July 2019 - RVing with Rex

July 2019 RV Manufacturer Recalls

A manufacturer recall can create a safety risk if not repaired

Your recreational vehicle may be involved in a safety recall and may create a safety risk for you or your passengers. Safety defects must be repaired by a certified dealer at no cost to you. However, if left unrepaired, a potential safety defect in your vehicle could lead to injury or even death.

What is a recall?

When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a recreational vehicle or item of RV equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle or equipment at no cost to the consumer.

Camping at Gulf State Park, Alabama © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

NHTSA releases its most recent list of recalls each Monday.

The number of RV recalls has increased significantly in recent years: 169 recalls were issued during 2016, 203 recalls during 2017, and 230 for 2018.

It should be noted that RV recalls are related to vehicle safety and not product quality.

NHTSA has no interest in an air conditioner failing to cool or slide out failing to extend or retract—unless they can be directly attributed to product safety.

NHTSA announced 12 recall notices during July 2019. These recalls involved 7 recreational vehicle manufacturers—Forest River (6 recalls), Thor Motor Coach (1 recall), Erwin Hymer (1 recall), Winnebago (1 recall), Jayco (1 recall), Keystone RV Company (1 recall), and Newmar (1 recall).

Camping at Butterfield RV Resort, Benson, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Berkshire Coach Ultra UL1912 and UL1913 motorhomes. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable’s splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will disable the vehicle’s engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Forest River’s number for this recall is 78-1032.

Camping at Waltons Lakefront RV Resort, Osoyoos, British Columbia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Coachmen Chapparal, Chapparal Lite, Chapparal X-Lite and Shasta Phoenix recreational trailers. The outside kitchen may be equipped with a standard outlet receptacle and not a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet.

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace a standard 110V outlet in the exterior kitchen with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) one. The recall is expected to begin July 31, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8360. Forest River’s number for this recall is 110-1035.

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Georgetown and FR3 motorhomes. The slim-rack slide out mechanisms may activate unintentionally, moving the slide room in or out unexpectedly.

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new controller and switch for the slideout mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 31, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River’s number for this recall is 68-0991.

Camping at River Run RV Park, Bakersfield, California © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Work and Play fifthwheel (WPF33W17) trailers. The 12V and 110V cables for an optional generator may not be isolated from objects stored in the generator compartment, which can result in an electrical short.

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will isolate the wires in the generator compartment so that they can’t short, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 31, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-6302. Forest River’s number for this recall is 31-1036.

Camping at Harvest Moon RV Park, Adairsville, Georgia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cherokee trailers, model CKT294BH. The Federal Placard states incorrect Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information, which may result in the trailer being overloaded.

Forest River has notified owners, providing replacement placards that contain accurate Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Cargo Carrying Capacity information, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-541-995-3447. Forest River’s number for this recall is 64-1033.

Camping at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown, Kentucky © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Forest River

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Rockport work trucks equipped with an optional trailer brake controller. The brake controller may have been wired improperly, which may prevent the brake controller from activating the trailer brakes when the vehicle’s brakes are applied.

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake controller, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-327-2392. Forest River’s number for this recall is 65-1046.

Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Challenger, Miramar, Magnitude, Outlaw, Omni, and Palazzo motorhomes. The vehicle control system software may cause the slide-out room to move unexpectedly.

TMC will notify owners, and dealers will update the affected software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 28, 2019. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000170.

Camping at Poche’s RV Camp, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Erwin Hymer

Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc. (Erwin Hymer) is recalling 2013-2019 Roadtrek E-Trek, RS Adventurous, CS Adventurous, and TS Adventurous motorhomes built on Sprinter chassis and equipped with one or two second row captain’s chairs, with integrated seat belts. The seat pedestal base anchor brackets to the chassis fame may not have enough strength to prevent the seat and seat belt from moving in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages” and 207, “Seating Systems.”

The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Erwin Hymer customer service at 1-844-464-3735. Erwin Hymer’s number for this recall is 2019-01.

Camping at Hollywood Casino RV Park, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Winnebago

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Forza motorhomes. The exterior storage compartment door may unexpectedly open while the vehicle is in motion.

Winnebago will notify owners and dealers will install a new latch and the catch will be inspected and properly aligned and readjusted if necessary. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-6939 or 1-800-537-1885.

Camping at Hacienda RV Resort, Las Cruces, New Mexico © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Jayco

Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2019-2020 White Hawk Travel Trailers. The breakaway switch may have been incorrectly wired, which can cause the trailer brakes to not function in the event of a trailer separation from the tow vehicle.

Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the breakaway switch for proper wiring, rewiring it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2019. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-517-9137. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901438.

Camping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Keystone RV Company

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2020 Crossroads Hampton and Sunset recreational trailers. The breakaway switch may have been incorrectly wired, which can cause the trailer brakes to not function in the event of a trailer separation from the tow vehicle.

Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will rewire the breakaway switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 5, 2019. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 19-357.

Camping at 7 Feathers Casino RV Park, Canyonville, Oregon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Newmar

Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ventana LE and 2017-2019 Dutch Star, Essex, London Aire, Mountain Aire and Ventana, and 2018-2019 New Aire motorhomes built on a Daimler trucks chassis. The rear mounted Power Distribution Module (PDM) may have been damaged during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the rear marker lights, brake lights, or turn signals not functioning.

Newmar will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks dealers will inspect and replace the rear PDM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 6, 2019. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar’s number for this recall is 18V-852.

Note: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Please Note: This is the sixth in a series of posts relating to RV Manufacturers Recalls

Worth Pondering…

It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.

—Martin Van Buren

Natural Bridges National Monument: Power of Nature

Situated high atop Cedar Mesa, Natural Bridges National Monument illustrates the power of water in shaping a high desert landscape

From sea to shining sea, America is packed with unforgettable, extraordinary, and unique places administered by the National Park Service, but few offer a more striking landscape than Natural Bridges National Monument.

Formed by the power of water in a place where water is all but absent, three stone bridges in the Utah desert have been protected as a national monument since 1908, but their history goes back much, much farther.

Natural Bridges National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

How are natural bridges formed?

The three bridges of Natural Bridges National Monument are thought to be about 5,000 years old—practically brand new in geological terms. They are geologically different from natural arches like the ones found 100 miles away at Arches National Park.

Since natural bridges are formed by running water, they are much rarer than arches, which result from a variety of other erosion forces. Natural bridges tend to be found within canyons, sometimes quite hidden, whereas arches are usually high and exposed, as they are often the last remnants of rock cliffs and ridges.

Sipapu Bridge at Natural Bridges National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Rain is scarce in the Utah desert, but when it does fall, it often creates fierce flash floods that tear away at the canyon walls. The curved, meandering path of the floodwaters gradually undercuts the stone, and when two parallel streams undercut the same rock formation from opposite sides, they eventually break through and meet in the middle — and a bridge is born.

The three bridges

In 1883, prospector Cass Hite wandered up White Canyon from his base camp along the Colorado River in search of gold. What he found instead were three magnificent bridges water had sculpted from stone. National Geographic publicized the natural bridges in 1904, and President Theodore Roosevelt established Natural Bridges National Monument four years later, creating Utah’s first national park unit in 1908.

The bridges themselves have been named and renamed several times over the years. First named “President,” “Senator,” and “Congressman” by Cass Hite, the bridges were renamed “Augusta,” “Caroline,” and “Edwin” by later explorer groups.

As the park was expanded to protect nearby Puebloan structures, the General Land Office assigned the Hopi names “Sipapu,” “Kachina,” and “Owachomo” in 1909.

Sipapu, or “the place of emergence,” refers to the entryway through which the Hopi believe their ancestors arrived in this world. Sipapu is the largest of the bridges, and the second-largest natural bridge in the world.

Kachina Bridge at Natural Bridges National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Kachina gets its name from the rock art that adorns the bridge, resembling symbols often seen on kachina dolls. The thickest of the three bridges, Kachina is probably the youngest.

Owachomo means “rock mound.” This bridge gets its name from the distinctive rocky feature atop its east abutment. The narrow profile of Owachomo suggests that it has eroded more quickly than its neighbors.

Owachomo Bridge at Natural Bridges National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Accessing the bridges

A nine mile one-way loop drive connects pull-outs and overlooks with views of the three huge multi-colored natural bridges.

Moderate hiking trails, some with metal stairs or wooden ladders, provide closer access to each bridge. An 8.6-mile hiking trail links the three natural bridges, which are located in two adjacent canyons.

To make the experience even more breathtaking, each natural bridge is accessed by a steep hike down to the base of the bridge and then back up again. Each trail is less than 1.5 miles in length and takes less than an hour to complete.

