,

Preparing for Full-Time RV Living: What you Need to Know

Living the RV lifestyle full-time is an exciting adventure! That said, there are a lot of preparations that you need to make before you hit the road and start your new life. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of things to do before you begin this exciting new chapter of your life.

Set a Date

It’s best to set a date for departure before you dive into the finer details of preparing for full-time RV living. We understand – doing this first might seem premature. After all, there’s no way to know when you’ll be ready to hit the road. But it helps to give yourself a deadline.

If you’re a homeowner, account for the time it takes to sell or rent your home and move out. In any case, setting a deadline for yourself will make your need to plan real and urgent. Plus, it’ll help you develop each milestone you need to hit along the way to set out for a new life on the road.

Make a To-Do List

An integral part of preparing for full-time RV living is making a to-do list. When you sit down to make this first list, consider adding the following things to it:

  • Find an RV
  • Start decluttering and organizing a garage sale
  • Research earning mobile income and health care
  • Discover where to camp
  • Choose a mail service and cancel utilities

Checking all these things off your list will ensure that you’re well prepared when the time comes to leave your brick and stick home behind. Plus, you can glean a loose picture of what those first couple of months to a year on the road will look like.

Simplify Your Life

After you make your big to-do list, it’s time to pay close attention to one bullet in particular: start decluttering and organize a garage sale. RVs are compact mobile homes with only so many appliances and unique features.

So there are a few things you’ll have to give up once you’re ready to take your life in this new and exciting direction. And it’s up to you to decide what those things are. But there are a few helpful strategies you can use to try and sort through it all, including:

  • Make time for daily decluttering
  • Focus on one area of your home at a time
  • Be decisive about your giveaways

Of course, you can hold onto anything that might help you make your RV feel like home. But the point is to get rid of any clutter that will complicate RV life rather than make it easier.

Outline Your Necessities

Lastly, it’s essential to outline your necessities. Once you declutter and figure out the logistic side of taking your life on the road full-time, knowing what your actual needs will be is much simpler. You’ll need clothes, kitchen supplies and basic toiletries. You’d also need groceries, first aid kits, bedding and cleaning supplies.

Later on, you can figure out which extras you might have room for. Regardless, prepping for a life on the road means planning and knowing how to let go of certain things to have the simple life you desire. Hopefully, we provided some valuable information on how you can do that.

Backyard
/0 Comments/by
,

Four of the Most Beneficial Motorcycle Modifications

There are plenty of modification options when it comes to motorcycles, but not all of them are worth considering. Riders need to be a bit more careful when modifying their bikes because the small size of the bike makes it easier for things to go wrong. However, here are four of the most beneficial motorcycle modifications and why you should consider them.

Fender Eliminator Kit

Many riders don’t like the way natural motorbike fenders look, so they invest in a fender eliminator kit to give the back of their bike a bit of pizazz. When installing a new fender, the most important thing is ensuring that you hook everything up correctly. Less expensive models or ones that installers neglect to put on correctly often have issues with rear lighting. It’s good to install your fender elimination kit properly to avoid getting into any potential trouble with authorities over a faulty taillight.

Fuel Tuner

The two things many people think about when they hear the word “motorcycle” are power and speed. Modifying your bike to have a fuel tuner ends up improving both. Fuel tuners adjust the air/fuel ratio in your bike for increased power and a few other helpful benefits.

Battery Tender

Some of the most beneficial motorcycle modifications aren’t the most glamorous to look at, but they’re the most practical. A common annoyance with motorcycles is that their batteries tend to die off quickly. The cold winter months, when many bikes sit idly in a garage or shed, are especially tough on the battery. Battery tenders are easy to install, and you plug them in when you’re not using your bike. With this, the battery should last for several years and won’t die on you in about 18 months.

New Tires

This one is entirely up to you, but most manufacturers put the most generic mid-range tires onto a motorcycle unless you’re getting a custom bike. Depending on the terrain you plan to drive on, or how regularly you drive, it’s good to invest in a new set of tires to fit your personal riding needs.

Motorcycle

/0 Comments/by
, ,

What You Should Know About Marine Piling

The state of Washington is fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful waterfront properties in North America. If you live on the water and want to build a dock for your boat, you must familiarize yourself with marine piling. 

In this guide, you will learn what marine piling is, why it matters, and what the process entails. Here is what you should know about marine piling. 

It Creates Support for Marine Structures

Unless you want your marine structures to sink underwater, they will need adequate support to withstand the oceanic conditions. Many industries use piling to create ample support before constructing large structures. Marine piling is perfect for building bridges, piers, docks, and floating pontoons. Marine piling requires workers to drill underwater to create a strong foundation in the seabed for piles. 

Marine Piling Uses Numerous Materials

There are a few different materials you can use for marine piling. Some examples include wood, concrete, steel, and composite materials. 

No matter which type of material you decide to use, you must make sure it is treated for aquatic conditions. You don’t want it to rust or corrode over time. High-density polyethylene is a durable plastic material and is one of the best options for piling, which explains why the future needs HDPE plastic marine piles. However, each type of material has different strengths, weaknesses, and treatment processes.

Marine

It Keeps You Safe

Preserving the integrity of any oceanfront structure comes with its risks. As the tide rolls in and smashes waves against your marine structure, its materials will start to wear down over time. 

Whether it’s a pier or a dock, someone could get hurt if they were standing on it while it sinks underwater. Marine piling ensures that you won’t have to worry about this outcome because it is the strongest foundation available for any aquatic structure. 

Overall, marine piling can turn your waterfront property into a dream home, whether you have a boat or not. After learning what you should know about marine piling, you should consider using it for your next home renovation project. 

/1 Comment/by
, ,

The Everyday Benefits of Smart Home Technology — Let it Save You Money

Did your energy bill recently skyrocket? Take a good look at these everyday benefits of smart home technology and see how they can help you take control.

The use of smart home technology is on the rise in homes across the globe. Understandably, there are various reasons for people to invest in these gadgets, from things like increased safety to energy management. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing devices or step into home automation, here are just a few of the everyday benefits of smart home technology to consider:

Interconnectivity 

All devices you choose can link together and improve your home’s efficiency and productivity. Connectivity with devices enables users to gain more control over their home’s security, energy, and finances. It’s essential to have a smart home hub installed to create uniformity in communication. 

Remote Monitoring 

While interconnectivity provides synchronicity, remote monitoring enables users to access their systems and home status from any device. Using a tablet, mobile device, or computer gives real-time tracking and peace of mind. Additionally, remote monitoring creates a safety net for fire, vandalism, or burglars. 

These remote benefits are a top reason to invest in a smart home system, especially for those who travel, have pets, or leave their children home for a few hours. 

Enhanced Safety 

Many homeowners turn to security systems before exploring the other areas of smart home technology. The real-time surveillance features allow homeowners to know exactly what is happening from any location. 

Therefore, interconnectivity is critical across devices because your location will not affect your ability to check in on your home. You can go to bed or on vacation and feel safe about the contents of your home. 

Energy Management 

With the rising cost of living, finding a way to decrease your expenses is challenging. Through a hub and remote monitoring investment, users gain real-time control to manage things such as thermostats, lighting, and appliance usage. 

Additionally, investing in smart plugs can help you turn things off or on remotely to ensure you are optimizing your experience and reducing use when necessary. 

The everyday benefits of smart home technology create a more dynamic experience within the home, giving homeowners more control over the things that matter most. Whether you need to upgrade or add on to your existing system, it’s never too late to consider how technological advancements can serve you. 

Eco Friendly
/9 Comments/by
,

Hidden Costs to Avoid During a Construction Project

Construction projects are always costly endeavors. Read on to learn what hidden costs you can avoid to help you stick to your construction budget.

Spring and summer are the seasons for construction, whether that’s for roads and highways or home additions. And with that said, any construction project worth doing is worth doing efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible.

However, keeping to a project budget can be difficult, especially when there are unexpected costs. Knowing what hidden costs to avoid during a construction projectcan help you stick to your budget this construction season.

Documentation 

Whether the project is residential, commercial, or municipal, you will need to have your paperwork in order to complete it. And many of these documents come with fees that need to be paid. 

Documents such as building permits, contracts with outside professionals, and even liability insurance can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the scope of your projects.

Improper Machine Usage 

Heavy equipment and machinery are one of your biggest investments. You will want to be aware of how to use each piece of equipment or hire a professional to use it for you to avoid common machine mistakes, such as:

  • Pushing equipment beyond its performance specifications 
  • Not storing equipment properly 
  • Changing fluids infrequently 
  • Failing to secure equipment when away 
  • Idling your machine for extended periods

All these choices can lead to hidden costs during your construction project.For instance, idling a machine can impact your project by driving up fuel costs and prematurely wearing down the equipment. 

Downtime

There are a variety of reasons your construction project may experience downtimes, such as broken equipment, inclement weather, or changed building plans. This downtime can drive up a project’s cost by increasing the cost of paying workers and renting equipment. 

While some factors that cause downtime can’t be controlled, like the weather, there are certain measures you can take to prevent downtime in your project. Be sure to perform regular equipment maintenance on machinery and hire a professional to do your building plans. 

Construction projects can be a costly endeavor. But with intentional choices and proper planning, you can help reduce costs for your project. 

Eco Friendly

/2 Comments/by
,

Learn The Top Tips For Building an Eco-Friendly House

Discover the simplest and most effective ways to go green with your home building process by exploring these tips for building an eco-friendly house.

Before diving into the top tips for building an eco-friendly house, you must understand how green house building helps the well-being of homeowners and the planet. Sustainable features in an eco-friendly home offer an economic advantage because they pay themselves off and can even lower utility expenses. Building an eco-friendly home can improve the air quality of your home, which contributes to good health. Other green features like air sealing and insulation can improve the temperature and comfort of your home. Discover the simplest and most effective ways to go green with your home building process by exploring these top tips for building an eco-friendly house.

Eco-Friendly Materials

The process of building your home is an opportunity to integrate eco-friendly elements like bamboo, cork, or adobe brick. Use recycled, renewable, or locally sourced building materials. If you’re concerned about cost, explore what makes stone veneer siding a good investment and how cost-effective and eco-friendly faux stone is. 

Alternative Water Sources 

Alternative water sources are an effective resource for building an eco-friendly home and preserving natural resources. A key element of green building is water renewal and efficiency, meaning there’s a variety of alternative water sources to explore for your home. Consider a greywater filtration system to recycle water used by toilets or the kitchen sink for outdoor irrigation or other purposes. 

Energy-Efficient Appliances 

If you’re looking to upgrade an existing home for sustainable living, focus on integrating energy-efficient appliances. Consider switching or installing renewable lighting systems or getting solar panels for electricity. The appliances inside a home are the source of daily resource use and waste production, which makes water- and energy-efficient appliances ideal for operating an eco-friendly system inside your home. 

There are many ways to build or upgrade to a sustainable home through alternative energy sources and home appliances. Green home building is becoming more common with the help of energy-efficient technologies. Moreover, the goal of building or remodeling an eco-friendly home is more obtainable than ever. 

Eco Friendly
/3 Comments/by
, ,

Family Promise of Clark County Receives Support of 100 Women Who Care

Giving circle presents funds to organization helping homeless and low income families achieve sustainable independence.  

CAMAS, WA — Members of 100 Women Who Care Clark County presented $3,000 to Family Promise of Clark County on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at their second meeting this year. Board president Dave Cole accepted the funds on behalf of the organization. The local giving circle selected Family Promise to receive their donations at the first meeting of the year, held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Grains of Wrath in downtown Camas.

Jacilyn Margeson, board member of Family Promise and part of the 100 Women Advisory Board nominated the organization at the February meeting. Office Moms and Dads and Friends of the Washougal Library were the other nonprofit nominees at that meeting. 

Dave Cole explained that Family Promise of Clark County operates an emergency shelter program and works closely with the families it serves to help them find permanent housing. The organization also provides on-going case management services which can include resources for employment and financial literacy. 

Founded in 2018, 100 Women Who Care Clark County is a giving circle that meets quarterly and has donated over $100,000 to local nonprofits since inception. Members who attend are eligible to nominate local nonprofits to be considered for the quarterly donation. Members commit to a $100 donation to the charity voted upon by the members at each meeting.

The May meeting was held at Salud! Wine Bar in Camas and the group hopes to continue with in-person meetings throughout 2022. The next meeting will be held at Salud! Wine Bar, 224 NE 3rd Ave. Camas, on August 17, starting at 6 pm. There is an optional social hour before the meeting from 5 pm. 

Women
/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Celebrate, Preserve Local History: Attend First Annual Parkersville Day

Camas-Washougal, Washington – Do you have pride in your city or family heritage? Do you enjoy learning about local history? Whether you are new to the area or have deep family roots in Washougal, Camas, or Vancouver, here is your chance to enjoy and preserve local history.

A new event, Parkersville Day, on Saturday, June 4, from noon to 3 pm at Parker’s Landing Historical Park near the Port of Camas-Washougal, will celebrate the area’s rich history. A Chinookan blessing, storytellers in period clothing, the playing of historic family games, a display of student art, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, display booths, and even a high school brass band performance will round out the day’s activities.

Parkersville Heritage Foundation is sponsoring the event. Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Clark County Historical Museum, Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance and park partners will have display booths. Park partners donate time and materials to help preserve and beautify the park. This year’s partners are the Soroptimist Club of Camas-Washougal, Cascade Tree Works, LLC, ColumbiaOutdoor.com, Camas Lions Club, AllPhaseConstruction-remodeling.com, JTR Artworks & Construction, and Affordable Ponds.  

