The ONE TANK Summer Trip

Yes, we're all feeling the effects of the down-turned economy, and even my family has been trying to 'buy' into the idea of a STAYCATION, but, frankly, we're NOT buying into that term.

We have a 1990, 21' Class C RV. For those interested, that just means, as my son tells me, "it's a 'drive' RV (vs. PULL or on a PICK-UP, or one the size of a BUS) with a sleeping space above the cab". Anyway, talk about inefficient gas mileage, we get about 10 mph, which is pitiful compared to the compact cars we drive on a regular basis. However, we don't like to see the RV out of storage, sitting in the driveway, collecting mud splash from such a rainy summer in Maine. And, we love being self-contained, especially since we've had children.

We've decided to explore our options as far as the RV will take us on ONE TANK. Quick math = 10mph x 30 gallons = 300 miles. 300 MILES! That's a long way, even from rural Western Maine. One of our favorite 'ONE TANK' trips we've taken was to Northern Vermont, where Norm (husband) and I enjoyed swapping turns on some of the best single track Mountain Biking out there, at the 'Kingdom Trails'. We also took the kids on some road rides, the youngest in a bike trailer, and the older one on a tag-along bike. We try to look for campgrounds with a beach, some mini-golf, playground, pool or other activities that keep the kids UNplugged. There's so much to do in nature, we encourage anyone young and not-so young to discover the wonders of the outdoors.

For us, it's just a matter of getting away from the distractions (which, is one reason we are NOT big fans of the STAYCATION idea) and 'chores' that call to us when we are home. Even a night away with friends at a nearby campground a month ago allowed us to relax and enjoy chatting, playing in the woods, hearing all the kids' laughter, and the wonderful chorus of frogs 'peeping'. Make a point to visit, not-so-far away friends. It's inexpensive, fun, and you'll feel like you're miles away, even if you're only a state away (or town).

No RV? Don't like to camp? Inexpensive hotels can be found everywhere. Pick one at the edge of your "ONE TANK" and make a journey out of getting there. Or, rent a cabin at a campground, many offer them these days.

None of these ideas suit your desires? Figure our YOUR road trip vehicle's ONE TANK distance, get out a map and draw a circle that encompasses the possibilities. Chances are you have NOT even explored much of the area around your own 'backyard' so to speak. Beach? City? Country? Campground? Friends? Grandma/pa? Historical Sites?

LASTLY, here are a few links that may help get the ideas flowing.

• National Parks of the United States (search feature with campground info)
  
• Road Trip Tips
• One Tanks escapes for 7 Cities
• Twenty Trips, 10 cities, One Tank of Gas

Please share your ideas or experiences on your ONE TANK adventures. We'd love to hear them!