Rand McNally RVND 7710

Press Release: Skokie, Ill., February 14, 2012 – Rand McNally, a leader in specialty travel and navigation, and Woodall’s, part of the Good Sam family of RV clubs, community and publications, are partnering to include Woodall’s campground data in Rand McNally’s TripMaker® RVND™ GPS units for RVers.

The data will be pre-loaded in devices shipping mid-April, and also will be available to current owners of TripMaker® RVND™ devices – both the 5” and 7” models – via a simple and free download in early Q2. Rand McNally will be reaching out to existing owners to ensure that they are able to download the new content.

“Woodall’s is North America’s leading source of campground information for RVers and campers. We are very pleased to offer this very valued content as part of our industry-leading RV GPS devices,” said Dave Muscatel, CEO of Rand McNally.

Highlights of the Woodall’s Campground data include:

• Listings for more than 12,000 RV parks and campground locations, with amenities:
• Family-friendly campgrounds and pets-allowed locations
• “Big Rig” parks
• “Green parks”
• Site information such as extended stay sites available, typical site width and pull thru information
• Services such as fees, escort to site, dumping
• Essential information about seasonality and rates

Importantly, the data also includes the proprietary “5-W” ratings, which reflect the views of unbiased inspectors who visit and rate every possible private campground each year.

“We are excited to bring together two well-known brands in the RVing community – Rand McNally and Woodall’s. Our carefully researched data will certainly enhance the value of the TripMaker® RVND™ GPS to RVers, especially those who have been loyal users of Woodall’s for decades,” said Ann Emerson, Vice President & Publisher, Woodall’s & Trailer Life Directory.

According to Muscatel, market research and direct feedback from current users indicates that the ability to find RV specific information on campgrounds is one of the top three features that RVers want in a GPS.

“And 65% of those surveyed told us that ratings, such as the 5-W ratings, were important. The Woodall’s data will augment the 12,000 campgrounds currently in the product, making our TripMaker® RVND™ the most robust provider of campground information with RV specific information available,” added Muscatel.

Rand McNally’s TripMaker® RVND line of GPS products, launched in 2011, include:

1) RV-safe & -easy routing – navigation for 11 types of RV; includes entry for weight, height, length and propane on-board; routes based on legal and physical restrictions, such as low bridges, roads with weight limits; warnings for sharp turns

2) RVer amenities & tools – 13,000+ RV parks and campgrounds with amenities such as dump stations, electric hook up, 6,000+ travel center locations with searchable amenities such as parking, dump stations, and showers, 24,000+ pet-friendly locations, and more than 150,000 places just off the interstate, organized by exit number

3) RV-friendly trips & content – 12,000 Rand McNally Editor’s Picks, including Best of the Road® 3-4-day adventures, regional trips, scenic tours, weekend getaways, plus photos and videos of destinations

Rand McNally’s TripMaker® RVND™ GPS units are available at Camping World SuperCenters nationwide, at CampingWorld.com, and through Rand McNally’s retail channels.

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About Rand McNally – Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content. Rand McNally’s products and services include: Road travel review site bestoftheroad.com; Interactive travel referral service, tripology.com; America’s #1 Road Atlas; TripMaker® RVND™ GPS for RVers; IntelliRoute® truck routing software and navigation devices; TruckPC and the TND™ 760 Fleet Edition mobile communication solutions for the transportation industry; and the leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. Consumers, businesses, truckers, and educators depend upon Rand McNally to help navigate today’s world. randmcnally.com

TripMaker and Rand McNally are registered trademarks and RVND is a trademark of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally.

About Good Sam Enterprises, LLC – Good Sam Enterprises, LLC (GSE) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, serve the safety, security, comfort, and convenience needs of the North American outdoor and recreational vehicle market. The goal is simple: GSE makes RV ownership and the RV lifestyle more enjoyable. With various companies, brands, products and services, GSE targets almost every aspect of this diverse and dynamic niche market.

The corporate headquarters is located in Ventura, California. Subsidiary operations and divisions can be found at multiple locations throughout the United States.

