My RV Guy

Hello Campers,

I’m a bit of a workaholic, especially when I’m doing what I love. It isn’t always easy for me to put work aside and dedicate myself to vacationing. Today’s electronics combined with the internet make staying off the grid challenging. However, this year during my annual “Ash Family Vacation” alongside Narragansett Bay I realized doing anything that required an internet connection would be futile. I quickly decided to put my laptop away and concentrated on a fantastic week with family, friends and some of the most beautiful scenery Aquidneck Island had to offer. Whether I was relaxing at the beach, exploring the coast or enjoying what I affectionately refer to as the “poor man’s surf and turf” (lobster & burgers) at the family reunion cookout, I continually remained present. It was wonderful! Lesson learned. The past is gone and the future isn’t here yet. All we really have is right now. That’s where the magic happens.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.

Happy camping!
Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Hello Campers,

Fall weekends on the pond came to mind this morning. As children we stayed outside most of the day. The temperature dropping a few degrees didn’t change that. We’d throw on progressively heavier clothing and enjoy the subtle changes of the off season on Johnson’s Pond.

Most packed up and headed back to the city before this magical time of year began and wouldn’t return until Memorial Day weekend. We were lucky to have our primary residence less than an hour away, so for us that was not the case. Our Camp Ash didn’t suffer from a lack of use.

The air was cool and fresh, and there was a quiet that didn’t exist on a hot summer’s weekend by the water. This was the perfect recipe for expanding a child’s imagination. In those early years I’d build entire ranches with twigs and pine needles. I’d break up tiny branches, stick the twigs in the ground and create corral fences, barns and log cabins. Nature’s toys!

Eventually we’d take in our floating docks by laying them on rollers. That’s about the time I learned about leverage. The boats would get winterized, but we’d still take out the canoe or jon boat until the pond froze over. Once that happened it would be time to skate the pond. That experience went beyond peaceful. When the ice was safe enough, we’d skate the entire cove. I still have vivid memories of my neighbor Vinny losing himself in the present as he made the most of the experience.

Although the days ended sooner and cooler, a roaring fire accompanied by an old song or scary story, and our combined laughter made every hour a bit more valuable. The stars above seemed a lot more abundant too. Maybe it was because our senses became more aware as we were absent of distractions. Whatever the case, I’ll always cherish those special moments together off season on the pond.

Happy camping!

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Summers on Shady Valley Road were filled with so many wonderful experiences with my siblings and our summertime family of friends. In addition to all the activities on Johnson’s Pond, there were trails to ride, corn fields to explore and lots of trees to climb. One tree in particular was very special to us. It was more than a tree. It was a meeting place we grew to love. So much so that my sisters and I, along with our neighborhood friends saved it from being cut down. After seeing how much the oddly shaped tree meant to us, the municipality compromised by just trimming it a bit.

The reason I bring this up is because of a conversation I had with a new customer recently. We were talking about all the technology included in many of today’s RV’s. Huge mobile homes with private spaces came up in conversation as well. He has a smaller camper, and his family spends most of their time outside as opposed to many who spend so much time inside their larger RVs. Back during our days on the pond or at Carpenter’s Beach Meadows by the sea, we rarely spent anytime indoors. We were always out with our family or friends. Our time was well spent swimming, boating and fishing. Don mentioned playing “Manhunt” and I was reminded of “Kick the Can”. There were the evening campfires that included storytelling and sing-alongs as well.

The joys of our summertime holidays were never about the size of our RV or cottage. It was all about interacting in and with nature. Every experience ignited an organic appreciation of the great outdoors. There were no distractions from the wonders around us. Our faces were not locked onto a screen. We had the unique opportunity to experience a new world if only for a season. That is what saved “our” very special tree.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Hello Campers!

In my last blog “More Memorable Memories” I mentioned how gathering together with family and friends fosters memories that keep.  I suggested a “New Year’s Revolution” instead of the traditional resolution.  It looks like many are already onboard.  With every generation Americans are moving away from spending on possessions in favor of life experiences.  I’d like to think it was something I said. Imagine, 8 in 10 Millennials crave more real world experiences and are putting their money into satisfying their experimental appetite.  My “Gen X” group isn’t far behind.  Many are selling their homes in favor of simplified lifestyles and expanding experiences via the RV lifestyle.  Freedom, excitement, interaction and growth are the driving forces behind this massive shift in the American dream. They’re seeing the sights and enjoying campgrounds with a plethora of events and activities for every palate.  So, if you’re sitting around the house having checked your explorer’s spirit at the door, it may be time to start living intentionally. Your next greatest experience may only be a few miles away.

Remember, the things we experience today contribute to how we’ll see ourselves tomorrow.

Happy camping,

Ron Ash aka My RV Guy

Hello Campers! It’s that time of year when we all get ready for special gatherings with family and friends. Looking back it’s easy to see why a lifetime of memories are built around the holidays. These and other red letter days are the catalyst for what was, is and will be the story of our lives. Every special holiday gathering, birthday party and vacation experience has its own significance. So I got to thinking, what if we get intentional about creating more? Many of my most vivid memories, besides the holiday variety, took place exploring and enjoying the great outdoors. Hiking, canoeing, fishing and camping were always at the top of my “love to do list”. That’s when I’d leave behind the ordinary and discover the extraordinary. Decades after, I still carry crystal-clear pictures in my mind. That giant Northern Pike in Pickerel Cove I lost on multiple occasions. On the final attempt it snapped a heavy sea hook like it was a twig. My dad still calls it a fish story. A similar tale of a huge purple Bull Frog also comes to mind. My diligence paid off in that hunt. There were lessons to be learned as well. Like that time my mom made me keep a promise to a campground neighbor to go fishing with her and her dad. She had a crush on me and Mom knew I was playing with her emotions. Turns out her dad was a champion fly fisherman who had been written up in several magazines. We ended up having a great time. He even complimented me on how well I handled my fishing rod. You can’t make memories like that hanging around the house playing video games and watching cartoons. It all comes back to the gathering. Whether it was on the water, around the campfire or under a starlit night watching a meteor shower with friends; those are the memories that keep. So let’s make a revolution of a new year’s resolution to create more memorable memories. Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely. Happy camping!

Hello Campers, This week I was taken back to “Camp Ash” on Johnson’s Pond in Coventry, Rhode Island. It was the beginning of the nineteen seventies. My dad worked in the city and my mom was a full-time stay at home mom. We lived in a three-bedroom one-bathroom home on a quarter acre corner lot in the suburbs. Dad drove a nineteen seventy and a half Corvette Stingray back then. We referred to Mom’s nineteen seventy three Impala Station Wagon as “The Beach Wagon”. Money went a lot further back then, so they decided to look for a modest summertime residence for our family of five to enjoy. They eventually purchased their own slice of nature on Shady Valley Road.It wasn’t just the wonderful experiences we shared there that I appreciated. I don’t know if my parents realized it or not, but they gave me a break from the microcosm which often traps a child in sameness. My elementary school went from kindergarten to eighth grade. That’s a lot of years with the same group of kids. It wasn’t always easy. Whether my parents knew it or not, our family’s little campsite was my refuge. My summertime family of friends never put me in a box or trapped me in the illusion preserved by those grade school classmates and neighborhood peers. My first summer on the pond was a fantastic experience full of different activities and new friends.I guess Dad turning seventy-seven this month caused me to take a deeper look. It doesn’t really matter if my parents knew what I was going through or not. The important thing was their decision helped make my childhood happier and healthier while fostering my appreciation for the brilliance of the great outdoors. With that said, thanks Dad! Happy Birthday and best to you in your next greatest year. Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Spend it wisely.