August 2009

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Welcome


	Out and About RV Trends Around the Rig Good Reads From the Galley Special Offers RVSearch

August weather is perfect for heading north to Canada and one of its most enchanting cities: Edmonton. Discover parks galore in this City of Festivals as well as long summer nights to enjoy the entertainment. Heading south from there, consider sampling a few of California's magnificent state parks — before they are closed due to lack of funds in the Golden State. Try a new recipe or two, read a good book, walk through a new motorhome and trailer, stay in shape while traveling with innovative equipment and enjoy the lazy days of summer.

Out and About

Great Getaways
Gateway to the North
The word "city" often has a negative connotation attached to it: traffic, noise, crowds, tall buildings, no greenery, etc. And, of course, RVers try to avoid cities for all the obvious reasons. Put all those bleak misconceptions away, and turn your vehicle north across the Canadian border, into Alberta, toward one of the most lush, beautiful, friendly and navigable cities on the continent — Edmonton, the provincial capital of Alberta.

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Featured RV Parks
Jackson Rancheria RV Park, Jackson, California
Jackson Rancheria RV Park is a great new RV Park located in Northern California, a short distance from the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel. The park is surrounded by a secluded forest, which makes it an ideal location to relax and recharge before exploring the surrounding area.

Amenities offered at Jackson Rancheria include a heated pool and spas, free cable TV, free 24-hour shuttle to the hotel and casino, pet-friendly accommodations, Wi-Fi, a clubhouse and more.

For more information…

To search for other great RV parks and campgrounds, visit
www.trailerlifedirectory.com.

Parks and Resorts
Whitemud Creek Golf & RV Resort
The natural setting in a deep valley encircled by verdant forest provides a splendid home for the 240-acre Whitemud Creek Golf & RV Resort. Add an exclusive 9-hole par 36 golf course and a 20-minute drive to the West Edmonton Mall, and what more could visitors to the Canadian province of Alberta ask for? This Good Sam Park earned a rating of 7/9.5*/9 by the keen eyes of the traveling reps, and with good reason. The park includes 125 spacious sites averaging 43 x 65 feet, sufficient for the largest RVs. Amenities feature a pond and freshwater fishing, in addition to a playground, horseshoes and, of course, challenging golf and a pro shop and restaurant. Visitors are invited for short or long-term stays, and last year's rates were $35 per night. Nestled in the country but within easy access to the city, Whitemud Creek Golf & RV Resort offers year-round living in a quiet and friendly environment.

For more information, go to www.whitemudcreek.com.

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THE 57TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA RV SHOW, OCTOBER 16-25, 2009

RVing is all about having fun. The fun really begins at the 57th Annual California RV Show, October 16-25 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. This show displays all the newest and greenest in RVs and RV products. Now is the time to begin building RVing memories that last a lifetime for your family.

This one-stop shopping show makes comparing various RV models and brands easy. To make it even easier to purchase a new RV, you can drive your car, truck, motorcycle or RV trade-ins to the show for a free appraisal. On-the-spot financing and aggressive discounts make buying easy.

In addition to the big RV show, admission on October 17 includes a Classic Car Show with some of the best street rods and classics in the West. On Sunday, October 18, the Discovery Center and FSEA present Land Yacht Racing, in which family teams build a simple toy car at the show and race the wind-powered car. There is no cost to enter and no tools to bring. Just come and have fun.

Tickets are only available at the gate. Prices are $6, $5 for seniors, 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discount coupons good for $2 off on Friday-Sunday are available at www.CARVShow.com. Monday through Thursday, adults and seniors are admitted for just $1. No coupon is needed and no discounts apply on Dollar Days. Active Duty Military with Government ID admission is free. Parking is $9 for cars or $12 for RVs and is located off White Avenue, right outside the show gate.

For More Information contact: Penny Nicolai (818) 881-6458 or pennynicolai@aol.com

RV Trends

Motorhomes and Trailers
A Good Impulse

It's no surprise to anyone that the name Winnebago has become a household name and is often used as a generic term for any recreational vehicle on the road, but it may surprise a few to learn that Winnebago is the parent company of the highly regarded Itasca motorhome. Begun in 1975, Itasca adheres to the same high standards for quality, construction, innovation and service as the more than 50-year-old Winnebago. With a host of brands within its umbrella and multiple floorplans for each offering, Itasca presents RVers with a broad choice, from relatively inexpensive to very upscale and everything in between. One particular brand, Impulse, garners praise and should be a consideration for Class C aficionados. The Impulse 24V, the smallest in the lineup, offers the comforts of a much larger coach within a maneuverable, economical and attractive design. This go-anywhere 24-footer is built on a Ford E-350 chassis (optional chassis available) with a 305-hp, 6.8-liter Super-Duty V-10 engine. With a 55-gallon fuel tank and 42-gallon freshwater tank, the Impulse promises comfort and convenience for a long weekend, or a stay at a family destination campground, without stopping to refuel every day. A couple with small children may opt for the cabover bunk rather than the entertainment center with optional home-theater system. The galley contains all the necessary amenities such as a double-door Norcold refrigerator, three-burner stove with storage below and double sink; the rear bedroom is equipped with a queen-size bed and additional storage. The bathroom includes a shower screen that cleans itself as it retracts. Constructed with Itasca's renowned SuperStructure, the Impulse 24V is available in three exterior colors: Khaki/Light Gold Metallic/Dark Tundra/Crystal Green; Shoreline Mist Metallic; and Cadet Blue Metallic. Interior choices include Sierra Maple, Cloudburst, Warm Glow and Nutmeg.

