Camp Kamp

Hi! This is Chris, my partner Delanie & I met many of you on our first Rainbow RV event last October at the Palm Springs pride event.  I'll be writing a few tips on pet oral health care in the upcoming week.  Let's start with an overview of oral health problems in dogs and cats:

By the age of 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Let's just average that out to 75% for convenience sake.  That is 3 of every 4 pets -  affected with oral health problems.  The sad statistic: of those pets needing dental care, only 3% get treatment!  That's according to Pfizer Animal Health, a leading manufacturer/supplier of animal health products.

Why is this so?  Simply put, it's because most veterinarians do not practice preventive dental care for their patients.  The tide is slowly turning, as more vets recognize that dental disease if by far the most prevalent malady suffered by the pets they serve.  Some pet hospitals are able to perform advanced dental procedures, such as dental x-rays, or tooth repair, but most disregard dental health until the pet is in a state of significant peroidontal disease.  This often requires tooth extraction, deep pocket cleaning, and a resulting condition of the mouth that is irreversible.  We can't cure peridontal disease; we can attempt to maintain the oral condition and significantly slow the progress of the disease.

So prevention is the best medicine!  The goal is to keep the pet's mouth healthy, and drastically delay or eliminate the onset pf periodontal disease.  This results in a much happier, healthier pet, free of mouth pain and adding, on average, 2 to 3 years to it's life expectancy!  My next entry, I'll write about the various ways we can accomplish that!

Tim and I completed our annual pilgrimage to Quartzsite.  6 years ago we were invited to go to that stretch of the Arizona Desert to drycamp with our straight (90%) RV brand group.  We had a great time and like anyone's first impression we were in awl of the numbers of rv's that showed up.  That was 2005.  It wasn't until 07 that we even herd there was a gay rendezvous area.  In 07 we counted 14 rigs.   08 we once again drove thru and noticed only a few more were there. 

In 2010 Tim  posted the event to the RainbowRV calendar , members promoted the gathering via  ;facebook ;Twitter ;Dig and Tim hit the  email Blasts hard.  This year there were almost 100 Gay and Lesbian Rigs at the gathering.   The event has a 16 year history  with RainbowRv I am told but we were never able to learn the origins of the gathering.  It kind of matters to me because I want to build a club and event history to maintain the appreciation to the folks that make the effort to bring us all together.   

The event has grown too large for one circle. Only the early group was able to be inner circle and the big camp fire ended up standing members 3 deep.  This year we adopted the mini adjunct  circle configuration of 'RainbowRV of Arizona'  and made smaller camps with several fires and social gatherings.  The layout may need some design work for next year but I think it worked well to maintain the warmth, and social ease.  I will open a National forum thread on planning Q2012 to help maintain the ease impromptu feel but remove the unorganized understated confusion that may come with next years expected 130 rigs.

Tim and I were able to run our quads with Tony and Eric. We didnt make it to the Tents this year but thats ok our bay is full of too much prior years RV junk. 

all the white structures are Rv's drycamping 100,000 rv's I am told and only about 40 hosebibs. We showed up with 110 gallons and went home with a good 50. lines are too long to flush and fill

Tim and I had a great weekend  at California central coast.  We made our way to the coast on Thursday night but were not able to get into the campground in time to register.   We dry camped along the coast off of  the sea cliff drive exit .  They use the honor system where you drop your money in a envelope with the parking space number on it.  Tim cooked us up some BBQ chicken on our portable grill  while I took our Scottie dog Molly for a walk. 

Friday morning was bright and clear but we didn’t want to hit the road until morning traffic settled. One more walk on the beach and three cups of coffee later we were back on interstate 101 and headed for Pismo

.

Tim and I went to Emerald Desert Resort to visit with Friends that meet and or crossed paths at the popular resort.  I think there were 18 or 20 Rainbowrv'ers there but most were off to local attractions when we arrived and we only got to catch up with several folks.  Molly & Nancy Bob & Bob, Rubie, Tom ,Mike &  Tom, Gordo & Chuck, Don & Chuck  Don and Tim, Tom and Eric, and Buck and Jeff  ; oh yea us, Tim & Greg.

 as night darkened and new year approached Tom treated us  to 4 propane camp fires and endless bottles of Champagne as we rung in the NewYork New Years. Rubie belted out a pleasant rendition of Auld Lang Syne  , BobB filled us in on the songs origins,  Molly and Nancy set up a complete feast with everything from soup to nuts.  OffRoad-Tom was winner of the  prior event Christmas Ugly sweater  contest but I began to wonder if the sweater was his normal attire??

