Why an RV Trumps a Man Cave

During the recent holiday, one of the topics of discussion with friends was the idea of the "Man Cave". For those unfamiliar with the term, according to Wikipedia:
A man cave is a male sanctuary, such as a specially equipped garage, spare bedroom, media room, den, or basement. It is a metaphor describing a room inside the house where "guys can do as they please" without fear of upsetting any female sensibility about house decor or design.
Paula Aymer of Tufts University calls the concept of the man cave the "last bastion of masculinity".
Many guys dream of having a place of their own. Elvis had his Jungle Room, and Thoreau his 10x15 foot home on Walden Pond. Even our heroes have them - Batman has the Bat-cave, Superman his "Fortress of Solitude", and Iron Man inventor Tony Stark has his garage full of expensive toys with computerized aide Jarvis. For regular guys, a man cave usually gets carved out from unused or unwanted space. A spare bedroom, part of the garage, cellar, or the garden shed out back are all spaces of manliness which can be converted into a man cave. Given time, money, or effort, a man cave can be created as simply as a lounge chair in a quiet room,  a mecca of teched out gadgets and electronics, or perhaps a dramatically designed whole basement mock-up of a hunting lodge in the woods.

From Amazon ~ Man Cave Sign

No matter the space, man caves give guys a place to escape and spend time in solitude, or in the company of other "like-minded" men. I love the idea of a man cave, but I think there is a better way. Read on below as I list just some of the ways men would be better off with a Recreation Vehicle, or RV, than investing in a man cave.
I'll admit it, I love RoadAbode! Not in the same sense as I love my wife, kids, or even the family dog. But RoadAbode offers more to myself than just a get away for our family. This RV also offers up a chance to use or learn skills, contemplate quietly, or in some sense be a hero. Here's my top reasons I'm glad we have an RV over a man cave:

1 -An RV Comes Equipped for FUN

RVs come in all shapes and sizes

RVs, come in all shapes, sizes, and can fit every budget. Popups, trailers and motorhomes all can become your man cave. No matter new or used, you get to make it your own. What's nice about all RV's - they come equipped with whatever you need! A bathroom, running water, place to lounge. You don't have to add a lot to an RV for the fun to begin. The basics are already included!
A man cave is usually four walls. You get to pick the decor, but there's plenty of work and time to invest to get to all the amenities an RV starts out with. Installing the plumbing, electric, and electronics in your usual RV wold take both time and money. An RV has enough of what you need to enjoy right away, and still add on your favorite decor or tech to include your favorite hobbies or sports.
Since I live in the city, we store RoadAbode in a storage facility outside the city. It's nice to go out and relax, run the generator, watch a movie, listen to music, or read. Other times it's fun to work on RoadAbode for our next adventure. Either is a great way to relax and restore.

2- An RV Can Go Where the Action is - or isn't

Riding into the sunset

Whatever your like to do, an RV is there for you. For sports, RVs make a parking lot tailgate party great. If you like to motocross, ride ATVs, mountain bike, or snowmobile, Toy hauler RVs have space to bring them along. If you enjoy the simplicity of fishing, your RV becomes your stream-side fishing camp. Want to be in the middle of a NASCAR race? Join the other RVing fans and be part of the excitement camped on the infield. If all you want to do is watch the sunrise or sunset. your "Man Cavemobile" will not only get you there, but allow the experience in comfort. A converted shed, attic, or other space can be changed by what tech or interior decor changes you make. What is awesome with any Recreational Vehicle - just take it to a different spot to change your perspective or view. One of the best times with buddies I had was taking RoadAbode to camp at a car show. We could check out the various cars, relax and use RoadAbode as a base camp. We also hit a local raceway and found a great local barbecue place. All that would not been possible with the usual idea of a stationary man cave.

