By Art Lieberman Even though the Labor Day weekend has passed, the camping season is not yet over – and what a season this has been. The weather has been all over the place. For many weeks here in the northeast it seemed to rain every weekend. It also hasn’t been a “typical” summer either. There hasn’t been a day with temperatures over 90degrees here in Pennsylvania all year! Never-the-less it has been, to the best of our estimation, a season to
celebrate. It would seem the downturn in the economy has indeed helped our friends in the campground industry. Hotel reservations are down (as reported recently by ARVC), attendance at destination resorts is off substantially and even historic US sites are not getting the visitors seen in past years. So where are Americans going to relax and try to dispel their anxieties? Apparently many of them are going to RV Parks. For some time we have
been urging park owners to purchase cabins, park models, rental RVs and even yurts to accommodate guests who do not have RVs. Those that we have contacted who have these units have reported an upsurge in attendance. The word “staycation” in now part of the Miriam Webster dictionary. Keep in mind both our marketing and the webinars we’ve been conducting have put us in a unique position to Continued Page 2
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Continued from Page 1 Frankly, RV parks and campgrounds really fill the bill. When can a family of four go where they can expect to spend less than $50 a day and enjoy the amenities offered by campgrounds? It certainly isn’t necessary to explain the wonders that can be found at some RV parks to this readership.
conduct a very discreet survey of campground business. We do get into discussions with campground owners about their finances. We even get access to their credit cards transactions for the past season, both from other processors as part of our marketing OUR services, and from our own customers. Although the individual statistics are proprietary and we would never reveal them, industry-wide the figures are very encouraging. Overall, it appears that the RV campground industry has generally increased in the spring and summer of 2009. Last year, in the face of extraordinary gas prices (over $4.00 a gallon) the industry surprisingly rose 46% overall in attendance and revenues. This year, during this season, the increase was much larger. Statistics indicate an increase of between 1416% over last year. These statistics are from AprilAugust. We realize that when we state this there
Art Lieberman will be campground owners who say “I wish THAT were us” and perhaps it isn’t right to generalize because the individual circumstances of your campground may not be “standard”. Weather conditions, location and other factors have much to do with the success of a campground. There also are several states where owners are battling regulations which have stymied their growth and success. The attitude of many vacationers in the US seems to be that they want a place that won’t cost them all of their discretionary capital to have some fun with their family.
And it isn’t over yet. Many of our northern campground’s seasons do not end until the early chill of fall hits the air – in late October. Then the campgrounds below the Mason-Dixon Line will start to flourish leading us into the 2010 season.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind readers that another webinar on PCI Compliance will be held Thursday, September 10th at 2:00PM Eastern Time. Once again, sponsored by Campground and RV Park e-News and Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions, this NO COST webinar will guide and inform you on how to comply with the Processing Card Industry’s security regulations. To register, send us an e-mail to rvcreditcards@yahoo.com. There will be another webinar on the 21st of September also. (Art Lieberman is President of MCPS for Campgrounds, a credit card processor sponsored by Woodforest Bank NA. Art has been in the Credit Card industry for nearly 12 years. Art has been conducting webinars online and seminars on credit cards in many State and Regional Association Conventions. He can be contacted at: art@mcpsforcampgrounds.com
As a Member of ARVC'S Supplier Council, an advertiser and exhibitor at ARVC's Insites there is a point of view not yet expressed in these comments about ARVC.
I am about to lose my park due to being located between two Coep of Engineer parks, high prices of gas, increase taxes, and a neighbor that will not keep his cattle off my property.
Passport America, but $15 a night doesn't hardly pay for the costs for one night. Where is the stimulus money to help small businesses? I have not been able to sell the park.
With the high gas prices the last few years,the people mainly camping here were seniors and full timers. The two Fed parks get their business because they can camp for half price.
For over 6 years I have owned the park and I have had to put up with my neighbor letting his dairy cows wander all over the park. Was told by State and local law enforcements Pa was an open space state. This spring we got a new St Police Commander and he is enforcing the neighbor to keep them in. St police have been here, cited him, but the cows are still coming onto my property. Going to call the Commander and see what is ging on.
When I bought the park in 2003 niether had sewage and now both do. They get all kinds of grant money, employees are paid if they make money or not. They use volunteers to run the parks, plus they lease out their stores. With the re building of Rt15 to 4 lanes (soon to be I99) they have large signs. For me to have signs at the exits wouls cost me $12,500. That was the price 3 yrs ago, State of Pa sure wants to help the small businesses!! With the economy going bad I lost a lot of seasonals, this year I was unable to afford the membership fees and other ads to attract campers. I did get a lot from
Question for other owners. Sure we charge more for 50Amp service then for 30amp. Most of the big units needing 50AMp got to use more power because they have more equipment in them (2 a/c. washer Driers. etc). What do others think? Wayne Virtue RVs MT Top Campground
ARVC does inform it's membership well about the advantages of membership in their constant e-mails to the industry, by conducting surveys of membership and in their ability to educate members. Whether members utilize the available facilities is another matter.
consumes nearly 45% of the expense of all membership costs. In the advertising industry we have learned that CPM (cost per mil) is the determining factor as to where advertsing dollars should be spent. How many people will the advertising reach and what is the average cost to reach that entity. We will continue to attend ARVC Insites as long as there is an ARVC Insites. But, to be fair, the CPM for ARVC is extremely poor.
But ARVC relies on membership dollars to survive and, when given a choice between ONLY paying to support at their local Campground Association or the increased dues when that Association combines with ARVC, many owners will chose the latter especially in this economy.
Attendance at Insites has been dropping every year since we've attended and the economy doesn't indicate an increase in the future.
ARVC also relies on Insites, on advertsisng and sponsorship for a huge portion of its finanacial survival.
It is obvious that owners from Wisconsin or Oregon or Maine are not likely to attend this year's Insites in Orlando.
As an exhibitor and an advertisor with ARVC, I can tell you that this can get very expensive. But ARVC IS the soul of the industry and to deny that is to not be a player at all.
There also will be an impact on the attendance at the Florida & Alabama's show later in 2010.
We exhibit as approximately 8 other regional trade shows each year and are members of 15 State and Regional owner's associations. The cost of having a decent presence with ARVC
Letters to the editor are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Articles can be submitted by emailing admin@industryenews.com
Perhaps the location of Insites, though it changes from year to year, deters attendance.
This does not bode well for ARVC financially..
DALTON TWP. -- A solid turnout from campers and a top rating from a national publication are turning 2009 into a memorable first year for the Duck Creek RV Resort according to the Muskegon Chronicle. Despite the poor economy and the cool, rainy weather, the resort's first summer tourism season has been deemed a success by its owners, Roger and Casey Jourden. "We have met and, to some degree, exceeded our expectations," said Roger Jourden II, the son of Michigan's Adventure founder Roger Jourden. "Considering the situation, we're happy with the way it went." The upscale campground across Riley-Thompson Road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park will remain open to late summer/fall campers until Oct. 24 this year, so the final numbers of campers for the first year won't be determined until that time. However, Roger Jourden II said he was
excited that the destination resort was set to be 90 percent at capacity over Labor Day weekend and many campers have made reservations for next year's holidays.
trash disposal and site layout. The local campground's rating will be included in the new Trailer Life directory, which is expected to be released in January.
The Jourdens also expect the resort's recent stellar rating by Trailer Life, a national online and print directory featuring more than 11,000 RV parks and campgrounds, to help boost reservations next year.
Roger and Casey Jourden announced their new venture last year and opened the resort in May. State and local tourism
Duck Creek RV Resort received a 10/10/10 rating, the highest possible in Trailer Life's rating system. A couple who rates Michigan campgrounds for the publication visited the local resort earlier this summer. Duck Creek RV Resort is only the second among more than 250 parks rated in Michigan to earn the top rating. The rating system represents three categories -- facilities, such as roads, sites and hookups; restrooms, including their cleanliness; and visual appearance, including
officials are expecting the resort to become a regional draw for the area. Duck Creek RV Resort, which features 157 sites and many amenities, is among the largest tourism infrastructure projects in Muskegon County since the cross-lake ferry service was reintroduced six years ago.
Vehicle Park and Campground” could easily be shortened to “Riverland R V Resort.”
In our last article, we discussed the importance of creating and sticking to a consistent theme and image for your property whether it is a luxury resort of a family campground. Let’s start the process by looking the elements that can be part of the image statement. Three elements that come to mind are the name, a descriptor, and a logo. We recently completed a gateways image package for a city which successfully combined these three elements. Name: In this case and for most of you the name is already established. Occasionally, where a complete turnaround is desired or with a new project, choosing the right name can be a great marketing opportunity. We believe that short names are better since they occupy less space and as a result can make a larger statement in a smaller space. “Mary’s Riverland Recreation
Can your property benefit by upgrading its name? In our city example, that process involved merely deciding on an attractive lettering font and arrangement.
