In honor of National Beer Day, which is happening as of the time this is published, Freedom Rolling presents a mini-series on Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling in San Antonio, Texas. We'll have more on this company in another post, but for now, let's take a look at a few of their brewed offerings. Please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
First on the list of offerings is Ranger Creek's signature beer: the San Antonio Lager. Lager beers are already very commonplace in America, being the choice in style of many of the nationally advertised selections. The San Antonio goes down very smoothly, with that hint of hops to let you know it isn't that run-of-the-mill beer you'd find at a sports bar. However, one tip we had received from one of their representatives, Taylor, is to try this particular brew in the shower. It seemed a bit odd at first, but evidently it is a thing, and who are we to argue with the experts? Needless to say, after a couple of minutes of steaming, the flavor of the hops really starts to come out, accentuating your taste buds during your daily wash. We don't necessarily recommend doing this if a morning shower is your cup of tea, but it is quite the experience to be had.
Moving down the line of taps, we turn to the Dog in the Hunt Amber Lager. Reds and ambers are typically high on the priority list for us, and Dog in the Hunt was not what we had expected. We are used to ambers being brewed as ales, so we were surprised to find this concoction to be a lager. There is a very pleasant scent when first presented, but the blandness in taste cannot be overlooked, even when compared to other lagers. Dog in the Hunt may be an acquired taste, especially given its overwhelming popularity across southern Texas, but we believe a sampler will want to try something different.
Speaking of "something different", time to head to the east for the Sky Trooper IPA. The India Pale Ale is well known for its strong use of hops in order to preserve the brew on a long voyage. Ranger Creek enjoys looking at history to inspire the names of several of their beers, such as the Sky Trooper, which is named after a famous World War II aircraft. Getting back to the beer itself, if you're one that likes your hops, Sky Trooper is definitely for you, as it has a great flavor of hops. Even if you're not used to that overpowering sensation, a nice mix of malts gives this beer a well rounded taste as you sip, taking your taste buds everywhere you expect a beer to go. IPAs are a bit of an acquired taste for those who are new to beer tasting, but this is definitely one brew that is worth enjoying again and again.
Perhaps there is a feeling starting to "brew" that many beers are a bit light on the potency side. How about giving a try of the Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. Ranger Creek is known for distilling whiskey along with brewing beer, and this slightly darker-colored ale is aged within Texas bourbon barrels used for their brand of whiskey. Wee Heavy can seem a "wee heavy" on the potency, as it comes in at a whopping TWELVE percent alcohol content by volume, or ABV. Once you first take a swig of this one, if you're not ready for the strong taste, it's going to pack a punch. Once you get past that initial sensation, this one's going to go down really smoothly from the malts used in this brew. So if you need something a bit stronger at the end of a rough day, Wee Heavy is going to be for you.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Texas, give a try at a few of the beers that Ranger Creek has to offer.
When you're on the road full time, the "soul" isn't the only thing that needs tender loving care. The trailer itself, otherwise known as the "heart", will also require some regular maintenance.
Just like the soul, mobile capability is one of the most important things. Light checks are already a thing, but how about those axles? Although you may not be a complete fool if you park your rig upon the sand, or at least near a saltwater coast, the salt in the air can cause quite a build-up on the metal. Keep those axles lubricated. Some like to use bearing protectors, and it's not that bad of an idea. A can of spray oil doesn't hurt to supplement, though. Tire inflation and wear is also something to keep in mind, just like the tow vehicle.
It's not just what makes the vehicle a vehicle, but also the basic appliances and utilities. If you stay at that beach paradise, you may end up with some mud buildup in the drain pan of your air conditioner. Nothing says "bad day" like having to put a bucket under the unit because the drain pan won't drain. You may want to break out a ladder and examine that as best you can; just try not to do it when it's ready to downpour. Speaking of water, be on the lookout in some parts of the country for moldy supply. That will ruin your hose quickly. Also remember that salt can affect your connections with splitters and pressure regulators, too. Perhaps clean those things around the time you pack up and move. Finally with water, be careful of the freezing weather, lest your water pump goes out on you.
