Most people have a bucket list, a list of goals to achieve, sites to see, and things to do in a lifetime. But for those who are dedicated to life on the road, creating such a list can be daunting; there are so many sites to see in the United States, an RVer's bucket list has the potential of becoming endless. To help those suffering from bucket list block, Excel Distributors, the online purveyor of luxury RV bedding, published Adventure Calls: 117 Things to Add to Your Bucket List, a checklist of the United States' must-see locales from Maine to New Mexico, Alabama to Alaska.

Adventure Calls lists the 117 top scenic destinations and pit-stop-worthy landmarks in the United States, along with stunning images and helpful tips on nearby RV-friendly campgrounds and resorts. "RV travel is one of the best ways to see this beautiful country we live in," says Scott Oster, General Manager of Excel Distributors. "Each of the 117 items on the bucket list is either one of our favorite places to travel which we wanted to share, or something that lingers on our bucket lists."

Covering every region in America, there are a multitude of locations for RV "road warriors" to check off. Some, such as watching a sunset over the Grand Canyon, seem like obvious destinations, even for people who do not travel by RV. Others, though, focus on the attractions of smaller, road-side stops that are only available by car. "Our favorite RV-only destination is number 60: 'hang your shoes on the shoe tree off US 50 in Nevada.' It's a bucket list item completely unique to road trips, and provides a little mystery. Where is this shoe tree? Who started it? Why is it popular?" explains Oster.

Excel's bucket list is by no means comprehensive. "We didn't want this to be the ultimate, end-all bucket list for RVers," says Oster. "This is just something to inspire travelers, or places they can add to their own bucket lists." Adventure Calls concludes by imploring RVers to continue traveling even after all 117 items have been crossed off – and to start a new bucket list."

This is a great bucket list. To see it, CLICK HERE.

During a time in the nation’s capital when bitter infighting between Democrats and Republicans is at an all-time high, Centennial Charlie, the official mascot of the RV Centennial, has embarked on a good-will tour of Capitol Hill offices and has proven to be that rarest of creatures – one who is beloved by Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.

“Centennial Charlie has spent a whirlwind week meeting with key members of Congress and learning the ‘bear’ essentials of how things get done inside the beltway,” said RVIA Vice President of Government Affairs Dianne Farrell. “In addition to his largely ceremonial role as Ambassador for the RV Centennial, Charlie was quite an effective lobbyist promoting House and Senate Resolutions designating June 2010 as RV Centennial Celebration month." RVIA legal counsel is checking on Charlie's possible lobbying registration requirements.

Farrell also noted that Charlie has brought several intangibles to his DC tour, saying, “Centennial Charlie is just what Washington, D.C. needs right now. A big, sweet bear to remind them that what’s really important is the quality time we spend with our family and friends. And that there is no better way to spend that time than RVing in America’s Great Outdoors.”

During his time in the nation’s Capital, Centennial Charlie attended a Peter DeFazio (D-OR) fundraiser on April 20th and had drinks with Minority Leader Boehner (R-OH) the evening of April 21st at the Capitol Hill Club. Charlie spent time with several members on April 22nd, including many members of the Indiana House delegation - Joe Donnelly (D), Mark Souder (R), Dan Burton (R), and Mike Pence (R). But anonymous sources are reporting that Charlie has been spotted around town on unscheduled visits as well. One D.C. insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “I’m pretty sure I spotted Charlie exiting the Supreme Court." This fact, combined with Charlie's quiet, judicial temperament have fueled speculation that he could be President Obama's next Supreme Court nominee.

Thursday, July 22 through Sunday, July 25, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Nation's Largest RV Rally.

As the nation’s largest RV assembly, The Rally 2010 will feature the latest in recreational vehicles (RVs) and accessories with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and educational seminars.

The Rally annually unites RV owners from every state and province in North America, with seasoned RVers and those new to the lifestyle parking side-by-side on the event grounds. The Rally is not only an exposition, but an experience that celebrates the RVing lifestyle with daily activities for adults and children.

