Our 4th of July week vacation with the travel trailer was spent in two sets of mountains: Mt Madonna (in the Santa Cruz Mountains) and Shaver Lake (in the Central Sierra National Forrest).

The actual 4th holiday weekend we spent close to home in Mt. Madonna County Park.  This was a very nice getaway and allowed for hiking, biking and even some very fun strawberry picking!

Mt Madonna Facilities

The park is tucked up in the mountains above Gilroy, CA (map).  The RV sites are spacious and shady, and many of the facilities are fairly new. The bathroom/shower building by our site seemed almost brand-new and was a very short walk from our trailer. The campground offers power and water at the campground RV sites but no sewer. There is a dump station at the campground though that is very conveniently located.

One word of warning about the road at the campground turn off (at Pole Line Road). It is really steep! Use your lowest gear if you are pulling anything when driving up the road. It is an almost constant climb to the ranger check-in station. The first time up it can be a little hairy.

Kids castle at Mt Madonna County Park

Right next to our campsite site the kids found a grove of redwood trees in what is called a “fairy ring.” Younger redwood trees grow in a circle around the stump of an older tree and take nutrients from the old tree. The kids thought it looked like a castle because the stump was hollowed out making a perfect lookout/castle.  This provided HOURS and DAYS of fun for the children staying in the RV campground for the weekend.

During our stay there we noticed the campground was not as full as the website had indicated. I’ve noticed many times people book a reservation but just don’t show up. It’s always a good idea if you can’t initially get a reservation to try again a little closer to your desired arrival date. You may be surprised a month or so before you want to go…you may actually get in!

Kids at the Miller Ranch Ruins

Our first morning there we went on a guided hike to the Henry Miller Ranch Ruins.  Only the foundations remain of these historical homes, which would have been considered legendary in their day. Henry Miller and his family would love to come to Mt. Madonna in the summer and enjoy the coolness and beauty of the area. It is a short hike, but bring bug spray. the mosquitoes were out on our hike.

The week before our trip to Mt. Madonna, Sunset Magazine’s ran an article on spending a day in Watsonville, which is just on the other side of the ridge in the valley from our campground.

Of the activities listed, we choose to take a bike ride along a wetlands reserve park which was scenic and  beautiful.  The ride began at the wetlands center which we should have taken more time to explore, but the kids were rearing to get going on their bikes.  Luckily there were several informative wildlife stations with information about what you were looking at along the way.

Claire picking strawberries

After the wetlands we headed to a “pick ‘em yourself” strawberry farm. It was really fun and the strawberries were very tasty.  We ran into some friends from San Jose, who had done just what we were doing … following the Sunset Magazine article and enjoying their day.

Sunday (the 4th of July) we decided to go to Morgan Hill for their fireworks show.  The fireworks were set to music and were very well coordinated.  It was a good experience and the kids had a great time.  We were able to take the back-roads back to Mt. Madonna and were in our beds before 11 p.m.

Our final day at Mt. Madonna started with a bit of high fog which burned off quickly but left a breezy day.  We looked at the park map to see if there was anything we could do before pulling out. There was an accessible trail to visit historic twin redwoods which had been deemed to be almost 250 years old!  We headed out on our bikes to visit the trees and walk a bit on a little wooded trail.

Ben tries to climb the giant redwood

We spent the rest of the morning cleaning the trailer for the next leg of our holiday trip which would take us to Shaver Lake and Camp Edison in the Central Sierra Nevada.   The kids spent the time in the magical castle and enjoying Mt. Madonna to the very last minute!

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

10 Days in the Mountains – Part one – Mt. Madonna Santa Clara County Park

Similar Family RV Fun posts:

1. Thanksgiving dinner on the beach So we always go to the Pismo Beach area every...
2. Wrights Lake: It was a beautiful week Well we just got back from Wrights Lake and boy...
3. Avila Beach Didn’t Disappoint We were able to escape to Avila Beach for part...
4. Our Holiday Trip: A Ton of Fun, and one Little Doh! Well we’re back from our big holiday two week trip...
5. RV Solar Panel I’ve just started a new project and I wanted to...

The big tank at SeaWorld

Tomorrow we take-off for the longest (by distance and time) of our family RV trips this year. We are going to San Diego for two weeks. My wife is off work and the kids are off school, so we are going for it. I will have to do a little work during the trip, but when you work for yourself your time is never really your own.
photo credit: kwalk628

We are going to try to be as economical as possible. Our trips to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo and Animal Park are already paid for because we bought a year membership to both last year (yes we did this same trip last year).

