I recently traded tow vehicles and was anxious to try out the towing capabilities of the new truck via a short trip to the mountains before setting out on a longer excursion. I selected a place to boondock for the night by a mountain lake not too far from home. Upon arrival we were met with this rather ominous sign stating, “Lake Closed Blasting Operations”! The scheduled blasting pertained to the widening of the freeway across the lake. Determining that camping was still permitted we parked with a view of the lake and settled in. Later that evening as we were enjoying dinner and the view of the lake, we watched as the freeway closed to traffic. Keeping a keen eye on the construction zone we were soon treated to a free fireworks show as the blast was detonated. Rocks slid down the hillside and dust rose into the air quickly enveloping all lanes of the freeway. Seconds later the air crackled from the sound of the explosives followed by the rumble and echo of tons of earth being liberated from the hillside. For us it was an enjoyable adventure in RVing. For the RVs stuck in the mile long backup caused by the freeway closure, it was anything but!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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