sleeping bags and you’re in business.
For campers looking for a few more comforts, many Kampgrounds of America facilities now have Lodges, complete with full bathrooms and kitchens.
Plan to start your new Father’s Day tradition this June 17-19 by taking your dad camping. Make your reservations today at www.KOA.com. There are many discount Hot Deals available for Fathers Day Weekend at KOA too at www.KOA.com. Share your favorite Father’s Day memory on KOA’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KOAKampgrounds and you just might win two free nights of camping and a $200 Coleman gift card.
An electronic copy of the 2011-2012 KOA Directory can be downloaded at http://www.koa-directory.com/koadirectory/201112#pg1.
8.9 Million Households Have RV’s
June 8, 2011
Woodall’s Campground Management
Recreation vehicle industry analyst and economist Richard Curtin presented new demographic data on Monday (June 6) showing that the number of RV-owning households has grown to a new peak of 8.9 million households, up from 7.9 million in 2005.
Speaking during the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s annual Committee Week in Washington, D.C., Curtin told Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) members that new research reveals 8.5% of U.S. households now own RVs, up from 8.0% in 2005, 7.6% in 2001, 7.3% in 1997, and 6.8% in 1993.
“Today’s record RV ownership levels reflect the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle despite economic challenges,” Curtin told RVIA members.
Curtin, who is director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, is a leading economist who also publishes a closely watched monthly consumer confidence report.
RV ownership rates have surged among adults aged 35-54 and 55 and over, according to Curtin. In the 35-54 demographic, RV ownership went from 9.0% in 2005 to 11.2% today. Among those 55 and older, ownership rates grew from 8.6% to 9.4%. Ownership rates among young people 34 and under fell slightly from 5.0% to 4.7%.
“Growth among the 35-to-54 year old age group is impressive,” said Curtin. “I believe the industry’s Go RVing outreach campaign had a lot to do with this growth. This is a strong finding for the industry’s future.”
Travel trailer ownership rates grew fastest, going from 4.1% in 2005 to 4.8% in 2011. Motorhomes experienced growth as well, from 1.9% to 2.1%. Rates among truck campers and folding camping trailers were nearly identical. Truck camper ownership rates are 1.7% today vs. 1.8% in 2005. Folding camping trailers are owned by 0.5% of households today compared to 0.4% in 2005.
Curtin’s remarks were based on preliminary analysis of RV consumer surveys. A complete report on his findings is anticipated later this year.
RVIA is the national association representing approximately 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing 98% of all RVs made in the United States.
Perfection Not Required
May 9, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late It always amazes me that so many people are counting
on their goodness to gain them entrance into heaven and eternal life. Even though they admit that they are not perfect, they still hope that the good they do will out weight their shortcomings. Perhaps they are even waiting to get some messy part of their lives in order. However, the scriptures tell us that none of us can be good enough to merit entrance into heaven.
Romans 3:21-25 declares very plainly that all humanity has sinned and can only be redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. I John 1:8-10 declares that if we claim we have no sin, we make God a liar.
The Good News is summed up in the words of Jesus Himself in Matthew 9:13a:“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” The purpose of Jesus and His Father is recorded clearly in John 3:16-18. Their mission was “not to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
You must realize the futility of seeking eternal life by your own good works. Faith in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of your hope for eternal life. Once you have experienced this “new beginning” Christ in you will produce good works for His glory and not your own (Eph. 2:8-10).
No matter if your sins are many or few, little or big, or if you are young or old, it makes no difference. His open arms await you to ask for His grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even if our efforts to follow Him are still imperfect, His promise is to forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us (John 6:12).
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comCampground Etiquette
May 9, 2011
by Mark PolkMark is a frequent contributing author Just about every campground you go to will have a list of rules
that they request visitors to follow, just like the rules you probably have for your own household. Another list of rules that isn’t necessarily written anywhere is what is referred to as campground etiquette. These are the rules that RVers learn over time and practice out of respect for other campers, the campground owners and the environment. When you arrive at the campground you should always observe campground etiquette.
Be a Good Neighbor: This is a big one and it encompasses many areas surrounding your stay at the campground. When a campground gets busy it means more people, more RV’s, more children, and more pets, which usually equates to less personal space for everybody. One of the reasons we enjoy getting away in our RV is to get a little peace and quiet. Now it’s understandable for children, who are excited to be camping, to make some noise but there is a time and place for everything. Not everybody likes getting up early or staying up late, so you need to be considerate of other people around you.
Quiet Hours: Campgrounds have quiet hours and campers need to observe these quiet hours. During quiet hours you shouldn’t hear generators running or loud parties next door. If you arrive at the campground early in the morning or late in the evening, try to limit the amount of noise you make while getting set up.
Police your Area: In the military, “police call” meant to go through an area and pick up any trash and to keep your area looking clean and presentable at all times. This is a good rule for campers. Your neighbor, who in some cases is only 15 or 20 feet away, doesn’t want your trash to end up in their camping area. Try to keep your campsite organized and keep the trash picked up. Don’t let things like paper plates and paper cups sit outside, that can quickly end up next door. Trash and food left outside can also attract some unwanted guests like ants, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and even bears. Keeping your camp area clean and picked up will make this less likely to occur.
Fires and Fire Pits: If there is a fire restriction where you are staying never start a fire, even if there is a fire pit. Avoid putting trash in the fire pit too; if it isn’t wood it shouldn’t go in the fire pit. Trash in the fire pit can attract more unwanted guests. Never cut branches from a live tree, or the tree itself to use for fire wood. In many public campgrounds gathering firewood is strictly prohibited, check with the campground rules about fires and firewood. Many public and private campgrounds sell firewood for you to use for a campfire.
Always make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area unattended, or retiring for the night. If you are a smoker avoid throwing cigarette butts on the ground. If conditions are right, and the cigarette butt is not completely out, it could start the entire forest on fire.
Instruct Children on Campground dos & don’ts: Children just want to have fun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of other campers. Instruct your children not to run and ride bikes through somebody else’s campsite to take a shortcut to the swimming pool or the game room.
You are in essence renting the space you are in and it should be just that, your space. You should also explain to children that they need to be extremely careful when riding bikes, skateboards, scooters and running through the campground. There is constant traffic in and out of a campground, especially when it’s busy and not everybody is watching for small children. This is why adults should always go the speed limit too, which is usually 5 miles per hour in the campground area.
Security: Even though the majority of campgrounds you visit are for the most part safe and secure you shouldn’t leave your guard down too much. Leaving valuables sitting around the campsite unattended, or leaving your door open or unlocked is asking for trouble. Not everybody is as honest as you may be. Unsecured bicycles, scooters, video games, hitch work and other valuables can be an easy target for the not so honest camper.
Control your Pets: Pets and RVs just seem to go together, but keep in mind not everybody is a pet lover! If you have pets at the campground it is your responsibility to control them. First make sure you understand the campgrounds rules as it pertains to pets. Your dogs should never be outside unless they are on a leash. And even when they are on a leash you need to keep them out of other camper’s campsites. Use the campgrounds designated area for pets, if there is one, and always clean up behind your pets.
Control your dogs barking. I have seen instances where people leave their pet at the campground while they go on a day trip and the dog barks nonstop all day. It is your responsibility to control a barking dog. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to leave if your pet is out of control.
Respect the Environment: There are a lot of beautiful places for us to visit with our RV’s and it is up to us to protect these areas during our stay. Don’t litter or put trash into the streams, rivers and lakes. Don’t start a fire if there is a fire restriction, even if there is a fire pit. Never empty your gray or black water tanks anywhere except in specified dump stations and campground sewer systems. Always leave the campsite in the condition you found it or in a better condition than you found it in.
Reporting Problems: Campgrounds have camp hosts and campground managers who are available on site. If you have a problem with another camper or a campground staff member you need to address the problem with the camp host or manager and let them resolve it.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
RV Fuel Prices High – What To Do
March 25, 2011
By Karen Brucoli Anesi
as appeared on Woodall’s Family Camping Blog
That comes as no surprise for us because camping is easy on the toddlers and the grandparents, too, as long as families are realistic in their planning and expectations. But as gas prices top $4/gallon many camping families are forced to become resourceful in their search for affordable, wholesome family entertainment.
Where do smart families start when it comes to saving money while camping?
1. Consider off- season, off-weekend pricing if your work schedule permits. Many campgrounds are deeply discounted if you camp between Sunday and Wednesdays. Families save upwards of 40% and they have wide open site selection, not to mention easy use of amenities. If you are not using the swimming pool, but like to fish, the weeks prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day can offer ideal pricing and recreation tailored to filling these less occupied weeks.
2. Park it where you’ll use it. If you visit your favorite campground three or more times a season, consider why you keep returning. It may be the year to seek seasonal/permanent membership. Haul it once, stock it for the summer and return to the woods without factoring in high fuel costs.
3. Set a summer outdoor education goal and measure your progress. Have you been putting off learning about the hardwoods, flora and fauna of your region, identifying the wildflowers and wild mushrooms that grow under the pines? Use a library card to access book resources or stop at a used book store or thrift shop. You can tuck a reference book in the corner of your car’s trunk and have instant “edu-tainment” and an outdoor learning lab for learners of all ages. Offer incentives for families being “on the move.” Hiking is good for the heart –literally and figuratively.
4. Plan, plan, plan. Teachers will tell you which parents give children decision making responsibility during summer months. What better way to save money than to have your pre-teen make a packing list, a meal plan and associated grocery list. Teach organization where there are real world consequences, then reward kids with the money you saved because you remembered to pack the pancake syrup.
5. Look for fuel saver specials. Some campgrounds offer discounted packages for campers returning two weekends in a row. Many have safe weekday storage and incentives NOT to haul goodies home on Sunday afternoon. Check now, as often these specials are first come, first serve and dependent on storage space available.
6. Think of hidden vacation costs that camping vacations avoid. Have you checked into the cost of kenneling a pet lately? Keep them with you and not only will they be happier, you will, too.
7. Let the campground reservation folks know your wants and needs. If you tell whomever answers the phone that you are seeking inexpensive quality entertainment for your family, then not only can they tell you when the campground’s free fire truck rides are offered, but they might point you toward charming local festivals, celebrations and local attractions within minutes of the campground. Build a full vacation experience by being aware of “out of the tent” opportunities.
8. Summer birthday? In this day of over-the-top birthday celebrations, consider how you can make a lifelong magical memory by taking two or three of the birthday boy or girl’s best friends camping. Rather than 4 hours of noise, sugar and stressful planning, invite partiers to a camping overnight. You’ll get to know them and they’ll get introduced to a wholesome alternative.
Happy camping,
Karen and the Lock 30 Woodlands Crew
About the Author:
Karen Brucoli Anesi, along with her husband, Frank, own Lock 30 Woodlands, Ohio’s only Best Park in America and the highest-rated campground in the tri state area of Ohio, PA and W. VA. She is a member of the Board of Regents and an instructor for The National School of RV Parks and Campground Management. Karen has a home in Durango, Colorado, where she’s a contributor, former columnist and special assignment reporter for the Durango Herald.
CDs Help Ministry Spread God’s Word
March 3, 2011
by Pam Cloud – Times Recordpcloud@swtimes.com
Pam Cloud • Times Record After leaving sermon audio CDs at area truck stops, the Rev. Tim Adair never knows who might pick up one of his CDs and listen to it as he or she travels down the road.
Through Timothy’s Burden Evangelistic Ministries, the Rev. Tim Adair isn’t waiting for those needing to hear the message of salvation to come to him — he’s reaching out to people wherever they might be, whether it’s a truck stop, a train station, an RV park or at a fitness center.
“I feel like my primary calling is to reach people that are not in church,” said Adair, 37. “We have to go to where the people are.”
The Monticello native answered the call to preach at 14 and went into full-time ministry at 21. Though he pastors the Vista Free Will Baptist Church in Van Buren and serves as chief administrator for its education ministry, Van Buren Christian Academy, he still feels led to reach out to those who might not ever step foot in a church building.
“Timothy’s Burden is a nondenominational ministry, totally separate from our church,” Adair explained of the ministry, which he founded in 2003.
He does, however, record his sermons and distributes the audio CDs to area truck stops and street ministries.
“I try to put out 200-400 CDs a month,” Adair said, going through a stack of sermon CDs he was going to leave in the lounge area of the Cherokee Travel Plaza at Interstate 40 and U.S. 64 in Roland.
Mike and Kathy Young of Van Buren assist Adair in distributing the CDs to more than a dozen businesses and truck stops from Sallisaw and Roland to Fort Smith, Van Buren and Dyer.
As a former truck driver, Mike Young said the road can be a lonely life.
“We hope and pray the CDs will give them hope and maybe change their lives,” said Mike Young.
“And their families,” Kathy Young added.
The Youngs also help Adair with another Timothy’s Burden ministry – an RV camp outreach at Park Ridge RV near Interstate 40.
“We have been doing this ministry for three years,” Adair said. “There are people at the RV park who have never known anything about Christianity. They’re excited just to hear the Word. I’m excited to see the changes in them.”
The Youngs usually visit the RV park on Saturday, handing out fliers and inviting residents there to visit the 9:15 a.m. Bible study on Sundays. They also provide coffee, doughnuts and snacks for the gathering.
“The Lord just really has done some amazing things there,” Adair added, noting that after the Bible study there he makes it back to Vista Free Will to deliver the Sunday morning message.
From April to November, Adair takes Timothy’s Burden ministry to the streets at the Van Buren train depot on Saturdays when the excursion train runs back and forth from northwest Arkansas.
“We play Bible trivia and give out $10 or $20,” Adair said. “We share the gospel with them. My message is biblical. There are some that get offended and some walk away while I’m preaching.
“I don’t skip the part about sin, judgment and hell,” he added of the ministry holding to fundamental Christian doctrine. “But I take people through that to get people to the cross, so the cross will make more sense to them.”
Timothy’s Burden also uses traditional evangelism by handing out gospel tracts, New Testament Bibles and food to those in need and conducting revival services at area churches.
Adair said he was excited about a new facet of the ministry that should be coming together soon in which fitness training programs will benefit children, adults and senior citizens.
“This ministry will work like the Upward Program but specializes in training, exercises and nutrition instead of one particular sport,” Adair explained.
Jennifer Bauman, a personal trainer, life coach and owner of Cardio Studio, has already started training children at the church and will begin a program this spring with students at VBCA.
“We want to help underprivileged athletes with speed and agility training,” said Bauman, who said the free training would be for athletes ages 7 and older. “We want to help these … athletes with everything for training they otherwise wouldn’t get.”
Bauman added the training would be for any sport, such as basketball, baseball, football, track, volleyball, tennis or golf.
“We wanted to partner with Tim so he can preach the gospel to these students when they’re being trained,” Bauman added. “It’s kind of a neat program.”
The Youngs are happy to assist Adair with his ministry, adding that they probably get as much out of it as those they are reaching out to.
“It really blesses us to do it,” Mike Young said. “We help with a lot of outreaches, but this outreach is honest … and caring.”
When it’s time to replenish the audio sermon stashes, all the CDs are usually gone.
“I pray that God would actually create curiosity in these truckers to see what (the CDs) are so they will listen to them on the road,” Adair said. “I don’t care what motivates them to take it — just that they take it.”
Adair always includes his address and phone number on the CDs, but has yet to hear from anyone.
“I’d love to hear back from people, but if I don’t, it’s OK,” he said. “I just obey the Lord and try to get them into the hands of as many people as I can.”
To assist or contribute to Timothy’s Burden Evangelistic Ministries, an area nonprofit organization spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, write to Timothy’s Burden, 1613 Valley View, Van Buren, AR 72956; e-mail Tim Adair at timothysburden@cox.net; or call Adair at 459-4049.
RV Spring Tune-Up
February 28, 2011
by Mark PolkMark is a frequent contributing author
At first glance this checklist looks like it would take two days to complete, but it’s actually something you can do on a Saturday afternoon when there’s nothing else to do. By following a simple checklist you make sure nothing is overlooked. This is an excerpt from my “Checklists for RVers” E-book
* Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. See Checklist 18.
* Every spring I like to sanitize the water system. Watch the video.
* Inspect for water leaks. With the water system pressurized, either by the water pump or hooked up to city water, inspect the plumbing for any water leaks. Check the operation of the toilet.
* Remove any protective covering that you may have put over LP gas vents or outside vents to keep insects or rodents out. Remove any mousetraps you may have put out. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion.
* Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof and body seams, and window sealant for cracking that would allow water to get in. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials and reseal as required.
* Inspect the operation of the awning and check the awning fabric for any damage. Clean the awning if necessary and let the fabric dry thoroughly before rolling it up.
* Inspect the tires for signs of dry rot and wear. Inflate all tires to the recommended tire pressure. Check the lug nuts for proper torque.
* Lubricate all hinges and locks with a graphite spray lubricant.
* Inspect and clean the RVs interior.
* Plug in any appliances that you unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you may have removed. This is a good time to put new batteries in items like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and clocks.