3 - An RV has a Full Kitchen

From Amazon - Cooking for the Man Cave

Whether you are happy with microwave popcorn, a brat on a roll, or want to create gourmet meals, an RV has you covered. Most RVs have gas cook top, electric microwave, and regular or convection oven, or at least a combination of two. A refrigerator for your favorite brew, and freezer in case you want to stock up on some Ben & Jerrys "Chubby Hubby" ice cream are standard. So whether you tend to be a simple snack-a-holic with a craving for some microwave popcorn, or enjoy making a multi-course gastronomic event, your RV has a full kitchen ready and waiting. Unless you built it into the budget, most man caves have to share the cooking area with the rest of the household.
If you need help cooking in your mobile man cave this book would be worth a read. Manly recipes for tailgaters, beer enthusiasts, sportsmen, fisherman, hunters and more.  If you're looking for recipes for these "manly" occasions, you'll find plenty of great options in this testosterone-laden cookbook.

4 - An RV has a Bed - or Two

Falling asleep in a barcolounger or sofa is OK, but wouldn't you rather be able to just full-fledged sprawled out nap in a bed with your man cave? When selecting furnishings , your wife  may raise an eyebrow at a bed  going into your man cave. An RV usually not only has a full, queen, or even king size bed, but many times the couch or dinette convert into a sleeping area too! For that real "cave" feel, Class C RVs have an overhead bunk that can give a more closed in feel  making it your own "man cocoon". Some RVs today even have mattresses that will adjust the firmness level. Pretty cool for your man cave-mobile. Extra beds can come in handy for a guys weekend. Some RVs can hold up to eight people, but most would be comfortable to include four to six.guys. Invite the guys for a "man cave sleepover" in comfort, and in a location that complements your interests.

5 - An RV can be a Media Center on Wheels

Many RVs already come loaded with large screen TVs, DVD or Blue-Ray players, Hi Fidelity speakers systems, and even satellite systems. Larger A Class (Bus looking) RVs even have media centers outside for those tailgating opportunists. You can start simple and upgrade as you want or can budget. For RoadAbode, I've utilized and upgraded to an led TV, incorporated WiFi, and even upgraded speakers to include a sub woofer to give the feel of being in action and adventure movies.. It's pretty cool when we can watch a streaming movie over our data plan, and pausing it to go check on the crab trap at the dock alongside RoadAbode. It really is a glorious mix of man cave and RV lifestyle!

6 - An RV has a Bathroom

Amazon - "Manhole" toilet seat cover

If you have to run out from your man cave right past your kids room which is full of "Frozen" posters when you have the need to pay a visit to the bathroom - aka -"manhole", doesn't that kill the whole man cave vibe? The beauty of having an RV is it has a complete bathroom, with running water, even if you are getting solitude in the middle of nowhere without ANY outside water hookups. An RV has tanks and a pump for fresh water, and holding tank for waste water. There is also something satisfyingly manly about the whole process of emptying your black tank when needed. Connecting the hoses, hooking up to the sewer and the whole "dumping" process is, well cleansing, in almost a calming way. Plus, what man doesn't look at his poop? All kidding aside, an RV has the convenience of a toilet, sink, and even a shower only a few steps away. And it does help to have the vent cap with an exhaust fan right there to help air out the area.

7 - An RV You can Share

Lots of people believe that a man cave is a selfish use of space, and for some families that could be true. It does take up space that could be a kids bedroom, or playroom. The gardening tools still need to go somewhere if the man cave has taken over the shed or part of the garage. Or, maybe you try to have the space "designed" as a dual use spot in the house. Have you seen what happens when your kids start using your man cave? Do they leave lego and board-game pieces in the middle of your floor? TV always on the Nickelodeon Channel? With your RV man cave, you can still use for the family - on your terms. When you schedule family vacation time, or bringing your buddies along for the guys weekend, it's a win to all involved. Welcome to being the hero! Treat the soccer team and let the kids ride in style to the game, then during the game offer up the other dads an "adult beverage" and a chance to relax or catch up on your favorite teams scores. With an RV you can enjoy solitude, guys time, and family time. You can share the space and the possible fun times easily. Your RV man cave can serve both family, and friends.

8 - An RV has Better Views

RoadAbode at Salem, MA Harbor

The best part of having an RV over a man cave are the ever changing vistas it can provide. While driving down the road, or once at a destination, everyone can enjoy the beauty and scenery.. I've had RoadAbode parked along mountain streams, lakes, and ponds. Nestled in groves of trees or nearly beneath a roller coaster. I've set up camp by the beach, along docks, and even near the mouth of a cavern.
Even when it's not the most beautiful of views, it's still unique or different than home. Only a man cave on wheels can give so many perspectives. And if the view is really that displeasing, just move along down the road, and explore the next highway exit or meandering backroad.

An RV is the Ultimate Man Cave

So if you are thinking about taking that unused spare bedroom or the dingy corner of garage and calling it your space, think bigger. Think better. Think what you could do with a new or used RV. Think about the fun with your guy friends,  Explore into taking your man cave dream on the road. If you have an RV already, I'd love to hear how you make it your personal man cave in the comments below. Happy RVing!

Amazon ~ Man Cave Shirt

Wintery Visit to RoadAbode - Relaxing & Tire Covers

Went up to RoadAbode to just checkup on her. Since our current RVing Lifestyle does not include travels in December, January, or February, we check in to our home-on-wheels during the winter, Plus RoadAbode still makes for a great Man Cave on bright wintry days. I'm sitting and posting this while listening to Pandora radio and sipping coffee. It's great having a hot spot to connect to the internet through a smartphone. While here I get to excercise the generator and just check that everything in RoadAbode is OK. RoadAbode's dash heater is enough to warm inside very well in fridge Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia. While checking out things, I did find one of the storage door locks seems stuck - that's something I'll have to address in warmer weather. At least it's locked closed with nothing in it I have to get to, Just campground mats and our folding, rolling shopping cart.
While here I did work outside and put her tire covers on. The process is pretty simple. I've made it easier by fashioning a tool out of an old coat hanger. I've probably had this same coat hanger for as long as I've had the tire covers - about eight or nine years.

Coat Hanger Tire Tool

 Here's a picture of RoadAbode with tire covers off. You can see the tire covers piled next to her. Each tire cover is fitted to the tire over the top, and covers mainly the front of the tire. It helps to cut down on the winter sun hitting the rubber, and with salt or snow on the tires while they sit in RoadAbode's storage home.

Tire Covers Off

To get a cover on, I pull it over the tire. There is a bungy cable that fits through grommets at the bottom of the cover. Using my fancy coat hanger cover tool, I pull the bungy behind the tire, (or between the duallys in the rear) through the grommet on the other side, and then back to the original grommet where it loops around a ball attached to the end of the bungy to stay in place. Now all these years I've always looped back to the first grommet from behind the tire.Just this year I realized I don't have to loop behind the tire twice, but can bring the bungy in front of the tire to loop back. Saves me from reaching with the tool twice for each tire. Sometimes, an old dog CAN learn new tricks!

Tire Covers On!

If you are not sure what tire covers are, or want them on your RV, check this RV Tire Covers on Amazon link. Remember you need to know your Tire Width/Size to get tire covers that will fit your particular RV correctly.
Though I loved visit RoadAbode today, can't wait to get out with the family on our next RoadTrip adventure! We've already been making our travel plans starting in March. Have you?

Guy's Weekend 2013 Trip Recap

July 2013 - The Crazy Month. So many fun events going on at RPC - rolling one into another. But that still did not diminish the annual Guy's Trip.
A week later, and I can finally take a few minutes to write about the awesome time Kev, Ed, and I had in the Jonestown Pa area.

