Xplorer

This AM, the rug in front of the kitchen sink was soaked. Kitchen Faucet had a significant leak, compared to an insignificant leak. It was inside the faucet itself. Took it out, drove to the Orange Box Store, and picked up a Glacier Bay, perfect match. Drove back, installed new faucet,,,,,,total time including drive, shopping and fix'n. About 2 1/2 hours. Like most of us, don't like problems, but sure do like when a plan comes together....wait a minute,,,,what plan. The new glacier bay, looks exactly like the old one, chrome finish and all, except the base plate is a little more oval.

As a Texas property owner, and what brought us to Texas is, Texas is Friendly..... Texas has been RV Friendly for years. This just isn't Texas Friendly.

Brett, I wish I could remember, that goes back to 50's. Considering being a kid at the time, it took both hands to hold that Burger,,,,I remember it had cole slaw on top. It was not only big at the time, but unusual to me. Never seen one like it since......I have never forgotten the Ding Dong Daddy's or the Hamburger. My dad was in the Marines at the time transferring to CA,,,,,,I know we didn't have a lot of $$$, I'm sure it was a bargain burger. I may have survived off that burger until we reached CA. If you go, and find my Burger, please let us know.

Once upon a long long time ago, comes home today! I remember being the oldest of 6 kids traveling in the backseat of a Henry J or maybe it was the Studebaker, traveling I believe route 66 or we took a road off of route 66, and arriving in Dumas, Texas. Dumas, TX had the biggest Hamburger I ever saw in my life. They also had a sign "The Ding Dong Daddy of Dumas" I never forgot that sign or the Hamburger. I never knew what a Ding Dong Daddy was UNTIL! While in Charleston, SC, I met a gentleman educator from the Dumas area. He later sent me the story about the Ding Dong Daddy I never forgot. Here is the Ledend of the Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas, Texas. LEGEND OF THE DING DONG DADDY What is a Ding Dong Daddy? This is the question most visitors to Dumas, Texas ask after arriving in the county seat city of Moore County, lodged in the top of the Texas Panhandle. Let’s go back to the beginning – First of all, the man who first developed the town was named Louis Dumas and the town was his namesake. This all took place in the late 1880’s as the Texas Panhandle was one of the final areas of the State of Texas to be developed from the raw prairie. In the late 1920’s, a man who was to become a moderately successful bandleader and songwriter, Phil Baxter, chanced upon Dumas. He spent a few weeks in Dumas getting acquainted and after he had a stake continued his journey. Less than a year later Baxter penned the words and tune to a song, which he named “I’m a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas.” The catchy song gained national recognition when Phil Harris, bandleader for the Jack Benny Radio Show, recorded the song and it became the number one pop song in 1948. Right after World War II, Dumas residents began the operations of radio station KDDD. The three “D’s” came from “Ding Dong Daddy, “ and the song became the theme song for the station. Early station manager (and later owner) Ken Duke commissioned an Amarillo commercial artist, Hut Hutson, to create an image of the Ding Dong Daddy. The caricature, complete with radio microphone, was copyrighted by the radio station and used as the station’s trademark. The little “Ding Dong Daddy” became popular, and in the early 1950’s, KDDD loaned the logo to the Dumas Chamber of Commerce for use in promoting Dumas. Plastic pins of the “Daddy” and later his counterpart “Dolly” have been bought by the Chamber and distributed over most of the Free World as proud Dumas residents traveled and handed them out. I just had to share a childhood memory never forgotten that came full circle over 50 years later. Thank you David Henderson for sending me back in time.

