RV Lifestyle & Travel - NW Adventure Rentals

Adventure, Camping, Camping in Washington State, Parks, RV Lifestyle & Travel

How to Avoid Ticks and Prepare a Tick Kit for Camping

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How to Avoid Ticks and Prepare a Tick Kit for Camping Over recent years, ticks have become more and more prevalent. If you are on social media at all you have probably seen the stories of people who thought they would never come in contact with a tick ending up with Lyme disease. The answer, of course, is not to never go out and enjoy the wilderness. Taking a few minutes to assemble a tick kit for your next RV camping trip can help to prevent any of the scary illnesses brought on by bacteria in tick saliva. If you have ever seen, read an article about, or known someone with Lyme disease, you will know the importance of having a tick kit at the ready. Taking a few minutes to assemble a tick kit before your next camping trip is quick and easy and you may already have the items you need on hand. For your kit you will need rubbing alcohol or iodine scrub, sealable bags or tape, and a pair of fine tip tweezers. Take all of the kit items and place them in a clearly labeled small box or pouch so all of the items are together and ready to go. The next step is to learn about how to remove a tick before they latch on to your body. This is where the tweezers in the kit come in handy. There are special tick removal devices you can purchase, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that a pair of pointy tipped tweezers will do the job. Use the tweezers to grasp the tick as close as you can near the skin and pull it away with constant, steady, and even pressure. Be careful not to twist or jerk a tick, this could cause body parts of the tiny pest to break off and maybe even cause it to leave more saliva behind. Tick saliva is where the disease causing bacteria live. Once the tick is removed, do not dispose of it. Place the tick in a sealed bag or wrap it tightly in tape. You can also tape the tick to an index card. Keeping the tick is useful should you need to see a doctor if irritation occurs. It is also a good idea to write down the time and date the tick was removed. The CDC states you can dispose of a tick by flushing it down the toilet. Do not look to other tick removal “hacks”; the only way to remove a tick is with tweezers and careful pressure. Stay away from methods like painting the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, dousing with peppermint essential oil, or the use of heat. You want to remove the tick from the body as quickly as possible and not wait for it to detach from the skin. Having a tick kit handy can make a huge difference in your likelihood to contract a serious illness. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Camping in Wells Gray Canada

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Camping in Wells Gray Canada Just past the quaint mountain town gateway of Clearwater is one of the best outdoor expanses in the world. Wells Gray Provincial Park is over one million acres of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and forest…a place so beautiful and majestic, it has been nicknamed “Canada’s Waterfall Park.” Wells Gray is the home of the Clearwater, Thompson, and Murtle Rivers. These raging rivers carry 39 waterfalls including Helmcken Falls, the fourth highest waterfall in all of Canada. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking hikes and adventure packed activities in a place that is rarely crowded. You truly can get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life here while finding activities to please nearly every person in your party! Choose your adventure, whether looking for something serene and resetting or extreme and death defying; you’re sure to find an activity to meet your needs! Take a quiet, peaceful, tranquil canoe ride on Murtle Lake, hang out in the observation area at Helmcken Falls and snap pictures you will want to display on your walls at home, go whitewater rafting, or hike high atop the mountain ridges. Some of the most popular activities at Wells Gray Provincial Park include: RV Camping Spots in Wells Gray There are around twenty or more different RV camping options to choose from with a variety of amenities at each one. You can choose anywhere from boondocking to resort glamping! Most campsites are located in and around the town of Clearwater so you are never too far away from a store to replenish supplies or purchase items that you may have forgotten. Slip into town and take a break from cooking while enjoying one of the great local restaurants. Some of our favorite and most characteristic camping spots include Wells Gray Golf and RV Park, Mahood Lake Campgrounds, Star Lake Resort Campground, and Clearwater Lake and Falls Creek Campground. Wells Gray Golf and RV Park-30 minutes outside of Clearwater on the shores of Hemp Creek. There are 30 full service camp sites and a dump station. Individual and group campsites are available. Enjoy being in the wilderness but with the modern comforts of a coin operated laundromat, showers, and a challenging nine hole golf course. Mahood Lake Campgrounds– Great for anyone interested in a more rustic camping experience without completely boondocking. This campground hosts individual and group campsites with picnic tables and fire pits at every site. Public restrooms are outhouses and running water is available. This is a great fishing spot, and there is a nice beach with swimming on Mahood Lake. Star Lake Resort Campground– A smaller Campground with just 10 sites on the lake. Rent a boat and catch your limit of the famous Kamloops trout. Clearwater Lake and Falls Creek Campground– A larger campground with 80 campsites. This is a great place for campers that like to have a mix of both glamping and rustic camping. There is a store, dump station, outhouses, running water, fire pits, pay showers, and a boat launch. It goes without saying that the massive Wells Gray Provincial Park has a camping experience to meet all needs. The best part is you can camp at Wells Gray year round. So go rent an RV and start enjoying Wells Gray in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation! Image byI, Hedwig Storch [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Adventure, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