* Test the operation of the carbon monoxide alarm, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm.
* Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged. If it is a dry powder type turn it upside down and tap on the bottom to help release the powder that settled on the bottom..
* Reset any breakers you may have turned off. If you removed any fuses for storage re-install them.
* Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it wasn’t done prior to storage and remove any covers that were put over air conditioners.
* Open vents and windows and air the unit out.
* If you removed the coach and chassis batteries for storage install them. Whether they were removed or not check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the charge level in all batteries. Recharge batteries as required.
* Check the operation of the electric steps if applicable. Lubricate step mechanism.
* Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.
* If you didn’t change the oil and filters in the generator prior to storage this is a good time to do it. Inspect the generator exhaust system for damage prior to starting. Start and run the generator for two hours with at least a half rated load on it. Consult the generators owner manual for load ratings.
* Turn the generator off and plug the unit into shore power. Turn the refrigerator on in the electric mode. Allow sufficient time to cool and check for proper operation.
* Check all 12-volt interior lights and accessories.
* Test the monitor panel for proper operation.
* Check the operation of slide-outs if applicable.
* Check the remaining 120-volt appliances for proper operation.
* Test the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) for proper operation.
* Turn the refrigerator off, leave the doors open and allow sufficient time for it to get to room temperature so it can be checked in the LP gas mode.
Note: Before using the LP gas system it’s a good idea to have a leak test and gas operating pressure test preformed. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should do these tests.
* Once this is accomplished, turn the LP gas valve on and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full of water before testing the water heater. If a gas appliance is not operating properly have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the appliance from operating properly.
* If your unit was in long-term storage and you didn’t change the engine oil and filter prior to storage this would be a good time to do it or schedule to have it done.
* Check all fluid levels in transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult vehicle owner’s manual.
* Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of dash air conditioner.
* Check the condition of windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.
* Check the operation of all chassis lights.
* In addition to this if you have a pop-up or travel trailer or fifth wheel the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears; inspect all hitch work and coupler for damage. Inspect the breakaway switch and pigtail for proper operation.
This list is not all-inclusive, but it seems to work for me. Now for the fun part, load your clothes, food, and personal belongings, hit the road and have fun exploring this wonderful country we live in.
For more in-depth information on caring for your RV check out our RV Care & maintenance E-book or DVD
If you missed Episode 1 or Episode 2 of the new online RV show titled “Mark’s RV Garage” just click on the link to view now.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
Should You Trust Your GPS?
February 27, 2011
by Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
as appeared on RV Home Yet?
“Death by GPS,” in RV Daily Report. The article was about Death Valley National Park. People have followed their GPS onto roads they should not have been on, sometimes ending in disastrous results, including death.
For example, one group of people followed the shortest route to Scotty’s Castle from where they were instead of the paved road. According to the search-and-rescue coordinator, “the unit directed them over an unpaved, winding, washboard road toward Saline Valley, where they turned right onto an even rougher four-wheel-drive road and became stuck near a remote abandoned mine site called Lippincott.” In this case, one member of the party was able to hike the 20-25 miles and found a ranger so they were rescued. Other people have had similar experiences that resulted in death if you are not prepared.
The problem is that some roads are on the GPS unit that should not be. They’ve been closed or are in rough condition. When someone requests a route, the unit may come back with a route taking them on one of these dangerous roads. Temperatures in Death Valley in the summer are often more than 120 degrees and in many locations in the park there is no cell service, so getting stuck way out a dirt road could mean possible death.
Park officials have been trying to get these roads removed from the databases of GPS units. They have had success with TomTom. Google Maps was a challenge. Other GPS units may still have these roads in their system.
If you travel in a more remote area like Death Valley, look at where the GPS is taking you. If the route is going off on a dirt road, then, no matter what the GPS says, don’t go unless you have confirmation from an official that that route is safe and recommended. Better to take the longer route than get caught out in the middle of nowhere in trouble.
Search and rescue officials say:
“More reliable [than GPS] are a good map, a compass and, in case of trouble, plenty of water. And for those venturing off-road, they strongly advise carrying personal locator beacons or similar devices that send a signal via satellite, advising others of your location and notifying authorities if you need help.”
Usually people are pretty cautious with their RVs compared to driving around in their tow or towed vehicle. But double checking your route with a map is a good idea when driving an RV. Workers at some RV parks have been known to tell RVers making a reservation, “Don’t follow your GPS.” You could end up at a dead end or headed away from your destination.You can read the original article at ScrippsNews.com.
