Fulltime RVer newsletter, December 2021

Volume 2. Issue 20

Welcome to the Full-Time RVer Newsletter, published every other Wednesday by RVtravel.com. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and full-time RV living tips from the pros, travel advice, and anything else of interest to full-timers or those who aspire to be. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

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Quote of the day

"You don't have to live like everyone else. In fact, you'll probably be happier if you don't." —Joshua Becker

Full-time living: What do you do with 30+ years of accumulated "stuff"?

By Lisa Adcox We purchased our first RV in 2016. It was new and we just loved camping. Many years before we had talked about living full-time in our RV, but life got in the way. We were camping one weekend and met the camp host at Paris Landing State Park in TN. He began telling us about what he does as a camp host. He told us how it made full-time living in his RV more affordable, plus he got to see areas he would have never had the opportunity to see. That was the push we needed, and we decided it was time to full-time RV. We set a deadline and stuck to it. We said, let's go camping at least once a month for three or four days and that will help us know what we really need and don't need. Plus, doing that will let us know how to use everything. Continue reading.

Did you miss last weekend's RV Travel Newsletters?

If so, here is some of what you missed...

• Ghost Town shootout puts RV campgrounds in the crosshairs

• RV dealers cheated customers, hit with fine, orders from NY state

• Prospecting: A fun and profitable hobby for RVers

• Will a new player in the campground franchising business change RVing?

Features

Some of these articles are from past issues of RVtravel.com and have been updated for this newsletter.

Baby and kids’ sleeping “bags” brilliant solution for camping

By Tony Barthel If you ever doubt Americans’ ingenuity, just follow my gadget column here on RV Travel. I’ve talked to a number of inventors right here in America who have created some slick stuff that makes camping and RVing more enjoyable. Morrison Outdoors is just such a company with their baby and kids’ sleeping bags. The company was started by founder Tavis Malcolm, who really enjoyed camping and hiking a lot and thought his new baby, Morrison, should be able to go along. But after looking for a sleeping bag for the tyke, he decided to make one himself. Read more and see his brilliant solution.

Is “sealant” a good fix for a flat tire?

NHTSA (DOT) – Improper Repairs: “A plug by itself is not an acceptable repair” to fix a flat tire. “The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole.” “Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large. But punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired.” “Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.” NOTE: Michelin, Goodyear and Bridgestone say the same thing. Learn more.

RVer suspects sewer tank leak, but where is it?

A reader writes: “I suspect we have a leak in our black water system between the toilet and tank, which sits directly below the toilet. I can see the pipe that goes straight down to the tank… I cannot tell how this pipe is attached to the toilet, but that is where I suspect the leak may be.” So where might it be?

Groove gap cleaning tool keeps bugs, dirt and grime out of windows and doors Our best-selling product of 2021! This small, handheld groove gap cleaner cleans windows, sliding doors, shower door tracks, oven and sink gaps and more. This two-part gadget has a scraper, for scraping up debris and dirt, and a brush, for brushing it away! The elevated handle has finger grips for an easy hold. If it gets dirty, wash it with soap and water and it’s just like new. Learn more or order

Quick tip

Why poor water pressure?

What kind of hose are you using? Hose diameter makes a difference. RV fresh water hoses come in 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch ID, or inner diameter. The larger the inner diameter the more water can flow through the hose with minimal reduction in pressure loss. Excessive length, kinks and some hose fittings can further reduce the water flow and pressure.

Don’t miss today’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter! Trust us, it’s a good one!

We got into an accident. Here’s what we learned that may help you

By Gail Marsh Two days. Just two days until we’d be heading back north after several months in sunny, warm Florida. Two days. I was already packing up some things that we’d take out of our fifth wheel when we got home. My husband was making a final run: diesel fuel for the truck and travel snacks for me. Then it happened. Hubby hit a parking lot post. Hard. … And just like that, our two days turned into potentially two weeks or more. Read more for tips in case this ever happens to you (hopefully not!).

Teardrop trailers: The only RVs to have seen combat!

“True” Teardrops evolved after World War II using surplus aircraft aluminum from the wings of World War II bombers. Wheels, at least some, were from Jeeps salvaged from sunken ships, some with bullet holes. These first Teardrops are perhaps the only RVs ever made that experienced actual combat. Read more.

Video: How to avoid burning food in your RV oven

Many RVers complain that their factory-installed ovens do not cook evenly. RV technician and well-known journalist Chris Dougherty has a quick tip about a simple way to help avoid hot spots in an RV’s oven that can cause what’s being cooked or baked to heat unevenly or even burn. Watch the 2-minute video here.

Your assignment

What advice would give an aspiring full-time RVer?

From the editors: We asked our readers this question. Here is one response: "If you have no RVing experience rent one, or purchase a relatively inexpensive one and try it out. Start slow, weekends at first, learn about the workings of the RV. Then move up to some longer trips, maybe with multiple stops along the way. This will let you know if you can live in such a small space, especially if you will be with a spouse, partner, or significant other. And keep in mind, living in an RV is different than 'camping' in an RV." —Abe Loughin

Healthy cooking for two: The perfect cookbook for 2022 This healthy-eating cookbook has 175 simple and delicious recipes to prepare for two. It’s the perfect way to get healthy for the new year without sacrificing any flavor. It also guides you on how to shop for and plan out meals, and even offers tips on how to budget at the grocery store. Teriyaki salmon, anyone? Or how about jerk pork with mango salsa? Yuuuumy! Learn more or order.

Featured recipe

Easy Baked Salmon in Foil by Marlene B. from Camano Island, WA If you're looking to incorporate fish and healthier recipes into your weekly menu, definitely give this baked salmon recipe a try. It's a super easy and tasty way to prepare salmon. Light and fresh with garlic and lemon, the marinade has a Mediterranean flair. A perfect complement to the mild fish. Besides being delicious, cleanup is a breeze since you're baking this in foil. One less dish to dirty. No cleanup and a delicious meal? Count us in! Get the recipe.

Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter. Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020. This newsletter is copyright 2022 by RVtravel.com

Study shows seniors like the RV lifestyle

People who travel via recreation vehicle claim to feel healthier, both physically and mentally, than they would be if they led more sedentary lives, according to the first-ever anthropological study of RV owners.

Dorothy and David Counts "The RVers we interviewed during our study feel they are healthier than they would be if they didn't RV. While not overly strenuous, RVing is a physically active process with all of its accompanying chores and activities. RVs also allow people to go places and do things that are physical challenging, like hiking through a national forest," says Dorothy Counts. "The constant exposure to new people, places and events and the act of driving from place to place all help to keep RVers mentally alert," adds David Counts.

In addition, says Dorothy, "When RVing, you have your home with you and that means less stress." The Counts found that RVers cite this reduction of stress as a contributor to their feelings of health and vitality. They also believe that when the stress of traveling is eliminated, people often realize that the trip itself is an adventure.

The Counts say that RVing provides a great sense of freedom. "You are in complete control of your life when you RV," says Dorothy. "RVs give people the autonomy and flexibility to do what they want, when they want, where they want."

"We found it ironic that RV ownership is not only the means to an extremely independent and self-sufficient way of life, it's also the common thread in a vast community and, in fact, the reason for that community," says David. In studying the formation of this community, the Counts discovered a characteristic unique to RVers. "The RVers we interviewed are trying to rebuild American values of days past. They rely on the openness and trust that they say has disappeared from established urban and suburban areas," says David.

"Through our fieldwork, we have determined there are three keys to living a successful retirement: have control of your life, have interesting and challenging things to do and have friends outside the family," states David. "We've found that RVing is an excellent way to accomplish this."

To conduct their studies, the Counts set out across American and Canada in a 28-foot trailer, living and socializing with the people they were studying mostly full-time RVers. They joined the Escapees, a large national organization of mostly full-timers, and found that most RVers were happy to answer their questions. "They usually responded that it was 'about time' that someone outside the RV community took an interest in their lives," Dorothy wrote in the Counts' book, "Over the Next Hill, an ethnography of RVing seniors in North America."

After years of study, the Counts concluded that RVers tend to experience a greater sense of community and fewer of the emotional problems common to old age than those who have chosen other forms of retirement living.

Editor's note: Here's a link where you can purchase the Counts' book from Amazon.

Keep robbers out of
your storage compartments
Did you know that many if not most keys to RV storage compartments are exactly the same — what opens your coach will open the storage compartment doors of others? So how do you keep burglars and other bad guys out of your compartments? Easy with a Combi-lock. Learn more or order at Amazon.com for a great price.

The first steps to becoming a full-time RVer

John and Kathy Huggins, authors of "So You Want to Be a Full-Time RVer," discuss the basics of getting started as a full-timer.

How to persuade a spouse/partner to become a full-time RVer

Full-time RVers and authors John and Kathy Huggins discuss ways to help convince a reluctant spouse or partner to join them in full-time RVing — or maybe just to go "extended-time RVing."

Finding time alone during your full-time RV travels

Full-time RVing experts Joe and Vicki Kieva explain the importance of getting some time alone while living full-time in an RV. The Kievas are veteran full-timers who recently retired as popular speakers at RV shows in North America.

Plan to attend an RV show? Some advice

By John and Kathy Huggins

When you make plans to attend an RV show, check out the dealers and brands that will be represented. Decide early on which ones you want to look at. Most shows will have a website with show maps. Usually the particular brand will be located on that map. Print a copy and circle the areas you definitely want to visit. This will save you a lot of time and keep you focused on the types and brands you want to concentrate on. If it is a very large show and you don't have a narrow focus, you should plan on visiting the show on more than one day. This might be your only chance to see so many rigs all together for another year.

This is also the time to look up any particular vendors of RV related products you want to investigate. The show map should also have vendors listed and booth numbers indicated. Try to plot out a walking route through the show ground that will take you to all of the brands and types you have pre-selected. This will maximize your time and eliminate wandering through areas in which you have no interest.

If you have already decided on one or two rigs that you might buy, make sure you have your finances set before you visit the show and start negotiating. You should have your bank or credit union pre-approve you for the financing you will need. This way you will not be swayed by the many possible finance options offered by the dealer. All this being said, we do not recommend making a buying decision in the high pressure environment of an RV show. A "Show Special Price" will be just as special back at the dealer's lot after the show. Rigs bought at a show must return to the dealership for "Prep" anyway. An RV purchase is probably the second largest thing you will buy in your life after your house. Why rush into a decision at a show when you can take your time and mull it over for a few days at home and then do the deal at the dealer's lot?

IF YOU'RE A SENIOR, the first day of many RV shows is designated as "Senior Day" and there is discounted admission. Occasionally there will be coupons at RV dealers and in newspapers for discounted admission. Try to take advantage of these cost saving measures.

Bring a few things with you to make the most of your time at the RV show. First and probably most important is to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing into and out of many RVs. At least one of you should have a backpack to carry all of the rest of the stuff you need as well as the brochures and other paperwork you will pick up during your time at the show. You may want to have a small umbrella for each of you if rain is in the forecast for show day. Bring along a small digital camera to take pictures of special features of rigs as well as of name and model numbers. You will see a lot of RVs in a short time, and details run together and are easily forgotten. Bring a small notebook and a pen to jot down details, prices, and other things about particular rigs. Some folks even bring a small digital recorder to make voice notes and observations.

Food and drinks are usually quite expensive at an RV show. Recently, we attended a show where a hamburger was $9.25. Drinks, including water, were $4.00. To avoid this, prepare snacks and bring bottled water. If all this is too much for one person to carry, each of you should have a backpack.

An excellent directory of RV shows is available at RVtravel.com.

We are the hosts of the weekly one hour RV lifestyle podcast "Living the RV Dream" where we talk everything RV. It can be found in the podcast section of i Tunes or on our website http://www.livingthervdream.com. We are also the authors of the book "So, you want to be a full-time RVer?" and other RVing books, which are available at Amazon.com .

The Return of the Blue Bird

It's not spring, and our feathered friends are still fluffing out in southern climes. But the return of the BlueBird is certain--that is, the Blue Bird Motorcoach.

Considered by many to be the pinacle of fulltiming RV luxury, Blue Bird Wanderlodge was the first $100,000 motorhome to hit the market. If you rode 'the big yellows' to school as a kid, you may have rode in one Wanderlodge's parent company school buses--Blue Bird was (and still is) a major bus manufacturer.

