You can be Living Frugal in an RV and Still Have Fun

Living frugal in an RV does not mean doing without. This is a very fun and rewarding lifestyle that more and more folks are enjoying.

The current economy is not the best, causing many to reconsider their retirement plans. Lots of folks have seen their 401K turn into a 150K.

If you want a fun lifestyle, consider living frugal in an RV, you can still retire…you just won’t need much money. One full time RVer said,”All my homes, now and in the future, will have a steering wheel in the living room”. I ran into this fellow in Yellowstone National Park. This particular couple had been full time RVing for 10 years.

So if 2008 and 2009 have sent you lemons…living frugal in an RV is a great way to make lemonade from the cards you are dealt.

An RV is a fine, fun, frugal way to find your final retirement destination. We landed in Arizona after six years of RV life. We were sure , after 6 years on the road, that we had seen enough retirement options. So the RV can stop you from making an expensive error. You can stay in your RV as long as you want in any potential retirement location.

Living frugal in an RV is not about sacrifice…it’s easy. No more motel bills with your RV. Never having to pack and unpack is also a real plus to the RV lifestyle.

As you travel in your RV you will find favorite places to stay. The advantage to spending longer times at your favorite parks is the discount for monthly park rent. Around $500 a month is a typical fee for a nice park. In a motel that is less than seven nights.

If you are considering frugal ways to retire check out RV living. It is fun…so, enjoy life on the road.

For further information on frugal living in an RV Gary Pierce, sixty-four, has been retired for fifteen years he has enjoyed various retirement lifestyles that are not only frugal but fun. Do not quit on retirement until you check out this site.

categories: frugal living,living frugal,frugal living in an RV,fulltime RV,RV living,frugal retirement,full time RV,RV,recreational vehicle,travel,camping,retirement planning,automotive

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Pop-Up Campers – Is a Pop-Up Right For You?

As everyone here is well aware of, camping is a great way to take in all that nature has to offer. Popup campers are a cost effective, simple way to enjoy comfort while out in the wilderness. A great alternative to tents, pop up campers can be rented or purchased for a price that won't hit too hard on the wallet. Brand new popups can be found from around $4,000 all the way up to $12,000. There is also a huge used market out there for such campers. Used popups can be found for very fair prices.

A big plus to popups, being a trailer, have the ability to be towed behind nearly any vehicle with a hitch. A small car can even handle the load with ease. Of course, a hitch will likely need to be purchased as well. Popups have a nice, low profile, which is good for two main reasons: Minimal vision obstruction and minimal wind resistance (which hurts fuel economy significantly, as seen with traditional pull behind campers).

Popups are surprisingly roomy when expanded, and one who hasn't taken the time to check out the inside of a set up unit would be pleasantly surprised. Families with children can fit comfortably with their own separate areas.Also it is thought that popups are difficult to set up, but this is most definitely not the case, not even in older used models. They simply crank up and secure to their position, and you pull out slide out areas , if applicable, and you'll be ready to go.

Never forget to put down the stabilizers on each end of the camper to ensure it can't tip when somebody is in it. Popups can be set up very easily, from the most ignorant beginner to the most experienced expert. Remember- popups have had years and years of time to perfect the design and the easiest, quickest setup method has been optimized. Setup time total ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, which is longer than an RV, but the difference in cost more than makes up for this pitfall. Also, most big tents can easily take this much time to get properly set up while providing far inferior protection to the elements.

A popup camper should be considered by anyone interested in a cost effective "home away from home" in the great outdoors. You'll have the security and comfort that your old popup tent never could. Popup campers are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

By: Cam R Snyder
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Camping – Ten Great Reasons to Start

You may have already decided to start camping and have your very own reasons for doing so. However, below you'll find many more great reasons to go camping.

1. Camping is inexpensive compared to most types of vacation

Whether you are a lone camper, a couple or a large family, camping is a very inexpensive way to take a vacation. Not only is the per night cost of your stay significantly less than a night in a hotel, once you have purchased a tent and other equipment, all of the major costs have been covered in the initial outlay.

And now that you own your tent and the equipment that goes with it, you can use it again and again, not only every year but as many times as you can get away during a season. Vacation in a hotel or apartment and you are faced with high accommodation costs each and every trip!

Camping vacations are tremendous value for money at any time, and in times of recession when we all have to tighten our belts, they may be the only viable option for a vacation at that time.

Put simply, a camping vacation can save you and your family a fortune in vacation costs.

2. Camping gives you independence and freedom from the herd mentality

A typical package vacation or guided tour often means being herded from start to finish, beginning with the need to arrive at the airport at a specific time (often at an unsociable hour) and continuing during your time at the resort ....a merry-go-round of schedules, activities and the rules and regulations of the hotel and the holiday rep.

Camping gives your much greater choice and freedom to do what you want, when you want...and if your don't like the campsite, move on to another one nearby.

3. Get closer to nature

So many of us live in towns and cities and live our lives at a pace where we rarely get the chance to experience what is going outside our technological world. It is so easy for us to lose touch with the natural wonders that surround us.

Camping lets you get closer to nature and wildlife, to see, smell and hear things that we do not normally experience in our everyday lives.

4. Get closer to each other

Getting away from it all in a tent can bring couples and families closer together. The opportunity to spend quality time together in a relaxing environment, without the distractions of a computer or television, can give you the opportunity to slow down and do things together that you would not have time or the inclination to do back home.

5. Step back in time and experience doing things the simple way

Assuming that you are not planning a camping vacation with a microwave oven, TV, computer, fridge and the other "must haves" of modern living, camping will enable you to experience getting back to basics and the enjoyment of doing things in a more simple and maybe skillful way.

6. Your pets can enjoy a vacation too

I must admit that I have not seen anyone take their cat or rabbit camping yet, but dogs will often be seen on a campsite with their owners. You can not only save on the expense of boarding kennels but also allow your pet to enjoy a vacation with the family too.

7. Take your accommodation with you to a festival

Taking your tent to a music festival gives you the best of both worlds; the enjoyment of camping and living in inexpensive accommodation nearby. And when the days entertainment is over, you are but a short walk away from the comfort of your bed.

8. Recreate memories

Many of us will have experienced camping as a child, maybe as a scout or girl guide, or simply with friends. Others like myself and my wife took camping holidays in the early years of our relationship when money was in relatively short supply.

In adulthood, after many years of expensive and often sophisticated vacations, a camping holiday can be a great way of reliving those simple and happy memories of the past.

9. Build and tailor your accommodation to your specific needs

Hotels and apartments are much the same and you get what you are given. With so many different types of tents and an even greater choice of equipment and accessories, you have the means to put together a tent that is tailor made to the needs and requirements of you and your family.

And every time you arrive at a campsite you get the opportunity to put it all together again (and of course take it all down again when you leave). And each time you go camping you can make it a little different. You might even own a selection of tents for your different camping needs. We own a 6 berth tent for longer camping vacations, a 3 berth tent for weekends away and a compact tent for touring holidays in a MX-5/Miata roadster.

10. You can make new friends

Sitting next to your tent, relaxing or enjoying a meal al fresco, it is easy to strike up a conversation and potential friendship with your neighbors. Likewise you might get to meet some interesting locals when you are out walking or visiting local sites.

You may also join a camping club and get to take part in rallies and other events where you can get to meet fellow campers on a regular basis.

Overall, camping is a great way to meet other people, in wonderful locations and at low cost. But be warned, you could get addicted to it!

By: Alan J James
The Author is a keen Camping Newbie who has a developing blog with the aim of providing other camping newbies with advice and inspiration to go camping. Please visit the Camping Newbie blog at http://campingnewbie.blogspot.com

Camping Trips Create Great Family Memories

It is not always that a family or group of friends could get together and enjoy some activities so why not plan your camping trips ahead in order to get the most out of it. In activities wherein many people are involved, it is very important that everything is well planned and the equipment well prepared so that everyone would have fun and ensure the safety of every participant.

The key to succeeding in planning is to start with the venue or the place where the activity will be held. Check on the place, book and secure the location.

Take note of the weather changes that might occur and be ready for circumstances that may arise. Once the place is set and ready for the trip, plan the activities that everybody may be able to enjoy. Consider the age range of the people involved in the camping and be sure to check on everyone's specific needs to see which may need additional help such as those who are asthmatic, with high blood pressure and others that might need special attention.

The children should also be properly supervised to ensure their safety. Do not just travel without an emergency kit handy. One of the basic things included in the kit should be alcohol, towels, medicines, water and band-aids. All camping trips should have at least one first aid kit.

The camping activities should then be planned carefully so that everyone will have fun. Be sure that both the children and adults will be able to participate in these activities.

Some examples of activities include fishing, cooking, or simple karaoke inside the tents. For more active participants, you can prepare extreme sports such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, and bungee jumping, cliff diving or swimming. Feel free to involve these participants in the planning process too. Ask for their suggestions as to what activities they would like to do during their camping trips and you'll be amazed at how their suggestions would make the planning a whole lot easier.

Be sure to prepare every needful equipment, gear and accessories so that the trip would be worth it. Remember that both proper planning and execution constitutes successful camping trips

By: Tom Houser
Tom is an experienced camper who has been camping all his life. He has taken many family trips and many canoe trips as well. Click here for information on choosing a good sleeping bag sleeping bag
By T. Houser

How to Build a Bird Aviary

A bird aviary is an enclosure or unit that is used to house birds. It is mostly constructed and kept outdoors. Constructing a bird aviary is fairly easy but there some certain factors to consider when deciding the location or place to put the bird aviary.

A bird aviary has to be constructed in a way the keeps the birds protected from snow, sunlight, thunderstorms or rain, intruders should not access the aviary easily, it should be away from noisy roads and avoid placing it under a tree because certain unwanted things may fall into it. The size of the aviary should be constructed in a way that it can accommodate an extra number of birds in the future when need arises.

The size of the aviary will depend on size of birds. It should have equal panels and a gate should be included to make its easier for the birds to enter. The aviary should be big enough to have a view of the surrounding area; the recommended size of the panels should be a two by four of equal size, these panels should be fastened together with galvanized nails.

Perches should be placed inside the aviary where the birds can roost on at night usually they are made of wood and can be got from any bird shop. The perches should be many to provide a place where the birds can make a nest. The roof should be constructed with materials that will keep the inside of the aviary dry and the feeder should be placed in a way that it does not interfere with the birds while flying around the aviary.

The floor of the aviary should be easy to clean, ceramic tiles or concrete can be used for the flooring. Sand or wood shavings can be put on the ceramic or concrete tile to create comfort and warmth. A wire mesh should be used on each panel to avoid your birds from flying away usually a double wire mesh should be sufficient. It is important to note that when building the aviary with wood, take into consideration the type of wood you are going to use, there are some trees that are poisonous to some different type of birds. Building an aviary does not require expertise and information on the steps to take and the materials one can use to build one can be easily accessed from the internet.

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Have You Ever Wanted Your Own Vineyard… Grape Planting Guide For Beginners

Everybody cherishes a lush garden around his abode just to soothe his eyes. It is a balm for the injured eye that looks for for the green all around. Making a garden of your own doubtlessly offers you joy but you can think of some business enterprise with the fruits that the garden yields and with the product of your own you can think of some business to start to feel the amount in your bank bit by bit soaring. Read more

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What’s Popping in Iowa

Corn isn’t just corn, most especially if you are in Iowa. This state is known to produce corn and supply it to other states and countries as well. You can be sure that here in Iowa, growing corn is taken seriously. You will be surprised at the number of things that can be done with corn in Iowa. They don’t simply eat these things here; Read more

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Alert: Family Farm Pork Producers, Take Action Today

If you are a family farm pork producer, your action is needed before January 2.

The USDA (under the cover of Christmas) is asking pork producers if they want to vote on the pork checkoff. If 15% of producers request it, a vote will be held within one year. You can read more here.

The form producers need to fill out and mail along with a feed bill or other proof of production can be found at the USDA website, or more easily here: http://www.ruralpopulist.org/porkcheckoff.pdf. The proof of production must be from 2007. This is a vote of 2007 hog producers.

Send or deliver your completed form to your county FSA office before Jan 2.

Time is short but the internet is fast. Fill our your form today and send this alert to others.

Since the mandatory checkoff began, hundreds of millions of dollars has been collected by the National Pork Board from producers while the number of independent hog farmers plummeted. The National Pork Producers Council, with close historical and operating ties the National Pork Board, has supported vertical integration and packer ownership of livestock and has blocked legislation that will make markets open and fair for independent family farms. The checkoff has not benefited small family farms.

Pork producers have been through this election once before. They triumphed at the ballot box, and lost amidst political gamesmanship in Washington. A new administration and new leadership at USDA creates hope for a fair handling of the vote this time. All checkoffs should be democratically controlled by producers.

For a history on the battle to end the pork checkoff visit:
Center for Rural Affairs, Corporate Farming Notes
Land Stewardship Project, Pork Checkoff Campaign

If you are not a hog farmer yourself, please send this to farmers you know.

Updated December 16th with additional details regarding the relationship between the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers.

Update 2: Don’t miss the comments on this post, and visit U.S. Food Policy for another post on this topic.

Where Do Those Cold-blooded Animals Go in Winter?

I love a New England winter. With snow falling and wind raging outside, I'm inside with hot chocolate in hand, curled up in my puffy chair, and snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug. What's that? Is a bug actually snug in a rug?

Better not be in my rugs! Bugs and other creatures are outside in the elements, not in my rugs I hope.

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Michael Pollan on Agribusiness Populism

This is a near quote of Michael Pollan on NPR’s Fresh Air this week:

There is a real issue of perception of elitism, and it is one of ironies of our society that junk food being sold by multinational corporations like McDonalds and Kraft appears to be populist, and food grown by struggling, scrupulous farmers is regarded as elitist. And I think there is something wrong with this picture, that those agribusiness companies have seized the populist high ground. When you look at how that supposedly cheap, populist food is produced, it’s dependent on government handouts, it’s dependent on the brutalizing of workers and brutalizing of animals, and it suddenly appears in a very, very different light.

The discussion occurs at about 31:00 minutes into the interview.

Pollan’s comments notwithstanding, it remains the case that much of the sustainable and local food system in the U.S. supports those with solidly middle to upper-class paychecks. This has bothered me for years.

We have seen renewed food systems that we cheer come into existence in recent years, but we too often fail to acknowledge that the growing gap between the rich and the poor is precisely what has made this possible.

Who doesn’t love a Niman Ranch hog farmer? But these farmers that we love to love produce meat for high-end markets on the coasts. Certainly, this is better than producing hogs in confinement for export or growing corn for unmitigated biofuels production. But a local food system that caters to and relies upon a growing wealth disparity leaves too many of the social ills that we set out to address untouched.

That being said, Pollan, as he is apt to do, offers a concise and effective rebuttal to the “local food as elitist” argument. In fact, it is best rebuttal I ever recall having heard.

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