Any road trip enthusiast who travels this country is drawn to a historic route. They want a route winding from Chicago to Santa Monica, even if only for a few of the 2000 miles.
United States Route 66, the Mother Road, is one of the most famous roadways in pop culture. Navigating through eight midwestern and western states, drivers and riders experience a nostalgic look at Main Street USA, small tourist attractions, and a reminder of a golden age of Americana. Route 66 has long since been decommissioned by the Federal government and replaced by the Interstate Highway system, most notably interstates 55, 44, and 40. However, many states have come to pick up the maintenance of this road, and recent signage allows the driver to know they are along what used to be this well known highway.
When driving between Oklahoma City and the northeastern border of the state, Route 66 remains a great way to avoid the tolls of the Will Rogers Turnpike. Most of the Mother Road in the state has been designated today as State Highway 66. Make a stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, situated along the highway just outside of Tulsa. First built by Hugh Davis and completed in 1972, the whale served as a small water park for travelers throughout his life. Although closed in the 90's after the owner died, this attraction has since been re-opened and is now maintained by the city of Catoosa. As you travel further northeast, there are many indications of the "Historic Route 66" breaking from the state highway. Some of these instances are for what is known as "sidewalk highways", barely wide enough for one lane and wouldn't conform to today's US highway standards. However, it may also be to bypass a populated city center, which might not want to be missed. As an example, consider taking the turn in Miami, passing under The Gateway on Main Street through the heart of the city.
Those who know the popular song about Route 66 may wonder why eight states was mentioned here, as opposed to the seven referenced either directly or by city name in the song. Many forget that the Mother Road passes through approximately ten miles in Kansas, especially since today's interstate highway alternative doesn't even touch this state. Today, the majority of this road has been reduced to a byway, but still has its classic route designation on the road itself, along with historic markers to help find the way. Hopping off Alternate US 69 allows the driver and riders to experience the Field of Dreams in Baxter Springs, and if traveling southwest, cross the Rainbow Bridge across the Brush Creek. This bridge has been reduced to one way travel with a two-lane alternative to the side, but remains on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a sight to see. Once back to the main highway, the state has designated highway 66 to take the traveler through Galena before reaching Missouri and the city of Joplin.
The next time your Internal Compass sends you west, get your kicks and follow it along the Mother Road of Route 66.
When RVing, one of the most important things, given the moniker of the "soul" of the adventure, is the traveling vehicle. That makes you able to get from place to place, it's your true mark of freedom. However, like everything else, it's important to keep the soul in check.
First thing is to make sure everything on the vehicle is in good working order. Many RVers are choosing to "live" in states that don't have mandatory annual vehicle inspections. Sure, it's nice you don't have to pay a bureaucrat to tell you your horn doesn't work, your window has too much tint, or the bumper has a tiny orange spot. That doesn't mean you can't take the time to check these sorts of things out for yourself. Figure out what's important both from a legal standpoint, as well as being able to get from point A to point B. You're likely already doing light checks on the trailer when you hook up, so check the truck as well. One of the best vehicle tools you can have is the OBD2 scanner, which gives you Check Engine light codes. Auto parts dealers sell them at a reasonable price, and though they'll try to convince you that you can just go to them to get it read at no cost, it's something that has been needed to be used in the middle of nowhere.
Preventive maintenance is something you may have been doing in the stationary life, and in the RV world, it's no different. Oil changes, air filters, tire rotations; the list goes on and on. Sometimes you're in a position where you can do these things yourself, and other times you may be in an area where it has to be done professionally. Tire pressure has become a bit of an interesting point. Many service stations have started charging for air, with one major midwestern brand, at the time of writing this, swapping out the "free" pumps for credit card operated ones. Some stations will offer it at no cost to the consumer. However, at the time of writing this, there is a brand of big box hardware store that is offering air at no cost to the customer. The RV can usually fit because contractors are always bringing trailers. The store also carries a number of consumable products you're likely to use, so if you feel obligated to buy something, that's usually a good choice.