Panda at the San Diego Zoo

But unlike last year we are trying to stay at county parks and other more economical places. Last year we stayed a really special RV park, Campland on the Bay. It was a little expensive (but very cool), so this year we are going to be staying at three different campgrounds and they are all under $35 per night.
photo credit: PedroCancion

We only considered doing this again this year if we could keep expenses way down. So we won’t be eating out much and we are really going to watch everything we buy. Needless to say our biggest expense will be gas. And the next biggest expense of course will be food. I will be using every trick I know to keep our fuel use to a minimum and most meals will be at the RV. Also the trip will be one of the kids Christmas presents, as we keep telling them.

I think it will be fun to see how cheap we can be. So I will be tweeting along our trip (twitter username: FamilyRVFun).

Follow our exploits in family fun and economy. I will let you know the nitty-gritty on what we spend on and how much. And also I’ll try to pass along anything we learn on economical RV travel.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

The Big Holiday Trip: On the Road in Economy Class

Similar Family RV Fun posts:

1. Thanksgiving dinner on the beach So we always go to the Pismo Beach area every...
2. Wrights Lake: It was a beautiful week Well we just got back from Wrights Lake and boy...
3. Cal State Parks – Closure Details Finally Released Well the last shoe finally dropped on the on-going saga...
4. RV Solar Panel I’ve just started a new project and I wanted to...

• RV rolls over steep cliff as RVer walks dog

July 15, 2009
- Luckily no one was hurt – except the RV (picture included).

Always use the park brake!

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on July 22, 2009

• The Pit Falls of Trying To Get RV Technical Advice

July 13, 2009
- This is a good article on where to go when you have questions about your RV. What I usually do is first try to find the answer in the RV manual, then the equipment manual and then try an online forum.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on July 15, 2009

• Finding Family and Child Friendly US Beaches

July 8, 2009
- Good article on family friendly beaches throughout the US. On the west coast they mention Coronado beach in San Diego and Capitola beach in Santa Cruz. Both great beaches.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on July 13, 2009

My family and I spend the long weekend (from 6/19- 21/09) at Calavaeras Big Trees Stat Park. It is located 10 minutes above Arnold, CA in the Southern Sierra Nevada.  Below is the account of our stay and some tips on how to make your stay there more enjoyable.

Getting to the Campground – No Wide Turns
Upon driving into the park, we were so stunned by the beauty of the forrest that we missed our turn for the campsite and we ended up on a dead-end road, which once had been the RV dump station area (now not in service). However, that was blocked off by some very heavy logs, yes, we did try to move them but couldn’t, because making a U-turn was impossible.

As we worked on trying to turn our travel trailer around in the dead-end road, we attracted the attention of a state park ranger who came to assist us in backing out of our mess (which was about 5 car lengths out with cars parked on either side).  It was a real nail biter and we were tired of driving so it just added to the frustration of being at the camp and not yet at the campsite.  We made it though and the Ranger followed us in and helped us back into our wide and expansive site.  He was great!  Thank you Barry!

About the Sites
The sites at Big Trees are expansive and that is a plus, however, many are close to Highway 4 so they suffer from highway traffic noise (not what you want to hear at a high sierra camp site).  We have done a bit of legwork and we’ll recommend the sites we think you should look for when you go.

What we didn’t expect was a spigot that wasn’t set up to accept a regular water hose.  So while there is water…you have to find a way to actually get it into the RV.  We knew this wasn’t going to be an easy fix.  On the second day we did buy an extra water hose and we cut off one end in order to make it larger to fit over the spigot.  That helped us out but we weren’t able to really cut off all the water from spraying out all over.  We will keep this modified hose and a few clasps within our trailer in case this happens again.

We didn’t have electricity and were a little concerned if we could make the two days on the battery power we have with the trailer.  We also did not have a sewer hook up at the site and had to conserve water and how we used our bathroom.  We decided it was only for those nighttime, and early morning nature calls and that by no means would we ever be doing number 2 there.  We used the nice bathrooms that were there at the campgrounds. We did great!  We washed our dishes outside with a collapsible plastic side-by-side sinks and used our outdoor shower to clean up under so that our water usage did wash way into the ground…versus into our tank.  We left with only 1/3 full tanks and drove all the way to where we store the trailer where we can use their dump station.

All the Fun
Big Trees State Park has a wonderful camper activity program.  On Friday night we took in a sing along at the campfire area. It was quite good.  The two who were leading the sing along seemed to be regulars and had strong voices.  They did a lot to involve the children in the audience and had a round of jokes, which both our little hams (Ben 7 and Sam 4) had to participate in twice!  Though we still can’t quite figure out their jokes, they both thought they were hilarious!  The evening finished off with marshmallows over the campfire! We made smore’s as we always have to do at least once on our trips!

On Saturday morning the kids took in the Jr. Ranger programs and they were great!  Ben got to explore and find bones of little creatures that were eaten by owls and Sam learned all about butterflies and made a butterfly kite.  In the afternoon we took out our new Rockport Old Town Canoe and had fun on a small man made like called White Pine Lake, which is just a few miles from the park.   This was fun and we enjoyed breaking in the canoe and finding a nice beach to picnic on.   On our way back we went ahead and drove up to the Stanislaus River and sat along the riverbank where the kids could throw in rocks and just enjoy the sound of the rushing water.

Though not all of us got to go on hikes, I did manage to get in a walk and was amazed by the Big Trees for which this park is named.  The trees are over 2000 years old and massive giants. It was very peaceful and tranquil and would be an enjoyable 1-mile hike for any family.

On our trip the campsites were full of families enjoying the first few weeks off of school.  Our neighbors all had kids and that is where our kids chose to spend their time, playing with the other kids and that really what camping is all about for the kids… meeting new friends who are enjoying the great outdoors as well.

When we go to Big Trees again….
We’ll be sure to turn into the campgrounds….very important.

We’ll also try to go to one of the campsites 4-12 (See North Grove Campground map below). They are far enough away from the traffic noise, but close to activity areas. If you want to get really away from it, you can stay at the Oak Hollow Campground in the park. It is a few miles into the park through a narrow paved road. Though if you have a large RV (28’ plus) I wouldn’t recommend it.

We’ll seek out more hiking, be sure to take in the Campfire singing on Friday nights, go canoeing, maybe at another lake (Alpine and Spicer Lakes are close by).  Be prepared with the modified hose contraption.   We know our battery power can handle a 2-day trip, we only used 1/3 of our battery power.  All in all….we’ll be ready to have a nice, relaxing time at Big Trees again!

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

CA Camping: Calaveras Big Trees State Park- June 19 – 21, 2009

• Extended-Stay Maintenance Checks

June 24, 2009
- This is some good advice from RV Expert Mark Polk.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on July 1, 2009

• Best Theme Parks & Amusement Parks in the West US

June 24, 2009
- This is a good article on the best amusement parks in the Western US. My family and I have only visited two of them. As our kids get older I know we will be visiting more on the list.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on June 24, 2009

We had a really good time at the New Brighton State Beach park. The state park is located off of Highway 1 just outside of Capitola, CA.

It is a state park (though its not threatened of closing with the Cal budget crisis) sitting on the bluffs above the beach. We had power and water, but no sewer (there is a dump station at the entrance to the park).

A nice campground, though the sites were a little close together. The best sites, the ones with a great view of the ocean, don’t have power and cost extra ($10 more a night on top of the $35 a night).

New Brighton is one of the best camp sites you can stay at in the Cal state park system. It has a nice beach below the buffs and it is 10 minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

See the video for the highlights of our trip.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

Camping at New Brighton State Beach

• Keeping the Kids Busy this Summer

June 10, 2009
- This is a great kids on the road activity solution. A supply box for craft supplies will help to make the miles go faster on the drive

• Quick RV Safety Refresher Course : blog.rv.net: RV and Camping *…*

June 10, 2009
- To refresh your RV safety knowledge for the summer season checkout these video from RV expert Mark Polk

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on June 10, 2009

• Replacing Your TV In Your Current RV

June 5, 2009
- Good advice if you have to upgrade your TV to be prepared for the digital conversion of over air tv broadcasting. The TV with antenna won’t work any more

• Camping & Rving: Emergency Planning & Preparation!

June 5, 2009
- This is a great article on being ready with the unexpected happens. If you have a plan it will saves you valuable minutes in an emergency.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on June 5, 2009

You are itching to go and your RV is gassed-up and ready to roll. You’ve reserved and you’re excited to experience the new campground you read so much about in the travel directory. Your ready for the open road.

This is all fine and good but – what about the kids. You know they aren’t going to be angels for the multi-plus hours drive to your RV adventure. So what do you do to keep the kids occupied while you tool down the road?

