Vote for Your Favorite Park 2013

Posted on June 19, 2013 by admin

A run in the park or a family game of soccer could be worth $100,000!

coca-cola-logoThis summer, being active outdoors has never been more rewarding as Coca-Cola kicks off the fourth-annual America Is Your Park campaign. People can get active on behalf of their favorite park to help it win money for improvements and the title of “America’s Favorite Park.”

“Through America Is Your Park and all of Coca-Cola’s summer programs, we hope to show people how fun and rewarding it can be to get moving outdoors,” said Stuart Kronauge, general manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola USA.

“We set a goal to inspire 3 million people to get moving this summer and there’s no better place to start than at the park.”

Coca-Cola is issuing a challenge to all Americans: Take It To The Park, get active and vote to help your favorite park win a grant as part of the fourth-annual America Is Your Park campaign. Being active is not only fun—it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. And what better place to get moving this summer than in the park!

This summer, Coca-Cola is helping make this a little bit easier and a lot more fun with fitness-inspired events and activities taking place around the country. The Company is committed to being a part of the solution to obesity. So they set a goal to inspire as many as 3 million people to have fun and get active in parks, on beaches, in gyms and recreation centers around the country this summer.

There are many ways you can vote for your favorite park but it starts with getting active. Turn your favorite fitness activities into votes for national state and local parks this summer by checking in on Foursquare, logging your daily activities on MapMyFitness, or clicking to vote online.

coca-cola-d1lwft0f0qzya1.cloudfront.netThe park with the most votes by July 15 will win a $100,000 recreation grant from Coca-Cola and the title of America’s Favorite Park. Second- and third-place parks will win $50,000 and $25,000 grants, respectively. Another $15,000 grant will be awarded, at random, to a lucky park that comes in 4th to 25th on the leader board.

These recreation grants are provided to help restore, rebuild, or enhance activity areas in national, state, or local parks where people can play and be active.

Get moving, vote daily, and Take It To The Park!

This year, the more people move, the more votes they can earn for their favorite park. By registering at Coke.com/Parks (SEE link below) and linking foursquare and MapMyFitness accounts, individuals can “Take It To The Park” for even more opportunities to turn physical activity into votes:

  1. Earn 10 votes each day by logging at least 20 minutes of physical activity using MapMyFitness
  2. Earn five votes per day by “checking in” at a park via foursquare
  3. Earn one vote by clicking online at Coke.com/Parks using a computer or smartphone

To encourage more activity outdoors, votes will be doubled the first day of summer (June 21) and the last weekend of voting (July 13 and 14).

10 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors with your Kids this Summer

  1. Visit a Park
  2. Geocaching
  3. Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt
  4. Cruise a Bike Path
  5. Fishing
  6. Tubing
  7. Canoeing
  8. Trampoline Campout
  9. Horseback Riding
  10. Attend a Boating, RV, or Outdoor Adventure Show

Currently, the top 5 parks are:

  1. Veterans Memorial Park, Moore, Oklahoma (18,178 votes)
  2. Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia (12,684 votes)
  3. Thompson Park, East Liverpool, Ohio (6,672 votes)
  4. Eldridge Park, Elmira, New York (6,648 votes)
  5. Rancho Jurupa Park, Jurupa Valley, California (3,532 votes)

coca-cola-logoDetails

America Is Your Park 

Website: Coke.com/Parks

Worth Pondering…

I love the winning, I can take the losing, but most of all I love to play.

—Boris Becker

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Photo Composition Rules: Create Depth & Change Your Point of View

Posted on June 19, 2013 by admin

Since photography is two-dimensional, our challenge is to create a sense of the third dimension.

Creat Depth

By standing relatively close to the large rocks in the foreground I was able to accentuate them and lead the viewer’s eye into the middleground and mountains in the background. Also notice how the road in the middleground leads the viewer’s eyes through the image. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

We need to choose our composition carefully to convey the sense of depth that was present in the actual scene. Depth can be created in a photo by including objects in the foreground, middle ground, and background.