Bring plenty of water, along with sunglasses, sunscreen, appropriate footwear, and a camera. The cooler months offer more agreeable temperatures.

The visitor center is open year-round. It has a slide program, exhibits, publications, and postcards. A 13-site campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

Worth Pondering…

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

—William Shakespeare

7 Things To Do at Least Once in Your Lifetime

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried these experiences

Chances are you’ve dreamed of visiting far-off places like the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China. But the truth is there are many amazing things to do right here in North America.

To make the most of your travel time be sure to take advantage of what our home countries have to offer and check these amazing places off your bucket list.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Historic Route 66 on the road to Oatman © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Though an official Route 66 no longer exists—it was decommissioned in 1984—the legendary path from Chicago to Long Beach, California remains a draw for many adventurers. Fortunately, about 85 percent of the original route is still intact, including many famous roadside attractions. Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, stop at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo (Texas), stay at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook (Arizona), and feed the wild burros in Oatman (Arizona).

Discover the Historic Wonders of the Freedom Trail

Paul Revere House on the Boston Freedom Trail © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Boston’s Freedom Trail includes 16 of the most historical places in the US from the site of the first Boston Tea Party meeting to the home of Paul Revere. You can do the 2 ½-mile route on your own but why not take a guided tour? Let historians in period dress explain what life was really like back then. You can even opt for a historic pub crawl which includes some very on-the-nose Sam Adams brews.

Remember the Epic, Bloody History of the Alamo

The Alamo © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

You probably know the phrase “Remember the Alamo”—but what exactly does that mean? If you’re not from Texas you might not be familiar with its bloody history. The Alamo, a former mission located in San Antonio, was the site of a major event in the Texas Revolution (1835-36). On April 21, 1836 Texians defeated the Mexican Army and won Texas’ independence. Today, the shrine is open to visitors offering battlefield tours, summer camps, and exhibits year-round.

Take a Horse and Buggy Back to Simpler Times in Amish Country

Lancaster County © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Speaking of going back to a bygone age, try Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The area offers tours, museums, children’s activities such as doll-making, and, of course, buggy rides. It’s an excellent opportunity to disconnect from technology and see how a resilient, devout group of people get by just fine without everyone’s favorite ladies, Alexa and Siri.

Tour an Overlooked, Affordable & Scenic Wine Region

Okanagan Wine Country at Penticton © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Where can you drink great wines amid breathtaking natural beauty without blowing out a couple of credit cards (think Napa)? Easy: go to Canada to the Okanagan wine region in British Columbia. It’s possibly the most scenic wine region in North America and a place where RVers and other normal people can afford to taste wine. Two towns are standouts for their concentration of vineyards and wineries: Oliver and Osoyoos. Together they boast 39 wineries that extend from the lush valley into the semi-arid mountains that surround the area.

Thrill to Whitewater Rafting on the New River

New River © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River is renowned for its recreational opportunities including whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, camping, picnicking, and biking. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The Lower Gorge of the New River is a premier whitewater rafting location with imposing rapids ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents.

Tour a Massive Dam Constructed During the Great Depression

Hoover Dam © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Colorado River’s Hoover Dam is a sight to behold with the American Society of Civil Engineers dubbing it one of the “Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders” in the U.S. The dam is also a testament to American resilience, as it was built during the height of the Great Depression. The dam is open to the public year-round from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. if you want to visit on your own but you can also take guided tours of the facilities.

Worth Pondering…

Stuff your eyes with wonder…live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.

—Ray Bradbury

4 Historic Sites to Visit This Summer

Planning a road trip this summer?

From sea to shining sea, the U.S. has preserved sites and other areas of national historic significance.

Appomattox Court House National Historic Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A National Historic Site (e.g., Hopewell Furnace, Pennsylvania) is a protected area of national historic significance and usually contains a single historical feature directly associated with its subject. A related but separate designation, the National Historical Park (e.g., Appomattox Court House, Virginia), is an area that generally extends beyond single properties or buildings, and its resources include a mix of historic and sometimes significant natural features.

San Xavier del Bac Mission © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

All historic areas, including National Historic Sites and Parks, in the National Park Service are automatically listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are about 80,000 sites, the vast majority of which are neither owned nor managed by the National Park Service. Of these, about 2,500 have been designated at the highest status as National Historic Landmark sites (e.g., San Xavier del Bac Mission, Arizona).

Learn something new on your summer road trip by visiting these four iconic historic sites.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The Sinagua built the five-story, 20-room structure about 1150 but abandoned it in the early 1400s. Montezuma Castle is built into a deep alcove with masonry rooms added in phases. A thick, substantial roof of sycamore beams, reeds, grasses, and clay often served as the floor of the next room built on top.

This exceptionally well-preserved site gives us a glimpse into the rich history of the North American continent before the arrival of Europeans. There are plenty of places to park your RV near the site, so give yourself a few days to fully explore its many wonders.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Texas

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of America’s 36th President beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire “circle of life” gives the visitor a unique perspective into one of America’s most noteworthy citizens by providing the most complete picture of any American president.

The LBJ Ranch is in the heart of the Hill Country on the banks of the Pedernales River. As part of the self-guided Ranch Tour, you may stop at the Texas White House for a ranger-guided tour.

Saratoga National Historical Park, New York

Saratoga National Historic Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Site of the first significant American military victory during the Revolution, the Battles of Saratoga (September 19 and October 7, 1777) rank among the fifteen most decisive battles in world history. Here, American forces met, defeated, and forced a major British army to surrender.

This crucial American victory in the Battle of Saratoga renewed patriots’ hopes for independence, secured essential foreign recognition and support, and forever changed the face of the world.

Fort Frederica National Monument, Georgia

Fort Frederica National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Located on the interior coast of Georgia’s St. Simons Island, Fort Frederica National Monument preserves the remains of a military outpost consisting of a fort and town that for a time was one of the most important settlements in the American Colonies. By the 1740s Frederica was a thriving village of about 500 citizens.

Invading Spanish forces were defeated by English forces at the Battle of Bloody Marsh during the summer of 1742. The Spanish soon gave up their campaign and returned to Florida. This British victory not only confirmed that Georgia was British territory, but also signaled the beginning of the end for Frederica.

Worth Pondering…

Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries.

—René Descartes

30 Ways to Get Outside This Summer

Just can’t wait to get on the road again? These 30 adventures will get you and your family outside this summer as you tour the country in an RV

From paddling Georgia’s lakes and marshes to hiking Utah’s red-rock canyon country, there are so many ways to explore America’s great outdoors. Start your outdoor adventures with these ideas.

Want to hike majestic mountains? Explore urban trails? Fish in secluded lakes? You can do all that and more. This list will help get you started.

1. Georgia: Hop aboard a flat-bottomed boat and keep your eyes peeled for alligators, egrets, and hawks during a tour of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Tennessee: Take the incline railway up a 72.7-percent grade on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. It’s like driving up an insanely pretty wall.

3. West Virginia: Experience miles of thrilling whitewater rafting in West Virginia on the free-flowing New River.

New River Gorge National River © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Utah: Lace up your boots and hit the 22.9-mile Under-the-Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon. Surrounded by red cliffs and pink plateaus at elevations up to 9,115 feet, this memorable trek connects Bryce Point to Rainbow Point.

5. Georgia: Rent a stand-up paddleboard on St. Simons Island for a sunset tour of the famous marshes of Glynn.

The Marshes of Glynn © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Rhode Island: See Gilded-Age splendor of Newport, a coastal town set upon cliffs dotted with some of the most spectacular mansions of the 19th century.

7. Georgia: Be a Carnegie for a day at Cumberland Island National Seashore. The picturesque island, which is only accessible by ferry, was the family’s winter home.

Cumberland Island National Seashore © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Illinois to California: Step back in time to explore one of the original highways in America. Established in 1926, Route 66 stretches southwestward from Chicago out to California’s coastal city of Santa Monica.

9. Colorado: Look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years. These master builders constructed elaborate complexes tucked into sandstone cliffs.

Mesa Verde National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. New Mexico: Discover the mysteries surrounding the spiral staircase in Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel. With two 360-degree turns, the staircase has no visible means of support.

11. Georgia: Take the shuttle or hike to the highest point in Georgia at Brasstown Bald, situated 4,784 feet above sea level, overlooking Young Harris.

Brasstown Bald © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

12. South Dakota: Soar to new heights up the granite spires of Needles Highway. Cathedral Spires boasts some of the best rock climbing in the U.S. You can also hike the Cathedral Spires trail leading you to the base view of the piercing granite formations.

13. South Carolina: Let go of life’s little stresses on Edisto Island where the atmosphere is casual, relaxed, and low profile.