Parkersville

“Even the event’s location holds special significance to the area,” said Susan Tripp, the event coordinator with family history in Washougal. “Parker’s Landing Historical Park at Parkersville National Historic Site commemorates the Chinook tribes who lived and visited there and early milestones in Washington’s history.” 

“We are inviting the community to be a part of history by purchasing a legacy brick for engraving and placement at Parker’s Landing Historical Park,” Tripp added. “But hurry, only a limited number of bricks are still available!” 

Bricks are a $75 tax-deductible donation and support the nonprofit Parkersville Heritage Foundation, which oversees park history preservation. Receive a brick order form email phfbrickorders@gmail.com. 

For more information, email ParkersvilleHeritageFoundation@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark

Parkersville

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Registration Now Open For WSF Stride Run For Education

Elementary school runs and 5K run/walk will take place in Washougal on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

WASHOUGAL, WA — The Washougal Schools Foundation announces open registration for the 18th Annual Student Stride for Education, a run/walk event that provides fun and challenge for all ages. The WSF Stride has become a popular community event filled with healthy exercise, including an adult 5K run/walk and elementary school runs for each class from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. 

The event is the primary fundraising activity for the Washougal Schools Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of public education and improving the lives of children in Washougal. The Foundation uses the proceeds of the WSF Stride for classroom grants. All proceeds from The Student Stride for Education are used to fund creative projects in Washougal schools in the form of Creative Classroom Grants and Mini-Grants for educators and teachers. 

Title Sponsor Discovery Dental will be hosting their popular ‘Beat the Doc Challenge’.  Anyone able to beat both Doctors Dave and Tom Stinchfield across the finish line gets a prize from Discovery Dental.

Baseball

And for the second year, the event will host a Ninja Warrior Obstacle course, open to anyone and sponsored by Washougal River Crossfit. 

The artwork for the 2022 t-shirts and medals was created by Amberlin McBee, a sixth-grader at Jemtegaard Middle School. 

The 18th annual Student Stride for Education will take place on Saturday, May 21st at Washougal High School’s Fishback Stadium. Race day registration opens at 7:15 am with the 5K Run starting at 8:00 am. Participants can register individually or as teams online at https://www.washougalschoolsfoundation.org/stride/

About the Washougal Schools Foundation:
The Washougal Schools Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of public education, helping to prepare students to constructively participate in the improvement of the community. The foundation offers Creative Classroom Grants in the Fall and Spring for projects up to $1,000 to teachers, staff, students, or community members. Mini-grants are offered throughout the year as well, each providing up to $250 to teachers for materials and programs. To learn more about the foundation and its contribution to the community, visit washougalschoolsfoundation.org

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

April 28 Fundraiser to Assist With Camas-Washougal Skate Park Renovations

Camas, WA —The only outdoor skate park in East Clark County, is ready for a refresh. Built in 2002, the Camas-Washougal Skate Park, while currently functional, is desperately in need of renovations.

Camas Parks and Recreation is currently working with a host of partners to design plans for multiple new features at the park.  But with new features, come new costs. To help offset those costs, the City is working with the Camas Parks Foundation to kick off a month-long fundraising campaign, starting with a classic skate movie at Liberty Theatre, April 28.

Join the Camas Parks Foundation, and Camas Parks & Recreation at the Liberty Theatre, Thursday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., for the showing of “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” (rated PG for some strong language). Bones Brigade is a classic skateboard movie featuring skateboard stars Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Tommy Guerrero and Mike McGill.

Admission is $7.50, and tickets will be pre-sold, and seats pre-selected by visiting: https://www.camasliberty.com/movie/129019/Bones-Brigade-An-Autobiography  All ticket proceeds will be donated towards the Camas-Washougal Skate Park improvements! 

In addition, the month-long fundraising effort will also include an on-line silent auction which will begin April 28 and run through June 4, culminating with a skate event at the Camtown Youth Festival! Check out the amazing auction items, stay up to date with the progressive fundraising efforts, or donate directly on the “Donate to the Skate Park” button at:  https://www.camasparksfoundation.org/skatepark 

Major contributors to this project include Camas Parks Foundation, Collective Concrete, Grains of Wrath, Liberty Theatre, Live Well Camas, Lunch Money, Nest & Love Photography, Poler, Parks Foundation of Clark County and Yew Skateboards. You can view all the donors, sponsors and contributors by visiting the Camas Parks Foundation web page at: https://www.camasparksfoundation.org/skatepark 

For questions or more information contact: Krista Bashaw at 360-817-7991 or kbashaw@cityofcamas.us

For questions or information related to the on-line fundraiser, contact: Vicki Kerr at 503-730-5300

/0 Comments/by