Vagabond Chef

Pet owners are RVers too.   Remember pets love to RV almost as much as their owners.  So let’s get us and them prepared to travel.  Consider the RV take into consideration the size and amount of space inside the RV.  The bigger the pet the more room it needs tomove about safely.  The first time you take your pet on a trip that isn’t to far from home just in case your pet don’t like it.  Most animals will adapt quickly and enjoy it in no time.

A quick visit to the vet to make sure their shots are up to date and get a health certificate from the vet, just in case its needed.  Make sure your pet feels at home brng his toys, treats and bedding (unless your Labrador sleeps with you like my Rocky then you always have their bedding with you).  Metal bowls are best for traveling.  Pack some of their favorite food (in case you can’t find it in the area your going), leash,flea and tick treatments; whatever you use and plenty of bags for clean up.  Get your pet an ID tag or a microchip in case they get lost.  This will make it easier to find them.

Remember you’ll have to make more frequent  stops so allow yourself the extra time.

When at the campground pick a shaded site.  Pet proof your site.  Make sure there are no puddlesof antifreeze, oil or other fluids.  Also make sure they can’t reach the area where the air conditioner drips, this to can be dangerous to your pet.  Make sure there is no poison ivy or poison oak.  Don’t chain them to the RV with a metal chain; a power surge could be fatal.

Obey the campgrounds pet rules whether you like them or not.

Never leave your pet in the campsite or RV unattended .

If they are outside be sure to supply them with plenty of shade and water.

Enjoy them.

Rocky

Kirby

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

Spring is a time that brings out new campers.  Some have never made a campfire before so some need to know how to make a campfire.  So here we go:

To build a campfire you need some tinder which is small twigs, wood shavings, dry leaves, dry needles, dry grass or even  dryer lint.  Some kindling- sticks  1″ round or less, some larger logs that keep the fire burning and some matches.

To start a campfire put a couple of hands full of tinder into the center of a fire ring.  With your back to the wind ignite a match. Light the tinder slowly add more tinder.  You may need to blow softly at the base of the fire to help ignite the tinder.  Once the tinder has fully started add some kindling.  Place close together, but not to close it needs space for air flow.  Gradually add larger pieces of kindling.  After the fire is going add logs to form a teepee.

Be sure to put out the fire when done.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

Using a RV inverter allows you to have the comforts of home in your RV while on the road.  They are easy to install and operate.

using a 150 to 600 watt can run:

-Tv (pure sine)

-vcr/dvd player (pure sine)

-laptop (pure sine)

-cell phone charger (pure sine)

-lights (modified sine)

-blemder (modified sine)

Using a 1000 to 1750 watt inverter can run:

-computer (pure sine)

-toaster (modified sine)

-coffee maker (modified sine)

microwave oven (modified sine)

-vacuum cleaner (modified sine)

A 2000 to 3000 watt unit can run:

Typical and combined power demands

If you have a solar charging kit you can lengthen the length of use of your inverter while boondocking.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

Here is a  bonus recipe for the week.  This is a nice peach cobbler recipe that can be made in a dutch oven over a medium heated grill or campfire also.

Peach Cobbler Supreme

1/4 cup butter

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. baking powder

2/3 cup milk

1-29oz. can sliced peaches

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. lemon peel

Melt butter in a 7″ x 11″ shallow baking dish.  Stir together dry ingredients; add milk and stir well.

Pout this mixture into the baking dish.  Do not stir. Top with peaches, including juice.  Sprinkle

nutmeg, cinnamon and lemon peel over peaches, but do not stir.  Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with cream or whipped cream.

***When we make this, we use Watkins baking products for baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon peel.   If you have never tried this brand, you should. This is some of the best baking products you can buy.  They are a good quality baking product.  They are sold through independent dealers.  If interested in getting some Watkins baking products contact Scot at vagabond_chef@yahoo.com. ***

Good Times, Good Friends, Good Food

There are many different types of dishwashers that are practical for use in a RV.  Even the smallest dishwasher can hold 4 place settings in a single load.  They are well constructed, solid built appliances.  The water temperature can be far hotter than anything you would hand wash your dishes in (it is over150 degrees) and the soap being used is more powerful as well.

There are compact and counter top models.  A compact can handle 8 place settings at a time.  They are 18 inches wide and are similar to built-in

home style dishwashers.