The foreground should provide a clear and interesting pathway into the scene and lead the viewer’s eyes into the background.

Pay attention to the shapes and forms of the foreground to see how they might relate to objects beyond.

By using a dominant object you give the viewer a path into the image as well as creating a sense of depth in your shot.

While wide-angle lenses do capture the wider landscape, they also (almost inevitably, because of their wide field-of-view) capture a considerable amount of foreground as well, and this foreground is emphasized by the wide-angle perspective.

Contrary to what you might expect, this means that the most important element of your wide-angle landscapes is the foreground.

Change Your Point of View

Change your point of view by turning around. While shooting sunsets silhouetted by statuesque saguaros near Casa Grande, Arizona, a turn of 180 degrees resulted in the above image. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Many photographers take most or all their photos from the same standing position, with the camera pointed straight ahead at eye level.

That’s the way we view the world most of the time, and the result is often an uninspiring photo—showing your viewer something they’ve already seen.

Whether you’re just starting to experiment or want to improve your work, I like the advice from National Geographic photographer Robert Caputo: “Never be satisfied with your first view of a place or the first frame you snap,” he wrote.

“It’s always possible — and usually likely — that you can come up with something better. Why else would painters make sketches? Get closer, then get closer still. Try different angles, different lenses. Wait for the light, wait for the crowd, wait for a bird to land on the tree branch. Never be in a hurry to get somewhere else. Tell yourself that nothing is more important than getting the best you can get out of the situation you are in. Once you’ve exhausted every possibility you can think of, you can start working on the next one.”

Before photographing your subject, take time to think about your shooting location. Our viewpoint has a major impact on the composition of the photo, and the message it conveys.

By using a wide angle lens and shooting from ground level I was able to provide the viewer a clear pathway into the image as well as create a sense of depth. Photo taken at summit of Coronado Monument National Memorial looking east. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Rather than only shooting from eye level, also consider photographing from high above, down at ground level, from the side, from the back, from a distance, from close up, and so on.

Try changing your point of view—get lower, get higher—and see how it affects your scene.

You drive up to the scenic lookout, get out of the car, grab your camera, turn it on, walk up to the barrier, raise the camera to your eye, rotate left and right a little, zoom a little and take your shot before getting back in the car to rush off to the next scenic lookout.

However this process rarely leads to the WOW shot that we’re looking for.

Take time to find more interesting points of view. Work the subject. Wander down paths, look for new angles.

Kneel on the ground.

If your knees and back is as bad as mine, this approach isn’t as easy as it sounds—the getting-down-to-eye-level part is easy enough, but the getting back up isn’t!

I find that knee pads are worth their weight in gold!

But watch for fire ants!

Please Note: This is the twenty-first in a series of stories on Digital Photography and RVing

Worth Pondering…
A good photograph is knowing where to stand.

—Ansel Adams

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Keystone Sprinter Increases Market Share

Posted on June 18, 2013 by admin

Keystone Sprinter’s combined retail market share has grown by 19 percent this year, with fifth wheel market share climbing an astounding 62 percent, according to the March 2013 report by Statistical Surveys, Inc.

Keystone-Rv-Co.-logoSprinter’s fifth wheel gain is the strongest of any top 20 brand in the RV marketplace.
Keystone credits Sprinter dealers for the brand’s incredible results.

“As Keystone’s very first brand, we have had the privilege of building strong relationships over the course of 17 years with many of our dealers,” said Josh Miller, product manager, in a news release.

“Their feedback and support have been truly amazing. They have given generously of their time in conveying to us the importance of our ‘Camping Made Easy’ message as well as what they feel we need to do to keep Sprinter strong into the future. “

Miller adds, “Based on retail sales numbers and what we hear from our dealers, we feel very positive about where the Sprinter line is today and our ability to sustain success for years to come.”

Keystone senior management is also confident about Sprinter’s ongoing success.

“The brand will continue to evolve and improve,” noted Keystone general manager Ryan Juday, himself a former Sprinter district sales manager when he began his career with Keystone over 10 years ago.

