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The January/February 2025 issue is here! |
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"I guess all of us have dreams. For most of us, as soon as one is fulfilled, another springs up to take its place. Whenever I think of dreams, I think of a man I met in South Dakota. He was a giant of a man with a giant of a dream.
His name was Korczak Ziolkowski. You may be one of the many who believe Korczak was nothing but a talented con artist, but I know better. Joe and I spent an entire day with him. I sat beside him as his Jeep climbed the rock-strewn road that he built himself. I climbed behind him up the wooden scaffold and stood with him on the point of rock that is the tip of Crazy Horse’s pointing finger. As he unfolded his plan for us step by step, I saw the dedication burning in his eyes.
No, we are not skilled sculptors. But like Korczak, we have dedicated ourselves to molding the idea of a special kind of club into a permanent structure that, like Korczak’s statue, will not be finished in our lifetime. As Korczak had his critics; so, too, do we. But, when you have a dream, you cannot allow the critics to push you off the mountain. Our dream is to turn the Escapees into a total support network for RVers. We know, if we have enough money, time and members, there is no limit to what we can do."
Excerpt from Escapees Magazine, January/February 1987, Escapees.com/aboutus
-Kay Peterson, Escapees Co-Founder |
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Are you reading a digital copy of your magazine?
Escapees magazine is always available for you to read right from your member dashboard!
You can catch up on the latest issue or past issues anytime, anywhere. It’s a great solution for full-time and part-time travelers.
Not only is digitally reading your magazine greener, it also helps to keep membership fees low by reducing printing costs.
If you read your magazine digitally, we invite you to confirm that choice in your MySKP account in your Go Green Settings by choosing “digital magazine only.”
Your digital Escapees magazine is available in pdf or flipbook format, perfect for tablets and computers. You can find issues by scrolling to the bottom of the member dashboard homepage or under “education” in the top menu. |
| Read My Digital Magazine |
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In This Issue |
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Here's a sneak peek at some of the great articles that await you in this issue! To read these articles, and more, in full, open your printed January/February issue or check out the digital archive here. |
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SmartWeigh Needs You!
Escapees needs a Weighmaster at the
permanent site at North Ranch, in Congress, Arizona. This is a great opportunity to help your fellow RVers while enjoying attractions in picturesque Arizona and Nevada.
This position is open to all Escapees and Xscapers. Training can be tailored to your schedule or completed during the March 2025 Escapade in Tucson, Arizona. The position offers monetary compensation and a flexible schedule.
For more information, e-mail jim.koca@harvesthosts.com. |
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The SmartWeigh program provides accurate individual wheel weights for your RV, "toad," and tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are available in Livingston, TX, Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-329-6499 for information and reservations. Weighing is available at Escapade! |
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Navigating New Financial Landscapes: Next Gen Planning
By Courtney Hensley, Guest Contributor
"As the world of finance evolves, so too do the opportunities for savvy investors, especially those of us who enjoy the open road." |
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The recent changes and further clarifications brought about by the Secure 2.0 Act have significant implications for your retirement and estate planning strategies. In this article, we’ll dive into the key updates regarding inherited IRAs and required minimum distributions (RMDs), and we’ll also discuss the nuances of UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts versus 529 plans, particularly in light of the new 529 ruling allowing Roth conversions. Go to page 34 to learn more! |
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7 Real Life RV Tips for Real Life RVers
By Evanne Schmarder #65409
“Our top seven often-overlooked, practical tips to help you make the most of your RV adventures...” |
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RVing offers an extraordinary kind of freedom and discovery, where the open road and the comforts of home meet in perfect synergy. It’s the thing I love most about the lifestyle. With 18+ full-time years under our belts, my husband Ray and I have learned that planning and preparation go a long way toward making every trip a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. In fact, we think it is essential. Read more on page 38. |
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Carbon Monoxide: An Odorless, Tasteless, & Toxic Danger
by Mark Nemeth, Escapees Magazine Technical Advisor #45776
"Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can kill at small concentrations of 300 parts per million (ppm) or less."
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Starting on page 52, Mark talks about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the need for a detector in your RV. |
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Want to see your name in Escapees magazine? |
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Each issue of Escapees magazine offers readers multiple ways to contribute! After all, we created Escapees FOR RVers, BY RVers. Keep reading to see how you can help create a future issue! |
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Viewfinder |
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Upcoming Viewfinder topics include:
May/June 2025: RVing Fun
(Due Jan. 10, 2025)
July/Aug 2025: Unexpected Surprise (Due March 10, 2025)
Sept/Oct 2025: RVing in Autumn (Due May 10, 2025) |
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In every issue, we enjoy featuring interesting photos our readers have snapped along their travels! These photos are featured in our Viewfinder column.
Submissions must include your name and membership number, the name of the photographer, and a caption. Photos will be published on a space-available basis. Submissions do not qualify for payment. To submit photos for “Viewfinder,” send high-resolution, unaltered digital photos as e-mail attachments to viewfinder@escapees.com or use the link below. |
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Write an Article! |
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Our magazine team is always open to unique and useful articles from the RVing community!
Although member material is considered first priority, non-member material is also reviewed. Travel/destinations-type articles are kept to a minimum and generally selected only when the location coincides with an Escapees national event. Well researched technical and informational articles are in high demand. Learn more about our submission guidelines and how to share your talent with us below! |
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Camping Chair Chat |
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Share your travel experiences with fellow RVers! This column is for readers to share thoughts, ideas and helpful hints. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting.
Submissions sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com or via the link below.
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