Camp Kamp

Today is our first official day as full-time RVers.  Although we have been staying in the coach for the last two weeks while we packed up the house, it really didn't feel official until last night when we turned in the keys and left with the last two car-loads of 'stuff'. Those days of working all day and packing the house at night and heading to the coach just to sleep are thankfully behind us.

Are we crazy to give up 2000 sq feet for a 40ft motorhome with 2 slides?  We'll let you know.  We both still have our full time jobs, so we aren't traditional full-timers in the sense that we can't just go exploring as we would like.   What we realized however, was that when we were in the RV, we hated to go home.  The only parts of the house were were using was the kitchen, family room and bedroom.  We had all that in the coach.  Our lease was up, and we couldn't another house we really liked, so we decided to just go for it.  If we hate it, we'll find another house, but not really worried about that.

All I can tell you is that today has been soooooo relaxing.  We're on a beautiful private lot.  It's quiet and peaceful and it has been a great day doing all the 'setltling in' things and putting the last of things away.  The best part is, we didn't have to go home after a great Sunday in the RV.  We were already home!

Just made reservations with Kieth @ Dave's Resort.  Sounds like it could be lots of fun.  Not many hook ups avail.  first come First served.

Larry and Steve

RT (my RoadTrek) and I have reservations on the July 31st ferry from Prince Rupert, BC to Skagway, AK. Previously we have covered most of the lower 48, except the northeast. This will be the first trip north and the first out of the country.  Over the years I have camped and RVed through most of Europe as well as Japan, Australia and New Zealand. I'm excited about finally making it to state number fifty.

I'd welcome any suggestions on what to see/do on this trip from RRVers.

What Fun. The event wet off well. This was one of the events where it was truly a group effort.  My highlight was the Italian dinner.  I know the forums were buzzing with us boasting about serving 300 folks in under 25 minutes but it was all fun. I often fear referring to members as a number  but it is cool that a group of 300 friends can come together and self organize 8 social gatherings in a weekend. Tim and I stayed in camp the entire weekend but we never felt captive to the responsibility.  It was simply a bunch of Fun.

We arrived at  the Park on Thursday  with Glenn Morris and  Ron. Shortly after we made it there, the crew from Bigtop Tents showed up to set up two party tents.  We have in the past priced purchasing party tents for the club but I think not. The crew of 5 took almost 3 hours to set up and the same time on Monday to deconstruct.  There was not much for us to do on Thursday so we relaxed with the may early bird members who arrived from states as far as Minnesota.   Glenn&Ron , Jim&Chuck and  Tim&I Had dinner in the Casino Thursday Night. Great Food, Great Conversation And a wonderful surprise treat.

Friday morning Tim pushed me out of bed at 5:30 to start some coffee. Tim keeps a spreadsheet of quantities for future planning and budgeting so I knew not to sneak a bagel or scoop too much coffee into the 60 cup makers.  Over the last 6 years morning coffee and beagles have become a favorite for members to plan their day and meet new members.  Typically everyone starts working the toasters around 7:30am but this crowd was full of early risers and we we having fun and laughing together at 6am.  Victorville Motors one of our club sponsors set up Valentine gifts for welcome treats to arriving members and we moved our attention from the Coffee pots to the Check in Pool area.

We had anticipated long lines of rv's and set up a plan to move some members to their sites with a request that they walk back to the centrally located check in at their convenience.  This seemed to work well because rarely were there any more than 6 rigs parked at the office waiting to check in and start the weekend.  Glenn and Ron kept things rolling along and proved to make sure members fond their way.  Tim did his Wine County offering with a bottle to each rig. I am not a wine connoisseur but I herd a member say that the wine was Chateau' Latrine? that takes me back to Rutgers 1984.

Friday night club members gathered at the community room and tents for a Meet and Greet. We set this meet and Greet up just like a cocktail party and tried not to create a flow or potluck line.  I like the way this system went off at Beth and Elias Borrego 2011 event and am glad we repeated it.  This kept members on their feet and the atmosphere was like a Hollywood A list Party.  Gathering members together is a core objective of these events.  Booze and food are often the excuse but the intention is always conversation and fellowship.  Pechanga2012 Meet and Greet was a perfect BYO Cocktail party.  I met several new members

It has been awhile since I blogged on RainbowBlog. I sit down to write but end up working on other parts of the site then surf too long to write good content.  What I decided to do is just Blog when I feel like and often.  Blogs are personal and only open to subscribed members of the site. and what the hell, like any RainbowBlogger,  I can edit the words I don't want to eat.

Tim and I are winding down the third year at the helm of RainbowRV.  Members often ask if we thought it would be different or less of an effort?  I remind them that Tim is one of those 'All out - All or Nothing' types and I am his biggest supporter.  We have worked together 24 7 for the last 23 years  as self employed Contractors.  You can imagine  in all those years  we have enjoyed  ups, and endured  downs. Tim has an encouraging way to help us also enjoy  the realtime success in picking ourselves up.  He is motivated and our endeavors with the club have never been dull.  We always understood  stewardship would be an  arduous effort and  realized we were 'ducks out of water' so there was a learning curve but our history together proved most  endeavors worth the experience.  Different? I had no expectation.. Less Effort? Learning is an effort I enjoy. Image of old rv is from the origional rainbowrv website

Tim and I love Rainbow RV events and look forward to Riverside Mission Inn Christmas KampTrip.  We planned and saved to attend the Florida December event with Chip but  issues with family force us to stay close and ready to respond to the drama we have going on with our personal lives here in California.  Florida Chapter of Rainbow RV is much like California where the group is large but split up due to the distance between members.  Our chapter Rep Chip has work tirelessly keeping the group active and together.  Like my Tim, Chip is motivated and one of those 'All or Nothing' types.    Chip also gives me motivational talks ,kind words and professional insite dealing with my mothers changing health.  I'm lucky to have Tim and Chip for candid talks.

OK... Mush Mush Mush ,now for  fun past stuff and KampDish

CAPismo2011..... What a blast. there were 250 members and over 120 rigs. Tim and I arrived several days early and dry camped at the state park ($25.00) a night.  We moved into Pismo Coast Village on a Wednesday  and set up Tim's new Wall of lights. The things he dreams up. 70 foot long and 16 foot High. The display took 8 people to put up. Milton, John, Don Dennis, Tim, two passers by and I erected the structure and threw the switch for what turned out to be a show stopper.  Tim hosted a Dog Drag show. Steve, Craig, Jim and Tony did the Bingo.  There were two potlucks, several trophy competitions and great early morning coffee gatherings.  I wish there was a way to centralize the meeting area but all in all ,anyplace members camped was not too far of a walk. Check out the images in members photo albums

The particularity of this Campground besides all the services it offers like 50 amps, pull thrus, inside swimming pool, wood fired sauna, whirlpool, game rooms, 18 feet screen, pot luck dinners , the 2 ponds, fishing, (I caught 5 bass) and the list could continue...is the fact that it is a gay clothing optional  heaven.
We were supposed to stay there a week, we are now in our third week.
The management is exceptional, friendly and they maintain the premises spotlessly clean.
Will add some pictures soon

Does anyone know about Red Beach Camping grounds?  It is located on Camp Pendleton. For a fee of $60.00 you can register to join and camp all year round, that is when it is open.  The military train their, but when they are not training, they open it to civilians.  It is right on the beach or the bluff if you choose.  I would like to go soon, are there any others who would like to go?  Hit me up.

Angela

Buying a RV and finding ourselves  in the first month few hundred miles offshore on a group of islands is to say the least unexpected!
We want to explore North America and decided that we would travel as far East as we could to start with. We were not disapointed,  where can you find so close to home hundred of miles of sandy beaches, the only drawback is the inconvenience of taking a 5:50 hours ferry ride to get there but its worth it. 4 small villages, quaint fishermen houses, very friendly people and what to say of the fresh lobsters and the abundance of seafood.
verything that is good has an end, leaving tomorrow for the mainland hoping to be in Maine beginning of August
For those that could be interested in following our whereabouts, just click on the following link: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0SrJVD4qLDY2aq8abCh3AJeAITqnMy7br

Hello Rainbow RV members. Ken and Mike have a 2004 Bigfoot class C, any other Bigfoot owners out there?

