Sensational Santa Cruz (and a secret RV park)

We’ve spent plenty of time in San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay and the San Francisco Bay areas of the California coast but simply hadn’t made it to Santa Cruz. In fact, last summer we tried to stay in one of a few state parks in the area and there was no room at the, well...parks.


This year we planned ahead and did some research which led us to a 12 site, hidden gem of an RV park – the Santa Cruz North Port District (or North Harbor) RV park. All 12 sites offer w/s/e, RVs must be self contained, and tents are not permitted. While not cheap (okay, maybe by CA standards it is) at $40/night it is worth every penny. The sites backup to a treed hill and are directly across from the boat moorage.

A breezy day partners with the sailboats to make the most soothing music. Grab a beverage of your choice, have a seat on one of the many benches and soak it all in. Check out this video and imagine yourself there:

A short half mile walk along the harbor (on either side) delivers you to beautiful beaches with crashing waves and volleyball courts, a jetty and lighthouse, a tony neighborhood perfect for an early evening stroll, and restaurants galore. On Wednesday nights from April to October Santa Cruz hosts sailboat “races” just outside the harbor mouth. You can sit on the beach and watch, take part on a boat cruise or do like we did and find a table on the upstairs outdoor patio at the Crow’s Nest and enjoy a little happy hour (runs all night on Wednesday’s) with your sailboat racing. Terrific!!

A trip into this town is hip! We chose to venture in on a Wednesday (yeah, a very fun-filled day that Wednesday was!!) so we could visit the Farmers Market. It was the BEST market I think I’ve ever been to…anywhere. The produce was displayed beautifully, the variety outstanding (even for the bounty of summer), and the multitude of ethnic food stands tempted even a full shopper.

But the very best thing about the Santa Cruz Farmers Market was the beet lemon sorbet at Scream Sorbet. Yep, I said beet lemon and it was a taste sensation enough to make a girl swoon. Noah was offering tastes of the 6 varieties on the scooping menu that day and they were all fabulous but when I saw the amazing color of this sorbet I was sold. Oh! My! Gosh! Scream scoops at several Bay Area markets so if you happen to have the chance to visit them I highly recommend it! Check out the markets they participate in, the current flavors they’re scooping, and where they are sourcing the ingredients from…it just might be the organic fruit stand right next to them at the market.

Capitola – a bit down the road – is a surfer’s paradise and offers a little “tourist village” with shops, restaurants, and beachfront benches. Looking for some handmade boutique soap, bath scrub, body butter or lip balm? Don’t miss the great products and really nice folks at Lavroma. Along the village circle is Pizza-My-Heart…the perpetually long line is justified – after you get your slice (or 2 if you know what's good for ya) head to a beachside bench and enjoy. A bit up the hill is Gayle’s Bakery known for their yummy chocolate éclairs and other such baked delights. We sat outside soaking up the sun with our coffee and treats – paradise!

Some lucky soul was scheduled in our site and, well, we had to move along anyway. Even though we just left I can’t wait to go back…and that’s saying something coming from a jaded 9+year full-timer like me.

Happy summer camping from your well-fed friends at the RV Cooking Show!

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

RV Cooking Show Memorial Day Online Holiday Food Drive a Success

The RV Cooking Show and food drive partner Best Parks in America recently wrapped up the Memorial Day Online Food Drive with a whopping 200 items donated to the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County in California.

Campers and RVers from all walks of life were asked to fight hunger by leaving a comment on the RV Cooking Show Online Memorial Day Food Drive blog entry memorializing someone that made a difference to their lives. 50 RV Cooking Show blog readers participated - read their comments here.

The RV Cooking Show and Best Parks in America each pledged one non-perishable food item for each comment left on the blog. The Albertsons Supermarket in Morro Bay, California matched the 100 item purchase bringing the total number of food items to donate to 200.

“The number of food insecure Americans has skyrocketed in recent months. Thanks to the generosity of those that participated in the RV Cooking Show Online Food Drive a child, a senior, a parent, a veteran will go to bed full tonight. That’s a tremendous accomplishment that once again proves each one of us can make a difference,” remarked Evanne Schmarder, producer and host of the RV Cooking Show.

About the RV Cooking Show

A virtual cooking class on wheels with an RV travel twist, the RV Cooking Show takes viewers on adventures to some of the most sought-after or interesting but little-known RV locales in the country and then creates a healthy, easy, delicious destination-related dish in host Evanne Schmarder’s RV kitchen. The RV Cooking Show is currently seeking sponsors. Evanne may be contacted at Evanne@RVCookingShow.com You may also log on to www.RVCookingShow.com for more details.

About Best Parks in America

Amenity rich facilities, unsurpassed resort locations, superb service, and trademark warm hospitality with a smile – Best Parks in America’s 22 partners deliver upscale camping experiences. Best Guests in America members – a complimentary RVer and camper club – enjoy extra perks such as a free site upgrade at check-in (based on availability) and a points program redeemable for free camping. Explore www.BestParksinAmerica.com for further details. Exceeding expectations. Every time. Every location.

Buying an RV? Inspect it prior to taking delivery.

Summer is just about upon us and, in this economy especially, buying an RV is a very attractive prospect. You've searched, shopped, compared, and finally chosen the perfect camper for you - be it new or "new to you". Congratulations...it's very exciting! But before you sign on the dotted line it's critical that you, in partnership with your sales person or their techs, conduct a PDI - pre-delivery inspection.

Typically the dealer will do a PDI on your RV before you arrive to pick it up but you know how it is...no one cares about your camper like you do. You must take the time to do a thorough walk-through - your own PDI. Ask any RV owner - it's important to make sure everything is in full and complete working order before you sign the papers and take delivery of your “new baby”.

Your PDI will be lengthy and may take more time than the dealer will want to spend but again, it’s up to you to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. It’s never a bad idea to forward your checklist to the dealer in advance so they know what you will be looking for. This is advantageous to both parties.

Arrive equipped with that checklist, a pen and pad of paper, and a keen eye for detail. You should present a list of the items you’ve noted as "not acceptable" to your sales person and require the dealer to repair any items prior to finalizing the purchase if at all possible. If the noted items cannot be fixed that day get an agreement of when and exactly what will be attended to in writing.

You’ll find that every area of the RV needs to be looked at. Some (but certainly not all) items for your consideration:

Outside:

• Inspect the outside of the coach including all doors, locks, latches, and slide outs. Look for flaws in the siding such as delamination. The caulk around windows, doors, edges, etc. should be fresh and without breaks.
• If necessary, be sure the technician explains – and you fully understand – how to operate the connections – water, sewer, cable, telephone, etc.
• Understand how the propane tanks work and check for proper ventilation. Make sure a leak test has been performed.
• Inspect the roof – this is vital – for proper caulking around the edges and all rooftop components. Look for bubbles that indicate loose rubber roofing.
• Look closely at the tires – are they all the same? Check the tire pressure and tread wear. Make sure the luguts are torqued to the proper specs.

Inside:

• Open every closet, cupboard and drawer, make sure the finish is acceptable (not marred or gouged), inspect the furniture and fabric, open and close the window shades and windows.
• Look for any spotting or staining on the ceiling or walls (even inside cupboards and closets) that might indicate a leak.

Systems:

• Operate and inspect all systems including the A/C, furnace, slide outs, TV antenna, stove and oven, etc.
• If your new RV is motorized you’ll want to fully inspect the cockpit, start and run the engine, check the brakes, etc.

If you are purchasing from a private owner it’s still a good idea to complete a PDI. What’s that saying? Buyer beware. Even if you find a few flaws and decide to go ahead with the sale you’ll go into it with your eyes wide open.

There are several great websites that offer checklists for your use - here's an in-depth checklist for your perusal.

