Tennessee - Great Smoky Mountains -Smokemont by Dave Hileman

Smokemont is a NP campground located in NC near Cherokee. We were able to camp here for 4 nights in the fall of 2020. The campground is an older one with limited services but really well kept and beautiful sites. It is close to the VC where there is an old farm to tour and a great place to watch elk. There are several hikes nearby and waterfalls to view. The towns of Cherokee and Bryson City are close where you have restaurants and other actives available. There is a stream that flows the length of the campground and some of the sites back up to the water. The cost per night was $30, less for senior pass holders.

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Upgrade Power 2 by Dave Hileman

In addition to the improvements made in the electric systems with the upgrade mentioned three posts ago, I also switched the Honda 2200i generator from gas to propane. Once we sold the truck and now travel with the Sequoia we no longer have an open bed where I was comfortable with the storing of a 2 gallon gas can and the generator. Not so much inside the Toyota. I looked at several ways to address this and every option was $400 or more and less than ideal. Then I stumbled on a YouTube video about about a conversion for the Honda. Of course, it too cost $400. But it appeared to be a good solution. So I began the education process: what were the downsides, was it safe, did it create unexpected problems, what if you did not like it etc. In doing do I found no red flags and located a different company, Hutch Mountain, that offed a kit for about $240 with a coupon from an RVer. After watching a couple of installs, I ordered the kit. The install was straightforward and for me easy because I enlisted my grandson, Kellen, who is mechanically strong. It took less than an hour. It now runs on propane and if an emergency arose you can still use gasoline. Next order of business is to get an adaptor for the rear propane stub on the Oliver so I don’t have to carry extra propane but can use the tanks already installed with the trailer. Excited about this addition that with the upgrade on the power will keep us off the grid a lot longer and more often.

https://www.hutchmountain.com/collections/propane-natural-gas-conversions/products/honda-eu2200i-propane-natural-gas-gasoline-tri-fuel-conversion-kit

Two differences on the outside, the propane connection and the new sticker that Hutch Mountain provided. Nice touch.

Two differences on the outside, the propane connection and the new sticker that Hutch Mountain provided. Nice touch.

The install was the tube on the right from the propane connection and a gasket behind the black part on the upper left.

The install was the tube on the right from the propane connection and a gasket behind the black part on the upper left.

Ready to close things back up.

Ready to close things back up.

Tennessee - Great Smoky Mountain - Cosby Campground NPS by Dave Hileman

This is a nice area on the eastern edge of the GSMNP. Here you will find smaller crowds and great hiking. We camped here for two days in October of 2020. I believe the cost is about $25, less with a senior pass. There are a few nice hikes right from the campground and some really nice ones a bit down a very winding road. Cool place.

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Wash & Wax by Dave Hileman

We finally got the Oliver well washed and waxed. We did an initial wash before we went to Pennsylvania but that was just to get the winter grime off the trailer and the roof scrubbed. Last week we got it really clean for the first time in a while and then got a coat of wax applied. Home Depot had a sale on Ryobi tools where you got a free tool with a purchase of a double battery and charger. I picked the orbital buffer. Really good choice. I applied and buffed the wax in about 3 hours. Last time I did the Oliver it was at least all day.

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Electric Upgrade for Oliver by Dave Hileman

Our batteries were three years old this spring. As we plan for future trips we were interested in upgrading our batteries to lithium so we would have more use of the available power and be able to stay longer untethered to shore power. So, we opted for 2 BattleBorn lithium batteries rated at 100 watts each. The install seemed straight forward but it was not. And not with the part I thought might be challenging. The first step after removing the old batteries was to install the upgraded converter. That turned out to be the easy part. Five wires, and four screws (of course with three different heads!) and the converter was done. The batteries fit exactly with the same footprint but the issue began when the terminals were not round posts but retangluar. The very heavy gauge wire would not bend well so off to the store to get two cables made that were flexible. The second issue was just space, very little room to work and so it was a tedious job. Now you are thinking - “Wow, Dave, I didn’t think you did that sort of thing. I’m impressed.” Don’t be most of the actual work was done by my grandson, Kellen.

We have not taken the Oliver out but so far everything is working as expected. And, the best news is so is our inverter. The final step - maybe - is a recalibration of the solar charger to accommodate the new batteries. The gadget I need arrived Friday. So, at least by Monday I’ll see what I can do. Before I call Kellen!

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Kansas - Osborne - North 40 Alpacas by Dave Hileman

This is a Harvest Host stop and it was a fun one. We got to tour the facility and meet a dozen or so of the resident animals, all with names and distinct personalities. The farm is located in a very rural section of Kansas and we were the only rig there for the night. Beautiful skies and super quiet. Great hosts who love what they do, and, yes we bought some alpaca gear! Cindy now has a beautiful red jacket. Highly recommend a stop if you are near or not so near.

https://www.facebook.com/North40Alpacas

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Canada - Yukon - Dezadeash Lake by Dave Hileman

We left Haines, AK and headed into the Yukon again as we worked our way toward the main body of Alaska. This was a short drive from Haines but we simply wanted to get a start on the next day’s travel which looked and in fact turned out to be a very long day. The Provincial Parks in Canada, at least in the West, were excellent. They were 20 CAD, about $14 US and they often included free firewood. And each one we used were clean, laid out well and most with a great view. It made traveling in BC and the Yukon much easier.

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Alaska - Haines - Oceanside RV Park by Dave Hileman

This photo is taken as we approach the harbor on a small boat from Juno. Our trailer and truck are just visible left of center in the back row. Oceanside was okay and, for the area, pretty good. As most things in Alaska a bit expensive but we had water and electric hook-ups and a nice view!. We paid about $47 a night and left the trailer here when we flew to Sitka and then returned via Juno. Great trip and no need to worry about the trailer when we were gone.

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Georgia - Danielsville - Boutier Winery by Dave Hileman

This was a Harvest Host stop off I-85 on the way to Atlanta. It took about 20 minutes to get there from the main highway. It was a super place for the night as there were high winds and driving rain in the forecast and we were safely away from large trees in a protected and flat parking lot. It was completely private save for the other RV and Victor the owner of the winery. We tasted three of his fruit wines and then heated some soup for dinner. Nice night listening to the rain.

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Pennsylvania - Intercourse - Beacon Hill by Dave Hileman

We are into our second time at this spot in Lancaster County and the heart of Amish area. The campground is along a hill side about a 1/2 mile from the Kitchen Kettle in the village of Intercourse. There is a large, active Amish farm across the road from the CG and you get to see lots of farming operations from your campsite. They are mowing this morning as I type this. Each site here has water, electric and sewer connection. It is restricted to age 16 and over so you won’t find playgrounds and activities. What you do get is a well-run, clean and convenient place to set up camp for a base to explore the area. The people running Beason Hill are helpful and responsive. They also have a few cabins on site and a clean laundry and bathhouse. For our money a perfect spot in a perfect place for a week or more of fine Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, homemade ice cream and great bakeries. I know, it is about the food.

Our site with a guest!

Our site with a guest!

Alaska - Haines - Oceanside RV by Dave Hileman

If you are looking for well designated spaces, shady spots and deep, rich grass, try somewhere else. Oceanside has none of that but they are nice, decently priced and, on the ocean. We stayed here two nights plus left our trailer here while we flew to Sitka. This shot is coming on the ferry. Haines itself? Unique! And lots of eagles. Can you spot our tiny, round trailer and truck?

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Alaska - Palmer - Government Picnic Area by Dave Hileman

On the road to Hatcher Pass about 19 miles from the Glen Highway north of Palmer. Very quiet, very dark. We were in spot four and it cost $15 for the night. There was a roaring glacial river right behind the campsites - only five sites there. Perfect for the morning going to see the mines at Independence. We were the only camper here on the night we stayed. In the morning there was very thick fog and the short drive up to see Independence Mine Historic Site took a long time. Fog lifted about the time we arrived at the park but then settled in again. Fairly clear when we started down the mountain.

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Alaska - Seward - City Owned Waterside Parks. by Dave Hileman

The town of Seward has an extensive waterfront that was damaged in the 1964 earthquake and never rebuilt. So they turned it into several linked RV parks. The price is the same waterside or row two or three, some with hookups and some without. Snagging a waterside site is not easy - and for us, better to be lucky! We arrived about 20 minutes before those leaving that day had to be out of their site and we just pulled in and someone was pulling out, we were in on the water in 10 minutes. Yay! And how neat that is because we had power and water and a VIEW. A great view. Lovely spot that was not expensive, especially for a waterfront site. They also had a kiosk where you simply entered you site, your license number how many nights and your credit card. Done, easy and no staff needed.

From the bike trail

From the bike trail

View from Cindy’s window.

View from Cindy’s window.

South Dakota - Hot Springs - Black Hills KOA by Dave Hileman

OK place for us to see the area parks. We were on a rocky spot but decent enough. WiFi was pretty good. We would stay here again if we needed hook-ups but otherwise would choose Custer State Park, lovely spots there. We paid $46 for the night for full hook ups - felt a bit high given the actually campsite.

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Montana - Glasgow - Shady Rest RV by Dave Hileman

We were here in June on our way to Alaska. Route 2 turned out to be a neat road but several sections were under construction and rough. This place was pretty good, nice laundry and good level sites. We paid $35 for full hook up and that is on the lower side but the WiFi was marginal. This is the place where we installed (read duck taped) our yoga mats to the front of the trailer. We hoped they would last to Alaska - turned out they lasted until we were back in the states and beyond. They did a great job of protecting the front of the trailer and I will do that again. I will do a post on them soon in “camping.”

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Wyoming - Yellowstone NP - Bridge Bay by Dave Hileman

This was a crowded park, full each of the three nights we were here. It was one of those where you just park - at your site number - but it is just a wider spot on the road. So, RV’s that have slide outs sometimes are well into the road and with parking and spaces on both sides of the narrow roads, it is a bit of a trick to negotiate around the campground. We were in the second loop and the cost (1/2 price) was $13 a night. We used our generator here because it was heavy cloud cover and rained most of two days. We also had our last of the salmon Tom had caught for our dinner. You may note the duck tape decor on the back of the truck. More on that later.

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Alberta, Canada - Banff Park - Two Jack Lake by Dave Hileman

Site #34 Two Jack Lake, Banff $24

Very nice park, no services but location, location. We were nestled in among some tall trees and a walk out the back of our trailer and you were immediately in the thick forest. It was convenient to what we wanted to see in the area as well. Quiet at night and we saw elk walking through our site.

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Wyoming - Devil's Tower NM by Dave Hileman

This park does not take reservations when we arrived about 3 in the afternoon we had a lot of sites to choose from. We picked one in loop A and from our door had an unobstructed view of the Tower. No power or water on site, restrooms on both loops. This is a perfect place to explore the Tower and its environs. We did three trails one in the evening and two in the AM. Really special location. Loved it and only $10.

Looking up

Looking up

Looking down

Looking down