Do You Have One Mug You Favor Over All Others?

Above, my custom coffee mug I use at home. 

Are humans creatures of habit? 

This comes to mind after reading and participating in a new poll at RV Travel on coffee mugs. They ask if you have one mug you favor over others. 

At home, I usually use a custom-made mug featuring my book, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan or one from Folgers Coffee. Both fit my hand perfectly and are of the right size.

Above, with one of the John Wayne coffee mugs in my RV.

While in my motorhome, I use two (not at the same time) mugs I bought from the John Wayne Stock & Supply. 

RV Travel begins their poll with:

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, chances are you own more than one mug. Maybe you have an entire cabinet full of them—souvenirs from road trips, funny gifts from friends, campground treasures, or that one oversized mug that somehow holds juuuuust the right amount of coffee.

So, even with all those choices, do you always reach for the same one? You know the mug. It’s the one that just feels right in your hand. Maybe it’s chipped, maybe the handle fits your fingers perfectly, or maybe the coffee simply tastes better out of it. (Science has yet to confirm this, but plenty of us believe it.)

And, in most households, certain mugs seem to develop “ownership” without anyone officially claiming them. Everyone knows whose mug is whose. Use the wrong one, and you’ll probably hear about it. It’s funny how attached we can become to something as simple as a coffee mug, right?

So what about you? Are you loyal to one favorite mug, or do you happily grab whatever’s clean?

Vote in the poll below, and then tell us the story behind your favorite mug in the comments. We have a feeling there are some great ones out there.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: How Interested Are You In Riding Scenic/Tourist Railroads?

Above, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the joys of travel has to include riding on scenic/tourist railroad.

I've ridden a few, such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, the 1880 Train in South Dakota, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in California and others.

Above, at one point, the Durango train is 300 feet above the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a poll asking readers how interested they are in riding scenic/tourist railroads.

They begin it with:

How interested are you in riding scenic or tourist railroads? Maybe you’ve already crossed a few famous routes off your bucket list, or perhaps you’ve never really given them much thought. Either way, we’d love to know where you stand.

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about traveling by train. Instead of white-knuckle traffic, endless construction zones, and watching your fuel gauge creep toward empty, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery rolling by. Some of the most famous tourist railroads wind through breathtaking mountain passes, hug dramatic coastlines, cross towering bridges, or travel through places that aren’t accessible by road at all.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Poll: Have You Ever Encountered A Bear While Hiking Or Camping?

Above, a black bear at Yellowstone Bear World wildlife park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have you ever encountered a bear while hiking or in a campground? 

I have never encountered any bears in a campground or while hiking, but I have seen a mother bear and cubs near the Sequoia National Park my daughter and were staying at from a distance. We have also seen bears while in a tour bus in Yellowstone National Park.

That is the topic of a new poll by RV Travel. 

They start it off with:

It seems like bear encounters have been making the news more frequently lately. Just this week, a hiker in Glacier National Park suffered a broken arm after a surprise encounter with a grizzly bear on a popular trail. Earlier this season, several campgrounds and trails across North America reported temporary closures or warnings due to increased bear activity.

Of course, that’s not necessarily because bears are becoming more aggressive. Summer is when both people and bears are spending more time outdoors. More RVers are heading into national parks, national forests, and remote camping areas, and that means more opportunities for humans and bears to cross paths.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Rate Your Health Considering Your Age

Above, Fort Massac State Park near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the following RV Travel article states, aging is a funny thing.

Funny, in the sense that is varies among individuals. One may be in excellent health, while another person of the same age may be a wreck. Or, one may be somewhere in-between.

RV Travel has posted a poll on how one rates their health considering their age. 

It begins with:

Aging is a funny thing. One day you’re bouncing back from anything, and the next day you make a strange noise just standing up from your camp chair. But here’s the thing: Age and health don’t always go hand in hand the way people assume they do.

Some RVers in their 70s are hiking trails, climbing into truck campers, and exploring the country like they’re decades younger. Others feel every mile in their joints by the end of a travel day. And, honestly, most of us probably fall somewhere in between.