Descriptor: Most successful companies have a recognizable short statement that adds appeal to their marketing effort. “Grab Life!”, “Go RVing”, “It’s the Real Thing” and “Zero Calories” are great examples. We chose “Historic, Distinctive, and Progressive” for our City with a lettering font similar to the city font.
Logo: The logo can be as simple as a distinctive name with an appropriate surround like the famous Ford logo.
Or they can be more descriptive like the Cherry Orchard Ranch or Vineyards logos.
green for nature. The frames were tied together with a silhouette of a historic, champion oak tree and a river symbolizing the three rivers that converge in the city.
Our logo for the city was a bit more complex. It portrayed the various aspects of the city most liked by the citizens; Education, Neighborhoods, History/Agriculture, and Nature.
These three elements all combined to make an attractive illustration of the City.
The same process can be utilized in creating a proper image for your property. Industry giants Good Sam, KOA, and Outdoor resorts have successfully combined some or all of these three elements in marketing statements that have stood the test of time. With some effort and perhaps some professional help, the same results can be achieved for your business.
We chose to portray these elements as a ‘window into the City’ with each element as a window pane. The image in each pane and its corresponding color was reflective of each aspect. Purple for education, a warm color… orange, for neighborhoods, an earth tone… tan, for history/agriculture, and
Our next installment will show how this effort can be brought into the entrance and signage in your business.
Written by Don Westphal and Adam Shissler Please check out the website at www.dcwestphal.com.
Amy and Rod Burkert created www.GoPetFriendly.com to help their users to enjoy extraordinary travel experiences with their pets. They believe it should be simple and hassle-free to include your furry loved ones in all of your leisure activities. The idea for GPF originated in 2008 after they found “Buster” – an intimidating, yet shy and fun-loving black German Shepherd – behind a construction dumpster in the cul-de-sac of their neighborhood. After having no luck trying to locate Buster’s owners, they decided to try and assimilate him into their own family, which included a 3 ½ year-old Shar-Pei “Ty,” who was not happy about the new addition.
daunting and timeconsuming task. Trying to find acceptable accommodations with pet policies that met their needs was a hassle. Locating restaurants that would allow Ty and Buster to join them and activities the whole “pack” could enjoy together was yet another challenge. Rather than give up on the idea of “family” vacations, the Burkerts decided to create GoPetFriendly.com so that they and others could enjoy vacationing with their pets.
After working with several trainers, Ty eventually accepted Buster as a member of the family and now the two are like typical brothers – playing, cuddling, and “barking” at each other.
Their goal is to connect pet lovers with businesses and service providers that will help make their travel experiences with their furry friends exceptional.
With both dogs comfortable and happy, the Burkerts decided to plan a trip for the entire family to enjoy.
They believe that if it is easier for people to travel with their pet more pets will get to go on vacation, and that will encourage more businesses to “Go Pet Friendly.”
However, what they thought would be fun and easy ended up being a
Despite the unusual snow storm - the largest in 6 years to hit the Delmarva Peninsula, and the smaller turn out due to the storm the Officers and Directors of the three sponsoring state campground Associations have decided to return to Dover Downs in 2010 for the 19th annual Mid-Atlantic Campground Conference. The Conference is scheduled for March 8 & 9, 2010 with the trade show day being Tuesday, March 8th. Dover Downs is delighted to have the conference return and has offered the same discounted package as this year's conference. Dover Downs is the host hotel for NASCAR's Monster Mile racetrack and features harness racing in the offseason. Conference planners, Jay and Marji Otto, New Jersey's Executive Directors, surveyed attendees and received an over whelming response to
return to the Dover Downs Hotel in 2010. The Otto's say that planning the conference will be easy since some of this year's events had to be cancelled due to the storm. We will just keep the same format for 2010 as was planned in 2009. Events will include a tour of the race track and a night at the races with a race named especially for the conference. Some delegates may even wind up for photos in the winner's circle! The Mid-Atlantic Conference consists of the campgrounds from Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. Typical attendance is between 70 and 80 people representing 35-40 campgrounds with a trade show of approximately 35 exhibitors. For more information contact Jay and Marji Otto at NJCOA@comcast.net or at 609-465-8444.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Many North Carolina attractions say discounts helped keep them afloat this summer.
The Explore Asheville Web site to offer deeply discounted hotel rooms and packages.
The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday that most destinations expect declines in revenue this summer to be less than in 2008, because of aggressive marketing.
Marla Tambellini with the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau said the declines in tourism numbers this year were smaller than 2008.
