Happy Camper Radio

As time progresses, each one of us will age to the point where camping and vacation travel will become a bit more challenging. Many of us were brought up to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature. For a lot of us, camping is a family tradition. As we watch our loved ones grow with age, there will come a time when we will need to step forward and help them with mobility related issues. In this episode, Skip's brother Rick joins us on the show to discuss handicap accessibility at the campground, and the importance of lending a hand to keep the camping spirit alive within them.

In the summer of last year, Skip purchased a 2022 Grand Design Transcend Xplor RV. In doing so, he quickly became a proud member of the Grand Design family of RV owners. During the past several months, he's had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people who share a love of friendship and spending time in the great outdoors. In this episode, Jody and Heidi Bates from Putnum, Connecticut join us to talk RV living, and to show off their Grand Design travel trailer which they proudly refer to as "The Bates Motel".     Show less

How particular are you about the city water found at your campsite? While many of us assume that the water supplied to the campground is free of harmful contaminates, some folks take extra precaution by installing a water filter on their fresh water intake hose. City water is always great for showering and washing dishes. However, some campers prefer bottled water for cooking and human consumption purposes. In Episode 247, Skip and Daniel weigh-in with their thoughts.

Have you ever wondered if owning an RV would be right for you? Before making that huge investment, there a simple and affordable way to experience RV living. In this episode, Stellar Watson of RVezy joins us to talk about renting. Find out how easy it is to connect up with owners willing to rent their RV for your next vacation getaway, and how RVezy can assist you in the process.

No one likes camping when the weather gets ugly. Keeping the family occupied with quality entertainment is what helps us all get through these difficult moments. In this episode, Skip explains the benefits of owning a DVD movie library, and where to shop for great bargains.

Many campgrounds throughout the world look for repeat business from individuals and families like yours. To achieve long term relationships with customers, campground owners and operators need constructive feedback. It's so important to let these businesses know your personal thoughts and experiences. In this episode, Skip explains why he takes the time to fill out comment cards at each camping destination; offering both positive ratings, as well as identifying areas that need improvement.

Freezing temperatures can have detrimental effects on recreational vehicles. With the cold weather moving in, Skip begins the process of wintering his RV, while making plans for some exciting road trips in 2023. Meanwhile, Daniel has some other ventures in mind. He dropped by this week to show off his new backpacking tent from REI.

Screenwriter, playwright and Ringo Award-nominated comic creator Brent Lengel joins us on the show to talk about his journey on the Appalachian Trail. Brent has lived his life by the motto: "If there's something crazy you want to do, first go do it...and then write about it." Skip and Daniel are back from their recent camping trips with great stories to share.

Is the high cost of gas preventing you from taking a much needed vacation? In this episode, Skip and Daniel identify ways to cash-in at the pump. Skip talks about his latest camping trip at Lake Lanier. In an unexpected move, Skip's new kitten sneaks in the studio and takes center stage.

Adequate rest is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself tired and wore out ahead of an upcoming camping trip, you'll be spending more time in the sleeping bag than you will enjoying all that nature has to offer. In this episode, Skip talks about his experience in preparing for an upcoming trip, and the importance of being well rested before arriving at your camping destination.

Is your cell phone controlling every aspect of your life? Do you find it necessary to stay in touch with the office, relatives, friends and people in the outside world while away on a camping trip? While many of today's modern devises provide other useful purposes, keeping up with current events outside the campground can pull you away from the quality time you need with your loved ones. In this episode we'll take a look at the pros and cons of keeping your phone turned on and strapped to your side while camping.

An emergency roadside assistance membership is priceless. The last thing any of us want to experience is a mechanical failure or breakdown while traveling to or from our camping destination. In this episode, Skip explains the trouble he went through when his truck battery died on the way home from a recent camping trip, and who he called to assist him in getting back on the road.

Skip is wasting no time booking camping trips now that he has an RV. He just returned from his second visit to Lake Sidney Lanier in north Georgia. For once, rain and thunderstorms were not an issue.  Listen in as he shares his thoughts and experience of camping at the Duckett Mill campground. Find out what other destinations are on the horizon.

Back from his first four-day camping trip on Lake Sidney Lanier, Skip and Daniel bring their show to you from the comforts of Skip's brand new 2022 Grand Design RV. While weather conditions were not the most favorable, it did not put a damper Skip's plans to get away and relax.

Skip has spent the past two weeks equipping his new RV in preparation for his next three day #camping trip.  Not a single detail has been overlooked. Unlike years past, rain is not expected to be an issue. Listen in as Skip identifies where he'll be venturing off to as he takes his new Grand Design RV on it's maiden voyage.

In Episode 234, Michael Boyink joins us on the show to discuss his new book "Driven to Wonder"...Eight Years in an RV With Two Kids. Listen in as Michel shares his experience of traveling across America to more than 124 fabulous destinations. His book contains many great photos and is available for purchase now on Amazon.    

Putting the primitive camping lifestyle to rest once and for all, Skip decided to go out and purchase a brand new, 2022 Grand Design, Transcend 200MK RV. In this episode, Skip takes his listeners on a tour of his new "home away from home", and shows-off all the amenities any camper could ever want. Fans can get an up-close look inside his new RV now by listening and subscribing to the Happy Camper Radio YouTube channel.

Skip and Daniel talk about their recent camping experience at FDR State Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Following a day of scorching temperatures and a night of heavy rain and thunderstorms, Skip announces an end to primitive camping after his tent get flooded in the raging storm. Listen in as he explains what his plans are for future camp outings.

Have you ever thought about taking your family pet on vacation? Pets are known to provide us a tremendous amount of love and comfort. For many of us, pets are a part of the family. In this episode, Skip walks you through the steps and considerations you should take in preparing your pet for vacation travel.

While camping, it's important for every one of us to take full advantage of nature and the quality time we spend with family and loved ones. Do you often worry about the safety and security of your family home while you're away? In this episode, Skip puts his law enforcement training to work, and offers up some good advise in preparing your home for an upcoming vacation. Daniel shares a Memorial Day remembrance.