Happy Camper Radio

Some folks in the camping world are going beyond making their dreams a reality by building and customizing their own RV.  In this week's episode, we'll talk with someone who recently acquired a boat trailer, and is now in the process of converting it to a travel trailer.  Listen in, as he describes how the project is coming along.

Throughout the world, more and more people are using online retailers to purchase new camping products.  For individuals searching for used and refurbished equipment, popular sites like Craigslist allow buyers and sellers to connect.   But how safe it?  In this week's episode, Skip puts his former law enforcement training to work, and explains the hidden dangers of connecting with people through online classifieds.  Listen in, as he explains what you can do to protect yourself.

For many who never thought that Camping and Super Bowl went hand-in-hand, be sure to check out this special edition of Happy Camper Radio. When it comes to traveling across country to see the big game, not all fans are checking into hotel rooms. This week, Skip shares some of the discussions he had with local campground operators in and around Glendale, Arizona, including his own personal experiences of Super Bowl 2000. 

Campers are known to use a variety of fuel sources. For those who enjoy fall and winter camping, keeping your tent warm will consume much of the fuel you haul into camp. This week, Skip goes over some safety tips related to camp fuel, especially when it comes to handling and transporting propane.  

The last thing anyone needs is to be broke down at the side of the road while on vacation. In Episode 91, Skip talks about the benefits of having an Emergency Roadside Assistance Plan while traveling. Listen in as he explains why renting a vehicle makes perfect sense, especially if you drive an older model car that's out of warranty.

For many of us who love camping, we often wonder what it would be like to set our sights on the open road and travel full-time. In this week's episode, we'll be talking with someone who lives her life from the comforts of an RV. Hear what she has to say about it, the challenges involved, and what people can expect in living life on the road.

In Episode 89, Skip and Daniel kick off the new year by exploring the world of tear drop campers. Listen in as we talk with two of our guests who share the pleasures of owning a tear drop. And be sure to check out some of the pictures they provided on our Facebook page and website.

In our final episode of 2014, Skip and Daniel talk with Robyn Chilson of the Meadville KOA campground in Pennsylvania. Robyn explains what it's like to be a full-time campground owner, and the rewards that come with welcoming and entertaining guests in a family oriented environment.

One never knows what the weather has in store of us anytime we're away from home. Being prepared for nature's worst is so important when you're traveling.  This week, we'll take a look at some important things you may want to keep in your vehicle in the event you become stranded or break down.

In this week's episode, Skip and Daniel head straight to the food prep area to talk about building a custom camp kitchen. Some campers have been known to go all out when it comes to designing and building the camp kitchen that suits their personal needs. Also back on he show, is Gary Sizer who joins us on the phone from North Carolina.

In the week's episode of Happy Camper Radio, Gary Sizer joins us in the studio to share his hiking experience of the Appalachian Trail.  Embracing the journey that not too many people are able to complete, Gary finished his hike from Georgia to Maine in just five months.  In this special one hour episode, Gary talks about his adventure, the friends he made along the way, and a few close encounters he had while hiking the trail.  

Gary Sizer, who just completed his five month hike of the Appalachian Trail, drove down from Ashville, North Carolina to be with us in the studio.  Also joining us on the show this week is his lovely wife Katie, and Daniel's wife Deidra. Listen in, as we discuss some Thanksgiving Day camping ideas, any why it makes good sense to consider a camping trip for the holidays.

Some people go to great lengths to take advantage of holiday sale prices. And that includes camping out in front of a department store days before the Black Friday shopping season begins.  In this episode, we take a look at this strange and unusual form of camping. We talk about why people do it, and provide some safety tips to consider while camping out with other shoppers.

This week, the Happy Camper Radio Show travels to the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the North Georgia mountains, where Skip gathers together with friends for a weekend of fall camping.  Join us, as we sit by the fire and engage in great conversation.  In this week's episode, we pause to remember a wonderful friend and fellow camper, Jimmy Atkinson, who founded this special campsite more than fifty years ago.

In this week's episode, Skip lays out his gear and talks about what it takes to be organized and ready to go for an upcoming camping trip.  An outdoor vacation, even just a simple two or three day getaway doesn't have to be stressful.  Being prepared in advance with all your gear and equipment in arms reach means more time at camp, and less time struggling to get there.

With Halloween just days ahead, now would be a great time to consider a Halloween camp outing.  Many campgrounds offer a safe and friendly environment for children to enjoy a number of festive activities.  And the great news is, Halloween falls on a Friday this year. In this week's show, we provide Halloween safety tips when trick or treating around home, and while camping. Check your local campgrounds for availabilities and activities close to where you live.

With his own vacations plans going south at the last minute, Skip provides a wealth of ideas and suggestions on what families should consider in the event heavy rain and thunderstorms ruin a planned getaway.  It's never a good thing when you have to break the bad news to your kids that a camping trip is being postponed. But with quality time already set aside, there are a number of indoor activities that families can engage in when the weather is ugly.

With Daniel vacationing in Florida this week, Skip is just days away from packing his gear and heading to the North Georgia mountains to relax and fellowship with many of his long time friends.  This week, we talk about alternative camp lighting, and the importance of adequate lighting both in and around camp.  Skip talks about his brand new pull along trailer, and we'll give you an update on the Colby Fire in Glendora, California.

With vacation on the horizon and plans to check into a drab motel room, Daniel questions whether or not camping makes economic sense. He obviously picks the wrong person to debate the issue, as Skip allows him no room to argue.  Listen in, as Daniel explains why he has chosen to leave his camper parked in the driveway when he heads to Florida early next week.

In Episode 76, Skip talks about firearms possession at camp.  In many public and private campgrounds, possession of firearms, with or without a permit, is prohibited.  However, a recent lawsuit in one local jurisdiction may bring about changes.  How do you feel about gun possession in a campground setting?  In this episode, we invite listeners to call in and share their thoughts on the matter.