Don’t wait to make RV reservations

Last month we explored planning for a trip in the most beautiful place on earth. Now that we made plans to see God’s country, Maine, what does one do to see the rest of North America? Well the process is similar in planning but we have the added issues of where to stay when traveling from here to there. The bottom line is we don’t want to spend “an arm and a leg” to get there.

I will start with a very touchy and politically explosive consideration: taxes. Maine has an awful reputation for its taxation of its citizens. When it comes to traveling, Maine is not the worse. Not even close. When RV’ing, fuel is a large piece of the vacation budget. For example, Pennsylvania’s fuel tax is 20 cents higher than any of the Northeast states. Adds up fast if you get 9 m.p.g. with your camper. Many states have a separate “restaurant and lodging” tax which, by the way, might be added on to a sales tax. Sometimes these taxes are hidden as a “service” fee. It is bad enough that half of the states have these “other” taxes but it gets worse. Many states have local taxes as well. It is rare that vacationers research this touchy subject. Just be aware that this can add substantially to the bottom line.

One way to save though is not having to get a motel room on those long distance travels. There are lots of options on the highways and the two biggest concerns are cost and safety. In RV lore, Walmarts are legendary for a cheap overnight. Research them. Not all will allow it and some aren’t safe. Having said this, I have stayed at some from North Bay, Canada to Texarkana, Texas. I have also stayed at Cracker Barrel in Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia. Other businesses that purportedly allow overnight rest are Bass Pro Shops, Cabala’s, and many big box stores. Some, like Cabalas, might even have a dump station.

Even your destination can be inexpensive. Yes, you can stay at premium places like Fort Wilderness in Disney World where it will cost a pretty penny. There are other campgrounds like KOA that offer a lot of amenities. This might include a pool, games, golf, activities, and other extras. If you like these things, it is definitely worth the extra dollars. However, if you want to just get away, maybe to enjoy some winter warmth or wildlife, check out state and national campgrounds. They are usually cheaper. And west of the Mississippi River, government land (often referred to as BLM land) can even offer free camping! So, what is the cost at these government sites and what can I expect for services? First, they come under many different headings; Corps of Engineer, National Park/Forest/Preserve, State Parks. They range in price from as little as $12 to over $40 a night. And if you are over 62, get the senior pass. Most of these sites will be only half the above-mentioned cost! That’s right! I stayed at Guadalupe Mountains NP for $6 a night. Some have complete hookups, which means water, electricity and sewer. Others may offer only boondocking (no services). When reservCustomer Service is our #1 Priority Family Owned Since 1978

M-F 8am-5pm Sat 8am-12pm 372 Farmington Falls Rd, Rts. 2 & 27 East, Farmington 207-778-3482 www.goodtimesrvsales.com

ing a sight, make sure it will accommodate your rig and it has the services you want.

How do you find these getaways and overnight stays? If you are comfortable with a computer, this will be easy. If you have smart-phone capabilities, even better! First, for overnight stays (remember Walmart), I use Allstays App. It is available for both android and iPhone. There is a onetime fee for the app but I find it invaluable. Caution: Don’t get the Walmart one; get the one for all overnight. It cost a little more but will show Walmarts plus all the other places including regular campgrounds complete with reviews. Other resources are books. If you like the old fashion printed material, there are a lot of choices. Also, for State campgrounds, go to the state you are interested in and search “campgrounds”. For Federal ones, start with nps.gov. Another site I use, especially for BLM land out West, is freecampsite.net. Once you start searching, you will find other sources that meet your style.

To quote Arlo Guthrie, “This land is your land, this land is my land, from …”. Now get out and explore!

AUGUSTA — Raymond M. Pressey, 65, of Waterville, died June 2 at Maine General Medical Center, surrounded by much love from his daughter and family members, where he had been a patient. Raymond was born in Waterville June 27, 1953, the son of Philip and Gloria (Vashon) Pressey.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1973. He married Linda Pressey Oct., 6, 1979, having met Linda through Virginia, his mother-in-law, when they attended TOPS. He lived in Waterville all of his life. He worked in floor care for most of his life with several different employers. He enjoy doing floral arrangements and working in his gardens in his free time.

He was predeceased by his wife Linda, his parents, his in-laws and his brothers Philip and Larry. He is survived by his daughter, Angelia, and husband, T.J. Hickman, of Waterville, and sibling Robert and his wife, Silva Pressey. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his adoptive kids, Matt, Amber, Shannon and Heather. He survived by four special grandchildren, Peanut Butter (Alyssa), Bella, Evan and Ella. He leaves behind two special cats, Meeko and Jasmine.

In lieu of flowers,donations may be made in his memory to the Raymond M. Pressey Memorial Fund, c/o Angelia Hickman, 43 Village Green Road, Waterville, Maine 04901.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dan & Scott Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan

somersetpublichealth.org

Free summer meals for kids 18 and under. No registration necessary. Just show up! Adult meals: $4.00 For a location near you, please see flyer posted on somersetpublichealth.org. Dates and times vary all summer long.

• A four generation Hight family owned and operated business

• Small town feel with a great selection of new and used vehicles

• The owner is in the building and works with sales, parts, and service

• If we don’t have what you are looking for, we are happy to fi nd

• Low pressure sales staff - you work with the same saleperson

• Apart of the community - employees work, live, play, and

• Supports the community - we pride ourselves in supporting the