A counter top dishwasher is about the size of a microwave oven.  They get attached to your water faucet and drains into your sink.  Being small allows it to be stored away when not in using it or you can build it into a cabinet.

Some things to think about that are obvious to living in a RV.  Most common is the lack of space.  Even  the counter top models weigh between 40 and 60 pounds .  Using a dishwasher means using water and power and filling your gray water holding tank a lot faster.  Dishwashers can also be very noisy.  Hot air and steam can be produced while running so just remember to open and turn on your ceiling exhaust fan.  They are also appliances so they need to be winterized.

So those are the facts now the decision is up to you.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

It is recipe time again.  I hope you are enjoying the recipes I have been coming up with  for you.  This weks are HERBED POTATOES they are a great side for any type of meat.

HERBED POTATOES

3 lbs. small red potatoes, unpeeled

6 Tbsp. malt vinegar

5 Tbsp. olive oil

1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled

1-1/2 Tbsp. minced fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. dried and crumbled

1 tsp. black pepper

3/4  tsp. salt

Place potatoes in large pot and cover with cold water.  Boil until almost tender, about 30 minutes.  Drain and cool.  Cut potatoes crosswise into 1/2 inch rounds.  Whisk remaining ingredients in large bowl to blend.  Add potatoes and toss thoroughly to coat.  Cover and let stand 1 hour at room temperture.  Prepare barbecue to medium heat.  Remove potatoes from marinade and place on a grill, reserve marinade.  Cook potatoesuntil golden brown, turning occasionally, about 12 minutes.  Transfer to a platter.  Brush with remaining marinade and serve.

Enjoy these potatoes and watch for other recipes to come, not just on Thursdays anymore.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

Here is some help on living in small spaces.

1). Claim your own space.  Maybe working at the dinette is a good place for you or set up an extra table to work at.  Maybe just laying on the bed watching TV is for you.

2). When weather permits work , play or just relax on the patio or go do something a tourist would do.

 3). Having TV,’s and video systems or game system help RVers survive days of bad weather.

4). Use a laptop they take up quite a bit less space than a desktop computer.

5). Visit with your neighbors, this provides a distraction  to get away from your space, helps to extend your space and helps to make new friends.

6).An evening fire is always an excellent way to finish a beautiful day.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

Propane is safe when you learn to respect it.  That means exercising care in storage, handling, transportation and use.  Become familiar with the properties of this gas and practice safety precautions when using it.

If you think that propane gas is leaking, notify anyone in the area and evaculate them.  Turn off the gas at the main valve and call the fire department and your service person.  DO NOT reenter the RV until repairs have beenmade and the vehicle has been properly ventilated.

When swapping your tank, carefully inspect the new tank for any greenish or blue residue around the valve areas.  If present, do not pick this tank.  This discoloration and or a pungent odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder means it may have been used  with anhydrous ammonia which is very corrosive and weakens the tank.

Keep propane away from children.

Store propane outside and away from an ignitor.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD

Traveling in a RV can be very inexpensive.  The challenge is to minimize cost as much as possible.

You realize real savings if you choose to stay at parks that have less hook ups and facilities, or are located farther out in the country, off the beaten path.  Sometimes the daily rates can be lower at these campgrounds.  So use a campground guide before entering an area to help find these sites with the lower rates.

For cheaper nightly rates, consider staying in a state park or recreation area.

Consider staying for free on federal BLM (bureau of Land management) land, or in a national park.  But remember free also means free of hook ups or other amenities at all.  Keep in that the road you must travel can be difficult for large RVs.  So check before hand to see if your RV can safely manuver the route.

If you research and plan your trip in advance you shouldbe able to minimize your costs.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS,GOOD FOOD

The cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to travel.  A large proportion of RV’s use solar power and more and more manufacturers are incorporating energy saving features into their RVs.

The RV industry is growing and changing for the better.  They are coming up with more energy efficient, age friendly recreational vehicles.  There will also be more upscale destination  campgrounds.

They are also reducing the amount of formaldahyde in RVs.  There are many benefits to owning a RV but one problem is the amount of formaldahyde in the interiors of many RVs.  Manufacturers are starting to incorporate different materials that don’t release formaldahyde gases.  The RV manufacturers are starting to incorporate the use of “Green” materials.  Reduction in formaldahyde is getting better but still has a ways to go.  RVers use less electricity and water than the normal homeowner.  They know gas prices rise so they take shorter trips.  They are more cautious than homeowners to not fill up land fills as much.

GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD