When someone learns my wife and I are hitting the road for an extended RV trip, they invariably ask where we are going. If we mention Nevada, they consistently respond, “oh, Las Vegas” and proceed to recommend their favorite RV park, casino and buffet. I then inform them that we are actually going to explore old mining camps, obscure native American sites, do a little canyoneering, visit unique geological formations, freely ride our off road vehicles (ATV and Motorcycle), hike scenic areas, maybe explore an old pony express station, and enjoy the peace and quiet of camping out in the boondocks where the stargazing can’t be beat and the sunrises and sunsets are beyond description. This typically brings a dumbfounded expression from the person who posed the question as they say “ooh-kay” and quickly retreat thinking I am a little off.
So imagine our joy when we rolled in to the sleepy ghost town of Tybo, Nevada and were greeted by a couple (and their dog) boondocking in their RV. Not only did they enjoy camping out for weeks in a deserted town, but they also enjoyed exploring mining ruins of yesteryear, hidden canyons, forgotten sites and other unique places in the back country via their ATV. We spent over an hour talking about our interests and places we’ve visited. As we shared stories of our adventures, we soon felt like we had known them forever. They, too, receive quizzical responses from friends and family when they state they forgo the glitter of Las Vegas for the solitude of the boondocks. Needless to say, contact information was exchanged and we have agreed to share unique places to explore as we discover them.
Finding there are others out there that enjoy the same off beat things as you, just another enjoyable 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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