Tag Archives: Rhode Island

Off Season On The Pond

Boating, Camping, Coventry, Nature, outdoors, Rhode Island, Rv, , , , , , , , ,

Hello Campers,

Fall weekends on the pond came to mind this morning. As children we stayed outside most of the day. The temperature dropping a few degrees didn’t change that. We’d throw on progressively heavier clothing and enjoy the subtle changes of the off season on Johnson’s Pond.

Most packed up and headed back to the city before this magical time of year began and wouldn’t return until Memorial Day weekend. We were lucky to have our primary residence less than an hour away, so for us that was not the case. Our Camp Ash didn’t suffer from a lack of use.

The air was cool and fresh, and there was a quiet that didn’t exist on a hot summer’s weekend by the water. This was the perfect recipe for expanding a child’s imagination. In those early years I’d build entire ranches with twigs and pine needles. I’d break up tiny branches, stick the twigs in the ground and create corral fences, barns and log cabins. Nature’s toys!

Eventually we’d take in our floating docks by laying them on rollers. That’s about the time I learned about leverage. The boats would get winterized, but we’d still take out the canoe or jon boat until the pond froze over. Once that happened it would be time to skate the pond. That experience went beyond peaceful. When the ice was safe enough, we’d skate the entire cove. I still have vivid memories of my neighbor Vinny losing himself in the present as he made the most of the experience.

Although the days ended sooner and cooler, a roaring fire accompanied by an old song or scary story, and our combined laughter made every hour a bit more valuable. The stars above seemed a lot more abundant too. Maybe it was because our senses became more aware as we were absent of distractions. Whatever the case, I’ll always cherish those special moments together off season on the pond.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

IT’S TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR RV WINTERIZATION

My RV Guy offers an RV winterization service to protect your RV from cold weather damage by draining the water system, blowing out lines, adding RV antifreeze, and preparing vulnerable components for storage. This process prevents pipes from freezing and cracking, ensuring your RV is ready for use in the spring. You can schedule this service through My RV Guy to have their technicians prepare your vehicle for the winter. 

How My RV Guy’s Winterization Service Works

  • Draining the water system:Water is removed from the fresh water tank and hot water heater. 
  • Bypassing the water heater:The water heater is bypassed to prevent antifreeze from filling it, which saves antifreeze and makes the process more effective for the plumbing. 
  • Blowing out lines:Compressed air is used to remove any remaining water from the water lines and pipes. 
  • Adding RV antifreeze:Non-toxic RV antifreeze is pumped through the plumbing system to protect it from freezing. 
  • Protecting vulnerable components:This step helps protect components from the elements, though the exact details can vary by RV and service level. 

Why Winterize Your RV? 

  • Prevent freezing damage:The primary goal is to prevent water from freezing in your RV’s plumbing, which can cause pipes, tanks, and other components to crack and burst.
  • Ensure readiness for spring:A properly winterized RV will be ready to use when warmer weather returns without needing extensive repairs.

How to Schedule Service

You can schedule your RV winterization service directly through My RV Guy. Their website myrvguy.shop provides information on services and how to contact them. 

How Goes The Revolution

Boating, Camping, Fishing, Nature, outdoors, Rv, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Hello Campers,

How goes the revolution? In a previous blog More Memorable Memories I mentioned how gathering together with family and friends fosters memories that keep. I suggested a “New Year’s Revolution” instead of the traditional resolution. It looks like many are already onboard. With every generation, Americans are moving away from spending on possessions in favor of life experiences. I’d like to think it was something I said. Imagine, 8 in 10 Millennials crave more real world experiences and are putting their money into satisfying their experimental appetite. My “Gen X” group isn’t far behind. Many are selling their homes in favor of simplified lifestyles and expanding experiences via the RV lifestyle. Freedom, excitement, interaction and growth are the driving forces behind this massive shift in the American dream. They’re seeing the sights and enjoying campgrounds with a plethora of events and activities for every palate. So, if you’re sitting around the house having checked your explorer’s spirit at the door, it may be time to start living intentionally. Your next greatest experience may only be a few miles away.

Remember, the things we experience today contribute to how we’ll see ourselves tomorrow.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Historic Town Pound

Chepachet, Glocester, Historic, , , , , , ,

by Ron Ash

The historic Glocester Town Pound is a fairly well preserved colonial animal pound in northern Rhode Island. The stone pound was built by Andrew Brown (Chad Brown’s Great-Grandson) in 1748 to confine stray farm animals. It is said to be the oldest surviving pound in the U.S.A. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, this dry wall stone structure was an exploit of colonial engineering.

The Browns initiated a pound system which rescued stray animals, cared for them and charged the animal’s owners a pound keepers fee for holding them. Andrew Brown (1706 to 1783), moving to Glocester in 1730 took on the unofficial role of Glocester’s first Animal Control Officer. The historic town pound can still be seen at Pound Road and Chopmist Hill Road. Brown, his wife Mary and his six children lived about seven hundred yards from the site. Today their property is the home of Mulberry Vineyards.

If you decide to make the trip, you may as well make a day of it. “Wine & History” would make for the perfect day of exploring and enjoying history in the great outdoors.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Chepachet Village

Boating, Camping, Fishing, Historic, Nature, outdoors, , , , , , , ,

by Ron Ash

If you grew up in northern Rhode Island you are no stranger to Chepachet Village, but you may not be familiar with its history. Walking through this quaint community of antique shops one cannot help but to appreciate its rustic charm. The areas history dates far back before the earliest of commercial ventures were imagined. I believe they called them “Trading Posts” back then. What are now The Town Trader and surrounding shops were some of the historic establishments started by those early Americans who saw Glocester as a place for business opportunities during colonial times.

Originally home of many Pequot  and Nipmuc people, Chepachet finds its origin in the language of these native Americans. Chepachet means “where rivers meet”. The Chepachet River flows through Glocester and Burrillville starting at New Pond, flowing north to Gilleran Pond, and eventually joins with the Clear River to Branch River. Obviously the ideal natural infrastructure to facilitate trade between native Americans and the colonists. Have canoe, will travel!

In 1774 Chepachet residents were ready for independence and were not shy about lending their support for the impending revolution. At that time the “Gloucester Light Infantry” was founded in town. The infantry operates an armory museum behind the town hall at 33 Dorr Drive, formerly Chepachet Elementary School. I’ll have to visit there someday. I will be sure to share my findings when I do.

If you walk across the bridge from the Chepachet Post Office (est. 1828) towards the antique shops you’ll find a plaque on the bridge which commemorates “Betty the Fabulous Learned Elephant”. On May 25th 1976 “Elephant Day” was proclaimed in remembrance of the shooting death of said elephant as she crossed the Chepachet River on that date in 1826. “Little Bett” was the victim of a band of undesirables led by a man named Canton Smith. A sad story made worse as Betty was a very popular small circus attraction of the day.

It is easy to miss the historical importance of this beloved town. We get so busy with life we often get tunnel vison and fail to appreciate the history around us. So, while you are on your way to Who Cut The Cheesecake, Uncle Harry’s Barbershop or Depitrillo’s Bakery, please take a moment to recall the early settlers who made Chepachet and the United States of America possible. Historically, the residents of Chepachet were and are not a shy people. Get involved, learn the history and support those who protect and maintain it.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity, spend it wisely.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy