When Donetta started telling me last week that she found some cool things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan, I really didn’t pay much attention because I was working, driving, or stupid, and all I heard was Harvest Hosts and the zoo.

Zoo??? Cool! I’m game.

I know she loves zoos and was excited to see some animals, and making her happy is the joy of my life, so I was really confused when we drove up to the listed address and saw … a military airplane!

Apparently, the Air Zoo was once called the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, and this I did not know, but one would think it was self-explanatory. But not to fret, because for my sake, it was going to be an epic experience.

If you didn’t know, I embrace everything military, especially when it’s related to World War II or aircraft. I have loved it since my dad took me to my first airshow and I learned about my mother’s wartime experience. And as a guy who served in the U.S. Army, it’s even more important to keep the history alive.

This was my kinda place.

But I’ve been to some of the best military museums in the country, and such a small place like this couldn’t stack up to the others.

Or so I thought.

The museum and the property itself were immaculate and very special.

Outside, you can walk a track that offers a variety of aircraft on display, including a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 and a McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II. The path is peaceful and fun to walk. They also have a memorial for the Guadalcanal Campaign, where you can sit and reflect, or enjoy a picnic.

We stayed for three nights on their grounds due to their Harvest Hosts opportunity, and I can say it was one of the best and quietest places to sleep. The parking lot is spacious and easy for vehicles of any size to park.

This was also during Memorial Day weekend, and the museum had volunteers place white crosses that lit up at night across the front lawn in perfect rows, like in national cemeteries. What a beautiful way to honor our heroes. 🇺🇸

Inside, the Air Zoo - well, that was totally unexpected!

As I walked in, I immediately noticed the pink P-40 Warhawk, one of the most prolific WWII fighters, hanging from the ceiling. I’ve seen a handful of P-40’s in my lifetime, but never a pink one. I thought someone had desecrated a priceless artifact.

Turns out this fighter belonged to Sue Parish, a member of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) in World War II, and the wife of Pete Parish, a decorated WWII USMC pilot from the Pacific Theater. Both founded the Air Zoo museum in 1979.

The next thing I noticed was the museum staff.

Excited and welcoming, the front desk greeted us with such enthusiasm, something uncommon these days in any place you visit. Then we spoke with the museum volunteers on the floor, who were not only knowledgeable, but great to interact with. And not to miss a beat, the team that restores the aircraft and manages that part of the mission was wonderful, too. This seemed to be a very happy place to work.

I also met Doc.

He told me his real name, and I apologize for forgetting it. He said he was called that because he served in the U.S. Navy as a doctor during the Korean War. Doc had a warm smile and charisma about him that made me want to spend the day with him. I loved his woodland camo field jacket adorned with a variety of military patches, including one from the Royal Air Force.

The museum is impressive with its wide variety of static aircraft displays, including some of my personal WWII favorites like the North American B-25 Mitchell, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless, Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat, and the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair. They also have a fully restored American Waco CG-4A Horsa glider, which is a nice treat not often found anymore.

For modern aircraft enthusiasts, Air Zoo also has the only two-seat SR-71 Blackbird in existence, as well as the famous Grumman F-14A Tomcat, a Blue Angels Grumman F11F-1 Tiger, and a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet.

It doesn’t stop there, however; they also have other military, passenger, and space aircraft to enjoy throughout the collection. Almost too much to see in a few hours.

And what Air Zoo might lack in those displays, they really make it up elsewhere!

It won’t take you long to notice how much thought and care went into the place, as you see the floor-to-ceiling masterpieces painted on the walls and how the visuals and theme bring the entire story to life. It was one of the best multi-sensory experiences I’ve encountered at an air museum.

The interactive learning opportunities, flight simulators, amusement rides, and educational classes are, in my opinion, one of the highlights of the museum. There are sections dedicated to the moon landing, space discovery, and even the birth of the comic book era. They also have a cafe with reasonable prices, not to mention a store filled with all kinds of things that made me want to cry like a kid at Christmas.

I also can’t forget the restoration wing of the operation.

Behind the museum is a large hangar filled with other aircraft and displays, but it also houses the shop where historical pieces are brought back to life. Seeing the team work on the last remaining SBD-1 Dauntless in the world was special, and it’s a great way to honor the memory of Ensign Herbert Welton McMinn, USNR, who perished in the crash.

Writing a review about the Air Zoo Museum just can’t do it justice. You have to go there and experience it for yourself.

I admit that when I was told about this place, I really didn’t have high expectations because we’ve been to some smaller museums, and as nice as they were, they just didn’t have much impact. I was blown away by Air Zoo and thankful we stopped!

As a military veteran and enthusiast, I recommend you add this to your list.

Thank you to the entire team there for what they do.

When Donetta asked me if I wanted to go to The Ohio State Reformatory, I was less than enthusiastic about visiting a prison. I had worked in a jail as a detention officer a long time ago and had seen all I wanted to see about the locked-up life of a prisoner. But since it was free with our NARM membership,1 I submitted to her request.

Before our arrival, I was informed that this was the place where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed, and even though I only remember about two minutes of the movie, I thought it could be a cool experience to say I was there, so whatever.

Just another thing to check off the list!

Driving up to the location, you’d believe you were visiting some medieval castle resort. The outside was beautiful and welcoming. It was almost too inviting, calling you to come in while giving the sense that you might never leave. I was amazed and intrigued.

My first stop was the men’s room outside. That’s the gift of aging and driving more than 15 minutes after having two cups of coffee. It was a pleasant and uneventful moment.

Walking up to the reformatory, I could see two people peering out the windows. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman! Soon, I realized it was just a cardboard cutout, and I would not be meeting any celebrities today. Well, maybe. I’m not too certain, but I’ll get to that in a few.

As I entered the building, I felt something, something out of the ordinary.

The reformatory opened its doors in 1896, and it was designed to house younger inmates who committed lesser crimes, providing them with the opportunity to learn a trade and receive education that could "rehabilitate their lives. If they did well, they could be released after 18 months, and until the 1960s, the program was very successful.

Unfortunately, it would later become a maximum security prison and ultimately deteriorate under horrible conditions. Over 200 people would die there due to murder, suicide, accidents, and illness. Creepy!

The first levels of TOSR housed many artifacts discovered hidden within its walls and prison cells, and also provided a record of who was there and the prison's purpose. There were also a dozen rooms where the movie The Shawshank Redemption was filmed, filled with signed memorabilia from the writers, directors, and actors, as well as film props.

This was the lighter part of the self-guided tour, but from there it got dark really fast.

We would soon find ourselves in the bowels of the prison, a macabre labyrinth of rotting prisoner cells, solitary confinement hell holes, and eerie rooms where paranormal activities and hauntings have taken place. It all felt so sinister and evil — especially when I entered a haunted room and sat in a lone chair for who knows what.

The air was dank and everything was decayed.

The walls were peeling paint and seemed to be screaming of the tortures of the prisoners who were beaten or killed inside of them.

And that’s when I felt it: something painful inside me telling me it was time to go.

Turns out, I desperately needed a toilet.

I hated to leave Donetta alone in the dark recess of that prison, but there was no time to play the hero card. It was now or never. Wondering if I’d ever see her again, I sprinted down six flights of rickety stairs, past cells and interrogation holes, to reach my final destination. In the nick of time.

Together again, we explored the last eerie wing of the reformatory, where ParaPsyCon VI, a paranormal conference, was about to take place, and we possibly passed TV celebrities who chase Bigfoot and ghosts for a living.

Honestly, I don’t know, and I don’t care, because personally, I think it’s all hokey. Sorry!

After emerging from the reformatory, the sun warmly greeted us, we took our last photos, and climbed into the tan van for other adventures.

Overall, I was grateful for the experience at The Ohio State Reformatory. It was a mix of cool and creepy, set against the backdrop of Hollywood and horror. The staff was fantastic and the memories will last a lifetime. I would certainly do it again!

If you make it to Mansfield, Ohio, this place is a must.

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I don’t know how we find them.

Serendipity.

Providence.

Luck.

Whatever you want to call it, I’m grateful for each and every moment when these things happen, because they are special memories that cannot be manufactured by AI, nor orchestrated in advance. These are the types of stories that last a lifetime.

. . . 🌽 . . .

Honey Haven Farm grows the best sweet corn in all of Ohio. Possibly the world.

I don’t know that for certain because during my recent visit, there was no corn because it’s spring, but I read the reviews and met the owners who claim it is, and honestly it doesn’t matter because it was the people that impressed me!

A seventh-generation farm located in the countryside of Ashland, Ohio, it is owned by John Boyer, known in the community as Farmer John. It was passed on to him by his father, a WWII Veteran who flew C-47s for the airborne divisions, and the place where both men were born and raised.

Farmer John is as real as it comes.

This rugged man came riding up to us on a used four-wheeler as we checked into this Harvest Host spot for the night, while proudly displaying his OSU Buckeye pride and an obvious hard work ethic. We introduced ourselves, and within minutes, you could tell that Farmer John was a down-to-earth storyteller who could touch your soul.

We heard about the history of his farm, his youngest daughter taking over the family business, and how much he loved his work and community. We learned about their sweet corn and why it’s special, as well as their years of business ventures. He even gifted us a pint of pumpkin soft serve ice cream made on the farm.

Like a trusted family member, we were welcomed in and given free rein to explore.

His youngest daughter, Lauren, currently runs the farm and has expanded their business into the garden industry by offering plants, flowers, and herbs, while also raising a flock of 80 sheep. Filled with her own stories, she’s a confident and highly knowledgeable woman who exudes a strong work ethic and passion, just like her father.

John and Lauren are doing something right.

Most of their sales come from word-of-mouth marketing, with a little help from Facebook. The local garden business is growing rapidly, and customers from all over the world keep coming to enjoy the sweet corn and pumpkin patch, which reminds me of a special story I’d like to share.

Farmer John told me about a man he met last year. He noticed the guy had a picture on the wall of himself and his mother standing on John’s front porch. When asked about it, the man told John it had been taken when they visited the pumpkin patch, and that it was the last photo of his mother before she passed.

John looked around some more and noticed several additional photos of the man with family members, taken in the same spot. The man told John that he and his family had been visiting Honey Haven Farm since he was a child, and that they loved it so much that it had become a tradition.

Farmer John was floored. He never knew his farm had done something so special.

As we talked more, similar stories emerged about other families - grandparents, adults, children, grandchilren - coming out to his farm to pick pumpkins, play in the corn maze, and listen to music at the festival while eating homemade ice cream, year after year.

Generations of lives being touched by the farm!

I told John it’s interesting how so many city slickers will scratch and claw their way to the top in order to be rock stars with the dream of leaving an incredible legacy, yet one would never assume a simple country boy raised on an obscure rural farm in Ohio, milking cows and planting pumpkins, could ever reach the hearts of so many people.

To me, that is an impressive legacy, and he is a rockstar!

John’s eyes got a little teary, but I could also see a little twinkle in his eye, much like Santa Claus, and it was then that I knew this man had that kind of special magic.

Eventually we said our goodbyes and we parted ways.

I won’t forget the experience.

. . . 👨‍🌾 . . .

The stories that were shared were priceless to me. John and Lauren are great people with a great heart. And our stay was wonderful and quiet. We’d certainly go back.

We found Honey Haven Farms through our Harvest Host app1, and this is just one great lifetime experience made possible by this platform.

If you ever get to Ashland, Ohio, please be sure to go and visit the farm. Support what they do because they are hardworking Americans who care for their community and their customers. You don’t often find that anymore these days.

Maybe you’ll even discover the best sweet corn in the world!

A couple of weeks ago, we stopped in Thonotosassa, a town that I cannot easily spell or pronounce even on my best of days. We had left the beauty of the Florida Keys and the excitement of Everglades National Park to make our way back to Oklahoma, where we are preparing to support my loving 86-year-old mother through her third battle with cancer. More on that later.

As Passport America members, we often find RV properties in their network when we need shore power and a hot shower because we get great discounts. And when you’ve spent time in Florida during the snowbird season, you know everything is expensive, so those discounts are critical. Which brings me to their new slogan: Florida. If the humidity or drivers don’t kill you, the rates definitely will!

Anyways.

We’ve stayed at several RV parks in Florida, three alone in the Wilder RV Resorts 55+ Community portfolio, but none had the magic of Southern Aire.

What makes Southern Aire so great?

The first Wilder RV resorts we visited seemed more like Margaritavilles. Large complexes filled with hundreds of fancy rigs and motorcoaches, selling the Jimmy Buffett vibe, along with higher-end amenities and services for their guests. These resorts are where wealthier, older people come to escape the shitty weather elsewhere in the United States and Canada, while enjoying an endless party in the sun.

Overall, both parks were good experiences, despite the awkwardness of being the youngest people in the crowd and the only ones in a camper van; yet it also felt too commercial and cramped for my style. These are places you go to hang out for a season, but not to settle down. They were fun to visit, but fine to leave.

After we made our way to the Keys and back up towards Tampa, we were tired of driving and needed a couple of days to sit and relax. So we found the Southern Aire RV Resort in the Passport America app and decided to book it.

When we first drove up to Southern Aire, I noticed there were older travel trailers and motorhomes, and it wasn’t the shiny commercial version we'd seen at the others we visited. In fact, I wondered whether we had plugged in the wrong address into our GPS. It wasn’t bad, just different.

After we checked in and were shown our camping spot, we decided to take a walk around the complex to get some exercise, and this changed everything!

I can’t easily put into words what we experienced, but it felt like home.

The vibe was eclectic because there was a mixture of RV homes and styles. Some were fancier, others were more permanent and decorated, and a few were just ordinary and average. It was like a melting pot of residents. The more we walked, the more we encountered some of the most welcoming and friendliest people ever. We didn’t feel less than, regardless of our age or what we drove.

Later in the evening, we attended their Super Bowl party in the community center, where 40 or so residents gathered to enjoy a meal together. Even some of the 75+ crowd brought booze and were sipping on bourbon or whiskey. It was a jovial time filled with laughter and fun. There was no drama, no arguments, no politics. I absolutely loved it — especially when their oldest resident, a cute 96-year-old woman, made an appearance in her community of friends as she lovingly carried a stuffed gnome dressed like a New England Patriot. She really warmed my heart with a smile!

I also met Tony LaMarca, the resort's activity director.

Tony is an older gentleman with a youthful and rebellious spirit! He doesn’t typically drink beer, yet enjoys a couple of shots of bourbon, likes to joke around and tell stories, and prefers to keep busy by serving his community at Southern Aire. He worked very hard to ensure everyone had fun and was fed, doing all the cooking and most of the cleaning, and never accepted my offers to help. I truly enjoyed visiting with him and wish he were part of my family!

Of course, I cannot forget the ladies who invited me to play cards with them and take my money, or to join them for water aerobics the next day. Besides these memorable moments, everyone around us, including their staff, was absolutely incredible.

Southern Aire felt like a true community, someplace special where people actually care for their neighbors, even if they don’t know them that well. And I’m not ashamed to admit the day we left, a part of me cried. I was not happy to leave.

Thank you to everyone who made us feel at home. We will come back and see you.

Thoughts about aging and community.

Having spent the last couple of months visiting places with a larger population of people over 70 and hearing their wonderful stories, I must address something that is really on my heart.

There have been many interesting discussions with older people about what to expect when I reach their age, how my health will decline, and how traveling will affect my body, as well as the constant need to be closer to doctors or age-related services.

While I don’t disagree with or look forward to these circumstances, one aspect I believe that often gets missed in the discussion is true community, as I mentioned about Southern Aire earlier. I think it’s extremely valuable in quality of life.

My mother is facing another battle with cancer and we won’t know the scope of it for another couple of weeks. During this time, we are staying closer to Oklahoma City so we, along with my two sisters, can provide support and help as needed to ensure the best care possible. She deserves it!

But here’s why it’s also important.

One thing I’ve learned from my mom over the years is that having a community of loving people and family to be there for you makes a huge difference, so much so that with the proper health care, it increases your rate of recovery or survival. When you’re surrounded by people who give you purpose, you fight harder to live. And when you’re over 75ish, having others to connect with in meaningful ways keeps you going.

As I watched residents from some of these RV resorts care for each other, it was beautiful and warming to my soul.

So often in society, “old people” are pushed into dreary prisons called retirement homes and forgotten. Yet most of them still have the opportunity to live to their fullest — if only given the chance. Imagine these people receiving the love and respect they deserve and living out their days with dignity, surrounded by a community that gives them purpose and joy.

This made me wonder why we don’t have more resorts like Southern Aire to provide for these needs! Maybe they already do. But it gave me a dream to pursue if I ever play and win the lottery, because I think more places like this should exist, rather than dingy and dark buildings that make them want to die.

As many of us in the GEN-X crowd begin to work towards this time in our lives, we also need to remember we’ll be there soon. Perhaps we should start planning for this kind of future while also figuring out how we might help bridge that gap today.

Something to think about!

Thank you for reading. ♥️

A couple of weeks ago, we decided to take our road life adventure through Battlefield, Missouri. Not only was it our first visit to this town, but it was also our first time using Harvest Host.

Our host for the evening was Wire Road Brewing, an amazing brewery located at 4453 S Timbercreek Avenue, along Old Wire Road, a trail first used by Native Americans for migration and hunting, which later became a major route for telegraph wires from St. Louis, Missouri, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1860. It’s also a short distance from the historic Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

Is Wire Road Brewing worth visiting?

During our five years of full-time travel, I’ve explored dozens of breweries and sampled hundreds of craft beers. Finding a hidden gem like Wire Road Brewing is a rare delight.

The atmosphere and vibe are inviting, so you’ll quickly feel at home, especially since the bartenders are friendly and helpful. We also enjoyed meeting several locals who were an absolute pleasure to talk with.

The brewery itself is lively, with enough indoor space for 90 people, but the outdoor area is incredible. You’re likely to experience live music, a diverse crowd, and a top-notch food truck – Yallternative Eats was superb, especially their fries. Wire Road is also working on creating an adults-only section on the property.

But the beer itself was absolutely fantastic!

I sampled Lingering Effect, a Belgian Dark Strong Ale at 9.2% ABV and 29 IBU, and found it delicious. I also tried Tres Chilles, a Pepper Pale Ale at 6% ABV and 36 IBU, which had enough heat to spice things up but not enough to spit fire. There were a few other samples I enjoyed as well.

Yet it was Gilligan’s Island, a fruited sour with 6% ABV and 22 IBU, that was my favorite. The blend of pineapple and coconut gave it a distinct piña colada flavor, making it easy to drink and evoking visions of the beach.

To round out the experience, we received a free T-shirt, a crowler, and some stickers as a “thank you” for our visit.

All of these wonderful things have put Wire Road Brewing in my Top 5 Breweries in the United States so far! 🍻

On July 3rd, 2025, after a horrible experience trying to buy a camper van from a company in Rifle, Colorado, we accidentally discovered a local van builder in Ramona, Oklahoma, during our desperate search for a new option.

And now that we’ve been living in our camper van for two weeks, it’s time for us to share our thoughts on the company that made our dream a reality.

Welcome to Next Chapter

Doug Smith, owner of Next Chapter Camper Vans, spent 20 years in Corporate America. The company he worked for was eventually sold, resulting in his termination. Rather than seek employment elsewhere or retire, he decided to take a leap of faith and build a business to help others live their traveling dreams.

When I first spoke with Doug by phone, I immediately sensed that his heart and soul were in this business. He focused on building camper vans that could operate off the grid while remaining affordable for people seeking their own adventure. Of course, this also meant cutting out all the extra fluff that many other van enthusiasts add to their products, which was perfectly fine with me.

He had me hooked!

We drove two hours to his shop to meet him in person and see if the actual product lived up to the online hype. We were not disappointed.

The 2023 Ram Promaster

Next Chapter only provides van customizations for the Ram ProMaster chassis. They will even find a used van for you for a great price.

We decided on the 2500 with a 159” wheel base, the most common model for van lifers because it’s 18 inches shorter than a 3500 series, making it easier to drive and park in tight spaces. It’s 19.6 feet from nose to tail and turns on a dime.

Switching from a Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine to a high-roof commercial van with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 has been a significant change.

The power decrease is noticeable, especially when driving uphill, and the van sways a lot in strong winds. We’ve also seen a slight drop in MPG due to the extra weight we carry, but it’s not a big difference compared to our truck. Additionally, I wish Promasters offered AWD or 4WD, as I’m not entirely convinced about the FWD.

We had a desert-tan vehicle wrap installed, giving us a subtle military and outdoor vibe while allowing us to add custom graphics and advertising in the near future. The feedback from people has been very positive.

Unfortunately, the van purchased for our build had a faulty TPS monitor, a broken tag light, issues with the Uconnect and GPS, and was badly in need of an oil change and detailing. I wish these problems had been solved before we picked up the van at Next Chapter, but otherwise, we like it.

The Custom Build

Doug and his team did an excellent job on the build. Nearly everywhere we stop, people comment on how great it looks.

The cabinets are crafted from oak and high-quality materials to deliver durability and a luxurious look. They offer more storage than other camper vans, and the heavy-duty magnets keep your belongings secure, preventing accidental opening during travel.

We chose a semi-gloss black paint and brushed-nickel fixtures, along with white shiplap for the backsplash. The floors are real wood with a darker finish, and the ceiling is flat white with plenty of track lighting and dimmers.

The bed is very comfortable with 8” of memory foam, and even in an RV queen size, Donetta and I have plenty of space when we don’t want to snuggle. For private moments of fun, I highly recommend wearing a rubber helmet or being very aware of the low ceiling. Explaining those bumps and bruises all over your head might be very awkward. 🤭

Overall, we love the entire look and feel of our camper van. Our only complaints are minor cosmetic issues that are easy to fix.

The Features

I want to provide a breakdown of key features and explain why they differ from many other Class B Camper Vans on the market.

20 Gallon Water Tank and Heater

At first, I didn’t care much about this, especially since many RVers struggle with water tanks, and I have two nearly indestructible 5-gallon Scepter cans that keep water cold. But I really like what Next Chapter did here!

The 20 gallon tank is located on the rear driver's side and is easily accessible through the custom cabinets. It includes an outdoor shower sprayer, a simple hose connector, and a 2-gallon hot water tank that takes about 10 minutes to heat. It’s also very easy to winterize if we stop traveling in the colder climates. It’s easy to fill up and saves me from hauling water cans around.

At light use (washing dishes, wetting our hair, brushing our teeth), it takes us four days for the water to be halfway gone.

5 Gallon Porta-Potty

Having a toilet feels like a waste of space. Besides, who wants to drop a stinky in the place where they eat?

Regardless, our van came equipped with a portable SereneLife 5.2-gallon toilet that’s easy to fill, use, dump, and clean. It’s not fancy but does the job. And despite the awkwardness of learning to squat in a van to take a leak, it’s been handy for us, especially on those nights I’ve had too many beers and don’t leave the vehicle.

There are portable composting toilet upgrades to consider, and we might explore that option in the future, but for now, this one works and we’re glad we have it.

Bodega Cooler

Next Chapter Vans includes a smaller fridge in the buildout price, but because we travel full-time, we opted for a larger Bodega upgrade for $250. The downside is that there still isn’t enough space, and it doesn’t always perform well, so we’ve brought our BougeRV CRD Portable Dual Fridge for meat, ice cream, and extra beers.

Sink with 5 Gallon Tank

This was a required feature, no matter how basic it was.

In our build, the sink aspirator draws water from the 20-gallon tank, dispenses it through the faucet, and then drains it into a 5-gallon plastic jerry can below. We empty the drain water every couple of days to keep it from getting too heavy or smelly. It’s a hassle-free setup with minimal risk of issues. We can also cover the sink with the wood cutting board provided by Next Chapter.

I’ll also add that we love the countertop and the space. It’s perfect for food preparation or as a standing desk. Plus, there are under-the-counter track lights with a dimmer, making this a nice spot to display some decorations.

Microwave

This feature wasn’t a big deal for us, but it’s been useful the few times we’ve used it.

Power Source

This was the most critical aspect of our van build because having the ability to boondock or be off the grid is mandatory.

We have two Eco-Worthy Lithium Battery Bluetooths at 12V/280Ah/3,584Wh, along with a 450-watt solar panel to generate power. Our inverter is an Ardroit and our battery monitor is a Redarc. The batteries can be recharged while driving, via solar power, or via shore power. Truth be told, I don’t know much about these things, but it seems to be working great so far!

While boondocking, we lost only 15%-20% of our batteries on a 12-hour night run, including the air conditioner and two fridges. However, if we keep the heater running on cold nights, it will drop by 50% or more overnight.

12 Volt Air Conditioner and Heater

While we could suffer in cold or hot weather, we didn’t want to compromise on this feature, even if we used it sparingly.

Unfortunately, we don’t know the make or model, or how all the features work, but it does a great job — sometimes it’s so cold lying on the bed, that my nipples get so hard that they reach the ceiling. The downside is that the temperature is consistent around the bed area, but there can be a 10-20-degree difference at the front of the van.

That said, we are glad we have this, as in our first two months with the van, we encountered very hot and very cold weather.

The Price

Many people are hesitant to share what they paid for a high-end product, but it’s worth noting the price relative to other options. Not to mention, you can easily find prices on his website.

The investment price for our van and build was $85,000 USD.

At first glance, this may seem like a lot of money, and it is. Still, when you consider that other van companies are selling their converted vans for an average of $120,000 and up, Next Chapter is an incredible deal.

Could you source it and build it yourself at a lower cost? Absolutely. But this also requires upfront cash, tools, knowledge, and time — none of which we had. At our age, we decided to finance it so we could get going ASAP.

Customer Support

Here’s one more thing I really appreciate about Next Chapter Camper Vans ... their customer support.

We’ve had a few minor issues, but Doug fixed them immediately! He’s always responsive when we text or call, and I know he’s traveled to other customers on his own dime to help with their van problems, even when it had nothing to do with the actual build itself. This means everything!

In an industry where customer support sucks, Next Chapter has excelled. It’s not perfect, but it’s close. And we appreciate that.

Overall Experience and Feelings

If I were rating our experience and satisfaction with this purchase on a five-point scale, I’d give it 4.5 overall. We really do love our van!

While there were a few annoying things with the camper van build process and the finished product, we have absolutely zero regrets. Doug and his team did a fantastic job and we’re happy to have worked with them. The biggest drawback, in my opinion, was that I didn’t get to see the used van before it was purchased or have it inspected.

If you decide van life is for you and you’d like to know more, reach out to Doug Smith at Next Chapter Camper Vans. Please tell him Road Life Adventure sent you.

Tourist towns can be interesting.

While each town has its own distinct culture and atmosphere, all offer a mix of retail stores selling souvenirs and gifts with a local flair. And more often than not, these places feel interchangeable, selling the same generic low-quality products at steep prices, only with a different name.

It’s rare to find something unique.

That’s what makes Brownfield’s so refreshing. It’s not just another tourist shop; it’s a true gem that reflects the spirit of Estes Park in every detail.

Our first Brownfield’s experience.

We discovered this quaint little store in August 2022, as we wandered the charming streets of Estes Park, soaking in all the beauty and magic this Colorado town has to offer. We loved it so much, we stayed for six weeks.

The shop that day was filled with tourists, travelers like us all searching for keepsakes of their epic adventures. Despite the busyness and flurry of activity around us, the atmosphere was very peaceful and enjoyable. The Brownfield’s vibe was unlike anything else we’ve experienced in other retail shops.

What immediately caught my attention were the products.

Rather than being duplicate regurgitated copies like other shops, these products were unique, fresh, and different. Additionally, the garments were high-end, unlike the cheap items often sold in tourist towns across America. Yet it was their prices that impressed us!

Everything was affordable – a rarity in tourist towns like this. Finding a great shirt for just twenty dollars is unheard of in an industry that often tries to squeeze every last dollar from visitors. But Brownfield’s breaks the rules, making it possible for everyone to take a keepsake from Estes Park home with them.

I also noticed how friendly their staff members were.

It wasn’t long before I struck up a conversation with Jamie Palmesano, who we later discovered is one of the store’s managers and buyers. She took a genuine interest in our travels, jotted down some hiking recommendations, and then introduced us to the shop’s owner, Don Priem. Both Jamie and Don welcomed us warmly. It felt like reconnecting with old friends.

As we concluded our discussion and purchased our keepsakes, we vowed to return.

That moment finally happened several weeks ago.

Our second amazing visit.

We stepped into the newly remodeled store with eager anticipation, hoping to recapture the magic of our first visit, wondering if the same energy and familiar faces would still greet us. It did not disappoint.

Within minutes, Jamie caught sight of us out of the corner of her eye, quickly coming over to greet us. She even remembered our names. As we started talking, it felt like we’d only been gone weeks from Brownfield’s, not years. It wasn’t long before Don was giving us a full tour of the new shop, their offices, and even his home above the store.

In a culture that is always rushed today, they take the time to speak with people who come into the store, making everyone feel like part of a community.

Because our time at Brownfield’s and in Estes Park has meant so much to us, we thought it was the perfect moment to launch our new Loving Locals interview series — a way to highlight the incredible people and businesses we encounter on our road life adventure.

I believe this video captures the essence of their brand and the experience very well, but I would recommend you visit Brownfield’s to see for yourself.

As tourist towns like Estes Park face pressure to cater more and more to wealthy travelers, often at the expense of inclusivity, Brownfield’s stands as a refreshing reminder that not all is lost. It demonstrates that local businesses can prioritize community, authenticity, and accessibility for everyone while remaining financially successful.

We hope this store will be around for many decades to come because it matters.

Thanks to the Brownfield’s team for accommodating us and making us feel like a part of your family. We love you all!

This summer, we’re exploring a bunch of new places we’ve never been to, and along with that, we’re also trying to truck camp as much as possible to save money and get more outta our road life adventure.

As we made our way around Colorado, we finally had the opportunity to visit Grand Junction. Since the weather was fantastic, we decided to give Kampgrounds of America a try.

Our Grand Junction KOA Experience

Sometimes with RV parks and campsites, you never know what you’re gonna get, and even with customer reviews and photos, it’s still possible to end up in a sketchy place for the night. But rest assured, KOA Holiday is not that kinda place!

As we pulled into the campground after a fantastic five-hour trek from Durango along CO-141, we knew this would be a nice experience.

The property is well-maintained and beautiful, and you’ll soon notice some awesome amenities like a swimming pool, miniature golf, outdoor games, a playground, and a bouncy house as you drive in.

The office includes a small general store filled with goodies and supplies, a large laundry facility, very clean restrooms with showers, and space to hang out and enjoy a fire. I heard they even offer a community movie night on the weekends in the entertainment area.

Mercedes and the other staff members were super friendly and helpful, making the check-in process easy while making my visits to the office fun!

KOA Holiday offers a wide range of camping options, including primitive tent sites, small cabins, larger cabins, and RV spots for almost any rig. We decided to go with site number A07, a back-in site with full hookups, a privacy fence, a paver patio, a picnic table, a fire ring, and grass. It also included excellent WiFi.

Our total cost for two nights was $121.78, including taxes.

Normally, we wouldn’t pay that much for a campsite, but it was our first time in Grand Junction, and other RV parks in the area were comparable in price. KOA offered better amenities and felt safe.

While the experience was great, it wasn’t perfect either.

Our campsite was at the back of the property, which I thought would be the quietest option since KOA Holiday sits next to a smaller highway—but we discovered there was another road alongside us, which created a lot of noise, especially for two older people trying to sleep in a rooftop tent. Thankfully, we were able to move a few slots down for the next night, and that was better.

Reminder: Never choose campgrounds or RV parks next to busy streets!

The other annoying part of our stay had nothing to do with KOA, but a few of the people who were camping there.

Dog owners who allow their pets to incessantly bark piss us off. We know they can’t always control what their animals do, but just standing there while your pet loses its mind is annoying and not welcome. Nobody wants to listen to that, especially when they’re trying to have a chill vibe at the end of a day.

Advice: Please respect others around you and be a good human.

Overall, we enjoyed our time at KOA Grand Junction and would stay here again if our budget allows. We give it two thumbs up! 👍 👍

PROS

• Various options for almost any type of camping experience.

• Excellent Wifi connection.

• Great amenities for couples and families.

• Nice dog-run areas and K9-friendly.

• Safe atmosphere and well-maintained.

• Excellent and friendly staff members.

• Fantastic location for visiting the Colorado National Monument.

CONS

• Expensive for truck or van campers on a budget.

• Loud traffic noise, depending on your location.

I’ve been all over the world, traveled full-time for almost four years now, and tasted a few hundred beers. Yet I’ve only written about beer just once.

Seems crazy, right???

For someone who always talks about beer and has posted hundreds of photos of it on social media, it doesn’t make any sense not to share these edifying experiences.

So I’m gonna start writing about the beer.

My Dutch Beer Experience

We spent six weeks in Europe last year, visiting four countries, including the Netherlands, and there were a lot of beers to choose from! But since we were staying in the town of Puth near Maastricht, most of my beer-drinking pursuits happened in that region, so my review is based on what was mostly available there.

During this time, I consumed way too much biertje, but thankfully, I’m an overachiever who didn’t want to be rude to the Dutch people, so I suffered for the greater good while supporting the local economy.

Now, when most people in America are asked about the best beer from Holland, they’ll probably mention the brands Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch, or Bavaria.

Perhaps it’s because these brands are better at marketing, but the truth is, they aren’t anywhere close to the best, and I didn’t see many Nederlanders drinking them, probably because these beers smell too skunky or taste like hoppy water. I certainly am not a fan of them, but I will say they are better there than in America.

As for my overall opinion, there were several Dutch beer brands that I loved, but Belgians still rule the roost when it comes to brewing.

My Top Four Beers from the Netherlands

1. La Trappe

Made by Monks but tastes like heaven. La Trappe has a rich history of brewing this sweet nectar of the gods. And my praise for their work is high! La Trappe Blond, La Trappe Tripel, and La Trappe Bock have been fantastic, but I hope to try the others in the future. They are definitely full of flavor and my favorite.

2. ALFA

The second best beer was Alfa Idel Pils, an incredibly distinctive and complex lager from Alfa Brewery — which is interesting because lagers aren’t my favorite, yet there’s something about this beer that makes me love it! The Alfa Idel Pils is light, tasty, and refreshing, with only 5% alcohol. I also enjoyed their Spring Bok and Super Strong.

3. Brand Bier

Perhaps people from the northern side of the Netherlands think Brand Bierbrouweri is what I believe about Heineken, but for a larger brewery, they make some great stuff, including their IPA and Powerful Blond.

4. Gebrouwen door Vrouwen

I discovered Tricky Trippel during our excursion to Scheveningen, a beach town my mother loved visiting as a child, near Den Haag. This light-colored beer is 7.8% and has a caramel flavor with a hint of banana. This brewery was started by two sisters from Amsterdam and is owned by beer-loving gals.

I will add that there are plenty of great microbreweries and other beers made in the Netherlands. If you visit the beer store along the Noorkade in Veghel, you will discover plenty of options, as well as visiting the local Jumbo. I didn’t have time or money to conquer them all.

It’s also worth stating that the beer was so much cheaper in Europe than in America. What costs $14 USD for a four-pack at home would cost about $4 USD in the Netherlands.

Not from the Netherlands.

The brands mentioned above are brewed in the Netherlands, so they take precedence, but the amount of kick ass beers in this region is astounding!

Gulden Draak

The Golden Dragon from Belgium was also enjoyed during my stay. I love the taste of Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple, a deep-amber beer at 10.5% ABV. It’s a full-bodied flavor without being too heavy to drink a couple of glasses.

Brew Dog

Hazy Jane is a New England IPA that includes notes of pineapple, mango, stone fruit, and a hint of mandarin in the mix—brewed with oats and wheat and unfiltered for a smooth, juicy finish. It’s perfect for a lovely day outside. BrewDog is a Scottish brewery with a storied history and a love for punks. So they get a rebel yell and a nod for their efforts.

Rodenbach Fruitage

I’ve enjoyed this extremely refreshing red-brown ale numerous times. It’s usually served over ice with a slice of lime and a leaf of mint, making it easy to drink several without even thinking about it. The Swinkels Family Brewery, a larger producer of Dutch beer brands, brews Rodenbach Fruitage, and they do it well!

Chouffe Brewery

This Belgian beer is one of my favorites in Europe and the United States, but it is certainly cheaper to buy over there (approximately $4.50 for a liter at Jumbo). La Chouffe is their standard blond beer, filled with unique flavors and great for any occasion. I’ve also enjoyed Cherry Chouffe, a vibrant variety with notes of strawberry, almond, spices, and sweet Port. MC Chouffe is also unique and worthy.

What about you?

I’ve just scratched the surface when it comes to great beer from Europe and the Netherlands, but perhaps you have some recommendations. Please share some of your favorites so I know what to try on my next trip overseas.

Dank je wel! 🍻

We recently traveled to Colorado to enjoy some time exploring the southern part of the state. We spent a week in Pagosa Springs, staying at Club Wyndham Pagosa, and absolutely loved it.

James served in the military years ago, and as a veteran, there are certain opportunities available to him. We are always so grateful for anything offered, and this is one we are super excited about!

Something he learned this summer is that he can join the Armed Forces Vacation Club. Membership in this club lets him hunt down deals at amazing places around the world.

The Property

We had never stayed in a Club Wyndham before, so we had no idea what to expect, but when we arrived, we were THRILLED with what we got!

This place is incredible! The property is large, with many types of buildings/rooms, so our stay isn’t necessarily representative of what we or anyone else would get on a future trip, but it is one of the options.

Our building was at the very back of the property, right on Village Lake in the Village Pointe section of the resort. It was a circular drive off the main road, and the “front yard” was a nice open space with a grill and picnic table, so you could spend time outdoors if you wanted.

The balcony was our favorite spot for the week. It had a table and four chairs, so it was very easy to sit outside and just enjoy the beautiful weather, the amazing views, and the most incredible sunsets.

We even enjoyed watching the wildlife from the balcony.

Each evening, the Canadian Geese would fly over to the section to the right of our building, so we could watch them fly in and swim from farther out. We also saw a momma and two baby deer walking around one evening. So cute! But the highlight was the day we got to watch an eagle soar all around us, right in front of us, for a bit. It was so beautiful!

The whole resort was beautiful. The lake was an area we enjoyed walking around and taking in the views. There is also an activity center with plenty of fun things to do—mini golf, tennis, pool tables, and more! We kept talking about going up to do some of those activities, but we were enjoying our little slice of heaven so much that we kind of stayed put on our balcony or in our room if we weren’t out doing something around town.
OH, by the way … one of the things James loves most is the free happy hour with craft beers and snacks on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 5 pm until 8 pm. 🍻

The Room

And last but certainly not least — the room.

We were in 7511A, and it was so nice! It was very spacious. There was a nice size living room with a huge wall of windows and a door leading out to the balcony, a dining room and full kitchen with everything you need (full stove/oven, dishwasher, full fridge) also with a huge wall of windows, a large bedroom with a door leading out to the balcony, and a very spacious bathroom with a full tub and a separate shower. There were also laundry machines in the bathroom, so we could get all our clothes washed easily—and free!

Road Life Adventure Recommends It!

If you’re looking to travel to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we definitely recommend staying at Club Wyndham Pagosa. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming —  they even have a happy hour with free drinks (wine, beer, and pop) and snacks. The place is in a great location with easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and fun activities. And the scenery and the vibe just can’t be beat.

If you’re currently in the military or a veteran, don’t forget to check out the Armed Forces Vacation Club for great rates!

Sometimes it’s nice to put technology down and disconnect while you’re traveling but I wouldn’t put it down too far away. There are many apps that can be very helpful on your journey! These are some of my favorites to use.

GasBuddy

This app can be really helpful on road trips when gas prices can fluctuate between towns so much. We have gotten on the app when we’re getting somewhat low (don’t wait until you’re desperate!) and have discovered prices that are as much as a dollar less in the next town sometimes. If you’re filling up a big tank, that can make a big difference — especially on a long journey.

Airline Apps

If you’re flying, you definitely want to have the app for the airline you’re traveling with. They will update your flight info and send notifications for changes and such.

Uber/Lyft

If you’re going to need a ride somewhere because you don’t have a car, these are a great way to find a ride and even see how much it will cost you ahead of time. My husband will look up the cost on each and sometimes we even compare it to a taxi price to find the best deal.

Choice Hotels

We stay in hotels a lot and early on we researched hotel brands and figured out which one might do the best for us with their rewards program. We landed on Choice and we’ve stuck with them for the most part. They’re budget friendly (at least compared to the other big brands — nothing seems to be too budget friendly anymore 🙄) and they have a good point system going so we’ve accumulated many points and we’ve redeemed them for many free nights. This really pays off when you’re in a high tourist area and hotel prices are WAY above the norm. Even when that’s the case, the point value is the same. We’ve gotten rooms for free by doing this that would go for $300-$500 a night if we’d had to pay for them.

Engine (Previously Hotel Engine)

This app isn’t always an amazing deal but it can be sometimes. And the great thing is you can still get your loyalty points with hotel brands most of the time. We typically check our Choice app first and then check Engine to see if there are any big savings by comparing the price they’re offering to the one on Choice. Sometimes it’s significant! Always make sure that it shows your points privileges before booking though because not every purchase will attach to your account.

(Side note — I never recommend using 3rd party booking for hotels because if something goes wrong or you have a problem the hotel will not work with you — you’ll have to contact the 3rd party to deal with the situation and that usually doesn’t end well. This is also the same with flights. That being said — HotelEngine is sort of considered a 3rd party but it’s still booked directly with the hotel so it’s safer to do it this way than traditional 3rd party apps. When the cost is similar we always book through Choice first.)

Google Translate

If you’re traveling to a country that speaks a different language than you do, this is a must. It’s very helpful! You can speak into it and have it translate, you can take a picture of something to translate, you can hold the camera over a menu or sign and it will translate…there are many great uses with this app. We once got on a bus in another country and the bus driver began making an announcement in their native language. I immediately turned on the app and pushed the microphone so it would translate what he was saying and we wouldn’t be ignorant of the instructions being given. It was so helpful!

Currency

This is a great app when you’re shopping in another country. You can plug in the cost and have it translated to your currency so you know how much you’re spending.

Yelp

We use this to find a place to eat when we’re in an area that’s new to us. We want to find places that are highly rated and avoid places that aren’t good and this is an easy way to do just that.

AllTrails

One of my favorite apps! We love to hike and you can open this app up wherever you are and it will show you the popular trails in that area. If you have the pro version you can even download the maps so you can use them offline since many hiking areas don’t have service. It rates the trails from easy to hard, tells you the length of the trail, tells you the altitude change, and lets you know what kind of trail it is and what it’s best for (hiking, biking, whether you can take pets or not, etc.).

Seek

This app is great to identify all kinds of things in nature. If you’re a hiker and a nature lover like me, you can stop and check out flowers, plants, insects, birds, animals, trees, etc. and you can use this app to try to identify them. It’s not perfect 100% of the time but it successfully tells me what I’m looking at probably 98% of the time! 😊

There are SO many other apps you can benefit from as you travel. These are just some of the many that I use. You can use reward apps for restaurants, coffee chains, gas stations, etc. There are apps for campgrounds, hotels, parking areas, and weather. And of course lots of apps to help you plan trips, follow a journey, find parks, etc.

Do you have a favorite app outside of the ones I’ve shared here? I’d love to hear about it!

Yesterday, I shared the exciting news that we have become new homeowners of a rooftop tent and our initial review of the Armadillo X2 we purchased from 23 Zero.

But you can’t have an RTT without a rack to attach it to your vehicle. Well, I guess you could throw it on there with some bungee cords or 100mph tape and hope for the best, though it’s probably not the best option.

Anyhow.

I researched several companies for dependable rack systems for rooftop tents and chose Billie Bars.