About Woodall’s Publications – The Woodall’s Campground Directory and the web site, www.woodalls.com, are part of the Good Sam Family, the nation’s largest provider of clubs, services, media and events, and devoted to enhancing the lifestyle of recreational-vehicle enthusiasts.

All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Lake of the Clouds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

This tale begins in snow-less, winter-deprived Minnesota where temperatures have hovered at or above freezing for most of the month — during what’s supposed to be the nadir of the season. I like winter at it’s most potent. The power of nature as it blows snow drifts across a bone-chilling field is best experienced aboard the seat of a snowmobile, inside the warm confines of high-tech winter apparel. Our no-show winter has limited my riding to one New Years Day excursion with a friend into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That’s it. As one of the editors at Snow Goer magazine (dedicated to snowmobiles, that’s unacceptable. It’s offensive. It’s a crime against humanity. Winter is no good without all the great activities that rely on thick, frozen lakes and abundant powder. In my opinion, that’s what few southerners understand — winter’s delightful recreation activities like snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, winter camping or even just walks through the white-coated woods after a snow storm.

Taking a break, with sand rail cars in the background, in Glamis.

So, we’ve been quite deprived this winter season. You can imagine my excitement when I received an invitation from Yamaha to attend its annual gathering to camp and ride the Special Edition models of its 2012 sport ATVs in the Imperial Sand Dunes, a.k.a. Glamis. Back when I also wrote for the now-defunct ATV Magazine, this was an annual rite of passage. Now that I’ve traded in quads for Camping Life and Trailer Life magazines, I didn’t expect to be on the guest list. It was a day for celebration and excitement.

With no snow, I was happy to escape Minnesota and enjoy California sunshine. At a layover in Salt Lake City, I saw the snow-capped mountains and was happy some Americans, however few, had snow. Walking out of the Ontario International Airport in Southern California, 80 degrees and sunshine felt great on my bleached winter skin. Food, drinks and NASCAR video game races at Dave & Busters weren’t bad, either.

The timeless beauty of a desert sunset...

The next morning our group packed into a 15-passenger Van and drove through the San Bernardino Valley, past Coachella, alongside the de-populated Salton Sea shore and into the Imperial Sand Dunes. You know you’re close when the horizon lightens, and the dark-shaded Chocolate Mountains loom in the distance. This is such a strange part of the country. In younger years, I was never very interested in visiting the desert. Now that I’ve been able to experience it a handful of times, I feel like a little kid approaching Disney World as the sand blows across the empty two-lane highway.

We unloaded our gear and set up camp in a row of toy hauler trailers. I shared quarters with my good friends Bill Lanphier (motorsports journalist, professional musician, crazy man, Madonna’s former bassist) and Jeff Henson (excellent rider, equine expert, mountain bike enthusiast). Our pack of journalists and Yamaha officials were also joined by representatives from GoPro (makers of the high-def, wearable video cameras that are taking over the world) and Camp Chef, makers of extremely innovative, affordable camp cooking equipment. The Camp Chef guys, Matt and Steve, would be cooking our meals throughout the trip and, from past experience, I knew we would be eating high on the hog.

My friend Jeff Henson getting some air aboard the 2012 Yamaha YFZ450 SE.

Our fleet of brand-spankin’-new quads awaited us, sparkling in the hot sun: high-revving YFZ450 SEs, spunky Raptor 250s and, my favorite, the torque monster Raptor 700R SE. Each machine is hysterical fun in the towering sand dunes. Aboard a big Raptor 700, a group of us set out for my favorite part of the 45- by 6-mile sand field — the big bowls in the northwest quadrant. You can easily – very, very easily – get lost out here, but after several visits you start to pick up cues that provide a sense of direction. The northwest is defined by massive sand bowls, like riding in football arenas made of sand. In the middle of the rideable section is the busiest stuff, sharper dunes that are great for jumping. Then, toward the far east, are the scrubbier sections and steepest, tallest hills, Oldsmobile and China Wall. I’m still freaked out by the steepest stuff, but that’s only natural when barreling down a hill that’s so sharply angled that you couldn’t stop if you wanted to. It’s all about picking a line, keeping the tires rolling, leaning back, careful application of throttle, clutch and brakes and, as always, hanging on tight.

