News from around the campfire.

– California: Photoelectric symbiosis is coming to California. A private investor group, Shorebreak Energy Developers, is approaching RV parks, campgrounds and mobile home parks in the state offering to equip their properties with solar panels at no cost, and then sell the park the electricity produced by the panels, saving them 35 to 75 percent on power costs. The group has set aside $50 million for the plan.

–  Online Happenings: Internet giant Facebook has made for plenty of changes for RVers, but in this case maybe not for the good. The company is building a giant data center on farmland near Altoona, Iowa — directly in front of Griffs Valley View RV Park. Owner Ted Griffieon shrugs and says, “Progress is progress,” but will RVers who used to see open meadows and a pond be thrilled to see a modern building out front?

– Borrego Springs, CA: Students on a high school-sponsored camping field trip at Borrego Springs, Cal., had a rude surprise when flammable vapors met up with a campfire with explosive results. Two students and a teacher were injured when, as a fire official told ABC News, “Something caused it to flash. The report is there was some propane or some alcohol nearby. And when I say alcohol, I don’t mean the drinking kind, but fuel of some type.”

– Alaska: For the paltry sum of $279,000, you can own a piece of political history. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has put her Lexa Class A motor home on the market — looking to downsize to a Class C rig that’s easier to maneuver.

–BILLINGS, Mont.:  A total of 107 KOA campground owners have already “taken the leap” and adopted one of Kampgrounds of America’s three new brand positions.
The three brand positions include:

• KOA Journey — KOA Journey campgrounds are conveniently located near the highways and byways of North America and are waiting for campers after a long day on the road. KOA Journeys offer long pull-through sites that help make setup fast and easy, have well-lit after-hour check-in service, and offer a robust line of RV supplies. They are great places to unwind and relax before the next leg of their journey.
• KOA Holiday — Whether campers are looking for a base camp for exploring the area or a fun place to stay with lots of activities, they are sure to love KOA Holiday campgrounds. There’s plenty to do at these KOAs, with amenities and services to make any stay memorable, whether it’s overnight or for a longer stay. Each KOA Holiday features full service RV sites and KOA Deluxe Cabins with bathrooms. Campers can take a hike, see the local attractions or still enjoy a campfire.
• KOA Resort — KOA Resort campgrounds offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors with plenty of patio RV sites and Deluxe Cabins with linen service. KOA Resorts also have an abundance of activities led by dedicated recreation staff, on-site food service, group meeting space, and much more. KOA Resorts are all a camper could want in a vacation destination – all in one place.

~ News From The Weird ~

– National Public Radio’s automotive experts, Ray and Tom Magliozzi (a.k.a. “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers”) were recently asked about towing a travel trailer while using the cruise control. In typical snappy fashion, the return advice included this classic line: “Just make sure you follow all the other towing recommendations the manufacturer makes, which probably include turning the overdrive off when towing, and strapping on two pairs of Depends before you head out with 6,500 pounds kissing your rear bumper.”

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

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!