Besides being built in the USA, they have plenty of five-star reviews and a great understanding of the off-road world. The brackets come with a three-year warranty, and customer support is stellar.

In fact, I talked to Nathan at least five times before my purchase to ask stupid redneck questions. I think I really caught him off guard when I asked if Billie Bars would be strong enough for our wild sexual activities. Apparently, that’s the first time that’s ever been asked! 😂 😂 😂

Out of the box, the crossbars and brackets look sturdy as hell. They are made well and look great. No problems there.

The challenge was my BakFlip MX4 tonneau cover.

While the website states what tonneau covers the Billie Bars work with, you don’t honestly know until you try it. After watching their installation videos and half a dozen other videos on YouTube, I thought it would be easy.

In reality, I quickly had a sheer moment of panic.

My Chevy Silverado 1500 and tonneau cover setup didn’t look anything like the videos, and even with the universal brackets, you either have to:

1. Cut your railing to make the brackets set flush and fit the MX4.

2. Place the brackets under the MX4 railing, thus raising everything.

I didn’t want to spend hours cutting and modifying my tonneau cover's rail system, so we decided to install the brackets under the rail. Of course, this raised our tonneau cover by at least 3/16 inch, requiring additional weather stripping on the sides.

Unfortunately, it also meant the end of our BakFlip MX4, which no longer sat flush with the top of the tailgate. We had to install thicker weather stripping to keep water out while hiding the large gap. Plus, we also have to push down on the cover to ensure it’s properly locked now.

I think it took us about an hour to install the Billie Bars. Maybe the beers slowed us down, but that wasn’t bad at all.

After we placed our Armadillo X2 on the crossbeams, they seemed to bow slightly in the center. Because I asked about the weight ratings of everything, I’m not too concerned, but perhaps a third brace wouldn’t be all that bad for added support. Especially on Freaky Fridays. LOL!

I also chose the 8” high brackets so there would be a little more space between my cover and the bottom of the RTT. I could easily make modifications to fit a thinner gear between this space.

I’m very pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of Billie Bars and their service. At the investment price of $715 USD, it was worth it.

Today I’ll be purchasing their Mounting Clamps (the 23 Zero clamps are shit), and down the road, I might even snag a couple of their Molle panels so I can throw on some shovels or other gear.

So there you have it! Let us know what you think.

Update 2025: 23 Zero no longer manufactures or sells the Armadillo X2/X3 series due to the introduction of a new model, but if you’re planning to purchase a used model, this is still valuable to know.

After a year of researching and considering a rooftop tent for our new Chevy 1500 Trail Boss, we’ve finally pulled the trigger. We are now owners of an X2 Armadillo Hardtop from 23 Zero.

While I’ll be providing a video review of our new RTT, I thought it would be great for readers to learn about our experience so far. But I’m gonna skip all the unboxing fluff and get to the point. Life is short after all, and you have adventures to enjoy.

Thoughts about the Armadillo X2

As with any product, including RTTs, there will be pros and cons. Even after doing all my research, I still discovered things I like or don’t like about the Armadillo X2.

It’s heavy to install.

The first thing you need to know is this motherf@cker is heavy and hard to install for older guys who don’t abuse 1000mg of testosterone every week!

At 225 lbs, it took three guys to throw that thing on the Billie Bars rack to ratchet it down. Of course, we had several beers, and two of us are in the over-50s club, but maybe you’ll heave it up there with no problem.

The YouTube video I watched of a guy and his wife doing the installation makes me wonder how in the hell they did it.

There were no instructions.

Even after watching several videos on YouTube, it would have been really helpful to get some instructions on how everything works.

23 Zero needs to do a way better job of explaining how the ladder rings adjust and lock properly, how to get the flaps folded in so you can close the shell easier, warning you to space properly for your truck cab so you can use both side windows, and just basic setup information.

The mounting brackets suck.

The four mounting plates included with the RTT purchase are absolute shit, in my opinion.

The brackets bent as we tightened them to capacity, and the bolts aren’t long enough to extend much longer than the locking nut. I keep having nightmares that they are gonna fail while driving, and this expensive 225 lbs home is gonna fly through someone’s windshield.

I’m gonna order HD mounting brackets from Billie Bars to give me peace of mind, but 23 Zero should provide something similar.

It’s not always simple to use.

I watched a handful of videos about how easy it is to set up and take down the Armadillo X2. Only for my wife and me, it hasn’t been that way yet.

While we’ve not used this RTT a bunch yet, setting it up requires a little more work than just pulling the ladder and popping up the roof. Sometimes we have to climb on the tonneau cover to open and close it.

FYI: This ain’t always easy when you’re older, tired, or have had a few drinks! 🍺

Additionally, we’ve learned that you must push the air out, fold the side fabric a certain way, and position items properly to close the shell. And you can’t leave sleeping bags or pillows in it.

That being said, it’s getting easier to use, and we are getting better at setup and teardown. Just don’t expect to be glamping in 2–3 minutes when you’re just starting.

The overall quality is excellent.

I think 23 Zero made a great product overall and I like the quality of the ECO13B materials they used to make it.

The outer clamshell is rugged, the X-Braces are solid, and the Light Suppression Technology keeps the inside nice and dark.

The tent comes with a 2” rebound foam mattress, which is nice by itself, but we will be packing and throwing something thicker on top for sleeping. The insulated headliner is also a nice feature for the condensation in the mountains. Plus, it’s very spacious for two people!

There are also four locks for the RTT and they provided plenty of keys.

It’s quiet while traveling.

I was concerned about added road noise by having it on the truck, but so far we’ve not had any — even while driving in high winds in Arizona. 23 Zero did a great job of streamlining the RTT's shape and size.

Even our gas mileage has been very good for most places. We’ve averaged 19–21 MPG on the highway in normal circumstances and 16–19 MPG in the winds and mountainous terrain.

It Will Save Us Money Long Term

Even though the price tag for the Armadillo X2 was $2,949.00 USD, we will be spending less money down the road.

Over the past four years, we’ve mostly lived in hotels and resorts. The average price now for a crappy hotel chain is $100 per night. At $3,000 per month for this expense alone, you can see how it will easily pay for itself.

If we boondock on BLM land or elsewhere, we’ll save a bit of money, but even using some RV sites or state parks that average $30 or less per night, we’ll come out ahead financially compared to hotel fees.

Donetta and I are excited and happy with our purchase so far, even though we’ve only used it a few times.

We see many future possibilities to explore National Parks, State Parks, BLM properties, and other places as we continue to travel, because we can now stop and camp wherever we are.

And even though climbing up and down the ladder for older people can be challenging at times, I think it’s cool to be part of the “off the grid” community.

So there you have it.

P.S. For whatever reason, the person who attached the 23 Zero logo did NOT place it on the RTT straight. As a creative, this drives me bonkers! 😜

As a soldier who understands the horrors of war and the importance of freedom, there is no greater privilege for me than keeping the legacies of our World War II Veterans alive. It is because of their heroism I am able to be alive today.

So when I get the chance to visit WWII battlefields or museums, I take it to honor the men and women who sacrificed so much. It is something I must do!

The Battle of the Bulge was the bloodiest and most critical battle during the war. It was the last major offensive for the Germans and the Allies were greatly under-supplied and stretched thin. It was extremely cold, and our troops were ill-prepared for what awaited them. The war crimes and atrocities committed by the Waffen SS were unfathomable.

The area of Bastogne and the surrounding area of the Ardennes Forest are hallowed grounds. I know men who fought there and whose lives would be forever changed by what they experienced during those five weeks of hell.

While I was not able to spend enough time in this region and certainly plan on returning, I did have the chance to visit the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium. It was well worth it!

The Experience

Words cannot express the incredible gratitude the locals feel for their WWII liberators. The way in which these heroes are honored is epic. And while the Bastogne War Museum can only capture a fraction of the Battle of the Bulge's historical significance, it is one of the best museums I’ve visited.

The exhibitions and displays are fantastic and you will learn so much by walking through this museum. You will see some rare German vehicles, along with several artifacts from Patton, in addition to items that continue to be found on this enormous battlefield. You can shop for a variety of gifts or drink an Airborne beer in honor of those who fought. There’s also a large, beautiful memorial on the grounds.

After my time in the museum, I took my Airborne beer to the 101st Airborne Division memorial and gave a salute-filled toast to these guys and the thousands of others I never got to thank. As tears rolled down my face, I was reminded that the cost of freedom is never free. I hope that we all will never forget that! 🇺🇸

The Bastogne War Museum is a must-stop when visiting Belgium, and if you’re fortunate to have more time, there are plenty of other WWII memorials and museums in the area to check out.

In my recent quest to find the best beer in the Netherlands, I discovered ALFA Bier thanks to my amazing cousin Milou and her partner Raymond.

My arrival in Puth was greeted with two crates of ALFA, which somehow did not last with this Oklahoma redneck in town! Thankfully, they don’t drink it, so there were no hard feelings when I consumed all their beer in a very short time. Perhaps it’s time for an intervention, but that’s a discussion for another day.