Copper Canyon by Sprinter

Copper Canyon by Sprinter

“The Sprinter of today is an unbelievable value in the market. The most recent Stat Surveys numbers prove this. Josh and our team have been hard at work and will roll out some unbelievable new Sprinter’s at Open House this fall. I personally invite all our dealers and prospective dealers to visit with us and see what we have to offer.”

Details

Keystone RV Company

Keystone RV Company is a producer of travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers, with manufacturing facilities at its headquarters in Goshen, Indiana, and Pendleton, Oregon, Keystone RV brands include Montana, Cougar, Outback, Springdale, Raptor, Residence, Retreat, Passport, Hornet, Sprinter, Laredo, Mountaineer, Big Sky, High Country, Fuzion, X-lite, Bullet, Premier, Alpine, and Avalanche.

Keystone is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, Ohio, the world’s largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses.

Address: 2642 Hackberry Drive, PO Box 2000, Goshen, IN 46527-2000

Phone: (574) 535-2100

Website: keystonerv.com

Worth Pondering…

Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes.
—Jan Myrdal

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Are You Ready for Another Snowbird Tax?

Posted on June 18, 2013 by admin

In recent stories I reported that the governor of two northern states have declared war on the so-called rich snowbird.

NoNewTaxesGovernor Mark Dayton of Minnesota proposed a snowbird tax on residents who live 60 days to just under six months in the state.

Dayton told snowbirds that since you’re rich, you can pay more.

“It’s time snowbirds paid their fair share,” he stated.

In a separate story the Iowa Senate approved a bill intended to prevent tax evaders (their words, not mine) from using out-of-state shell corporations to avoid paying registration fees on million-dollar recreational vehicles and other luxury vehicles.

In the most recent development this new rule affecting all current and future RVers was inserted in a catch-all bill approved by Iowa legislators.

And now a third state proposes a plan to squeeze more tax dollars out of the so-called rich snowbird.

Nevada lawmakers are looking to see if they turn up more cash from snowbirds. Already the state mandates that anyone of the age of 10 who resides in the Silver State for more than 31 consecutive days must purchase a seasonal identification card at a cost of $12 (reduced to $7 for seniors).

However, if Nevada AB405 is passed into law, that mandated fee will jump to $17 for all, the RV News Service reported.

Relax and enjoy the beauty of Gulf State Park. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Relax and enjoy the beauty of Gulf State Park. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Even more odious is what’s hidden in the fine print in the bill: Bring a vehicle into Nevada, you’ll need a seasonal decal, at $18 per year. Bring your Class A motorhome and a tow vehicle, make the total decal bill $53.

The Nevada Assembly voted 40 to 1 to send the bill to the Senate for its consideration.

In an article carried by the Mojave Daily News, tourist promotion officials are shown to be more than a little concerned.

“Assembly Bill 405 reminds me of the issue with the RVers and dry camping back in 2006,” said Connie Davis, executive director of the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce.

“The economic impact that issue caused was tremendous, due to the fact that the RVers went national with the message that Laughlin doesn’t like RVs. To this day, we still haven’t recovered.

“Snowbirds and RVers bring in tourism dollars to Laughlin and the whole Tri-state area,” continued Davis.

“The perceived benefits from AB405 won’t outweigh the negative effects. Those folks will go spend their money elsewhere.”

The bill is the brain-child of sponsor Assemblyman Richard Carrillo, D-Clark County.

You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.—David Crockett © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.—David Crockett © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

In an ironic twist, a view of Carrillo’s web page lists the Alliance of Retired Americans as one of his affiliations.

Just another one of those initiatives where politicians say “they’re rich, let them pay more.”

As one of “them” I can assure you I will visit another state before I will pay Nevada one dime.

The proposed tax grabs by the states of Iowa, Minnesota, and Nevada draw the contrast of what is happening in United States today. At least, let’s hope it is not a trend.

Maybe, it’s time to move to Texas!

Worth Pondering…

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.
—John Adams

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Coachmen Introduces 50th Anniversary Edition Fifth Wheel

Posted on June 17, 2013 by admin

What do you do when you’ve reached your 50th year of doing business?