Well PhotoBucket has turned out to be a waste.
I could not figure out how to get to the pictures as a visitor.
SO I created a website
Rainbowrvphoto.com
the java script on the first page is very slow.
maybe some can tell me how to correct that.
use the members button on the first page which goes to a page with one selection for today of ugly sweaters.

Any one who has pictures and would like to have them on this website contact me:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.put rainbow RV in the subject line
thanks
Carl

Tim and I went to Borrego Springs this weekend with about 40 members.  Our event host was ScottC . what a great time we had. 

Borego Springs is a small out of the way town in the Anza borrego desert of Southern California.  Beth and Elia host a March event there when the deseret is in bloom but this Christmas event is also a great time to visit the area and get out for a hike and some 4x4 offroad adventures.  

Friday night we got there just as the sun was setting.  We intended to be there around Noon but spent the morning in Tims office planning the Temecula WineCountry event and worked out last minutes details for Novembers Gay Pride in PalmSprings.  To our disappointment we were to late to join the group on a sunset jeep run but we were able to take advantage of the great vistas from the campground as the red sky lit up the entire valley and gave way to a full moon.

Friday meet and Greet is one of my favorite treats. For the most part you can always count on making the hors d'oeuvre  a meal and this event proved no exception. 

There were about 6 new members and they fit right in.  the new gals added to the fun and kept us cracking up later during the Saturday gift exchange.  Jeffery the gift master coaked members to not only pick treasures hidden behind gift wrap, He egged us on to first check out the unwrapped gifts then trade your chance at a wrapped jewel with that gifts new owner.  Sounds confusing but in the end we went home with great gifts and memories.

I was wondering if there is a clothing optional gay RV park in Washington, Oregon, or California?  We are wanting to go around Christmas or New Years.  Thaks for th einfo.

Allen

Just Back from an event with everyone at the Riverside Regional Parks campground Rancho Jurupa Park.  I didnt get an official count from our Host Scott M but I would guess we had 30 members.  This is one of the smaller events and it is true that there is a better chance to meet up with friends at smaller functions. 

Tim was relaxed as Scott Beth and Elia did the running around. Our Host Scott rented a Dodge van and shuttled the group to and from The Big City.  Saturday morning  we hiked up to see the Rubidox Mountain Crucifix   then went to a unique Mexican taco joint. Tias Tacos was more than unique.  Elia coaked the Owner Martin out of the office to give all of us a history lesson on his restaurant and a good look at his Art.  Fun

  Later that night we hit the city for a look at the Mission Inn Christmas light display.  Friday and Saturday night we spent huddled by 4 LPG gas campfires to keep off the early winter chill.   Sunday morning Scott treated us to a Continental feast then everyone went on their way.  I think this was the first time no one stayed extra nights after the event ? When we pulled out only Scott Beth and Elia remained pulling up hoses and doing a last minute patrol of the sites.  Thanks Scott, Great Job, Much fun.

Two weeks of work then back out to the desert with another RainbowRV group wearing Ugly Christmas sweaters. this cant be anything but fun. stay tuned 

Greg

 Palm Springs Photos are available on the Web

They are located at www.photobucket.com

I was hoping it  would be an easy log in, but that it not to be.

In the search box in the upper right corner search for rainbowrvphoto

Goes to No Matches found

Some internet glitch with the Mexico ISP has been preventing me from checking on the site.  Out foxed it by logging remotely into my compter at the office. 
We are having a blast in Mexico and have an accepted offer on a house here in the Ajijic Village.   It reminds me a lot of the French Quarter in New Orleans.  All the houses are inside wall and have wonderful courtyards. 

Thought I'd check and see what you guys(and gals) were up to. 
Will be checking back in now that I know how!

Steve

Michael and I want to thank everyone who participated in this year's Big Bear RRV event!  We hope everyone enjoyed the setting, the activities and most of all each other's company.  Those of us who went on the Action Zipline Adventure had a blast and we wish everyone could have experienced it. 
Hope to see you all next month in Pismo!

Peter and Michael

Hi Guys,

George and I are enjoying retirment.  So far so good!   We've been traveling the southern states visiting relatives before we head south of the border.  We've started a blog on Travelpod.com which is where friends and family can check in and see where we are and how we are doing.  It includes a map showing where you were on your last check in.  Pretty neat!
Will be heading to the Ajijic area of Mexico hopefully in early September. 
If you are interested in checking out our blog here's a link.

http://www.travelpod.com/z/steveandgeorge/1/1280398796

Steve

I decided to post some recaps of recent trips and go backwards threw the months to include several highlights. I am doing this posting by signing into the members area then hold my mouse over Profile then click on MyBlog Dashboard.  Everyone is encouraged to start a blog.

Temecula Wine and Balloon   is an annual event in Southern California .  In  '08 Tom Davies  the then Southern California  Chapter Rep asked my Tim to host this event.  Tom picked up the momentum that Mike Culpepper started in the Southern California chapter and involved members in hosting events while Tom assisted in the organizational  and promotional aspects.  Tom  set members on a path to better organized events.   Club activities and participation grew to involve almost 200 members at the 2010 campout.  The more the merrier is a proven concept .

Tim and I arrived at the campground early and met Rodney and Gorden to help set up the main meeting area. We collected 200 chairs and 35 tables then planned out the best way to facilitate the planned social gatherings.  We declined the  rv's parks offer to use a concrete court yard and opted to keep members on a close to camp grass area.  Closer to the event start day other members chipped in and help us complete the staging area.  Robert and Randy set up the sound, Cindy and Pat made the name badges, Rainbow Cinema's 16 foot screen was erected by Jody and Allen.  Countless other members assisted in the effort and clean up Sunday morning.

Thursday night was fun but we noticed that many of the members scheduled to arrive for the extra day did not.  Member had a chance to set up, enjoy new friends catchup with familiar faces and get the party started. Friday morning we brewed 120 cups of coffee and members toasted Beagles at the first gathering of the event.  The  various scheduled gatherings are the clubs tool to facilitate fellowship and foster new friendships. Everyone is encouraged to hangout and meet their Rainbow family. 

Friday noon many members ventured into Temecula and the Balloon grounds 5 miles from camp. Local vineyards and shops got their share of members business evident from all the goodies members schlepped (Barry is that the correct spelling?) back to camp.  Tim and I hug out with many of the members who gathered close to their camp with new friends met earlier that day.  I strategically positioned the RainbowRV van where  Tim Beth and Elia sold Jackets, shirts and hats with the new RainbowRV Logo.

Tim and I had some time this last weekend to do some more work on the high heel shoe prop we built for last years Palm Springs pride parade.  TonyP the Palm Springs event host secured a place for us in this years parade and we didnt want to show up without adding something to the mix or making some changes. 

The steel frame of the shoe was not our intended final parade entry last year but the look  worked as time ran out to cover the frame with some type of finished surface.  We experimented with foam and fiberglass with poor results then decided to pull out the singer and review  some quick Youtube How To Sew videos.  

Tim found some silver sequence spandex fabric at a craft chain and traveled to three locations to collect enough material to complete the project.  We needed to have the liner material and sequence-spandex sent out for treatment with fire retardant prior to assembly.  I took advantage of our slow work schedule to make a pattern using cotton sheeting and paper for the heel while we waited for the fabric to be treated.  We were surprised that the treatment took only two days and we were able to get right to cutting and sewing without any delay.

For the construction of the covers we used a machine to sew the black cotton blend liner then inserted 1/4 inch rods to stretch the cover into shape.  The three sections of the shoe were then dressed with the wire enforced liner material then we hand stitched the sequence fabric to the liner. 

Tim pinning liner sections for machine  sewing

Took the RV out for a little shake down trip up to the Buffalo National River here in Arkansas this past week.   Fortunately this river was hardly affected by the rain unlike the deadly flash flood in south western Arkansas.  Our River rose about 4 feet over night with swift currents.  This is a major floating river in Arkansas.  We are planning several more trip this year and needed to find out if all systems were working properly.  A little problem with the pressure switch on the Jabsco water pump but fortunately we had an older one with a good switch.  All systems worked well.

Sleepless night at LL Stub Stewart State Park. Left Portland today to travel around the NW for the Memorial Day Weekend. Man I needed to get away. Work has been a bitch lately. Never ending work. Well, I am away from that and exicted about traveling. I will be meeting my good friend Don at Anthony's Home Court this weekend. What a great place! Dan and Wayne I look forward to seeing you.

Hi y'all.. I just took some good pics of my "new" motorhome this morning, before the rain set in. It's been warm and humid here, rain off and on the past week. I've not made the progress I was hoping for regarding the waxing, tune up, oil change, etc. There's been alot going on around me with work, sending my parents on a cruise ( I put them on an airplane this morning at 4:30..), company coming in from Florida, etc. In the midst of it all, I needed a break, so I took off to see my new hunny over in Galax, VA. for a day. Wonderful guy, I don't know where he's been hiding all this time, but ecstatic we have gotten together... wish us luck ! LOL ! I hope this finds everyone well, and I will write something more substantial in a couple days.... till then ! Keep a song in your heart....

Well we finally took the plunge.  Closed on the sale of our business(28 years)April 19th.  We are now in a three month transition period which will mercifully end soon so we can get on with the real business of retirement.  We are planning a trip thru Tennessee over to South Carolina, Georgia, Missisippi to visit family around the end of July.  This should be the start of the next great aventure.  So far so good.  Have the motorhome in tip top shape.    Just puchased a new HP laptop with the verizon MIFI since we both have laptops.  George is in the MAC camp.  There are advantages to both.  We can use all the support/information you guys can give us. 

Wish us luck!

 May need some help on the "BLOG" thing.

Steve and George

I wrote an article on the front of the website about Tim Dennis and his adventures.  His stay here at our home in Romoland was quite curious because the entire time my gaydar kept going off.  My Tim told me that I suspect everyone who has an RV and  an extra $40.  That is not true, I recognized the caring unselfish qualities TimDennis had, and oh yea, the way he checked out the Jockeys who exercise horses at a ranch across the street from our house.  

Not long into the first day TimDennis revealed to me that he was a member of our club. Club? did he imply the Rainbowrv Camping club? or  is "He's a club member " some type of British idiom equal to our saying "she's family".  Well a quick check of the website gave me the answer however not as definitive as you would think.  Tim Dennis is a Rainbowrv member with the screen name  RambelingRat   .  Check out his profile and accept him as a friend.  I wish Tim all the luck with his adventure and work. We hope he will attend some RainbowRV functions while in the states and make many wonderful friends.

Here is a pic I took of Tim just before he left us for his trip to Montana. The Kilt doesn't even give me a clue, He's a Scot??  Interesting person for sure.

Hi y'all. Today was a BEAUTIFUL day here in east Tennesse... sunny, breezy, about 71 degrees. I was at work at 7:30 this morning, I had 3 appointments for new owner orientations.. an 8 a.m., a 10 a.m, and a nooner. This is the one part of my job that I truly love.. being able to connect with other like-minded people, share information, teach them about their new units and share some stores and laughs. So by two o'clock, I wrapped that up, and headed for our service area parking to continue waxing  "My Time". I named the motorhome "My Time", because I'm getting to the age where I say things like " I want to take My Time and go to".... or, " I'm taking My Time and .... so it seemed like a fitting name.( My previous motorhomes were named "Tempo" and "Tempo II", " Blue Baron", and Miss Fitz".) But I digress...... so I opened the windows and awning, put on some music, cracked open a Rolling Rock beer, and went to work. I'd hunted high and low for a good, easy to use product for removing the light, hazy oxidation and grub from a gelcoated surface. Everyone I talked to recommended GelGloss, so I bought a $6.49 can and tried it. All I can say is WOOOOOWWW ! I am EXTREMELY pleased with the results ! It's easy to use, smells good, and requires very little rubbing to produce a very sharp, glossy shine I've done about 28 feet of the door side, and the stainless steel wheel covers in about 3 1/2 hours. From awning rail down to the beltline where the compartment doors begin, and between all the vinyl striping. I will take pictures tomorrow and post here, and perhaps a video so you can see the results (If I can figure out how to do that..  I'm technologically challenged with such things..LOL ) I hope everyone is doing well and I'll write more tomorrow... keep a song in your heart !