Use common sense- be safe!
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Please add your comment below or email Jamie at calamityjaimie@gmail.comtext reprinted with permission
Help Locate Campground Churches
February 23, 2011
By Duane Careb
President RVchurchesUSA
in the process of identifying campgrounds across the country (including Alaska) that conduct on-site church services.
Part of our mission is to acknowledge campground owner’s passion to serve Christ known to all RVers via our searchable database- at no cost!
We attempt to personally contact the owners in an effort to verify the existence of services and, when possible, talk to those involved in it’s administration – primarily the speakers. Although time consuming, these interviews have been very encouraging to both the campground owners and our ministry staff, as well.
The best resource for identifying these existing services is YOU!
No doubt, other RVers have told you about campgrounds hosting services or you personally have stayed at a campground that offered them.
Please take a moment and help us identify the campgrounds by simply completing the “Comments” section below. Give us as much information as possible – name, location, website, etc. We’ll do the rest!
You can serve other RVers visiting RVchurchesUSA daily who search our database. Of course, as others share their knowledge, you become the benefactor, as well. In this way, it’s a win-win scenario for all of us – campground owners, RVers and the Kingdom!
Don’t forget to check out our great articles emphasizing spiritual growth and secular RV-lifestyle as well as our resource page for RVers.
Thanks for your participation.
Blessings!
Seeing The End From The Beginning (2)
January 29, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late Welcome back to my blog. I have been away
for seven weeks due to a surprise summons from my Creator for a special meeting with Him. I invite you to go along with me as I recount this very real encounter at the age of 77.
It was 11:30 PM Saturday, December 11, 2010. There was a fire raging in my chest as I stumbled through the Emergency entrance of the hospital as Ruth parked the car. I blurted out “I think I’m having a heart attack!” An orderly pushed a wheelchair under me and off I went. Most of the next four days are only a series of snapshots of the events that took place.
One thing that stands out to me is that I seemed to be on this journey by myself—but I was not. Could it be that I was at the end of my life? Was it time for me to give an accounting to my Creator (Heb. 9:27)? Was this that meeting I just wrote about in my blog the previous Sunday beseeching all of us to keep the end clearly in view as we travel our journey from the beginning?
There are no snapshots of my wife Ruth or of my son and daughter and no recording of their voices. I seemed to be all alone. I recall the doctors telling of the severity of this summons from my Creator. After the final test the cardiologist told my family that they had found blockage at the three main arteries entering my heart. She said “It is a miracle he is still with us! His only option is a bypass.”
But it is I who must OK this procedure. Since all things of faith are personal, it was I who must determine if I would trust God for this procedure. For over 20 years I had maintained that I would not undergo surgery of any kind due to a history of strokes that require a daily dosage of blood thinners. My fear of being left an invalid and a burden to my family from another stroke was greater than my fear of death (at least up until now).
Since my return to faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior on March 18, 2008, it seems God has constantly asked me to trust Him more and more (www.faithrescued.com). Since that day I watched my consulting business disappear and then experienced bankruptcy.
In Matthew 6:19-21 the Master admonishes us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth but treasures in heaven. In Matthew 6:28-34 He further instructs us to trust Him for everything. I was now at the time when I must trust Him for everything—including my very life—as the doctor indicated that I would not survive without the bypass. I responded with these words: “If I can trust God for the stint and the angioplasty, then I can trust Him for the bypass. Give me the paper to sign.”
I had also committed to trust Him no matter what was ahead. After I was transported to one of the leading heart surgery hospitals in the nation, the surgeon expressed his concern. They do not normally do bypass surgeries until the patient has been off blood thinners for at least five days. It had only been two days since my last dosage. However, sensing the urgency, he decided to proceed with an extra supply of blood available.
On Wednesday morning at 6:30 I was taken into surgery. After a delay of over four hours as they searched for viable veins to use for the bypasses, the surgery began and lasted until 4:00 PM. I ended up needing five bypasses.
Our Creator asks each of us to trust Him fully—not partially. I was not alone; my Master was with me every moment of the way. Sometimes it may be, as in my case, through the very valley and shadow of death. But He will reward our trust as He did mine when that trust becomes complete. The hymn declares: Simply trusting everyday, Trusting thru a stormy way, Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus that is all.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com-
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