Coachmen LogoYou take a moment to celebrate, reflect on what has been learned over those 50 years, and you re-focus on your future and do something special, says Fred Hershberger, General Manager of Coachmen RV’s fifth wheel division, in a news release.

Middlebury, Indiana-based Coachmen RV, a division of Forest River, Inc. has done just this with its 50th Anniversary Edition Brookstone fifth wheel.

“We recognized that we needed to simplify and streamline Brookstone into one product offering and have accordingly re-positioned, re-designed, and re-defined it with the Brookstone 50th Anniversary Edition, which replaces all prior Brookstone products,” states Hershberger.

“Our brand charter is simple…we are deliberate in our design to build the most user-friendly and functional luxury fifth wheel available…and do so at a fantastic price.

“We’ve designed into the floor plans dedicated storage for a full-sized kitchen trash can, silverware drawer, long utensil drawer, lay down spice rack drawer, pots and pans drawer, wine rack, optional dishwasher, broom closet, dual full-sized clothes basket storage, a cabinet that stores a mini step ladder for those hard-to-reach cabinets and even a hide-a-way pet feeding station,” says Hershberger.

Brookstone 50th Anniversary Edition

Brookstone 50th Anniversary Edition

Other interior features include a 50-inch LED Smart television, MCD roller shades, optional powered incline bed, and more.

“Consumers will enjoy world class towing with the 50th Anniversary Brookstone which combines ‘Best in Class’ aerodynamics with the LCI Correct Track Alignment System, Dexter Axles, and MOR/ryde suspension,” Hershberger said.

Brookstone will begin to ship its first floor plan, which is a 37-foot triple slide fifth wheel with a base MSRP of $55,000, during the month of June.

Details

Coachmen Recreational Vehicles

Coachmen RV products have been on U.S. roads and highways since 1964.

The first Coachmen RV products were manufactured in a 5,000 square foot plant in downtown Middlebury, Indiana, by Coachmen Industries, a company founded by three brothers: Tom, Keith and Claude Corson.

Coachmen’s first year of production included 12 travel trailers, a single truck camper and 80 truck caps.

Since that time, over 600,000 Coachmen recreational vehicles have been produced.

In December of 2008, Coachmen RV became a brand of Forest River Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company.

Coachmen RV, a Division of Forest River Inc., is headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, with primary manufacturing facilities on nearly 120 acres with approximately 11 acres under roof serving as dedicated manufacturing facilities for Coachmen branded Class A Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, and Travel Trailers. Camping Trailers are manufactured in the Centerville, Michigan, manufacturing facilities.

Coachman FullLineUpAddress: 423 North Main, Middlebury, IN 46540

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30, Middlebury, IN 46540

Phone: (800) 353-7383 (Sales) and (800) 453-6064 (Service)

Website: coachmenrv.com

Worth Pondering…

Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.

—Sophia Loren

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Pull Aside & Stay Alive

Posted on June 17, 2013 by admin

Do you know what to do if you encounter a dust storm?

An approaching dust storm over Phoenix. (Source: gawker.com)

An approaching dust storm over Phoenix. (Source: gawker.com)

Pull aside and stay alive!

Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has a message for drivers who think they can recklessly drive head-on into a dust storm: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”

Following the successful launch of last year’s public awareness campaign, ADOT is intensifying its efforts to educate drivers about the threat of dust storms as monsoon season officially started in Arizona on June 15.

ADOT, along with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the National Weather Service, has reactivated its “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” public awareness campaign including television and radio public-education announcements to educate drivers about what to do—and what NOT to do—when they encounter a dust storm.

ADOT’s mission is to provide valuable information to drivers before they get caught in a low-visibility dust storm.

This year, the agency’s top recommendation is to avoid driving into a wall of dust at all costs.

“Driving into a dust storm is dangerous, and oftentimes it can be avoided. This is a message that can’t be emphasized enough,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski.

“During monsoon season, drivers and their passengers must do their part by planning ahead if there are threats of a dust storm. It’s better to alter travel plans than to attempt to drive through dangerous conditions.

