In May 2020 we left Florida for home. Because of covid-19, we just didn’t know how or when we’d get there! Along the way we saw a goat tower, enjoyed a beautiful sunset at an unexpected location, bought a new-for-us AC, and discovered a new favorite campground, Come along on our Trip of Uncertainty! Read More →
Changing the gate valve between the black tank and the sewage hose is not a job anyone looks forward to – but it turned out to be much easier than we feared. With just a few common tools and some plastic gloves, you can save a big bill from the RV shop by doing this simple job yourself!Read More →
Back in the spring, we noticed a water stain on the ceiling over our bed. After a little exploration on the roof, Jeff discovered that the sealant around our bathroom skylight (right next to the bedroom) was cracked and failing. In addition, the skylight itself was beginning to feel brittle and showing signs of age. So we decided to replace the skylight. Here’s a short video on how Jeff did it. Don’t miss the blooper near the end!Read More →
After three years of RVing in a 2004 Class A motorhome, we’ve learned a lot about making RV campground reservations, emptying our tanks, conserving electricity and propane, and doing many of our own repairs. We’ve also learned to go with the flow without freaking out (at least not for too long!) when Plan A doesn’t work out for one reason or another. Jeff has pulled all that learning together for you in a timely new book called “The Complete Guide to Owning and Enjoying an RV.” In Section One, you’ll find chapters that explain the functioning of the electrical, septic, and fresh-water systems; lists ofRead More →
Five years ago, before we bought an RV and started “Miles and Smiles,” I wrote, and Kathy edited, a book entitled The Complete Guide to Renting an RV. It was a project that grew out of our own frustration when we were RV “newbies” and trying to find the information we wanted, needed, even yearned for about how to: Choose the right rental RV for you. Find and understand the best deal. Find the kinds of campgrounds we would enjoy. Plan an itinerary. Drive and park such a large vehicle. Handle utilities – especially the sewage system. What to pack and what to leave behind.Read More →
In this video we share tips on free camping, enjoy the free Deep Creek Preserve campground, take the Babcock Ranch Eco Tour (lots of Alligators) and explore the Punta Gorda Military Heritage Museum. Read More →
Some of the best, quirkiest, most interesting, and most beautiful things to see and do in Florida are miles and miles away from Orlando, Miami, and the Atlantic coast. This winter we decided to head west to “The Forgotten Coast,” otherwise known as the Florida Panhandle. While staying in Carrabelle, we discovered a house built of empty bottles, saw the world’s smallest police station, and visited the Crooked River Lighthouse. Then on to Apalachicola, Florida’s self-described “Oyster Capital of the World,” to enjoy the fruit of the sea at “Up the Creek Raw Bar.” Did we eat raw oysters? You’ll have to watch to findRead More →
As RVing becomes more and more popular, it’s getting harder and harder to find a nice campsite – or any campsite – during the high season in popular areas. And RV destinations don’t get much more popular than Florida in the winter. More and more RVers are making reservations at their favorite Florida campgrounds a full year in advance. Others find themselves constantly on the phone, spending three nights here, and two nights there, wherever they can find a vacancy. And did I mention that most Florida campgrounds are expensive? This year we made it our goal to spend as little as possible on campsites,Read More →
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a beautiful and easy bicycle ride, sixteen miles downhill along an old railroad bed in the Virginia mountains. We stop at the Green Cove Station museum and the Creeper Trail Cafe for their “World Famous Chocolate Cake.” Is it as good as they say? Read More →
In this video we explore Smoky Mountains National Park during Elk mating season, get lost hiking Deep Creek Trail, take a short “hike” on the Appalachian Trail, visit the Museum of the Cherokee Nation, and discover the reason they call them the Smokey Mountains at Clingmans Dome! We’re eager to hear from you. Please leave comments, questions, and suggestions below!Read More →