For more information on the Impulse 24V and other models, go to www.winnebagoind.com.

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Carried Away

Nestled in the heartland of America, a 40-plus-year-old company boasts quality construction partnered with luxurious livability. Carriage Inc. of Millersburg, Indiana, produces a full lineup of comfortable fifth-wheel trailers for year-round living. Because the coaches are so well appointed and solidly constructed, full-time RVers find them very appealing. The Carri-Lite Emerald 36FDQ combines good looks, an abundance of storage and three slides (living room, galley, bedroom) for extended livability. Solid linoleum covers the area from the entrance, left through the bath and right through the galley, while plush carpeting is featured in the bedroom and living room. Residential appliances offer the chef a great space to create gourmet meals, with a kitchen island for convenient serving. The freestanding table, convertible sofa and pair of captains' chairs provide the perfect atmosphere for entertaining. The split bath allows room for an optional washer/dryer combo for those long weeks on the road; in addition, Carri-Lite has created a great walk-through bathroom with access available from both the bedroom and the kitchen, providing privacy for the owners and convenience for guests. The queen bed (a king-size bed is optional) is surrounded by wardrobes and dressers. Exterior storage is spacious enough to hold golf clubs, fishing gear and more. The 36FDQ promises a home-away-from-home for snowbirds, full-timers and couples who simply like style and comfort for long vacations.

For more information, go to www.carriageinc.com.

Trucks & SUVs
2009 GMC Canyon Pickup

GMC's Canyon midsized pickup received a number of changes for 2009, including a V-8 engine option for heavy-duty towing. Also, StabiliTrak stability control, ABS, a bedliner, OnStar emergency communications and XM Satellite Radio are now standard, and the brakes are upgraded.

Canyon offers three engines, several body styles, two- and four-wheel-drive and an off-road package. The 2009 GMC Canyon is available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab; two bed lengths; and three primary trim levels. The extended-cab SLT adds chrome wheels, a leather interior and power heated seats, while the crew cab SLT also adds heavy-duty suspension.

Among the Z71 off-road suspension package options are larger wheels and tires, skid plates and a locking rear differential on 4WD. Other options on various models include 17- and 18-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, a power sunroof, heated power-adjustable seats, front bucket seats and a six-CD changer.

The new V-8 is rated 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Previous Canyon engines carry over; the base 2.9-liter four-cylinder rated 185 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, and the optional 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder, rated 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. The two larger engines are automatic transmission only. Rear-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel-drive models have a two-speed transfer case and an optional locking rear differential. Mileage estimates start at 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for 2.9-liter 2WD models; the V-8-powered crew cab is EPA rated 14/19/16 combined. Maximum tow rating is 6,000 pounds with the V-8 option.

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What's New?
Health on the Road

Despite the perception that weight lifting is strictly for young people, various medical studies have determined that maintaining muscle mass is essential for good health at all ages. Since we lose as much as 10 percent of our muscle mass per decade as we age, it is important to incorporate some kind of resistance training in our workouts. Kettlebells may be the most effective apparatus RVers can use while on the road.

Though they have existed for about 100 years, these dense iron weights are all the rage recently among fitness experts because they provide full-body workouts, providing both aerobic and anaerobic results simultaneously, while not posing the logistical problems that dumbbells can.

Iron Core KettleBells by GoFit, unlike the traditional kettlebells developed in Russia, are coated to protect surfaces from scratches and come in a wide array of sizes. They can be tucked away in a variety of locations in an RV, then pulled out and used in any campground. Beginners should start with light weights, then work their way up. Prices start at $24.99.

For more information, go to www.gofit.net.

How to Tell a Fish Story
Jungle Hog, Dip-Stick Worm, Swim'nGrubs, Baitfish Tubes, Gecko Lizard and Brush Beaver will make you the most colorful storyteller around the campfire. These soft plastic, lifelike, colorful, aromatic and iridescent Slurpies Baitfish from Northland Fishing Tackle in Bemidji, Minnesota, are available in most outdoor equipment stores such as Bass Pro Shops and Big 5. Whether you're angling for small or largemouth bass or lake trout, whether you prefer open water or brush and weeds, you'll find the proper bait for your catch.

For more information, go to www.northlandtackle.com.

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Around the Rig

Helpful Hints
Mirrors and Visibility
Good forward and side visibility are needed in any motor vehicle, particularly in one that is larger and more difficult to handle than a typical car or truck alone. The levels of visibility we tend to accept as adequate may not be very good; visibility often can be improved…

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Maintenance Madness Solved
Little Hands/Big Problems
We camp at many different campgrounds and, due to various circumstances, we often put the awning support arms down in a vertical position instead of at an angle to the side of the RV…

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California Needs You
The largest state-park system in the United States — California's 279 parks — is under attack. The budget crunch in the Golden State is threatening to close many of the most beautiful areas in

Photo Credit Mike Ryan. Sonoma Coast State Beach

California, denying access to current and future visitors. These magnificent treasures have been providing solace, beauty, culture, history, recreation and education to millions of campers and RVers; from Pelican State Beach at the California/Oregon border to Silver Strand State Beach near the California/Mexico border, the parks offer forest, mountain, lake, desert and seaside destinations. To protect these lands for future generations, consider joining the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF). Founded in 1969 by former director of the National Park Service, William Penn Mott, the CSPF is a nonprofit membership organization that strives to maintain and improve the state parks. Memberships begin at $25 annually and offer various benefits such as day-use passes, maps and brochures.

For more information, go to www.calparks.org.

Odor Away
Walk down the cleaning-product aisle of any supermarket or hardware store and discover a couple dozen or more brands of air fresheners, all promising to bring the aroma of lemons, flowers, forests and oceans to your vehicle. But many air fresheners contain dangerous toxins that can cause allergies — or worse. Instead, consider putting slices of real lemon, an open box of baking soda, cedar chips, a small container of water-soaked rosemary herbs, or a dollop of toothpaste on a napkin on the dash or floor of your RV or car.

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Good Reads

Off the Bookshelf
Pet E.R. Guide
Don't waste precious time when your pet is injured or ill and you are on the road. Pet ER Guide is your must-have directory of after-hours veterinary facilities in the United States. Wherever you are, you'll have the information you need to quickly find care for your pet. Be sure you have a copy of Pet ER Guide in your RV, your car and your home.

Order Your Copy Today!

Beyond the White House

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and author of more than 20 books, Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States, but it is perhaps his time after leaving the White House that is his most memorable. His Carter Center, which he and his wife Rosalynn started in 1982, has reached across the world to help those in need in more than 70 countries. In Beyond the White House — Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope, Carter shares his remarkable beliefs and accomplishments. Emphasizing human rights from the day he took office and through all the ensuing years, Carter has visited and worked with such controversial countries as North Korea, Cuba and the Sudan attempting to bring peace, improved living conditions and hope to the peoples of these nations. Published by Simon & Schuster, this 274-page book is a must-read; available at most bookstores and other retail outlets.

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From the Galley

Recipe Notebook
Healthy Home Cooking August 2009
By Healthy Exchanges

Welcome back to our RV Kitchen, where we share tips to make cooking easy and the food healthy and tasty. Enjoy!

Including fish in meals twice a week is a recommendation of many health organizations, but many of us don't know how to shop for fish or prepare it. The following information should help you take some of the mystery out of both.

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Kitchen Tidbit
Keepin' It All Cool
The air conditioner did not cool the large kitchen/dining room in our 27-foot motorhome sufficiently — especially when we were cooking. The problem was that the vents could not be angled enough to cool us off in the living areas where we spend most of our time. This was especially critical while cooking over a hot stove in the afternoon.

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Good Eats
Sweet and Sour Salad
This easy-to-prepare salad makes a tasty treat during the summer. You can select your choice of fresh fruit in place of the raspberries. Ideas include pitted bing cherries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries; make certain whichever you choose are cleaned and dried well before adding.

1 ½ cups small marshmallows
1 cup sour cream (regular or low-fat)
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup drained mandarin orange slices
1 cup drained pineapple chunks (bite-size)
1 cup fresh raspberries or other fresh fruit of your choice

Fold all ingredients together gently until well mixed. Pour into an attractive bowl or mold, and refrigerate at least 24 hours. Makes a lovely complement to a summer meal or can be served as stand-alone dessert. Enjoy.

Shirley Lewis
Pacific Palisades, California

Main Course BBQ Ribs	Side Dish Patio Baked Beans	Dessert Lynne's Sin

Wine Tip of the Month
Wine and Alzheimer's Prevention
Question: I've heard about a lot of studies regarding wine and health. Has a study been done about wine and Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the polyphenols found in red wine and grape seeds may help prevent and treat Alzheimer's…

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Want more wine tips? Sign up for Vinesse's weekly enewsletter featuring a wine tip each week. It's a light and quick read, intended to be a wide-ranging introduction to the fascinating world of wine.

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rvSearch.com's Top RVs eNewsletter

Before putting your RV on the market, find out what the current market value is for your rig. That way, you'll be sure to get a fair price on a sale and you won't risk pricing your RV out of the market. Go to the NADA website and find out your RV's resale value today!

Once you've settled on an asking price, you'll be ready to sell your RV. List it online at rvSearch.com to reach thousands of buyers across North America.

Year	Make	Model	Price
2008	K-Z	Montego Bay 34 RL3B	~~$83,822~~ $49,900
2005	Keystone	Everest 294L	~~$27,500~~ $24,900
2009	Eclipse	MILAN MIT25RKS	~~$20,995~~ $18,995
2008	Winnebago	Access 31c	~~$78,657~~ $59,587
2007	Coachmen	SPORTSCOACH	~~$199,880~~ $188,760

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