This summer’s event takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Product exhibits will be open daily with more than 1,000 new RV models from top manufacturers on display and available for test drives. Nightly entertainment will kick off with stand-up comedian and actor Bob Newhart on July 22, followed by legendary country music artist Tanya Tucker on July 23. The Rally participants can also attend the Seventh Annual Dog Show, a Louisville beautification project, “The Rally’s Got Talent” competition and tours around Louisville.

The following prices are discounted and available through April 15, 2010 (prices will increase after this date):

• Electric hook-up sites, based on two adults, $359
• Dry camping sites, based on two adults, $179, and
• The Rally Passport (no RV parking; all activities included), $69 per attendee

For more information on The Rally 2010, call (877) 749-7122 or log on to therally.com.

BRIEF CALENDAR

The Rally 2010
July 22–25, 2010
Kentucky Exposition Center
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209-1398
Day admission: $10; RV sites start at $179 for a rig with two people
Website: therally.com
Email: info@therally.com

Ralph Pagano, the Hell's Kitchen alum and erstwhile Executive Chef of the restaurant formerly known as Customs House is headed back to television.

It turns out his split with the Boca Restaurant (detailed last week on Clean Plate Charlie) was mutual. While Customs House will now be known as Chris Michael's Restaurant and Lounge, an eclectic steakhouse/Italian/sushi/seafood concept, Pagano is getting back to the small screen with a show that will take him on the road. Literally.

The show, tentatively titled RST RV, will center around Ralph as he hits the open road in search of food that's "renewable, sustainable, and traceable." Pagano will drive a 45-foot, fully green RV that runs on bio diesel (hence, the name) out into the country where he will document people making food "the old fashioned way."

Pagano says his inspiration for the program became clear during his time filming Pressure Cook. "I really became more aware of these types of foods while traveling the world," he said via e-mail. "Now, [I have] the opportunity to tour this country and meet all these cool people who are making [sustainable] food."

According to Pagano, RST RV will also feature an online component where viewers can follow the green-mobile live as it rolls into new destinations.

"There will be some great stories...people who've changed careers [to do this], third-generation farmers, and scientists," says Pagano. "Groovy [people] looking to make a difference and while making some kick ass product along the way."

Pagano doesn't have a timeline on when the show will air as of yet, but says the network (also undisclosed as of now) is "finalizing the nitty gritty on the deal."

This story originated on the Broward (Fla.) New Times blog.

In part three of the series, Brian Brawdy shares how his life experiences have shaped who he is today.  He reveals his thoughts and feelings about his father’s suicide, the impact his grandfather had on his life and the loss of his beloved Dog, “Yoda.”

“It is truly an inspirational and moving conversation with a man who has had such an impact on the RV industry,” says show host Mark Summers.  “Beyond his philosophies, insights and experiences, Brian shares some of the most meaningful moments in his life – moments that we can all learn from.

As Brawdy travels across the country in his Lance Camper he carries with him a personal philosophy that we would all benefit from carrying:  “Believe in the ability to do anything in life… your exploration is your own.”

The second of a three-part exclusive interview with Brian Brawdy is LIVE online for viewing now.

In part two of the series, Brian Brawdy talks about his experiences RVing across America. Beyond the technology, toys and RVs, Brawdy shares insights and experiences with humanity that have changed his life.

"You can prepare all you want before an interview," says show host Mark Summers, "But what happens in the moment is always a surprise. With each part of this series Brian shares and inspires more than I would ever have imagined."

The first of a three-part exclusive interview with Brian Brawdy is LIVE for viewing now.

Brian Brawdy, a nationally known conservationist, travels across North America in his Lance Camper, which is equipped with a host of eco-friendly devices including solar panels, satellite dishes and wind turbines. His fascinating lifestyle and personal history make for a great story – a story that RV Buddies had to bring to their audience.  Referred to as "Eco-Brian" or the "Green RVer", the former undercover cop turned outdoor adventure expert is making a difference in both how the rest of us RV today and how the industry is being shaped for the future.

While Brawdy is much in-demand for interviews on television networks nationwide, in most interviews he usually discusses his passion for the outdoors.  RV Buddies had the opportunity to sit with him and dig deeper for over an hour of video – covering his lifestyle, adventures and much more.  The interview features some of the most candid conversation Brawdy has ever had on video. RV Buddies has taken the best of the interview and is presenting it in three parts over the next three weeks.

"We're proud to call Brian Brawdy an RV Buddy," says show host Mark Summers, "His life and mission are both inspirational and moving."

Good Sam Club Announces Recipients of 2009 RVer of the Year Award Hurricane relief volunteer couple honored by world's largest RV owners' organization.

The Good Sam Club, the world's largest recreational vehicle owners' organization with nearly one million member families, has announced the recipients of the Good Sam 2009 RVer of the Year Award. Monty and Susan Scales, hurricane relief volunteers currently living in San Leon, Texas, are recognized for their hands-on refurbishment work and volunteer coordination in communities throughout the Gulf Coast region.

The annual RVer of the Year award recognizes a member of the RV community for achievements that benefit fellow RVers or the community at large. Monty and Susan, Good Sam Club members currently living in a fifth wheel parked in a campground in Texas, will be featured on the front cover of the January 2010 issue of Highways magazine.

"Monty and Susan are a wonderful example of how our members strive daily to make the world a better place," said Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club. "The Scaleses' unflagging determination to help needy storm victims and coordinate additional volunteer efforts inspired fellow members to select them as this year's winners. This is a true testament to the ideals of the Good Sam Club-helping our fellow neighbors-and we are proud to honor members that embody this spirit."

The couple, originally from Bloomington, Ind., enjoyed well-paying construction jobs, but that all changed in 2005 when they saw the televised images of devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Realizing that their construction talents could be put to better use, the couple quit their jobs, borrowed a trailer and headed south.

Four and a half years later, they are still on the scene - only today they are helping hurricane victims in Texas. They've also worked in New Orleans' Ninth Ward and in Columbus, Ind., following the devastating floods of 2008.

After a disaster strikes, the Scaleses move into an area and look for people who need help. Many times, these are homeowners who are not eligible or for various reasons have not received government assistance. Through the support of various church groups and other organizations, Susan and Monty find teams of volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, who will help to rebuild, repair and remodel homes which have been damaged.

Susan and Monty will take a break from their busy schedule to accept the RVer of the Year Award at The Rally 2010, the nation's largest RV rally, taking place in Louisville, Ky., July 22 through 25.

In 2008, the Good Sam Club honored Waynesboro, Ga., native Richard Daniels with the first-ever RVer of the Year Award for his efforts to rescue injured and abandoned animals and find them permanent homes. The program expanded in 2009 and fellow Good Sam members were encouraged to vote for their favorite of five nominees through the Club's Web site. In addition to Susan and Monty Scales, the other nominees for Good Sam's 2009 RVer of the Year were:  Fred and Suzanne Dow, who traveled 250,000 miles researching 153 U.S. Forest Service campgrounds; Tom Gonser, Chairman of Good Sam's RV Owners Advisory Council, who led the consumer efforts to develop model motorhome lemon law legislation; Becky and Johnny Torres, who mentor Navajo youths from grade school through college; and Joe Works, owner of B&W Hitches, who donated his employees' time to build a baseball field, and make sidewalk repairs throughout his community.

To learn more about Susan and Monty Scales, read their blog at msmission.blogspot.com. For more information on the Good Sam Club, please visit goodsamclub.com.

When RV Buddies was in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we had a chance to sit down with Richard Daniels, the Good Sam’s Club inaugural “RVer of the Year.”

The award, which was created to recognize outstanding achievement benefiting fellow RVers and the community at large, was presented to Daniels at the 10th anniversary of the nation's largest RV rally, which is popularly known as "The Rally."

In a revealing and introspective interview with RV Buddies host Mark Summers, Daniels chronicled the story of a life based in giving, including years devoted to Baptist ministry work. Now in “retirement,” he devotes his life to animals – because of the remarkable dog that started it all – “Old Fella.”

What began as a vacation in Modoc, South Carolina, over Labor Day weekend in 2005 for Daniels, became the beginning of a life-changing discovery. He came upon a shy, thin dog with part of one leg missing. While the dog accepted food, he kept his distance. After leaving the RV park, Daniels was moved and spent much time talking with friends on the Good Sam internet forums seeking advice and counsel. He returned to the RV park several times slowing gaining the dog’s trust until he was able to rescue him and welcome him into his own home.

It was this event that changed Daniels life and began a new chapter - still being written - that has saved countless animals' lives. Sadly, Old Fella crossed the rainbow bridge in 2008. Nevertheless, Daniels’ work continues and a statue of "Old Fella" is to be raised in his town of Waynesboro, Georgia to honor his memory and to pay homage to the American ideal that one man, one action, can make a difference in many lives.

While Daniels may no longer be active in the Baptist ministry, he is surely doing God's work, and preaching to the choir of all of those, including us here at RV Buddies, that love animals so much.

For more information or to donate, CLICK HERE.

To interact with the Old Fella thread within the Good Same Club blog, CLICK HERE.

RVing has to be one of the greatest ways to explore our planet while learning about ourselves, our families, and meeting other like-minded people. And it's not just an American pastime; RVing is huge in Europe and New Zealand as well. In fact, one of the biggest customers of RV rentals in the USA are tourists from Europe.

(Note: The pictures are incredible - CLICK on them to see the larger.)

And if you didn't know, the next big thing just might be China. Yes, there are companies here stateside exporting RVs to China, and there is a thriving manufacturing business there as well. You have to admit that they have good taste. A lot of America's best ideas have been exported there - from Levis jeans to muscle cars and now... the RV lifestyle.

But what happens when you reach lands edge. Yes, you could buy a Terra Wind and just go into the water. But even the most ardent RVer knows when to put on the brakes and let someone else take the wheel!

As explorers, RVers are very discerning. RV Buddies wouldn't suggest you hang up the keys to your RV for even one minute if this weren't really special news.

Two brand new cruise ships are about to launch. Both add to already incredible fleets. Both are the largest and most daring to date. And one is the largest cruise ship in the world.

The first is the Disney "Dream". One of the nice things about Disney is that they have their theme park in Florida with its own RV resort, and several cruise ships leaving the Disney dock in Florida - to their own private island no less!

Disney also has designed their fleet to accommodate families. The design of all their ships allow families to spend time together. When the adults want to get away from it all, there are exclusive sections that cater to everything from full spa treatments to private oasis complete with pool. Now you shouldn't feel badly for the kids - they will get to spend time in a fully supervised fantasy world.

The new "Dream" ship sails in 2011. There are many things that make this ship the jewel crown of the Disney fleet. One of them is the AquaDuck. "AquaDuck is a thrilling "water coaster," whose entrance is on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Dream. In a cruise industry first, Guests are propelled at high speeds from Deck 12, Aft through an acrylic tube on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel and—following a mammoth drop—into a lazy river."

Of course the ship has many other features. If you ever felt cheated by having an inside stateroom, that is forever ended. "A cruise-industry first, every Inside Stateroom on the Disney Dream has its own outside view via a virtual porthole! Keep on the lookout! You never know who you might see—but only through the magic of the virtual porthole."

The Imagineers have outdone themselves this time - and children and adults alike may stare at this porthole more than the flat screen TV to see what surprises pop up.

The website has many more incredible photos, videos and details on the "Dream". CLICK HERE to visit the special website.

The second all-new ship is arriving in US cruising waters this winter is the crown jewel of the Royal Caribbean fleet, the "Allure of the Seas".

"Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone."

The creativity that went into this design is as about as out of the box as you can get. The ship features an outdoor amphitheater, luxurious two-story loft suites with private decks and a real courtyard with live plants - all at sea!

Their website has loads of pictures and videos. CLICK HERE to visit and take a look around. Here are some more pictures to tease you. But do make sure to check out the other pictures and videos on their site.

One of the nice things about cruise ships is that you don't own them. So you can sample as many as you like. That's a good thing! There's no denying that Disneyworld with Fort Wilderness and "Dream" aren't amazing. At the same time, "Allure of the Seas" is so completely different. So the only solution is to cruise them both. And while you are out to sea, maybe your RV can be getting a make-over or that full service you've been planning as well.  By land or by sea, RVers know how to live the adventure. Bon voyage!