RV Cleaning Shortcuts

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RV Cleaning Shortcuts No one wants to take big chunks of time out of their vacation to clean and tidy up their living space. The less time you spend keeping things livable the more you have for outdoor adventure, family game playing, relaxing nights around the campfire, etc. Cut down on cleaning time in your RV with these cleaning shortcuts! Utilize Vertical Space One thing that makes an RV feel messy and small is clutter. Maximize the space in your RV to help it feel more spacious, organized, and less cluttered. Use the vertical space in your RV to create more room to store items. Here are some great vertical storage tricks for your RV: Trash Cans Vacuuming Beds Remove Shoes Make it a Game Using just a few of these cleaning shortcuts will have you cleaning less and vacationing more. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping in Washington State, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Camping Near Easton Washington

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Camping Near Easton Washington It’s spring! A great time of year to get out and explore the Northwest in an RV. So many of us get the itch to start enjoying the great outdoors again with the few peeks of sunshine through those spring showers. Though we have spring fever, school is still in session and work is going full force. Don’t get down over those spring fever longings. We have the perfect Washington spring RV destination to scratch that itch; Easton, Washington! Easton is a small town just past Snoqualmie Pass on the east side of the mountains. A great place for those that love to day hike and to soak in the eastern Washington sun for a short spring weekend getaway. Where to Set Up Camp There are many places for dispersed boondock camping, but beware that some roads are single lane dirt roads with untrimmed brush along the sides that can drag along the side of an RV and potentially cause scratches. The best-dispersed spots for your RV will be along the gravel Forest Service Road #4818, also known as Kachess Dam Road. Camping is not allowed on the road until after you pass under the high-tension power lines. Once you pass them you will see the dispersed camping spaces notched into both sides of the road. Lake Easton State Park also has 45 full hookup RV spaces available for campers that enjoy a few more modern comforts while camping. Easton’s Amazing Hikes Just two miles north of Easton is a trailhead that gives access to three of the most amazing hikes in Washington: Easton Ridge Trail, Domerie Divide Trail, and Kachess Ridge Trail. Each trail comes with its own unique characteristics including water features, views, and varying levels of difficulty. If you are an animal lover, don’t forget the binoculars for a chance to spy some mountain goats along the cliffs of Silver Creek! Kachess Ridge– a great hike featuring two routes to stunning views, both with a good level of difficulty. It is a 4.7-mile trail that takes about four hours to hike and a northwest forest pass for parking at the trailhead. Easton Ridge– a moderately difficult hike that is 6.5 miles long with a significant elevation gain. It should take around four hours to hike Easton Ridge and at the top you will be wowed with mountain views stretching as far as the eye can see. Domerie Divide– the most difficult of the Easton day hikes, but also arguably the most beautiful. At the trailhead, find the junction for the Kachess Ridge Trail and listen for the sound of Silver Creek. Follow the unmarked trail that is Easton Ridge along the creek and over the bridge. Cross the bridge and hike the switchbacks to the old forest road, then follow the fading road to the obvious unmarked trail heading up the mountainside. Eventually the switchbacks give way to steep climbs that can get slippery in very dry weather. Enjoy views of Kachess Lake. Further into the hike the trees will thin, so look for the signs that mark out the Domerie Divide and soon you will be taking in views of Cle Elum Lake and a gorgeous sea of mountain peaks and crags! Easton is a great place for a short spring weekend away. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Maintenance & Care, RV Ownership Tips

