Medicare Coverage Tips For RVers

Above, the air ambulance helicopter that flew me to Twin
Falls, Idaho from Wells, Nevada. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

When I had my heart/artery episode back in 2018 at Wells, Nevada, I was covered by MediCal at the time. So all of my medical costs were covered by it. This also included the air ambulance helicopter flight to Twin Falls, Idaho.

Currently, I am on Medicare and, so far (thankfully), I have not had any medical emergencies either at home or on the road.

RV Travel has posted an article with Medicate coverage tips for RVers in case a medical emergency occurs while traveling in the RV.

It starts with:

As an RVer who is retired, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing the right healthcare coverage—specifically Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage). If you plan to travel out of your home state in the coming year, it’s essential to carefully review and consider your many options. Here are some Medicare Part C tips for RVers like you and me. 

To read more, go here. 

Poll: Have You Ever Been Transported By Ambulance?

Above, the air ambulance that transported me to the hospital in Twin Falls. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky

Having a medical emergency at anytime has be one of the scariest things that can happen to anyone, whether they are at home or somewhere on the road.

It happened to me once seven years ago in Wells, Nevada. I had an arterial blockage (that I was unaware of) that caused a heart attack. Fortunately, I was lucky to have the episode when and where I did. I had to be airlifted to Twin Falls, Idaho and had to stents put into the artery. I was treated quickly enough to avoid any heart muscle damage.

RV Travel has a poll question, "Have you ever been transported by ambulance for a medical emergency?"

It begins with:

The late afternoon sun filtered through the windshield as Sharon and Mark pulled into a quiet campground just outside Sedona. They’d spent the last few days winding through desert roads, soaking in red rock views and open skies. Life on the road had its share of surprises, of course—flat tires, last-minute detours—but they hadn’t expected this one.

It started with a strange pressure in Mark’s chest. At first, he brushed it off as indigestion from the diner pie they’d split earlier. But within minutes, he was pale and sweating, his breathing ragged. Sharon didn’t hesitate. She called 911, her voice steady despite the panic bubbling beneath. Within what felt like moments, an ambulance arrived, its siren slicing through the stillness of the campground.

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

RVer's Guide To Getting Medical Help

Above, the medical center I was airlifted to in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting sick on the road (while RVing) happened to me once.

That took place in Wells, Nevada in 2018 where I was with friends at the Wells Fun Run car show. I had a heart attack (or something quite close to it) that had me airlifted to a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery. Luckily, I had insurance coverage that covered everything, including the medical helicopter ride.

Getting sick while RVing is something most of us don't plan for. That's where an article in RV Travel comes in handy. It is a guide to getting medical help while on the road.

They begin with:

One thing many RVers don’t plan for is getting sick while traveling and/or needing medical help on the road. So, what happens if you or a travel buddy need medical care while on the road? How can you find a good doctor or get the quality medical help you need?

Plan healthcare—just in case

RVers plan their travel routes, secure RV camp reservations, plan what to pack, and schedule trip activities. That’s a lot of advanced planning. We don’t usually plan on getting sick. If you are in good health and have kept up to date with annual health visits, getting sick while on vacation probably doesn’t even enter your mind. Maybe it should.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Bear World

Above, a resident of Yellowstone Bear World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My previous post on bears vs. recreational vehicles jogged a memory of ten years ago this month.

It was then that my daughter Amber and I took an RV trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was the first real trip in the RV (although we did go to Las Vegas in it a few weeks before). 

Above, here, visitors can feed bear cubs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the way to Yellowstone National Park, we stopped at Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho. It is a wildlife park in which visitors can drive in areas set aside for different species of animals including, of course, bears.

Above, outside of the gift shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Yellowstone Bear World's website:

About Us

No vacation to the Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park region is complete without an adventure into the wild at Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park. During your visit you will be surrounded by the free-roaming wildlife of North America as you drive your personal vehicle through the park.

Wildlife you will see includes Rocky Mountain Elk, Bison, White-tail Deer, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Goats, and of course American Black Bear and Grizzly Bear. Remember to visit our petting zoo, enjoy the amusement rides, dine at the Hungry Bear Cafe, and explore the animatronic dinosaurs in Jurassic Creek! Located 5 miles south of Rexburg, Idaho on US HWY 20 we are easily accessible from both Jackson Hole, Wyoming and West Yellowstone, Montana. (see map) When you visit this beautiful region don’t miss Idaho’s #1 wildlife attraction, Yellowstone Bear World.

Above, a moose relaxing in his section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 It was a fun park to visit. to access their website, go here. 

Eclipse: What RVers Should Expect

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For all of you skywatchers, eclipse day is tomorrow. Depending upon where one is, the eclipse will take place between 1:00 to 4:00 PM eastern time.

Since I viewed the 2017 eclipse up in Idaho, I decided to sit this one out at home. I was considering traveling to where the path will cross over, but the weather reports aren't too encouraging. But those who want to take a chance to see it with clear skies (check the weather reports), do it.

Above, The Beast at the Idaho viewing area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did manage to get a good view of last year's annular solar eclipse from my yard as my home was in its path.

RV Life has posted an article on what RVers should expect during the eclipse.

They begin with:

When I was in elementary school, a partial eclipse passed over New Orleans. It was an incredible event. I had never seen anything like it in my life. I remember the feeling of awe as all of the kids gathered on the playground to experience it. Our science teachers excitedly explained that the moon was passing in front of the sun. One of the teachers had obsidian glass where we could see the moon slowly pass in front of the sun. But the shadows were what astounded me the most. It was like being on another planet. This memory is what propelled me to pack up my family and our dog in 2017 and drive 14 hours to experience totality. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Do I recommend the eclipse experience for RVers? Of course I do!

To read more, go here. 

What To Know On Eclipse Viewing

Above, eclipse watchers setting up near Roberts, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the 2017 solar eclipse, I stayed at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, but I went early in the morning to Roberts, Idaho (100 miles) to view it.

I got up early (around 4:00 in the morning) and drove to Roberts and went to an area where others were set up for eclipse viewing off Interstate 15.

Above, The Beast at the eclipse viewing area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got to Roberts around 7:00 and made myself breakfast in my motorhome. 

The eclipse in totality was spectacular and I took many photographs of it. 

After it was over, I got on Interstate 15 to head back to Lava Hot Springs. Well, the traffic heading south was the worst I ever experienced. It took me over four hours to reach Lava Hot Springs. It seemed like half of Utah was on the Interstate heading back to Utah. Still, despite that, it was a worthwhile experience.

Above, eclipse viewers near Roberts, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More people are expected to hit this roads for Monday's eclipse. It is taking a different path than the one that took place in 2017. It will be over more populated areas. 

Friends from L.A. are now in Gallup resting while they head to Dallas, Texas to view the eclipse. We may be meeting up this morning.

MPR News has some tips for eclipse viewing and what to expect.

They begin with:

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality.

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on Monday. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

 To read more, go here.

Traveling To See The Total Solar Eclipse? It’ll Cost You… A Lot

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

April 8's solar eclipse is just four days away and prices of accommodations, travel and merchandise have risen to meet the demand.

People may have already started flocking to states that are in the path of totality. I remember that I left a few days before the August 2017 Great American Eclipse to reach Roberts, Idaho. I stayed at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs. The campground jacked up prices back then as well.

Above, at camp in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the eclipse was over, it took me over four hours to drive back to Lava Hot Springs from Roberts due to massive traffic. It seemed at lease half of Utah was in Idaho that day.

For Monday's eclipse, I decided to sit it out at home in New Mexico. We will only have a partial eclipse at best. Weather reports aren't too encouraging. At least the 2017 eclipse was in the middle of summer.

Above, in the shadow of the 2017 eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

LAist has an article on what to expect this weekend for Monday's eclipse.

They start it with:

People from all across the U.S. have been flocking to Texas, Illinois, New York and nine other states for the best views of Monday’s total solar eclipse, but traveling into the path of totality isn’t cheap.

Hotels and vacation rentals are booked up, flights have skyrocketed, and that’s not even adding all the different merchandise you can pick up to prove you saw the moon’s shadow completely cover the sun.

From limited edition T-shirts, to creative eclipse glasses, and totality-branded bandanas for your pets — this natural phenomenon has sparked a booming industry.

To read more, go here. 

April 8 Solar Eclipse: Things To Do Now

Above, the April 8 eclipse path through Texas.

We're almost into March, but before we know it, we'll be in April.

The big event coming on April 8 is the solar eclipse that will cut across North America. People have already made travel plans to view it.

Above, 2024 U.S. eclipse path.

I was lucky enough to live in the path of the annular solar eclipse last year, so I didn't have to travel anywhere. I just sat out in the yard.

