We brought back Lindsey Nubern from Nuventure Travels! She’s been on the podcast twice before, talking about RVing in New Zealand and part-time travel with a home base. This time, she’s on the podcast to talk about their latest new venture… preparing to travel with a baby! She is currently 7 months pregnant with her first child, but that hasn’t stopped her and her husband Adam from adventuring in their Casita trailer. They even recently went on a month-long tour of Colorado! They plan to get out on the road as soon as possible with their son, starting with some small camping trips and working their way up to international travel.
In this episode, Sam talks to Lindsey about preparing for the baby, future travel plans, and their new project for travelers called Nomad Collab.
Some highlights from this episode:
1:30 – Preparing for baby!
5:00 – What they want to teach him on the road
8:00 – Advice and resources from other travelers
13:00 – NomadCollab
23:00 – Traveling while pregnant
Nomad Collab
Nomad Collab is a membership site & community for couples living or seeking a location independent lifestyle. This has been a really cool project for Adam and Lindsey, who co-founded the community with Dan and Lindsay from Follow Your Detour and Dan and Tracy from The Money Smart Nomad. It’s a place for couples (and some solo travelers!) to network and grow a travel lifestyle. They have frequent Zoom meetings on various topics to help couples grow their online brands and businesses and also to help navigate the lifestyle on the road.
Yosemite is one of the earliest and most popular parks in the national park registry. And that’s for good reason. The grand views and spectacular natural features in Yosemite are second-to-none.
Ansel Adams spent his life trying to capture the essence of this beautiful landscape, and he did a pretty good job. However, you can’t really understand the full glory of Yosemite until you visit it yourself.
History of Yosemite National Park
The gem of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park has a storied history. For thousands of years, the Ahwahneechee people called the area home.
The name “Yosemite” comes from the Miwok, a neighboring tribe. They thought of the Ahwahneechee people as violent neighbors because of their fights over land. The word “Yosemite” is a variation on their word meaning “they are killers”.
On June 30, 1964, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, a bill that set aside money to preserve the land that would later become the national park. Although Yellowstone was the first national park, the Yosemite Grant was signed a full eight years prior to Yellowstone’s formation.
In the years following the grant, sheep overgrazed the meadows and logging took down many of the ancient giant sequoia trees. In 1890, after persistent lobbying by explorer John Muir, Congress passed the act that made Yosemite National Park and protected the land from further destruction.
Tourism spiked after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and during the California Gold Rush. And since that time, Yosemite has consistently ranked at the top of the list of most popular parks. In 2018, the park saw over four million visitors.
Why Visit Yosemite In Your RV?
There’s so much to see and do at this huge park, that taking your RV is a must. Hike the trails all day and enjoy a beautiful campfire after sunset. You can see some of the major features of the park in one day. But it’s highly recommended to spend at least a weekend in Yosemite.
Places To Go
There is so much to do here, we could go on and on. We’ve gathered some of our favorite sites to see in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley
When you think of the quintessential landmarks in Yosemite, you’re probably thinking about Yosemite Valley. Tunnel View Outlook is the most popular photo-op in all of the park. In this breathtaking vista, you’ll get a photo of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome all in one frame.
Down in the valley is Yosemite Village where you’ll find all sorts of amenities. There are campsites, hotels, and plenty of shopping.
You’ll find dazzling meadows and boardwalks throughout the valley with some of the best hiking in the park. Plan to spend at least a whole day exploring Yosemite Valley.
Wawona & Mariposa Grove
The Wawona area wasn’t added to the park until 1932, but it’s one of the must-see destinations on an RV visit. Visit the beautiful Big Trees Lodge and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center to learn about the rich history of this former Native American encampment.
Mariposa Grove is an ancient grove of about 200 giant sequoia trees. Visit Grizzly Giant, the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 2000 years old with a circumference of 92 feet at the base.
Wawona is surrounded by some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Yosemite. It’s located on Wawona road about 27 miles from Yosemite Valley.
Tuolumne Meadows
The Tuolumne River meanders through this beautiful meadow, set in a basin and surrounded by granite domes. It’s less crowded than Yosemite Valley but has wide views of the Cathedral Range and plenty of good hiking trails.
Drive the Tioga Road, which runs through the Tuolumne area, offering a 47-mile drive full of scenic views and turnouts. Tenaya and Siesta Lakes are both located in this beautiful meadow and they offer great swimming and fishing spots. Or take a short hike to Soda Spring, a cold, carbonated water spring flowing out of the ground.
Glacier Point & Half Dome
At Glacier Point, you’ll find one of the best viewpoints in the park. It has sweeping views of Half Dome and many other granite formations from this view. Plus, you’ll get a great view of waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls.
Half Dome is one of the most recognized features in Yosemite National Park. There are views of this huge, granite dome all around the park. You can even hike or climb to the top.
Visit Mirror Lake to see Half Dome up close. There’s a two-mile paved trail that takes you right to the base of the famous rock.
Things To Do
You won’t run short on activities in Yosemite. Here are a few of our favorite ways to pass time inside the park.
Hiking
Of course, hiking is at the top of the list. There are tons of beautiful hiking trails for all ages and hiking abilities.
There are 10 hiking trails in Yosemite Valley alone. Bridalveil Falls Trail is an easy, half-mile hike that takes you to the base of this whispy waterfall.
If you’re looking for a more moderate hiking experience, take the Yosemite Falls Trail on a two-mile, round-trip hike to Columbia Rock. Or continue on to the top of the Falls. It’s a more strenuous hike, but worth it if you want to see the best views of the falls.
Water Activities
Swimming is allowed almost everywhere in the park, with a few exceptions. Enter the rivers and lakes through sandy beaches to preserve rocky shoreline. And beware of swift currents and cold water.
Rent a raft and take a rafting trip down the Merced River. Or take a kayak onto Tenaya Lake to enjoy some beautiful scenery. Fishing is allowed in all lakes and reservoirs year-round. And stream fishing runs from the end of April through the middle of November. You’ll need a California fishing license if you’re over the age of 16.
Climbing
Yosemite is one of the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the world. The solid, vertical face of El Capitan is a favorite of many thrill-seekers. But there are all different types of climbs to be done in Yosemite.
Many of the walls along Yosemite Valley are available for multi-day climbs. Or you can climb the cracks in the walls of the Merced River Valley. And many climbers love to tackle the granite domes surrounding Tuolumne Meadows.
When To Visit Yosemite
You can visit Yosemite any time of year. If you’re RVing, it’s best to go in the late spring through early fall. You’ll find that all of the park areas are open from June through September. This is the busiest time, too, so be prepared to share the roads and parking lots.
Many of the rivers and waterfalls are fueled by runoff from snowmelt. So these tend to slow down or dry out during the late summer months. Throughout June and July, visitors can see thousands of wildflowers blooming in the valleys and meadows.
Where RVers Can Stay
Yosemite has 13 campgrounds and you can reserve sites in seven of these up to five months in advance. Most of these campgrounds have RV sites available for rigs of various sizes. Amenities vary from site to site.
The park offers free wilderness permits for backpacking and camping in the wilderness. Apply for your permit in advance if you plan to camp in the wilderness. These trails are popular destinations for hikers.
Getting To and Around Yosemite
Image by noblige from Getty
If you aren’t staying in the park, it’s advised to park your RV outside the park and take public transportation in. Once you’re in the park, there are free shuttle buses that can take you around to many attractions.
Most of the roads inside the park are safe to drive on with your RV. But some of them do have restrictions against very large rigs. Check these restrictions before you enter the park so you don’t enter these areas unknowingly.
There’s limited parking inside the park. And even more so for large RVs. Arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot.
Check out the NPS website for detailed driving directions to Yosemite from major surrounding cities. And to find out all the latest weather and road closure updates, click here.
Have you been to Yosemite? What did you think? Leave a comment below!
The bald eagle is one of the most majestic birds in the world. Chosen early on in the history of America as the national bird, this large bird of prey has almost always been associated with strength. The bird was officially designated as the national bird by Congress on June 20, 1782. Since then, it has featured on currency, official documents, and so much more.
It makes sense then that you should find some time to go and see this symbol of our great nation in its natural habitat, but where do you go to see bald eagles? Here’s a look at locating some of these amazing birds during your next RV trip with the whole family.
Where to Go
Image by Greg Moser
Even though the bald eagle plays a very big symbolic role for America and Americans, the bird was pushed to near extinction. According to History.com, bald eagle population numbers dwindled from over 100,000 in the late 1800s due to the destruction of the bird’s habitat and hunting. It got as low as about 600 pairs of birds.