After riding and a great meal, we played horseshoes and hung out around the fire.

Between rides and into the evenings, I learned tips on using the new GoPro HD Hero 2 video camera and picked up a few cooking tips from the Camp Chef guys. Here’s one: cut your pork loin in half — makes it look like a pricier tenderloin and also allows seasonings to penetrate deeper for a juicier, more flavorful cut of meat. It’s amazing that two grills and the super-cool Outdoor Camp Oven With Grill (amazing – an oven you can bring camping!) were enough to cook full-on feasts for thirty-odd hungry riders. Stay tuned for our own, hands-on test of Camp Chef products.

Camping trailers are really the only way to comfortably enjoy the harsh environs of Glamis. It gets cold at night, can be punishingly windy and is blazing hot nearly every single day. Local outfit Camp’N Style brings out the units, sets them up and you’re ready for action. I was very grateful to be invited to this trip, always enjoy sport quad seat time and savor every second I spend in the incredible Imperial Sand Dunes. I can’t really imagine visiting here without riding — it really seems like this place was created just for riders.

I hope to visit the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, east of Thunder Bay, Ontario, later this year. Check out that mid-continent elevation!

Now, back in brown, dry Minnesota, I’m planning my next escape, a snowmobile trip up near Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is only about a six-hour drive away. Not bad to reach another, entirely different environment — snow. In researching the trip with the help of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, I’ve also discovered a new place that I can’t wait to explore on behalf of Camping Life this summer: the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park east of Thunder Bay. With some of the sharpest elevation changes in the central part of the continent along the rugged north shore of Lake Superior, this place is on the must-do list for this summer. I can’t wait.

It may be a rough winter in the Upper Midwest, but I’m making the best of it. Wherever you are, I hope you can say the same.

— Tom

A selection of the Rise bars we received

I’m a pretty big fan of granola and energy bars, especially if I have a rushed morning and don’t have time for a sit-down breakfast; they provide a quick pick-me-up for the day. Plus, they’re healthy and often packed with protein to get me started. So, I was psyched to try the Rise bars that arrived on my desk and share my thoughts with you.

Rise bars, also known under the brand names Boomi Bar and Prana Bar, are marketed to provide people with specific bars for the needs of their day: breakfast bars to start the day, energy bars to combat the afternoon slumps, and protein bars as a pre- or post-workout snack. One thing I really respect about Rise bars products is that they not only cater to those with nutrition restrictions (those needing gluten-free bars, look no further!), they are also great for vegetarians (and most of their products are vegan-friendly as well!). Those who have chosen to live an organic-food-only lifestyle should note that Rise bars are also organic and made with unsulfured fruit, no preservatives and no GMOs (genetically modified organisms) go into their products.

I tried some of these bars and had mixed reviews. I thought the bars served their purpose and held true to their promise – I certainly perked up the mornings I had one of these bars (Crunchy Cranberry Apple and Crunchy Perfect Pumpkin). Though for fair warning, Rise bars don’t look and feel like your average breakfast or granola bar. The bars themselves are a mix of hard and soft and definitely took some time to chew – probably because they’re packed with fiber, an ingredient known to take longer to chew and digest (thus keeping you fuller longer!). Because the bars are not made with preservatives and the fruit is unsulfured (a fancy way of saying natural fruit with no chemicals to brighten color or preserve fruit), you’ll notice that the bars are mostly brown and black in color. Don’t let looks fool you; most of the bars I tried were really tasty. My personal favorite was Coconut Acai from the energy bar line.

A glamour shot before we enjoyed Crunchy Honey Walnut...

My palette is typically geared toward fruit, granola and nuts without a lot of extra sugar when it comes to energy or breakfast bars. The Coconut Acai bars were not too sweet despite being able to taste both the coconut and acai berries – I actually thought it was the perfect blend for that bar. I wasn’t crazy about the Crunchy Perfect Pumpkin as I thought the taste of pumpkin was a little too strong for a breakfast bar. I love pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, but the blend was too nutty for my morning.

Just about anyone can benefit from these bars: outdoor enthusiasts looking for all-day energy, a child who needs a snack before a big game, those of us who have slept in once or twice and are rushing out the door in the morning or simply keep a stash at your desk to combat the 2:30 slumps.

You can find Rise bars at select Whole Foods Market stores or order yours online at Risebar.com, Amazon.com, LuckyVitamin.com or Drugstore.com. You can purchase breakfast, energy or protein bar boxes (12 per box) on Rise bar’s website. $16.68 (12/1.4 oz. breakfast bars), $22.68 (12/1.6 oz. energy bars) and $27.48 (12/2.1 oz. protein bars).

If you have a favorite breakfast or energy go-to meal, tell us!

-Amanda

Otter Creek's SASQ(WASH) Shampoo and Body Wash

It’s no hidden secret… sometimes guys get gross. Smelling like a fresh spring morning isn’t the top priority whether we’re working out, sitting in a duck blind or cleaning fish (amongst many other odor-promoting ventures). It just doesn’t cross our minds. That’s no excuse for smelling like Big Foot once said manly activities have come to a close though. That’s why the folks over at Otter Creek came up with SASQ(WASH). It’s a shampoo and body wash all rolled into one happy gelatinous cleanser. So, whether you have hair on your head and skin on your body, or skin on your head and hair on your body, this will turn that sweaty, swampy funk into ocean-y freshness.

For the last couple weeks, I’ve been giving my bottle of SASQ(WASH) a run for it’s money. Aside from my daily, morning scrub-down, I’ve used it after long runs, lifting weights and hiking around in the outdoors. I’ll admit that when it came down to it, I still enjoy my separated shampoo and body wash. They are made to do two separate and specific tasks and neither can substitute for the other as an equal.

Does that mean that I’m going to kick SASQ(WASH) to the curb? Nope! I absolutely love the product for its portability and general cleansing characteristics. It’s perfect to throw in a gym bag when you don’t want to haul around bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and shaving cream. This will get those jobs done. I would also highly recommend it for stocking in an RV, cabin or hunting shack where you don’t need all of the non-sense. You just need to be clean…er. Plus, stocking an arsenal of salon products in your hunting shack probably won’t end well for you or your reputation, amongst your pals.

It’s not going to replace all of the bottles in my bathroom, but it will be a go-to product when I need a quick clean after a day of getting dirty out in the elements or working up a stench in the gym. Insert wookie howl here.

Otter Creek SASQ(WASH) Shampoo & Body Wash
Price: $18 (8 oz. tube)

Snapping photos from the car - Lake Itasca - we were almost to the cabin!

We finally arrived at the cabin around dinner time, just a little over five hours after we departed Minneapolis that morning. The first thing I did was hop out of the car, stretch my legs and grab my camera to scope out the lake. The long drive was well worth what was waiting for us. The landscape and view of the lake were beautiful. After we unpacked, we made dinner and ate outside under the early evening sun, enjoying the quiet of the outdoors and the view of the lake.

Nothing short of nature’s utmost beauty, a shot from the grass overlooking the lake when we arrived to our destination.

We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. The only rain we experienced was right before we started dinner one night. Fortunately, we were able to get a trip to the beach in earlier that day. I looked up and saw a rainbow peeking out behind the clouds just over the lake. Without rain yet that day, it was a rare rainbow sighting. Then again, the best photos always happen where you least expect them.

One of the coolest photos I've ever taken - a rainbow peering through the clouds at Long Lake.

I try and take full advantage of wherever I vacation by researching local hot spots or historical landmarks and seeing as many as I can before the end of a trip. We got up early one morning and decided to drive out to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. It was a gorgeous day – in the 70s with a slight breeze – so all of us, including Jack the dog, waded in the water and balanced on the jagged rocks for some photos. Itasca State Park and the Mississippi River  are two must-see stops if you find yourself in northern Minnesota.

A group shot at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Being an urban dweller, I do enjoy having the opportunity to camp or, in this case check out a cabin, far up north away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I especially enjoy trips with my friends where we can bond, have a great time and stick to our budget.

I’m looking forward to more camping trips in 2012!

- Amanda Lepinski

Last January I resolved to cook more and, specifically, to find more uses for horseradish. I sure do enjoy that stuff. This year I’m getting more serious: I want to camp more than I ever have before. I plan to meet this goal by visiting new places far and near and spending more time camping than ever. I’ve already begun assembling my wish list.

Tom’s 2012 Adventure List

I am very excited to return to California's Imperial Sand Dunes to camp in the sand and ride ATVs in the massive dunes.

1. Imperial Sand Dunes – Southern California

This one’s easy, because I’ve already booked my flight to the LA/Ontario International Airport in the San Bernardino Valley. A massive field of towering sand mountains along the California-Mexico border, the Imperial Sand Dunes (a.k.a. Glamis) is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been.

It’s the desert of your dreams — endless, mysterious, relentless wind, and it’s one of the most amazing places for off-road riding. I’ll be joining some of my friends in the ATV industry to camp in toy hauler trailers in the sand, ride Yamaha’s latest sport quads in the dunes with some of the best riders in the industry and enjoying great cooking and horseshoes around the fire at night. I am a lucky guy to go on this trip, and I am bursting with excitement.

Upper Michigan's scenic Lake of the Clouds (on New Years Day). I can't wait to explore this area in the summer.

2. Porcupine Mountains – Upper Peninsula of Michigan

I also write for Snow Goer magazine, which covers the snowmobile industry, and my co-worker John and I drove up from Minneapolis to the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan for some snowmobile testing on New Years Day.

While Minnesota is largely devoid of snow cover because of this absurdly warm winter, it was a raging winter wonderland in the U.P. We stayed at a resort called Fish Tales on the western shore of Lake Gogebic. From there, we rode north to the peninsula’s north shore of Lake Superior. With the high winds of the winter storm, the lake was incredibly angry. It was a bit scary to see its power, picturing what would happen if a person made its way into such cold, turbulent waters.

We then rode eight miles east to Lake of the Clouds within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Hiking up a hill in 15+ pounds of snowmobile gear was well worth the view from the cliffs looking down on the lake. Surrounded by large hills (by Midwestern standards), this place is a real gem. I immediately pictured myself camping here and spending a day swimming in the lake and exploring its shores. I will do this in 2012.

Aside from wanting to revisit Lake of the Clouds, I want to spend more time in the Upper Peninsula in general. The more I see, the more I think this is one of the most exciting parts of the country for outdoor lovers. White water in every direction, Lake Superior, sprawling forests and a charming, rural culture that is very welcoming.

Preparing to hit the Flambeau River on a kayak trip.

3. Lake of the Falls – Northeastern Wisconsin

Part of the massive Turtle-Flambeau Flowage in northeastern Wisconsin — the so-called crown jewel of the state — Lake of the Falls County Park is my favorite place, and my favorite annual trip. I’m from northern Wisconsin, and this isolated, small-scale campground is just perfect for my kind of camping.

With beautiful and spacious sites located along the waterfall-fed lake, this is a great place for fishing, swimming and all the other attractions in the area. My favorite? Whitewater kayaking along the Flambeau River toward Park Falls, my hometown.

Even though I grew up 30 miles down the road, my friends and I always find new places to explore in the area. Two years ago we went on a waterfall tour in the area, and the many falls we visited (including Superior Falls on the Wisconsin-Michigan border) only scratched the surface of the cascading water in this area.

Lovely during late fall, but I bet the Ozarks are amazing in the summer - especially the rushing rivers.

