Category Archives: Family Vacationing

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2015 Pennsylvania Mountain Pie Championship

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PA moutain pie contest entriesGRATZ, Pa. — The first ever statewide Mountain Pie Championship was held on Sept. 26, during the Gratz Fair in Gratz, Pa., just north of Harrisburg, Pa. The championship was open to winners at privately owned Pennsylvania campgrounds that held contests across the state this summer.

The two contests, “Sweet” and “Savory,” were sponsored by the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association and Lerch RV from Milroy, Pa.

Mountain Pie Championship held at Gratz FairThe “Sweet” category winner was Melissa Umbrell, Enola, Pa., representing Jonestown/ Hershey KOA, Lickdale, Pa. Her entry was a “Banana Split Mountain Pie.” Her recipe is as follows:

Banana Split Mountain Pie

Ingredients

2 slices of white bread
2 tsp butter
1 large sliced strawberry
1/8 banana – sliced
9 mini marshmallows
1 fun sized Hershey bar – broken

Optional Garnish

Chopped nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, cherry

Preparation

Butter one side of two slices of bread
Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in mountain pie maker
Layer all ingredients on top of bread
Place one slice of bread, butter side up, in mountain pie maker
Close mountain pie maker and place in campfire
Cook until bread is golden brown
Place on plate and garnish
Serve with a smile

Second place was Braidyn Rumsey from Canton, Pa., representing Tanglewood Campground in Covington, Pa. His entry was called “Double Chocolate Delight” and featured a brownie and marshmallow cream garnished with cherry pie filling and peanut M&Ms.

The “Savory” category winner was Margie Wevodau from Carlisle, Pa., also representing Jonestown/Hershey KOA, Lickdale, Pa. Her entry was a “Reuben Mountain Pie.” This recipe is:

Reuben Mountain Pie

Ingredients

2 slices of rye bread – buttered
2 slices of baby Swiss cheese
2 T Thousand Island dressing
½ cup of sauerkraut
3-4 oz. corned beef – sliced

Preparation

Spread butter on outside of the bread
Place one slice, butter side down, in a warmed pie iron
Layer one slice of cheese, corned beef, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut
Top with another slice of cheese
Place the other slice of bread on top, butter side up
Close and place in campfire until bread is golden brown.

Enjoy!

Second place was Rhonda Thomas from Preston, Md., representing Spring Gulch Camping Resort in New Holland, Pa. Her entry was a “Turkey/Bacon/Cheese Pie,” also featuring Thousand Island dressing.

Third place was Holly Seidel from Tyrone, PA, representing Pioneer Campground in Muncy Valley, Pa. Her entry was “Pie Iron Tacos” with a corn tortilla base.

The other three entries that were scrumptious, but did not place, were “Chicken Florentine, Pie Iron Style” by Steve Gallagher, Elmer, N.J., representing Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, Pa; “Sam’s Special Sammich,” a pork melt by Sam Ulrich from Pottsville, Pa., representing Rosemount Campground in Tamaqua, Pa; and “Alyssa’s Cheese Steak Pie,” by Charles Muller from Hammonton, N.J., representing Otter Lake Camp Resort in East Stroudsburg, Pa.

Mountain Pie Championship held at Gratz FairA panel of six qualified judges evaluated the entries based on the following categories: Flavor, Filling, Crust, Appearance and Creativity. Prizes were $500 cash for both first place winners, $100 in PCOA gift certificates for second place and a $50 gift certificate for third place.

A total of 37 campgrounds scheduled contests at their facility during the season. The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association extends a special thank you to Lerch RV for co-sponsoring the contest, the Gratz Fair for providing their facilities and fair passes for the individual campground winners and Dutter Sound Services from New Oxford, Pa., for providing the sound system and acting as the official fire tender.

SOURCE: PCOA press release

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2015 Hershey RV Show – America’s Largest RV Show

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The Hershey Show, officially known as America’s Largest RV Show by the sponsoring Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association (PRVCA), has become the kickoff venue for the RV industry to unveil its new model year lines on a national scale to both a trade and consumer audience. And this year’s event – set for Sept 16-20 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. – should go a long way toward reinforcing that reputation.

2014 Hershey RV Show - Sept 16-20,2015America’s Largest RV Show has been featured on cable TV Shows on several different channels.  The show has become a destination for many consumers and industry experts.  Where else can a camping or RV enthusiast find everything they desire to see.   From lightweight tow behind folding tent trailers to high-end luxury motor coaches.

Once again this year, Lerch RV will be representing one of the fastest growing brands in the industry today, Highland Ridge RV.  The new home to all Open Range RV products, this year’s Highland Ridge RV display will boast sixteen travel trailers and fifth wheel RVs.  The display area is wide open, easily navigable by families with strollers.

New this year, Lerch RV will also be representing the Springdale and Summerland  brands built by Keystone RV.  This traditional ‘stick and tin’ built travel trailers represent a fantastic price for those budget minded camping families.  All without sacrificing features that campers have come to enjoy and expect in their new RVs.

We invite you to join us September 16-20, at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  And take in the wonderful spectacle that is America’s Largest RV Show.

PA Mountain Pie Championship

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2015 Mountain Pie Championship

sponsored by Lerch RV and PAcamping.com

 Pennsylvania mountain pie championship,Lerch RV

Do you have what it takes to be the…
2015 Mountain Pie Champion of Pennsylvania?

Mountain Pies, Hobo Pies, or Camper Pies, whatever you call those tasty little gems that are a campfire favorite, are going to take center stage during the 2015 camping season. Participating Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association member’s campgrounds will feature a good old-fashioned culinary competition at their campground one day during the 2015 camping season.

Using three judges, each participating PCOA campground will choose two winners. Those winners will be eligible for the state competition to be held during the Gratz Fair on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2015. The village of Gratz is located in Dauphin County, just 35 miles north of Harrisburg, Pa.
Judging Criteria for the 2015 Mountain Pie Contest

  1. Flavor consisting of aroma, taste, good balance and of course, overall flavoring ….. 30 points
  2. Consistency of filling, correct doneness and overall moistness ….. 25 points
  3. Crust – color, texture, doneness ….. 20 points
  4. Overall visual appeal. Does the pie look appetizing? ….. 15 points
  5. Creativity. How creative is the pie? Including plate presentation ….. 10 points

mountain-pie-cooking

For more information visit a participating PCOA campground or head on over to PAcamping.com.

AAA sees Gas Prices Falling for Summer 2015

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Lower gas prices may be on the way for U.S. consumers by this summer if refinery maintenance ends smoothly and crude oil remains relatively cheap, AAA said in a news release.Gas pump with money  As reported by the St. Augustine Record, the travel company’s release said it is even possible that gas prices will return to near $2 per gallon in some areas, as long as there are no unexpected problems in the meantime.

 

AAA does not expect the national average to rise above $3 per gallon this year. “There is a real hope that gas prices could drop significantly in time for the busy summer driving season,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. “The overall outlook looks good for drivers, and with any luck we will avoid the types of problems that often lead to higher gas prices at this time of year.”  Many refineries have completed seasonal maintenance, though unexpected problems could still occur. Many refineries and wholesalers will switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline by May 1 to meet EPA clean air regulations.

 

The cost of crude oil is likely to be the most important factor influencing gas prices over the next few months. At the close of Friday’s formal trading, WTI settled at $49.55 per barrel — 68 cents higher than the week before. Many experts believe that crude oil prices may drop further due to abundant supplies, but international conflict, declining production or other issues could result in higher prices.
This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com

A cheaper way to see the USA.

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Volunteering in our Nation’s parks.

Rob Nurre playing the role of Frank Davey, a turn-of-the-century storekeeper in Garnet, waits for a young customer to choose her candy. Photo by David Abrams, BLM, Western Montana Zone

You could camp this Summer at Yellowstone National Park for a mere $22.50 a night, if you can get the reservations, or you could park your RV free by volunteering as a campground host.  This is just one of the hundreds of volunteer opportunities that come with some sort of lodging via the National Park Service this year.

To learn more about volunteering benefits, read this great article by Money Talk News…… READ MORE

2015 York RV & Camping Show – March 20-22

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It’s RV Showtime again in York, Pennsylvania!

2015 York RV campers world RV Show, March 20-22,2015Whatever your family camping budget is, the York RV Show will have your dream RV.  Join Pennsylvania’s largest tow-able RV dealer, Lerch RV, at the upcoming show for great sale prices.  Whatever your interest or budget, we will have plenty of tow-able travel trailers and fifth wheels on display.  From entry-level Summerland travel trailers, family value minded Springdales, to the full luxury of camping the Open Range 3X with three-inch thick side walls.

2015 York Campers World RV Show Map

Find us in Memorial Hall East Building B.

The 2015 York RV Campers World Show is at a later time this year.  This means you have less of a time to wait till Spring camping season to begin after your purchase.  Resorts, campgrounds, and RV lifestyle accessories surround the RV displays with vacation destination ideas plus fun. During the show you will find bingo games for free weekends of camping, camper games, instant door prizes, camping package prizes and strolling clowns to entertain children of all ages.

Lerch RV will have the it’s annual large display of over 20+ travel trailer and 5th wheel RVs for your browsing enjoyment.  Offering show only deals and pricing.  Do no miss the chance to take advantage of pre-season pricing on great brands like Summerland, Springdale, Sprinter, Open Range 3X, Light, Roamer, Journeyer, Fuzion, Impact, and much more.

Great RV deals, the newest floor plan offerings, great campgrounds, and great food make the York RV Show a must to attend.  I can not wait to have some famous Bricker’s French Fries.

2015 York RV Show Coupon

Save a few buck$ with this coupon.

 

RV & Camper News

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News from around the  RVing and camping lifestyle.

– Coal Township, PA :  Coal Township is asking for the public’s opinion on a proposed new ordinance, which could add a five-percent admissions tax to recreation parks such as the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Newsitem reports.  At its meeting Thursday night, the township’s board of commissioners voted 3-1 to advertise the ordinance, which has yet to be drawn up, for the admissions tax. Newsitem explains, the tax would apply on all activities allowable under the Commonwealth’s Local Tax Enabling Act “which would include, but is not limited to, campgrounds and outdoor recreation parks.”

– Gettysburg, PA :Gettysburg Bike Week celebrates 13 years of riding through historic Pennsylvania this year with rides, entertainment, vendors and more July 10 through 13 at Granite Hill Campground Resort.

– Washington DC : The 16-day federal government shutdown last October frustrated and angered RVers when federal lands became inaccessible. Now a study estimates that the shutdown of National Parks cost nearby communities $414 million in visitor spending.

– Arizona : Hibernation season for Arizona bears has evidently ended early, with reports of two bear sightings. In mid-February campers spotted a black bear near Peppersauce Campground outside of Tucson. In January a hunter reported seeing a sow and cub at Fort Huachuca.

– Richland County, Mont.: health officials say they’ve had enough. According to the officials, “85 to 95 percent of RV parks” in the county are out of compliance with health laws so the county is dragging them into court to get them to clean up their acts. One hot-button issue: gray water. “Gray water out of your sink actually carries more pathogens than out of your toilet,” claims Terry Murphy, local compliance officer. There are 18 licensed RV and mobile home parks in the county.

– Mission, TX :Police in Mission, Texas, may have broken up a ring of thieves who specialized in stealing Ford F-250 pickups and selling them in Mexico. Police staked out Mission Bell RV Resort in February, where pickups had been previously stolen, and netted four adults and a juvenile who were charged in connection with at least one truck theft.

~ News From The Weird ~

– PUNTA GORDA, Fla. : Police arrested a Punta Gorda couple prowling an RV park Friday night while their children wandered through some nearby woods, Fox 4 reported.
Michael Scott Butcher and his wife, Sarah, were found by security guards at Water’s Edge RV Resort claiming to be looking for lost truck keys. When they wouldn’t leave, the couple was arrested for loitering or prowling, as well as possession of drugs.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

RV News and Tidbits

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News from around the RVing Lifestyle

– Pennsylvania RV Court Ruling: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Dingman Township’s request for appeal regarding a provision in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance after losing to Lake Adventure in a lower Court ruling in 2013.  The provision in question amended the definition of a recreation vehicle to one “that does not require a special highway moving permit when transported” and “a vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, of such size or weight as not to require special highway moving permits when drawn by motorized vehicles.  This is another great win for campgrounds and the RV industry,” Robert Adams, owner of Gettysburg Campground and PRVCA’s Campground Director. “This decision helps ensure that park models and destination camping remain a growing segment of the industry.”

– RV News: The Good Sam RV Travel Guide and Campground Directory has announced 2014’s top rated RV parks. Digital Journal explains, awarded with perfect 10/10/10 ratings, these 101 RV parks and campgrounds feature the most desired amenities, cleanest facilities and most attractive properties and locations. Long considered the Gold Standard by RVers, the ratings given to these top rated RV parks and campgrounds put them on every RVers’ list of places to visit in 2014. For a complete list, click here.

– ROANOKE, Va.: A recreational vehicle caught fire in the parking lot of the Roanoke Civic Center as families were heading inside to see the Kazim Temple Shrine Circus, according to Roanoke Times. The fire damaged three RVs in the parking lot full of other trucks and circus equipment, but only one RV had severe damage. Two adults and two children were displaced from the fire, Roanoke Times reports.  The cause of the was ruled as electrical, Roanoke Times explains.

