|
Squeezing Every Last Ounce Out of Summer
| |
Now that August is here, many RVers are looking to extend their summer fun as long as they can. Young families may take a last-minute road trip before school starts. Others may rally with RV friends they haven’t seen in over a year. Still others may travel solo, enjoying the summer weather before fall arrives.
Whatever your August plans are — quick trips, long weekends, a staycation, sitting by the pool, or one last big journey — we have gathered some great information to help you enjoy anything you are doing.
Read below for tips on planning spur-of-the-moment trips, finding last-minute campsite cancellations, family-friendly activities, and a couple deliciously refreshing summer recipes to keep you cool.
Summer is calling . . . still!
The FMCA Team
| |
|
Thanks, FMCA Roadside Assistance!
| |
Our coach suffered engine failure on June 10 near Gunnison, Colorado! Within an hour it was on the tow truck headed to Gunnison for the night, and on Friday taken to Cummins in Grand Junction!
Norma & Henry Kindschi, F445312
Stillwater, Oklahoma
| |
FMCA members can travel with peace of mind knowing FMCA Roadside Rescue®, powered by SafeRide RV Motor Club, helps RVers travel worry-free by providing towing, tire service, lockout assistance, and much more, all for an affordable price. Click here to learn more about all the ways FMCA enhances the RV lifestyle.
| |
Summer flies by so quickly! If you’re like us, you’re hoping to work in another RV outing or two before fall. But with the RV boom happening, will it be possible to find a campsite for a spur-of-the-moment trip? Here are a few ideas that might help.
First, check out these tips from ReserveAmerica.com for snagging a last-minute campsite.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to go far to get away and enjoy RV life. Search for spots at private campgrounds or state and local parks close to home. Don’t assume they’ll all be booked. Plans change and cancellations happen. Resources for finding cancellations include campnab.com and campsitenotifier.com. On a related note: If you need to cancel a campground stay, or even some of the nights, be kind to your fellow RVers and officially cancel the spot, even if it’s too late for a refund. Also don’t forget that some parks have nonreservable “walk-in” sites available.
If all else fails, consider driveway camping. Find ways to make it seem like an adventure! Or perhaps you have a friend who owns property where you can boondock for a day or two? Get creative! And if last-minute summer camping just isn’t in the cards, remember that fall fun is on the way! Make plans now.
| |
|
A Photo Is Worth A Thousand Words
| |
| Today’s technology enables RVers of all skill levels to take amazing photos. Whether you own a digital camera or use your smartphone, you can be a photo pro on the go. Here are some tips:
1. Frame your photos. Before you shoot, make sure nothing odd or extraneous will appear in the photo. Watch how you are cropping the image. For instance, avoid cutting off someone at the ankles or other awkward places; leave a little sky “cushion” above those mountain peaks. Make sure the horizon is straight.
2. Follow the rule of thirds. Think of an imaginary grid that splits the image into thirds horizontally and vertically, creating nine pieces and four grid lines. Position the subject along one of the grid lines – a flower stem along the right vertical grid line, for instance, or a sunset paralleling the bottom horizontal line.
3. Experiment! Photograph the same subject from various angles. Take one while you’re standing. Lie on the ground next. Then, climb up onto something and shoot down. Shoot from different distances, too: a wide shot, a midrange view, a close-up.
4. Incorporate surrounding elements. If an animal, rock, or flower is nearby, include it in the foreground or background to add interest and dimension.
5. People are welcome. Although you likely will photograph family, friends, and yourself to record some great memories, you also can use people (and pets) to provide a sense of scale. Shoot them from a distance to emphasize the site, not them. This can illustrate the expansiveness of sand dunes or the height of redwoods, for example.
6. Share with us! Send your favorite photos to Family RVing magazine. Submit a high-resolution photo to rearview@fmca.com for the magazine’s Rear View page; we’ll send you $35 if it’s published. If you have a particularly scenic, high-res photo that includes your RV, email it to editor@fmca.com; if it’s chosen for the cover, you’ll receive a free year of FMCA membership.
| |
| FMCA’s International Conventions & RV Expos
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us in Gillette, Wyoming, for FMCA’s 103rd International Convention & RV Expo! It truly was another great get-together, and we are already planning for the coming year. Next up: Tucson, Arizona, March 23 through 26, 2022, and Lincoln, Nebraska, August 24 through 27, 2022. Tucson registration will open on September 23, 2021.
| |
| Be Mobile . . . And Connected
FMCA has teamed with Sprint to bring members an outstanding, truly unlimited mobile hotspot data plan! The TechConnect+ plan includes 3G-4G LTE speeds as well as 300MB roaming coverage per billing cycle (United States only) for just $49.99 a month! Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this amazing deal!
| |
|
A Network Of Friends
One of the best parts of FMCA is meeting other members along the way. And one of the best ways to do that is to join an FMCA chapter. Find and connect with like-minded RVers who share your interests, hobbies, and love for RVing. Who knows; you might even be from the same town!
| |
| FMCA Camping Discounts
Camp for less with FMCA! New members receive a complimentary one-year enrollment in the KOA Rewards program, which offers 10% off the daily rate at KOA’s 500-plus campgrounds, plus access to other savings. FMCA members can purchase a Passport America membership at a special rate to receive 50% camping discounts. And many FMCA commercial member RV parks and campgrounds offer discounts just for being part of the FMCA family!
| |
| By RVers, For RVers
FourPoints Television has scored a hit with “The RVers,” a reality TV series that celebrates the RV lifestyle. Well-known video bloggers who are RVers themselves — Mortons On The Move, The RV Geeks, The RVers Family, and others — share their knowledge and enthusiasm with viewers. The show aims to appeal to new and experienced RVers alike, plus those hoping to take the plunge soon.
| |
| Crafty Kids And More
If you enjoy DIY projects and discovering new crafts, check out Happiness Is Homemade by Heidi Kundin. Heidi does it all: mom of three, homeschool teacher, crafter, writer, and graphic and interior designer. Her website is crammed with ideas. Check out the Kids page for all sorts of fun stuff: crafts using pool noodles, downloadable monster-themed coloring pages, even a recipe for rock candy. And don’t miss the 35+ fun summer activities for kids.
| |
|
Yo, Yosemite
Enjoy a trip to Yosemite National Park in this video from DeMartini RV Sales. You’re part of the action, exploring the scenic wonders in a Thor Omni 4x4 motorhome. But be forewarned: After taking this armchair trip, you might be ready to pack up and go!
| |
|
Easy Peasy Lemon SqueezyÂ
While you are busy squeezing every last ounce out of summer, we wanted to squeeze in two of our favorite easy-to-make recipes. And we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to make them both lemon-themed!
Let’s start with a mouthwatering Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade that only takes a few minutes to make. Just 3 easy steps, 3 ingredients, and it is sure to quench your thirst.
And be sure to reward yourself at the end of the day with a sweet treat. Luscious Lemon Delight is sure to take you right back to your childhood. It requires 9 ingredients and just 20 minutes of your time.
Both are guaranteed to help you beat the heat during these hot summer days.
| |
Join Today At Our Great Low Price!
Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for only $60! Click here to join.
| |
|
|
|
|