Does your basement have a musty odor? Mix together 10-lbs. new cat litter and 5-lbs. baking soda. Place an inch or two of mixture in 5 shallow baking pans (new cat litter pans will also work). Place pans around the basement. After a week the basement will smell fresher. You can use fewer pans and store leftovers in a garbage bag. Quick tip: For a quick odoreater, place a fresh fabric softener sheet in a wastebasket. Dust flying when you sweep the workshop or basement floor?
Mix the following “sweeping” compound of 6 cups sifted sawdust, 2 cups rock salt and 1½ cups mineral oil in a 2-quart container. Sprinkle on the floor and sweep. Oil stains on the concrete pavilion or game-room floor? Fireplace not clean enough? When sweeping isn’t enough, mix ½ cups of washing soda (also called sal soda) and 2-gallons of water, dissolve in bucket, mop and rinse. (This may be toxic to the skin, so wear rubber gloves.) If dirt, soot and grease are baked
on fireplace or wood burning stove windows, then try mixing: 1 cup laundry soap flakes, 4 cups hot water, ½lb. powdered pumice, ½ cup ammonia. Apply this with a stiff scrub brush. Rinse with clear water. Dirty carpets? This carpet shampoo will help remove light dirt or spots. Pour ½ cup mild dishwashing detergent into a 5-quart bowl. Pour 2 cups boiling water over the detergent. The mixture will cool into a jelly like substance. Whip the mixture with an eggbeater until it is foamy. Spread the foam over a small area of carpet with a clean cloth. Rinse with a sponge and clean water until there are no suds. Let dry thoroughly and vacuum. Another tip: Apply shaving cream to carpet stain and rub with wet toothbrush. Pat dry with a clean cloth. To remove furniture dents on carpet: Use an iron (on steam setting) and steam the area. Fluff the dents back in place with your hands.
Lingering carpet odors: Sprinkle baking soda on carpet prior to vacuuming. Do you have fingerprints on the walls? Crayon marks on walls? This wall cleaner is good for all washable painted walls and washable vinyl wallpaper. Put 2 Tbsp. mild dishwashing liquid and ½ cup borax in a bucket. (Keep borax out of reach of children because it can be lethal if ingested.) Add warm water to make a gallon mixture. Wash the walls with a sponge. Crayon marks: Scrub marks with toothpaste. Rinse area well after marks are gone. Toolbox Tips Rust Prevention: Keep charcoal inside a toolbox to keep tools from rusting. Rust Removal: Soak nails, bolts, or other metals in fullstrength vinegar to remove rust. Easy to use Shears: Put vegetable oil on shears and they will be easier to use. Leftover Sawdust: Keep leftover sawdust as mulch for your garden or plants.
Wilson Reynolds, right, receives the award from Rob Halcrow, President of TNARVC presentation system in the Tremont Outdoor Resort in remodeled recreation hall. Townsend was named large Other major improvements Tennessee Campground-ofinclude a resurfaced the-Year during ceremonies swimming pool, upgraded at the Tennessee playground equipment, new Campground Conference & flooring and fixtures in the Trade Show in Crossville camp store, remodeled bath recently. houses, wood fencing throughout the resort, 100 The park was so recognized new picnic tables, new for its accomplishments in rocking chairs for the decks campground operations, of all cabins, a new state-ofmarketing, management, the-art website and many and industry unity. more. Owned by Wilson Reynolds Future improvements include and managed by Judi and a central sewer system and Jesse Beard, the resort has the development of the undergone a massive remaining 35 acres to transformation since it was include a lodge, full-service purchased by Reynolds in cabins and on and off-site January 2006. In fact, he log homes. has invested over $760,000 in the 55-acre property that Reynolds is a Board member includes 145 camping sites. of the Tennessee Association of RV Parks & New additions include 29 Campgrounds (TNARVC) riverfront sites, seven which is composed of over camping cabins, ten 60 private campgrounds standard cabins, nine across the state. Its mission premier cabins, and five log is “to serve the special homes -- most of which are needs of RV parks and full service facilities, a campgrounds in Tennessee greatly expanded pavilion of and provide the public with 1,748 square feet that the highest quality camping includes two large grills; and experience.� a new multi-media
