The cold snap this week has reminded me that it is in fact December, and while I love snow and cozying up by the fire, cold weather none the less leaves me dreaming of warmer climates. 

My first thought is to head straight for a semi-tropic climate like Brownsville, TX.  In Brownsville you can camp right on the beach as well as enjoy local activities like golfing on one of the many golf courses or fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.  To enjoy the nature around you, visit the World Birding Center Resaca de la Palma State Park which features eight miles of trails on over 1,200 acres.  If you want to do something in town, go experience the beautiful geometric statues at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.

If you are in the mood to spend time in the great outdoors, Queen Valley, AZ is an adorable little town east of Phoenix, AZ where you can feel the cold melt away.  Nestled in the mountains of Arizona, Queen Valley is filled with trails where you can truly enjoy the magnificence of the mountains.  For a change in scenery, you could visit the Apache trail or the Phoenix Zoo, both a short drive away. 

In Naples, FL, you can enjoy the Gulf coast any time of year!  In Naples, everything is about the water.  I love to go on everglade tours; some companies even offer manatee tours that promise, “If you don’t see a manatee, you don’t pay!” You can do almost anything ranging from airboat tours and kayaking, to sailing or just laying out on the beach.

My personal favorite is Palm Springs, CA.  Not only are you surrounded by majestic mountains and rolling valleys, but you get the chance to experience some amazing adventures.  Palm Springs has some of the most acclaimed mid-century modern architecture in the country.  In February, they celebrate modernism week.  Not only can you sign up to tour some of the most influential American architecture, but you also have the opportunity to go to a vintage trailer show.  You can also go to one of the many scenic parks to enjoy the view or rent an ATV to race around the desert.  The Living Desert Zoo represents the desert environments of North America and Africa and has a great variety of species. Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, home of one of the world’s largest collections of WWII airplanes.  The bottom line is that Palm Springs has a little bit for everyone!

Nothing represents winter more effectively than snowflakes and hot cocoa, but the warmth of Brownsville, Queen Valley, and Palm Springs will always continue to call me back!   

Where is your favorite place to run to when with weather gets frigid?


Written by Samantha Derryberry, Guest Blogger

Now that the temperature has dropped, mice and other rodents are looking for a nice, warm RV to move into for the winter. If they choose yours, it may mean costly repairs in the spring. Be proactive and do some preventative maintenance.

• Keep Out! ~ Before you put your RV into storage for winter make sure to seal any openings no matter how small (it only takes 1/4" to let mice in). The best way to do this is to turn lights on inside and seal the outside with silicone or expanding foam anywhere you see light. You can also do the opposite and light the outside and seal any cracks of light you see on the interior.
• Just In Case..~ Some suggest mothballs as a deterrent but it has also been said that rodents get used to the smell and that mothballs are only a temporary fix. (The odor of mothballs lingers for sometime as well) Most prefer to use Bounce Fabric softener dryer sheets (original scent). Put them in drawers and cabinets and it will not only keep the mice away but also keep the coach smelling dryer fresh;) I also found some information on a product called Fresh Cab. Mice are turned off by the sweet woodsy-Alpine scent, I have not heard any actual feedback on this product but you can find more informaiton at: www.goodearthenterprises.com. If you cannot appreciate the alpine scent you can also try Oil of Peppermint (not extract). If you put the oil on cotton balls and just replace as the smell goes away this not only helps deter the mice it is also an effective method of getting rid of the rodents.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" ~ Ben Franklin


Please submit any suggestions you have regarding this topic, others will appreciate your help!