Security for RV Women + Latest RV Park News

Copyright Janet Groene 2025.  This site has had more than 241,000 views. To ask about placing your ad on all six Groene sites for one low rate, email janetgroene (at) yahoo.com

When

Bad

Things

Happen...

Will anyone hear your SOS?

The

Ultimate

Security 

Device? 

Every travel needs extra security measures. As a woman RV traveler,  you need the very best search and rescue aids available. Some phone apps can call for help or report your location. Most cell phones broadcast a GPS location. But wait! There’s more.

DOES THE OPEN ROAD CALL YOUR NAME?

 Do you dream of living and traveling in a complete home on wheels? Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition by Janet Groene & Gordon Groene is a total guide to the full-time life on wheels. Should you sell the house or rent it out? Downsize possessions or put them in storage? Too young to retire? See the chapter on ways to make a living anywhere. Kids on board? We cover home schooling and also an exit strategy if and when the time comes to settle down. Order at any book store or let Amazon gift wrap and ship it for you.  https://amzn.to/29XFEkq 

Smart phones, cell phones, Wi-Fi and other communications and other devices are limited by signal coverage, signal strength and battery power.

    A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), by contrast, does just one thing. It sends a strong, clear message from anywhere on earth to whatever rescue service is available in that area. Best of all, it operates without a monthly subscription. 

Think of the black box device that sends out a ping after an airplane crashes. Once used primarily on ships and planes, these locator beacons are now available in affordable, personal devices for skiers, archaeologists, hikers, climbers, parachute jumpers, rafters, paddlers and anyone else who might ever need rescue.

And that could be any of us, anywhere, even as close to home as a roadside ditch or a trail just minutes from your campsite.   

 There is a drawback. A PLB isn’t a two-way communication device. It is activated only when you’re in grave and imminent danger. 

 Which PLB is For You?

First, look at your own basic needs. Size and weight are a consideration for easy carrying at all times. If you want it to work on the water, you need a PLB that is waterproof and buoyant.  (Some activate automatically when they hit water).  Some units have a strobe light. Cost is also a factor. There are basic models and others with fancier features. 

By government standards a PLB operates at 406MHz, a special frequency used only for search and rescue,  and it must undergo rigorous testing.  One manufacturer, ACR, has units that can put out 6.4 watts for more than 30 hours at minus 20 degrees C. You’ll probably pay more than $250 for a PLB but that’s all. There are no more costs until you have to replace the battery, usually about every five years. There is no monthly fee. 

How It Works

When you need rescue, press a button on the PLB, which you might wear on an armband or carry in a pocket.  Your unique signal code is sent to satellites that service your unique signature.  In seconds the   signal is routed to a ground station (Local User Terminal or LUT) and transferred to the Mission Control Center (MCC). A Rescue Coordination Center passes the information to Search and Rescue (SAR) forces in your location. 

To date, more than 30,000 lives have been saved by these beacons. Once you own a PLB, bought new or used, register it with NOAA. As soon as you’re registered, SAR forces worldwide have your back.   

                            PLB'S AND SATELLITE MESSENGERS

                  ARE POCKET SIZE

What's a Satellite Messenger? 

Like a PLB, a Satellite Messenger ($150 to $400 on Amazon) can provide worldwide coverage to send an SOS. .Depending on the model it can also  provide two-way texting and nav aids such as maps and GPS. Unlike the PLB it requires a subscription and it requires a clear view of the sky. 

For information on how to choose a PLB see rei.com and westmarine.com

The latest in the Yacht Yenta cozy mystery e-books brings widow Farley Halladay closer to the answer of her husband's death. 

Read the six cozies in any order as Farley copes, cooks and solves crimes with the help of her wacky cast of characters. You'll laugh at her frailties; cry with her as she grieves. Find it on Google Play and other ebook formats and also on  Kindle,   https://amzn.to/3wcf6ao

 

Is a new RV Park or Campground coming next year to your state  or province? 

       CAMPGROUNDS &  RV PARKS, 

             GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

NEW CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS

The former Val Chatel ski resort near Park Rapids, Minnesota is due to become a new county park with a campground. Located at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, it’s the home of Deep Lake, which will give its name to the campground. The alpine setting will become a new county park with trails and a campground. The  12-year plan  calls  for RV and tent campsites and trails. An opening date is not known at this time.

Harris Ranch Resort, Coalinga, California is more than just a pit stop along the I-5. It’s a full destination with fine dining, lodging, special events and a new RV park coming soon Go to harrisranch.com or call (559) 935-0717 to get on the mail list

Coming next year to West Memphis, Arkansas is the Brownstone Water Park & RV Resort. The luxury RV destination adjoins the Brownstone Country Club with its 18-hole golf course. Go to  BrownstoneStayAndPlay.com/ to get on the wait list. 

The story of Talona Ridge RV Resort in East Ellijay, Georgia continues to unfold. A new, ultra-luxury resort in the mountains of North Georgia, the destination has a dog park, dog washing station, pickleball and coaching, fitness center, year-round hot tub,  upscale bar and grille, laundry, propane refill station, golf cart rentals and much more.  (706) 636-2267

On the drawing board at Bigwind Lake  Provincial Park, east of Bracebridge, Ontario are plans for a large expansion and development that includes a 250-site campground, visitor center, trails and facilities throughout.  Follow the developing story at  https://www.ontario.ca/page/new-operating-provincial-park-bigwind-lake-provincial-park

SCUTTLEBUTT

The Chassahowitzka River Campground, Homosassa, 

Florida won’t be sold after all! Instead, ownership will go from the water district to the county after the district contributes $200.00 for repairs. The popular campground will remain  publicly owned for 40 years. ThIs wilderness site on the Chassahowitzka River has RV and tent sites, cabins, a boat launch and rentals, laundry, bath house, pavilion,  a spacious observation deck on the river, a bait shop/ concession and a playground. (352) 382-2200. 

South Beach in the Village of, Kaslo, British Columbia is one step closer to getting an RV park with as many as 90 sites and a boat launch.  Follow this story and grab reservations as soon as they open.

Arizona residents are offered a Buy One, Get One deal for free camping nights at regional parks in Maricopa County. It’s good until October 31. Get details at  (602) 506-2930. .Participating parks include Cave Creek, McDowell Mountain, Usery Mountain and White Tanks.

RV PARK AND CAMPGROUND CHANGES, UPGRADES

Price hikes. According to the RV Miles podcast, Jellystone RV Park in Lodi, California, is raising its monthly rate from $1200 to $1300 in low season and $3250 monthly in summer. In Oregon, some state parks are raising rates for RV sites with full hookups to $52 starting next May. Learn more about these informative podcasts and You Tube features at rvmiles.com 

Jackson Rancherie Casino Resort has expanded its new RV park.in Jackson, California.  The 100 RV sites have cement pads and the park offers, manicured landscaping, golf and a dog park. Due for completion later this year and early in 2026 are an additional 100 full hookups , a second swimming pool, another spa, a clubhouse, new laundry more trails, a new chlldren’s play area, a barbecue pavilion and a new outdoor recreation area for pickleball and bocce. (800) 822-9466

EVENTS

Learn “All About Astronomy”  at Platte River State Park, Louisville, Nebraska on Fridays in October. For information about the naturalist-led programs call the park at (402) 234-2217. The park has 48 full hookup RV sites. Features of the scenic park include a waterfall, archery range, nature center, lodge, marina and trails for hiking or biking. 

October programs at Eugene R. Mahoney State Park in Ashland,  Nebraska feature f Birds of a Feather mornings.  On select  Tuesdays, meet at the Family Conservatory and Nature Center to learn about migratory birds seen here at this time of year. The park has two campgrounds. Check out reservations and events at https://outdoornebraska.gov/location/eugene-t-mahoney/

    For tips on getting the most nutrition into your RV's emergency food locker, see Survival Food Handbook.  It's a guide to stocking an emergency pantry in a small space such as a camper, RV,  boat or cabin with the most food value per inch, per ounce and per dollar using familiar, affordable supermarket staples. Paperback or ebook.     http://amzn.to/1WdYqbe

 

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