A major dust storm swept through Arizona on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 (Credit: Joseph Pickett/bestforbegginers.com)

A major dust storm swept through Arizona on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 (Credit: Joseph Pickett/bestforbegginers.com)

“But if you’re on the road and a dust storm suddenly appears near you, pull off the highway as quickly and safely as possible. Do not drive through a dust storm. It’s a risk you don’t have to take and remember to never drive distracted.”

Dust storms develop quickly, and dust-related crashes can occur, particularly along the Interstate 10 corridor between Phoenix and Tucson.

If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back, and to the sides) and begin slowing down.

DO NOT wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway—do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

DO NOT stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.

Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

A major dust storm swept through Arizona on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 (see photos above and below). The dust storm was triggered from thunderstorms to the south of the Phoenix metro area. Dust was blown up by high winds. The winds were estimated to be over 60 miles per hour and caused low visibility. The storm went through the city of Phoenix a little after 7:00 p.m. local time.

Dust Wall moves into Phoenix East Valley, July 5, 2011 (Source: Grand Canyon Suppliers/kjrh.com)

Dust Wall moves into Phoenix East Valley, July 5, 2011 (Source: Grand Canyon Suppliers/kjrh.com)

Local flights in the area were delayed because of the storm. Power outages were also reported.

Details

Pull Aside Stay Alive

To advise drivers of approaching storms, ADOT employs a range of strategies to maintain a timely flow of information to motorists.

These strategies include electronic highway message boards, social and traditional media, communication with ADOT staff and law enforcement officers in the field, television and radio advertising, and close coordination with partnering agencies.

ADOT, along with its partnering agencies, has established PullAsideStayAlive.org to showcase the public-education video and to reinforce driver safety messages.

The website also includes a tip sheet, which ADOT encourages drivers to print and keep handy in their vehicle.

A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability are always the top factors in preventing crashes.

Visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511, call 5-1-1 within Arizona, or 1-888-411-ROAD outside the state for current information regarding road conditions statewide.

Website: PullAsideStayAlive.org

Please Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on Surviving Dust Storms

Part 1: Top 5 Ways to Survive a Dust Storm

Worth Pondering…

On the fourteenth day of April in 1935
There struck the worst of dust storms that ever filled the sky…
From Oklahoma City to the Arizona Line
Dakota and Nebraska to the lazy Rio Grande
It fell across our city like a curtain of black rolled down,
We thought it was our judgment, we thought it was our doom…
—Woody Guthrie, from his song, The Great Dust Storm

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Lock ‘N’ Roll Articulating Hitch Increases Towing Safety

Posted on June 16, 2013 by admin

According the National Highway Traffic Safety statistics there are 418 injuries, eight deaths, and more than 700 incidents of property damage caused by vehicles towing trailers, every week.

Lock n roll banner01Each year more than 20,000 people have needed medical attention for accidents involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles.

“It even costs the American economy almost $2 billion every year,” said Gregory Russell, the developer of the new Lock ‘N’ Roll latching system, in a news release.

“And it’s no surprise; the standard ball hitch that is most commonly used is difficult to attach, can pop off in than ideal conditions and can even appear secure when it’s not. It isn’t uncommon for a standard ball hitch to disconnect, en route, sending a loose trailer into traffic.”

Russell, a fifth generation blacksmith from Chicago, has been developing a solution to this deadly problem for years.

When designing the Lock ‘N’ Roll articulating trailer hitch, he utilized 360 degrees of rotation and three axis of movement, eliminating the danger caused by bumps and potholes. This allows trailers to be safely towed on uneven terrain, also making it ideal for off road adventuring, he explained.

“Lock ‘N’ Roll is made with a patented latching system that is far safer than a traditional ball hitch connection,” said Russell.

Lock ‘N’ Roll trailer hitches come in over 20 possible configurations to fit almost any type of vehicle and trailer.

Lock ‘N’ Roll trailer hitches come in over 20 possible configurations to fit almost any type of vehicle and trailer.