4. Ozark Mountains

On a recent trip for MotorHome magazine, I visited Branson, Missouri and the surrounding area, including the beautiful Ozark Mountains. I went horseback riding in the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, visited the sprawling Silver Dollar City, went on a river cruise with the Branson Ducks and rode a glass-ceiling train across the border into Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains.

It was such a beautiful area, and I would love to return for some whitewater kayaking and camping. A local couple I met told me about all their favorite places, and it sounds like it would be well worth a return visit. My ATV buddy Cody Smith has also recommended checking the Ozarks during the summer.

I’m thinking this would be a great excuse to commandeer a motorhome, fill it with food and camping gear, strap on a trailer (for pulling the ‘yaks) and drive down with some friends. It’s all about killing birds with multiple stones…

Nick and Matt pondering the wonder of these scenic, rocky BWCA shores.

5. Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area

I’ve lived in Minnesota since 2000, I write for Camping Life magazine and, yet, I still have not experienced the allegedly spectacular Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area in the far northern part of the state. That is unacceptable. It’s only four hours away. Most of my friends are annual visitors. I’m very excited to play around on the rocky shorelines. That’s always my favorite part of the BWCA photos I see in friends’ albums. There’s not much else to say about this one. It’s a personal failing that I intent to correct.

Fantasy List

Sometimes, as a magazine editor, I’m able to put together some amazing trips – and I’m very fortunate for those opportunities. Just like anyone else, though, I have a list of places I really want to visit, but haven’t been able to find a way to make them happen … yet.

1. Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, in the summer.

Last winter, on assignment for Snow Goer, I flew into Halifax, Nova Scotia, met up with some snowmobilers, drove north onto the island of Cape Breton and had a fabulous time snowmobiling this unusual, beautiful place. The locals were some of the friendliest people I’ve met in all of my travels, and I really hope to return in the summer to explore the Cabot Trail that encircles this large island. I picture renting a convertible, driving the rugged coastline, camping along the Atlantic shore and falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves. I would also stop to visit some of the people I enjoyed meeting on my first visit.

2. Zion National Park

I am a Utah enthusiast, and have been lucky enough to visit many diverse parts of this state. From Salt Lake City, through the central highlands near Richfield and down to Moab, Utah is stunning from top to bottom. It feels like a place I could retire someday. In the meantime, I want to see as much as I can. Next on my list is Zion National Park in the southwest corner of the state.

3. Colorado

My Colorado experience is limited to dozens of exotic visits to the Denver International Airport. That is sad and unacceptable. Any recommendations? To me, it looks like the entire state is one big adventure. I need to find a way to get here.

My goal for 2011 was exploring the possibilities of horseradish. This year, I think I'll get even crazier.

In closing, I’ll tell you that there’s really no reason to use mayonnaise on a sandwich. Horseradish mustard will do just fine, and is much less unhealthy. As for increasing my camping intake, well, there’s only good side effects, and I can’t wait to reap the upcoming relaxation and adventure. Also, I hope to attempt indoor rock climbing. What do you have planned for 2012?

— Tom Kaiser

“Really? 40 degrees again?!”

Hitting the hill as a youngster. Me and my Ma at Lutsen Mountain on the north shore (1987?)

These words have unfortunately become a common part of my mornings this winter. I’ll wake up, turn on the news to check the daily weather and undoubtedly be disappointed in the unseasonable warmth and even more disappointed in the lack of snow. I enjoy most outdoor activities, however, skiing has topped the list for me since I was about three years old. Although when I was three, most of my time was spent enjoying cookies and some cocoa in the chalet, rather than attempting to set land-speed records on the slopes. Regardless, I THRIVE on snow in the winter months. This is the first winter in my 27-year span on this earth that I’ve ever experienced such little snow and such warm weather.

To celebrate this New Year’s Eve, my girlfriend Bridget and I drove from Minneapolis up to Duluth, MN for a long weekend on the north shore. I attended college at UMD and have a great love for all that Duluth has to offer. It’s a short 2.5 hour drive, but the difference in scenery, lifestyle and outdoor offerings is massive. If you enjoy anything about the outdoors and have never been to the north shore of Lake Superior, you are missing out on some of the best opportunities for an outdoor enthusiast in the country. It offers camping, hiking, paddling, pedaling and so much more!  On the docket for our trip was skiing, hiking, live music, good food, a local brew or two and hanging out with friends who still reside there. We successfully accomplished all.