If this is your first RV purchase this may seem over the top. If it’s not your first, you know what I mean. Your diligence will pay off in the end – it always does. Making sure your “new” RV is in tip-top shape, a thorough PDI will help you avoid pesky – and potentially expensive – problems down the road.

RVing is one of the greatest ways to vacation...choose your camper wisely and inspect it well. It will provide you fabulous experiences and lifelong memories for years to come.

Maybe I'll see you on the road?

Evanne

RV Cooking Show

Training Cats and Kittens for a Walk in the RV Park

...plus a great recipe for your hungry RVing feline!!

Contributed by guest blogger Dr. Amy Cousino, DMV

“Ginger” is a 9-year-old green-eyed calico cat who wandered onto her owner Jim’s farm in Ohio as a kitten. When viewed from the backside it appears as though she has on caramel colored shorts because the color is evenly distributed on either side of her tail.

Jim is retired and visits Florida in his motorhome every winter to escape the cold up north. In April and May Ginger visits Florida with Jim.

Ginger was a lucky kitten to have found Jim – he has provided her with a comfortable home and a good life over the last several years. Jim and Ginger take long walks in Whispering Palms Resort. She wears a blue harness and Jim keeps her on a leash. Jim always wears a smile on their daily walks.

Using a comfortable harness and leash to take your pet cat for a walk is a great tip when traveling in your RV. Your cat can get fresh air every day and can enjoy the great RV parks with you. To train your cat to walk on a leash first get a harness, the kind with two rings, not the figure 8 type – the figure 8 type is easy for a cat to slip out of. Get a six foot leash as well.

Put the harness on your cat daily, gradually increasing the time your cat wears it. At first most cats will just fall over on their side when you put the harness on, but once they get used to it they will stand up again. After your cat is used to the harness attach the leash and allow them to wander about your home dragging the leash. Watch carefully to avoid hang-ups, though.

Finally, take your cat outside with the harness and leash on, gradually increasing the time outside. Stay away from dogs, they scare cats. Take a few steps, when your cat lags behind give a gentle tug on the leash and some words of encouragement. Keep a good grip on the leash as some cats will start running for fun. If you see a lady running across a meadow behind a big Maine Coon cat on a leash it’s probably me!

Here is a recipe this lady makes, made with the parts of a chicken that are not often used, but are well loved by cats on farms (and RV parks) everywhere:

Chicken Giblets for Cats and Kittens Dr. Amy Cousino, DMV

Chicken giblets (from a roasting chicken)
Chicken broth to cover, homemade, without onion, garlic or seasonings
Celery, ¼ of the stalks, chopped

Place the giblets including the gizzard, liver, neck, and heart in a small saucepan.

Cover with the broth, add the celery. Bring to a boil, immediately turn to simmer and cover, cooking very slowly for 30 minutes.

Take off heat and leave covered for one hour. Remove giblets, reserving the broth and chop fine before serving. Add broth to moisten the giblets.

Remove the meat from the neck, discarding the bones and mix with the other giblets.

Feeding Guide: adult cat 4 T, twice daily; kitten 1-2 T, 3-4 times daily (T=Tablespoon)

Until next time,

Dr. Amy Cousino, DMV
Author, How to Cook for Your Pet
AmiesPetCuisine.com

PS - I have a new pet book coming out in the very near future! Stay tuned...I'll keep you posted...

9 Years as a Full-Time RV er - Early RVing Lessons

I can remember my last day at my corporate office like it was yesterday. What a feeling, we we’re going to be full-time RV ers and the adventure was beginning. It took us two months of planning, yard sales, tying up loose ends, etc. but the day finally arrived. We picked up our first RV – a “pre-owned” Trailmanor 3326 – in Surprise, AZ and headed up the road. My husband drove and never having been RV ers the towing sensation was, let's just say odd. We found our park in Cottonwood, somehow got parked, leveled, set up then went out to dinner. Many new and valuable lessons were to follow in the first month (and on and on) and I’m tickled to share some of the first of them with you:

* Even though it was May, it was HOT in Arizona. We turned on the fridge the evening we arrived and the next day we headed to the store for our first batch of groceries. Turns out the electric hookups at the park were not adequate for the hot weather RV load and, as can be expected, an overload tripped our row’s breaker. We got home with plenty to feast upon – even ice cream! – to a warm fridge. Had to eat all of the ice cream right then and there and renamed the town “Hottenwood” as we packed up to leave.

* We had the wherewithal to head to cooler climes – Flagstaff – and a beautiful shaded site. It was there that we learned two absolute RV life lessons. At the end of my rope, unable to get my manual lighting water heater to light, the park manager pulled up in his golf cart and gently helped me understand that I was attempting to light the wrong spot. He gave me a quick Water Heater 101 and I’ve never forgotten him or his lovely park – Greer’s Pine Shadows.

* It was also there that we realized what special, friendly, and unique people RV er’s are. Enter our neighbor Lucy. She had recently retired and had always dreamed of learning to tap dance. She now had the time to follow this dream and she was pretty good. How do I know? She kept a large piece of plywood under her camper and would pull it out, strap on her tap shoes, and give the neighbors a performance upon request.

* And then there’s this…our dream was (and still is) to follow the sun and travel only warm and sunny locales. That’s why we gave away all – yep, go figure, all – of our warm clothes including our sweatshirts and pants. In theory, it’s a great plan. In reality, thank goodness Walmart still had a selection of sweats.

* We found our way to Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Chay) National Monument and parked in the last site available – a bright and sunny (read: hot as the dickens) site, I might add. The next morning, excited to be on this adventure, we prepared the RV for a day away. This included making sure the windows were closed and the awning was open. White House Ruins were spectacular as promised. In the campground, as we approached our new RV, we oohed and ahhed at the thing of beauty. But a second, closer look showed something not quite right. Not right indeed – a strong wind wrapped the awning atop our camper – popping one arm right off the RV and bending the other backwards to help the blasted thing achieve “pretzel” status. We bent it back and made it usable again but, geez!!

* About two weeks into the life we couldn’t shake the feeling that it was nearly time to get back “home” and “back to work”. You know what I mean? The two week vacation time was nearly up but alas, we were home and there was no job or place to go back to...we'd really done it!

And as it does, life zoomed by and poof, nine years have passed. We’ve been a zillion places (but there are a zillion more to visit), made many great friends along the way – some younger than us – most older – all amazing, pursued our passions, are thrilled and delighted to still be living and loving this life, and are honored that you’ve allowed us – in the form of this blog and the RV Cooking Show – to be part of your RVing life. Thank you.

Some RV lessons learned, plenty more ahead, I’m sure; we’ll continue our life in the box on wheels and look for you out on the RV road!

Feel free to share your RV lessons learned around this virtual campfire - comment below.

Happy camping,

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

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PS - Read my missive from 8 years as a full-time RV er

RV Cooking Show Online Food Drive – Memorial Day Edition - Comment NOW

Hold your hand up if you or someone you care about has not, I repeat, has not been affected by today’s economy. Chances are you didn’t raise your hand. Neither did I. And while recent news reports tell us that our economic troubles may be waning they also tell us that more than 36.2 million Americans currently live in food insecure households. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals or even days. Most of us simply have no idea – I know I go to bed full every night. Across the country local food banks are seeing a 20%-40% increase in demand and food donations are dangerously lean - in some cases down 50+%. It’s time to do something about America’s hunger problem.

Maybe you’ve volunteered at a food bank or maybe not. Maybe you participated in the “Stamp Out Hunger” postal service food drive or maybe not. Maybe your own household is food insecure or maybe not. A lot of maybes but one thing I bet is true – you want to help if you can. The RV Cooking Show is delighted to give you a no-cost opportunity to help feed a child, a grandma or grandpa, a hungry American. Sponsored in part by our friends at Best Parks in America, our second food drive will help you help out and honor those that have made a difference in your life.

