Thomas & Deborah - Museums galore!

Saturday August 6

We woke up  to rain this morning, but fortunately have decent rain suits for riding. We suited up in the hotel room and made our way the 20 miles or so to Kalamazoo, MI. We visited the Air Zoo, an indoor air museum that was the nicest we'd ever seen. Deborah isn't much on war machines, but even she had a great time learning in such a beautiful environment. After a couple hours there, we rode the 15 miles up to the Gilmore Car museum in Hickory Corners. What an amazing collection in an awesome venue. We've seen many auto collections, but this was one of the best. The cars are displayed in several resstored barns. There's a recreated dealership and gas station as well. Highly recommend to anyone traveling in south-central Michigan.

Why the museums? Well, as mentioned before, Thomas is a high school English teacher, but prior to college he worked with his father for ten years running a small trucking business. He's very handy working on everything from computers to toilets. He spends much of the summer fixing up old cars or improving their home on 5 acres in the foothills.

Deborah is a retired school teacher. She chose to quit working full time when the first grandchild arrived seven years ago. She's an avid reader and philosopher who loves to learn. Her real passion in life at this time, however, is being closely involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

On to Chicago.

Thomas & Deborah - Soo Locks, Canada, and more!

Friday August 5

Thomas and Deborah Craig here again. Please check our earlier blogs regarding how these two middle-age school teachers got all the way from California to Michigan.

We've made our way down to Muskegon. It's near Grand Rapids. We haven't had internet for a few days, so here's a quick synopsis of our journey on motorcycle: The first day out of Manitowoc, WI we had rain, so we checked into a Country Inn and Suites early. The next day, Wednesday, however, we made some miles and traveled along the Circle Tour of Lake Michigan as far as Mackinac City. Thursday we ran an hour up the Mackinac Trail to Sault St. Marie and saw the Soo Locks.

They first were built in the mid-1800s to facilitate shipping between Lake Superior and Lake Huron which are separated by about a mile of shallow rapids. Seeing the attractions there was well worth the trip. We crossed into Canada, but just long enough to snap a photo. Friday was another long day of riding that brought us most of the way down the east shore of Lake Michigan.

The weather has been wonderfully agreeable, but one thing's for sure: on a bike you know you've been somewhere. The wind, the temperature, and the scents bombard you every mile. After eight hours in the saddle, all but the heartiest are ready to call it a day, unlike driving a Monaco. Although this is fun, we're looking forward to getting back to comfort. We don't expect to return home in the 2006 Executive, however, because it's expected to sell since it's such a beautiful coach. The mystery of how we're getting home is part of the fun...

Camp Finder App for the RV Lifestyle

You asked for it, and you got it! Camp Finder now has an app for all the Android users out there! Following the success of the Camp Finder app for the iPhone, CampingRoadTrip.com was inundated with requests on Facebook, Twitter and email from campers and RVers demanding an app for their Android phones. And now Android users can also “find a place to stay". 

The app received good reviews from users, and the New York Times says its the best of the paid camping apps. Camp Finder gives you a simple way to search for campgrounds and RV parks, and discover the perfect place to stay while on the road. You can search over 10,000 campgrounds and RV parks to find the right one to fit your needs - from opening times, rates, sites, rental units, recreational activities to facilities and services, and much more. This is one app we’re really excited about.

While you’re on your way to those new RV parks you’ve found with Camp Finder, don't forget to stop in and say hello to us here at RV Country!

Sneak peek: 2012 Monaco RV models!

We're really enjoying our time in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Yesterday was the official opening of the display and Monaco unveiled several 2012 models with exciting changes!

Here are a few pictures of the new full body paint designs and re-designed front and end caps: The new 2012 Dynasty makes its debut with a new floorplan - This quad slide 45' diesel is called "The Palace" and we know why - it is definitely luxury fit for a king!

New flush windows similar to the modern styling of the Vesta

 The 2012 Diplomat and Knight have new front and rear caps - WOW!

We'll try to share more when we can!

Thomas & Deborah - Luxury RV Features & Monaco International RV Club fun!

