No doubt those of you RVing in the Pacific Northwest over the past weeks have experienced the smoke hanging in the air from the devastating forest fires in Washington. Air quality has been compromised, stunning views turned to haze and some great mountain campsites destroyed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the fire fighters for their safety and winning the battle against the fire. We should all say a big, “Thank you” for the job they do. While I hate to see our treasured forests go up in flames it is worth noting that the smoke has made for some striking sunrises and sunsets as the sun becomes a red globe as it traverses the horizon. Forest fire smoke combined with sunrise and sunsets, just another adventure in RVing!

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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