Bridget and I stopped briefly on the bridge to snap some photos and listen to the river run under the ice.

New Year’s Eve morning rolled around and I’ll admit, I was actually happy to welcome the mid-30s temps that greeted us that day. The winters in Duluth are known for their bitter cold temps which can easily hit -20 without batting an eye. And that’s NOT including the 30 mph wind off of Lake Superior! So, with the temperature at a comfortable 35 degrees, there was only one thing to do… head to the trails. We chose Lester Trail, that follows right along the Lester River and opens up into the great Gitche Gumee (Lake Superior). Lester is an easy hiking trail and is just on the outskirts of town which makes it extremely accessible to anyone and any ability. There are also great single track mountain biking trails that run along it which range from easy to more advanced.

The hike was perfect. We were comfortable in light winter gear which kept the cold at bay, yet didn’t allow us to drown in our own sweat. I had on my trusty Helly Hansen shell with a thin layer of Patagonia insulation underneath and Bridget had on her new insulated Salomon jacket. Midway through our hike, we found a great bridge where we stopped to rest briefly. you could look down and hear the babble of the river running underneath the thin crust of ice, like an icy, moving crème brûlée. After our rest we decided to cross the bridge and follow the trail down the opposite side of the river. Further into our journey, we came across a waterfall that was completely frozen over. You could still hear the water running briskly underneath, but there was no visible movement on the surface. The path meandered along the riverside for some time before we found ourselves back at the car. It was a great start to what continued on to be an amazing New Year’s.

The Black Eyed Snakes rocking into the new year.

We continued that evening with some live music at one of the local establishments. The Black Eyed Snakes brought in the New Year with their gritty blues/rock. The Snakes were selected by City Pages as the Best New Band of 2001 and I believe they’ve only gotten better with time. After the Black Eyed Snakes got the crowd a rockin’, they made way for a great up-and-coming local band called Dirty Horse. I pulled a quote from the Dirty Horse website which I believe sums them up nicely: ”Filling empty spaces with loud noises is a common interest…especially among all of the bearded members…well, also among our non-bearded drummer. Floating life between urban and rural is a balance that can describe life in Duluth.” They put on a wonderful show and we all enjoyed dancing into the night until the unpopular but predictable closing time rolled around. Everyone sauntered out the door in single file with smiles on their faces. No one knew what 2012 would bring, but I’m certain that everyone in that place, at that moment, knew that they wouldn’t have wanted to bid adieu to 2011 in any other way.

All in all it was another spectacular trip to the northland and I eagerly await my next adventure up there … Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long.

P.S. I just checked the weather for the upcoming week … Looks like my morning routine continues…

Really? 40s again?

— Chris Soash

A typical summer day at Lower Michigan's spectacular Sleeping Bear Dunes

The National Lakeshore, along with the other 397 units of the national park system, will waive the entrance fees as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage everyone to visit and experience the many wonders of their national parks across America. The other fee-free days this year include: April 21-29 (National Park Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10-12 (Veterans Day Weekend).

Winter is a great time to explore the National Lakeshore. Visit the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire (open 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily) to learn about all the park has to offer in winter. Bring your inner tube or saucer and enjoy the designated sliding hill at the Dune Climb, or cross-country ski/snowshoe one of the many trails in the park. Also, don’t forget to join us for a park ranger-led snowshoe hike every Saturday. Hikes begin at 1:00 p.m. at the visitor center. These snowshoe hikes are limited to 30 participants. Reservations are encouraged. Please call 231-326-5135, ext. 328, for details and to make reservations.

For more in-depth information, please call 231-326-5134 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/slbe. Also, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl.

Snowshoeing and skiing are fun ways to experience the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. This winter, join a park ranger on a wintry excursion!

Rocky Mountain National Park offers ranger-led snowshoe ecology walks for beginner-level snowshoers on the east side, and for beginner and intermediate-level snowshoers and cross-country skiers on the west side of the park. Reservations are required and there is no additional fee beyond the regular park entrance fee.

Snowshoeing is easy to learn and opens up a new way to see the beauty of nature during its quietest season. For beginners, the snowshoe program is a two-hour exploration of the natural world of the subalpine forest. No previous snowshoe experience is required. On the east side, this walk is held on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at 12:30 p.m. through March 24. The beginner snowshoe tour on the west side is held on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. through March 17.

For more experienced snowshoers, a two-hour snowshoe walk is offered on the west side of the park on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. through March 11. Previous snowshoeing experience is recommended because of the elevation gain, mileage, pace and terrain covered in this program.

Ranger-led cross-country ski tours are offered on the west side of the park on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. through January 28. Participants ski a snow-draped landscape and learn about the Kawuneeche Valley.

All snowshoe walks and ski tours require reservations. Reservations can be made in advance, seven days or less prior to the desired program.  Participants must furnish their own equipment, including poles with baskets, and be at least 8 years old. To make reservations for east side snowshoe walks, call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. To make reservations for west side snowshoe walks, call the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at (970) 627-3471 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.

Frontcountry and backcountry camping take place in the winter too! Timber Creek Campground and designated sections of Moraine Park Campground are open all winter; the fee is $14 per site per night. Water and dump stations are not available in winter at the campgrounds. Self-registration permits for backcountry camping in winter zones are available.  There is no charge in the winter for backcountry camping.

Sledding activities can be enjoyed in Rocky Mountain National Park at the Hidden Valley area. Hidden Valley slopes have been contoured to enhance the safety of sledding and other snowplay activities. The gentle sledding hill is especially enjoyed by younger park visitors.

Facilities at Hidden Valley include a warming hut, which is open weekends, and heated restrooms which are open daily. This area is also a good base location for visitors interested in backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in the undeveloped areas in and around Hidden Valley.

Check out our podcasts on Winter Recreation and Introduction to Snowshoeing.  Backcountry users should be aware of avalanche conditions, always check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website before an adventure.

Full Moon Walks are offered on the east side of the park on January 9, February 7, and March 8. Times and locations will vary each month. Reservations are necessary and may be made seven days in advance by calling (970) 586-1206.

Whenever visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to snowshoe, ski or hike, stop by a park visitor center or call (970) 586-1206 for current road, snow and avalanche conditions. Come enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter!

2012 lightweight travel trailer from Keystone RV

We’ve rounded up some lightweight travel trailers that are just right for a new generation of camping enthusiasts.

Added value is a trend that continues to be seen in many new travel trailers and folding camping trailers (known as pop-ups or tent trailers in the common vernacular) for the 2012-model year. That much-sought-after added value may come in the form of lower prices, additional amenities, or smaller rigs with lighter weights that save money on fuel.

Bunk bed floorplans are also seeing more popularity as young families discover RV camping, and there also continues to be an emphasis on trailers that are green. Each of these qualities has value to the customer. Either way, it’s what new customers are looking for, and the manufacturers are responding appropriately.

For instance, Starcraft has introduced its Starflyer, the lowest-priced folding camping trailer in its lineup. Cruiser RV has added a 37-inch deep, 11-foot 6-inch long slideout to a relatively short 28-foot floorplan Fun Finder X travel trailer to substantially open up the interior. And then there’s motorized icon Winnebago, now back in the towable business for the first time in 29 years with the Winnebago ONE.

Along with these and other new examples, here’s a sample of what RV camping enthusiasts will find available for 2012.

COACHMEN RV

CRUISER RV

EVERGREEN RV

GULF STREAM

JAYCO RV

KEYSTONE RV

KZ-RV

LANCE

LIGHTHOUSE RV

LITTLE GUY T@B

LIVIN’ LITE

NASH DLX

STARCRAFT RV

WINNEBAGO