Had a great time with everyone at Parkers this 4th of July. Great movies and lots of visiting. All went well with Myrtle, she towed like a champ. With the exception of a little knife accident (thank you Jerry for patching me up) all went well.

Hi! It's Chris of Pet Dental Works.  This weekend I will once again be performing non-anesthetic dentals at the Tucolata Springs campground.  If you haven't read my blog postings from last February that describes veterinary oral disease and describes the dental procedure, take a look if you have the time! Lots of information there!

I will remind you that the non-anesthetic dental procedure should be performed twice a year - so those pets that had dentals last Feb. at Pechanga are now again due for the procedure!  This upcoming trip will be the last trip with Rainbow RV that Delanie and I will take with the group until this fall sometime, so if you're considering having your pet's teeth cleaned, this weekend is the best time to accomplish that!  Give  me a call at 949-350-6464 to schedule an appointment - I'll be happy to take a look to see if your pet is a candidate for my procedure - and we'll be in site A22 this coming weekend.  I will try to do most dentals on Friday all day and Saturday in the morning.  We will arrive late on Thursday.  Alternately, just drop by if that suits you! 

I know a very good dog trainer in Orange County, Mary Jensen.  She wrote a very good article on recognizing pet bite warning signs and tips on how to avoid bites.  I'd like to share some of that info with you here:

LOOK FOR PET BITE WARNING SIGNS LIKE:

HAIR UP - Means the pet is either scared or aggressive.  Where is the hair up?  If the pet's hair is up at the tip of the neck and base of the tail only, the pet is scared.  If the pet's hair is all the way up across the whole back, growling or bearing teeth, the pet is aggressive.

First RV Trip- Day One

Picking up the RV and heading out on my first trip

Friday, June 17 –Statesville NC

Hi every one,

We have made it to our first ever Camping Site.
Our RV is now our only home.
Wayne was a bit nervous driving our baby but did it well.
Have to find a technician to activate properly our Explorer satellite dish.
The technician from Shaw refused to install our decoders pretending that they can do it only on stationary motorhomes. What a joke that is!
We have bought a SPOT and will enter on here the link to follow us for the ones that could be interested to know.
Ourselves we are interested to meet members of Rainbow RV Club  where we will be travelling and if mutually enjoyable travel together part of the way.
Hope to hear from you

Hi Everyone,

We try to have an outing every month, but sometimes it doesn't work out so on these days we go to A local County Park Evey morning that's less then A mile away from home. We go around 5AM which allows me to let the dogs get there exercise off the leash and they won't become distracted by other people or dog.  (:P)= I' m not much of a runner theses days so no distractions is good with me.




Russ and Katy morning Walk



Katy trying to keep up with Russ



Russ is a lean mean running machine.


Retirement is grate, but you have to keep busy/Jerry

Unfortunately guys we have to sell the big girl. Too many things going on with our new family.

If anyone is interested;

I have it listed 

https://post.craigslist.org/manage/2428920257

as i am sure you know it's showroom condition!

Most people that I have shared this story with think we are crazy! But I am sure, you, my fellow RV lovers will think it's a grand plan. My wife Susan and I are taking 5 of our 7 sons across the country for 8 weeks in our 29 ft. Class C Jayco Greyhawk RV. We will leave California, spend time in Texas, Florida, Maryland and exploring the Northeast United States. I am figuring we will drive about 7500 miles and pass through at least 18 states. Okay, now that I write this perhaps we are a little crazy!

All ready for the summer season.Come and visit The Southern Oregon Coast . Gold Beach RV Park is a small park in Gold Beach. www.goldbeachrvpark.com Hope to see you soon.

 There were over 200 members in Temecula for the  Valentines event.  Heith, Daniel, Steve and Craig kept busy organizing activities one after another.  The great thing about such a large crowd was every activity was attended to by a good fresh group of folks. 