Friday:

Friday Morn, I had just finished our Youth Mission Team experience with TPP and RPC. Was a great week of delving into our faith, helping others, and learning about ourselves and each other in the process. It was a joy to spend time with the youth and "yellowshirts", and the various church teams from Maryland, Ohio, and NJ.  After finishing a few items at Roxborough Presbyterian, I headed home, showered, had pizza with Emily and Amy (Kimberly had stayed to help with the DayCamp that was run at RPC), grabbed my already packed backpack and head out to pickup Ed. Twenty minutes later we unloaded our stuff at RoadAbode, hitched up Amy's Honda to the back, and in twenty minutes more were picking up Kev at his door.
The Real adventure with RoadAbode occurred the Saturday before - when Amy and I went up to RoadAbode to check her out and clean a bit. Good thing we did, because she had a flat on her passenger side, outside dually! All it took to take care of it though was a call to Bergy's Truck Tire Shop, and an appointment for Monday at RoadAbode's storage to replace the valve stem that had sprung a leak. (That, and $200+ dollars)
By 4pm on Friday though, all that mattered was that we guys were settling in at Jonestown KOA, formerly Lickdale Campground. What's great about this camping spot is the Swatara River (more of a creek) which our campsite was nestled right beside. From our concrete patio we could walk a few steps right down into the creek!

The ShakeDown

Once we had unpacked a few things and got electric and cable plugged in, level and items situated, we headed out to find dinner. Looking for a BBQ place, Google Now led us to a little oasis in the neighboring cornfields called  ShakeDown Barbecue. This small eatery looked like a local "seed & feed" outside, but once you cross the threshold,  wafting scents of smokey meat and the twang of blues guitar hits and told you otherwise. It felt like we were in a Hipster designated, South Street Philly Landmark. No - this was on a back-road, Central PA Cornfield! The clientele was a diverse mix - anything from Skinny-jeaned, glassed wearin' intellectuals; SUV drivin' poloed and khaki'd dads; to tattooed mountains wearing leather. All present had one objective though - good food. And Shakedown delivered in heaping mounds of smokey, meaty goodness. I never had brisket on a sandwich taste so good!
After getting comfortably full at Shakedown, we popped our next location into the GPS - Linda's Speedway.
Linda's Speedway is a Dirt Rack off Route 80, this small oval track brings a ton of fun and excitement for the $6 entrance fee. (free parking too!) On the way over, we had a quick downpour, but as we got closer to the track, the skies lightened again, and the air felt cooler. What we didn't know was how the short downpour has effected the dirt track. The track staff had to pack-down and help dry the now muddy dirt-track. This delayed racing by over an hour. We did get entertained by the driving skills of the staff, and the locals as they filled the grandstands.
There were three types of cars that night at Linda's speedway. Sprints - which look like modified go-carts with big wings on top; Legends, which have the appearance of mini versions of 1940's coupes; and Chargers, which most resembled what you may see on the NASCAR Circuit - if NASCAR's budget got extremely stripped.

Legend Racers

All the Chargers looked like they were at one time Ford Mustangs, just really knocked around mustangs. But what all these cars lacked in size & paint they made up in raw racing power. Once the long wait til the track was over, and time trials for position were done - the real racing began. It was exciting! There were a few bumps and crashes, one car even flipped - but luckily non were hurt. It was quite cool - because all their families were sitting right there with you, no "reserved seating" no roped off areas. Just "good ol' boys" and their families out for a night of fun. Glad we got to join in  - even though it went till after midnight.

Saturday:

This day the only reason we left the campground was for  lunch at Wendy's - and that was only a short walk out the driveway and across the street. Jonestown KOA had everything we needed or wanted to do for the day. Our morning started late - a first for a long time sleeping in til around 9am. We enjoyed just sitting on our patio drinking coffee and watching the waters of the Swatara drift past.  The waters looked so inviting that we threw our swim trunks on and took a dip. The waters were low, so we each just found a deeper pool and lounged in the water - no real swimming involved. Moving around some of the smooth rocks, we found a few five inch crawdads, though they were speedy enough not to be caught. We floated in the waters until our skin was pruning - then grabbed our shower gear and washed off the creek water.
The campground had a car show going on right on the grounds - which didn't really get moving till the afternoon. There were plenty of antique and modified rods to check out. A quick run over to Wendy's for a burger for lunch. had a great "Q&A" session about faith in Christ and how important it is in Ed's and my day to day. Seemed to stir some good discussion for our afternoon. For our dinner, the campground had a great selection of carnival-style foods. We all went for the broasted chicken, which was crispy and delicious. After dinner we again just enjoyed the evening air and some aged scotch that Ed had brought along. Once night fell, we retired inside to watch a little television, then sleep. Simple enjoyable day!

Sunday:

Sunday was our "get off our butts and go hiking day" We considered doing a leisurely tubing run down the Swatara, but the office has cancelled tubing, canoeing and kayaking rentals due to portions of the river being too low. Instead we hiked part of the Appalachian Trail that passes thru the Swatara State Park  We were glad we did, because we met a few thru hikers along the way. Amazing stories of a two brothers and a son hiking up to New York (Young man was twelve) and a a trio that was hiking from Georgia all the way thru to Maine. Was funny that once they found out where we were from - they just wanted to know "Where should we get a Philly Cheesesteak?"
After hiking on the trail - we went to the State Park's version of "Forbidden Drive" in Philly. There we were able to look thru the old fossil beds that were dumped there during the construction of Route 80. Did not find any fossils, but was still fun to try. Feeling like something to eat - we headed to a Google Now suggestion - The Farmer's Wife Restaurant.  a homestyle place - with lots on the menu.  I was able to enjoy my first gyro - a great greek -style taco-like sandwich. While eating we discussed our last trip to the Fingerlakes Wineries and Watkins Glen. I did a quick websearch and found West Hanover Wineries and vineyard. We decided to check it out.
The Winery was much more intimate a setting that those we visited in the Seneca Valley. Actually tiny probably is a better description. There were only three parking spaces, and signs directed us to a door next to the garage of a nice home. We followed painted footsteps past stainless drums and wooden casks to another door. We passed under the back porch of the home, and thru another door - and were in a wonderfully cozy tasting room. The young lady on staff welcomed us, and gave us the option of tasting only six - or all twenty of the wines available! We did try a feww - but nowhere near twenty. It was the first time to try other fruit wines, and one bottle I did buy was called Reisling Late Harvest. It had almost the

sweetness of an Ice Wine, but not the thick syrupy "legs". Other interesting wines we tried included a Buckwheat Honey Mead, Sour Cherry,  and Blackberry. Finding wineries may become an annual event.
After our meal, winery and adventures on the trails, we decided to check out the military hardware up the road at Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard Training Center. Once we looped around there (passed the main road by the mistake) we hopped out of the car and checked out the tanks, planes and helicopters. Ed shared some stories of his service.
Wandering around the military equipment we felt a need for some ice cream - so we headed to Dairy Queen, just up the road from the campground.
Once back streamside, we sampled some of our winery purchases, and relaxed. In the evening we went for more ice cream, but this time it was a free ice cream event at the Jonestown Community Park. it was fun sitting at a park bench, listening to the one-man band, and chatting with the families and young girls representing the Dairy Maid and Dairy Princess. Small town Fun!

Monday:

Last Day is usually a pack up day when with my girls, but the guys had other ideas. We headed back out to The Farmer's Wife Restaurant for a filling breakfast, then drove to Indian Echo Caverns, outside Hershey. After a short wait, we took the guided tour which starts on the banks of the same river we are camped on - the Swatara! The cave was a cool 55 degrees, and stays that way throughout the years. We were entertained by the historic tales of the cavern - from the "mystery box" to the tale of the hermit of Indian Echo Cavern.
We needed to head back to our campsite right after - as checkout time was 2pm. We were able to get RoadAbode together pretty quickly, and were on the road home by a little after two. No issues - just open highway.
Another great time for the Guys Summer Trip!