Edisto Island © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

14. Utah and Arizona: Spend a week on Lake Powell boating through slot canyons, anchoring on deserted beaches, and camping under the stars.

15. Pennsylvania: Travel back in time as you learn about life and work at Hopewell Furnace, a bustling 19^th century iron plantation.

El Malpais National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

16. New Mexico: Discover the richly diverse volcanic landscape, caving, and rugged backcountry at El Malpais National Monument.

17. Utah and Colorado: Explore a variety of prehistoric structures at Hovenweep including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders.

Hovenweep National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

19. Texas: Stroll the beach, splash in the waves, fish, or look for coastal birds at Galveston Island State. You can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache, study nature or just relax.

20. Alabama: Fish for numerous species of fresh and salt-water fish at Meagher State Park. The park offers a boat ramp and 300-foot pier with 300-foot T for your fishing pleasure.

Lackawanna State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

21. Pennsylvania: Boat, camp, fish, hike, mountain bike, and swim at Lackawanna State Park.

22. Arizona: See what’s in bloom at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park near Superior.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

23. Louisiana: Spot great white egrets, green herons, roseate spoonbills, and alligators along the Creole Nature Trail near Lake Charles.

24. California: Bring your camera and capture the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park.

Arches State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

25. Utah: Discover more than 2,000 natural arches in Arches National Park including the well-known Delicate Arch

26. South Carolina: Climb to the top of Hunting Island lighthouse to survey the palm-studded coastline. Bike the park’s trails through maritime forest to the nature center, fish off the pier, and go birdwatching for herons, skimmers, oystercatchers, and wood storks.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

27. New Mexico: View wildlife in natural surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park near Las Cruces.

28. Utah: Hike the canyon rim trails above the Colorado River or mountain bike over 16 miles of high desert terrain on the Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

29. California: Discover one of the only places in the world where you can see all four types of volcanoes—cinder cone, composite, shield, and plug dome. Plenty of hydro- and geothermal activity is still found in Lassen Volcanic National Park today, along with abundant recreational activities.

30. Arizona: Ride a mule through the mile-deep Grand Canyon. Just be warned, reservations are available 15 months in advance—and they fill up fast.

Grand Canyon National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Worth Pondering…

Life is not a race. I will never see all I would love to see, but I will love all that I get to see.

A Photographer’s Guide to the American West

Tips to ensure your photos are as striking as the American West’s breathtaking backdrops

From west to east and north to south, we have toured and photographed numerous National Parks Service sites including national parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national seashores, and national historic sites and battlefield.

These parks offer a cross section of the best of the best for scenic beauty and historic significance across America.

Canyon de Chelley National Monument, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The most amazing iconic landscapes in national parks and beyond are found in the American West. Few landscapes are as awe-inspiring as those found in the western states. And who can resist taking lots of photos?

Here are some pointers to help you bring back images you’d be proud to share.

Take the Iconic Photos and Move Beyond

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Everyone wants to capture those iconic images we’ve all seen in books and on postcards. Give it a try and you’ll likely realize it’s not as simple as it may seem. Many of those images were taken from high up on a mountain trail or from down below in a canyon.

Coronado National Memorial, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

But even if you get that iconic image, push yourself to something beyond. Move around and go higher, lower, closer, farther away to find a different perspective—one that reflects your personal vision. Simple changes often redefine your image and give a more complete sense of the place.

Include an Interesting Foreground Element

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

One problem with many landscape shots is that the subject is far away and there’s nothing of interest in the foreground. That gives landscape images a flat sameness that we want to avoid. As you look at some stunning vista, pay attention to nearby rocks, plants, or even puddles of water that can add interest to your image.

Work with All Kinds of Natural Light

Arches National Park, Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Light is the primary ingredient in photography. You’ll encounter various types of natural light throughout the day and from one day to the next. Learn how to make the most of whatever light you have available.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Even dull overcast days can work wonders with landscape photos. Such days bring out natural colors and eliminate what can often be annoying shadows. Take advantage by getting a high perspective so your image is mostly land with very little sky.

Since early morning and late afternoon are the choice times to photograph, plan out at a key location prior to venturing out.

Pay Attention to the Sky

Joshua Tree National Park, California © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Composing a landscape includes making a decision about how to deal with the sky. Finding the right balance between land and sky is often what makes or breaks a landscape image. Consider the sky and general weather conditions. A blue sky or one with puffy white clouds or threatening dark ones can be an asset to your image and you may want to include more sky and less land.

