Don't Miss The Bronze Beaver

Truly a Texas icon, this famous attraction in New Braunfels, Texas, is not to be missed.  While it's one of many convenience stores in Texas, it lives up to the Texas saying "everything's bigger in Texas.  The newest and biggest in the chain, to date, is in nearby New Braunfels, TX - passed through by all travelers coming from points north like Austin, Dallas, Waco, by way of interstate 35.  It's storefront is graced by the famous mascot, a cartoon beaver, reproduced as a bigger than life-size copper statue. (You'll want to snuggle up to Buc-ee for a photo op before you leave.)

Buc-ee's is the 26th in this Interstate Highway chain of convenience stores, the first of which appeared in Lake Jackson in 1982.  It's hard to decide on ONE best thing about Buc-ee's.  Is it the 84 toilet, spotless restrooms for which they won the coveted America's Best Restroom Award?   Some may ooh and ahh over the 80 soda dispensers.  Travelers and truckers are often impressed by the 60 gas pumps to guarantee a wait free experience at the pump. (A side note: not all the pump lanes are designed for big rigs.) For me it's the addictive product for which they are famous, "beaver nuggets."  These tasty tidbits are the 

perfect combination of sweet, salty and carmely, corn things...chewy yet melt in your mouth like bits that are bagged up and place by the thousands on a wall the length of a football field. Foodwise you can also find hundreds of varieties of snacks, among them their signature varieties of fudge, jerky and kolaches (sweet yeast buns with both Polish and Czech root usually filled with poppy seeds, nuts, jam or a mashed fruit mixture.)

 The nonfood inventory ranges from bear-proof coolers and deer feeders to beachwear and artwork, not to mention a wide range of items monogrammed with Longhorn and Aggie emblems.  This newer location brags a farmers market and an indoor area for hunting equipment and 35 registers to get help you spend your money faster.  A worthy memorial purchase is one of the multitudinous colors of Buc-ee's T-Shirts.  The whole experience must be seen to be believed. 

You can find this renowned roadside attraction at 2760 IH 35 N., in New Braunfels, TX.  Take the I-35 exit 191. On the northbound I-35 Frontage Rd just south of FM 306. The beaver statue is outside the north entrance to the store and Buc-ee himself is plastered on signs along the highway miles before you arrive.  Even if you're a little to the east or west of I-35, Buc-ee's is well worth the detour. 

"I'll take a dozen of these, please."

 

 

 

If you can pull yourself away before it gets dark, a couple more attractions nearby that you may want to check out are the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Animal World and Snake Farm, just 8 miles down the road and an oddity to bring your camera along for - Seguin, Texas' "World's Oldest Largest Pecan," only 9 miles away.

 

 

 

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

Is Good Wifi Possible in an RV Park?

More and more, RVers and even tent campers want to stay "connected" 24/7/365.  Personally, I used to feel that when on vacation, especially in the great outdoors, one ought to detach from technology for that brief respite. But now, if I get set up in my site and find that the advertized Wifi is not sufficient, I get steamed.

Yet, as an RV Park operator I have come to learn that internet connections in my home are going to differ from those at the local Starbucks, which will differ from a hotel and further will be greatly different from an outdoor venue like an RV Park.  At Hidden Valley we've tried several methods to get the best reception and found limited success in most options.  Some of the reasons for less than optimal service are easy to figure out...too many users, too little bandwidth, but really why is our reception when traveling...only okay, at best? And, are there any solutions? 

Pamela Wright along with Jim Ganley, RV Park and Wifi experts, recently decided to explore that question and their research prompted a FAQ sheet full of answers.  They have shared this FAQ list with any interested in understanding the reasons for RV park challenges in providing Wifi service to their guests.  Here is a link to the original list that I have reprinted below.

Why isn’t the Wi-Fi in the park the same as the Wi-Fi at my house?

Several factors can affect the speed and responsiveness of the Wi-Fi in the park that may not be a factor, or as big of a factor as it is at home. The Wi-Fi in the park is shared among many users and devices. You may have a dozen Wi-Fi enabled devices at home, but there may be hundreds of devices online in the park.

At home you may be fortunate to have very fast cable or fiber Internet service, however in many rural and semi-rural areas slower DSL or satellite based service may be all that is available. This slower service must be shared among many users and dozens or hundreds of devices.

Why can’t I download movies and music?
Movies, music and videos consume a lot of data bandwidth. Since the Wi-Fi system in the park is shared by many users, downloading movies and videos can seriously impact other users in the park. How much bandwidth is consumed by different actives? For comparison:

• Sending or receiving an email (no attachments) requires 1 kilobyte of bandwidth
• Sending or receiving an email with a picture attached requires 1.5 megabytes
• Downloading a 3 minute song requires 5 megabytes
• Using a social networking site for 10 minutes (i.e. Facebook) requires 20 to 50 megabytes
• Downloading a 3 minute movie trailer in HD needs 180 megabytes
• Using Skype or VoIP for a 20 minute voice chat requires 4 to 10 megabytes
• Using Skype or other video services for a 20 minute chat needs 40 to 60 megabytes
• Watching a streaming 30 minute TV show requires 400 to 600 megabytes of data
• Watching a streaming 2-hour movie can consume 1,800 to 4,000 megabytes of data

In other words, a single two-hour movie can be the equivalent amount of bandwidth of more than 4 million emails.

The RV next door to me is getting a stronger signal than I am.  Why?
Wi-Fi is based on radio signals, and just like the radio in your car, the signals can be affected and blocked by both physical obstacles and interference from other devices. Some Wi-Fi devices have better quality radios and antennas than other devices.
You may have something physically blocking your reception such as another RV, a building or vehicle. Or there may be some other electrical or electronic device in or near your RV that is causing interference.  Or your neighbor may have a Wi-Fi enabled device with a really good quality radio in it.  Or your neighbor may be closer to the Wi-Fi access point.
Often it is a combination of all of these factors.

I can’t get the park signal to show on my device.  What should I do?
If no Wi-Fi signals are showing on your device, ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled on your device. Sometimes, there is a physical button on laptops to turn off the radio to save battery, or there may be a software setting to enable Wi-Fi, some phones and tablets feature an "airline mode" to turn off all radios (Wi-Fi and cellular).
If you can see other Wi-Fi signals, but not the park Wi-Fi on your device, check to see if other devices on your site or near you can see the park Wi-Fi. If you can’t see the Wi-Fi signal on any device on your site or near you, be sure to mention this to the park staff. You may be in an area that they have not extended Wi-Fi into, or the system may be having issues. 

Why is Wi-Fi in an RV park different than at a hotel?
RV parks and resorts face all of the same issues as hotels in providing Wi-Fi to guests and have some additional unique challenges. RV parks and resorts are often in rural or semi-rural areas where Internet speeds are slower and more expensive, electrical supply to the system and access points may be less stable and links between access points is usually wireless instead of wired. Add exposure to elements such as rain, wind and lightning and the equipment is subject to more wear and needs attention more often.  

[Personal comment:  This is a situation we have at Hidden Valley.  Due to our rural location, only limited bandwidth and speeds are available.  We could purchase the highest speed internet but it will still only download and upload at the available speed to your location.  Satellite internet connectivity is an option to rural areas but although it's faster than dial up, it still is not what you get at home and because of it's high price it is hard to offer for free.]

Why do I keep getting dropped?
Getting dropped can mean actually losing the radio signal connection, or it can be maintaining the connection but the flow of data stops or slows to a point where it is not usable for what you want to do. The radio signal connection can be dropped for several reasons:

• You are too far from the Wi-Fi system access point.
• There are other electrical or electronic devices nearby causing interference.
• There are physical obstacles such as RVs, buildings or vehicles.
• There are too many users on the Wi-Fi system and it is overloaded.

You may be able to maintain the radio signal connection, but the flow of data stops or slows to a point where it is not usable for all of the reasons above, and additionally there may be to many users on the Internet connection shared by the park, the Internet service provider for the park may be experiencing issues (common on satellite-based systems) or the website you are accessing may be experiencing high volumes.

What can I do to improve the Wi-Fi reception at my unit?
Sometimes just moving a few feet or moving outside of your RV is all that is needed to make a big difference. If that does not work try plugging your device into AC power, as some devices reduce the power to the radio and screens when unplugged to extend battery life.
For laptops with internal Wi-Fi cards, if the range is not good, then consider investing in an external Wi-Fi adapter. These devices plug into a USB port and have external antennas that are often better than the internal antennas manufactures build into their laptops.
Avoid "signal boosters” and “range extenders.” There are devices sold by different manufacturers that allegedly increase the range of Wi-Fi by picking the signal up off the air and rebroadcasting it. Generally these devices create more noise than usable signal, and will not help you get better Wi-Fi. Oddly, some Wi-Fi enabled devices will misinterpret the noise as signal, and report better signal strengths, but at the same time the speeds will decrease or stop altogether.

Regarding this last point about boosters and extenders...even thought they are not suggested as a good solution here, I have heard some mention that they have gotten better service with them.  I do know that sometimes other boosters and even mifi systems (MiFi is used as a name for wireless routers that act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots) tend to interfere with park operating systems. I don't have personal experience with a mifi system so I can't recommend or discourage them currently.

All this being said, we have just obtained a new system from Check Box Systems for our new Top of the Valley RV area.  We have had good experience with them in the recent past and their systems have reportedly been improved to serve our guests even better.

Would definitely like to hear any comments below regarding positive or negative feedback on any methods you use personally to stay connected. 


Note: All credit and copyrights for this list remain exclusively with the authors, Pamela Wright and Jim Ganley and I am curating it with their permission.  You may contact Ms Wright at pwright@FocusedWords.com for a pdf of the FAQ sheet or permission to reprint or publish it.

  Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV and our RV Country Daily Magazine and don't forget to Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley 

42nd Annual Balloon Festival Takes Albuquerque to the Stars

 

Although much of the nation knows Albuquerque, New Mexico as the site of the popular and just ended television show, “Breaking Bad,” it has always had international recognition for its Annual Balloon Festival.  Each October 100’s of colorful hot air balloons descend upon the valley in sight of the Sandia Mountains.  This is their 42^nd year hosting the popular event.

 

 

The Enchanted Sunrise Festivities

 Beginning on October 5 through the 13^th they put out a full schedule of events including the new event, music (featuring Darius Rucker and more), balloon rides, the special shape rodeo of balloons, the chainsaw carving Invitational and a daily “Mass Ascension” of balloons in the early morning light.   A special treat, the “Glow” is scheduled for the evening where, in the dark, all the inflated balloons stay on the ground but are magically lit up by the gas burners that fuel their flights.  Following, is the Afterglow Fireworks show, always a favorite.

 

A full-color Digital program, “Enchanted Sunrise,” is available for free at their site.  This year they boast 600 balloons that are each pictured in the directory along with the 100 special shapes balloons like the Wells Fargo Wagon and porky pig with sunglasses.

 

Albuquerque in Fall, Perfect for Balloons

Although many of the balloons randomly float over and land in yards and parking lots to the delight of residents, there is a particular reason that this location and time of year is especially perfect for the event.  According to an Associated Press article, what makes Albuquerque in October ideal for such an event are its typically clear skies; cool, often cold, mornings; and what is known as the Albuquerque "box" that is created by the unique mountain formations and weather patterns. When the box is in effect, the lower winds blow south and higher winds blow north, meaning balloonists can travel one direction, and then backtrack to land near their launch site by changing elevation. That keeps the colorful balloons bobbing over the city rather than drifting away.

 

The photographs are all courtesy of a dear friend, Sonia Smith of Nana's Better Batter, who visited the Festival last year and fell in love with the colors.  It truly is a photographer’s paradise. 
Update: The hummingbird balloon is courtesy of Facebook friend Lesley Espinosa. 

So where are y’all headed this fall?  Whether you RV or just take a fall vacation, share your favorite fall destination below in the comments.

  Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV and our RV Country Daily Magazine and don't forget to Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley 

You Can CHOOSE Where You're From

Many consider full time RVing as a wonderful life of adventure but just as many can’t wrap their minds around the concept.  If you’re part of the first group and are considering the full time RV lifestyle there are lots of things to consider.  Although the thought of "Home is Where You Hook Up" can be idyllic, there are some realities associated with it.   Likely, if you’ve gotten to the point of considering the full time RV lifestyle, you’ve already been an RVer or have at least at some time in your past enjoyed an RV excursion or two.  If you Google "full time RVing" and similar phrases you’ll find hundreds of books and articles on hints and education on the topic.  To mention a few: what type of RV should I buy, how will I work or do I need to, what will I do in my free time, how will I receive mail, how will I be able to live SO closely to my mate or traveling companion, health insurance, doctor accessibility, etc. 

Another Necessity to Consider

If you’re looking to live and hit the road in your RV full time there’s also the issue of taxes.    When it comes to taxes, RVers do have to consider where they want to call home when they’re on the road.  If you will still own a sticks and bricks home, this may determine your state of “domicile” as it’s called.  By picking a state to call home, RVers are declaring residence there and they are responsible for all taxes they’re obligated to pay in that state. This isn’t something that many RVers think about when deciding to hit the road full time, but taxes are still inevitable as the saying goes.  There’s income tax, vehicle taxes and registrations, sales tax, property tax, interest income tax to name a few.  So what should we look for in a state we want to call home?

“Elementary, My Dear Watson.”

Maybe you remember these words of Sherlock Holmes.  I’ve always liked his deducing methods and the stories of Sherlock Holmes.  In a recent article on the subject of full time RVers I found some tips lined out in a very clear, no non-sense fashion that made me feel like Sherlock Holmes who told his dear friend Watson: “when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”  Notice how “elementary” it can be, to dwindle down the best picks for home state by eliminating choices:

Some states have better tax breaks for full time RVers than others. If you’re going to pick a place to call home, you might as well do it where you don’t have to pay income tax. 

Here’s a list of states that have no income tax:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Tennessee and New Hampshire may not charge income tax, but they tax interest income and dividends. That takes them off the list.
From there, you’ll want to examine the sales tax in each state.
Let’s take a look at that:
- Florida (6 %+)
- Nevada (6.5% – 8.75%)
- South Dakota (4 %+)
- Texas (6.25% – 8.25%)
- Washington (6.5%)
- Wyoming (4% – 8%)
Now, we’ll move on to personal and property tax.
Since that will be charged regardless of where you live, we want to examine what states utilize it:
- Florida
- Washington
That takes them off our list, too.
We just have four states left on our list: Nevada, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

Now wasn’t that refreshingly easy?  Texas and South Dakota are the most populated states when it   Mild weather is often a deciding factor but remember you don’t have to live in this state full time.  Some only return to their home state once a year or less.  Many states require you to return to your home state for things like jury duty or renewing your driver’s license.
comes to full time RVers calling them home. But once you narrow it down to a few states that all give good tax advantages, it comes down to personal preference, the routes you travel and really what you like the best.

For some, there are other factors more important than taxes when deciding where to domicile.  For example, some friends of ours who are retired air force, get several military perks in the state they chose as their "residence." So taxes are not the ONLY basis for deciding your home state, just a good place to start.


Are you a full time RVer? How did you decide what state to call home? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV and our RV Country Daily Magazine and don't forget to Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley