I’m a fan of the CrockPot Slow Cooker and single pan/pot meals, and this vegetable beef soup is no exception. It’s an easy-to-put-together recipe, and you can cook it all day when it’s super cold in the RV.
Five Ingredients make up this recipe.
1 pound of stir fry beef
1 pound of seasoned fajita beef strips
1/2 cup of flour with seasonings for the stir fry beef
Chupacabra Brisket Rub
McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning
Weber Seasonings Cowboy Seasoning
1/2 cup of flour without seasonings for the seasoned beef strips
1 Can Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes – Roasted Garlic
1 Package of PictSweet Vegetable Soup Mix
4 Boullion Cubes or 1 Can of Beef Broth
Instructions:
Add two cups of water to the bottom of the crock pot, four bullion cubes, and set the crock pot to high.
Add diced tomatoes to the crock pot as it is heating.
Flour the beef and brown in two tablespoons of olive oil.
Add browned beef and vegetable soup mix to the crock pot.
Top off the crock pot with water and stir until well-mixed.
Cook on high for two hours and then reduce to low for the last three hours.
This beef stew is a stick-to-your-ribs meal that pairs well with a Coors – The Original Banquet Beer – and either Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or King’s Hawaiian Sweet Hawaiian Rolls. I enjoy it on cold or rainy days in the RV and it’s easy to put together even on work days when you can’t get away from the phone or the computer. It’s an easy prep and just let it cook in the Crockpot Slow Cooker all day.
Recipe
2 1/2 pounds of Beef Stew Meat
1 pound of Honey Gold Bite Sized Potatoes
8 ounces of Baby Carrots
8 ounces Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms
1 Large Yellow Onion
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Can Beefy Mushroom Soup
1 Pouch Mushroom Onion Soup
3 Beef Boullion Cubes
3 or 4 Bay Leaves
1 to 2 teaspoons of Minced Garlic
1 Cup Flour
Seasonings
Chupacabra Brisket Rub
Nature’s Seasonings
McCormick Cowboy Seasoning
McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
1/2 cup to 1 cup Canola Oil
Instructions
Pour 1/2 cup to 1 cup of canola oil into the pan and start it heating. I use setting 5 on my propane stove in the RV.
Put one cup of flour into a gallon Ziploc bag and add seasonings to the flour at your chosen quantities. I liberally use Chupacabra and Nature’s Seasonings then finish up with Cowboy and Montreal Steak to get the flavor I enjoy.
Put all stew meat into the Ziploc bag and shake till all pieces are coated evenly with flour.
Set the Crockpot to high, pour the can of Cream of Mushroom Soup into the Crockpot, and add one can of water.
Pour the Beefy Mushroom Soup into the Crockpot and add another can of water.
Add the pouch of Mushroom Onion Soup for flavor
Brown meat in the oil until 90% to 95% done and add to the Crockpot.
Add minced garlic, bay leaves, and bouillon cubes, and let the stew simmer for about an hour in the Crockpot.
Quarter the onion and add to the stew. It will separate as it cooks
Cut potatoes into halves and add to the stew
Add carrots to the stew
Add mushrooms to the stew
Let simmer on high for three to four hours and it will be ready to serve.
As an avid nature enthusiast and a firm believer in the therapeutic power of the open road, embarking on an RV adventure through Yellowstone National Park has been a dream come true. The journey began with the selection of two remarkable campgrounds, Bridge Bay and Madison, both promising a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility to the wonders of America’s first national park.
Stan, Rowdy, and Mike – 2021 Trip to Yellowstone National Park
Bridge Bay Campground: Lakeside Bliss
Our RV found its temporary home at Bridge Bay Campground, perched along the serene shores of Yellowstone Lake. The view from our campsite was nothing short of mesmerizing, with the sparkling waters of the lake stretching out before us along with the elk that routinely traverse the campground. The RV, with all its amenities, became our comfortable oasis amidst the wilderness.
Old Faithful – Yellowstone National Park
Guided by the call of exploration, we hopped into my trusty Chevrolet Equinox, ready to unravel the mysteries of Yellowstone. The first stop on our adventure was the legendary Old Faithful. The Equinox effortlessly navigated the winding roads, delivering us to the iconic geyser just in time for its majestic eruption. Watching Old Faithful shoot a column of steam and water into the sky was a humbling reminder of the untamed forces at play beneath the Earth’s surface.
Madison Campground: Forest Retreat
2021 with Bertha in the Madison Campground
Transitioning to Madison Campground felt like entering a secluded forest retreat. Our RV nestled amidst towering lodgepole pines, creating an intimate connection with nature. After a day filled with exploration, the RV became a haven of comfort, providing a perfect setting for sharing stories and savoring the moments.
Driving my Equinox from Madison, Mike, Rowdy, and I set our sights on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The car allowed us to effortlessly traverse the park, reaching the canyon’s edge to witness the majestic Yellowstone River carving its way through the rugged landscape. The Equinox became the ticket to the diverse landscapes and wildlife that make Yellowstone an ever-unfolding masterpiece.
Paint Pots and Beyond: RV Adventures Unveiled
The Paint Pots and Grand Prismatic Springs of Yellowstone National Park
Returning to the RV, we eagerly set out for the Paint Pots, a geothermal wonderland that painted the ground with vibrant hues. The RV served as our command center, allowing us to plan our exploration and immerse ourselves in the surreal landscapes that surrounded us.
To cap off our Yellowstone odyssey, we booked a guided fishing trip for cutthroats and lake trout in the pristine waters of Lake Yellowstone. Loading up the Equinox with fishing gear, we set out for a day of angling against the backdrop of the lake’s tranquil beauty—a perfect finale to our RV adventure.
In the end, camping in an RV at Bridge Bay and Madison Campgrounds was not just a vacation; it was a personal journey of discovery and connection with the wild. Yellowstone, with its geysers, canyons, paint pots, and serene lakes, became a canvas where memories were painted with each mile traveled and every site explored. As the RV rolled out of the park, the echoes of nature’s symphony lingered, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the beauty that our great outdoors hold.
As a regular visitor to Kick Back Ranch & Event Center in the charming town of Ramer, Alabama, I find myself drawn back time and again to this haven of Southern hospitality and outdoor bliss. Each visit to this rustic retreat unfolds new layers of tranquility and excitement, making it my home away from home.
The crown jewels of Kick Back Ranch are its five ponds, glistening in the sunlight, and harboring an abundance of bass, bream, crappie, and carp. For a fishing enthusiast like me, these ponds are a treasure trove of endless enjoyment. Casting a line into the clear waters becomes not just a recreational activity but a therapeutic experience, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Alabama countryside.
What truly elevates the Kick Back Ranch experience is the genuine warmth exuded by Jerry, Mindy, and the entire staff. Their Southern hospitality is not just a catchphrase; it’s a living, breathing aspect of the ranch. From sharing local insights to ensuring that every need is met, their dedication transforms a mere stay into a memorable journey.
The variety of activities at Kick Back Ranch ensures that boredom is a distant thought. The exhilarating water slide adds a playful touch, providing a refreshing break from the fishing adventures. The calendar is dotted with numerous events, ranging from community gatherings to live concerts, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
The RV park and accommodations seamlessly blend comfort with rustic charm, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. Waking up to the sounds of nature and the promise of another day filled with possibilities makes each stay a cherished memory.
In essence, Kick Back Ranch & Event Center isn’t just a destination for me; it’s a sanctuary where Southern hospitality meets outdoor excitement. From the ponds teeming with fish to the warm smiles of the staff, every aspect contributes to an experience that keeps pulling me back for more. If you haven’t experienced the magic of Kick Back Ranch, it’s time to embark on a journey that promises unforgettable moments and a sense of belonging in the heart of Alabama.
When I started planning the Summer RV Tour 2023 trip, there were several places I wanted to visit, and my goal was to not have to drive more than 600 miles on weekends between work weeks. I knew I had to be in Alcova, Wyoming for a fishing trip on Saturday, May 13, and I didn’t close on Birdie Bea until March 31. That meant I had to make sure the RV had all its maintenance completed and I had to leave Belmont no later than April 22. With my personal requirement to be anchored no later than 4:00pm every day, I would have to take into account two very hard weekends of driving in excess of 800 miles.
What planning application do I use for my RV Trips?
For my trips, I use a number of sources to determine sights and other places of interest that I want to enjoy during my trips. As far as planning my trip, I use RV Life’s RV Trip Wizard which is a subscription based application to plan all my trips. It has all the right tools and it sets safe routes based on the size of Birdie Bea at 13′ 6″ tall and about 55′ long with Rosie in tow. RV Trip Wizard gives me everything I need to plan my trips.
Setting up a trip with RV Trip Wizard – Summer RV Tour 2023
Once you have logged into RV Trip Wizard, you will see a screen that looks similar to this:
You will click Create Trip and set up your trip information by inputting the trip name and when you plan to leave.
Knowing that I had to be in Alcova, Wyoming by 5/13/2023, I found a campground that would work in that area first. So, that I knew how much distance I had to cover by the arrival date. In looking at the Alcova area, there were four campgrounds to choose from.
Once you pull up the region, you can start looking at the campground details by clicking on one of the four campgrounds in the RV Life Trip Wizard GUI.
By clicking on Park Details, you can then see if this location will suit your needs and you will also be able to read reviews.
Once you determine if that campground is the choice, you will need to click Add to your trip and set the dates.
After you add your first stop, then you can start filling in the other stops along your way based on your preferences. At the end, your trip will look much like this one with distances, driving times, and other pertinent information related to your trip.
As you can see, the first three weeks of the trip had very long legs, but once I made Alcova, the trip distances started shortening to spend more time exploring areas of interest.
In conclusion, RV Trip Wizard is my go to tool for planning my RV tours because it has all the information I need in one convenient location. Check it out here.
In the heart of Wyoming, where the North Platte River weaves its serpentine path through the rugged landscape, adventure called to us like a siren’s song. With my good friend Rowdy and our seasoned guide Brian, we embarked on a fly fishing expedition down the Grey Reef section of the North Platte River. Little did we know that this journey would be etched into our memories, not just for the pristine rainbow trout we would catch, but for the unforgettable mishap that would unfold in true Hemingway fashion.
The Promise of the River
Our journey began at dawn as the sun cast its golden hues across the vast expanse of the Wyoming wilderness. The North Platte River, shrouded in mist, was a picture of serenity. Rowdy and I eagerly listened to Brian’s instructions, the river’s soft whispers guiding us into its secrets. The promise of a day filled with rainbow trout and tales spun from the river’s depths hung heavy in the air.
The Tumultuous Pursuit
The Grey Reef section of the North Platte was known for its feisty rainbow trout, and our pursuit of these elusive fish was an adventure in itself. As we floated downstream in our trusty drift boat, Brian’s eyes never left the water. Rowdy and I cast our lines with precision, letting the flies dance beneath the surface. The river became a silent observer of our dance, where man and fish engaged in a timeless battle.
In the true spirit of Hemingway, our pursuit was intense and unyielding. We felt the tug on our lines and the thrill of the fight as the rainbows tested our mettle. The river’s currents were our battleground, and every catch was a triumph over nature’s forces.
Release of another North Platte Rainbow by Brian
The Tangle of Fate
But in the midst of this epic struggle, fate had its own plans. As I cast my line with a fervor only rivaled by Ahab pursuing Moby Dick, disaster struck. The trolling motor, a vital instrument in our quest, caught the line, and the propeller was ensnared in a web of my own making. Brian, the stoic guide, tried to assist, but his efforts only led to further entanglement.
We found ourselves in a comical tableau, three men grappling with a trolling motor, a propeller, and a mess of tippet and flies wrapped unmercifully. In true Hemingway fashion, this mishap became a metaphor for the chaos of life and the unpredictability of the wilderness.
Laughter Amidst the Chaos
Instead of frustration, we found ourselves overcome with laughter. Our guide, Brian, a man of few words, couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Rowdy, with his trademark irreverence, made light of my predicament. In the midst of our tangled mess, we discovered the camaraderie that comes from shared misadventures.
At that moment, the North Platte River, the fish, and the tangled mess of equipment faded into the background. We were three friends, bound by the chaos of the moment and the shared laughter that echoed through the canyon walls. It was a reminder that the best stories are often born from the most unexpected circumstances.
The Redemption of the River
After what felt like an eternity, we finally freed the trolling motor, disentangled ourselves, and got back to the business of fishing. The river, seemingly amused by our antics, rewarded our persistence with a flurry of rainbow trout. Each catch or miss was a testament to our tenacity and the resilience of the human spirit.
As the sun began its descent over the Wyoming landscape, we returned to the landing, tired but triumphant. The North Platte River had tested us, tangled us both literally and figuratively in its mysteries, and ultimately rewarded us with its treasures.
Conclusion
In the spirit of Ernest Hemingway, our day on the North Platte River was a reminder that true adventure lies not just in the pursuit of fish but in the unpredictable twists of fate that shape our journey. It was a day of laughter, camaraderie, and, yes, several epic tangles that tested our mettle.
As we drove away from the Grey Reef section of the North Platte River, the sun setting behind us, I couldn’t help but smile. Our adventure had all the elements of a Hemingway story – the pursuit, the mishap, and the enduring friendship forged on the water. It was a day that would be etched in our memories, a tale to be told any time we gathered for years to come.
The road and I have been like brothers From all the miles and time we’ve spent together Yeah, we’ve seen it all We both seen changes in our time Busted dreams and detour signs We keep rolling on
“Brother Highway” by Ned Ledoux
Since the day I was born, I have been traveling the highways and backroads of the United States with my parents or as a solo traveler. I don’t know why the road has such a hold on me, but I know that it’s my happy place.
The roads that appeal the most to me are the long, straight two-lane roads that have hills or mountains in the distance, or roads that end in Small Town America where neighbors still help neighbors. My travels take me to small towns and big cities which have broadened my horizons to see the differences in the American experience which include food offerings, mores, and the cultural differences.
Enjoy these images from the 2022 RV Adventure:
Kick Back Ranch & Event Center
Poche’s RV & Fish Camp
Kemah, TX
I know that I have been blessed to be able to see the many facets of the United States of America during my RV road trip of the past almost two years. The views are breathtaking and the people I’ve met give me confidence that, as a nation, we are not as divided as the media might lead you to believe.
This week’s low temperatures in San Antonio averaged 28 degrees, with daytime highs in the 30s. Unless you prepare for them, these temperatures can wreak havoc on RV water systems. With temperatures in the 20s, water hoses can freeze, tanks can freeze, and water lines to disastrous effect.
What should you do to prevent RV issues from frozen pipes and possibly frozen tanks?
First, empty your black and gray water tanks before the cold weather and unhook your sewer hose. Store your sewer hose.
Second, fill your fresh water tank and unhook all water hoses.
The only connection is to electricity when temperatures stay below freezing for extended periods during the day.
Bertha looks like this when the weather is going to be below freezing because, buttoned-up, she can retain all the heat generated by the furnace, heat pump, or space heater. The furnace ducting is run to provide heat to the wet bay.
Notice the silver ducting in the wet bay. This allows for safe operation and helps prevent frozen tanks and pipes.
The bottom line is that it only takes a minute to protect you and your RV from costly repairs and other issues when the temperatures drop and stay below freezing. Thankfully, I learned this lesson by reading and YouTube instead of by living it.
The RV life can be enjoyable and extremely frustrating, especially when others don’t follow the rules. I had someone else’s parking decision affect me as I was leaving a campground. Parking in a campground should be in designated areas and should not block entrances or exits to campsites.
The Golf Cart and the Pickup Truck blocked an Exit
In this case, the pickup truck and the golf cart were parked so that they blocked what is normally a loop in and out of this campground.
What I ended up having to do was back up until there was an empty pull-through campsite and pull through to the main campground thoroughfare, which worked out just fine, but if there weren’t one available, I would’ve been stuck until most of the campers awakened.
By the way, at this campground, I could’ve used a different exit and not encountered this problem; so, some of the blame is on me, too.
With so many new RVers since the onset of the COVID pandemic, many are unaware of how their actions can affect others. I’ve come up with a few ‘suggestions’ that might help you have an enjoyable stay at your next campground.
Be aware of your surroundings and how your ‘set up’ might affect others who are using the campground.
When entering or leaving a campground, make sure that you leave adequate room for others to maneuver around your camper, coach, toad, or tow vehicle. At almost 9 feet wide, it takes at least 10 feet to safely clear other vehicles.
Playing your television or radio loudly can definitely have an adverse affect on your campground relationships.
One item I didn’t realize was an issue is how bright your outside lights are on your coach or camper. Bright lights on all night can upset neighbors because they shine into bedrooms.
Don’t walk through other camper’s sites without getting permission. It may be a short cut to an amenity, but it’s better to just walk around than walk through their ‘yard.’
Be neighborly like Mr. Rogers always suggested.
I’ve learned many things while staying at different campgrounds and have also seen negative reviews of campgrounds where I didn’t have any issues. The easiest way to play the RV life is to ensure that your actions don’t adversely affect you or someone else. I can’t completely guarantee an issue-free stay if you do that, but you will have a much better time.
I had been trying to plan a fly fishing trip with Capt. Kevin Merritt since we’d reconnected back in the early summer of 2021 while recuperating from my fall in Fredericksburg, TX. This pre-Christmas trip was the perfect chance to do just that.
It had been twenty years since I’d been fishing with Capt. Kevin Merritt, but we picked up right where we left off back in 1998 when he guided me fishing in the Florida Keys for tarpon, snook, and other saltwater species. On this trip, we were after trout and it was also an opportunity to test all of the recent upgrades to Bertha before I embark on the Winter 2022 RV Tour on December 30.
We left Barker’s Boat and RV Storage at 7:00 AM on Thursday, December 23 for the four hour drive to Cherokee. The drive would give me the opportunity to test the new Kenwood Dash Cam and the RVI Command Center which provide tire pressures for Bertha and Rosie. I had also installed a towed battery charger on Rosie to keep her battery charged. During the 2021 Summer RV Adventure, Rosie’s battery would die after four hours of towing and would need to be jump started. This new addition would prevent the discharge and allow me to use Rosie immediately without the need to worry if the jumpstart battery could get her started. The RVI Command Center also provided charge information during the drive. The upgrade to the RVI Command Center keeps all my RV drive time information in one place.
We arrived about two hours early at the Cherokee/Great Smoky Mountains KOA and weren’t allowed to check-in early. But, they accommodated us by parking us in their check-in line and allowing us to leave Bertha there while we went fishing. The first stop was River’s Edge Outfitters to get the lay of the land and purchase our tribal waters trophy and regular fishing licenses. With fishing licenses in hand, we headed back up Big Cove Road towards the KOA and found some likely waters about a mile up the road. Kevin rigged us with an indicator ahead of a weighted nymph and a midge dropper. The length of the entire tippet was almost twelve feet which made for interesting casting with a seven and a half foot four-weight fly rod. I looked like I was doing hand-to-hand combat; whereas, Kevin being the professional he is, made it look like poetry in motion. It only took me three hours to get the hang of it.
Rainbow Trout from the Raven’s Fork – Cherokee, North Carolina
At two o’clock, we checked back in at the KOA and were able to move to our site and set up. Once set up, we walked across the campground road to the Raven’s Fork Creek and set up for some more fishing. We were now fishing in keeper waters. About ten to fifteen casts into our fishing, I hooked a nice rainbow and brought it to hand. A couple more hours of fishing netted a few more fish, but we didn’t keep any of them.
My wading stability is not what I need it to be, and twice I went to my knees in the very cold stream. I’m thinking I need a wading staff to help with walking on the uneven and slick river bottoms because the fly-fishing bug has definitely bitten me.
As the sun started going, thoughts turned to supper, and we decided to head into town and pick up a couple steaks and potatoes for dinner. With dinner cooked, we sat down to enjoy a couple jiggers of High West’s Rendezvous Rye with the meal. All in all, a perfect day fishing in the mountains.
Overnight the temperatures plunged to 24 degrees and the city water hose and filter froze and left us without water for a period of time. I was washing my hands when the water went from good pressure to nothing; so, I went outside and noticed that everything was frozen. I turned off the city water, and made sure once back inside the motorhome that we could use the fresh water from the water tank. All was perfect when I turned on the water pump. We had running water again. I’d missed the weather report where it said it was going to be that cold. The last one I looked at had shown 34 degrees for the low. In the future, the only question left in my mind is whether I need to purchase a heated hose or just fill the water tank until temperatures rise.
Once the sun came up and it warmed up a little, we went back to fishing before the 11 AM checkout time. We missed a couple of really nice fish, but all too soon, we had to check out and head back to Belmont for Christmas Eve festivities.
There are already plans in the works to do this again in the spring after I return from my Winter 2022 RV Adventure. I can’t wait to do more fly-fishing in the North Carolina mountains or wherever the opportunity presents itself to wet a line.
