Western National Park RV Tour

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  So, about every other Summer we head West to the National Parks, in 2010 we took in 8 of them (Crater Lake, Mt Rainier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Glacier etc) and this summer are revisiting a few of our favorites plus a few others such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Natural Bridges, Canyonlands, (Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods en route) Arches, Rocky Mountain. Being the ultimate PLANNER I already have reservations at most of them but Zion was already full. The problem is in the summer the desert is just too hot for RV sleeping and many Natl Parks dont have electric hookups, so I opt to stay just outside them at private establishments. HOWEVER once we get to elevation like 6,000 to 10,000 feet or more it cools down at night so dry camping on BLM Land or US Forest Service Camps (Colorados Grand Mesa)  works great and is much cheaper. I have every days final destination (organized by the date and location and name) pre programemd into my Garmin so each morning I just push the button and it takes us there. Along the way we stop at each of the three kids (Memphis, Austin, San Diego) and they toss us out a cord and the grandkids pretty much stay full time in Papaws Big Camper and you dont wear out your welcome near as fast when you take an RV. My ring binder "book" is also full in daily order with campsites and maps and reservation numbers and phone numbers and attractions and activities and park trails and shuttles and tours and brochures etc etc........Of course, the RV is fully serviced, Mobil 1 Oil plus Lucas Synthetic Stabilizer, Greased, New Fuel Filter and Serpentine belt and hoses, new or mostly new 10 ply Load Range E tires aired to 80 PSI and a spare plus Emergency Road Service Subscription... I plan the trip to know where fresh water and dumps are available so I know how much fresh water to have on board (I can carry 110 gallons of fresh if needed) if dry camping is coming up for x days. Sure all that planning takes me several weeks and reserach BUT I LOVE IT ALMOST AS MUCH AS THE TRIP ITSELF LOL Between now and our departure I study and review all of it and thoroughlly enjoy every minute. There is some time for off the cuff and unplanned spur of the moment free time, but I like to have reservations each night so I dont have to worry and fret and be turned down at campgrounds and cant find a place.

 

1995 Four Winds 26 Ft. Chateau Sport Class C,,454 Chevy,, 4L80E OD Tranny,,Three Group 31 House Batteries (375 Amp Hours),,Rooftop Solar Panel,,Onan Generator,,110 gallons fresh water storage (filled only to what I need),,70 gallons grey water storage,,Electra Magic 85 electric recircualting toilet (big time water saver), MY DRY CAMPING AND TOURING SPECIAL  I got sick of those dern 460 Fords lol

 

 Nuff said, God Bless yall, see you down the road God willing

 

 Ol John T in Indiana