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A season of peace and quiet…sort of

The kids are back in school. For many families—especially those with school-age kids—this means a return to schedules filled with sports, clubs and lots of driving back and forth. For those of us without such hustle and bustle in our lives, we get to enjoy a special time of year…a time when the pace of life slows down, parks clear out, and those of us with a little more “leisure time” get to enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.

At least, that’s how it used to be…

Today, the fall season has become more popular than ever with RVers. According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), 27 million Americans are planning to go RVing this fall. In fact, RVing has surpassed traditional rental properties as a preferred choice for an outdoor getaway. Not surprisingly, much of this is being driven by Millenial and Gen Z campers. According to RVIA, 33% of Millennial leisure travelers express a desire to take an RV trip in the coming year, with 32% even considering purchasing an RV. Gen Z isn’t far behind, emerging as the most active travelers with keen interests in food tourism and music festivals. Clearly, this isn’t your grandpa’s RV industry anymore.

Overall, I think this is a great thing. If we really want to preserve our natural heritage and the outdoor lifestyle we all embrace, it has to be accessible to everyone, especially younger and future generations. On a personal level, I love the active energy that young families bring to the campground (as long as kids and/or pets are cared for appropriately.)

So yes, there may be a few more travel trailers in my favorite camping spot this fall. But I’m not worried. There’s plenty of room in the great outdoors for all of us to  enjoy the awesome-ness of autumn.

Happy Camping,

Bob

Back to school means back on the road…

As a kid, I always had mixed feelings about this time of year. On one hand, I looked forward to seeing all my buddies again at school. The newness of the new school year always thrilled me. On the other hand, I would miss the pure freedom of summer. The long, sunny days filled with excitement and very little expectation from the adults. My time was mostly my own.

Today, things are different. When September is staring me down, I look outside. To the open road…and I’m ready to go. The heat of summer is starting to cool. The crazy traffic is slowing down. And the parks, near and far, have more spaces for me and mine to stretch out in the great wide open.

For me, you just can’t beat that last trip before September and fall is in full swing. Here are some spots that are close enough to be convenient (for me, anyway) yet far enough away to feed my “adventure bug”.

• Porcupine Mountains (Michigan) – The Porkies are a magical place. Located in the far western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the area is a nature lover’s paradise. This quiet corner of the state has it all—cascading waterfalls, towering pines, breathtaking views of big water and miles of scenic hiking trails. Plan a four-day weekend and bring your binoculars and a comfortable pair of hiking shoes. Or if you prefer, a good load of firewood and a great book. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

https://rvshare.com/state-parks/michigan/porcupine-mountains-wilderness-state-park

• Wayne National Forest (Ohio) – Located 50 minutes southeast of Columbus, Wayne National Forest feels much further away than that. Covering almost 250,000 acres, the area is a patchwork of rolling hills, open meadows and accessible forests. The area has 130 fishable ponds and lakes, so pack your rods and tackle box. The woods are laced with miles of trails too, so bring those mountain bikes. The major hubs of Ohio are all within an hour or so driving distance, so big city excitement is always an option too.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/wayne/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=6203&actid=31

• Sault St. Marie (Ontario) – It’s not often I need my passport to go camping, but it’s well worth the little extra security check to head north of the border. The Soo offers a number of camping options, so you have your choice. Several places are right on the big water; perfect for long beach strolls or even charter boat fishing. Other campgrounds are tucked into the woods, letting you enjoy some much-earned peace and quiet. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, there are a couple parks right near the casino. Make your plans early and enjoy the Soo for all it’s worth.

https://campgrounds.rvlife.com/regions/ontario/sault-ste-marie

I hope you find some time to get away before the leaves (or, gulp, the snow) starts to fall. If you do, share your stories with us on Facebook.

Enjoy!

Bob

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