Below are my ideas on how to reduce the stress and tension when traveling in your RV with the kids.

First some basic travel planning will go a very long way in making the drive time much less stressful:

1. Learn about your travel route as much as possible. Look through the route in a road atlas if you have one. If you have a GPS, program it with the correct address (Confirm the address online or by calling the destination. You don’t want the GPS to sending you to the wrong place. Believe me it happens.)

2. Plug-in your trip destination in Google Maps or another online mapping service. Print it out and have it with you. It is useful as a last resort.

3. Buy the book “the next exit.” It provides exit services info for every exit on the major US Interstates.

So now let’s look at keeping the kids occupied:

1. First the obvious. Have an on-board DVD player for the kids to watch movies. Many vehicles have them built-in these days but if you don’t have one, buy a portable DVD player with a cigarette lighter adaptor. And have a variety of movies on hand so each kid has his/her favorite available.

2. If you are open to it have video games available for the kids to enjoy. This can include LeapFrog system games so they are educational as well. But if you have “tweeners” Nintendo DS or Sony PSP will be your options.

3. Plan craft projects for the kids to do on the road. This can be done safely by having a small portable table for each kid (there are a number of them available. Do a Google search for “kids travel table.”).

4. Reading to your kids isn’t only for bed time. Maybe on a long drive the non-driving adult can read a few stories.

5. Lead road games with the kids. “I spy” is a favorite one of ours. Another one is “who can spot the most out of state license plates.”

6. Potty breaks are an important part of travel. Beside pee breaks kids need to get up and move around during long trips. We usually try to stop every two-to-four hours for a potty and stretch break.

photo credit: House Of Sims

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

Thoughts Before Going On a Family RV Travel Trip

• California Says “No!” to Formaldehyde Holding Tank Potions

May 20, 2009
- More info on formaldehyde in your black water holding tank: Just don’t do it!

• Steep Grade Ahead? Tips for Driving Your RV in Mountainous Country

May 20, 2009
- This is a great article on braking safety when driving in the mountains. Some of it is obvious, but other stuff (turn on your heater to cool the engine) isn’t.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on May 20, 2009

• How To Properly Load And Tow An *RV Travel* Trailer (Hint: Get An *…*

May 6, 2009
- Very good information if you own a travel trailer. The article talks a lot about equalizer hitches and why they are so important to counteract sway.

• *RV Travel* Tips for Beginners

May 6, 2009
- Good basic RV travel info

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on May 6, 2009



]]> http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-news-on-may-6-2009-2/feed/ 0 http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-trailer/ http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-trailer/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:54:31 +0000 Family RV http://www.familyrvfun.com/?p=69 This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel Trailer
Similar Family RV Fun posts:
1. Wrights Lake: It was a beautiful week Well we just got back from Wrights Lake and boy...
2. RV Gas Mileage – My little Secret As we get ready for the last big trip of...
3. Cal State Parks – Closure Details Finally Released Well the last shoe finally dropped on the on-going saga...
]]>



We love our RV travel trailer. It is just so comfortable and feels like home where-ever we are. We



RV Travel Trailer

can be parked at a campground, a fancy RV resort or boondocking somewhere: When the door is closed you really it doesn’t matter, you are comfortable. We having every thing we need and are happy where we are.

I think first and for most the trailer layout and design play a very big part. Out Jazz travel trailer from Thor California is very well laid-out and, after owning it for almost eight months and taking 10 trips, it is very comfortable to live and sleep in.

In future post I’ll go over a check-list when considering an new RV.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel Trailer



Similar Family RV Fun posts:

1. Wrights Lake: It was a beautiful week Well we just got back from Wrights Lake and boy...
2. RV Gas Mileage – My little Secret As we get ready for the last big trip of...
3. Cal State Parks – Closure Details Finally Released Well the last shoe finally dropped on the on-going saga...
]]> http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-trailer/feed/ 0 http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-news-on-april-23-2009/ http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-news-on-april-23-2009/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:51:25 +0000 Family RV http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-news-on-april-23-2009/ This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on April 23, 2009
]]>


• RVers Take a Lickin’ … & Keep on Towin’

April 23, 2009
- Good article on getting the pulse of RVers and the RV industry

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Travel News on April 23, 2009



]]> http://www.familyrvfun.com/family_rv_fun/rv-travel-news-on-april-23-2009/feed/ 0