In the 1940s, Congress passed laws designed to protect the species. Thanks to these laws and the work of many dedicated environmentalists, the population has been creeping back up for decades and is not on the endangered species list. You now have a good chance of seeing these birds if you visit the right areas of the country.
The Top 5 Places to See Bald Eagles
Image by Greg Moser
Bald eagles can be found in every state of the U.S. except Hawaii, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That means, there’s probably a location in your home state where you can go to see the birds in the wild. However, if you’re looking for a good place to go on a longer RV camping trip to see these amazing birds, then here some of the best places to go.
1. Alaska Chilkat Eagle Preserve – Alaska
The largest concentration of bald eagles is in Alaska. If you really want the best chance of seeing the nation’s bird in a truly wild habitat, then you should visit the Alaska Chilkat Eagle Preserve. This 48,000-acre area in Haines, Alaska, sees somewhere around 4,000 bald eagles during the annual salmon run.
2. Klamath Basin – Oregon and California
This area, located right on the border of Oregon and California is home to many bald eagles. It’s one of the highest concentration levels of anywhere in the lower 48 states. If you’re thinking of making the trip out west or already live out near that area, then make sure to stop in the Kalamath Basin to see at least a couple bald eagles.
3. Starved Rock State Park – Illinois
If you’re in the Midwest or will be traveling to it, you must make a stop at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. Not too far of a drive from the beast of a city that is Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is home to hundreds of bald eagles, especially during the colder winter months. It’s a wonderful place to stop and there’s plenty to do and see.
4. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge – Florida
If you’re looking for a good place to go down south to see bald eagles, then look no further than the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. This refuge is home to plenty of bald eagles. The birds come seeking new food sources and many can be easily spotted if you camp nearby or hike the right areas.
5. North Platte National Wildlife Refuge – Nebraska
Located in the western panhandle of the state of Nebraska, the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge is another excellent place to go to see bald eagles. Nebraska is home to many great areas to see wildlife, hike, and camp, but this area, in particular, is perfect for spotting bald eagles.
When to Go
Image by Greg Moser
Generally, the best time to go and see bald eagles is during the winter months. Bald eagles follow food supplies and that generally means coming down from Canada to other states to get to open water where they can fish and live. They migrate annually, so you can often come back to specific places again and again to see these amazing creatures.
Seeing bald eagles in the wild is an exhilarating experience for anyone, but if you like to travel and camp as a family, it can be a fantastic thing to do. Your kids won’t forget seeing one of the most iconic birds in the whole world. Visiting one of the locations mentioned above or anywhere else closer to your home will be worth it.
Have you seen bald eagles in their natural habitat? What was it like? Leave a comment below.
Towing a trailer can be one of the most stressful things about camping with a travel trailer. This is especially true for people who don’t tow that much. Most of the time, towing is something that people do occasionally if at all. This means they’re likely not going to be very comfortable doing it. If you’re one of these people, keep the following tips in mind. They should help make towing your travel trailer a little easier.
Make Sure Everything Works and Is Connected Correctly
Image by Vichai Phububphapan from Getty
My first tip is a simple one and actually starts before you set off. Make sure everything is connected properly and working correctly. This goes for the hitch, chains, lights, trailer brakes and anything else on your rigs, like a backup camera or some kind of proximity sensors.
Setting off without something properly connected means you’ll have a hard time and could be dangerous. Before you head out on the road, make sure to check everything. Also, double-check your weights. If the RV is overloaded, it can negatively impact your tow vehicle or the RV itself. Here’s our Towing Guide to help.
Go Slow and Give Yourself Plenty of Braking Room
Your tow vehicle will accelerate slower and take longer to slow down. Be ready for this. While you’ll need to keep up with traffic and stick to posted speed limits, you should take things slower when your travel trailer is attached to your rig. Most travel trailer tires are rated for 60-65 mph, so keep that in mind when on the highway, too.
When driving, look far ahead to see if you’ll need to brake. Don’t wait to brake like some drivers do in a car. Also, make a point of giving yourself more room between you and the car in front of you. The added weight of the travel trailer will increase stopping distances, you need to account for that on the road. Sudden stops with a travel trailer attached to your tow vehicle are not advised, so give yourself plenty of room at all times.
