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The Two Best KOAs in the Pacific Northwest

Camping in the Pacific Northwest provides many different outlets for many different types of campers. For RVers looking for a destination that provides family friendly amenities, great sites and full hookups, with a lot to explore in the surrounding area, then these two KOAs should not be missed. In this episode I chat with the general managers of both the Astoria Warrenton Seaside (OR) and the Leavenworth (WA) Kampground of America.

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Tara’s Tiny Trailer: Balancing Life With a Bohemian Spirit

Tara of Tara’s Tiny Trailer is a born and raised Washingtonian who straddles the line between a life in sticks & bricks and wandering around the state as a nomad as many weekends as possible. Her bohemian spirit is strong and in this episode she shares with us what makes her tiny trailer work for her, and we dive into some of her favorite spots to camp in the Pacific Northwest.

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The Meyer's Family Great American Road Trip, Part 2 ( EP021)

We continue our conversation with The Meyer’s family as they share in their cross country adventure. In this episode we pick up where we left off as they were entering the American Southwest in Utah. From wheeling in a Hummer near Moab, spray painting on Cadillacs, bearing witness to where Dr King was assassinated and traveling the Trail of Tears this family created an American experience for themselves. In the Pitstop, I share one of my more nerdy sides of self and discuss what it means to be a licensed amateur radio operator otherwise known as a Ham.

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The Meyer's Family Great American Road Trip, Part 1 ( EP020)

Driving across the United States pulling a travel trailer can be an adventure in and of itself, but towing along a family of four and a dog will make it exciting. Join us as we interview The Meyer family (Tracker & Jiggles) as they share their tips for planning such a huge cross country road trip, from Seattle to Florida, as well as they share stories of the sites they saw and how they built such a great educational trip for their kids. In the Pitstop, I share my Top 4 Road books that have been such an inspiration for my desire to witness all that the Road has to offer.

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Geeking Out With Josh The RV Nerd (EP019)

YouTuber Josh the RV Nerd joins the show as he shares advice for newcomers to RVing, the state of the RV industry, and what has him surprised & inspired for 2022. His YouTube channel has over 144k subscribers and he produces great videos from walk-throughs to industry updates. With well over a decade of experience Josh knows towable trailers and motorhomes. In our Pitstop, I discuss mountain pass travel, what the differences are in travel advisories specifically when it comes to chaining up, and I provide some tips for winter travel.

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Top 3 Favorite Campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest ( EP018)

Camping in the Pacific Northwest is pretty amazing. I’m excited to share with you my Top three favorite campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. The criteria for these campgrounds is that they are in great locations that highlight what makes the northwest so wonderful. If you are considering RV trips in and around Washington State or Oregon this is a great episode. In the Pitstop, I share the story of how I became a one ton diesel truck owner

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Top 10 RV Presents to Make You a World Champion Gift Giver (EP017)

From the extravagant, to the practical, to the ridiculous, our holiday gift guide episode has something for everyone. I count down my Top 10 most used items that would make for a great holiday gift for that special RV’er in your life. This gift guide covers the gamut on price from the inexpensive to things that are not necessary but add a little luxury to your camp life.

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The Search For Boondocking with RV Miles (EP016)

We’ve moochdocked, but we’ve never boondocked before. Free camping? Yes, please, but just how to find a place has always been elusive for us. In this episode, I chat with Jason & Abby Epperson of the RV Miles podcast and we dig into the nitty-gritty of how they choose their boondocking spots. They share a lot of info with us, especially because we’ve got so much open public lands here in the American West that are available to all of us. In the Pitstop, I dig into flashlights and explain why I have made the switch from a headlamp to a more tactical style handheld flashlight, the Fenix PD35.

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Unplanned Trip to Yellowstone National Park (EP015)

Sometimes being spontaneous is the key to a great adventure. This past summer we made a last minute call and with a little bit of lady luck we found ourselves in Yellowstone National Park. In this episode, we share our story of how we ended up in Yellowstone, what we saw, where we ate and where we stayed. If you’re thinking about a Yellowstone National Park trip, this is an episode for you. In the Pitstop, we talk with Bart Treece of Washington State Department of Transportation about the recent closures of the rest areas between Everett, Wash and the Canadian Border.

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The Unconventional Guide to Glacier National Park (EP14)

We spent a month on the road traveling the American West with Glacier National Park as one of our iconic stops on this trip. I share our experience navigating the new ticketed entry system in the park as well as I highlight things to see, to play, to eat and drink and where to stay. Plus, in the Pitstop I share my three phase approach to the planning and logistics for a trip of this length.

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Meet the S.M.A.R.T. Bus, a Skoolie Story (EP013)

Meet the S.M.A.R.T. Bus, a skoolie conversion completed by the Vickers. Hailing from Indiana Jon and Jennifer had built their professional lives and raised their family, but something had been always calling them to the road. From family road trips to now, as they just completed their build out they took their bus on its maiden voyage this summer. I sat down with them at a picnic table in Montana, and they shared their story. Plus, in the Pitstop I share one of our favorite campground suppers, Cincinnati Chili. Learn more about this super simple dish.

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An Unbiased Review Of Our Jayco Travel Trailer (EP012)

After owning our Jayco for six months, sleeping 49 nights in our trailer, and traveling over 3,300 miles it’s time for a full unbiased review. My wife, Susy, joins in this episode as we discuss our likes, our dislikes, trailer issues we’ve experienced, and lessons learned. Plus, Susy shares great tips on how to maximize the interior space of an RV.

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The Insider’s Guide to RV Maintenance (EP011)

RV maintenance we all know is something that needs to be done to protect our trailers and motorhomes, but at times it can also feel a bit overwhelming. In this episode we discuss RV maintenance tips and techniques with Joe Testa a certified RV Inspector with the National RV Inspector Association. During the pitstop, I geek out on tools and share what are the essential tools that I keep in my RV tool kit.

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The Summertime Spirit of Gin (EP010)

We discuss the refreshing summertime spirit of Gin, with Uncle Mark. Uncle Mark, is a world traveller, a Class-A motorhome hopeful, and a self-proclaimed food & booze geek. He shares with us a brief history of Gin, we cover the standard classical gin drinks (martini, gin and tonics), but he also gives us a wonderfully delicious recipe that is light, refreshing, and easily sipped on during a hot afternoon. In the Pitstop, I share our recent experience of staying at the Willapa / Bay Center KOA — There is a lot to do at this Journey KOA.

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First Aid - From Boo Boo’s To Other Traumas (EP009)

We are going to be talking about Wilderness First Aid. This is an important and often overlooked topic as I think people think of Wilderness First Aid as something necessary for those who are deep into the backcountry or high up on a mountain and far away from medical care. That is just not the reality. In this episode we talk with Shaun Quinn, a former certified Wilderness EMT, he breaks down what are the most common injuries and a lot of them do apply to RV’ers. In the Pitstop, I share my story of Wanderlust and explain why at the end of every episode I say “Now get out there, explore and go see what’s beyond the horizon.”

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Lake Chelan: The Four Season Destination Wonderland (EP008)

Lake Chelan is a four season playground for everyone. For those who live on the ‘Wet’ side of the Cascade Mountains this is where they go to play. Lake Chelan is a beautiful four hour drive from Seattle and in this episode we cover recreational activities, where to find wine, Stehekin, and the best places to RV camp. In the Pitstop, I interview my daughter as we discuss what just makes the perfect S’more.

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Doing RV Water The Right Way ( EP007)

Imagine drinking great tasting water directly from the tap. Whether you’re a full-time or novice RVer, you know the value of fresh, clean water in your rig. In this episode, I chat with Keith Bernard, CEO of CLEAR2O, one of the leading manufacturers of water filtration systems for RV’s since 2008. We talk about different options and filtration solutions to cover the full spectrum of needs from weekenders to full-timers. In the Pitstop, I share with you about a great little gem of a town in northern Oregon.

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Mt St Helens (EP006)

Forty one years ago Mt St Helens erupted and created a devastating path of destruction in its wake. I was a six year old boy and still to this day I have vivid memories of this cataclysmic and historical event. In this episode, I share not only my memory of May 18, 1980, but I interview Junelle Kroontje who has been camping with her family for many years around this mountain. She shares with us some great recommendations on where to camp, hikes to take, and places to see. Plus, in our Pitstop, I share 5 tips for making the campsite a little more enjoyable for all.

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The Greatest Campground Game (EP005)

The greatest Campground Game is not Cornhole, Ladder Ball or even Bocce, but rather the game of Washers. In this episode, we decrypt the history of this American game, discuss the details of game play and share some sporting highlights about what makes this the best game for camping. Plus, in our Pitstop I chat with my son and we discuss the craftsmanship involved in making a Water Weenie — the ultimate water gun.

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Solar Power Solutions For Any RV (EP004)

RV solar solutions are often clouded in mystique and sometimes its limitations are misunderstood. In this episode, we chat with Avanti Lalwani the CEO of Briter Products a manufacturer of RV solar solutions including lithium ion batteries and we clear up just what RV solar can do for your coach. During the Pitstop, we cover what you need to know if your travel plans include taking the Washington State Ferry (WSF).

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