Many parks have activities stretching well into fall, including pre-Halloween and Oktoberfest celebrations and other special events LARKSPUR, Colo., Sept. 3, 2009 – Campgrounds and RV parks across the country geared up for Labor Day weekend with activities and themed events. And there’s plenty to do. Campers who visit Redwoods River Resort in Leggett, Calif. can snorkel in a nearby river during the day, then join a scavenger hunt, meet their fellow campers in an ice cream social and sing karaoke by the campfire at night. Meanwhile, Hidden Acres Campground in West Salem, Ohio will offer crazy boat races for children, teens and adults as well as a fishing derby, crafts and a country western dance, while Ross Hill Park Family Campground in Lisbon, Conn. hosts a “Mad Science” show and an “End of Summer Blues Dance.” While Labor Day weekend marked the end of the summer camping season, campgrounds and RV parks are continuing to plan activities and special events throughout September, October and even into early November. “There are scores of family oriented activities and themed weekends stretching
well into fall,” Profaizer said, adding that private park owners have recognized that they can stretch their season well into fall if they offer their guests enough entertainment to draw them back. And the activities aren’t limited to parks affiliated with the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) and Yogi Bear Jellystone Park Camp Resort chains, which are well known for their family friendly activities. Here’s a sampling of family friendly activities that independently owned and operated campgrounds and RV parks are providing during the coming weeks: Campland on the Bay in San Diego, Calif.: This park has numerous scheduled activities throughout late summer and fall, including games of capture the flag, dodge ball and pickleball. The park also has arts and crafts classes, tie dye Tshirt classes, kayaking classes and adult dart tournaments. Lazy River at Granville, Granville, Ohio: This park is hosting three Halloween weekends on Oct. 9 – 11, Oct. 16 – 17 and Oct. 23 – 24, with campsite decorating contests, costume contests, nighttime hayrides and trick or treating.
Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins, Summersville, W.V.: This park will celebrate Grandparents Day Weekend Sept. 11 – 13 with crafts, games and contests, with Halloween costume and campsite decorating contests and trick or treating slated for the weekends of Sept. 25 – 27; Oct. 2 – 4; and Oct. 9 – 12. A spooky haunted trail walk is also slated for the weekend of Oct. 23 – 24. Sacred Rocks Preserve in Boulevard, Calif.: This park, located at the 4,000 foot level in the mountains east of San Diego, will celebrate an Old West Autumn Harvest Festival on Oct. 23 – 25, complete with a pumpkin painting contest, an Old West costume contest, off-road hayrides and an outdoor cookout. Sea Pirate Campground, West Creek, N.J.: This park will celebrate its Halloween weekend on Oct. 3rd with a haunted hayride, pumpkin painting, a costume parade and trick or treating. Shady Pines Campground, Savoy, Mass.: This park will host a Halloween costume party contest and haunted house on the weekend of Oct. 9 – 12 and a Thanksgiving turkey dinner Oct. 17th. Sky High Camping Resort, Portage, Wis.: This park will have Halloween costume dances and campsite decorating on the weekends of Sept. 11 – 13; Sept. 18 – 20; and Sept. 25 – 27.
Smoky Hollow Campground, Lodi, Wis.: This park will have Halloween themed activities, including costumes, trick or treating, haunted hayrides, a haunted pavilion and pumpkin bowling on the weekends of Sept. 11 – 13 and Sept. 18 – 21. South Haven Family Campground in South Haven, Mich.: This park will have a non-scary Halloween weekend for younger campers Oct. 9 –11, complete with face painting, crafts, pumpkin painting, trick or treating, a magic pumpkin patch and an outdoor movie. Additional Halloween activities are scheduled for the weekends of Oct. 16 – 18 and Oct. 23 – 25, including scarecrow stuffing contests and mummy wrap races.
Meanwhile, for adult camping enthusiasts, growing numbers of campgrounds and RV parks are hosting their own Oktoberfest celebrations, including:
American Family Campground, Godeffroy, N.Y.: This park will celebrate Oktoberfest Oct. 9 – 12 with a krautdogs over the campfire, an evening hayride and a Bavarian dinner. Four Paws Kingdom, Rutherfordton, N.C.: This park will celebrate Oktoberfest Oct. 2 – 4 with German music, a party and German food, including
Continued from previous page sauerbraten, spaetzle, knockwurst, brats, kraut, red cabbage, potato salad and more. Lazy River at Granville, Granville, Ohio: This park will host an Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 29th with crafts, five stations of games, a DJ beer garden and German food, including brats, potato salad, apple dumplings and beer. Smoky Hollow Campground, Lodi, Wis.: This park will celebrate Oktoberfest Oct. 2 – 4 with a mix of adult and kid-friendly activities, including music, homemade ice cream, root beer, grape stomping, beer brewing, brats and sauerkrat.