Take Turns Wide and Go Slow
When turning, you need to remember the length of your rig. If your trailer is short, you’ll have an easy time. Long trailers are where things can get a little tricky. The longer your travel trailer the wider you’ll need to take turns. The RV will follow the path of the tow vehicle, but taking wider turns helps ensure you won’t clip things on the inside of the turn.
Going slow in turns is also important. It will help ensure your RV doesn’t lean too far or the other. The chances of it tipping are extremely low, but you’ll likely have items like dishes inside your RV. The last thing you want is for them to go thrashing about because you took a turn too quickly. Go slow and you’ll have a smoother drive and all your camping gear will be right where you left it.
Avoid Backing Up Under Pressure
You want to give yourself plenty of time to back your travel trailer up properly. Unless you drive with the travel trailer all of the time, the more time you give yourself, the less stressful backing up your trailer will be. Try to avoid any situations that can put you under pressure. Let other vehicles move past you or around you if there’s someone waiting on you.
If you find yourself in some traffic congestion, take steps to avoid tight spaces whenever possible, and look for areas where you can simply pull through instead of backing up. If you must back up, try not to let the impatience of others impact you. You need to be able to think clearly and not rush. This will help you avoid any accidents or issues when backing up your rig.
What tips do you have for towing a travel trailer? Leave a comment below!
Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. And Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.
Today we will explore the most popular trains in California:
Napa Valley Wine Train
Photo Credit: Jim G (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Built as transportation to the spa resort of Calistoga in 1864, the Napa Valley Wine Train has always had an air of distinction. Today’s journey leaves the town of Napa, traveling through some of the most acclaimed landscapes in the world as the train arrives in St. Helena. With half and full day winery tours, lunch and dinner trains, and specialty tours, the Wine Train offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the stunning Napa Valley.
Railway and Locomotive Types
With diesel locomotives, the Wine Train runs on standard gauge rails. Its many first class coach cars were built by Pullman in 1915 and have gone through extensive renovations, with Honduran mahogany paneling, etched glass partitions and velveteen fabric armchairs. The results offer today’s passengers the same opulence and luxury that those of the early 20th century enjoyed.
Seating Options
The railroad offers traditional railway seating, with couples seated on the same side on four person tables. Parties of four will be seated together.
There are two classes available on most train tours:
First Class – Seating is assigned in coach cars and open gondolas.
Private Class – Private dining is exclusive to the Vista Dome car, where luxury dining is upstairs and a state-of-the-art kitchen is housed downstairs.
Riding Options
The Napa Valley Wine Train has five different categories of train rides, each with different time limits, seating and opportunities:
Lunch Trains – Gourmet Express, including Vista Dome private lunches, are offered.
Dinner Trains – Gourmet Express and dining in the Vista Dome are also offered for dinner trains.
½ Day Winery Tours – All ½ day tours include lunch. The tours offered are the Grgich Hills Estate Tour, Ambassador Winery Tour, Raymond Winery Tour and Castle Winery Tour.
Full Day Winery Tours – All full day tours include a multi-course gourmet meal. Tours include the Legacy Tour, Collective Tour and the Estate Tour.
Special Events (see Specialty Trains below)
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: Grendelkhan (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Murder Mystery – Join in the intrigue of solving a murder on your three-hour train ride. Transformed into a vintage speakeasy, the Napa Valley Wine Train hosts mayhem and mystery along with a three course gourmet meal.
Romance on the Rails – Enjoy a romantic three-hour evening train ride in the two-story Vista Dome car, complete with a taste of sparkling wine, a multi-course gourmet meal and two glasses of private label wine.
Tequila Train – The wine train is taken over by its smooth sipping cousin on National Tequila Day, with a tequila cocktail, Mexican appetizers, tequila shots and entertainment on this two-hour journey.
Happy Hour Hop Train – Wine plays second fiddle to beer on a two-hour trip through the Napa Valley. Enjoy two pints of local craft beer, bar bites and entertainment in an open air train car.
Length of Season
The Napa Valley Wine Train runs year-round with half and full day wine tour trains, dinner trains and specialty events. Here is a schedule to plan your visit.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Photo Credit: YMSPRR.com
Built in the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a means of transport for the lumber industry, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad runs on four miles of track just outside Yosemite National Park’s south gate. Used by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company around the turn of the 20th century, the steam locomotives would haul felled trees to a sawmill, and today they continue their duty, taking passengers along a little piece of California’s history.
Railway and Locomotive Types
This narrow gauge train is pulled by one of two steam locomotives on site, built in 1913 and 1928. Passengers ride in open gondola cars on this narrated excursion through the forestland of the Sierra Nevada.
Seating Options
Photo Credit: NearEMPTiness (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Open seating is available to all on the steam train and Jenny railcars. The passenger cars are covered open gondolas, and open rail cars with seats carved from logs are also available.
Riding Options
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers two types of rides:
Logger Steam Train – The trip lasts one hour and the train holds up to 200 passengers.
Jenny Railcar – The trip in a Model A powered car lasts 30 minutes and holds 8 to 10 passengers.
The logger steam train runs from April through October, but the rails can also be enjoyed on a Jenny railcar ride during and after the steam train season ends.
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: Ian Gratton (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Moonlight Special BBQ Train – Take the night train up to Lewis Creek Canyon to enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner and songs around the campfire.
Gold Panning – Although not a specialty train ride, visitors can try their hand at panning for gold outside the station while waiting for train departures.
Length of Season
The Sugar Pine Railroad runs its logger steam train from April 6 through the end of October. Jenny railcars may be accessible outside of the regular season, but contact the depot for specific dates. Here’s the train schedule.
Sacramento River Train
Photo Credit: SierraNorthern.com
The 14 miles of track that the Sacramento River Train run on originated in 1911 as the Sacramento and Woodland Railroad, carrying freight and passengers until 1940 and World War II. Wartime required cargo to move quickly on the rails, but by 1960 the line began to break up and various spurs were retired.
Luckily the Yolo Shortline Railroad Company purchased the section that eventually became the River Train. Today customers enjoy elegant dining and train travel in the “Plantation Style,” with wood paneling, ceiling fans and rattan furniture in the luxuriously restored coach cars.
Railway and Locomotive Types
Diesel engines power the train on standard gauge tracks, with three open air cars and three enclosed air conditioned coaches. Enjoy a comfortable journey through open farmland along the Sacramento River and through the Yolo County Wildlife Refuge.
Seating Options
The Sacramento River Train has a variety of train specials, many on a monthly basis, and all have assigned seating in enclosed coach cars. Passengers can move about the train and enjoy the open cars, as well.
Riding Options
Photo Credit: SacramentoRiverTrain.com
Although there are several unique train experiences, all tickets are round trip, leaving from the West Sacramento boarding station. The train travels along the Sacramento River with a stop at a park before returning to the station. There are no one-way tickets sold.
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: SacramentoRiverTrain.com
Old Vine Express – Sip from a selection of 15 California wines as the train takes you through open farm country. Entertainment and a commemorative wine glass are included, and a meal is optional. This train is offered once a month during the operating season.
Great Train Robbery – Experience an old western showdown as the train is derailed by bandits, then hit the chuckwagon for a BBQ lunch before heading back to the station.
Murder Mystery – Help solve a mystery aboard the train, as a cast of quirky characters accuse each other of a dastardly deed. Period costumes are encouraged!
Pumpkin Train – Travel through Autumn colors to arrive at a pumpkin patch, where all passengers can select the perfect jack-o-lantern to carve for Halloween.
Easter Egg Express – Join the Easter Bunny for a train trip to his hunting grounds, where children can enjoy games and collecting Easter eggs before a return trip to the train station.
Length of Season
The Sacramento River Train runs from April through September with a wide range of meal trains, specialty events and seasonal railroad excursions. Check out their schedule to find the perfect trip!
Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip. Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails. Another article will go up every Friday.
We brought back Lindsey Nubern from Nuventure Travels! She’s been on the podcast twice before, talking about RVing in New Zealand and part-time travel with a home base. This time, she’s on the podcast to talk about their latest new venture… preparing to travel with a baby! She is currently 7 months pregnant with her first child, but that hasn’t stopped her and her husband Adam from adventuring in their Casita trailer. They even recently went on a month-long tour of Colorado! They plan to get out on the road as soon as possible with their son, starting with some small camping trips and working their way up to international travel.