Friday Night Potluck  then, LRC till Midnight.  Saturday morning Breakfast, Seminars, noon time Hotdog Lunch, Big event Potluck, Avitar Movie night hosted by the Corona Boys then another round of LRC till midnight. Sunday morning Breakfast Hotdog Lunch, Games, Games, Games Puzzles, fun fun Hiking with ScottC Then a sit-down Italian feast served by our host couples to celebrate 1,318 years of Valentines . I was shocked when Daniel and Steve made it back to the kitchen to brew up the last round of continental breakfast goodies for Monday mornings departure.

Steve and Craig serving Hotdog Lunch

Tim and I never made it out of Camp except for on trip I took with my good friend Kathy to visit my Mom who lives close to the Casino.  I want to thank Heith and Daniel for lending me their Caddy so I didnt have to show up to her condo in the RainbowVan.  

I dint get too many photos but I am sure Carl did. here is one photo of the stressful LRC event

Many of you have good questions about the non-anesthetic dental procedure.  I'll describe that here, as well as give you tips on how best to care for your pet's teeth at home.  We all want to do what's best for our pets, and a little education and guidance goes a long way! 

The dental procedure:

Before we start, I need to know the basic health history of the pet.  I have a health status form for you to fill out that alerts me to any pre-existing conditions or injuries I should be aware of.   I will want to know if your pet is on medications currently and why.  After that, it's just me and the pet.  Rarely is it a good idea for the owner to be present for the dental procedure, as the pet wants only to be "saved" by mommy of daddy, or picks up nervousness from the owner, and consequently, also becomes nervous.  So off you go, and I'm free to begin the dental.

I first wrap small pets in a towel, like a little papoose, and sit on the floor with the pet in my lap.  Taking the mobility away from the dog or cat is important; they figure out they aren't going anywhere and usually just decide to cooperate.  Dogs larger than a cocker spaniel don't need a wrap - I sit with them on the floor and basically have them in a position that is comfortable to them - lying on their right hip and front paws outstretched.  I put none of my weight on them, but they pretty much can't get up.  It's a good position to learn if you have trouble cleaning ears or putting in eye drops, etc.  I'll be happy to show it to you if you want to learn it.

I do an oral exam before beginning the procedure.  If I find a condition beyond my scope of work, like necessary extractions, or other signs of severe periodontal disease that must be addressed under anesthesia, I will stop and show you the problems and you can discuss that with your vet.  Think of it just like you going to your dentist.  You go in for teeth cleaning; other times you need a cavity filled or a crown, etc., which is much more involved that the teeth cleaning.  It's the same here.  I'm just cleaning the teeth.

Hello again !

Now I'd like to give you a few tips to determine the condition of your pet's oral health.  First of all, taking a look at your pet's teeth should be a cooperative effort!  No wrestling matches needed to take a peek!  Cats are a bit tougher to examine than dogs -use lots of praise and  just don't get bit!!  Ok,here we go!

At a nice, calm time, just gently lift your pet's lip to expose the teeth and gums.  Look all the way back to the molar area, paying close attention to not only the teeth, but also the color of the gums.  A yellowish-brown film or crust on the tooth surface is tartar build-up.  Tartar is, basically, a bacteria build-up.  Frequently, the tartar is heavier directly at the gum line.  This tarter build-up causes gingivitis - the redness and swelling of the gum tissue.  The gum is reacting to the bacteria - which is causing the minor infection of the gum.  It's common to see a thin red line of gingivitis on the gum line - this indicates a need for a teeth cleaning.

You will also notice a foul mouth odor - this "doggie breath" is due to the bacteria present in the pet's mouth. These oral conditions are reversible. A non-anesthetic dental procedure will clean away the tartar build-up, and the gums will return to a healthy pink color, rather than the irritated red inflamation currently visible.

Look back at the molar area - the tartar build-up often will be worse here.  Is one side significantly more inflamed or have heavier tartar?  This means, usually, we will find something troubling the pet on that side of the mouth, so chewing is done on the opposite side.  We humans do the same thing!  Usually, I find a loose or broken tooth, or gingivitis advanced enough to cause pain in chewing and gum recession on that side of the mouth.