Typically, I’m not a pilsner or lager fan, but I immediately got hooked on the Alfa Idel Pils. It had a refreshing, full-bodied taste, making it easy to drink on its own or with dinner. And I was extremely stoked when I learned the brewery was within a 10-minute walk from the house.

Field trip, anyone?

A Short Journey to Alfa Brewery

One of the things I loved most about our time in Puth was the ability to walk to so many incredible places. So the day we decided to visit this brewery in Schinnen, we opted to take a casual stroll through the rolling hills and woods instead of driving.

Schinnen is a small, beautiful village located in the province of Limburg. It’s 25 miles northeast of Maastricht and is home to a garrison of US Army personnel assigned to Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum. Besides ALFA Brewery, there are also several bars and restaurants in the area.

Another exciting part of the walking adventure was the discovery of an old World War II bunker, which, of course, I tried to find a way into, but to no avail. There are so many historical places to see in the countryside if you keep your eyes open!

But enough about that. Let’s talk about the brewery.

So many beers. So little time.

ALFA Brewery offers tours, but unfortunately, they were sold out on the day of my visit, so I could only see the outside of the facility. The good news is they have a restaurant right across the street, so all was not lost!

The restaurant had a groovy vibe. As I ordered a healthy flight of beers, we enjoyed the outdoor seating area and glorious sunshine while German music played on the stereo. The staff was super-friendly, and the food was fantastic.

The beers, though. Oh my.

I sampled Alfa Idel Pils, Alfa Powerful Dort, Alfa Dark Brown, Alfa Spring Bock, and Alfa Super Strong. I ordered a specialty bier that I can’t remember. And I bought a can of Super Strong for the drunken walk back home. Yes, I was feeling pretty damn good at that point, and plenty of trees were watered along the way. LOL!

There wasn’t a beer that day that I didn’t like, and ALFA has become my favorite beer from the Netherlands.

Anyone who is lucky enough to be traveling around the Maastricht area AND who wants to have a great brewery experience needs to visit ALFA. Who knows. Maybe I will see you there. 😜

One of the fun things we get to do with our travel writing is recommend excellent places to visit, including where we stay. We love sharing our experiences so others might have the same opportunity to enjoy them.

When we first started, we reviewed every hotel or resort we stayed in. But when you do this 365 days a year, it becomes exhausting and tedious to write about, and, quite honestly, most hotel chains are basically the same.

So we decided only to share the properties we think are different or unique.

Today, we’d like to tell you about the Historic Crags Lodge from our visit to Estes Park in 2022 because it’s a lovely place!

Why Choose Historic Crags Lodge?

Ever since we became members of DRI (now Hilton Grand Vacations), we knew we wanted to stay at this resort. The only problem was finding availability because they are always booked up — for good reason!

So Donetta and I couldn’t believe our luck when we booked six total weeks at this amazing place. It was well worth the wait!

One thing to know: hotels in Estes Park aren’t cheap.

Depending on the time of year you visit, rooms can easily cost $200-$300 per night. Unless you’re independently wealthy or just on vacation, this isn’t optimal if you’re living in hotels full-time as we do.

Because of our Hilton Grand Vacation membership, we get access to deeply discounted rates for bookings under 90 days or less, which really helps. And sometimes we find insane deals by using our vacation points.

That being said, this was the primary reason we ended up at Crags, though the experience was priceless.

1. The staff is awesome!

Without a doubt, the people working at this property deserve incredible praise, especially Barb Legg, who manages the lodge. She was truly amazing at helping with our accommodations and needs.

We also got to really know Bob, Sharon, Aki, Steve, and Rose Mary, all of whom became a part of our extended family.

Leaving Estes Park was hard because we love that place and those people.

2. The location is perfect.

Nestled up on the side of the mountain, it provides stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding area.

It’s conveniently located next to Highway 36 which leads directly to Rocky Mountain National Park and a two minute drive to downtown Estes Park (and easy access to free parking).

There’s plenty to do and see without going very far.

3. The property is excellent.

When visiting the Historic Crags Lodge, it’s important to remember the historic part of the experience.

It’s not a brand new property by any means and needs some minor updates to the rooms, but we loved staying here. In fact, the quirkiness and old lodge feel are what make it special. Plus, seeing the elk and deer up close was thrilling.

Our favorite place to hang out at the lodge was the outdoor areas. You can easily enjoy an adult beverage while gazing in awe at the mountains.

4. The rooms were comfortable and cozy.

Donetta and I got the opportunity to experience a variety of rooms, each with a unique layout or scenery.

While we have our favorite room, which we’ll keep a secret, we enjoyed all of them. Plus, they have kitchenettes so you can cook your own meals and save money. Overall, there are no complaints.

The only downside is that they don’t have air conditioning in any of the rooms. If you visit during warm seasons, it can get a bit toasty.

5. The restaurant is a bonus.

The onsite restaurant offers a fine meal, and the bar serves a variety of cocktails and craft beers. Plus, the owner and staff are super friendly and welcoming.

And they make a hell of an empanada!

We will definitely stay here again!

The Historic Crags Lodge really felt like home, and it’s the best place we’ve stayed in the past four years due to all the reasons above.

Hopefully, if you make it to Estes Park, you can stay here. We think you’ll fall in love with it as we did.

Update 2024: Unfortunately, we have discovered that Historic Crags Lodge has shut its doors for good and is no longer an option.

As Donetta and I wrapped up our two sun-soaked weeks in New Braunfels and our time at Schlitterbahn, we finally achieved our goal of floating the Comal River. We’ve been talking about tubing a river for years and there was no better time than now!

About The Comal River

We knew nothing about the river before deciding to go tubing, but since then, I’ve learned it is the shortest navigable river in Texas and is dubbed the “longest shortest river in the world” by locals. It’s a two-mile stretch that runs through the entire city limits of New Braunfels. - Wikipedia

The river is open year-round for recreation, with an average temperature of 72 degrees. So if you miss out on summer, you can still go tubing in winter.

Starting at Landa Falls

There are many places to begin floating the Comal River, including public land, but we chose Landa Falls. It’s the longest float and we wanted to get the most from it.

You can save money by going to Walmart or another store to buy a tube, but we decided to fork over $18 each to avoid having to blow it up or find a home for it when we were done. Tubes for your coolers are also available, along with life vests.

Free parking is no problem for Landa Falls. They have a large gravel parking lot across the street from the main entrance and it’s a short walk to the gate. Restrooms are available on the grounds in case you downed that 22 oz beer before leaving and need to pee before getting to the water. And yes, I’m speaking from experience. LOL

Floating the River

Once you park your arse in the tube, the rest is easy. The river current will take you away, and the only thing required beyond that point is enjoying the ride.

It’s important to state to our adult beverage enthusiasts that alcohol is allowed when floating the Comal River, but you must use an approved container. Since I’m a law-abiding citizen and never question authority, my choice was to use a properly insulated Thermos filled with the Nectar of the Gods. The downside is that you run out quickly when you’re thirsty.

The river itself is less intimidating than what I envisioned.

On our floating trip, the water was clear and clean, with the deepest part about neck-deep. The “rapids” sections we encountered were more like speed bumps, though still fun. At times, it felt like more of a journey through a large suburban creek than an expedition through the wilderness. But we did see a variety of wildlife, including fish, ducks, turtles, cranes, and a small herd of deer!

There were times we’d get caught up in a horde of fellow tubers or have to listen to loud, obnoxious music, but overall it was a very tranquil and peaceful experience.

Ending at South Union Avenue

After three hours or so, you’ll come to the last tubing exit and have to haul your gear up two flights of stairs and a short distance to the shuttle pickup points. From there, you can get a ride back to the main entrance before heading to your vehicle.

So was it worth it? Yes, it was.

We definitely had a fantastic time floating the Comal River and playing in the water. Whether you pay for the tubing experience or bring your own stuff and jump in at specific points, it’s a fun way to spend your day in the heat. Donetta and I highly recommend it.

This post was updated on November 21, 2022, following Diamond Resorts International's acquisition by Hilton Grand Vacations.

We are Diamond Resorts International owners and wanted to share our perspective about the timeshare sales presentations offered by these properties. It’s important because so many people get asked to attend these meetings in exchange for gifts. The following is what you should know in advance.

Overall, we have been pleased with DRI and most of the resorts. The properties have been really nice, and the staff members have been fantastic to deal with. Aside from some negative aspects of hotel living, it’s been great.

Additionally, we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our vacation club investment since we started traveling full-time. This is important because we live in hotels and resorts 365 days a year, so being able to book at deeply discounted rates or attend presentations in exchange for club points has been very beneficial to us!

The biggest problem we’ve encountered twice in two years has been visiting the sales presentation at Mystic Dunes Resort in Orlando, Florida, and this is why we want to warn you, should you choose to go.

What is the Diamond Sales Presentation?