Don't let Following your Internal Compass destroy the heart of your journey. Keep it in check, and be ready to see much more.
Freedom Rolling brings you yet another review of craft beers. This time, we take a look at three selections from a single brewery, today being the Karbach Brewing Company in Houston, Texas. As always, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be. That being said, let's head down to the Space City and see what they have.
We start this mini-tour by sampling the "Love Street" blonde ale. Love Street was a famous nightclub that existed in the 1960's on the area believed to be the founding of Houston known as "Allen's Landing". Although this brew may not be strong enough to bring you to the state of mind of the aforementioned era, it will certainly be a great match for your taste buds. The mix of malts coupled with a subtle hint of hops allow the beer to go down easily, and is so carefully brewed that it certainly warrants being Karbach's signature beer. Love Street also comes in a light and other fruited varieties, but one sip of the original blonde will have you wanting to try an entire flight of their offerings.
¿Como esta, amigos? Time to do a little "vamanos" off to try Karbach's Mexican lager appropriately named the "Cerveza Especial". The first impression of this beer will make you wonder what sort of macro-brew you just picked up, and the seemingly heavy carbonation makes this particular brew difficult at first. Don't say "adios" to this one on the outset, though, as it is much easier to go down as time goes by. Good things come to those who wait, and Cerveza Especial is well worth it. Although we typically enjoy these brews on their own, another one may be in order with a nice carne asada burrito, or another Mexican food specialty.
Fans of the Houston Astros may recognize this next particular brew, or at least its name. The baseball park is located along Crawford Street downtown, with the so aptly named Crawford Boxes along left field, leading us to one of the area's favorites: Crawford Bock. Once you get over what seems to be heavy carbonation at the time of pour, this mix of malts and hops is a home run for your taste buds. Karbach suggests pairing with your favorite ballpark snacks, but even if you don't have those and you're looking for a nice backyard brew, Crawford Bock may just be the one for you.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Houston, give Karbach Brewing a try. Maybe even take a tour of their facility, or enjoy their Biergarten.
Ever notice how rickety those RV stairs can be, and then one day, they just break on you? You could spend hundreds for part replacements or buying new stairs, or even worse: You buy a step ladder and destroy yourself while constantly using it as you receive dirty looks from the other campers because your setup looks trashy. Instead, try this less expensive idea on for size.
Camper stairs are easy to build, and are a great portable solution. Head down to your local hardware store and lumber yard, and here's what you'll want to get:
Two Pressure Treated Stair Stringers
2x6 Lumber
Exterior Wood Screws at least 2-1/2 inches long
Optional 2x4 Lumber
Exterior Wood Sealant
Optional Wood Stain or Outdoor Carpeting
For tools, make sure you have the following:
Circular saw
Some form of saw horse (use the back of your truck or a folding ladder)
Impact driver (drill might work if it's powerful enough)
Hammer or Rubber Mallet
Tape Measure and Ruler with Pencil
Optional Reciprocating Saw with Wood Blade
Paint brush
Safety equipment (Some might not want it, but we recommend it)
Before buying the materials, you'll want to measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the door entry, as well as the door width should you want to store your stairs in your RV, to see what size stringers and how much lumber you need to get. With our dimensions, we were able to use 3-step stringers at about 20 inches of height, and made our treads 20 inches wide so the stairs could go inside the RV. You could splurge on 2x12 boards or specialty stair treads if you really want, but 2x6 boards are your most economic solution for a single tread.
First, cut your 2x6 lumber to size. You'll need two boards for each "stair", but save any excess you might have, because you'll use it later. Once all your boards are cut, line up your stringers and start screwing in your treads. The second board on each step will overhang the stringer on the front, so do all of the rear boards before the front ones. Everything should line up, but it's OK if there's a little over- or under-hang, so long as it isn't too noticeable. Risers aren't really necessary, but you can do them if you want; not having them gives you a better way to "grip" the staircase if you need it to be portable.
Once the actual "stairs" are done, you'll need to put in some supports. This is where that excess 2x6 lumber comes in handy, but you can also use the less expensive 2x4 lumber should you run out of 2x6 pieces; we were able to do the whole thing with the 2x6 boards we had bought. Use vertical pieces from the back part of the stair stringer down to the ground. It doesn't have to go all the way to the top step; we stopped a little short based on the excess we had so we weren't wasting lumber. Once those are in, cut some horizontal cross pieces between your vertical supports to make sure the stairs don't wobble when you're on the top step. Some will put the supports on the outside, but for space saving purposes, we chose to tuck them on the inside; it seems to work just as well. You can do diagonal cross pieces if you really want to, but it requires some special tools to make the angles, and rectangular solutions are just fine. The same goes for handrails: You can do them if you really want, but there's probably already a rail on the outside of your rig, so just use that.
One to two hours later in the blazing sun, give or take for some product exchanges, you have yourself some lovely and sturdy stairs! Now time to seal them and either stain or put some carpeting on the treads, depending on what you want to do. After that has dried, you and your fur baby will have a much easier time getting in and out of your home. Not to mention, it looks a lot more sightly when you're at "higher end" resorts. Depending on the size, you should be able to pick this up yourself and move it around on travel days. Just be aware that it won't work for overnight boondocking at corporate establishments because it extends too far out into the next parking spot; you'll still need to use a step-ladder or something a bit smaller and more easily portable, but at least you can use that for other applications.
Don't let your old stairs, or the high expense of new RV stairs, keep you from Following your Internal Compass. Build yourself something that will work for you.
Once again, we are on the move, and what was originally two, and then three locations, is now four.
This move was a bit of a planned one, as our third location could not guarantee how long we would be able to stay. However, because we found a new soul, it was a blessing in disguise, as it gave us the chance for sort of a "mini shakedown". We were able to hook up the rig, take it to the next spot, and ended up getting there in one piece. We're still crunching numbers on fuel usage, and will probably need a bit longer on "heavy travel" to know what we actually use, but so far we're looking decent.
Yes, local obligations are still a thing. However, plans have definitely shaped up for the summer, assuming all goes well. You'll see more when it comes time to start yet another trip. In the meantime, be sure to Follow Your Internal Compass as you move forward.
And now for something completely different... Freedom Rolling reviews craft beers from across the country. First, as a quick disclaimer, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be. That being said, what's out there, and is it any good?
We start our journey by heading to San Antonio, Texas, home of the Alamo, the Spurs, and one of the newer locations having brewed for about 13 years as of the time of this writing, Ranger Creek Brewing. For something a little lighter in color, try out their "Love Struck Hefe", a hefeweizen with its name inspired by a Stevie Ray Vaughan song. This one has a very light color and smooth taste, perfect for a day at the beach or other warmer weather get-together. There is a bit of a dry sensation once you've finished a few sips that will make your mouth feel coated and needing some sort of a relief. That aside, it is an above average hefeweizen on the market, and worth trying if it's available in your area.
We now venture off to Fort Collins, Colorado, home of the Odell Brewing Company. Odell's flagship offering is an amber ale called "90 Shilling", a name stemming from an old Scottish beer tax. This particular brew has that familiar copper color one comes to expect from an amber ale, with a hint of a hop taste that may turn off the novice beer drinker from its bite, yet provides a smooth experience for those who regularly enjoy amber ales. Although it isn't the best beer out there, it will certainly rank as one you'll be happy to have once again.
