Pets
Dog-Hitching System
Knot-a-Hitch
Fido might love roaming all over the RV campground, but you know that’s not feasible. Knot-a-Hitch, from Ruffwear, keeps him close by while still allowing a measure of freedom. The campsite dog-hitching system can be secured around two trees or a single post using a kernmantle rope (made with a woven exterior sheath that protects the internal core). Knot-a-Hitch utilizes a tensioning system inspired by the auto-lock techniques used by climbers. The system comes with a stow bag that also acts as a flag on the line for increased visibility. The suggested retail price of Knot-a-Hitch is $59.95.
Ruffwear
(888) 783-3932
www.ruffwear.com
App File
Birding Field Guides
How do you distinguish among the dizzying number of our fine feathered friends? These apps can help.
The Audubon Bird Guide App offers in-depth descriptions of appearance, habitat, behavior, and more for 821 species. You can browse for birds by shape, region, and color, and peruse more than 3,200 images. You also can listen to up to eight hours of bird sounds, differentiated by region and season. Wondering whether a specific bird, such as a bald eagle, has been spotted in your area? Use the “Find Birds with eBird” feature. Free for iOS and Android devices from the App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon Appstore. www.audubon.org/apps.
Merlin Bird ID, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is for beginning and intermediate bird watchers. Answer five questions about a bird you are trying to identify and the app will offer possible matches. Or, take a photo of a bird and Merlin Photo ID will produce a short list of possibilities. Free for iOS and Android devices from the App Store and Google Play Store. http://merlin.allaboutbirds.org.
The Sibley e-Guide to Birds App is a comprehensive guide to North American birds and includes more than 6,600 images, 800 range maps, and songs and calls of nearly every species. The price is $19.99, with versions available for iOS, Android, and other devices. For iPhone and iPod, you can try the Lite version (with 30 species) for free at iTunes. www.sibleyguides.com/about/the-sibley-eguide-to-birds-app.
Fit Tips
FMCA members share how they keep fit while RVing.
PowerBlock
It is recommended that you do aerobic exercises, weight training, and stretching. For aerobics, I jog, although walking is great. Jogging or walking requires little equipment, and you get to see the area. For weight training, I bring my PowerBlock Sport adjustable dumbbell set (www.powerblock.com). The set takes up very little room, and it adjusts from 3 to 24 pounds in 3-pound increments. I use the set primarily for my arms. For stretching, I do some yoga movements. You can use a yoga mat; I just work on top of the rug in my RV. These three disciplines keep me fit while I am on the road.
Nancy Crowley, F430841
Hurricane, Utah
We have been RVing for more than 45 years and have been full-timing since 2001 — loving every minute of it! In the beginning, we used to do things with the kids, such as hiking and biking. We still do these activities to a point, along with walking. But now, we have a new way to stay fit: Thanks to Silver Sneakers, we are able to work out in a gym most anywhere we travel! And there is no cost to us. What a wonderful way to enjoy this great benefit of our insurance while traveling across the country.
Eric & Bernadette Berland, F270976
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Editor’s note: Silver Sneakers is a free or low-cost fitness program for individuals age 65+, which has been in existence for 25 years. The program is offered free through qualifying health plans. Enrollees obtain unlimited access to participating gyms and fitness centers in the Silver Sneakers network, which is estimated at more than 14,000 locations. Amenities include the use of treadmills, pools, weights, and more. Participants also have access to fitness classes led by certified instructors in various locations. Visit www.silversneakers.com for more information.
Travel Tip
Bacon By The Slice
If you like bacon but don’t want to cook the entire package at one time, buy the thick-cut type and try this. Separate the slices, roll them up individually, and place the slices in a freezer bag. Freeze. You can take out only what you need for a meal. Microwave the
frozen pieces for 1 minute to thaw, and they are ready to cook. This also saves space.
Thomas & Kathleen Quinlan, F342746
Crestview, Florida
Campground Spotlight
Devils Tower KOA, Devils Tower, Wyoming
Devils Tower, the first U.S. national monument, is visible from Devils Tower KOA.
Settle back and relax along the banks of the beautiful Belle Fourche River at this KOA, where all sites have a view of Devils Tower National Monument. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a general store, laundry facilities, a snack shop, a full-service restaurant, bike rentals, a fenced dog run, a swimming pool, fishing, and a pavilion.
Activities abound. Parts of the movie Close Encounters Of The Third Kind were shot at the monument; to commemorate this, the film is shown nightly at the campground. Stargazing and wildlife viewing are encouraged, and a hayride through the historic Campstool Ranch is also offered nightly.
The KOA is one hour from Gillette, Wyoming, where FMCA’s 98th International Convention & RV Expo will be held July 18-21. The campground is open May 14-October 15. For reservations, call (800) 562-5785; more info: (307) 467-5395; www.koa.com/campgrounds/devils-tower/.