How to Create More Sleeping Space in an RV

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How to Create More Sleeping Space in an RV You did it! You found the perfect way to get away and relax with your family, camping in an RV rental. You found a great RV that has everything you need, except it could use just one more bed to comfortably sleep Grandma or the friend you told your kids they could bring along. Have no fear; there are some easy solutions to create a little more sleeping space in an RV! Cots This of course is the most obvious solution you may have already thought about. A cot can be lightweight, compact, easy to fold and store, and can fit in a tight space. They are a great option for camping trips and can be found at most outdoor stores. Collapsible Bunks A great solution for kids. They take advantage of vertical space in tiny spots. Kids find them fun and exciting, but they are also strong enough to sleep adults. Air Mattresses If your RV has a good amount of extra floor space, say an RV with a pop out side, an air mattress can be a great bedding solution. Air mattresses can be easily blown up with a pump and are lightweight and easy to store during the day. Some of them are actually quite comfy and you may find everyone fighting over who gets to sleep on it. Fold Out Lounge Chairs Some RVs have a corner open with space to fit a chair. In that space you can place a fold-out chair. It is like a sofa sleeper, but in chair form. There is just enough room to sleep one more person. Turn Front Motorhome Seats Into a Bed This is a popular RV hack you may have seen all over Pinterest. If you are renting a motorhome you can use the two captains chairs (the driver seat and passenger seat beside it up in the front by the steering wheel) in the front to make a twin size bed of sorts. Just grab a cot or board and mattress pad to fit across the length of the two seats when they are turned to face each other and lay down a sleeping bag and pillow or bedding. This is a great solution for kids and young and spry adults (those without aches and health concerns) who do not need an extra comfy place to sleep. Truck-Bed Bed If you are pulling a trailer with a pickup truck why not turn the bed of the truck into an actual bed? Place an air mattress, cot, or mattress topper in the back of the truck with some bedding. Of course you will want a truck with a canopy over the bed in areas and weather that are not great for open air camping. This option also gives some extra privacy like having your own bedroom. Make sure to be prepared for cold as there is no heat in the bed of a truck. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation! Image By Flickr:Damien Cooke [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Living & Cooking

10 Minute Dinners Perfect for Camping

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10 Minute Dinners Perfect for Camping There are times when camping where you want to take your time and cook a classic comfort food or impressive masterpiece to enjoy the trip together even more; and then there are those times when you have been busy and active all day and just want a delicious meal put together and in your mouth as soon as possible. For those “I am hungry right now moments,” here is a list of camping meals that take 10 minutes to prepare. Kabobs Kabobs are great because you can throw just about anything on a few skewers, hot dog or marshmallow sticks and grill them up really fast. Any marinade or sauce will do! Check out these recipes for some great tips. Personal Pizza This is a great meal option for the whole crew. You can set out pre-made crust, sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings sound good. Let every person assemble their own pizza with the toppings they want and put it in a device called the camp cooker by Coleman and let it sit over the fire for about ten minutes. You can also grill pizza or get it nice and hot in a a cast iron skillet. Walking Tacos This is camp classic from years ago that has recently come back around in popularity, thanks to Pinterest. Prepare your favorite meat with taco seasonings as usual. Set out all the best taco toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, onion, cheese, etc. and snack size bags of corn chips such as Doritos or Fritos. Let everyone grab their favorite bag of chips, open up the top end and fill with all the taco fixings. Get a fork and dig right into the bag. Dinner is served and there is only one dish to clean. Grilled Cheese This is the most simple of meals and what is better on the grill than a classic with grill in its name? A grilled cheese can be made so many different ways with different breads, your favorite cheese, and a wide range of add ins such as bacon, thinly sliced apple, herbs, or saurkraut. Pigs in A Blanket Hot dogs are one of the best foods for roasting over a campfire. Add a little flare to a fire roasted dog by wrapping it in refrigerated crescent dough. Quesadillas Another very versatile meal that everyone will love. Grab two tortillas and some shredded cheese of your choice and get the cast iron skillet or grilling rack or even the camp cooker. For the more refined pallet add in some fun with hot sauce, black beans, chicken, corn, jalapeños, and more. You can get really innovative with your quesadilla fillings. Foil Wrap Meal You can make a great quick and healthy meal by filling a large piece of foil with veggies and small pieces of meat. Season and add a little bit of oil (we suggest avocado oil). Next fold the foil into a pouch around the food by bringing the long edges to meet and rolling down till it is almost snug against the food then rolling the short ends in. Place on the grills and let sit for ten minutes. When done, be careful as the whole packet will be hot; open while watching out for steam, and you have a whole meal in a pouch! For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Maintenance & Care, RV Ownership Tips

Most common RV accidents

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Most common RV accidents Table of Contents RV accidents pose significant risks to travelers, and being aware of the most common scenarios is key to preventing mishaps. From tire blowouts to collisions with low-clearance structures, understanding these potential hazards can help ensure a safe journey for all adventurers. Learn about the top RV accidents and how to avoid them with our expert guide. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy worry-free RV adventures! Here are the top most common RV accidents. Tire Blowouts/Overloaded vehicles Tire blowouts are the leading cause of RV accidents, posing significant risks to travelers. These incidents often stem from overloaded RVs, improperly inflated tires, worn tread, and extreme weather conditions, particularly heat. To minimize the likelihood of experiencing a tire blowout and ensuring a safe journey, it’s crucial to take preventive measures: Refrigerator fires and propane leaks Refrigerator fires and propane leaks are pivotal safety issues for RV owners and travelers, contributing to common RV accidents. These occurrences can result in severe outcomes such as property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. Here’s essential information about these potential hazards and strategies for mitigating the risks: Propane is a flammable and hazardous material; always make sure you are safely operating and using your propane and appliances powered by propane. Running into low clearance structures Forgetting the height of an RV is a prevalent oversight among travelers, often resulting in collisions with low-clearance structures such as gas station overhangs and bridges, contributing to common RV accidents. To prevent such mishaps, it’s crucial to maintain awareness of your vehicle’s size and height. Here’s a helpful tip: place a reminder note on your dashboard highlighting the height restriction of your RV, including any additional height from antennas or rooftop attachments. By keeping this reminder visible, you can mitigate the risk of accidents caused by overlooking your RV’s dimensions while driving or towing. Stay vigilant and mindful of clearance heights to ensure a smooth and incident-free journey. Not pulling in steps When concluding an RV vacation, it’s typical to overlook essential tasks in the haste to return home or reach the next destination. Forgetting to retract the stairs or roll up the awnings is an easy mistake, contributing to common RV accidents. With a multitude of items to secure before hitting the road, it’s not uncommon for even more crucial checks to slip through the cracks. Awning Accidents Awning accidents can occur when awnings become loose or damaged during transit, posing hazards to the RV and other vehicles on the road. Improperly secured awnings can flap in the wind, detach from the RV, or cause collisions with overhead obstacles. To prevent awning accidents, RV owners should ensure proper awning installation, use quality awning hardware, and retract awnings during transit or when not in use. Regular inspection and maintenance of awning components can also help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into accidents. Jackknifing Jackknifing occurs when the trailer of a towed RV swings around and forms an acute angle with the towing vehicle, often leading to loss of control. This type of accident can happen during sudden braking, icy road conditions, or when driving too fast for the current circumstances. Proper weight distribution, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding sudden maneuvers can help prevent jackknifing incidents on the road. Safety Precautions To prevent accidents, it’s crucial to proactively familiarize yourself with potential scenarios and safety precautions. By staying informed and mindful of necessary precautions, you can avoid accidents and ensure a smooth journey. Creating and diligently following a comprehensive checklist can help minimize the risk of forgetting critical tasks before hitting the gas. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!