Since I like things to come in fives (and tens), here are five things YOU need to know TODAY!
1. Bear Spray Mandatory on Banff Trail
Let's Go RVing to Jasper National Park, Alberta. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
For the first time in a national park, Parks Canada has mandated that until September 15 hikers on the popular Lake Minnewanka Trail in Banff National Park must travel in a tight group of four or more with at least one person must carry bear spray at all times.
“We want to reduce the potential for another bear attack in that area and we want people to understand just how serious the situation is if they choose to go hiking there,” says Steve Michel, a human-wildlife specialist with mountain park.
The maximum fine for not complying is $25,000 under the National Parks Act.
Earlier this month, a Danish mother and her 13-year-old son came within a few steps of a grizzly sow and her cubs on a trial near the Aylmer Pass
The sow shooed her cubs up a tree and rose on her hind legs; the tourist mom tucked her son behind her, spoke softly and backed away slowly. The two mothers regarded one another briefly, then went in opposite directions with their offspring.
2. Practice Safe Propane Use
A man who tried to fix his gas barbecue next to a campfire suffered serious burns to half his body, according to Didsbury, Alberta, RCMP. The 34-year-old resident of Carstairs had disconnected the propane line as he began his repairs, allowing the flammable gas to leak and spread. Eventually, the propane reached the campfire, igniting the gas.
Let's Go RVing to Mount Washington, New Hampshire. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
The fire, which broke out at the Water Valley campground, also fully engulfed his motorhome. The man was taken to Foothills Medical Centre. His injuries were not life-threatening.
3. Fifth Wheel St. Weight Calculator
Dedicated to promoting towing safety, Fifth Wheel St. com provides an online calculator, printable weighing worksheets, and safety report for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers. You can weigh your truck and trailer and print your safety report in four easy steps.
Fifth Wheel St. is the brainchild of fulltime RVer, Dave Gray, who saw a need that was not being satisfactorily met for those towing 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers. For the safety of all on the road, it is important for all who are towing heavy trailers to know if their truck is towing safely. If you don’t know your towing weights then you may be an overloaded traveling hazard. The primary reason for Fifth Wheel St. is to emphasize the importance of towing safety by knowing your vehicles’ weight. Fifth Wheel St. simplifies this task.
4. Prepare for an Emergency, Plan & Stay Informed
Disasters have a way of striking without warning. It could be an RV fire or forest fire, severe thunderstorm or tornado, earthquake or tsunamis, hurricane or flooding, extreme heat or cold, or other massive natural disaster. Or it could be an explosion or radiation threat or other man-made disaster.
Are you prepared? Do you have a plan? How will you stay informed?
Most people DO NOT have an emergency plan or resources in place. That can cause confusion, panic, and possibly death.
The U.S. Federal Government’s disaster-preparedness site, Ready.gov has numerous tools to assist you in preparing for the worst.
Let's Go RVing to Santa Fe, New Mexico. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
You can follow the steps for making a disaster kit. It has an emergency plan tool. And it lists resources for staying informed during emergencies.
Although the content is geared toward the general population, businesses, and children, it is easily adaptable to the RV lifestyle.
5. Save on the Price of Fuel
Millions of people plan to hit the road this summer, many traveling in recreational vehicles. Most share one common goal—to save on the price of fuel. Fuel prices are higher than last summer. And it’s likely they’ll go higher during summer.
Every extra cent per gallon adds up. That’s why most RVers are on the lookout for low prices. And you’re not about to drive your condo-on-wheels around to comparison shop.
GasPriceWatch.com was created in April 1999 with the goal of saving the average consumer money. The idea was simple: Give the consumers the information required to help them make cost-saving decisions.
Since site users update the fuel prices, the age of the prices can vary. But, you can filter prices by age. Prices available for Regular, MidGrade, Premium, E-85, Diesel, and BioDiesel.
Worth Pondering…
Do you know why a car’s WINDSHIELD is so large and the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.