| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Problems Volunteering for NPS
Interesting new posts. One thing that I think may have been taken differently than was my intent, with my posts. I happen to like the NPS volunteer system and have had some great experiences there. But the NPS is more demanding than most agencies as all that I have seen advertised recently asked for 32 hours per week, each for a couple.
Most other agencies have lower time requirements and in our view, some other advantages. But I still support the NPS and their system, just am reaching an age where fewer hours worked are better for us. As hard as our work was last winter at Everglades National Park, we will long remember the experience and do not regret going there. But after the great difficulty in getting my wife's broken ankle treated(which happened on the job) along with the other things mentioned, we will still consider the COE and the USFWS as higher on our choice list.
One thing to think about in reading this. Isn't it marvelous that we have such a variety of interesting places to volunteer that we can have favorites and pick one over another? It isn't that any of them have been bad, just which we liked best. A pretty good problem to have!
|
Kirk
|
11/20/09 04:38pm |
Workamping Forum
|
 |
RE: Workamping Opportunities in Branson MO
We just returned from spending a week in Branson and while there we also visited the Table Rock Dam facility of the Corps of Engineers. They have a visitor center and four RV sites for resident volunteers at one end of the dam and three more volunteer sites near the shop area at the Branson end of the dam. They said that they are looking for more volunteers and have only three of the seven sites filled at present.
|
Kirk
|
11/20/09 04:11pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Volunteering for a full timer
Last time I checked, less than half of the 550+ National Wildlife Refuges had RV sites for volunteers, but almost all have a Volunteer Program. Actually, according to the regional volunteer coordinator that I just spoke with, there are about 300 to 330 of the refuges that now have RV sites with the number growing every year. The USFWS has a very strong sense of value in the services of volunteers.
Even so, the point about volunteers who do not live on the refuge is very valid. They typically want a volunteer to stay for at least three months if they supply an RV site, but most of them do have things that just about anyone could do.
If willing to stay for a month or more, I suggest that you check with the state parks of any state you would like to visit. Most state parks have a one month minimum, a few even less. Since there is some training involved in most resident volunteer positions, one can easily understand the reason for the time asked for. Also, most places supply some type of uniforms to the resident volunteers.
|
Kirk
|
11/20/09 03:59pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: rookie fulltimer 2 months in
Welcome to the full-time RV lifestyle! We started out just to see how we liked it and now ten years in we are almost sure we like it! I invite you to look through our website,(link in my signature line) and get a feel for how we do things and where we stay. We live about as cheaply as most and spend very little on RV sites.
You may just be the person making a post like this, ten years from now!
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 06:50pm |
Full-time RVing
|
|
RE: Invisible value: how to spot it?
There are many things in an RV which age with no relationship to the fuel that you put into the tank. Some examples are, tires(no more than seven years), belts, hoses, and any fluids. Ten years is a long time for belts and hoses.
In addition things like caulking around seams and openings as well as at edges of roof panels and such cracks and dries from sun and heat no matter what the RV may be. Appliances have a lifespan that has no relationship to the fuel powering the chassis. The same is true of upholstery, carpet, and interiors in general.
Since you have already made up your mind to choose a diesel pusher, I don't understand what you mean by hidden values? Are you not yet sure if it is worth the price and so want assurance? Each chassis has its good features and its weaknesses, so choose what you want and what fits your budget and think positive about it. We love our motorhome after ten years on the road, even though many say it can't serve because it is fueled by gasoline. The point is that even a tent will serve well when matched to the right people.
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 06:27pm |
Full-time RVing
|
|
RE: jacks what brand
I strongly suggest that you find the manufacturer's name somewhere on the controls or on the jacks themselves to make sure that you follow the proper directions. Not all leveling jacks use the same fluid. Adding the wrong one could be a very serious mistake.
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 06:14pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Refrigerator maintenance
There are several possible causes ranging from the burner area or the flue being dirty to a problem with low propane pressure. If you have not done so, use a shop vacuum to suck any soot and foreign matter out of the burner area. You would be well to access the flue from the outlet and vacuum that out as well.
To check the propane pressure usually requires a service tech as it should be set for 11" of water column by manometer.
I also suggest that you visit Bryant RV website and save a copy of this service manual for your refrigerator.
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 06:11pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Problem with propane detector??
While I would test it by running the furnace just to be sure, I suspect that there was some other reason.
A propane detector does not actually test for propane but rather for hydrocarbons. That could come from methane from digestive systems(flatulence)or from any other source. If you have a pet, that could be the cause and has been the cause for more than one RV owner.
Another thing that will make the detector more sensitive is for it to be dirty. It is a good ideal to use the vacuum cleaner suction on the openings to the propane detector on a fairly frequent basis. They can fail but it would be unusual for one in less than one year. They typically have a life of at least five years.
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 05:59pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: GSA 1000
I suggest that you read this report from the Better Business Bureau and also this threadon a forum of small business owners. I have no experience with them one way or the other.