Health can mean a lot of different things, too. Maybe you deal with aches and pains, but still feel strong overall. Maybe you take medications or have limitations, but consider yourself healthy for your age. Or maybe you feel better now than you did 10 years ago because you finally have less stress and more time to enjoy life.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: Have You Ever Seen A Ghost?

Above, Banquo's Ghost by Théodore Chassériau, 1855.

For those who are interested in the paranormal, RV Travel has up a poll asking if readers ever seen a ghost.

I responded:

Never seen one, but when I was 15, I worked as a dishwasher in a convalescent hospital and saw a metal dessert cup move by itself.

RV Travel posed the question this way:

Ghosts… You either believe in them, don’t believe in them, or don’t believe in them until you see one! Right?

Have you ever seen a ghost? If so, can you say you saw one with absolute certainty or are you pretty sure, but not positive? If you answer yes, you must (and we mean must!) leave a comment and tell us about your ghost experience. We’re dying to know. Thanks!

To read more and participate, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: Do You Like Pickles?

Above, inside the Best Maid pickle store in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only time I usually eat pickles is when sliced ones are in a cheeseburger or as relish on a hot dog. 

RV Travel has posted a poll: Do You Like Pickles?

I know of some who are pickle fanatics. While in Fort Worth, Texas a few years ago, we stopped in the Best Maid Pickle Emporium store so that a friend can get his wife a supply of them.

The poll starts with:

Pickles, you either love them or you hate them! Or, maybe not! Maybe you like them, but you don’t LOVE them, and maybe you think they’re just okay.

For many RVers, pickles are the perfect snack to keep in the fridge for a road trip. They’re portable, easy to pack, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways—whether on a sandwich, alongside a hot dog, or just on their own. Plus, they last a long time, making them an ideal pantry staple when you’re on the move.

Above, Best Maid pickles in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Poll: Do You Listen To Music While Driving?

Above, at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R came with an AM/FM radio along with a CD player. 

While driving, I either have a Country station on (depending upon where I'm at and if there are any signals) or play a CD (either Classic Rock, Country or movie soundtracks). 

RV Travel has posted a poll asking of one listens to music while driving.

They begin it with:

You’re driving down the long, beautiful road to your next destination. Engine humming, road stretching out ahead… what fills the cab? Music? Silence? Something else?

For some of you, we know that music is essential. Playlists, classic rock, country, jazz, road trip anthems—you have a soundtrack for every mile. Music can make long drives feel shorter and boost your mood. Plus, a little passenger-seat dancing never hurt anybody (at least, not that we know of…).

Others prefer something different. Maybe you listen to talk radio, audiobooks, or podcasts, or travel in peaceful quiet. The hum of the road and your own thoughts can be just as satisfying as any song—especially on scenic routes where you want to stay fully present.

Then there are the situational listeners. Music on highways, silence in cities. Upbeat songs during the day, softer tunes at night. Your audio choices shift depending on traffic, weather, or how focused you need to be behind the wheel.

So what about you? When you’re driving your RV (or tow vehicle), is music part of the journey? Go ahead and vote in today’s poll, and feel free to share what’s usually playing.

Oh, and we’re just asking about music today. Not podcasts or talk radio, just music. Thanks!

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Poll: How Often Do You Stay At A KOA Kampground?

Above, last summer at Devils Tower KOA in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, whenever I go on a camping vacation, I plan ahead for where to say the night while en route to a destination. I also check for what RV parks and campgrounds are available at my destinations.

Most often, if there is a KOA Kampground, I will reserve a spot or take a chance and drive in and see if they have any available campsites. Usually they do.

Why do I pick KOA Kampgrounds? First, they are generally consistent in what facilities and amenities are available. Plus, as I have accrued bonus points from previous stays, I use them to get lower prices.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking, "How often do you stay at a KOA Kampground?" My response was "often". I would hazard a guess that it is around 70% of the time.

They begin their poll with:

Kampgrounds of America, better known as KOA, is the largest campground chain in North America with more than 500 locations. It was founded in 1962 in Billings, Montana, and has been a staple for campers for decades.

With its signature yellow signs and a wide range of amenities, KOAs are often a go-to choice for travelers seeking convenience, family-friendly activities, and dependable facilities.

KOA locations cater to every style of camper. Many of its properties also include perks like pools, dog parks, and planned activities for kids, making them an excellent choice for families on the road.

For those looking for extra comfort, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort locations often feature enhanced amenities like upgraded cabins, deluxe RV sites, and full-service cafes. But you’ll pay the price!

When you travel, how often do you stay at KOA campgrounds? Are you drawn to their consistent quality, or do you seek out independent or state park campgrounds for a different experience?

 To read more and participate in the poll, go here.

Poll: How Comfortable Are You Driving At Night/In the Dark?

Above, about to head home from Albuquerque International Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Night driving is one thing that some people don't mind and some people avoid it like the plague.

For me, I have no problem with driving my motorhome at night. The headlights are nice and bright and I can see quite well. 

RV Travel has posted a poll asking people, How comfortable are you driving at night.in the dark? 

It begins with:

This time of year, it’s easy to find yourself behind the wheel after dark. Some of you may be more comfortable driving after dark than others, so for today’s poll, we want to know: How comfortable are you driving at night, in the dark?

For some, night driving feels totally natural. Fewer cars on the road, cooler temperatures, and a peaceful stretch of highway can make those after-dark miles feel almost relaxing. If your eyes adjust well and you’re confident with your headlights, reflective road signs, and nighttime visibility, you might even prefer it to daytime traffic.

But many RVers will tell you a different story. Night driving—especially with a big rig—can feel stressful. Glare from oncoming headlights, dark rural roads, wildlife darting out of nowhere, or the simple strain of seeing detail in low light can make nighttime travel feel risky. Add in aging eyes or fatigue, and it’s no wonder so many people choose to park well before dusk.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here.

Poll: Have You Ever Eaten At A Waffle House?

Above, the Waffle House near the Albuquerque Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, I stayed the night in Albuquerque near the Albuquerque Sunport as I had an early morning flight to Des Moines, Iowa.

While there, I ate at the local Waffle House near the airport. I went there for dinner and breakfast.

RV Travel has a poll asking, Have You Ever Eaten At A Waffle House?

It begins with:

Think back to your last road trip. Maybe it was late at night, maybe you were hungry, maybe the neon lights were calling… If there’s a Waffle House nearby, maybe we can always find you there. For today’s poll, we want to know: Have you ever eaten at a Waffle House?

For some of you, the answer is an easy yes. Waffle House is a roadside institution, especially in the South. Did you know there are more than 2,100 Waffle House locations across 25 states?

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

Poll Results of Renting Out One's RV

Above, at Santa Fe Skies RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When people shell out thousands of dollars for a recreational vehicle, renting out or loaning it to someone else seems like a crazy idea to me.

I have read about people renting out their RVs over the years and it just struck me as something I would never do. I paid too much money for my RV to allow someone else trash it.

According to an article/poll in RV Travel, the vast majority of RV owners agree with me.

They begin with:

Last week, we asked you if you’d ever consider renting out your RV through a peer-to-peer rental company (like Outdoorsy, RVshare, etc.). Out of 1,387 votes, the results were pretty decisive:

• 1% said “Yes, I plan to one day.”

• 9% said they’ve thought about it but will likely never do it.

• 89% said no, they would never rent out their RV.

Clearly, most of you are keeping your keys to yourself!

Many of you explained why in the comments, and the recurring theme was simple: Nobody will ever care for your RV the way you do. As Rich put it: “Simple reason why we would NEVER rent or loan our RV… nobody would take care of it like we would.”

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: Would You Ride A Roller Coaster At An Amusement Park?

Above, my second roller coaster ride ten years ago.

The first time I rode a roller coaster was when I was about eight years old. It was Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds. 

I did not enjoy the ride, but at least I survived it. I didn't ride one again until ten years ago when I was talked into taking a ride on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster at Universal Studios. I was quite apprehensive at first, but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. 

The reason I am bringing this subject up is the RV Travel has a poll: Would your ride a roller coaster at an amusement park?

They start it with:

Some of us love roller coasters, and some of us are terrified of roller coasters! Where do you stand?

Some people chase the thrill—the rush of wind in their hair, the clack-clack-clack of the climb, the heart-pounding plunge into the first drop. Others prefer to watch from the ground with a churro or corn dog in hand, perfectly happy to let others do the screaming.

And then there are the in-betweeners, the ones who get talked into “just one ride” and end up loving (or regretting) every second.

To read the rest and participate in the poll, go here. 

Would I do it again? Probably not.

Poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

Above, at camp at Basecamp 550 in Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer

When will one decide to hang up the RV key?

At 71, I noticed during the past few trips that I didn't have the stamina for 400+ mile drives. I was able to do so without batting an eye before. These days, I have gone at least half way and stop for the night before pressing on.

I have chalked that up to getting a lousy night's sleep the night before. It could also be that age is catching up.

This is the topic of a new RV Travel poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

They begin with:

“It’s time.” That’s what dear RVing friends recently told us. My first thoughts, I’ll admit, were selfish ones. “Who will play cards with us on rainy days? Spontaneously join in a last-minute motorcycle ride? Or take my husband fishing?”

Recovering from the unexpected announcement, I wondered how our friends arrived at the decision to stop RVing. I thought about our own eventuality. Who will determine when it’s time to hang up the RV keys?

To participate in the poll and to read more, go here. 

Poll: Do You Enjoy Visiting 'haunted' or Spooky Locations?

Above, the grave of Bela "Dracula" Lugosi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking, Do You Enjoy Visiting 'haunted' or spooky locations?

Personally, the only place I've been to that may qualify as a spooky location was the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. Other than that, I can't think of any other place.

When I was 15, I worked at a convalescent hospital as a dishwasher when I saw a metal dessert cup move by itself on a counter. But that was at work and not on a trip. 

Above, Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ouray, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did take a Dearly Departed Tour of cemeteries containing celebrity graves about ten years ago. 

The poll begins with:

During your RV travels, do you enjoy visiting “haunted” or just plain spooky locations? These could be old cemeteries, old, haunted mansions, abandoned mental institutions, old jails/prisons, or anything else along those lines.

If you do enjoy visiting those kinds of places, do you seek them out on your travels, or do you only visit them if you come across them along your route or at your destination?

There are many places around the U.S. (and world!) that claim to be “haunted.” Have you ever visited a haunted location and had a ghostly or creepy experience?

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

Poll: Do You Own Your RV Outright Or Make Payments?

Above, camping at Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a new poll asking the question, Do you own your RV outright or make payments? 

I would hazard a guess that most people probably make payments, although 60% of responders said they own it outright. Personally, I own my Class C Winnebago outright, having paid cash for it. 

The poll begins with:

For many RVers, buying a rig is one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make—second only to buying a home. That’s why we’re curious: At this very moment, do you own your RV outright, or are you still making payments on it?

We all know that RV ownership comes with plenty of rewards—freedom, adventure, and the ability to bring your “home” just about anywhere. But it also comes with costs, and financing is a common part of the equation. Depending on the type of RV and the terms of the loan, monthly payments can stretch across 10, 15, or even 20 years. Some folks dive in with big down payments and aggressive payback schedules, while others are more comfortable spreading the cost out over time.

So today we want to know: Do most of you own your rigs outright, or is monthly financing the norm? If you’re someone still making payments, we’d love it if you’d share how much longer you expect to be making those payments. Your insight could help fellow RVers who are weighing their own financing options or just trying to understand what’s typical in the community.

To read or take part in the poll, go here. 

 

How Many Miles Are On Your Motorhome Or Tow Vehicle?

Above, at Fort Massac campground next to the Ohio River near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking how many miles are on your motorhome or tow vehicle. 

For me, my Class C 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie has clocked 72,000 miles. That averages 7,200 miles per year since it is a ten year old vehicle. But that's not accurate as I usually clock about 2,000 to 3,000 per year at most. The 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip were mainly the reason for the mileage.  

RV Travel begins their poll with:

Unless you just bought your RV, there’s a good chance your RV or tow vehicle has some serious miles on it. If you’re using it the way most RVers do—traveling from park to park and exploring new places—those miles can add up fast.

Go take a quick look at the odometer. If you have a towable RV, check your tow vehicle. If you have a motorhome, check the mileage there.

For many RVers, those numbers reflect years of travel, road conditions, and real-world wear and tear. Whether it’s 30,000 or 130,000 miles, it’s useful to know where your vehicle stands—and interesting to see how you compare with others.

Let us know how many miles you’ve logged by answering the poll below. And if you’ve passed a big milestone like 100,000 miles, feel free to share what kind of rig you’re driving and how it’s held up over time.

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

Have You Measured The Exact Height of Your RV?

Above, at camp at Ventura Beach RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel asked the question, "Have you measured to learn the exact height of your RV?:"

My answer, yes I did. My motorhome, including the roof air conditioner, is exactly 11 feet high. I keep a piece of Scotch tape with the measurement on the upper left corner of my windshield. 

I did that soon after I bought the RV. 

RV Travel has the question as a poll. 

They begin with:

Do you know the height of your RV? Well, what the owner’s manual and dealer told you is one thing, but do you really know its height? Have you actually measured it yourself to know its exact height?

Knowing your RV’s true height isn’t just a nice-to-know spec—it can be critical. Every year, RVers report incidents involving low-clearance bridges, overhangs, and even fast-food drive-thrus that didn’t go as planned. Sometimes the difference between making it safely under and causing major damage comes down to just an inch or two.

And, oh, boy, have we seen disasters…

To read more and answer the poll, go here. 

Is Your RV Model Older Than 10 Years?

Above, this sign greeted me at La Mesa RV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This last February, my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R hit the ten-year mark. 

It seems like only yesterday that I bought it at La Mesa RV in San Diego. I flew to San Diego from LAX and the dealer picked me up from the airport. After getting the paperwork and insurance matters done, I drove it home to Tarzana, California. Along the way, I stopped in Mission Viejo to pay a visit to my Aunt Rose. I am glad I did for she passed away a year later.

Above, after getting the RV home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To date, it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. 

RV Travel has posted a poll asking readers if their RVs are ten years old (or older).

They begin with:

Can you believe 10 years ago it was 2015? Oh, how young, sweet, and innocent the world was back then… Sigh…

Anyway, is your RV a model year 2015? If so, that makes it 10 years old this year! Is it a model older than 2015 or one that’s newer?

A lot can change in a decade—technology, road conditions, campground reservations, even the definition of “boondocking” seems to keep evolving. But for many RVers, a well-maintained rig from 2015 might still feel just right. Some even say RVs from a decade ago were built sturdier than some of today’s models—do you agree?

To read more and respond to the poll, go here. 

Americans Want Leaders and Judges Who Strictly Follow The Second Amendment

Above, the firearms department of the Albuquerque Cabela's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is often said that the political party who best reflects the views of the voters will win.

That is especially true when it comes to the Second Amendment. President Trump's campaign pollster has found that Americans want leaders and judges who strictly follow the Second Amendment.

The Reload reported:

The company that ran President-elect Donald Trump’s polling operation has released a new poll showing widespread support for judges and politicians to prioritize gun rights.

The poll, conducted by McLaughlin and Associates and sponsored by the Second Amendment Foundation, was released on Tuesday. It found 77 percent of voters agree it’s “important” that federal judge appointments make it “a priority to try their best to strictly follow the 2nd Amendment.” Another 76 percent said it’s “important” for national political leaders to “protect and defend the 2nd Amendment Rights.” Fewer than 20 percent of respondents said neither was important to them.

“Americans continue to cherish their Second Amendment Rights as the results of our recent national survey clearly show,” Jim McLaughlin, CEO of the polling firm, said in a statement.

Additionally, the poll found 63 precent expect Trump to prioritize protecting their gun rights and 59 percent believe Republicans will do a better job protecting those rights than Democrats.

To read more, go here. 

Team Trump Internal Memo On Debate

 This is interesting: