RV Blog

Well, it’s always thrilling (and relieving) to turn the key and hear the Familyman Mobile roar to life. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day, and I backed the old gal next to the house and have begun the long list of things I need to do before we hit the road.

I was a little surprised by the amount of mouse droppings in the drawers and even on the counter tops. This was the first year I parked it away from the house, and I guess the mice felt safer away from Wilson activity. I spread a box full of fabirc softener sheets all over the RV with little effect (RV urban legend). There were even a few mouse droppings ON one of the softener sheets. So much for that idea.

Here’s a list of things I need to do:

Hey Dad,

I’m starting to prepare for the 2010 Familyman Adventure, and I’m already starting to feel a little nervous about what the year of travel might bring.

Last year a Familyman suggested that I put together a list of familyman around the counrty who would be will to be called or help out if I found myself needing help in various parts of the country.

So…if you’d like to be in my little bronw book would you send me an email at familyman@bnin.net. Include your name, location, contact info (email and/or telephone #), and if you have any special skills to offer like Diesel expert.

Now that things seem to be warming up, I've been thinking about RVing. I know there are several of you Familymen who own campgrounds. I'd love to hear where you're located, and I know there are many others who would love to take advantage of your campspots.

It’s been around for awhile, but last weekend was my first experience of doing battle on the paintball field.

The battle took place at Skyview Ranch in Ohio where I had the privilege of speaking to a great group of men from the First Baptist Church of Elyria.

To make it all the better, I was able to take my sons Ben (16) and Sam (14) along. I’m telling you there is nothing better than fighting side by side with your boys. Not that it wasn’t a lot of fun shooting at them as well.

Fellow familyman George Zavatsky and his wife Michele (with some help from their kids) authored *Kids Love I-75*. I asked George to tell us about their book and give us an insider’s view on the best of the road.

KIDS LOVE I-75 is about sidetrips: Travel just minutes off the interstate to explore lands of mighty bridges and misty swamps. Meet cowboys and Indians, authors & inventors. Discover fun factory tours or ride the rails past parks & pioneers. Hunt through caves and romp around playful forts. Or, hang out with sly sharks or towering dinos!

The best can be found in each state:

OK, everyone knows that Route 66 carries the official designation The Mother Road. But what about The Father Road? I was thinking about the lack of one as I was driving down Interstate – 65/24/75 and noticed all the “See Rock City” bilboards painted on old barns.

Driving south nastalgia swelled in my heart. After all Rock City is practically synonimous with vacation, un-airconditioned car travel, and childhood memories.

And while the Mother Road travels from Chicago to LA, has a song, and stared in the movie CARS, The Father Road passes through the heartland of America and leads to the vacation destination of the world — Orlando, FL home of the Magic Kingdom, Amusment parks, animal parks, water slides, and palm trees underlit with blue and red lights. Yes, it’s tacky…but it’s oh so good.

Hey Dad,

I’m telling you, the success to any travel adventure is prayer, the dad’s attitude, and great music. Thanks to all of you who have prayed, this dad’s attictude hasn’t always been the best, but we sure have enjoyed some good traveling music thanks to all your music ideas.

Cal (3) has become a real Willie Nellsen fan and loves to sing, “On the Road Again.” As far as the rest of the kids, they love the Johnny Cash song “I’ve been Everywhere, Man.”

Right now we’re headed to Lansing, MI and will be stopping by home to re-stock and let the kids enjoy some quick ‘home time.’

Last time I wrote, Debbie had just thrown up and we were kind of waiting for the other shoe to be upchucked. It never came, and we were able to stroll the San Antonio Riverwalk in…San Antonio. Very cool, although not quite as romantic with eight kids tagging along. Must do if you find yourself in the area. Plus, it’s right across the street from the Alamo.

After San Antonio, we trucked down to Mustang Island State Park (right on the ocean) and were mighty disappointed by the prospect. Not only was there a big sign right after the welcome sign that read “Watch Out for Snakes,” but it also became apparent that in the big state of Texas everything is bigger…including the measurements of distance.

Hey Dad,

It’s been a busy week since I last wrote. While at Springfield, MO we were able to stop at two of our favorite restaurants, Lambert’s Cafe and Incredible Pizza.

Lambert’s is home of the throwed rolls and a tourist trap worth being trapped at. The portions are huge and the atmosphere is wonderful. Incredible pizza is Christian owned and has been the site of Ike’s birthday meal (age 10) for the last four years (think Chuck E Cheese on steroids…without the mouse).

If at first you don’t succeed, fail, fail, again. Although I was able to get a gasket for the drippy A/C unit at Kansas City Trailer I still can’t beat the toilet. While KC Trailer, I picked up a new water valve, a fitting, and installed them both. Turned on the water and it leaked like a small Niagara Falls…aauuugggggg!!!!

While in KC we stopped in the Truman Presidential Museum long wnough to see his famous Buck Stops Here sign and learn about the president who dropped the bomb on Japan. We planned to take in the Harley Davidson Factory Tour but ran out of time.