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 05:48pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Problems Volunteering for NPS
Laura,
I have that on our cards as well. We have always tried to be professional in what we do, even if as a volunteer. We have spent a lot of time and effort in learning how to do what we do, starting with our 18 years a Scout leaders and continuing into the ten years that we have been volunteers most of our time.
|
Kirk
|
11/15/09 04:26pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Problems Volunteering for NPS
sasha_j
Thanks! I assume that you mean the submarine emblem and the submarine missile patrol pins. If so, I am quite proud of them and did earn both.
Let's not change the subject from the parks though.
|
Kirk
|
11/13/09 03:42pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: workcamping a local county RV park
Are you only able to go to the local county park, or could you go to some other area or state? We have been doing volunteer work now for most of the time for ten years and have never been asked for a full year. We would never accept that long a stay in one location.
We have found that most state parks will accept a volunteer for a term of between one and three months. Most federal agencies want three months or longer. The counties that we have been with were from one to three month minimum. We have also found that many agencies will not allow a volunteer to stay for more than six months.
|
Kirk
|
11/13/09 03:38pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Las Vegas to Denver to Washington State
I pretty much agree with what has been posted, having lived in Denver for three years and Cheyenne for 18 years and traveling the area as part of my job. Most years March is the #1 month for snow in the Rockies with April coming in at #2. In March it is also frequently very windy from Denver north into Cheyenne and west to Utah as well. Both I-25 and I-80 are sometimes closed due to high winds either with or without snow to blow about. It is fairly common for the highway departments to advise against travel with "high profile" vehicles as well.
That is the route that I too would choose, but allow time to be able to sit out any bad weather or high winds as you travel.
|
Kirk
|
11/11/09 07:10am |
Beginning RVing
|
|
RE: Extended Service Plans?
Let me suggest that you read this article which was published in Escapees magazine on the subject. It is really a personal choice that depends upon your own financial situation.
|
Kirk
|
11/11/09 07:01am |
Beginning RVing
|
|
RE: Questions from Australia
Let me invite you to read this pagewhich was written by one of your countrymen who owns an RV in the USA and who is currently here doing just as you wish to do. Bruce has owned a previous RV here and is a very experienced RV owner and international traveler.
And I'd like to give you an early welcome to the USA!
|
Kirk
|
11/11/09 06:58am |
Beginning RVing
|
|
RE: Problems Volunteering for NPS
Just a Lady....
Great addition to the thread. As far as I can tell, you have a background that goes back at least as far as ours and wide or wider experience as we, and I really think that we can safely say that we are fairly experienced. You make some really great points.
We have not found all NPS locations to be such as yours has been, but some are. I have always believed that the seniority of the person who serves as volunteer coordinator can be a hint as to the importance that will be given to volunteer positions.
I would love to compare notes with you some day over what places we like and what we don't, and the reasons why!
ArkieVet
There is some degree of truth to what you say, but you should understand that most of us who volunteer frequently do not do so so much for the value of the amenities, but because we believe in the agency and we enjoy what we do. At the same time, excessive demands can drive most volunteers away at some point. Just where that point is will vary quite widely. Very few of us give much thought to the exchange rate for hours spent versus value returned, but we do want enough free time to tour the area, and enough in return to make us feel appreciated.
I suspect that every agency has their fans and their unhappy folks with volunteers just like most things. We have long held a preference for the national wildlife refuges, but are coming to appreciate the Corps of Engineers more and more.
|
Kirk
|
11/11/09 06:41am |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Heat/cool selection switch
You have gotten good advice. About all that you can do is to trace the cable to see where it goes. Very likely it has either bent or become corroded.
There might be someone who had dealt with this problem if you would post what chassis you have.
|
Kirk
|
11/07/09 05:07pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Fault Light Atwood Water Heater
Let me suggest that you go to Bryant RVand down-load a copy of the service manual for the water heater. In the mean time, since you had a leaking relief valve I would examine all of the connections below it for corrosion problems from having been wet. Also, get out your volt/ohm meter and trace to see where you loose voltage.
Have someone inside turn the water heater on while you watch to see if the igniter sparks, does the gas light at all, and anything else that you can observe. It will take a long time if you just start guessing.
|
Kirk
|
11/07/09 05:00pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Refer problem, Is this possible?
Good to see that you found the problem.
A battery that is at 12V should be able to operate the appliances since they are designed to operate down to a voltage of 10.5V. If your stove top lights, the propane valve is open. It is possible that your batteries are not as charged as you think and the only way to be certain is to check the voltage with a small load such as a couple of lights, or to use a hydrometer on each cell.
|
Kirk
|
11/07/09 04:54pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Mini Fuse vs Regular Size Fuse
The catch is in the socket. If you don't use the proper designed fuse, it isn't likely to go in and if in, will it stay there when you travel? There are actually three sizes of the modern blade style fuse, Any 30A should work if it fits, although the response time from one size to another is probably different. I think that I would consider cutting the wires and installing a new fuse holder. The only problem is having two sizes of fuse in the same fuse panel.
|
Kirk
|
11/07/09 03:49pm |
Tech Issues
|
