RV Podcast Episode 150: Snakes Alive!

Snakes. They are out there. And RVers, campers and hikers are much more likely to encounter them than the average person, especially this time of the year, when warm weather has these cold blooded reptiles slithering around. And their territory is likely to be close to where you park your RV and do your exploring. How worried should you be about encountering venomous snakes? What’s the best way to deal with a snake encounter? Our guest is an expert on snakes, especially the five types of venomous snakes found in North America. He is David A. Steen Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, Auburn University Museum of Natural History, Alabama Natural Heritage Program. If you are wondering what those five species are and where you are most likely to stumble on them, you’re going to want to hear the interview with Dr. Steen. Also this week, we have a lot of questions, tips and feedbacks from listeners, some great RV ideas and a fascinating off the beaten path report. And - in what soon may be a sign of the times - there is a proposal afoot to require reservations just to visit a national park. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #150 July 26, 2017 of The RV Podcast WHAT MIKE AND JENNIFER ARE UP TO THIS WEEK: [spp-timestamp time="2:07"] If you are anywhere near Grand Rapids, MI, we invite you to come meet us at American RV there on Thursday, July 27. Jennifer and I (and Bo) will be joined by Steve VanDinter, our pal from Verizon Wireless, for a live, in-person demonstration of the traveling tech gear we talk about each week on the podcast. There will be free hot dogs, chips and refreshments. Don't worry, if you can't get there in person, we'll be doing a Live Report from there on our Facebook Group (http://facebook.com/roadtreking) This portion of the Podcast is brought to you by Campers Inn, the RVer’s trusted resource for over 50 years, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership with 16 locations and growing  JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Jennifer We’re always looking for great spots to overnight while we’re traveling. This week, a listener from California named Sharon called in with a great tip about where to find free overnight parking spots in where you can boondock out on the west coast. [spp-timestamp time="11:15"] Sharon’s specific info had to do with Sno-Parks, which are snow-cleared parking lots in California, Oregon and Idaho ski areas. From November 1 through May 30, you need a paid permit to use them but during the summer and fall months, when there is no snow, the permits are not required and overnight parking and sleeping in an RV is allowed, unless a sign notes it is specifically prohibited. God tip, Sharon! And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes ,an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK Five comments and questions this week... A solo woman traveler has a new unit on order and wonders about electricity use while boondocking [spp-timestamp time="15:07"] A Pennsylvania man is considering buying a 20-year-old RV and wants to update it with a generator and a new refrigerator and wants to now if this is feasible and where it can be done. [spp-timestamp time="19:57"] A couple of listeners wonder about the music accompanying one of our RV Lifestyle videos on You Tube [spp-...