Woodland Campground in Woodland, Pa.: This park will celebrate Oktoberfest Oct. 12 with food, crafts and a flea market. The Woods Campground in Lehighton, Pa.: This park will celebrate Oktoberfest with various home brews, wine tastings and an Oktoberfeast dinner on the weekend of Oct. 23 – 25. Of course, these are just a sampling of some the activities and special events taking place at campgrounds and RV parks across the country in the coming weeks.
Legoland is planning a water park in the near future, but the timing for a hotel and campground is uncertain. Legoland California has submitted plans to the city of Carlsbad for a water park with rides, outdoor dining and shops
on a 7.3-acre portion of its 350-acre property. As plans become clear for park rides, the California Coastal Commission is scheduled to consider a measure next week that could create a campground at the park.
Prospect Heights, IL; RVchurchesUSA (.org) is a unique ministry devoted to providing RVers tools and resources to help grow their spiritual faith while away from home. “We want to identify campgrounds/resorts presently offering on-site church services for the purpose of including them on our searchable database,” says Duane Careb, President. “We’re offering a FREE Charter Membership to those facilities including a direct link to their home page. That listing is a vital resource RVers will use during their time on the road.” Owners, campground associations, franchise corporations and RVers alike can submit candidates to info@RVchurchesUSA.org Once verification has been completed, the campground/resort will be added to the search feature. RVers then use this information when choosing campgrounds or resorts. “It’s truly an opportunity for campgrounds to grow their business by attracting RVers who want to attend on-site church
services,” Careb adds. “I envision the Campground Association Members someday offering discounts to those who join the RVer Association membership.” Campgrounds/resorts wishing to establish church services can also take advantage of the FREE Charter Membership and will receive step-by-step mentoring from our Ambassador Club staff (retired clergy, church outreach ministries or experienced Bible teachers) who have committed to helping facilities during their start-up period. “This is a ‘no strings attached’ FREE Charter Membership offer,” Careb emphasizes. “Our vision is to see campgrounds offer on-site church services throughout the entire US. It’s a win-win scenario for campground owners, RVers and our Ambassador Club members!” Contact Duane Careb, President, at (888) 782-4872 or e-mail dcareb@RVchurchesUSA.org
POLICE and transport officials in England launched a blitz on dangerous caravans ... inspecting hundreds on a busy motorway. Caravans were examined and weighed on the M5 near Birmingham, with some being so dangerous they were ordered off the road.
caravan in Bracklesham Bay when a sudden dip in the road caused him to hit his head on the roof of the car.
CARAVANNING cop Andy Hawkeswood's trip to the Spanish island of Tenerife was full of drama. He waded in when a local criminal began waving a gun around, pinning him against a car until police arrived.
Mr Bangle said: “It's shocking to eat now, I can't eat any solid food, I can't eat apples or meat, and it's affecting my speech�
A NEW slant on Alfred Hitchcock's movie The Birds! Holidaymakers at the Castaways caravan park in Norfolk, England, barricaded themselves in their 'vans as millions of red and black ladybirds swarmed in and covered everything in sight. A FATHER and three-yearold boy escape caravan blaze in Victoria Australia today. Police say caravan 'melted' in early morning Father's Day drama at Bloomfield Road caravan site in Crossover, Gippsland. A MAN from Ottershaw who had his front teeth knocked out after he drove over a pothole is seeking compensation from West Sussex County Council. Melvin Bangle, 71, was travelling down to his
The impact forced his lower jaw upwards cutting his tongue and mouth and knocking out several of his front teeth.
RECORD attendance at one of the UK's biggest caravan events showed the industry is once again on the up. Despite local companies making job cuts and others going bust last year, the Caravan Extravaganza, at The Lawns, in Cottingham, is believed to have attracted 25,000 people. This is up by at least 10,000 on the previous year and 2,000 more than the highest attendance ever recorded. Organised by Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers' Association (HERCMA), the two-day event exhibited 300 models, including static, touring and motor caravans. The prestigious event allows the first public showing of many of the industry's 2010 models.
The latest product to hit the campground industry is receiving major interest by owners who see these bikes as an opportunity for good revenue via rentals. The bikes are not only "green" environmentally friendly but are safe and extremely economical with a battery charge range of up to 25 miles. Campgrounds can purchase the bikes outright for as low as $1195 ensuring an excellent and fast return on investment. Economical, Efficient and Easy to use!
