RV Campervans, History and More

Just finished reading a funny entry in the journal of Barry & Monique Zander at RV.net ....the authors tell about different situations when their 28' travel trailer is not referred to as an 'RV' (probably by folks who have never set foot in an RV)...and it got me to thinking about all the different types of RVs, their history,and what they are called in other countries.

Where are the Campervans?

The ensuing internet search landed me at an England motorhome site and then on to a 'campervan' for hire site regarding the Glastonbury Festival - which apparently is famous for the music, the atmosphere, the toilet facilities (or lack of) and......the mud. Celebrating 40 years, many festival attendees may be too old for tents but too young to miss this special event, so they rent campervans and motorhomes.  Check out this picture! Not Idaho camping, for sure :)

Wikepedia describes 'campervans' quite aptly as s ometimes referred to simply as a camper, or a caravanette (I like this version...is the interior decor 'Barbie pink'?), is a self-propelled vehicle that provides both transport and sleeping accommodation.

Then it goes on to read "In the U.S. the term RV is more common they tend to be larger than in Europe..or the rest of the world."  Go figure.

Volkswagen Autosleeper Clubman, GL

This cute model is a typical campervan that is very popular in Europe and it includes a 'hob' (kitchen stove) and grill and amenities familiar to U.S. manufactured RVs - even air conditioning - though smaller models often carry a "porta-potty" portable toilet, and sometimes an external shower which operates within the privacy of an awning. Yikes!




There's more!  Then I learned about the 'Dormobile' - a 1960's-era conversion type campervan aka 'motorcaravan', manufactured in Kent, England.  The first Dormobile motorhome, complete with a gas stove, a sink and cupboards and seats which converted into beds, appeared in 1957.

OK...we'll get into more RV history in another segment, but can't resist posting these two pics about 'pop-up' campervans...ah...the memories :)

Classic VW Camper..w/ a top

Toyota Landcruiser 4WD

 

Tourism in North Central Idaho

We're at the Idaho Travel Council's annual Grant Summit in Boise....learning how to grow our business and welcome you to our beautiful RV Park in the 2011 season.

The Park is going through the Winter blahs...the leaves are gone and the grass is brown, but we have plenty of guests enjoying the ability to store their rigs from November to March. They come to fish, hike and enjoy our sunny skies during Winter.  In preparation for your visit later this year, our bushes and trees are trimmed and seeds are being purchased to plant flowers by the Gazebo in May.

What are your plans for traveling this year?  Will the price of gas affect your travel plans?  Let us know your thoughts and keep us posted.

Stay tuned....more later and check us out on pg. 42 of the 2011 Idaho State Travel Guide.  http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0a34d0e8#/0a34d0e8/44

Road Trips!

RoadTripsForFamilies.com editor appeared on Seattle Fox TV station talking about the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies. Check it out at: http://tinyurl.com/28hj9ay

White Bird, Idaho, is part of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, which is a non-traditional park managed by the National Park Service, covering 38 sites in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The White Bird Battlefield is a great self-guided interpretive hike, located about 4 miles north of Swiftwater RV Park.  Learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/nepe/index.htm

Road Trips for Families is an online magazine covering family travel from the road trip perspective.  Learn more at http://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com 

The Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies include some of North America's most scenic lakes, rivers, mountains, charming towns and historic places.  The Drives connect 19 spectacular National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas via nationally designated Scenic Byways and Historic Trails.  Learn more at http://www.drivethetop10.com

Swiftwater RV Park is a small, exclusive private campground on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, and only 17 miles from Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Learn  more at:  http://www.swiftwaterrv.com

 

Salmon Season to Close July 7th

Idaho Fish and Game will close Chinook salmon fishing in the Pine Bar, Hammer Creek and Vinegar Creek sections of the lower Salmon River at the end of fishing Wednesday, July 7.

There you have it...get out that pole, license, and all the other gear and head over to Swiftwater RV Park, pitch a tent...and GO FISHING!  Catch a Salmon...anglers are reeling them in droves, and here on the soft & sweet banks of the Salmon River, you have room to stretch your legs and cast your line without bumping into another person doing the same thing.

This little Idaho campground is the best in the west, with great showers to to soothe the soul before you enjoy that evening refreshment, plug in the laptop to check emails on our free wifi service, and then get up and do it all over again before the season closes!

Cycling the Transamerica Bicycle Trail with Heidi

Okay...it's been a while since a post, but no worries...we're here.  There was so much rain in May and June, I think I drowned, but now I'm saved by awesome Idaho sunshine!

A very nice young woman, a Colgate graduate, cycling from coast to coast on the Transamerica Bicycle Trail Route - Adventure Cyclist - enjoyed a great tenting experience by the banks of the Salmon River at Swiftwater RV Park on July 1st.  Dear to my heart, rural community development - focusing on recreation in the Northwest - is a focus in her life.

Check out her blog as she writes about travel experiences, even the Silver Dollar Bar in White Bird, Idaho...yahoo!

Heidi, we wish you safe, speedy, and friendly cycling.  Thanks for staying at Swiftwater RV Park, and writing about the area.  Good  luck, and keep in touch!

Salmon Fishing - Incredible Season

 Unbelievable fish count over Idaho's Dams for this season's Chinook Salmon, as provided by the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.

Fishermen are catching Salmon  now in Lewiston, Idaho, and the g-zillions they didn't catch will be in White Bird by this weekend, ready for you in the beautiful Salmon River.  Cool weather is in the forecast, so dress warm, but come prepared to catch those awesome, healthy Chinook Salmon this weekend.

What is your favorite way to prepare fresh Salmon? Share a recipe with us....c'mon....I'm not asking for the location of your favorite fishing hole, just a recipe!

RV Rentals and Swiftwater RV Park

RV USA, the website touting 'Your Guide to Everything RV - http://www.rvusa.com - is a good online place to tuck into your bookmarks.  They have just added RV Rental units to their website: http://www.rvusa.com/rv-rentals.  It's pretty cool for those RV Dealers using the RV USA Rental Manager, their rental units can now be viewed on their listing by clicking the RVs For Rent link on the right side of their Partner or Member listing with them.

There are 4 RV Rental places listed in Idaho, sprinkled throughout the state, so that's handy:  Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Caldwell and Chubbuck.

For guests planning a trip to Swiftwater RV Park - www.swiftwaterrv.com - who want to plan a road trip with a group of friends, but a few folks may not own an RV...they can still join the caravan!  At Swiftwater RV Park, on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, we have plenty of space for pull-throughs and any size trailer.  Plan a trip, come stay with us!

Boise State Broncos win Fiesta Bowl 2010

Besides fishing, camping, hunting, 4-wheeling, and rafting, nothing says 'Idaho' better then the 2009 Boise State Bronco football team, that proudly pounced onto the field in Arizona at the 2010 Fiesta Bowl and flipped those darn TCU frogs on their head to win 17 to 10!

Don't ya just love those Bronco lads!  Fourteen - yep...14 straight wins - for this team lead by coach Chris Peterson.  Just couldn't resist dropping in a post about this great Fiesta Bowl win.  Congratulations to the team, fans, and all of Idaho.