Meet the S.M.A.R.T. Bus, a skoolie conversion completed by the Vickers. Hailing from Indiana Jon and Jennifer had built their professional lives and raised their family, but something had been always calling them to the road. From family road trips to now, as they just completed their build out they took their bus on its maiden voyage this summer. I sat down with them at a picnic table in Montana, and they shared their story. Plus, in the Pitstop I share one of our favorite campground suppers, Cincinnati Chili. Learn more about this super simple dish.

After owning our Jayco for six months, sleeping 49 nights in our trailer, and traveling over 3,300 miles it’s time for a full unbiased review. My wife, Susy, joins in this episode as we discuss our likes, our dislikes, trailer issues we’ve experienced, and lessons learned. Plus, Susy shares great tips on how to maximize the interior space of an RV.

RV maintenance we all know is something that needs to be done to protect our trailers and motorhomes, but at times it can also feel a bit overwhelming. In this episode we discuss RV maintenance tips and techniques with Joe Testa a certified RV Inspector with the National RV Inspector Association. During the pitstop, I geek out on tools and share what are the essential tools that I keep in my RV tool kit.

We discuss the refreshing summertime spirit of Gin, with Uncle Mark. Uncle Mark, is a world traveller, a Class-A motorhome hopeful, and a self-proclaimed food & booze geek. He shares with us a brief history of Gin, we cover the standard classical gin drinks (martini, gin and tonics), but he also gives us a wonderfully delicious recipe that is light, refreshing, and easily sipped on during a hot afternoon. In the Pitstop, I share our recent experience of staying at the Willapa / Bay Center KOA — There is a lot to do at this Journey KOA.

We are going to be talking about Wilderness First Aid. This is an important and often overlooked topic as I think people think of Wilderness First Aid as something necessary for those who are deep into the backcountry or high up on a mountain and far away from medical care. That is just not the reality. In this episode we talk with Shaun Quinn, a former certified Wilderness EMT, he breaks down what are the most common injuries and a lot of them do apply to RV’ers. In the Pitstop, I share my story of Wanderlust and explain why at the end of every episode I say “Now get out there, explore and go see what’s beyond the horizon.”

Lake Chelan is a four season playground for everyone. For those who live on the ‘Wet’ side of the Cascade Mountains this is where they go to play. Lake Chelan is a beautiful four hour drive from Seattle and in this episode we cover recreational activities, where to find wine, Stehekin, and the best places to RV camp. In the Pitstop, I interview my daughter as we discuss what just makes the perfect S’more.

Imagine drinking great tasting water directly from the tap. Whether you’re a full-time or novice RVer, you know the value of fresh, clean water in your rig. In this episode, I chat with Keith Bernard, CEO of CLEAR2O, one of the leading manufacturers of water filtration systems for RV’s since 2008. We talk about different options and filtration solutions to cover the full spectrum of needs from weekenders to full-timers. In the Pitstop, I share with you about a great little gem of a town in northern Oregon.

Forty one years ago Mt St Helens erupted and created a devastating path of destruction in its wake. I was a six year old boy and still to this day I have vivid memories of this cataclysmic and historical event. In this episode, I share not only my memory of May 18, 1980, but I interview Junelle Kroontje who has been camping with her family for many years around this mountain. She shares with us some great recommendations on where to camp, hikes to take, and places to see. Plus, in our Pitstop, I share 5 tips for making the campsite a little more enjoyable for all.

The greatest Campground Game is not Cornhole, Ladder Ball or even Bocce, but rather the game of Washers. In this episode, we decrypt the history of this American game, discuss the details of game play and share some sporting highlights about what makes this the best game for camping. Plus, in our Pitstop I chat with my son and we discuss the craftsmanship involved in making a Water Weenie — the ultimate water gun.

RV solar solutions are often clouded in mystique and sometimes its limitations are misunderstood. In this episode, we chat with Avanti Lalwani the CEO of Briter Products a manufacturer of RV solar solutions including lithium ion batteries and we clear up just what RV solar can do for your coach. During the Pitstop, we cover what you need to know if your travel plans include taking the Washington State Ferry (WSF).

We chat with Youtuber, The Bourbon Judge as we discuss bourbons and my favorite campfire cocktail, The Old Fashioned. During our pitstop, I share highlights about Kayak Point county park and Campground. Spoiler, it’s a hidden gem located about one hour north of Seattle. Rooted in rich history this campground dates back to over a hundred years ago. This Snohomish county park offers many great activities that are fun for the whole family.

A pop up tent trailer is a great first trailer to get you RV’ing. In this episode we discuss the benefits and some not-so-great things to consider with these types of trailers. We also cover the essential gear you will need to get your pop up tent trailer hooked up at the campground.

Featuring an introduction to your host, Brooks Smothers, while providing a little back history to who he is, why he chose to RV with his family, and answers the question of what makes the Pacific Northwest so special.