Campground Host Position Has Been Filled Amistad National Recreation Area – Governors Landing Campground, Del Rio, Texas If interested, contact Park Ranger Andrew McGahan Email: Andrew_S_McGahan@nps.gov Camp Host RV SITE AMENITIES Full Hookup Paved Camp Host Site with 20/30/50 Amp Electric, Water, Sewer, propane reimbursed, covered Ramada with picnic table, and great views of Lake Amistad. The Camp Host Site is suitable for any size RV. This position requires submission of fingerprints. Any costs relating to background check is reimbursed. The campground has 15 paved Camp Sites with a covered picnic tables and BBQ grills. Generally, the sites are suitable for RVs less than 28 feet. However, there are some sites that can accommodate larger RV's. There is a loop adequate for larger RV's with Toads to maneuver within the camp area. Governors’ Landing is the only NPS campground at Amistad with potable water. The closest dump station is located about 3 miles, at Diablo East. Responsible for performing daily morning and nightly rounds, host a weekly Cowboy Coffee Program with Park Ranger. Single or Couples work a total of 28-32 hours per week, with 2 designated days off, and a very flexible schedule. There is only one Host assigned to Governors Landing. Greet campers and assist them in camping or park related matters. Maintain a current log of campers in the Campground. Amistad Volunteers are subject to a basic background check including fingerprints at no cost to the Volunteer. Park Rangers are excellent to work with, and make rounds regularly. COMMUNICATIONS ATT Cell Phone signal is outstanding with 5 bars. Excellent internet access with ATT USB air card Satellite signal is easily accessible with fixed or portable dish. If anyone has any additional questions, please let me know or contact Ranger McGahan.

Todd Moning,,,, Just a side note and public Thanks. Todd recently helped me resolve a Blog issue. Talk about responsive. It seems almost as soon as I sent the message to the web administrator, I immediately received a request for additional info, and the issue was resolved very quickly. Todd, Just simply, Thank you for the work you do. Now, I'm not blowing smoke, sometimes a public thank you is well deserved, as in this case. John

It's erratic. Sometimes I will be logged in for a day or two, sometimes I have to log in a couple times within a 24 hour period. The site does retain my pw, so it takes about 3 clicks to get to the new content on the forum.... 1 click on sign in 2 click on forum 3 click on new content I only use 2 other forums, and I remain logged in for ever.....

Partial/additional info added in bold

I wanted portability, and to be able to use a braking system in more than one vehicle. I use the Brake Buddy Classic, 3 years, and doing what it should without any problems. It works for me with the Blue Ox Aventa

This morning when opening the storage bay, I found this surprise: All reports indicate that the bandit is back home and doing well. I didn't know the Motorhome came with this option.

I installed a small accumulator tank in an older RV, and it solved my surging noise problems. However, it did occasionally surge when using water for an extended time, but it was adequate for my use. I'm not advocatiing amazon, just did a search to find the tank. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=shurflo+accumulator&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3841532571&ref=pd_sl_vsowb47je_b

This is an update and followup of a post which was originally posted in November 2010. How to get started as an RV Volunteer? The below information has resources that will help answer that question! The type of information I value when searching for RV Volunteer locations, includes; RV Volunteer Site Amenities to include 30/50 amp, water, and sewer. Normally, this type of information is not easily located without direct contact with an individual Park. It has taken over a year to consolidate RV Volunteer Sites and Amenities information by personal contact with NPS Staff; to identify NPS locations that Have RV Volunteer Sites and those that Do Not have RV Volunteer sites. This consolidation of information includes over 300 NPS locations. The information is available on the National Park Service Volunteer In Parks Network (NPSVIP), which is a free National Park Service sponsored site. The NPSVIP Network is designed for intereraction and the sharing of information between Volunteer Managers, Volunteers, and Friends of Volunteers. It is not a discussion forum, however, it is designed to allow members to easily share information. The NPSVIP Network requres registration. I have not had any issues with the site since becoming a member and creating an RV Volunteers In Park (RVVIP) Group in September 2010, which is totally a volunteer endeavor. The NPS Areawide Volunteer Coordinator that Administrators the site is a National Park Service Employee. The site does not have commercial advertising, soliciting, etc. Access is made available for Volunteers to obtain NPS items from a sponsored NPS non profit association Book Store and Gift shop. NPS Historic Sites and Parks are creating Social Media Sites on twitter, facebook, etc. NPS Park Rangers are being assigned as Media Rangers to setup, administer and monitor social media sites for their specific Historic Site or Park. Folks interested in having access to RV Volunteer Site Information as well as other Volunteer Information can access the NPSVIP Network here: http://npsvipnetwork...msg_mes_network If folks are looking for an alternative to paid work camping positions, and their Volunteer time is not about money, then RV Volunteering may be a great Option. A study of Volunteer Work for the NPS was determined to be worth approximately $20.00 an hour to the National Park Service. Working hours vary from Location to Location and can range from as little as 16 hours per week to 40 hours per week for singles and couples. The Perks other than being provided a FHU Site vary from location to location which are described on the RVVIP Group Page. There is one Perk that can not be adequately described; that is, the experience of the experience. Addendum: With the help of other members of RVVIP, information is in the process of being consolidated on RV Volunteer Locations, Sites and Amenities for US Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, State and County Parks throughout the United States. I hope this followup information is of interest and helpful to those who have thought about RV Volunteering, but didn't know where to start. Disclaimer: NPSVIP Network is non-commercial. The beneficiary is the National Park Service. My involvement and others is totally Voluntary. There isn't any fudicial gain by RV Volunteers.

That type of information can be very helpful to folks. You may want to consider posting it here also: http://rvservicereviews.com/

I have not had to use Coachnet, but won't go anywhere without them. For Tech Advice: I carry phone numbers for the Manufacturers Tech Rep, and on two occasions, they spent a couple hours on the phone walking me through issues, tests, etc., and with their help resolved the problems. I also carry the phone number for the Manufacturers Parts Department. On two occasions, there was not an RV parts dept close and they shipped the part out and received them within 2 days. One part was significantly less expensive to obtain form the manufacturer than a local parts dept and ordered it from the manufacturer. They're parts department has been reasonable and efficient. I recently had work completed at the factory that was out of warranty. However, they accepted my extended warranty coverage. Went to my desitination, and 3 months later, the same problem began. Called Tech Rep, and they sent me an additional $200 part without cost to fix the problem. I keep telephone numbers to all products installed in the Motorhome, splendide, etc. If and when I have an issue, that's my first call unless its after hours or a weekend. Then I may try a non-product Tech Rep. Generally, no one knows products better than the manufacturer. When you look at the expense of maintaining/repairing a MH, I want the best tech advice I can find. Safe Highways.

Department of Interior Shutdown INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS ABOUT A POTENTIAL LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS “We still believe that there is the opportunity for Congress to avoid a government shutdown, but are working to prepare for all possible scenarios. “Visitors and potential visitors to national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands should be advised that, in the event of a government shutdown, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management will close and secure park, refuge and visitor facilities on public lands. “Visitor activities that require a permit, including public events, will not be allowed or will be cancelled or postponed. Visitor centers will be closed and access to park areas denied, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Independence Hall, Alcatraz, and the Washington Monument. Visitors using overnight concession accommodations and campgrounds will be notified and given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements. The National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and some Bureau of Land Management roads will be closed except when they are necessary as thruways. “Limited personnel needed to protect life and property on public lands, such as law enforcement, emergency services and firefighting personnel, will be exempted from furlough. Some administrative offices for the bureaus will be minimally staffed and many will be closed. Ordinary business of these bureaus will be extremely curtailed. “The land management agencies will be providing additional information to the public as they finalize their contingency plans.”

Recently had the same problem while having wipers fixed by Manufacturer. I also tightened the ac bolts, but did not work either. Don't know what brand MH you have, but you may want to check this first:, easy fix. Our AC has drain holes for the water to flow out to the roof. The Tiffin Tech, removed the ac schroud, used a wire to clean the clogged drains, where the AC meets the roof. No More Leaks inside. An accumulation of dirt, etc, can clog the drain holes. Anyway, fixed my problem. Next time it happens, I can fix it myself. Took him about 15 minutes.

150th Anniversary of the Civil War Commemorations (2011-2015)

Opening dates for Cape Lookout National Seashore for those interested in visiting. "We open visitor facilities (VIP operated) usually in April. Here are this year's dates: Light Station Visitor Center and Keepers' Quarters Museum: March 31 Portsmouth Village: April 4 Great Island and Long Point Camps: March 28 Richard Meissner, Volunteer Coordinator Cape Lookout National Seashore 131 Charles Street Harkers Island, North Carolina 28531 (252) 728-2250 Ext. 3008" Cape Lookout Naitonal Seashore

I just received the below information as a result of a personal project I have been working on since September; collecting information on NPS Locations that have RV Volunteer Sites/Amenities. Subject: Re: From NPS.gov: RV Volunteer Sites/Amenities TODAY Gateway changed its policy on RV use. We will be creating places at our campgrounds in Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn for RVs. Still no hookups or amenities, nor do I expect them to happen, but we will at least have space! John Harlan Warren GATE Public Affairs Work: 718-354-4608 Boondocking in Brooklyn. May be an Aviators idea of Heaven. For more information, contact John Warren. Floyd Bennett Field

Thought others might find this site helpful: America's State Parks

Big Bend National Park Campgrounds. The above link will give you some info on the BB NPS Campgrounds. There are 2 road entrances into the Park. If you come in from the North through Marathon, which most folks do coming from the north or east, after entering the entrance station is a Visitors Center, they will have detailed information on the campgrounds, and availability at the RG Village and Castolon. About 25 miles from the entrance station is BB Headquarters and another visitors center which will also have campground availability posted. RV Village has a full hookup, parking lot style RV Sites, operated by a concession. Also, RGV has an NPS Campground without hookups with an areas set aside for generator and non-generator sites. Potable water and dump station is available. Restrooms are also available, but no shower facilities or hot water. RG V has about 100 sites, with large rig parking available. RGV is about 20 miles from Park Headquarters. Castolon is even more rustic, no generator use is allowed at Cottonwood Campground in Castolon. Pit Toilets, and potable water is available. No Shower facilities. Cottonwood has 24 camp sites, with sites that allow large rig parking. Castolon is about 40+ miles from Park Headquaters. There is a small convenience store at both locations. RGV has free wifi at the store, propane and gas station. There is a small grocery in Study Butte outside the west entrance of the park, and at least a 2 hour drive to Alpine/Presidio both have a thrifway grocery store. Plan on attending Ranger Programs, they will greatly enhance the quality of your visit. General Public Scheduled Ranger led programs are Free. You will discover that you will become interested in topis in which you had no interest. They do a great job. Chisos Basin, has a lodge and resturant with free wifi, visitors center and convenient store. Have fun.

Big Bend National Park = BIBE Go to this link type in bibe in the search. Go to any National Park listed and the acronym will be in the http: address. National Park Service Old habits are hard to break. Thanks for asking.

I have used a Brake Buddy for over a year, and have not had any issues with the seat. I take my time when setting up for towing, so I don't miss any steps or forget anything. I check things twice just and my DW watches the first few turns of the wheels to make sure everything looks ok, and no unusual noises from anywhere.

BIBE has the most comprehensive volunteer training program I have seen or attended to date. New Park Rangers and Volunteers attend the same 2 week orientation. Some of the training sessions can be strenuous, however, folks can opt out of those sessions. Monday 8:00 am Welcome/Training Overview/Park Organization 8:30 am Logistics/Tour of HQ 9:15 am Break 9:30 am Keys, Security Codes, IT course info 10:00 am Recycling Program 10:15am Tour of Panther Junction Noon Lunch on your own 1:00 pm Tour of the Basin 3:30 pm VIP program, Uniforms, Complete paperwork Tuesday 8:00 am Welcome from the Superintendent & Meet the Chiefs – Interpretation, Science and Resource Management, Administration, Resource and Visitor Protection, Maintenance, Border Patrol 9:15 am Cultural Resources 10:15 am Break 10:30 am Trails 10:40 am Dispatch 10:50 am Fire 11:00 am River Cache/River Trip orientation noon Lunch on your own (at Lodge, store, or picnic) 1:00 pm Lions & Bears – includes hike on Lost Mine Trail (about 2 miles round-trip, mild elev. gain) Wednesday 8:00 am “Making Connections†- Interpretation (breaks as needed) 11:00 am Nuts & Bolts of Interpretation noon Lunch on your own 1:00 pm Nuts & Bolts of Interpretation (continued) 2:30 pm Guided Walk Observation – Field Trip Thursday 8:00 am Geology and Paleontology Field Trip Friday and Saturday 8:00 am River Trip Sunday Relax and enjoy your day off! Monday 8:00 am South Rim Hike – Field Trip 12-mile hike with 2,000’ elevation gain Bring water, lunch, and personal items as desired Tuesday 8:00 am Fee collection, campground reservation system 9:00 am Break 9:15 am Plants 10:30 am Birds Noon Lunch 1:00 pm Old Ore Road – Field Trip 1/2 Day Wednesday 8:00 am Cultural History – Field Trip noon Lunch on your own 1:00 Big Bend Natural History Association 1:30 Big Bend Ranch State Park 2:00 pm Backcountry Permits (Roadside and backpacking) Thursday 8:00 am Rio Grande Village area orientation – Field Trip Picnic lunch @ Daniels Ranch Friday 8:00 am Backcountry Permits (River, horse, and fishing) 11:00 Break 11:15 Forever Resorts noon Lunch on your own 1:00 pm Final Exam 3:30 pm Wrap-up; Course evaluation