I've looked at a few slide-in campers, lately.

But hadn't considered this possibility.


see more There I Fixed It

Since my scheduled departure date is looming closer (January 2012) I'm widening my search to include other possibilities. I REALLY have looked at a couple of slide-in campers. In theory, these models work with a Ford Ranger. But, I'm not convinced a top heavy camper on such a light weight vehicle is a good plan..

We've hit a bit of a bumpy road, here lately. Slowly, life is returning to some semblance of normalcy (I use that term VERY loosely.)

I also wanted to share a couple of great blogs, that I enjoy for various and different reasons.

Scott, The Quirky Travel Guy explores the US in a van. His blog features budget travel, and quirky attractions among other things. There's always something cool to read about here. Many of the pinpoints on my travel map I've found reading Scott's blog.

Today's find was Nate Walks America. Nate is walking from Delaware to California. Currently, he's in Kansas. He's pursuing his long-time dream of walking across North America.

I also follow Alison Travels Besides taking beautiful photographs, Alison shares the wonderful people she meets on the road. Most recently she met
Antsy McClain of Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours fame. I'm loving their music.
"Living in Aluminum"

Michigan Campground, reopened illegally..Majikally?

I read it on the Consumerist... an awesome resource for all kinds of information!

From the Mining Journal

"...Michigan Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officials are hoping the public can help them determine who pushed boulders out of the way, removed a dirt berm and forced locked rest rooms open at a closed state forest campground in northeastern Dickinson County... read more..."

I've camped in closed campgrounds a time or two (OK, maybe three.) I've got to say, I'm not opposed to the illegal camping, when it comes to the politicos taking home their big paychecks with perks and laying off Rangers, park staff and closing tax-payer's recreational areas.

Lauri Apple of the Gawker writes

"...Maybe both? Or maybe the park has been overtaken by magical forest fairies who turn to maintenance & repair as a way to distract themselves from the boredom of their serene, lonely lives. (FWIW, I'm going with "statement-maker.")..."

Maybe the trespassers should have a place on the state payroll! They did mow the lawn!


I wouldn't have broken the door handles to get into the rest rooms. That's definately vandalism and you've got the whole forest to yourself.

DOG BLESS U.S.A.
Help a veteran obtain a service dog

For every 5,000 people who click "like" on the page between May 27 and July 4, one dog will be given to a veteran with PTSD. They hope to reach 500,000 new "likes" on Facebook to meet their goal of providing 100 service dogs to returning veterans.

Visit the Facebook page, and click the "like" button.

What's not to like???


Stumpy says:

"DO IT NOW!!!"

If you thought the QT Caravan was special...

you gotta see the K-ai　Small Camper the website is Japanese, I believe. I used google to translate, it didn't make a whole lot of sense.




It's got a pop-top!




There are two floor plans available




Mixed among the translation were the words, "Mazda and Suzuki." Perhaps the engine and chassis is a combination of the two?





Interior

As always, you can click to biggify

The specs and pricing wouldn't translate, I think, due to the format.

Memorial Day
and a
National Moment of Remembrance

Please join me, at 3pm local time, in a "National Moment of Remembrance'' . This memorial observance represents a simple and unifying way to honor those who have sacrificed everything and commemorate and honor the struggle to protect our freedoms.

Then, take just another moment to remember our men and women who fight, today, to protect our freedom; and the families who have made the sacrifice with them.

Moment Of Remembrance
In 1996, a humanitarian organization based in Washington, D.C., known as 'No Greater Love' conducted a survey on children and asked them why do they think there is a holiday on Memorial Day. It was agonizing to hear their remarks that were all associated with barbecues and extended weekend parties and celebration, while they hadn't the vaguest idea about the sacrifices of the soldiers in whose honor it is celebrated. One of the children was even quoted as saying that this was the day when swimming pools open!

Thus, the organization came up with the idea of 'National Moment of Remembrance' to remind and especially, let the future generations know about the real meaning of the holiday. The idea clicked with the President and Congress and since 1997, it became a standard American tradition. National Moment of Remembrance requires everybody to keep silent for a minute, exactly at 3.00 pm (local time) when 'Taps' is played and reflect on the glory of those who have shed blood for us. The federal government hopes to raise public awareness about the heroes and their valor by introducing this moment.