In another step to siphon off the Starbucks latte-computer crowd, fast food giant McDonald’s has introduced free WiFi at thousands of its convenient locations.

“This is great news for RVers,” writes Jim Twamley in his ‘RV Now‘ blog, “because McDonald’s restaurants are scattered all over the country and many have RV-friendly parking access.”

Twamley goes on to comment about his latest new gadget, the Apple iPod Touch, and the joys of accessing email and the Internet from more than 11,000 ‘mostly’ easy in-and-out sites.

Read the full posting by clicking here.

Photo: Twamley writes: “To test the capabilities of my iPod Touch and the new McDonald’s free Wi-Fi system, I pulled into a McDonald’s parking lot and without even getting out of the car was able to log onto the internet.” Source: RV Now.

On our recent three-month RV camping trip we found ourselves attracted to the more primitive areas where the closest electrical outlet was miles away.

Because the Lance camper has only one 12-volt battery, our ‘boondocking’ escapades were limited to the capacity of that single battery.

As we traveled, we became more and more interested in the convenience and added freedom of solar panels. The initial cost of the panels, however, made us stop and reflect.

A few days ago, I ran across a recent article,  ”Are solar panels worth the expense?,” by dry camping expert Bob Difley on his blog ‘RV Boondocking News.” Read the full posting by clicking here.

Photo source: RV Boondocking News.

Recreation vehicle manufacturers around the planet are being given the “green light to go ahead with eco-friendly building equipment,” according to item posted by Katie Norton on sureterm.com, the Web site for Sure Term Direct, an RV insurance company in the United Kingdom.

More and more RV manufacturers are using less toxic adhesives and lightweight composite materials.

“Owner of Little Dealer Little Prices RV manufacturers in Arizona has commented on the RV way of life saying that ‘RVers already harbour a love and respect for the outdoors and want to protect the environment,’ which emphasises the green aspect of RVs and RVing that could entice more people to try the lifestyle,” states the posting.

For the entire article click here.

Photo source: Sureterm.com

On our recent three-month camping trip through the West, it was common to meet RVers and other travelers who carry a firearm of some type in their RVs for safety.

While most were aware of the gun laws in their home state, many were unaware of local laws which vary greatly state by state.

The 2010 Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States ($13.95) by J. Scott Kappas, outlines the laws of every U.S.A. state “with all the information an RVer needs to know about carrying a weapon.”

This guide “covers all the basics for armed travel: vehicles, the glove box, open carry, loaded or not, reciprocity, weapon types, more. For the RVer who carries a firearm, this book is essential.”

Find the book through RVBookstore.com by clicking here.

The Nakusp Hot Springs is found at the end of a scenic 7-mile drive up a narrow mountain canyon from Nakusp BC.

Its two pools are supplied with hot mineral water from natural springs ½ mile away.

When we were there, the adjacent campground was closed (there was more than a foot of snow). We decided to stayed at the Nakusp Hot Springs Cedar Chalets (contact them at (250) 265-4505).

Our small cabin (#1 A unit) with kitchenette, futon, full bath (no shower) and double bed, was clean and fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Be sure to grab food and drinks in Nakasp before you head up the pass. The small hot springs food concession has some snacks, but no groceries.

If you are 60+ there is a 10% discount at both the Chalets and Hot Springs.

We plan to return this summer after the campground opens in May. Click here for more information on camping rates and season.

Photo source: BritishColumbia.com

We traveled to lower British Columbia for a soak or two in a couple of hot springs, and ended up becoming enchanted with the West Kootenay region.

The Selkirk Mountains define this part of the Kootenays. “Highway 6 links silvan Salmo with Highway 23 and stern-wheeling Nakusp, and forms alliances with branches of Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) to wrap all who journey here in a seductive embrace. Love at first sight is the reaction of many visitors to the Kootenays,” according to KootenaysBC.com.

The whole region kept reminding me of that fictional place ‘Shangri-La’ described in the 1933 novel ‘Lost Horizon’ by British author James Hilton. There was one breath-taking vista after another along Kootenay, Arrow and Slocan Lakes.

While there is still lots of snow on the ground, now is the time to start planning for late Spring and Summer getaway camping trips.

There are incredible RV and tent opportunities in this region. A few private campgrounds are currently open, however, most of the Provincial Parks won’t open until May 7. (Click here for a list of the West Kootenay Provincial Parks.)

Photo: Kootenay Lake, Kootenays, British Columbia. Source: KootenaysBC.com. Map Source: WestKootenayParks.com

Taking a couple of days to drive up to Ainsworth Hot Springs on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. We’ve been home for only a month and we’re anxious to be back on the road, even if it’s just for a short trip.

For camping, check out Super Camping, British Columbia.

The first part of RV Buddies two-part interview with Gary Bunzer, “The RV Doctor” can be viewed by clicking on RVBuddiesOnline.com.

The interview covers the three questions “The RV Doctor” is most frequently asked, stresses the importance of preventive maintenance, and addresses solar and inverter issues.

Bunzer, who has been writing columns for the industry for more than 33 years, is regular guest and an RVTravel.com blogger. Read his ‘The RV Doctor’ blog by clicking here.

His book “Woodall’s RV Owner’s Handbook” ($19.95) is available at RV Bookstore by clicking here.

Photo: RV Buddies Host Mark Summers (right) interviews Gary Bunzer, ‘The RV Doctor.” Source: RVBuddies.com.

In just a couple of days, RVTravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury will be heading “south” from his home north of Seattle.

Having recently returned to the Pacific Northwest myself from a 3-month, 3-day RV trip through the Southwest, I understand completely his need to “race outta Dodge” for several weeks this time of year.

Woodbury writes in today’s edition of RVTravel.com: “I plan a roamin’ kinda trip — no plan, just going where it feels right. Really, all I care about is getting away and ‘getting lost.’”

Read more about Woodbury’s adventures and other RV news in the latest RVTravel.com newsletter by clicking here.

Image: Courtesy of RVTravel.com

‘GoRVing,’ the promotion arm of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, debuted its new “Ambassadors of Affordability”  television commercials and companion Website.

GoRVing.com, ”utilizes new programming to allow consumers to customize their online experience to their own needs,” according to a recent RVIA news release. 

Visitors “now have access to an Explore RVs tool, comparing the various RV types, sizes and features; a Vacation Cost comparison tool utilizing data from RVIA’s study comparing the cost of RV vacations with other family trips; and an Activities Selector tailored to their age and interests,” according to the news release.

Photo: The memorable cast of animated animal characters featured in the GoRVing TV commercials and Website. Source: RVIA.