Many of the Diamond Resorts concierge staff will ask you to attend a 60-minute sales presentation in exchange for a reward. This can be a free night’s stay, discounted event tickets, a gift card, or additional club points.

In the presentation, you will be asked about your travel dreams and goals, and will be presented with a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Diamond Resorts is selling you on a vacation lifestyle, and they are very good at discovering key motivators to entice you to purchase their program.

Remember: Their goal is to get you to buy into a timeshare or vacation club package, often at prices of $40,000 and above. You need to understand this going into this commitment.

Knowing this from the very beginning will save you a ton of frustration and you won’t feel like a deer caught in headlights. Beyond that, it’s usually not a bad way to spend an hour of your time, especially if you negotiate well for the rewards you can earn. For example, we’ve stayed a LOT of nights for free at resorts and cashed in gift cards for our attendance at these meetings.

Often, the presentation experience is fun and pleasurable, depending on the sales representative and location, but there are those damning instances when you get stuck in hell.

The Mystic Dunes sales presentation is a trap.

Mystic Dunes is located in Orlando, Florida, the mecca of timeshare and vacation resort pitches. The property itself is fantastic, but that is where it stops. If you ever get asked to do a sales presentation or member update at that location, do yourself a favor and run. Donetta and I have attended two meetings there, and I can assure you, I’ll never set foot in that place again!

They will hold you hostage and lie to you.

Now you can walk out of any presentation at any time. We’re all grown ass adults who have the freedom to stay or go, depending on how we are being treated. But if you want the gift you were promised, you might have to endure hours of lies and neglect.

The first horrible experience.

The first time we visited the Mystic Dunes presentation was in the summer. It was very hot and humid, and there was very little air conditioning to make a difference. Because I suffered from heatstroke several times while serving in the U.S. Army, I’m more susceptible to getting sick in hot environments. Unfortunately, after an hour in this unbearable climate, I started to get ill and almost passed out.

While the first sales rep was kind enough to finish his pitch, the second salesman (the exit interview) would not let us leave with our promised gift. Despite my condition, he continued to push us to stay in order to purchase a different package and refused to give us our papers to sign out. I decided it wasn’t worth the hell I was experiencing, so I walked out. Then he continued trying to sell to Donetta, which is a big NO-GO under their company rules. It took us two hours to leave.

The way Diamond Resort employees treated us at the Mystic Dunes sales presentation was unprofessional and appalling!

The second and last horrible experience.

Yesterday, we attended another member update at Mystic Dunes in exchange for 4000 points. In hindsight, it was a very stupid move, but we figured since Hilton purchased the Diamond Resorts International brand, things would be different this time.

We were wrong.

After spending an hour with our representative, our meeting was coming to a close when she disappeared and never returned. Now this is often the case: when they can’t close you, they send in the backup person to offer you another, better deal. It’s like going to a car dealership and suffering through all the bullshit games. They try to wear you down, hoping to result in a sale. We waited an additional 30 minutes, and that’s when I had had enough! Several “managers” promised to help me get checked out, but they kept disappearing, and they were holding us hostage for our gift.

Now I had to raise my voice so everyone could hear how we were being treated again during this unprofessional sales presentation.

Different salespeople were arguing with us about our rights and the process. The manager refused to help us and threatened to call security because I was loud, and the man holding our paperwork would not simply hand it to us. WTF Diamond Resorts and Hilton???

Instead of giving us our gift and defusing a volatile situation, they kept telling us to come back in and sit down for another presentation.

Here’s the deal.

When you agree to a 60-minute presentation, that is all you are required to give. You don’t have to put up with another hour of bullshit presentations and pressured sales tactics. This is illegal in many states, especially where time-share programs have earned an atrocious reputation, and there are laws to protect you from this.

Refuse to be treated this way.

We will be filing a formal complaint with Diamond Resorts International, Hilton, and the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, we’ll be leaving negative reviews and sharing our experience with the Mystic Dunes sales presentation in every possible way. This type of behavior and treatment will not be tolerated. And I will fight to ensure this doesn’t happen to you!

Over the course of 18 months, we’ve attended a dozen presentations and most of them have been good. We’ve benefited from these meetings and earned great rewards. But Mystic Dunes crossed the line in so many ways, and it’s unlikely I will ever invest more money or time into Diamond Resorts or Hilton simply because of these two presentations.

So please. Avoid a Mystic Dunes sales presentation in Orlando at all costs. It’s not worth the rewards they promise you. Read the paperwork they ask you to sign. Know your rights in advance. And don’t be bullied into spending money on something you won’t use or need.

If you’ve been to this presentation, we’d love to hear about your experience.

Leave a comment

After Christmas, we decided to head out east and spend some time in Tennessee. We stayed in Gatlinburg at Bent Creek Golf Village Resort. This might end up as one of my favorites of the year for one simple reason: our kids got to take some time off work and join us for a week. We’ve hoped they could join us somewhere for some fun ever since we took off to travel in July of 2020, so it was time. Haha!

We booked a room for us for two weeks, as well as one for each of our kids for one week, so everyone had plenty of space for “me time,” but we still had plenty of room to hang out together, too.

Our Thoughts on Bent Creek Golf Village

I prefer to break down our hotel reviews into specific categories and give a rating for each, so you can get a clear idea of what to expect if you choose to visit. So here’s how I scored Bent Creek in Tennessee.

The Location: 10/10

This score could vary depending on who’s offering their opinion and what they’re looking for when they visit this area. The Bent Creek Golf Village is about 20 minutes or so outside of Gatlinburg. If you’re planning to do a lot of things in town, there’s a little bit of a drive, and some may not like that.

If you love having a little space from all the activity of town, then you’ll love it as we did. The area around the resort is just beautiful. It’s in the mountains, so there’s amazing scenery all around, and it’s a lovely drive into town. It’s very quiet and you don’t really have any noise to bother you at this location.

The Room: 10/10

We couldn’t find anything wrong with the rooms. James and I stayed in the one-bedroom deluxe, and it was not only spacious but also very clean and inviting. They have a lovely fireplace for the colder days and a large screened-in balcony. The large bathroom and tub were great for soaking. The only “problem” we had was finding space for all our stuff.

And for those who need WiFi to work or for streaming TV, we had no problems whatsoever.

The Price: 10/10

As Diamond Resorts owners, we were able to use points for our stay and didn’t pay out of pocket. That’s the best deal, of course. But if you want to book a room, it looks like it starts at about $109 a night. Considering that many hotels charge even more than that without all the amenities, I’d say it’s a great deal! Of course, prices increase during busier times of year, as we were visiting during their slow season.

The Experience: 10/10

As part of our Bent Creek Golf Village Review, we gotta mention the overall experience. We had a fantastic time there!

As I mentioned, we were about 20 minutes from town along a scenic drive that winds through the mountains, so it was nice and secluded but also close enough to go into town and have some fun, which we did. I turned the big 5-0 while we were there, and we had a birthday celebration day and had some fun in Gatlinburg.

Overall Score: A Whopping 10 out of 10!

I can’t really think of anything that wasn’t great while we were there. Well, one thing that wasn’t great was that we got sick. LOL! But that wasn’t about the resort so that we won’t hold it against them.

Because of that, though, we spent a LOT of time just hanging out in our suite and didn’t go out a lot. We were so thankful to have a lovely fireplace and a great view, so it wasn’t so bad being stuck inside.

If you want a great place to stay that’s close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge but isn’t right in the middle of town and in all the madness, you’ll love this place. We highly recommend it!

Yesterday we went to Lahaina to do a little shopping and go on an excursion. Well, we girls shopped and the guys sat outside waiting for us. Haha! Lahaina has tons of cute little shops and things to check out and we really enjoyed browsing.

In front of the harbor is this area with a massive tree that’s super cool!! It’s called a Banyan tree, and it was planted in 1873 and is one of the largest in the country, or the largest, depending on the source. It occupies an entire city block and stands over 60 feet tall. It looks like a lot of trees, but it’s one tree. “Descending from its branches, aerial roots drape towards the ground, where they take root, thicken, and form new trunks that allow the tree to grow vertically and horizontally.”* Isn’t it incredible?

Of course, there are other beautiful trees and wildlife in the area to see, and we enjoyed it all.

Our Reefdancer Experience

Our excursion was booked with Reefdancer. It was incredible. We went out on a boat that’s like a submarine, with windows along the sides, and we got to see the ocean floor and some marine life. They had divers who went down, looking for things to bring up to the window and show us, and it was so fun!

We were out in the water for a bit, so it felt like we’d gone a long way. But when we came up to the top, this is where we were. We thought we were way out in the ocean, but we weren’t very far out at all.

This excursion was definitely something we thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend. The crew on the boat was so friendly, and they did a great job of explaining what we were seeing and answering any questions we had. They even had some sea life on board that we could see, hold, and learn more about.

It was a great experience for sure. 😃

This is Kathy. She was awesome! She works the counter at the harbor and we ended up talking to her for about half an hour after the tour. She was so fun to visit with and we just loved her!