In 2017, I drove up to Idaho to view the Great American Eclipse. I made a vacation out of the trip and also visited Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. 

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only thing that wasn't fun was spending several hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic immediately following the eclipse. I had a campsite at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to get to. I made my reservations months in advance. 

Still, it was a great event to experience.

The Points Guy has posted an article things to do now if one wants to watch the April 8 eclipse.

It begins with:

On April 8, the moon will pass directly before the sun, darkening the afternoon sky with a rare, total solar eclipse. For those along the path of totality, the solar eclipse will last around four minutes. With so many people clamoring to see this rare celestial spectacle, you'll need a plan if you want to be among them.

Whether you plan to watch the solar eclipse from home, on the road or even from the sky, here are the things you should be doing now to prepare. 

To read more, go here. 

Affordable Eclipse Adventure By RV

Above, at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
for the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We are almost two months away before the solar eclipse.

Already, hotels and campgrounds are being booked up by sky-watchers. Travel and Tour World has posted an article on which mode of travel for the event is more economical for the family budget.

They begin it with:

When it comes to enjoying the captivating sights and sounds of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th without breaking the bank, many Americans are discovering that opting for an RV adventure and celebrating at one of the 5,000-plus campgrounds along the eclipse’s path is a more budget-friendly alternative to air travel and hotel stays. A recent survey by Priceline on flights and hotel rates in cities along the eclipse route revealed an average airfare of $587 per person and a nightly hotel rate of $238. In contrast, camping in picturesque parks or family-friendly campgrounds comes at a fraction of the cost, with many sites available for under $75. For those interested in renting an RV for the occasion, it’s possible to secure one that accommodates up to 8 people for less than $100 per night.

Above, at a viewing area in Roberts, Idaho just before the start of the Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the Great American Eclipse took place in August 2017, I booked my campsite months in advance at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. That was a memorable trip!

To read more, go here. 

Path of April 8 Solar Eclipse

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The April 8 solar eclipse across North America is rapidly approaching.

The path of totality will be going south to north through Mexico and then the United States. 

If one is planning to go out and view the eclipse, planning ahead is essential as hotels, RV parks and campgrounds are beginning to be booked up.

I saw the Great American Eclipse from Roberts, Idaho in August 2017 and it was a memorable experience. The recent annular solar eclipse path took it directly over my home in New Mexico. All I had to do was to go out in the yard to see it.

The path of this year's solar eclipse is shown below:

Above, map provided by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio.

Right now, I am considering either flying to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas or driving the RV to Waco, Texas to view the eclipse. Since I had a great time in Fort Worth and Dallas in 2021, I wouldn't mind going there again and hang out at the Fort Worth Stockyards. I've been to Waco on a claims assignment back in 1992. So I have an idea of its terrain. It would be drive of over 700 miles from home. 

If I drive, I can also visit the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ Ranch during the trip. Both are around two hours away from Waco.

500% Spike In RV and Campground Bookings For Solar Eclipse

Above, my campsite at a Lava Hot Springs KOA during the
 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

April is not too far away. That means campsites along the path of totality of the April 8 solar eclipse are being gobbled up.

Now is the time (if one hasn't done so already) to reserve a campsite. 

Above, the solar eclipse in totality from Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I went up to Idaho for the 2017 Great American Eclipse and it was an experience nobody should miss. The photos that accompany this blog post are from that trip.

According to Forbes, there's been a 500% spike in RV and campground bookings along the path of totality.

They posted an article that begins with:

If you’re yet to plan a trip to see North America’s total solar eclipse—the longest since 1806 and the last until 2033 in Alaska—it’s time to prepare.

On Monday, April 8, the rare sight of the sun’s corona around a new moon will be visible from a 115-mile wide path stretching from Mexico to Atlantic Canada via parts of 15 U.S. states. Everyone else on the continent will see just a regular partial solar eclipse.

You must get inside that path of totality—to not do so is to misunderstand how mind-blowing a totality solar eclipse is and its rarity. The experience of plummeting temperatures, wildlife going crazy, and the sight of the sun’s spiky white corona will leave you in disbelief at what you just saw. The next total solar eclipses in the U.S. are in Alaska in 2033, Canada, Montana/South Dakota in 2044 and coast-to-coast in the U.S. and beyond in 2045.

But hotels are now hard to come by—or else costly. The answer, of course, is to camp.

Above, my motorhome during the totality of the Great American Eclipse
from a viewing area near Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Numismatic News: Holding History In Your Hands

Above, the Lawrence and Smith Saloon on Main Street in Boise, Idaho,
circa 1890. How many Morgan silver dollars are in each gent's pockets?

Whenever I get some Morgan silver dollars (minted 1878 - 1904, 1921), I often think about where each coin has been and who held it, particularly when I see late 19th Century photos of western towns and people. When I see photos of men in saloons, one has to wonder how many Morgan silver dollars are in their pockets or in the saloon keeper's cash box.

Numismatic News has posted an article on how coin collecting is "holding history in your hands."

They begin it with:

A fun part of numismatics is holding a coin or note in your hands and being able to dream about who might have touched it at one time. That is not something you can experience by looking at pictures in books or online.

An even better part of being able to hold history in your own hands is that you don’t necessarily have to put out funds to own it. I have had the privilege of holding in my hands multiple coins that have sold or are insured for more than a million dollars, including the 1787 Brasher doubloon with “EB” stamped on the eagle’s breast, an 1804 Bust dollar and the unique 1844-O proof $10 Liberty. Some of these coins are so notorious you can view pictures of them in reference catalogs. I also now own some distinctive West African Kissi pennies that my father received in change when he worked in Liberia in the 1960s (as I wrote last year).

To read the full article, go here.

Find A Campsite For The Total Solar Eclipse—Before It’s Too Late

Above, the Great American Eclipse in totality in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in August 2016, I drove up to Roberts, Idaho to view the Great American Eclipse. I stayed at a KOA in Lava Hot Springs while there. 

At the end of the eclipse, it seemed that half of Utah's population was in Idaho as it took over four hours to drive south from Roberts back to my campsite in Lava Hot Springs due to bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Above, my campsite at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming April, we should expect the same thing as another total solar eclipse is coming to cross the United States. Now is the time to book a campsite before it's too late.

Forbes has posted an article on just this topic.

They begin with:

If you're yet to plan a trip to experience the total solar eclipse occurring across North America on April 8, you have less than five months to make a plan—but it's not too late.

The rare sight of the sun's corona—its wispy outer atmosphere—will be visible from within a 125-mile wide path of totality stretching from the Pacific coast of northwestern Mexico to Atlantic Canada via 15 U.S. states.

Everyone else in the U.S. will see just a regular partial solar eclipse, which has caused thousands to make plans and book-up hotels, RV parks and campsites in the path.

If one has never experienced a total solar eclipse, it is well worth a trip to see it. 

To read more, go here. 

Gallup Eclipse Times

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse as seen from Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The annular solar eclipse time for Gallup, New Mexico is as follows:

 Eclipses in Gallup, New Mexico, USA

Global Event:	Annular Solar Eclipse
Begins:	Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 9:11 am
Maximum:	Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 10:34 am 0.949 Magnitude
Ends:	Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 12:05 pm
Duration:	2 hours, 54 minutes

10 "Weird" Things To Know About The "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse

Above, the start of the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're only six days away from Saturday's "Ring of Fire" annular solar eclipse.

Since it is crossing directly over my home in Jamestown, New Mexico, all I have to do is step outside with my camera equipment. At least I won't have to travel anywhere to see it. I went to Roberts, Idaho to see the 2017 Great American Eclipse.

I have to remember to get my eclipse eyeglasses out of the motorhome. They are still good to use. I got them for the Great American Eclipse.

There are ten "weird" things about this eclipse that Forbes has posted. 

They start their list with:

When is the next solar eclipse? On Saturday, October 12, 2023 there will be a rare opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse across North America—with 32 million Americans also able to glimpse a “ring of fire” for a few minutes.

Eclipse-chasers from all over the world will be traveling to Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas to see the peak of what is an annular (ring-shaped) solar eclipse, though outside of the 125 miles wide path a partial eclipse will be seen.

Here are 10 things to know about this rare celestial event taking place across the U.S. and beyond:

 To read more, go here.

5 Exciting Things To Do In Scenic Twin Falls

Above, a waterfall and power plant at the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My first visit to Twin Falls, Idaho was definitely not the most pleasant experience.

I had to be helicoptered to its St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center to have two stents put into a coronary artery after being stricken in Wells, Nevada. But I did visit the city twice since then and the visits were a lot more enjoyable for me.

TravelAwaits has posted an article on five exciting things to do in scenic Twin Falls. 