Monday August 1

After a comfortable and safe drive, we pulled in to the Monaco Pre-rally Sunday evening. Two items to note regarding the home we’ve enjoyed for five nights: the Aladdin system that I mentioned earlier, in addition to all the cool information it brings you, also accesses any cameras the coach is equipped with. “Ok,” you say, “that’s cool.” But wait, there’s more! Typically, a small LCD screen is also mounted near the bed with an Aladdin controller. This means, that while lying in bed, one can navigate through all the cameras, checking the back and each side like a built in security system! And finally, typically the driver’s seat is a big fluffy recliner that can be swiveled to become part of the livingroom furniture. Nice, but such seats do not necessarily make for the best driving position. Of the many Monacos I’ve driven, the driver’s seat in this one is by far the best. It’s the Hi-Tech Kustom Fit, and it adjusts every way possible, including lumbar, and the lower seating cushion actually retracts to morph from a fluffy piece of furniture into a more typical vehicle seat. Very cool.

After doing some final shopping Sunday (always fun to pull a 44' Executive and trailer into a parking lot), we were ready for the Customer Appreciation Banquet held Monday evening. The place mats were pages of the U.S. Road Atlas, and the center pieces were all-American as was the dinner. Deborah checked everyone in, about 85 people, and Thomas served the tri-tip expertly prepared by Jorge, one of the sales staff. We LOVED the Monaco crowd; what a neat bunch of people.

A constant stream of coaches continued to arrive, and soon the Expo center was transfomed from a fairgrounds into a little city of motorhomes. The organizers expected nearly 200 Monacos. Electrical is run for plug-ins, entertainment planned, and lots of socializing. It's really something to see.

Off on the bike Tuesday morning with a fond farewell to the Monaco Owners and our good friends at Paul Evert's RV Country.

Monaco RV Pre-Rally dinner in Manitowoc Wisconsin A BLAST!

August 1, 2011

Tomorrow (2 pm) is opening day for the Monaco Pre-Rally in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and things are off to a great start.

A few of us even found some time to do some sightseeing at Lambeau Field!

Green Bay, Wisconsin is mere 35 miles from Manitowoc and offers one heck of a stadium tour!

You may be following our Guest Bloggers Thomas & Deborah as they prepped, packed, and journeyed towards Wisconsin... Well, we had a little prepping and packing to do ourselves!

Over the years we have hosted many pre-rally dinners for our loyal Monaco customers friends. From luau's in Lancaster to Georgia peaches, we've had lots of fun with you all! Usually, we have a little help in the catering department, but this year we decided to do the cooking ourselves! Our tie dye loving crew is no stranger to the BBQ, so we packed up our grills, tongs, and aprons and headed the 1,100 miles to Wisconsin.

On the menu was something us Californians are pretty proud of - Tri Tip! The popular beef cut originated on the Central Coast of California in the 1950's, and has since become a national envy and an undeniable California tradition. Of course, we also had rolls, salad, beans, and barbequed chicken.

Did we mention we did all the food preparations IN A MOTORHOME kitchen!?

Over 100 people ate, drank, and won prizes! It was perfect and we wouldn't change a thing - well, except that we're sad it's over! We hope to see you around in the Monaco display and look forward to meeting up with even more of you at the FMCA rally in Madison, Wisconsin next week!

 

Angel Bus in RV Country

Angels... They touch all of our lives at some point. Some come in the form of a friend, sister, brother, mother, or father, but for some their angel pulls up... Wait for it... in an RV.  Those are the volunteers that work with Angel Bus. These angels provide compassionate, non-emergency, long-distance ground transportation to patients in need.  Angel Bus was founded by William (Bill) L. Connor in May 2000 when Bill’s son, Jaran was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Sadly, Jaran passed away in 2004 and 20 days after his death, Bill was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia.  He battled his illness for the ensuing four years. His goal was to reach age 50 and he did achieve that goal. 

Currently, Angel Bus has 79 drivers and they have completed 1,154 missions in just one fiscal year! Angel Bus has many volunteers in all regions of the U.S. and are always looking for more. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, you can fill out the form on their website. What an amazing way to serve!  Their mission is truly inspiring, and has helped so many families.  Many of these patients are in terrible pain and have to travel great distances in very small vehicles. Being allowed the gift of comfort of traveling in an RV where they are able to lie down and rest is an immeasurable luxury, and one that most cannot afford. Many patients don't have the means to travel at all to receive the treatment they need, and that's where Angel Bus steps in.  They truly are Angels on Wheels. 

The Angel Bus stated mission is "To ensure that no financially-stressed patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment for lack of a means of long-distance transportation."

Angel Bus is in need of more Angels and if you would like to help out, please contact them by visiting their webiste, blog, or Facebook page. 

Remember everyone has an angel, who’s angel will you be?