Speed: Up to 16 mph Range: Up to 25 Miles Motor: 350 watt brushless motor Driving Sytem: Powerful 48 volt front hub drive System built into the front wheel! Charging Time: 4-6 hours for pennies Battery: 48 volt 14 AH sealed lead battery acid Battery Charger: 110 volt smart charger, UL Listed Tires: Front 16 x 2.5" and rear pneumatic 10 x 3.5" Color: White and Black (Custom Paint Jobs Also) Size: 40" L x 26.8 "Wx 5.7" H Weight: 93 lbs. Comes With: headlight, taillight, and horn. (Basket Optional)
Since Simon Reeder first founded the family homestead in 1853, four generations of Reeders have lived and worked the acres along Sauvie Island's eastern shore. For the last 60, Jim and Jan Reeder have run an RV park there, one that started before urban growth boundaries and zoning and land-use codes. Meandering geese slow traffic better than the posted speed sign.
Through the years, the park has become a haven for 57 mostly older and disabled people with little means. They have made it their home. "It's pretty much devastating," Jim Reeder said. "They are going to be thrown out on the streets." The Reeders and their tenants claim they're victims of neighbors who don't want a trailer park marring their ideal of quaint
island living. Neighbors say Sauvie Island needs to remain rural and highdensity housing threatens wildlife and the island's natural appeal.
but also don't want to be responsible for putting older and disabled people out of their homes in a county with a dearth of affordable housing.
The Reeders wanted to expand the park and that's what triggered the neighbors' ire.
In a clash of code and community all are hoping for a compromise. Full Article: www.oregonlive.com
Multnomah County commissioners insist the Reeders must obey the law,
By Larry Drought is one of nature’s more devastating and powerful happenings. Even though 24% of the United States was experiencing moderate to severe drought as of January, 2009, most of us were not alarmed. We only get alarmed when we experience specific tangible water problems such as restrictions on watering the lawn. But the drought problem is real. 40 states can expect water shortages by the year 2013, just a short four years from now. History tells us that we should not take our water for granted. What is now the Southwest, including California, experienced a great drought in the 1200’s. It lasted for 80 years. There was a drought in the Southwest and Midwest during the 1930’s, again in the 1950’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s. The current drought began in 1999. It includes most of the western and southern states along with the plains states. Not every square foot of earth is parched in these regions, of course, but the water tables are dropping, the lake and rivers are drying up little by little and the need for more water via irrigation becomes ever greater. Drought does not mean there is absolutely no rain or snow. In fact, there have even been floods in the drought states. When heavy
rains do come to parched areas the ground is unable to absorb much of the water. There is no such thing as one rain ending a drought because drought is measured over the long haul. What happens after a flood recedes is the measure of whether there is drought: do regular rains and snows bless the region or does the spigot dry up again for long periods of time? There are four factors that make for drought: • climate (sun) • topography (oceans) • temperature • composition of the earth’s atmosphere. Warm air holds more moisture and this causes heavier precipitation that the
ground cannot hold, leading to floods. Floods destroy ground cover, further diminishing the earth’s capacity to absorb and store moisture. Dry air holds less moisture, leading to much less rain. Too much or too little feast or famine. Hitting the happy medium seems to be a problem at this point in time. There are four kinds of droughts. • meteorological: insufficient precipitation • hydrological: water tables drop • agricultural: crops fail • socioeconomic: water shortages force restrictions on irrigation, power plants, factories and life style. As an example, Lake Mead has dropped one hundred
feet since the year 2000. At this rate in a few more years there will be no more water available for agriculture or even enough to power the turbines that generate much of the electricity for western states. With very severe drought all of these factors come into play. This is the case in much of the west, southwest and a large part of Texas. It was the case last year in the Atlanta area and other parts of the southeast. To find out how much the situation has improved with the good rains this year in the east and Midwest, go to “Drought Monitor” on the internet.
An Alberta couple is suing the Attorney General of Canada, the province and a campground operator for $150,000 after alleging they were unlawfully arrested at a campsite, assaulted and detained in cruel conditions. In a July 31 statement of claim, Phil Burton and Carrie Zelent allege they paid for a site at Jackfish Lake Camp-ground for several days in August 2007. On Aug. 23, 2007, they claim they arrived back at the site to find a
campground worker and a conservation officer there and were falsely told they had not paid the fees. The pair allege a second conservation officer showed up and interrogated them without informing them of their charter rights and then placed Burton under arrest for assault and handcuffed him to the back of his truck. Zelent says she tried to speak to Burton and the officer grabbed her from behind, hit her with a knee stun, threw her to the ground and handcuffed her behind her back.