Our last stop takes us to Conroe, Texas, home of Southern Star Brewing since 2007. If you're looking for a good warm weather beer, look no further than the "Bombshell Blonde" American Blonde Ale. This particular brew is very light in color, although the hops will start to hit on first taste. The hops are on the light to moderate level, but will certainly catch you if you're not ready for it. Once you get past the "bite", this beer goes down very smoothly, and is one certainly to enjoy.
So as your Internal Compass takes you across the country, try some of the local craft beers as able, and see how they fare for you.
No matter the size of a city, one typically pines for a great food truck scene. Even within the relatively small Mountain Home, Arkansas, there are plenty of options available, and here's just a taste of what's offered.
First, we take you to Plaza Center on the east side of the city, where the middle of the parking lot is home to several semi-permanent food-truck-like kitchens. One of these is Ozark Mountain BBQ. Run by Doc, Dennis, Dallas, and staff, Ozark Mountain offers generous plates containing one of several meat options from their nearby smokers, a selection of sides bound to make most happy, and a couple of sauces making you want to have more. One highlight to their menu is their version of a "Frito Pie", an entrée that will remind you of nachos, but take you on a tour of their menu. Bring your furry little friend with you, as the purchase of a meal may come with a "pup cup", a small container of non-sauced pulled pork. We did notice that as much as the original three have done a great job, the introduction of staff let quality slightly slip. However, if you want good barbecue, this is a great place to go.
Heading closer to the center of the city, take a quick trip south of the border to Dos Gringos in Mountain Home. Dos Gringos offers a wide variety of wet and dry burritos, along with tacos, quesadilla plates, and breakfast specials. Although several Mexican establishments adorn the city, Dos Gringos provides quality food at a reasonable price without worries pertaining to shellfish allergies. Call ahead if planning a visit, as this establishment will tend to close on certain regular days in order to cater another event. However, once you're able to find them on an open day, this is one fine place to visit.
When you're ready for a dessert course, head back to Plaza Center for Sno Biz shaved ice. First starting in Minnesota, Sno Biz has expanded all across the midwest and south with several locations across the greater Ozark area, offering a wide variety of shaved ice concoctions. This is a seasonal business in Mountain Home, so don't expect to be able to buy any product during the winter months. When they are open though, Sno Biz continues to offer reasonable prices for all to enjoy. Try adding vanilla cream to even some of their regular offerings, or be creative and combine your own choices of syrups. If you're worried your shaved ice might collapse outward, add a spill stopper. You may even be lucky enough to find their mobile food truck in the Harps' parking lot, or somewhere else in town.
So the next time you Follow your Internal Compass, make a stop at some of the food trucks in the local area.
Ah, toll roads. You've already paid a tax for the highways once in the form of fuel, and now they expect you to pay again?! And with that rig behind you, it's going to be even MORE?! If you're planning your next road trip, here's some tips on how to avoid some of those pesky tolls.
The first, and probably most widely well known, is what we like to call "The Jersey Effect". In the case of most bridges, whether crossing the Delaware or the Hudson, you usually don't have to pay to enter New Jersey, but you almost always have to pay to leave. There are a few bridges that are free, but can be very narrow or even prohibit trucks and RVs altogether, so plan ahead. This effect isn't limited to Pennsylvania or Delaware, either. If you're planning a trip to New England, the Hudson River has several crossings, and although you aren't going specifically into New Jersey, tolls are collected going "away from New Jersey" (eastbound), but are not collected going "towards New Jersey" (westbound).
Secondly, remember that the limited access highways are typically what's tolled, so try some US or state routes that have at-grade intersections. Need to get to Delaware from Baltimore? Try US 1 and MD/DE 273. Heading west from Cleveland? OH 2 is actually really nice, coupled with US 20 if you need to go due west of Toledo. Need to go east to Boston? Vermont and New Hampshire help you there, with VT/NH 9 and NH 101. Remember that this isn't always the case, especially when you consider both the aforementioned Jersey Effect, as well as some of the bridges across the bays near Annapolis, Norfolk, and San Francisco. Also be careful, because states like Texas and Florida have their toll roads on state highways to get around federal funding blocks, so an interstate highway may be better in those cases.