Here’s how it works:

In honor of Memorial Day, simply leave a comment on this blog recognizing someone living or passed on that has made a difference in your life. Comments will be accepted between now and Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2009. It can be a single word, an illustrative story or anything in between. For each comment on this RV Cooking Show blog entry – maximum 3 per person/per week – the RV Cooking Show, in partnership with Best Parks in America, will donate 1 item of non-perishable food to a local food bank in the area we are traveling through.

So, just to review, you can help fight hunger this Memorial Day by:

** Leaving a comment about someone that made a difference to your life on this blog entry between now and May 25, 2009. Bookmark this site and return often.

** Be prolific – you may comment 3 times per person/per week. Here’s a tip…each comment gets 1 food item donated so, if you’re going to comment about your mother’s empathy and kindness, rave about one way she made a difference to you per comment up to 3 per week. For example, comment 1 - “she was kind and helped me see the best in other”, comment 2 – “she could see where others needed encouragement, brightened more than one life and helped me realize everyone is doing their best to make it through life”, comment 3 – “she made me see the importance of connecting with other human beings – even through a smile in passing”. That will garner 3 food items – 1 per comment posted.

** The RV Cooking Show, in partnership with Best Parks in America, will donate 1 non-perishable food item to a local food bank for each comment received (see the above tip!!)

** Check back and comment again

I came across this poem just in time for the late spring runoff and fast flowing rivers and streams. I think it sums up this RV Cooking Show online food drive perfectly...

The Bridge Builder

An old man going a lone highway,
came at the evening cold and gray,
to a chasm vast and deep and wide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
but he turned when safe on the other side
and built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man", said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting your strength with building here;
your journey will end
with the ending day. You never again
will pass this way. You’ve crossed the
chasm, deep and wide, why build a
bridge at evening tide?

"The builder lifted his old gray head;
"Good friend in the path I have come",
he said, "there followed after me today
a youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been as naught to me,
to that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim.
Good friend I am building this bridge for him!"

Will Allen Dromgoole (1860-1934), Writer

Will you help me build a bridge?? Comment below and spread the word…we’ve got some bellies to fill!!

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

Top 11 Free (or Almost Free) and Fun Things to Do When RVing (or even at home)

Hi RV Cooking Show blog readers,

I'll bet you'd agree...we RVers are a fun loving bunch that relish doing, seeing, and experiencing while saving. After all, there's so much going on and much of it's free (or costs very little). Below I'm delighted to offer my Top 10 - make that 11 - Free and Fun Things to Do When RVing.

1. Take a walk in nature – breathe deep, walk softly, and observe your surroundings.

2. Take lots of digital photographs (works best as a freebie if you already own a digital camera) and share with friends and family.

3. Visit museums on their free days – most have at least one a month.

4. Visit state capitals and take in the grandeur, occasional tours, art exhibits and history lessons.

5. Take a factory tour – sometimes you’ll even enjoy bonus samples.

6. Visit wine country and sample some of your favorite – or new – varietals (but assign a designated driver – those “sips” can really add up!).

7. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at a local park relaxing, eating, talking, reading, exploring, daydreaming…did I mention relaxing?

8. Window shop a fancy part of town. End the afternoon with a cup of coffee, tea or other refreshing beverage in said “fancy part of town”.

9. Check the local paper for free community events including concerts in the park, lectures, plays, etc.

10. Shop a local farmer’s market and chat with the folks selling the fruits and veggies. Pick up something “new to you” and ask them how to prepare it – then go home and try it.

11. Visit your local library and check out a few movies, make some popcorn, set up the TV outside the camper and have a date night or family gathering under the stars.

What else free and fun can you think of? Please do share!! Leave a comment below for everyone to enjoy!

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/