Meet Our Newest National Park

Late last year, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that Pinnacles National Monument had been designated Pinnacles National Park, the nation's 59th and newest national park.   

Located just southeast of Salinas, California, the park encompasses nearly 27,000 acres of unique landscapes, the result of millions of years of erosion and tectonic plate movement.

Pinnacles is a mecca for climbers, wildflower lovers, California condor fans, bee enthusiasts, (there are more than 400 species of native bees within its borders), and -- of course, RVers.  (Most RV sites have electrical hookups only; showers and a dump station are available.)

The park is divided into east and west sections, but there is no through road connecting them -- you'll have to drive around to go from one side to the other.

For reservations, please visit recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777

Recipe : Seven-Layer Dip

This time-tested winner was shared by Joyce Richter just in time for the big game.  Thanks, Joyce -- and watch your mailbox for a little something from us for your trouble.

* 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans

* 2 cups guacamole

* 1 pint sour cream

* 2 to 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

* 1 jar (16 oz.) salsa

* 1 can (6 oz.) sliced black olives

* 3 cups shredded lettuce

* diced jalapeno peppers (to taste)

Spread the beans evenly into a 13" x 9" baking pan. Spread the guacamole evenly over the beans, followed with the sour cream.  Sprinkle the grated cheese on the sour cream, then add the salsa and olives.  Top with lettuce and diced jalapenos (if desired).  Refrigerate until kick-off!

Who's on first?

Statistical Surveys has just announced that Winnebago Industries was the top selling Class A motorhome through November, 2012.  According to Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Randy Potts, "We're delighted that the marketplace is confirming what we've known all along: Winnebago Industries builds great motorhomes!"

Congratulations to all Winnebago Industries employees, dealers and most of all, to you, our customers and fans, for helping us be number one in Class A motorhomes!

Speaking of Class A coaches...

Introducing the Itasca Sunstar and Winnebago Vista 27N

The latest in a growing lineup of full-featured, value-priced and extremely livable coaches, the new 27N features three slideouts, a large bathroom and a walkaround queen bed, making this compact coach feel exceptionally spacious.

The 27N comes with a host of standard features, including powered awning, Ultraleather cab seats, MCD American Duo solar/blackout shades and 42" LCD TV, as well as our time-tested SuperStructure construction with fiberglass roof.

Learn more about the Vista here, or find your nearest Winnebago dealer.

Learn more about the Sunstar here, or find your nearest Itasca dealer.

Owner Review:  Living the Vida Via!

By Richard and Tina Korzun, WIT members and happy Via owners.

One of the most frequent topics around the campfire in any RV campground is, of course, RVs -- in fact, campfire conversations may be the original social media!  So in the spirit of sharing first-person experiences, we're delighted to bring you a "virtual campfire review" of the Winnebago Via 25T.

Our first major trip in our 2013 Via 25T confirmed our hopes for our new Class A. It started off in October from Chicago, and through 5,000 miles and five-plus weeks, it ran like a dream and performed like an RV should.

Driving the 25T with the Mercedes diesel engine is so nice and smooth. Looking out of the windshield at all of the beautiful countryside sites of the United States is amazing - what a view!

Parking, including parallel parking, is also easy. And setting up the Via for overnight stays or breaking it down for day usage takes about five to ten minutes.

The 25T has plenty of space for us and our daughter. During the day, we used the Via like a car as we drove around various locations before heading back to the RV parks for the night. Our 25T was loaded with both winter and summer supplies, including clothes, plus most of the normal RV supplies - propane grill, folding chairs, rugs, food, beverages, water and DEF (Diesel Emission Fluid).

We averaged 16.3 MPG for this trip. Our lowest mileage was 12.85 MPG heading out of southern California over the San Bernardino Mountains on Interstate 15 towards Las Vegas. The best mileage was from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Sidney, Nebraska, on the return trip, where we averaged 19.32 MPG!

We had to refill the DEF tank at around 4,100 miles. We got a message on the dash at the 4,000 mile mark. It took just over two gallons to fill it.

Our 2013 Winnebago Via is now winterized and in storage, awaiting final plans for our next trip - heading south to San Pedro Island in Texas, via Arkansas then on to Fort Lauderdale, Savannah and Charleston before returning to Chicago.

We so much enjoy our 25T and believe it was the right move for us. We can always dream about a larger coach, but they do not have the mobility and mileage of our Via!

Thanks for your email, Dick and Tina. A small token of gratitude is on its way to you with our compliments!