– Richmond, Ind.: based Tom Raper RVs announced the launch of campersweather.com, a new website especially for campers and outdoor enthusiasts featuring weather forecasts, current conditions and weather alerts. According to a press release, the website, Facebook page, Twitter and a soon to be released mobile app are all free and include live weather radar, up-to-the-minute weather maps and weather related news.

– RV News: Stats on wholesale shipments of rigs seem to indicate it. U.S. wholesale annual shipments jumped 12.4 percent in December compared to the year before — about double 2009. On a monthly basis, December shipments were up 14.3 percent over 2013, the biggest December in six years, says the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

– Economy: Midwest propane prices continue to shoot upward. At one point last week, spot prices reached almost $5 per gallon, but dropped to $4.50. At the Kansas hub, prices reached $4.95, the highest since 1989.

– RV News: A fire in an electrical box at the Como, N.C., Camp PD Hunt Club got out of control and smoke was seen for miles. Local firefighters called in assistance, but in the end, 17 RVs parked at the club were wiped out.

~ News from the Weird ~

– RVs burn gas, but cows manufacture it, and in one case this week it caused a problem. Methane gas from 90 gassy cows exploded in a German farm shed, injuring one of the animals. High levels of flatulence had built up when a static electric charge caused the gas to explode with flashes of flames. One cow was treated for burns (hopefully, “rare” and not “well done”).

– This that make you go hmm? An RVer in Severance, Colo., who couldn’t get his motor home started tried using starter fluid. With somewhat predictable results, the rig caught fire and was totally destroyed. The twist? The rig was inside a local car wash when the fire broke out. No damage estimate on the car wash building.

Special thanks to CampingPA.com for supplying these great tidbits of RVing news…

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Visit the Adirondacks!

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Welcome to the largest park in the lower 48.

indian-lake-adirondack-mountains-new-york

The peaceful view from a camping spot along scenic Indian Lake

The forever wild, the six million acre Adirondack Park of Northern New York. Experience the thrill of first discovery in the Adirondack Region of Northern New York (also known as the ADKs). A six-million-acre civilized wilderness, dotted with quaint towns and charming lakeside villages, the Adirondack Region is open year-round for adventure. Explore nature parks, tour historic sites and play at our many family friendly attractions. Named for the mountains within the park, the Adirondacks are part of the Northern Deciduous Forest, the largest temperate forest in the world. Larger than Vermont or Massachusetts; larger even than Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Great Smokies and Yosemite national parks combined, the Adirondacks are a haven for outdoor recreation. Conveniently, this natural wonder is located within a day’s drive for 60 million people.

canoeing-fishing-indian-lake-adirondack-mountains-new-york

Do not forget the canoe!

Scenic byways in and out of the region offer a drive through nature’s best.  Regardless of time of year, travel in and out of this region is beautiful.  Offering all kinds of outdoor recreational pleasures, skiing, hiking, camping, rafting, floating, walking, biking, relaxing, and those secluded scenic spots, those places where you can hear nothing but silence.  Only the sound of nature around you.

Why not take your next camping trip to the ADK’s and experience the true beauty of the forever wild.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Have you been to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania?

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The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in its Autumn beauty.

The PA Grand Canyon Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and the Pine Creek Gorge, the PA Canyon area stretches for over 45 miles with depths of nearly 1500 feet. It’s dynamic topography creates many scenic wonders, including steep canyon walls and waterfalls. The PA Grand Canyon is part of the Tioga State Forest, beginning just south of Ansonia, PA, near Wellsboro in Tiago County.

With numerous developed trails the Grand Canyon of PA is a hikers paradise.  Year round activities include floating, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are all part of the area’s available outdoor recreational opportunities.  The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon State Park areas display spectacular views.  Colton Point on the west rim and Leonard Harrison on the east rim of the canyon are the “must see” vistas to visit.  Camping and picnic areas are also available here as well.

One of the most popular areas to visit in the canyon is the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed that travels along Pine Creek at the floor of the canyon. USA Today cites the Pine Creek Rail Trail as one of the ‘Top 10 Great Places to take bike tour’ in the world.  Due to the gentle grade, the trail offers easy peddling, hence it can be experienced with minimal physical impact and basic biking gear and experience.  Why not add this bike trail to your biking ‘bucket list’?

Come experience the Pennsylvania Wilds, and enjoy the beauty of route 6 which traversed the top half of the state.  You will not be disappointed in the Autumn beauty of this particular region of Pennsylvania.

Safe Travels and Happy Rving!

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