Speaking of books...

[garym053]

Does anyone know of any books or articles in magazines written about using a pop-up to travel around the country? Most books on RVing are written about MH or 5ers. I am considering a better use for the $50 or $75,000 and using a pop-up for an around the country trip! I'm sure it's been done, but would like to hear or read about the experiences!
Maybe that would be a good series for Pop-Up Times to consider!!!

[AustinBoston]

I don't have a book (yet), but we did put over 10,000 miles on the pop-up in one summer.  I had a series of posts (about 15) telling about our adventures.  Since then, I've been compiling them (with photographs) with half a mind toward publishing a book.

We started in Stoughton, Mass. (just south of Boston) on June 21, 2001, and didn't return until late August, 2001.

Some of our major stops included:

A graduation in New York.

St. Louis, Missouri., where we saw the Arch and Grant's farm.

Murfreesboro, Arkansas, where we spent a muddy day searching for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park.  This was also our noiseiest two nights, so loud (from the bugs in the trees) that we had to shout to be heard.

Colorado City SP outside Colorado City, Texas.  Don't go there in the summer.  They had the nastiest bathrooms I have ever seen (or smelled) in any campground in any state in all of my 35+ years of camping.  I understand it is popular for fishing during cooler seasons, though.

Carlsbad Caverns.  We camped under the only tree in "White's City," which is really just a tourist trap.  Had a true SPUT, trying to drive off with the tongue wheel down.

Alamogordo, New Mexico.  White Sands NM, and the International Space Hall of Fame.  Stayed in a campground that was in the heart of the city.  Discovered that there are no Dunkin' Donuts shops west of the Mississippi.  Also discovered that there's no substitute.

Holbrook, Arizona.  Painted Dessert/Pertified Forest NP.  Saw our first Pronghorn Antelope, and met JT.  JT was a different kind of guy.  Search PUT for "JT" and "chip" and you can read about him.

Grand Canyon, South Rim.  Watched the sun rise.  Hiked a mile and a half down into the canyon, it took 45 minutes.  Hike back out took three hours.  Viewed Anasazi ruins.

Grand Canyon, North Rim.  On the drive between, stopped and spent $$$$ on the perfect Navaho rug.  Shipped it to MIL for safe keeping.  Saw the Kabab squirrel, hiked the quiet, but more spectacular, north rim.  Every American should see the Grand Canyon.

Day trip to Bryce Canyon NP, including horseback riding.  Note: the rim of Bryce Canyon is over 9,000 feet.  If you are not acclimated to the altitude, don't do anything strenuous while there (no running, even for kids).  Altitude sickness can be life threatening.

Drove through Zion NP on our way to Nevada.  We shortchanged ourselves there, because Zion deserves more than a drive-through.  The drive down into the canyon is spectacular, but not for the faint of heart, or for those without trailer brakes.

Pulled the pop-up through northern Vegas during stop & Go traffic...at 111

[Flacamper]

Hey AB,
 
Put me on the list for one of your books.

[vjm1639]

Does anyone know of any books or articles in magazines written about using a pop-up to travel around the country? Most books on RVing are written about MH or 5ers. I am considering a better use for the $50 or $75,000 and using a pop-up for an around the country trip! I'm sure it's been done, but would like to hear or read about the experiences!
Maybe that would be a good series for Pop-Up Times to consider!!!

Here's an interesting website journal that a guy did while traveling Alaska in an Aliner.
http://www.bhoffcomp.com/alaska/alaska_main.htm
 
I love reading books on people's travels either in some sort of RV or even long distance hikes like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Coast Trail, etc. My library at home is filled with books like this! For the long distance/lots of time stuff right now I have to live vicariously through someone else's trips.
 
Last fall we did run into an older couple in the Shenandoah mountians who use to be camp hosts in Alaska in a popup camper!!!  
 
 
Austin...I'd be another who would buy your book!!

[garym053]

Thanks AustinBoston & VJM1639!
AustinBoston, put me down for 3 books, (got 2 BIL's who camp!). That sounds like it was a wonderful summer for you and your family. We've been to the Grand Canyon & Sedona, AZ, but not camping! To me everything is different when camping! Something about "being in" the great outdoors as opposed to admiring the view and then going back to your motel room and restaurant! My feeling is that a TT, 5er, or MH would feel very similar to a motel room and we wouldn't really be camping!!
How many nights (on average) did you stay at each campground? Did you do many "one nighters"? Was it a drag to set up for just one night? I guess the best thing to do is to plan a week or two week trip and try it! We've stayed in the PU for 9 days in a row, but that was at one campground- Hermit Island, ME. We both actually hated to leave even after 9 days in the PU, so I think we could do a trip without killing each other!
Thanks again

[Starryart]

Hey Austin! I definitely want a couple of books! I'd love to read about the whole trip. Especially on those dry spells when we can't camp. It could be a quick fix ...so to speak.
Let me know if you need an illustrator. I could draw some fun stuff from your descriptive writings. Great Idea!