Once the latch plates are locked in place, Lock ‘N’ Roll will never pop off like ball hitches do. Everything is in plain view to eliminate any question of whether or not the trailer is hitched correctly.

Lock ‘N’ Roll hitches provides a very tight, close fitting connection that eliminates the “thunk and jerk” action of conventional hitches.

Nearly any terrain can be negotiated safely making this articulating hitch the ideal off road hitch, horse trailer hitch, boat hitch, RV hitch, and more.

The 360 degree rotation along with the left to right and up and down articulation allows fantastic maneuverability, especially when backing a trailer into position, making Lock ‘N’ Roll the best off road hitch, on road hitch, or wherever-you-wanna-go hitch.

The positively secured connection keeps you in control so minor mishaps on the road don’t turn into major accidents.

Not only is the Lock ‘N’ Roll a better and safer design, these trailer hitches are made using old world craftsmanship that imparts optimum strength into each, carefully manufactured hitch, according to the news release.

These are heavy duty products made of alloy steel parts and are built to withstand the uncertainties of travel, making the roads safer for everyone, he added.

Lock-N-Roll-AnimationThis is a heavy duty product made of alloy steel parts. These articulating on road, off road hitches and couplers are designed and manufactured by a family of blacksmiths who trace their skills back five generations.

Lock ‘N’ Roll trailer hitches come in over 20 possible configurations to fit almost any type of vehicle and trailer.

All units conform to the requirements of SAE standard J684 and are tested by independent labs.

Details

Lock ‘N’ Roll

Address: 2141 S. Spaulding Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: (773) 277-2800 or (800) 399-5182 (toll free)

Website: locknroll.com

Worth Pondering…

Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.

—Virgil Thomson

Posted in RV Accessories, RV Manufactures, RV Safety, RV Tips, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 5 Ways to Survive a Dust Storm

Posted on June 16, 2013 by admin

A dust storm usually arrives suddenly in the form of an advancing wall of dust and debris which may be miles long and several thousand feet high.

In a scene reminiscent of the 1930s Dust Bowl, on October 18, 2011, Lubbock, Texas went from light to dark in an instant, as the 8,000 foot dust cloud, traveling at a whizzing 70 mph, swept through. (Image via YouTube)

In a scene reminiscent of the 1930s Dust Bowl, on October 18, 2011, Lubbock, Texas went from light to dark in an instant, as the 8,000 foot dust cloud, traveling at a whizzing 70 mph, swept through. (Image via YouTube)

Dust storms that turn day into night are a hazard to drivers. Dust storms can strike with little warning. Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups.

Dust Storms are among nature’s most violent and unpredictable phenomena. High winds lift dirt particles or, in the case of sandstorms, sand, into the air, unleashing a turbulent, suffocating cloud of particulates and reducing visibility to almost zero in a matter of seconds.

Nearly all dust storms are capable of causing property damage, injuries, and deaths, and they can occur in any arid or semi-arid climate.

Dust storms usually last only a few minutes, but the actions a driver takes during the storm may be the most important of his or her life.

No matter where you live, it’s a good idea to know what to do if you see a wall of sand racing toward you.

1. Heed Dust Storm Warnings

Since dust storms are most likely to occur on hot summer days under certain atmospheric conditions, meteorologists can frequently predict the possibility of these storms.

During threatening weather listen to commercial radio or NOAA Weather Radio for Dust Storm Warnings.

A Dust Storm (or Sand Storm) Warning means: Visibility of ½ mile or less due to blowing dust or sand, and wind speeds of 30 miles an hour or more.

2. Be Prepared

A massive dust storm descended on the Phoenix area on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, drastically reducing visibility and delaying flights as strong winds toppled trees and caused power outages for thousands of residents in the city. (Source: disastersurvivaltools.com)

A massive dust storm descended on the Phoenix area on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, drastically reducing visibility and delaying flights as strong winds toppled trees and caused power outages for thousands of residents in the city. (Source: disastersurvivaltools.com)

If you are in a storm-prone area, carry a mask designed to filter out small particulates, and bring airtight goggles to protect your eyes. It’s also wise to carry a supply of water in case you are stuck in a storm. Dust storms are usually accompanied by high temperatures, and you can quickly become dehydrated in the dry heat and high winds. Wear or carry clothing that covers your body to protect you from the sandblasting.

3. Outrun the Storm?

If you see a dust storm from some distance, you may be able to outrun it or detour around it. Some dust storms can travel at more than 75 miles per hour, but they frequently travel much slower.

Trying to outrun a storm, however, is not advisable if you have to put yourself at risk by traveling at high speeds. If the storm is catching up with you, it’s best to stop and prepare for it. Once consumed by the storm, your visibility can potentially be reduced to zero in a matter of seconds.

4. Pull Over

If you’re driving a vehicle and visibility drops to less than 300 feet, pull off the road as far as possible (exit the freeway if possible), set your parking brake, turn OFF your lights, make sure turn signals and emergency flashers are off, and take your foot off the brake pedal to ensure the tail lights are not illuminated.

If your exterior lights are on, other drivers will use the taillights of the person in front of them as a guide to help navigate the road ahead of them. If you are pulled off the road and are sitting there with your lights on, unbelievably, someone might think they can follow you and run right off the road or even collide with you! Turning your headlights off while stationed off the road, will reduce the possibility of a rear-end collision.

Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.

If you are NOT able to safely pull off the road, keep your headlights on, turn on your emergency flashers, slow down, and proceed with caution, sounding your horn periodically.

Use the highway’s centerline to guide you if you can’t see in front of you. Pull over at the nearest safe spot.

5. Take Cover and Stay Put

Dust storm over Denver, Colorado. (Source: worldgeography.com)

Dust storm over Denver, Colorado. (Source: worldgeography.com)

Do not attempt to move about in a blinding storm, as you will not be able to see potential hazards in your path.

Roll up the windows and turn off vents that bring outside air in.

DO NOT enter a dust storm. If you can avoid getting caught in a storm, do not tempt fate.

Please Note: This is Part 1 of a 2-part series on Surviving Dust Storms

Part 2: Pull Aside & Stay Alive

Worth Pondering…

Houses were shut tight, and cloth wedged around doors and windows, but the dust came in so thinly that it could not be seen in the air, and it settled like pollen on the chairs and tables, on the dishes.”
—John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath

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Rand McNally Introduces Outdoor Handheld GPS

Posted on June 15, 2013 by admin

Rand McNally introduces its first handheld/bike mounted outdoor GPS device for hiking, biking, geocaching, and more.

Rand McNally’s Foris 850

Rand McNally’s Foris 850

The Rand McNally’s Foris 850 comes loaded with millions of miles of high-quality street and trail maps, a sturdy bike mount, and an easy-to-use interface with on-device help.

Announced at the Outdoor Retailer show, Winter Market, the Foris 850 has been in beta testing and reviews by outdoor enthusiasts since January, the company noted in a press release. Received favorably, the Foris 850 is the result of collaboration between Rand McNally and Falk Outdoor Navigation, a business unit of United Navigation Limited.

Rand McNally’s Foris 850 map screen

Rand McNally’s Foris 850 map screen

“The Foris is designed to provide a ‘trail ready’ experience out of the box with everything included to get outside and go,” explained Dave Marsh, vice president of research and development for Rand McNally.

“Consumers have come to expect turn-by-turn voice guidance on GPS and in-car units, and we’ve brought that feature uniquely to the outdoor market with guidance on trails as well as roads.”

“Other industry firsts include Loop Me, a feature that creates a looped trail with the same starting and ending point, based on the user’s preferred time or distance for the hike or ride, and TrackNav, which creates navigable routes from ‘breadcrumb’ trails,” Marsh explained.

Other key features of the Foris device include:

  • Multiple U.S. map databases on device, including Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, U.S National Park Service trails, National Forestry hiking trails and multi-purpose trails, U.S. National Wildlife Refuge trails, and the national hydrographic dataset, among others (the trail maps are pre-loaded as vector trails, rather than raster images, allowing for navigation and routing vs. just viewing)
  • Millions of points of interest relevant to the outdoor market, such as trailheads, high points, bike shops, recreation areas, and campgrounds
  • Spoken and visual turn-by-turn directions, even on trails
  • Route compare feature that compares three alternative routes, along with their elevation profiles
  • Paperless geocaching through direct integration with geocaching.com; all descriptions, hints, logs, difficulty and terrain level on device
  • Storage capacity for a category-leading 7,000 waypoints
  • Barometric altimeter that shows accurate elevation levels on the map, or along current trail as well as how far to the top of a mountain or other location
  • Trailhead companion software for desktop computers allows geocaches, hikes, and rides to be stored, viewed, and transferred to and from the Foris
  • Glove friendly 3-inch touch screen (240 x 400 pixels) is sensitive enough to be used while wearing biking gloves
  • The box includes bike mount, batteries, an anti-glare screen protector, 8 GB internal memory

The Foris 850 has a suggested retail price of $399.99 and is anticipated to be the first in a line of outdoor market products from Rand McNally.

The Foris 850 will be available exclusively at amazon.com beginning June 7 and at other retailers as of June 21.

Foris_Launch_Homepage_1370x350Details

Rand McNally 

Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content.

Rand McNally’s products and services include road travel review site (bestoftheroad),  interactive travel referral service (tripology), America’s #1 Road Atlas, TripMaker RVND GPS for RVers, IntelliRoute truck routing software and mobile communication solutions for the transportation industry, and the leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom.

Consumers, businesses, truckers, and educators depend upon Rand McNally to help navigate today’s world.

Address: 9855 Woods Drive Skokie, Illinois 60077

Phone: (800) 333-0136

Website: randmcnally.com

Best of RVing website: bestoftheroad.com/rv

Best of the Road website: bestoftheroad.com

Tripology website: tripology.com/

Lifetime Maps program website: randmcnally.com/lifetimemaps

Worth Pondering…                

I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.

—Daniel Boone

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CURT Introduces New High Capacity Weight Distribution Hitches

Posted on June 15, 2013 by admin

Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based CURT Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer and marketer of top-quality towing products, introduces new weight distribution hitches with capacities up to 15,000 pounds.

CURTThe hitches will be offered in both round bar and trunnion styles.

CURT Weight Distribution Hitches provide improved vehicle and trailer control by leveling the trailer and more-evenly distributing the weight, according to a news release.

They feature a heavy duty, adjustable formed head which allows tilting at various angles.

The 12-inch shank is made to fit 2 inch x 2 inch receiver tube openings.

The weight distribution hitches include forged steel spring bars and hook-up brackets.

CURT Round Bar High Capacity weight distribution hitch

CURT Round Bar High Capacity weight distribution hitch

CURT’s new round bar weight distribution hitch has up to 14,000 pounds gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity and up to 1,400 pounds tongue weight (TW) capacity.

The new trunnion bar weight distribution hitch has up to 15,000 pounds GTW capacity and up to 1,500 pounds TW capacity.

All CURT weight distribution hitches include pin and clips and are completed with a rust-resistant durable powder coat finish.

 Details

CURT Manufacturing

CURT is a leading manufacturer and marketer of top quality towing products.

The company offers American made, custom fit receiver hitches and wiring harnesses for nearly any vehicle on the road.

They also market a broad range of trailer hitches, towing systems, and related accessories.

CURT is ‘The First Name in Towing Products’ for automobile and truck hitches, as well as RV, gooseneck, and commercial towing systems.

Products are marketed through retailers, distributors, installers, and e-tailers across the U.S. and Canada.

CURT Trunnion Bar High Capacity weight distribution hitch

CURT Trunnion Bar High Capacity weight distribution hitch

CURT employs hundreds of associates, primarily at their manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters which is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

CURT operates 10 regional warehouses, each carrying over 2,500 items and has been twice named a Wisconsin ‘Manufacturer of the Year’.

Address: 6208 Industrial Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Phone: (877) CURTMFG (287-8634)

Website: curtmfg.com

Worth Pondering…

One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.

—Oliver Wendell Holmes

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