They allege the RCMP then drove them to the Rocky Mountain House detachment in a dangerous manner and Burton says he was held in the "drunk tank" with a "horse blanket," but no bed,
while Zelent says she got a blanket, a cushioned surface, toilet paper and a Dixie cup. Statements of claim contain unproven allegations.
YANKTON, S.D. (AP) - The state Game, Fish & Parks Department is seeking comment on proposed changes to its first-come, first-serve campground reservation system.
reservations by phone or computer at 7 a.m. for later in a given day. They would know immediately if a site is available.
If the new same-day reservation system is adopted, it would allow campers to begin making
Jeff Van Meeteren, regional park supervisor at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, says it would be more hassle-free than the current system.
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Residents mourn the loss of trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and lookout towers in Angeles National Forest. The Station fire has burned about a quarter of the forest, closing it indefinitely. The relentless Station fire access via the Angeles has scoured nearly 242 Crest Highway and dozens square miles of the of trails switchbacking out of Angeles National Forest, the foothills -- makes it one burning through not just of the most heavily used picnic areas and parts of a forest visited by 3 campgrounds, but the million to 5 million people raw, solitary beauty that every year. has long been a refuge for a sprawling city. "This is the playground of L.A.," Florea said. "More Ridge after ridge is a than 70% of the open space ghostly gray, laid bare of in L.A. County is in the vegetation from the Angeles National Forest." plunging foothill canyons to the Mojave Desert. The Station fire, the largest Only scattered islands of in the modern history of Los trees are un-charred -- in Angeles County, has been the deepest draws and in devastating on many levels, remote, rocky cornices on most notably claiming the a few high ridges. lives of two firefighters and destroying 76 homes. "What I saw was a pretty Authorities said the cause complete burn," said U.S. was arson and have Forest Service launched a homicide spokesman Stanton investigation. Florea. With 49% containment The 154,000 acres Saturday, fire officials said burned as of Saturday they had controlled the last constitute about a quarter hot spots on the western of the national forest. edge, including Little Tujunga and Pacoima The area's proximity to canyons. the urban heart of Los Full Article: Angeles -- and its easy www.latimes.com
This Friday marks the 8th anniversary of 9/11. Since then, New York City has thanked the country for its support by sending the 911 heroes to communities that need help after tragedies of their own. On Friday the New York City Fire Department met the Boy Scouts of America at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, IA. The rummage left over from the deadly tornado that ripped through the Little Sioux Scout camp last year is being used to build a memorial chapel on site. But those who build are creating the true foundation. On June 11th of last year, boy scouts from all around the area stepped foot in Little Sioux, Iowa for a camping trip they'd never forget. Fellow Boy Scout, Christian Jones, says, "It was kind of a numb feeling at first. You didn't realize...and then after that, I was like, 'oh, my God...Ben, Josh, Sam and Aaron...they're gone." Those who were there still remember sounds of the tornado and screams of the young boys. Camp Ranger, Nathan Dean, recalls those screams, "I hope this is a dream, I don't wanna die, I can't breath and things like that."
A year later, the sounds of hammers, drills, saws fill the Little Sioux Scout campground as New York City heroes of 9/11 are here to help Siouxland Boy Scout heroes of 6/11 re-build hope and strength. New York Fire Department, Will Ehni, "I think it's absolutely amazing that some of these boys were saving people, pulling people out of collapsed houses and that's pretty much the same spirit that was going on on 9/11 - guys just doing whatever it took to get the job done." It's the idea behind the "New York Says Thank You Foundation," where those who helped pick up the pieces in New York following the aftermath of September 11th help rebuild shaken spirits who've suffered an aftermath of their own...all to say thanks for the country's continued support. Founder of New York Says Thank You, Jeff Parsens, says, "Nothing is impossible when Americans come together and help each other." Some say picking up the pieces has never been an easy task, but then again, neither is letting a tragic event get the best of such a positive place.
By Lucas Hartford- Evergreen USA RRG, Inc.
Morgan Properties the largest RV Park Corporate owner of 49 Parks in the US has just started listing their parks on www.rvparksvideoshowcase.c om and it is free. Also Encore, Thousand Trails and Jellystone have just registered with the new website, and will start uploading their parks. Some of the Features in RVPVS include: Free full Listing Includes Descriptions, Rates, Amenities, Local Activities, Photos with Motion, Maps, Ratings, Reviews,Weather, Virtual Video Tour, Web Site Url, and Contact Information. * Descriptions up to 30,000 characters ] * Rates * Amenities [ With Icons] * Local Activities [ With Icons ] * Photos with Motion [Up to 30, that is more than any other direcotry] * Maps [Google Interactive Map]
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