They begin it with:

I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect from Idaho’s cities, especially the smaller Twin Falls community. I was able to road trip through this stunningly scenic state, and while I spent more time in Boise, I found Twin Falls in the south central part of the state to be charming, distinctive, and worth a visit.

Visit Idaho’s tagline is “Idaho. Beyond Words,” and the whole state certainly lives up to that expectation with its diverse landscapes, impossibly big scenery, unique natural areas, and soaring mountains filled with plunging valleys. Twin Falls itself boasts of its own scenic wonders. It’s just a 2-hour drive east from Boise and is a city that will surprise and delight you.

To read more, go here. 

Fight RV Crime! Install A GPS Tracker

Above, a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether it is a motorhome or a towable RV, there are crooks out there who would love to steal it.

RVs are big investments and if yours gets stolen, there's one device that would help getting your rig back: a GPS tracker.

RV Travel has posted an article on stolen RVs and GPS trackers.

They begin it with:

The opening image is just a handful of the stolen RVs we’ve posted here on RVtravel.com in our Saturday newsletter. For every one we write about, there are probably dozens more that we don’t hear about. Suffice it to say, crooks want to steal your RV. The question is, if they do, how can you get it back? One way that can increase the odds of finding a stolen RV is by installing and using a GPS tracker. They’re inexpensive. Service fees are relatively low. And nearly any “RV handyperson” can install one in just a few minutes.

To read more, go here. 

Five and Six Years Ago Today

Above, a few hours after the stents were put in. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Today marks five years since I had a near-heart attack from an arterial blockage that required two stents.

The episode took place at Bella's Restaurant and Espresso in Wells, Nevada where four of us were about to have lunch. It hit just after our food was delivered. We were in Wells for the annual Wells Fun Run car rally. Needless to say, I missed the car show.

I had to be airlifted via helicopter to Twin Falls, Idaho to the Magic Valley Medical Center. Since then, I have been feeling fine.

This day also marks six years since my cousin Ralph was found deceased from a heart attack. My phone number was apparently the only one on his cell phone and the L.A. County Sheriff called me with the news. My roommate Jessica and I were at the Northridge In-N-Out Burger when I got the call. It was up to me to notify his sister Rosemarie. 

I think of my cousin Ralph often. He and I used to hit record stores for vintage records in the months preceding his passing. Fun times. 

Solo RVing: Are You Ready To Take It On?

Above, at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One advantage to being an only child, we learn at a young age how to entertain ourselves and learn self-reliance. The extends into adulthood and doing things solo, including RV travel. 

While it is nice to have company, the operative word on that is...sometimes. It depends upon where one's going and doing. I enjoy solo travel as the time spent is on my own and I can do things on a whim while on the road. I had a great time in 2017 when I went to Idaho solo for the Great American Eclipse. After the eclipse, I headed into Oregon and Northern California with no particular schedule. One can travel with a lot more flexibility traveling solo.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on solo travel, which is gaining in popularity. 

They begin it with:

Solo travel has been gaining popularity, and with good reason. RVing on your own has lots of benefits and, of course, a few challenges. Don’t let solo travel stop you from getting out there; it might be the best decision you’ve ever made!

 To read more, go here.

Is Hospital Overnight RV Camping Allowed?

Above, the RV camping area at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Can you camp overnight in a hospital parking lot?

That is the topic of an article in RV Life and one we had to face five years ago in Twin Falls, Idaho.

While in Wells, Nevada for the Wells Fun Run car show and rally, I had my little heart attack and had to be flown by helicopter to the St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center to have two stents put into a coronary artery.

My friend Mitch drove my motorhome up to Twin Falls. Fortunately, the medical center has an RV camping area with electrical hook-ups. He stayed there for two nights until I was released from the hospital. Other hospitals may not have RV camping areas. So what can one do in a similar scenario?

RV Life begins with:

Can you camp overnight in a hospital parking lot? Typically, hospitals are fine with you parking your RV in their parking lot, particularly if you have a loved one in the hospital or are visiting someone.

These lots are usually pretty big, and there probably won’t be many other vehicles overnight. However, if you are just passing through, it might be best to find somewhere else to drop your jacks.

In either scenario, it’s always a good idea to get permission before you unhitch your trailer or set up camp. Find out where the administration area of the hospital is located and ask someone there for the OK. There may be someone at an information desk or kiosk that can help. Of course, that may have to be done during office hours, which could pose a problem for a later evening stop.

To read more, go here.