Another Exciting Episode in Audrey's Great RV Adventure

[REWahoo]

... the price of this one should be encouraging... no matter what class you're looking for:

2005 Roadtrek 210 POPULAR - Clinton - RVs - Campers - Caravans

I found the comments on the ad very interesting...

 

[RonBoyd]

I found the comments on the ad very interesting...

So now I have to start vetting my posts by scrolling down? Humrph!

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

In my search for a motorhome I ultimately gave up buying it privately (Craig's List, EBay, etc.). There was just too much BS to waste my time on.

In the current RV market you can get great prices from over-inventoried dealers, though I am told the prices are starting to rise a bit here and there.

 

[audreyh1]

This is what 40,000 miles looked to us... well the "lodging" cost anyway. We stayed at friends and relatives for a number of nights (e.g., two weeks in Annapolis MD and 1½ weeks in Pittsburg PA). There were a few multi-night stays in here that are not obvious (none over three nights). The most we paid was in Key West FL and Jackson WY.

Wow Ron - that's a lot of KOAs!

Audrey

 

[audreyh1]

OK WE MADE IT TO WEST MEMPHIS! (Just in case anyone was holding their breath!)

No problems at all driving here. Coach is handling really well. Brake pedal behaved and tires stayed cool. Driving around the south side of Memphis really stunk - ugh! But we made it.

We are now relaxing for a couple of days at Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River Park. This unique RV park is on an otherwise undeveloped section of land inside the levy right along the Mississippi River. Pull forward sites along the river let you watch the barges all day, and there is nothing but wildscape across the river, so it's easy to imagine we're seeing the same views Mark Twain did.

Audrey

Well, I finally worked on some of the photos from Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River RV Resort. With such a nice setting, even I can get excited about photographing barge traffic. This coal barge just looked enormous. We had a lovely sunny evening with heavy weather over TN providing a dramatic backdrop. This is the Bill Elmer pushing coal down the Mississippi:

Audrey

 

[Martha]

We've been talking about Kayaks. A lot! Maybe we should try this Sea Eagle type first - it certainly is a fairly low cost entry point.

Audrey

I have two inflatables. One is a "hard" sided heavy duty Innova that was pretty big bucks. It is heavy and I can't carry it myself, I have to use a cart/wheel assembly. It can be used for one or two and is a fine kayak, probably the best inflatable around.

I also have a much cheaper and lightweight sea eagle 330. You can get one all decked out with pump, seats and paddles for only a couple of hundred bucks. It has three main air chambers, the floor and each side tube. It is light and I can pick it up inflated and carry it myself. It can be used solo or double but you better be a coordinated stern paddler and have a good rhythm going or you can easily whack the front person. I have taken some people out in the sea eagle and often I tell them to just quit paddling.

I like it a lot. It is a bit vulnerable in the wind so wide open water on windy days is out. It is great on rivers including light white water. I use this one more than the better Innova just because of ease of use. I recommend it.

EDIT: I see Amazon has a good deal on it right now: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SL0A56/ref=ox_ya_oh_product (I use slightly upgraded seats, what they sell on the "pro" model, but the seats that come with it are OK, just not the best).

Here is the 370 which is better for tandem use and which has the seats I use, at a fair price, but you have to pay shipping: http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Eagle-370-Deluxe-Package/dp/B001ASTHJG/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2

 

[REWahoo]

Well, I finally worked on some of the photos from Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River RV Resort. With such a nice setting, even I can get excited about photographing barge traffic. This coal barge just looked enormous. We had a lovely sunny evening with heavy weather over TN providing a dramatic backdrop. This is the Bill Elmer pushing coal down the Mississippi:

Audrey

Photos?

 

[RonBoyd]

Wow Ron - that's a lot of KOAs!

Yeah, after a busy day we are not inclined to risk ending up at a "dump." We have found the use of a "franchise" to be in our best interests since the quality is, if nothing else, consistent across the chain. (We, actually, learned that from many years of hotel stays.) In any event, $30 a night is still a long ways from the $100 plus stay at a hotel.

Staying at KOA does have several perks for us, however. We have a "VIP" card that assures we are treated very well -- in fact, I am amazed by how much. We also have (last I looked) four "free stays" built up in our account.

But, you are correct. If we were not "Travelers," KOA (Keep On Adding) would not be in the cards.

That spreadsheet, BTW, is the first step in creating a map(s) from your suggestion.

 

[audreyh1]

I also have a much cheaper and lightweight sea eagle 330. You can get one all decked out with pump, seats and paddles for only a couple of hundred bucks. It has three main air chambers, the floor and each side tube. It is light and I can pick it up inflated and carry it myself. It can be used solo or double but you better be a coordinated stern paddler and have a good rhythm going or you can easily whack the front person. I have taken some people out in the sea eagle and often I tell them to just quit paddling.

I like it a lot. It is a bit vulnerable in the wind so wide open water on windy days is out. It is great on rivers including light white water. I use this one more than the better Innova just because of ease of use. I recommend it.

Yeah, I figured it was out of the question on large bays in windy conditions and I expected the handling might be pretty squirrelly.

But we would use it more in the smaller sheltered lakes and bays where we are camping. So many places we camp have water nearby so this looks perfect. And it would be mostly for exploring edges of lakes for wildlife watching, etc. We would try it out first at the resaca at Bentsen State Park - just jump on the tram with the kayak - sounds pretty easy!

We've been traveling with dry bags, paddling vests, paddling shorts and water shoes all this time, but no boat or paddles!!!!

Glad to know it can be used solo, as DH wants to be able to get out in the water with his camera occasionally, and sometimes I'll want to go out alone.

Thanks for the Amazon link. I was wondering whether the upgraded seats were worth it?

Audrey

 

[audreyh1]

Photos?

Oh, all right!

Actually, just because I worked on several photos, it doesn't mean they are all worth posting!

Here is a panorama I made from the view just walking forward from our campsite a bit! I couldn't get all 180+degrees of the view in the panorama, but this give you an idea - 7 stitched photos. Click on the bar to get the full panoramic effect.

Audrey

 

[audreyh1]

Yeah, after a busy day we are not inclined to risk ending up at a "dump." We have found the use of a "franchise" to be in our best interests since the quality is, if nothing else, consistent across the chain. (We, actually, learned that from many years of hotel stays.) In any event, $30 a night is still a long ways from the $100 plus stay at a hotel.

Staying at KOA does have several perks for us, however. We have a "VIP" card that assures we are treated very well -- in fact, I am amazed by how much. We also have (last I looked) four "free stays" built up in our account.

But, you are correct. If we were not "Travelers," KOA (Keep On Adding) would not be in the cards.

That spreadsheet, BTW, is the first step in creating a map(s) from your suggestion.

Here's how we avoid staying at a "dump": RV Park Reviews and "The Big Rig Directory" really helps us when we are in travel mode.

We have stayed at several decent KOAs and a few of them are definite returns. But even with all our wandering I would say we don't stay KOAs that often, mainly because for a given area there seem to usually be a better option. RV Park Reviews reviews are pretty hard on KOAs!

I recommend the Crescent City KOA near Crescent City CA - lovely spot with redwoods on site! We've often stopped at the one 10 miles north of Carlsbad in New Mexico - it's convenient to crossing NM, and has great birding. Most of the others are pretty forgettable and often downright yucky near major urban areas.

Audrey

 

[REWahoo]

Oh, all right!

Actually, just because I worked on several photos, it doesn't mean they are all worth posting!

Here is a panorama I made from the view just walking forward from our campsite a bit! I couldn't get all 180+degrees of the view in the panorama, but this give you an idea - 7 stitched photos. Click on the bar to get the full panoramic effect.

Audrey

That camouflage effect is really dramatic!

 

[REWahoo]

We have stayed at several decent KOAs and a few of them are definite returns.
....
Most of the others are pretty forgettable and often downright yucky near major urban areas.

Yep. To us a KOA is a stop of last resort.

 

[audreyh1]

That camouflage effect is really dramatic!

Ummmm - that went over my head!

Audrey

 

[REWahoo]

Ummmm - that went over my head!

Audrey

[-]Translation: I'm seeing no photos.[/-]

Now I am!

 

[Martha]

Yeah, I figured it was out of the question on large bays in windy conditions and I expected the handling might be pretty squirrelly.

But we would use it more in the smaller sheltered lakes and bays where we are camping. So many places we camp have water nearby so this looks perfect. And it would be mostly for exploring edges of lakes for wildlife watching, etc. We would try it out first at the resaca at Bentsen State Park - just jump on the tram with the kayak - sounds pretty easy!

We've been traveling with dry bags, paddling vests, paddling shorts and water shoes all this time, but no boat or paddles!!!!

Glad to know it can be used solo, as DH wants to be able to get out in the water with his camera occasionally, and sometimes I'll want to go out alone.

Thanks for the Amazon link. I was wondering whether the upgraded seats were worth it?

Audrey

I think seats are partly a matter of taste. The upgraded seats are higher and some feel that it makes the kayak feel a bit unstable. I don't feel that way and I like the "stiffer" feel of the upgraded seats. The cheaper seats feel kind of air mattressy to me. I would only get the better seats if you get a good deal. The 370 has them apparently and the 370 is a bit bigger, which is nicer when two are using it. But I have never tried the 370 and I am happy with the 330. My sister and I use the 330 together just fine.

The seats are adjustable, you can place them anywhere in the kayak. Handy.

I did take it on the tram to the resaca. Worked great!

 

[audreyh1]

Translation: I'm seeing no photos.

Oh! OK - I guess I had some weird caching thing going on locally with my browser, because I was even seeing my photos in your quoted replies!

I was trying to pull a stunt with having the uploaded photo in-line but afterwards removing it from the attachment. I guess that only works if you post it at least once first. I thought I'd made that work before - I wonder where else I have missing photos?

Audrey

 

[audreyh1]

I think seats are partly a matter of taste. The upgraded seats are higher and some feel that it makes the kayak feel a bit unstable. I don't feel that way and I like the "stiffer" feel of the upgraded seats. The cheaper seats feel kind of air mattressy to me. I would only get the better seats if you get a good deal. The 370 has them apparently and the 370 is a bit bigger, which is nicer when two are using it. But I have never tried the 370 and I am happy with the 330. My sister and I use the 330 together just fine.

The seats are adjustable, you can place them anywhere in the kayak. Handy.

John is 6'4", but I'm only 5'3". I don't know how often we would go out together - but I suppose it might be half the time. Hard to tell!!!! I wonder if he would be cramped in the 330, then again, I can get pretty compact.

Audrey

 

[RonBoyd]

Here's how we avoid staying at a "dump": RV Park Reviews and "The Big Rig Directory" really helps us when we are in travel mode.

Yeah, I know all the reasons why we shouldn't stay at a KOA but, to be honest, we have never had a bad experience and I cannot say that about other stops.

I am familiar with RV Park Reviews and have used it often -- we have an Aircard so the Internet is available as we are going down the road. I have found the Trailer Life Directory Campground program to be quite useful for finding close-by out-of-the way sites.

When we have the time our preference is in this order:

1. Passport America
2. Escapees
3. KOA
4. Good Sam

But when we are running late or simply "don't want to be bothered" with research, KOA is a no-brainer (pun intended).

 

[audreyh1]

Here is one of numerous small cascades along the hiking trails at Petit Jean State Park. I don't have any of the big scenic vista photos quite ready to go.

Audrey

Woops! Looks like my small stream cascade from Petit Jean SP photo was missing too!

Audrey

 

[Martha]

John is 6'4", but I'm only 5'3". I don't know how often we would go out together - but I suppose it might be half the time. Hard to tell!!!! I wonder if he would be cramped in the 330, then again, I can get pretty compact.

Audrey

Tough for me to judge. I am only 4'11" and my most frequent kayak companion is my sister who is all of 5' and so we feel it is roomy enough, even though it is substantially shorter than my Innova Sunny. But as I said, I have had some difficulty coordinating paddling with inexperienced kayakers who may flail about some. I sure like the 26 pound weight and even though it is a bit tubby I can still carry it.

It looks like the 370 is about a foot longer and weighs about 6 pounds more than the 330, coming in at 32 pounds. Here is a comparison between the two: Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak/Canoe

 

[audreyh1]

Yeah, I know all the reasons why we shouldn't stay at a KOA but, to be honest, we have never had a bad experience and I cannot say that about other stops.

It seems like the majority of KOAs are way too tight for our rig - either driving to the site or the site itself. That's the main reason for avoidance for us and the reason we have marked "never again" on several we stopped at. The park reviews site is pretty good at warning about tightness for larger rigs.

Audrey

 

[Martha]

Audrey, these reviewers, which include a taller guy, prefer the 370 to the 330 for the extra legroom. The site also talks about the seats: Sea Eagle 370 Sport Kayak

 

[NW-Bound]

I think that this is much ado about nothing. Towing is like everything else: idiots will do what idiots do; the rest of us will read up as necessary and do it safely...

In short, I do not find towing to be much of an issue even with a tow vehicle that isn't really designed for heavy duty towing (minivan).

Exactly! In posting these interesting videos, I certainly did not imply that one cannot tow anything unless he has a pickup or an SUV.

Though my SUV has a factory tow package rated at 5000lbs, I have not towed anything approaching that. But in case I get a large TT, I would need such things that I do not have such as sway bars and a load-equalizing hitch. In researching the Web, I found these videos that were eye-openers for novices like myself.

I suspect that fish-tailing accidents are caused more by the tail, meaning the trailer, than the dog. Specifically, the user did not load the trailer so that its center of gravity is in front of its axle.

The guys I saw fishtailing on the highway had BIG pickups. This highway is a divided highway, with two lanes in each direction. It has many long stretches of 6% slope and, when crowded with camping weekenders, becomes a kind of race track where these guys are showing off their trucks. Yeah, "my diesel truck got more torque than your puny truck". Pulling trailers, they have no problem passing my minivan, which I keep on the right lane, going up 6% slope.

My theory is this. The type of trailers most popular in this part is the "toy hauler". An enclosed trailer, it has a ramp and an empty tail end so that the user can drive up his off-road vehicle such as quads, dune buggies. It's fairly common for the weekenders to bring up 4 quads, one for each family member. So, he might have loaded the trailer tail-heavy, which caused the trailer to wag like a dog's tail. The saving grace was that their gigantic pickup could handle that tail. It's still not kosher, wouldn't you say? One time, as a guy with a wagging tail was passing me, he was tail-gated by another guy. I slowed the hell down to let them get far from me as fast as possible, as they chased each other into the sunset. Yes, the literal sunset, as the highway was westward back into the city and it was Sunday late afternoon!

In surfing the Web for RV blogs, I ran across a guy who lost his dually pickup and his fifth wheel to a roll-over. He certainly was a seasoned RV'er, and was not towing it for the first time. He blamed it on the highway being "grooved", the kind of longitudinal grooves that were cut into the road to enhance traction.

Now, I have heard of motorcyclists complaining about these grooves, but for these to cause a dually truck and its fifth wheel to roll over? If I find it again, I will post the link. Though his big pickup and 5th wheel were totaled, he and his wife were OK. They climbed out and took pictures to post for their blog.

 

[brewer12345]

I assure you,NW, the lunatics you see doing this stuff are not typical of most RVers. Towing is not hard to do safely with a modest amount of effort and equipment. I don't know what the guy with the dually and 5th wheel did, but I bet it involved excess speed.