Recent content by VanForNow

Archaic-era Native Americans in Southwest, before construction of towns & cliff dwellings, often lived in "pithouses." They were built partially underground with thatch or hide roofs. The below-ground aspect of pithouses helped to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. Examples of...

One big advantage of Escapees is members' access to the Day's End Directory, a guide to free and low-cost campsites, dumps, water sources, etc. In my opinion it is superior to most other resources of this kind, as it highlights campsites found nowhere else. Existing campsites are frequently...

If u wld like to visit RMNP, I wld suggest looking for free campsites in the National Forest just outside the uncrowded western entrance to the park (Lake Granby area.) To find the free campsites, use the free ioverland app. Once camped, u can make daytrips to RMNP. To avoid crowds in the park...

Thanks, HDR!

I am heading toward northeast Oregon and Idaho. Is there a source which can provide information on local smoke conditions in the West? I realize that smoke conditions often change, but it would be good to know what local conditions are like currently.

Stay away from Key West, FL. Said to be the toughest anti-nomad town in the USA!

I use the Gas Buddy app to find cheap gas. I have seen ads for the Gas Buddy card, which claims to save even more money. Is the card worth getting?

Due to its fast traffic & limited exits, the interstate on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, in my opinion, makes it difficult to enjoy the scenery and to visit local attractions. I much prefer driving along the Columbia River on the Washington side. A good way to find campsites is to use...

I would be cautious about camping in the Mt. Rainier area in July. The peak is quite cool, but the surrounding lower elevations, where most of the camping takes place, can get very hot. I was in the area one summer when the temps there were in the mid-90s.

Have you considered getting a moveable stovetop Omnia oven, made in Sweden? It is much lighter, less bulky & more storable than a Dutch oven. It has a hole in the middle for even heating & resembles a bundt pan. For best results, the pot pie would need to thaw before heating. The pie would needd...

I am planning to drive from central Utah to Great Basin National Park in Nevada. In terms of choosing a route, which road through Utah is recommended, Rte 21 via Milford or Rte 6/50 via Delta? My criteria for choosing a route are scenic landscapes, historic stopping points, road conditions and...

There is a solution (at least it works for me.) Get a thermarest-style inflatable & insulated backpacker's mattress. I keep it permanently underneath the thin standard mattress in the camper. Before lowering the roof, open the valve to deflate the thermarest. After raising the top, inflate the...

I don't believe purchase price should be the sole criteria. The experiences of many nomads have shown that after a vehicle is bought, an emergency fund is needed to pay for the breakdowns which inevitably occur down the road, even for the most reliable vehicles. Traveling without a good...

I have been researching the folding Bluetti 28 Watt solar charger for small devices.  But one feature of it is alarming. The instructions indicate that when the sun is obscured by a passing cloud, it is necessary to go outside to reset the device by manually removing the plug and reinserting...

 Auto supply stores sell inexpensive reflective windshield covers. They work well to reduce interior temps. A sheet of reflectix can be trimmed to fit side windows.