"On the Road" TV interview with Camille Pronovost

I was recently interviewed for a segment of "On the Road", a half-hour TV show sponsored by AAA and aired on Fox61 in Hartford, CT. It was filmed at Long View RV and while I drove a 2010 Coachmen Sportscoach, a new luxury 40' diesel pusher motor home. The segment was designed to promote RVing as an alternative to other types of family vacations and I was asked about different types of campers, fuel economy, and how difficult it is to drive a coach. To see my part, you have to sit tight through a short piece with Jim from AAA sharing tips about driving to save on gas. I appreciate the opportunity to share my passion for RV travel - that's the best part of my job!
 

2009 Sales Tax Deduction for New Motorhome Purchase

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act permits taxpayers to take a deduction for state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. The deduction is available on new vehicles purchased from Feb. 17, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2009. In states that don't have a sales tax, the law provides a deduction for other taxes or fees paid. This deduction is available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes deductions on Schedule A.

The deduction is limited to the taxes and fees paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of an eligible vehicle. The deduction is reduced for joint filers with modified adjusted gross incomes (MAGI) between $250,000 and $260,000 and other taxpayers with MAGI between $125,000 and $135,000. Taxpayers with higher incomes do not qualify.

Taxpayers who make qualifying new vehicle purchases this year can estimate the deduction with the help of IRS Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Withholding? Lines 10a to 10k on Worksheet 10 take into account purchases above the $49,500 limit, as well as the reduced deductions for taxpayers at higher income levels.

Visit the IRS web site for complete details.

See all of Long View RV Superstores' qualifying motorhomes at www.LongViewRV.com. Call Camille at 866-426-8513, toll-free, for more information on any of our coaches or write to c.pronovost@longviewrv.com.

Long View RV 4th of July Show at Aces High RV Park

I've set up an RV display for the 4th of July weekend at Aces High RV Park in East Lyme, CT. We served coffee and donuts this morning and I met a nice group of folks interested in looking at our motor homes.

From Four Winds, I'm showing a 36' Magellan with one-and-a-half baths; and also a 42' Presidio by Mandalay tag-axle diesel pusher with a full wall slide.



I also have a Gulfstream Crescendo 40K with a full wall slide and a 40' three slide Alpine with a 400hp Cummins diesel.



Aces High has a Hawaiian Luau planned for Saturday night. On Sunday at 11AM, I'll be raffling off some great door prizes. Stop by and visit or call me at 860-463-0875 for more information about these or our other coaches. Visit Long View RV on line for our complete inventory.

Long View RV Inventory Consolidation Sale

*******************SALE - June 5-June 15, 2009***********************
27 Lawnacre Rd. Windsor Locks, CT
Exit 42 from I-91N and Exit 41 from I-91S.

Long View RV is consolidating all inventory from our former location in Northampton, MA to Windsor Locks, CT. Blowout sale prices on every new & used pop-up, travel trailer, fifth wheel and motor home in stock. Join us from June 5 through June 15 to save big $$. Call Camille at 800-516-9058 Ext. 243 for complete details or email to c.pronovost@longviewrv.com for more information. Our complete inventory is available on line at www.longviewrv.com.

"Florida's Natural" Orange Juice Factory

The heart of the Florida orange juice industry is right here in central Florida. In fact, our subdivision was built on the site of a former orange grove. Although the industry is in decline due to competition from South America, a major brand of orange juice, Florida's Natural, is produced in the town of Lake Wales, about 20 min. away from where we live. Dad & I took a ride over to check it out.


Although we were hoping for a plant tour, the Visitor Center (built in the Florida Cracker style) t houses a museum that traces the history of the industry and the company. We learned that oranges are not native to Florida but were brought here by the Spaniards. Florida's Natural is a Growers Cooperative, a conglomerate of the local packing houses. The museum displayed some of the old labels to the left in this exhibit.

Of course, there is the requisite gift shop with all kinds of orange products for sale.

Dad selected a bag of orange-flavored popcorn, I chose chocolate-covered orange coconut bars, and I picked up some orange butter cookies for Ed. Didn't feel compelled to get a T-shirt!


The juice bar was refreshing and delicious. I tried a cranberry/ruby red grapefruit juice with no hint of bitterness. We bought organic orange-mango and orange-peach juices to take home.


Afterwards, we stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for doughnuts and bagels to take home. Along with the juice, we're all set for breakfasts for awhile!

Long View RV Superstore Showcases New Models from Gulfstream

At the 2009 Tampa RV Super Show, Long View RV Superstores represented Gulfstream coach with Class A and Class C motorhomes. We introduced a new model in the popular SuperNova series on the International truck chassis. The model #6373 with a bath and a half floor plan - full bath in the rear and 1/2 bath mid-coach.

Look how the full wall slide just opens up the whole coach! No feeling like you're living in a shoe box.

In addition to International, Gulfstream has added the Dodge truck chassis to the line of Super C motorhomes. The new Supermax is built on the Dodge Ram 5500 (formerly Sterling) and is powered by a Cummins 305 hp engine paired with an Aisin transmission. Phenomenal towing capacity!


See the huge cabover section? That makes a loft bed area with enough room for cabinets across the front and windows on each end so it feels light and spacious.


This particular model is equipped with bunk beds - perfect for a large family!

But the most radical new design from Gulfstream is in the Class A segment. Check out the Montaj, pictured below.


This 30' double-slide low profile coach is built on a Ford chassis. Lightweight, composite materials, streamlined design, and expected fuel economy of 13mpg make this the "greenest" class A motorhome that I've ever seen.



How about an extra bunk over the front cab in a Class A? It folds up into the ceiling when not needed.

The bed in the master bedroom can be raised using an electric switch. When traveling, it allows for humongous storage underneath, accessible from the outside.


For more information on these or any Gulfstream products, write to c.pronovost@longviewrv.com or call toll-free 866-426-8513.

Fantasy Of Flight; Lakeland, Florida

Fantasy of Flight is the private collection of vintage aircraft belonging to a man named Kermit Weeks, who has opened it to the public. Since Dad is a lifelong aircraft buff, I thought he'd enjoy visiting this museum which is only a 10 min. drive from our home. Admission is $28.95 with a $10.00 discount for Florida residents.

The tour begins with a brief history of the development of aircraft from WWI and WWII, complete with dioramas and old black-and-white film footage. The scene is set for a tour of a B17 Flying Fortress named the Picadilly Princess. We actually climbed through the fuselage and imagined a dark night in WWII.

Other notable aircaft on display include the Short Sunderland Flying Boat, a 1918 Morane A-1, a 1929 mail plane. a 1938 Avro cadet, and a 1917 Fokker DR Tri-plane which was the plane the infamous Red Baron flew. Kermit Weeks credits Snoopy, of Charles Schultz's Peanuts cartoon fame who pretended to be the Red Baron, with sparking his interest as a child in airplanes and flying! There is even a replica of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. I've compiled some of my photos into the slideshow below.

2009 Tampa RV Supershow

The new Supermax will be in Long View RV's Gulfstream display, where I'll be working for the Show.

Just read the article below in today's RV Business magazine on-line. If you visit the show, stop by and see me at the Gulfstream Coach display with Long View RV.

Record Display Space Booked for Tampa Show
RV Business
Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The host Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) is reporting record manufacturer and supplier booth space for the 24th Annual 2009 Florida RV SuperShow, set for Jan. 14-18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.

"We will have more suppliers' booths than ever before and a record amount of manufacturer space," said FRVTA Marketing Director David Kelly. "With the addition of new entertainment and more seminars, we're anticipating record crowds this year. We're also renewing the two-day pass so the public will have two full days to see everything at the SuperShow at no additional cost."

The theme of the 2009 Florida RV SuperShow is "Fun is Right Around the Corner,” acknowledging an emerging trend among RVers to travel closer to home. FRVTA said that a full slate of educational seminars are planned along with displays from numerous Florida campgrounds and resorts.

Daily entertainment will include clowns, unicycle riders, barbershop quartets and bagpipe bands. There will also be a dog show along with a contest for the “World’s Largest Sand Sculpture.”

In conjunction with the show, FRVTA will hold its Super Rally for the 19th straight year. The rally is open to all RV clubs and the general public, and offers free admission to the show.

New this year is Brian Brawdy with his "Green RV” display. Brawdy’s RV uses six solar panels and a wind turbine. It also captures and stores rainwater for use later as fresh, sanitary water. The RV has everything found in today's homes: complete kitchen, queen-sized bed, full bath and entertainment center.

Referred to as an 'Outdoor Adventure Expert,' "Environmental Pioneer' and 'Eco-RVer,' Bawdry has appeared on several prominent cable and network news shows promoting green RVing.

We're In!

Dad, comfy in his new winter home.

Two weeks ago we were just starting to move in to the new house and now we are almost all settled. Allied Van Lines did a superb job of getting our furniture and other belongings out of storage in CT and delivered to FL. It was an early Christmas as we unpacked photo albums, artwork, china & crystal, my wedding dress, our California King size Select Comfort air bed, lots of books and sentimental items. While we were full timing, I didn't miss any of it. We truly didn't. The freedom of travel far outweighed the value of material things.

But now, on the flip side, we are luxuriating in things like long hot showers, loading up a 25CF fridge and pantry, and enjoying our pretty things we had carefully stowed away. And we never have to go outside to dump the tanks! But the best thing is having a second bedroom. We actually have three plus an office. Now we have Dad with us for the winter and have more room for other family or friends who might want to come visit.

Dad likes it here very much. He thinks our new home is very comfortable and pleasant. He is thrilled to shed winter clothes and not have to deal with snow and cold weather. The plan is that we will all return to CT together in April. For family and friends that want to contact him, his mail is being forwarded, he can access his regular email, and his phone calls from home are forwarded to his cell phone.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Transition Begins

Ed & I have begun making the transition from full time RVers to seasonal RVers. We parked the motorhome in the driveway of our new house yesterday. Today, we finished cleaning and hung blinds in all the windows. The only furniture we have so far is this set for the breakfast nook that we bought off Craig's List. The movers are coming tomorrow with all our belongings and furniture that we had stored in CT for the past six years.



Gina & Ashley recommended Bed, Bath & Beyond so we picked up an ensemble (that's what they call it!) for the public bathroom. It's Florida-y with palm fronds and we like the colors.



I've been debating about what to do with this blog since we won't be traveling with the RV for the forseeable future. I've decided to continue using it for a couple of things. One, if we take day trips to interesting places and attractions, I will post the info and pictures. Two, if there are family events worth chronicling, I'll post. And finally, I'll use the blog to post business news from Ed's business, Protech Mobile RV Service. I also recently joined Facebook if anyone wants to look me up. I'll put up more pictures of the house once we get settled.

Thanksgiving Day Part 2; The Feast

Mark & Gina hosted ten people for Thanksgiving dinner and everyone did an awesome job. Ed's day started at 9AM as he prepared the traditional turkey. Gina was a fabulous hostess, as always, making sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed.



Mark bought a new smoker recently and his turkey came out exceptionally tender and flavorful, not too smokey, just right. Nice color on it too!



The dogs were not helpful during dinner preparations. But aren't Duncan & Lassy too cute?



Finally, time to serve, buffet style.



I don't where we found room for my pumpkin pie and Mark & Tara's cheesecakes. They made pecan pie cheesecake and pumpkin cheesecake. There was enough to share with two begging dogs. Oh my, we have spoiled them!



And Nilla was not about to be left out. Notice Duncan, checking to see if Uncle Mark will share with him too. (He did!)



We had originally planned to leave Orange City RV Resort today and move closer to Winter Haven in preparation for the closing on the house, which we hope will be on December 5. Instead, we decided to stay here through the weekend and will be moving to Theme World RV Park in Davenport on Monday.

Thanksgiving Day Part 1; Visiting Dan at the firehouse

Our nephew, Dan, had to work at the firehouse on Thanksgiving Day. So, prior to our own dinner, we brought turkey breast, side dishes, and pumpkin pie so he and his lieutenant and commander could have a real meal. Dan recently completed his schooling to become a firefighter and paramedic and will soon take the state exam. I'm sure he will pass with flying colors!



Dan gave me, Ed, and Mark a tour of the firehouse.



The firehouse is adjacent to the St. John's River so they need a boat for Fire/Rescue also.



The fire engines were all polished up.



The firefighters work twenty-four hour shifts so they need sleeping quarters.



Staying in shape is part of the job. See the photo on the mirror? The goal is to look like him. It is actor Matthew McConaughey. Good choice, guys!



Only after the work is done do the guys get to lounge around.



Dan, Uncle Ed & I are proud of you and grateful to you and your fellow fire fighters for your public service!

Night launch of Shuttle Endeavor

The night launch of the space shuttle Endeavor went off without a hitch last night at 7:55PM. We watched it from across the Intracoastal Waterway in Titusville, about 15 miles away. The moon was full and you can see the comparison of the two lights in the video. It was so bright that the sky lit up as if it were a rising sun. We heard the "boom" a couple of minutes after liftoff...sounded like distant thunder. I shot this video, starting from the 10 sec. countdown chanted by the kids in the crowd, through the jettison of the solid rocket boosters a couple of minutes later. Back at home, watching the 11PM news, we learned that this may well be the last night launch of the space shuttle as the program winds down. This was a fantastic experience, one more checked off the "Bucket List".

Fisherman Ed and his "helpers"

We have spent the last few days relaxing, furniture shopping, and, in Ed's case, fishing. Our second campsite at Long point Park is right on the river and Ed could fish without leaving home! No license is required to fish from shore. The storks, ibis,and egrets that freely wander the campground are quite anxious to "help" catch fish!

Yesterday we went beachside, just a three minute drive, 1/2 mile north of the park off A1A. Here Ed had different "helpers", aka two Shelties who had a blast running on the beach, chasing sticks and shadows.



I loved this beach because it was nearly deserted. There were a few surfers, a few treasure hunters with metal detectors, and another couple who were fishing their little dog. The temperature was about 85 degrees, a light breeze was blowing, and the water was a perfect temperature for wading.



Ed caught about five fish altogether. We're not familiar with ocean fish but this one had yellow fins. A baby yellow-fin tuna maybe?



After eight glorious days here, we are leaving later this morning for the KOA in Titusville. We hope to see the night launch of the space shuttle, scheduled for 7:55PM this evening.

McLarty Treasure Museum; Vero Beach, Florida

Heading south on Rt.A1A from our park towards Sebastian Inlet, we passed the McLarty Treasure Museum. Noting that there is a geocache hidden on the grounds, we decided to visit.

The museum is part of Sebastian Inlet State Park and is a National Historical Landmark. The Survivor's and Salvaging Camp was located here after the 1715 hurricane that sank the Spanish Plate Fleet. The fleet consisted of a dozen Spanish galleons, loaded with the gold, silver and other treasure, including the Queen's dowry. Less than half of the treasure was salvaged at the time and the rest was forgotten until another hurricane rearranged the coastline in the 1950's. The famed Mel Fisher has been involved in treasure hunting the area during recent years and he has his own museum (which we haven't seen) located in the town of Sebastian. Not all the ships have been found so undoubtedly more treasure still lies on the ocean floor. After storms, amateur treasure hunters armed with metal detectors still comb the shore and unearth gold rings, etc.



The museum displays this cannon, with a hand-made replica of it's wooden mount.



Spanish coins, called "Pieces of Eight", are often found bunched together encased in coral. Each was roughly equivalent to a dollar coin in today's money.



I was amazed to see of piece of English creamware among the recovered items. My sister has some pieces of Leeds creamware that used to belong to our Mom.



Out the back door of the museum, a wooden walkway leads to the observation deck built to resemble the bow of a ship. The ocean was relatively calm today, fortunately, no hurricanes in sight!