But last year the bus folks sold out the venerable motorcoach side of the business to CoachWorks Holdings in Riverside, California. Would it mark the end of the luxurious line of Wanderlodges? The answer rolls out in Florida this week: CoachWorks' first Wanderlodge will debut at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa. At present all that's available for viewing on the web are teaser photos of color swatches and glimpses of high grade stuff like golden bathtub fixtures. Seems only appropriate--since the new Wanderlodge Premier XL will price at just under a cool million dollars.

What we know is the rig is all stainless steel, has plenty of marble and granite, and plenty of expensive stuff built in. To move all that weight, it's probably only appropriate that there's a 600 horsepower Cummins "under the hood," as standard equipment. What we don't know--at least today--is what the thing really looks like, inside and out.

The Wanderlodge website has a digital clock ticking off the days, hours, and minutes leading up to the rollout. When the clock hits zero across the board, will they let us see real pictures, or will we have to hold our breath and head to Tampa?

Financial Columnists Suggest RVing Alternative

The financial column, Motley Fool, recently ran a piece entitled "The Cost of Working." In it, authors Billy and Akaisha Kaderli questioned the wisdom of working longer to build up the 401K retirement plan. After examining just how much more it costs to work, rather than to retire, the Kaderlis provided some suggestions on how to cut back on costs. One of them? Consider leaving the conventional stix and brix house behind.

"And why not try someplace new? There are many ways to downsize your housing expenses. You could rent or purchase a condo, with amenities that management takes care of," write the minding-your-money folks, "You could move to a sailing vessel or houseboat, or maybe an RV. We know many RV and boat "full-timers" who long ago gave up the conventional house. It's not because they cannot afford one -- they simply prefer the unhampered lifestyle."

The article also provides other insights on how to reduce the cost of working--and helps you get closer to retirement (and that fulltime RV lifestyle). Check it out here.

Photo: AndWat on flickr.com

Guide helps fulltimers decide on an RV homebase

For anyone considering the fulltime RV lifestyle, a state to establish a home base can be vitally important. For these RVers, the new 2008 guide "Selecting An RV Home Base" from the editors of Trailer Life and Motorhome magazines is a "must-have" planning tool for selecting a state to call "home." Among the most important issues for RVers are taxes and RV fees. Which states have the best income tax advantages? Which states offer the best rates on RV registration? The fact is, picking the wrong state to establish an official residence could result in spending thousands of dollars a year that could be saved by establishing a home base elsewhere. And just how does a full-time RVer establish an official residency? Is it enough to simply rent a post office box? Probably not. In this annual guide you will learn: financial liability by state, Federal taxes for fulltime RVers, state retirement exemptions, tax advantages of each state, vehicle licensing registration specifics, voting rules and requirements. This is a little book but the information is valuable and almost impossible to find elsewhere without countless hours of research. The book can be ordered at RVbookstore.com.

Oregon Voter Rights for Fulltimers?

With the election on everyone's mind (kind of hard to be away from your mind if you watch the news) the question of voter rights often is raised. How about fulltimers out on the road?

If you're an Oregon resident--and just what constitutes an Oregon resident is a subject taken up in the Albany Democrat Herald newspaper. Using the illustration of the Oregon resident who a decade ago sold their 'stix n brix' home, bought a motorhome, and ran off to sunny Mexico, the Democrat Herald writer points up that Oregon law still considers you an Oregon resident. What marks the point when your 'Beaver Tail' disappear? Apparently until you 'intend not to return.'

I'm not going out the limb and hand you the saw. Since the law on the Oregon books is considered a bit vague, then leave me out of it. Just read the story for yourself and draw your own conclusions.

Photo: BBC

Vacuum Cleaning the RV Doesn't Have to Suck

Vacuuming the old RV carpets can be a real drag. As fulltimers know, it's often hard to find a place to store a "full size" vacuum cleaner. So we "go small" and deal with machines that often don't have enough muscle or fall apart after a few short months.

We got a news release from interVac, a vac' manufacturing company who claims they know how to help us. Their "H" model unit can be surface mounted where you want it (with four screws or velcro) or if you have a "dead space" in a cabinet area, a cutout can be made and the whole unit flush mounted. From there, the factory provided hose is said to get you around a thousand square feet of living space--"depending on configuration" reads the fine print.

Since most of us living in less than a thousand square feet, that old hose ought to reach out and touch whatever is needed. And, sez the company, their "H" unit provides "100 feet of water lift" which in vacuumspeak means you could probably suck up the cat if you aimed the hose incorrectly. No, this is NOT a "wet n dry vac" but that "water lift" is an industry measurement of how much suck power a unit provides. The big promo is that with the actual vacuum unit left in one place, the machine will last much longer--no banging around furniture and baseboards. Easier for you, easier for the machinery.

While this is "like" a central vac idea, there's no "plumbing" involved, which is certainly a plus. How much will you spend? A whole lot less than one of those fancy yellow machines you've seen touted on the tele: The SRP for the "H" unit is a mere (?) $250. But wait! There's more! After a closer look you'll find that the $250 pays for the vac unit. You'll probably want a hose, some nozzles, maybe a few bags? Well, run that price up to $329 with the goodies. That may be an attractive price over the long haul, after all, you probably won't be replacing an upright every six months.

By the way, the interVac operates on shore power; boondockers might not appreciate having to set aside the nearly 1500 watts it requires to run on. But if you're still interested, trot on over to the interVac web site and check out the full specs and an interesting video on installing one of these units.

Dialysis on Road Could Be In Your Own RV

For folks who face a regular regimen of kidney dialysis, trips to the dialysis center can really kill the dream of any sort of RV lifestyle. One woman has shown that the lifestyle may be more in reach of RVers than they'd dreamed.

Diane Rachey has been on regular, three-times-a-week dialysis treatments since the end of 2005. Needless to say, while both she and her husband are retired, getting to use an RV seemed out of reach. But not long ago, Diane and hubby hopped in their RV for a two-week trip--and never stepped in a dialysis center. What happened?

Diane is now working with a new portable dialysis system called NxStage that takes dialysis out of the clinic and into the home--even if that home is on wheels. Says Diane, “Once I started using NxStage, I felt great! I am 100% better both mentally and physically. Going to the center was extremely restrictive. My whole outlook on life now is much more positive, especially because I am able to spend more time enjoying life!”

As opposed to 3-a-week treatments, the NxStage system calls for 6-a-week at home treatments lasting around two and a half hours each. The firm that produces the system has equipment and supplies available throughout the US. Learn more about Diane's story here. Or for more information about the NxStage system, visit their website here.

Loonies Making Florida Resurgence

Fulltimers and snowbirds of every stripe are beginning to make their way to their winter RV havens. The favorable Canada-US currency exchange rate is helping to bring Canadian "birds" to Florida already. It's all because the Loonie (the Canadian dollar coin with its memorable reproduction of the Loon) is so close to parity with Old George that plenty of Canadians are finding the winter trip a whole lot easier to take--financially--than in the past.

While we can't say we've seen a huge influx of Maple Leaf Flag Fliers cruising into Arizona just yet, according to Florida's Herald Tribune, the south-bound influx is already on. With the strength of the Loonie as good as it is, some Canucks are planning on buying big dollar items. Check out the whole story in the Tribune's piece, "Early Birds Get the Deal."

Photo courtesy bgilliard on Flickr

TV "Makeover" Show Needs Fulltime RVers

This post recently appeared on the Escapee's fulltimer forum:

"Hi,I work for a popular home makeover show on TLC. We would love to makeover an RV (the bigger the better)Candidates get their own designer, a carpenter and a $2,000 budget. If anyone is interested feel free to respond to this post or e-mail me directly at: xxxxxxxx and I will send you more info and answer any questions."

We're trying to find out how legitimate the issue is, but for now, here's a shot at it for you all.

EDITORS NOTE: We just received an update from the makeover show--apparently the show has been scuttled for the time being. If it rises from the ashes, we'll let you know. 10/5/07

Looking for Fall Color? How About Alberta?

One of the blessings we as RV fulltimers often have is the ability to change plans. That flexibility allows us to change plans and do the unexpected.

Here's what might be an unexpected beauty to take in: This fall's color in the Canadian Rockies is spectacular. If you're in the neighborhood of Alberta, check out our fall color in the Canadian Rockies entry in our sister blog, RVing Canada.

Photo courtesy Travel Alberta

See Your National Lands--For Free

This Saturday, September 29th, RVers (and others) can get free access into any area managed by the US Department of Interior. And with a little bit of your sweat, you can get a free pass for a day's visit later. See the full story on RVs in the News.

Walmart Camping Draws Mixed RV Park Owner Reaction

It's certainly a subject of controversy: Staying overnight in your RV on a Walmart parking lot can raise the hackles of local RV park owners who feel, 'You're stealing my livelihood.'

The Coulee News out of West Salem, Wisconsin recently ran a feature piece on the practice, interviewing a couple of fulltimers--and taking comments from RV park owners. We found the responses of those park folks to be interesting, not necessarily filled with the vitriolic, rabid rhetoric so often put out by the commercial crowd. All in all, a nicely balanced piece that you might enjoy reading. Find it on the Coulee News site.

The comments of the fulltiming couple, Dan and Linda Rowland, regarding "parking lot etiquette" always bear repeating and enhancing: Don't litter, keep the lawn chairs and the barbecue left on the racks, and don't abuse the privilege. Lot's of us enjoy "Camp Walmart," and as we all mind our manners, it keeps the welcome mat in place.

Thinking About Fulltiming: In the Galley

If you're considering the switch to fulltime RVing and already have RV experience, you know that the RV galley is a whole lot smaller than the one "back home." But for those jumping into the lifestyle without having experienced the "joys" of the micro-sized RV kitchen here's a tip:

Before you make the switch, determine what you "really" need to cook in your new lifestyle. Now, can you stuff all of it in a single kitchen cabinet in your land-based home? Physically try it! Now maybe your new RV will have more cupboard space than that single "home kitchen" cabinet, but then again, it's often a fair shake to size things up. Seems like a lot of RV manufacturers seem to think that folks who use RVs must "eat out" a lot--they galley cabinets on many new rigs are just plain minuscule.

Looking for a Southwest Fulltiming Base? Watch the Market

Some fulltimers or fulltime wannabes feel more comfortable having a "fall back" position: A piece of property or another home where, if and when they need to, they can go and get off the road. Many snowbirds and fulltimers have found the desert southwest an ideal place for their home base.

We've watched the prices of land and homes in Arizona skyrocket over the last few years, but it seems that 'the fat lady has sung.' A real estate agent friend in Lake Havasu City tells us that the market has definitely taken a hit--many real estate sales folks are taking on second jobs to support themselves while the market holds its breath.

We have to agree with many that greed got the better of the market. People bought properties, many holding them only for a short time, then put them back up on the market looking for huge profits. For a while, it worked. But the whole game has come to a screeching halt. In Quartzsite, Arizona, we've watched real estate signs go up all over town--and stay up--until the desert sun has faded the lettering, or disgusted owners have simply taken them down.

What do the pundits say? Real estate insiders tell us that if you're thinking about buying southwest property, hold onto your cash for a while. They don't look to see things turn around until the presidential election. Meantime, like the Burma Shave advertising representatives used to say, "A minute of your patience," "A moment of your time," "Pardon me buddy," "But can you spare a dime?" Roll up those Versachi shirt sleeves fellas, washing dishes ain't good on real estate salesmen's cuffs.

Fulltiming Pastimes: Critter Identification

One of the happier sides of boondocking is getting out where the wildlife is. Face it, RV parks just don't attract most critters--unless they're in the form of cockroaches, invading ants, and garbage can flies.

On the other hand, farther away from civilization, the more likely you are to find yourself in amongst plants and animals who prefer the quieter side of life. Having a camera to record their appearance is great; a pair of binoculars is good for closing in on those that keep their distance. But we've found having a field guide that helps us identify and learn more about this wildlife a real boon.

You don't need a guide that's elaborate or expensive. We've found that many national park visitor's centers have inexpensive field identification guides tailored to the region. We picked up one small "pocket guide" to desert life and it's proved to help us identify and learn more about the fascinating lives of hot, dry country dwellers