The third thing to remember is that optimization takes practice. You probably aren't going to find the best route right away, and it'll take some playing with bypasses and shortcuts to get it right. If you're traveling a long way, try to use the distance to your advantage, because the gas hit isn't that bad. North of Chicago is easy to go US 41 past Waukegan after using I-94, but if you're heading west to Iowa and chose to go towards Fort Wayne from Toledo, why not stay on US 24, go to Peoria, and avoid Chicago altogether? US 30 to I-80 is very tempting, but goes through what seems like a bad part of town. Keep an eye on the fuel usage because western towns are spread a bit more thin, but with some planning, you should be OK.
Don't let Following your Internal Compass cost you an arm and a leg. Find your way around the toll roads and enjoy this country.
Looking for a good burger? Try this place on for size.
The next time you head to Billings, Montana, make a stop at The Burger Dive. First opened in 2010 by Brad Halsten, the Burger Dive has been the quintessential place to find a good burger while driving along Interstate 90. While there, choose from a variety of burgers, fries, and milkshakes, along with a few other options that may be to your liking. The Burger Dive has won several awards both locally and nationally, including Best Burger at the World Food Championships in 2016. Television foodies may recognize this place from one of their favorite food documentary programs.
We had made two visits to this place way back in 2016, before the burger award was given, as part of our trip to the Pacific Northwest. The inside of the restaurant had a bit of a "retro" feel to it, but unlike similar major chain restaurants, had its own unique stamp. It was a convenient lunch stop both times, but the very good quality of burgers that made us want to stop again on the way back.
The awards that The Burger Dive received are definitely well deserved, and we can see why they attracted the attention of a food documentary program. From what we understand about this place, the popularity has risen immensely to where our judging of visit would be unfair from then to now, the prices have doubled since the last time we were there, and there were newspaper rumors of a change in location within the city. If it's anything like what we experienced then, this will be a terrific place to have another great burger.
So next time you're driving through Montana, Follow your Internal Compass right to The Burger Dive.
Get ready to take your taste buds south of the border.
Scattered throughout south Texas is a regional chain of restaurants called Taco Palenque. Taco Palenque started as one humble restaurant in Laredo, TX in 1987 by Juan Francisco Ochoa. Armed with several authentic Mexican recipes, Ochoa sought to bring his fast food concept to the people of Texas. The several entrées at Taco Palenque are made to order, each coming with an endless side of tortilla chips and salsa. As of the time of writing, over 30 locations are spread throughout south Texas, including one Mexican location should you wish to enjoy this food while south of the border.
Thus far, our visits have brought us to several locations during the lunch, dinner, and late night dining services, as some of the Taco Palenque locations run for 24 hours. The bilingual counter service is quite friendly and easy to understand, while the menu is easy enough to follow. One of their most popular offerings is the Matamoros combo, although the fajitas, quesadillas, and chicken flautas are also great choices. Although you could use their drive-thru option to pick up your meal on the way home, take some time to stop inside for either a dine-in or to-go order, and while you wait, enjoy the endless chips with their avocado-based salsa, a medium-spiced salsa that will make you addicted to this restaurant for many months. If the avocado doesn't speak to you, there are a multitude of other salsa, pico de gallo, and vegetable options available at the chips station.
Taco Palenque has been voted as the Best Fast Food in Texas by Food & Wine Magazine, and this is no fluke. When you have their offerings, you wouldn't think you were in a fast food joint. Be prepared to spend a little more than you would at similar locations, but the quality of what you receive will be well worth the cost. This quality doesn't seem to diminish as you head to different locations whether near or further north from the border, either.
The more time your Internal Compass sends you to south Texas, the more you'll likely be seeking out Taco Palenque.
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