So while you follow your internal compass, make sure you have the means to actually follow it. Keep that soul in check, and you'll be able to see all of this great country.
When first planning this adventure, internet connectivity was one of the big concerns, knowing we'd have to use it just about every day. Are we still using the same setups? Time to find out in this episode of "Did It Work?", as we look back on Internet Connectivity, including our electronics update.
After Trip 1, we figured out that we couldn't depend on campground internet whatsoever, so it was easy to choose to go to an unlimited data plan. The one point that worked for a little while, but has since not, was the wireless router. The only reason it didn't work out was cell phone compatibility, as instead of being able to use the router as the one connection, everything else connected to the router was seen as a separate connection. However, that didn't stop us, as we were able to use bluetooth for connectivity. Thankfully, the cell phone could accept multiple bluetooth internet connections despite only one for the wireless hotspot, so there's always a way around. Some things still have to use wireless, but those are few and far between, and we can get away with using only one at a time, so no harm done. Some connections are a little spotty so we have to travel a bit, but we can make do.
When it comes to devices, we ended up getting a small portable monitor for the wallet sized computer, because using the TV just wasn't working not only for position, but also shared use. The good news was that we found a monitor that runs on USB power, so plugging into the battery pack works wonders, not to mention it doesn't draw as much power as the traditional laptop. A little finagling in terms of screen size had to be done, but we make it work. It can also be used for saved media in a pinch. Laptops are still good to carry around and are put to good use, especially ones with ethernet ports to be able to set up a router when needed.
Always be ready to tweak when following your internal compass, even with electronics. Never fear, as once you figure it out, you're able to move forward with your great adventure.
Looking for some nice views? Feeling like an aspiring lepidopterist? Just want a place to kick back and relax? Oh, do we have the place for you.
Situated throughout Northern Arkansas, one of the National Park Service's offerings is the Buffalo National River. This river spans over 100 miles throughout Arkansas, and is able to be visited by the public without a general entrance fee. Information stations and general camping areas are found at three locations along the river. Visitors to the upper portion of the river may head to Ponca and the Steel Creek station. Some from the eastern portions will head between Yellville and Harriet to the Buffalo Point station. Most visitors traveling along Highway 65 between Marshall and Harrison to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. Each of these points offer camping opportunities, along with day visits.
Prior to becoming protected by the National Park Service in 1964, the Buffalo National River area was once the site of several limestone quarries. Evidence of this is still seen today, as the river flows along many large cliffs and bluffs of limestone and other sedimentary rocks within a fairly deep valley, as motorists will want to beware the steep grades. If you happen to be at Buffalo Point, head down the hill to the rocky beach formed from the sediments that once graced this area to access the water. Perhaps take a tour offered by one of the private guides conducting business nearby. If you're lucky, you may see a cliff diver or two that stop by from boating along the river.
If staying on the land is more of your cup of tea, never fear, for there are plenty of options around. Hiking trails range across the Buffalo National River area at many levels of difficulty, and offer amazing views overlooking the river, along with the ability to view several different species of butterflies. On some trails, you may be able to find and explore caves and waterfalls created from the surface water flowing into the rock, with the underground streams flowing into the river. Perhaps you want to saddle up and take some of the trails by horseback. The Ponca area, along with several other points along the river, will give you this opportunity.
So the next time you're following your internal compass in Arkansas, perhaps it will take you to the Buffalo National River. It may just be somewhere to visit several times while in the area.
Most who hop into the RV and visit this wonderful country hope for sunny days and fair weather. However, sometimes you'll end up with a rainy day. Never fear, there are always ways for you to turn the raindrops into lemon drops and gumdrops.
The Freedom Rolling hosts are no strangers to precipitation. As we first started to travel in just the lowly SUV, nearly every trip, major or minor as it may be, seemed to have some sort of rain or snow with it. Even in Las Vegas, known for its desert climate, the rain had followed us. Ironically enough, one of the destinations where we didn't see rain was around Seattle, known for its nearly consistent amounts of precipitation. That wasn't to say we didn't experience it at all during that cross-country road trip, as the hailstorm in western South Dakota along the way was quite interesting. We've certainly had our shares of not-so-nice weather, including seeing a tornado form a couple miles outside the passenger window along the interstate in Illinois, as well as a tropical storm on the beaches of Florida.
So what's a full time RVing family to do when the weather isn't so nice? After all, many of our activities are outdoors. For those in the middle of a longer-term workamping stay, it isn't that bad of a day to have to take care of that, as you're not going to have too many customers. Some may use this as a time to "catch up" on things inside the RV, or even plan the next moves. You may have brought some indoor entertainment with you, but who really wants to stay cooped up in this life? Why not take some time to drive around. Explore the nearby city and its architecture. If you really need a destination, museums may be a good choice. The sidewalks may not be as bustling, but if you're not into crowds, that's usually the best time to look over everything.
So the next time the weather isn't so nice, don't let the internal compass just flood. Turn the raindrops into lemon drops and gumdrops, and oh, what a rain it will be.
For some, whether with or without the home along for the ride, the journey itself is the most gratifying part of a road trip. Sure, the destination can be a focal point, but why miss what you could otherwise see along the way? Enter one of the most famous drives in the country.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is an over 450-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains. Spanning through West Central Virginia and Western North Carolina, this road is maintained by the National Park Service, yet remains one of the properties that does not charge a fee to travel. Those towing a rig are permitted to travel this parkway, although caution is advised along this windy road with breathtaking views. If you wish to travel the entire length, give yourself a couple days to really soak it all in.
Those starting from the northeast can hop off Interstate 64 around Waynesboro, just a bit west of Charlottesville, and past the southern edge of Shenandoah National Park. Start heading south, and once you get used to the tight curves and lack of significant guard rails, a number of overlooks allow for views of incredible valleys and expansive wilderness. It's an easy going road, so take your time and soak it all in. If a break is ever needed from the parkway, the road visits the outside of Roanoke, or you could hop off just a little before that onto the US 501 and visit Lynchburg, the home of Liberty University. Campgrounds such as Otter Creek and Rocky Knob are found along the parkway in Virginia.
Mile marker 217 is reached, just past the Chestnut Creek Bridges, and a welcome to the Tar Heel State of North Carolina. Continue along the parkway seeing the peaks of Fodder Stack, Meditation Mountain, and Tomkins Knob. The campgrounds of Doughton Park, Julian Price, and Linville Falls will give you a chance to take a rest in North Carolina. A bit further down the way, make a stop in Asheville, made famous by the author Thomas Wolfe. Those continuing to travel to the southwestern end will eventually make it just outside Cherokee and US 441, at the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If your internal compass tells you to be literally on the road, never fear in following it. The Blue Ridge Parkway may just be one of the options for you.
One year has passed since first writing about RV essentials in the kitchen. What has worked? What didn't? Did we need to add or subtract anything? Let's find out as we begin a new series on Freedom Rolling, "Did It Work?" This is where we look back at our predictions and see what's actually worked, and what sort of adjustments we needed to make along the way.
First and foremost, there were a list of appliances we intended to bring. The combination slow cooker, pressure cooker, and maker of quite a few other things, has been one of the main staples of the kitchen. This is used several times a week, doesn't take up very much counter space, and packs very well in the equipment cupboard. The immersion blender, not so much. The food processor attachment is a "nice to have", however the whisk has proved to be a bit too powerful and ends up making a mess. The induction cooktop has been a great thing, but sadly was a bit old, and has since stopped working properly. We'll think about getting another, as it does help to save on propane, which we'd rather use for grilling and boondocking. Our combination blender/chopper is on its last legs as it's seven years old, but we have been finding great use for it, so this was a good choice.
One thing briefly touched a year ago was the cookware and tools. We ended up not taking cast iron pans with us, and probably for the better, given their weight and bulkiness. In speaking of bulkiness, one of the not-so-good choices we had made was our large induction frying pan with lid. The whole contraption is very difficult to fit in the equipment cupboard with the long handle sticking out, and is a pain to pack. We also have a griddle pan with cumbersome handle, but thankfully it is flat, making equipment easier to pack. A cookware set that has been fabulous, though, is a chef-endorsed eight-piece induction-friendly cookware set with removable handle that packs in a very surprisingly compact manner. The carrying bag didn't survive long, but the pots and pan certainly have, and is one of the best small kitchen essentials. Our butcher block knife set, along with a mandolin, have served us well. too.
There are always things you wish you had brought but didn't, and kitchen gadgets is no exception. While on the road, one of the staples we ended up finding was a small air fryer. Although it doesn't get as much use as the slow cooker, it has been a boon for our travels. With a traditional coffee maker not surviving very long, a single cup coffee maker has been quite the help. This accepts the pods that are placed in fancy machines, or the regular grounds, with a travel mug fitting well beneath the machine. Although we've only used it while parked, one item that will serve us well is a miniature waffle maker. We brought a larger model with us that has seen rare use, and who knows what will happen with this smaller item, but at least they don't take up too much space.
Following your Internal Compass always seems like a great idea, but it's always a good idea to learn from the past when doing so. Here's to kitchen needs being in a better spot for the future.
For some, it's a summer pastime. For others, it's Sunday parking lot fun. For the full-time RVer, it's a year-round way of life. That's right, it's time to hit the grill and get cooking!
Selecting the right grill for you really depends on what your family's needs are. If you're the weekend camping type, just a small stove with disposable propane canisters may do. Maybe you're still stationary, and have one of those large backyard patio or deck grills. If you travel, you might be lucky enough to have a grill attached to your rig! If you're like us at the time this is written, you may have one of those small folding camping grills. Fuels also come with several options. Propane is one of the easiest and most popular. Charcoal is also an option. Perhaps a special type of wood for flavoring is your cup of tea, or even just a few logs from the forest. On top of all of this, there is several different surfaces. You might want the iron bars, maybe a flat-top griddle plate, or there could be a burner to the side for a saucepan. The possibilities are endless!
Once you have your grill, the most important thing is to get comfortable with the appliance. You're not going to be Bobby Flay the first time you throw a piece of meat on the iron; even he needed thousands of hours of practice to become a master chef. Also remember that every grill is different. Some are hotter than others, some require more time and/or fuel, even the weather outside could play a factor, and the time you find in the recipe book isn't necessarily going to be all that accurate. This is where grilling becomes less of a science, and more of an art. Get some practice on the cheap cuts first, figure out how it cooks, try some different techniques, and eventually you'll be making great food.
You don't have to go into making some good food on the grill completely blind, though; try out these tips. First thing is to use that cover to your advantage. Once that goes down, the grill turns into an oven, and will allow the middle of the food to cook. Obviously keep the proper air flow in there, as oxygen is needed to keep the flame going. Next, for some of your food, if you want those nice crossing grill marks, prepare to cook twice on both sides, one in each direction to line up the bars. You could even just do a quick sear the second time around to get the marks. Lastly, to make sure your food is properly cooked, know how to "feel" your meat. There's a soft, cushy part of the outside of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. When you feel that part with your hand open, that's rare. Curl in those fingers, and that's medium. Now clench those fingers to make a fist, and you're at well done. The side of the tongs will show you a similar sort of "bounce" on your meat, and will tell you your temp. Remember that letting the meat rest brings it up a little more, so plan ahead.
So while you're following your internal compass, get out that grill and start cooking. In no time, you and your friends may start thinking you're a pro.
Hey, fishermen! Get your bait ready, and head to the Natural State, as do we have quite the location for you.
Running throughout Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri is the major tributary, the White River. Starting at the Boston Mountains, the White River twists and turns through the area, forming several lakes along the way thanks to the work of the Army Corps of Engineers (CoE), before finally emptying into the Mississippi River after over 700 miles of flow. The White River has many tributaries off from it, including, as part of the National Park system and one of its few free-to-visit sites, the Buffalo National River.
Many anglers will find their way to Cotter AR, colloquially known as "Trout Capital USA". People from all over the south and midwest flock to Big Spring Park in the heart of the town and set off in their motorboats, kayaks, and other water vessels to explore this wonderful area and try their hand and catch-and-release trout fishing. Even those wishing to stay on land have plenty of options at this park, such as seeing the tribute to the now defunct Missouri Pacific Railroad, including a caboose donated by the rail company. Even if it's a nature trail walk along the bluff overlooking the river, or on the island in the middle of the river, this place has something for everyone.
The White River is known for having several settled lakes along its path as a result of the flood control efforts of the Army CoE. Just east of Bentonville lies Beaver Lake, known for its limestone bluffs. Further down near the city of Branson, lies Lake Taneycomo. This lake is unique in that, although it is officially a lake, it has the look and feel of a river. While in downtown Branson, take a walk along the lakeside with the commercial plaza just to the other side. Further downstream lies Bull Shoals Lake, another fine boating location for recreationers. Although flooding is still of concern in the early parts of the year as you head further downstream, the river is allowed to flow naturally through the National Wildlife Refuge of southeastern Arkansas before emptying into the mighty Mississippi.
So the next time your internal compass tells you to go to the water, consider the White River. It may just be the place for you.
When we did the original questions and answers, we were asked questions along the lines of where we'll get our mail, what state we'd live in, and things like that. The beauty with full-time RVing is that you can make it whatever you want to be. Here's what we ended up doing, and as always this isn't legal advice, so do your own research.
The first thing is to choose a place to "live". You'll have a domicile that serves as your "on paper" address in case any legal things come up. There are a few things that you'll want to take into account. Income taxes is a big one, and you'll more than likely want to pick a place without a state income tax. Obviously where you workamp may mean you'll have to file in that state, but cross that bridge when you get there. Auto and RV registration and insurance are also a big thing. Some states won't insure a full-time RVer, so be ready for that. If you have, or plan to have, children with you, then the homeschooling requirements need to be considered, assuming you aren't sending them to some form of boarding school. Health coverage is also something to keep in mind, and as much as there are national plans available, they don't do business in every state. You may also be able to use where you are working to your advantage.
So you've finally figured out your plan, and it's time to head to that state and make it happen. Driver's license switch over is usually your best "date of record" for changing residency, as the state ID is usually a top indicator of where your domicile is. Make sure to do some research, and set up appointment times to get the paperwork done. Look ahead to make sure you have all the necessary forms and proofs. Then comes vehicle registrations. Remember it may be county based instead of state based. Be sure you kept receipts when you purchased the vehicle and RV. Whether you choose to register and insure in that state or another, that's up to you, but as always, make sure you can do it, it's the right price, and whether you want to deal with hassles of state inspections; some states require them, while others do not. Be sure to also establish some local credit union accounts, primary doctors, pet licenses if you have a fur baby, voter registrations, and so on.
As with any sort of move, there are always some downsides. First is that a number of regulatory agencies seem to insist that every person must have a base physical residential address. How strictly this is followed depends on who you work with and what you're doing, but don't be thrown for a loop if you're all of a sudden denied a product or service because the address on your driver's license is a private mailbox, or it happens to be "a business". Even getting a mailbox requires a "physical address", but they are more respondent to living in your RV; just work with your mail service. Secondly, separate yourself as much as you can from your old location. There was a story about a couple who went full-time RVing, moved from one state to another, established the aforementioned, never returned for several years, but the old state seemed to believe the couple never left because they weren't stationary in their new state, and then hit the couple for large amounts of back taxes, upheld by the courts. Finally, at least in terms of federal taxes, any workamping you do is going to be as an independent contractor, so get familiar with schedules C and SE, and be ready to pay social security and medicare taxes, which are in addition to the income tax minus standard deduction. You may also have to do estimated tax payments, so try to plan ahead, and figure out where you're going to be.
You end up going through a lot to Follow your Internal Compass, but once you get everything established, you're ready to see this beautiful country.
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