But if the sky is a uniform dull gray, minimize the sky or eliminate it completely. Nothing spoils a landscape photo more than a swath of white where the sky would have been.

Optimum Sharpness is Paramount

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

One of the great advantages of landscapes is that they don’t move, so you can take your time to compose and get optimum sharpness. What is optimal depends on the image you have in mind, but certainly you want the foreground and middle ground as sharp as possible.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

For maximum control over sharpness, use a tripod. That allows you to take several shots of the same location with different settings so you can decide later which works best for you. Also, you’ll get a sharper image with a higher f-stop. If you’re shooting just the landscape, a slow shutter speed should not pose a problem. But if you’ve got your eye on some wildlife in the landscape or want to capture grasses bending in the wind, vary your shutter speed to get either a sharp image or an interesting blur.

After-Capture Techniques

Glen Canyon Recreation Area, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

One of the great boons of digital photography is that the image-making process continues after you have taken your shot. Today’s digital photography offers an incredible number of options for improving or rethinking our images in the computer.

El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

One simple tool lets you crop your image in case you were unable to keep an unwanted element out of the frame during shooting. Remember, you can always cut something out, but you can’t add something you didn’t include in the rush of shooting.

As you become more familiar and comfortable using after-capture techniques, they will become a natural part of your photographic repertoire, helping you achieve the aesthetic results you want within one or two minutes.

Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

As you work these pointers into your landscape photography, you’ll come up with landscapes that truly look out of this world.

Worth Pondering…

No matter how advanced your camera you still need to be responsible for getting it to the right place at the right time and pointing it in the right direction to get the photo you want.

—Ken Rockwell

Pinnacles National Park: Born of Fire

Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park

The difference is immediately apparent. You know at once why this park is called Pinnacles. Here you face spires and crags that bear no resemblance to the surrounding smooth, round hills. Abruptly, the pinnacle rock formations dominate the scene.

Pinnacles National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

These rocks are the remains of an ancient volcano. Or rather they are part of the remains, for the rest of this volcano lies 195 miles to the southeast. Sound intriguing? It is all part of the story of the San Andreas Rift Zone, which runs just east of the park, and the geological forces that have shaped the face of the landscape in this part of California for millions of years. It is the story of heat, frost, water, and wind wearing at the rock.

The remains of an ancient volcanic field consisting of massive monoliths, rocky spires, pinnacles, red crags, and talus cave, rise out of the Gabilan Mountains, a sanctuary for the California condor.

23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. A few million years of powerful explosions, lava flows, and landslides created the 30 mile wide volcanic field that forms the foundation of Pinnacles National Park today.

This field of fire was then split down the center by the San Andreas Fault and the west side traveled 195 miles north at a rate of 1-3 inches each year, all while being worn away by water, weathering, and chemical erosion.

What remains is a landscape unlike any other. The result of these millions of years of fire, ice, and upset are the serene rock formations visited by 250 thousand visitors each year. Travelers journey through grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms.

Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: Prairie and Peregrine falcons, Golden eagles, as well as the inspiring California condor. Strange, the way a violent and dynamic past has resulted in such a peaceful landscape for today’s hikers and climbers.

Pinnacles have over 30 miles of trails that show the best of the park and of the rock formations for which it was named. Hike through the caves, through grasslands, and mountainous areas or up close to the spires and pinnacles. Park staff can recommend the perfect trails based on your available time, physical fitness, and access. Due to the terrain, most of the trails offered are either moderately difficult or strenuous.

The Pinnacles visitor center to the Bear Gulch day use area is an interesting trail that is about 2 miles one way and takes about one and a half hours to complete. Visitors will walk along creeks and climb about 300 feet in elevation.

Another trail leads from the visitor center to Balconies Cave which is about 9 miles round-trip. Bring a flashlight as hikers will pass by the cave on the way back. There are fantastic views of some of the largest rock formations in the park along this trail.

Follow the path leading from Condor Gulch to High Peaks Loop that is about 5 miles round trip. Be prepared to climb over 1,000 feet in elevation along this trail, but visitors will be treated to a walk through the heart of the pinnacles formations in the park.

The Balconies Cliffs and Cave Loop Trail is an amazing experience that crosses up and over Balconies Cave and then leads back through the cave itself. Be prepared to get wet as some wading might be necessary if rain occurs and water fills parts of the cave. Don’t forget your flashlight on this trail as the cave is dark.

There are numerous other trails to explore in Pinnacles National Park. Crawl through caves or gaze up at the towering spires created millions of years ago at this relatively new and wondrous national park.

Worth Pondering…

Looking back across the long cycles of change through which the land has been shaped into its present form, let us realize that these geographical revolutions are not events wholly of the dim past, but that they are still in progress.

—Sir Archibald Geikie, Scottish geologist (1835-1924)

On Being a Good Camping Neighbor

There is an old expression, “be the person your dog thinks you are.” In line with that statement, campers should be the neighbor you would like to have.

Camping courtesy (the unwritten rules of campground etiquette) is an easy way to ensure that a group of people living in close proximity together where sounds travel and light can be a disturbance continue to camp together in harmony.

Spending time in a campground requires a certain level of community patience and a willingness to live and let live, there are some basic rules of campground etiquette that will help create a friendly atmosphere and make the camping experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Lakeside RV Park in Livingston, Louisiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Obey Campground Rules

Follow the campground rules and regulations. These rules usually include speed limits, fire regulations, quiet times, and so on. Adhering to these rules is one of the basics of campground etiquette. Be sure to review and enforce the rules with your children, as well.

Laura S. Walker State Park, Georgia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Be Social

A campground or RV park is your temporary home complete with new neighbors. Just like at your permanent home, you should get to know your neighbors. You don’t have to spend your vacation with them, but you should be friendly.

When you travel with kids, it’s especially important to get to know your neighbors. Kids will often play together around the campground or RV park and can form lasting relationships.

Jekyll Island Camoground, Georgia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Respect Campsite Boundaries

You would never imagine cutting/walking through someone’s backyard to get home. But at a campground, it happens all too often. There are no fences or boundaries letting you know you are entering someone’s living space.

When camping, there is an imaginary boundary surrounding each campsite. It’s assumed the you know that this boundary exists and that you’ll respect it. Children, especially, need to be reminded of the boundary and told to stick to the path instead of walking through someone else’s campsite. Walking through another person’s site may be the easiest, most direct path to the bathroom, but it should be avoided.

Whispering Hills RV Park, Georgetown, Kentucky © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Clean Up After Yourself

Just like at home, you are expected to pick up after yourself. Bag your trash and throw it away in approved trash bins. Don’t be tempted to throw your trash into the fire. It creates a nasty smell that no one wants to endure. Plastic, especially, is foul smelling and is toxic if inhaled.

For RV owners, ensure that your wastewater is handled properly. Be sure that all your hoses and tanks are in good condition, attached properly, and nothing is leaking.

Galveston State Park, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Be Mindful of the Noise

Sound pollution is a real thing and it can be cause for a bad camping experience. Be mindful of the noise you create and keep the volume down whenever possible.

Yes, you’re camping, but that doesn’t mean the family next to you wants to hear your generator running at 1 a.m. or a kid’s movie blaring on an outdoor television.

Most parks and campgrounds have “quiet hours” in the evening to keep noise to a minimum. Power down at night; shut off your generator and dim the lights. Respect those quiet hours. They are there for a reason. Your camping neighbors will thank you for it.

Pick Up After Your Pets

Be a responsible pet owner. Keep dogs on leashes whenever they are outside so they are not bothering your neighbors and discourage them from barking. Never leave a dog that barks or howls unattended.

It’s great to have a furry friend as a camping companion, but make sure your pet isn’t leaving any surprises behind. When taking your dog for a walk, always pick up all pet waste. Many campgrounds provide pet waste collection bags to make clean up easy and convenient.

Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Be a good neighbor, make a new friend. Enjoy!

Worth Pondering…

When Robert Frost declared his intention to take the road less traveled in his 1916 poem “The Road Not Taken,” who could have guessed that so many people would take the same trip?

6 All-American Summer Vacations

Embrace amazing scenery and classic attractions on a road trip this summer

Summer on Siesta Key, roller coasters at Disney World, or a road trip on Historic Route 66—what could better describe Americana?

There are few things as iconic as an all-American summer vacation. The sun comes out, school lets out, and numerous destinations become ripe for exploration.

If you want a classic American getaway this summer, check out the following six road trips and destinations.

Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 in Williams, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

As one of America’s first highways and its most important route west during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, Route 66 became an American icon. Built in 1926, “The Main Street of America” was designed to be the country’s first year-round intercontinental highway, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles via eight states. Though it met its downfall with the establishment of the Interstate Highway System in 1956, Route 66 still remains an American tradition and one of its most popular travel destinations.

Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Famous stops along Route 66 include Rock Fountain Court in Springfield, Missouri; 66 Drive In in Carthage, Missouri; Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; and Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Arizona.

Camp in America’s National Parks

Camping in Arches National Park, Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

There are 61 National Parks in U.S. National Park System, each showcasing a unique corner of America’s natural beauty. If you want a seriously epic trip, take some time this summer to hike, bike, and camp your way through a few national parks. Maybe you’ll stick to the parks of Utah and hit up Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands.

Camping in Badlands National Park, South Dakota © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Or maybe you’ll set across the Midwest exploring Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt. The choice is yours.

Reach for the Stars in Disney World and the Space Coast

Disney World © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A summer trip to Disney World is the dream of many American children. Whether you choose Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, or Magic Kingdom, you won’t be disappointed. One of Disney’s main rivals, Universal Studios, is just a few miles away and home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter if you want more thrills.

John F. Kennedy Space Center © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Join Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo Program. This year the commemoration continues with a series of on-site and community events honoring the historic Moon landing of Apollo 11, and giveaways on all milestone dates. Plus, new and redesigned exhibits will continuously be added to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, showcased in a big ceremony this July.

Travel Back to the Wild West in Tombstone, Arizona

Tombstone, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Arguably America’s most infamous Old West town, Tombstone, is the perfect place to see what life was like during the days of the Wild West. Home of the O.K. Corral, location of one of the most notorious gunfights, Tombstone was dubbed “The Town Too Tough to Die” and with good reason.

OK Corral © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Live reenactments of the shootout are still a main attraction. The possibly haunted and always fascinating Bird Cage Theater is also still standing in Tombstone and is the location of the world’s longest poker game. Check out the bullet holes in the walls—shootouts in saloons were common.

Sunbathe on America’s Best Beaches

Daytona Beach, Florida © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

America has some of the world’s greatest beaches and no matter where you live, you’re sure to find one that will give you the summer vacation of your dreams. The New York tri-state area alone has Cape May, the Jersey Shore, and Coney Island; but Florida and California top the list with the best of the best. In Florida, Siesta Key, Cocoa Beach, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, and St. Augustine are among the top 25 beaches.

Alabama Gulf Coast © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

If you’re feeling the West Coast, Coronado, Laguna, and Malibu offer gorgeous spots to kick up your feet and enjoy the sun. And, along the Gulf Coast there’s Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama white sand beaches.

Kick Back and Relax in California’s Wine Country

Ironside Vineyards in Calaveras County © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Nothing says relaxation like a sunset and a glass of wine. There are over 450 wineries in Sonoma Valley alone on more than one million acres. Sonoma and Napa are known for their tasting rooms and are among California’s most popular vineyard locations. Take a trip on the Wine Train for a unique experience that takes you through 36 miles of Napa Valley in style.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards in Temecula Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

For a more relaxing and less expensive wine experience consider Amador County, Paso Robles, or Temecula Valley.

Worth Pondering…

Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.

—Emma Chase

Take a Hike. Do it Right!

During the summer, staying hydrated and cool is vital!

More than 200 hikers annually are rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves.

Courtesy the City of Phoenix, the following checklist can help keep you from being a statistic.

Hiking Catalina State Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Watch the weather

Yes, “it’s a dry heat”—but Arizona’s temperature can be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it’s cool outside, try early morning and evenings when there’s more shade.

Hiking Old Baldy Trail at Medera Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Dress appropriately

Wear proper shoes, clothing, wide-brimmed hat (we recommend a Tilley Hat), and sunscreen.

Horseback riding at Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bring Water

Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back before you drink half of your water.

Hiking Picacho Peak State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Keep in Contact

Carry a mobile phone.

Team up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times and location.

Hiking Bell Rock Trail in Red Rock Country near Sedona, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Be honest

Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don’t push yourself?

Hiking the White Tank Mountains, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Take Responsibility

Don’t be “that person”—the one who wasn’t prepared, shouldn’t have been there for health reasons or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker who takes a hike and does it right!

Worth Pondering…

‘Heat, ma’am!’ I said; ‘it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones.

—Sydney Smith, in Lady Holland, Memoir