Government Shutdown - Camping Outlook

[jeffrow]

I am not a prolific poster or anything but I visit this forum at least 3 times a day and it was very helpful in our journey to owning our 21. Though I’ve only met a few of you personally I consider you all to be my “Escape” brothers and sisters. Having said that it is dismaying to see political discussions here.

I spend a few hours a day on various forums including one very large site with a broad range of topics including a political forum. I can’t tell you how many times I seen a poster I had a helped or exchanged ideas with lobbing bombs or spouting ignorant nonsense in the politics forum. It definitely ruins any sense of community with that person across the entire site.

I say leave politics and opinions about the state of society elsewhere.

[Hilola]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

My understanding is that the Department of Veterans Affairs is not part of this shutdown and is fully funded until September 2019. Unless by VA you were referring to the state. In either case, sending best wishes that it’s a nonissue for her.

FYI, I received a payment from the VA today. This is the disability portion of my military retirement pay (which also was received), so those payments are not affected by the shutdown.

Regarding having political discussions on this forum, I agree it's a slippery slope and hope we don't go there. I'm sure there's a Yahoo Group for those that have the need to discuss such matters.

[Greg A]

Just FYI, Soapboxes are also items that are on the Tariff list. So the $2,99 soapbox will now cost more which one might consider when ordering a soapbox to stand on.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Hilola

FYI, I received a payment from the VA today. This is the disability portion of my military retirement pay (which also was received), so those payments are not affected by the shutdown.

Regarding having political discussions on this forum, I agree it's a slippery slope and hope we don't go there. I'm sure there's a Yahoo Group for those that have the need to discuss such matters.

Daughters check is in too . Still not out of the woods the dept that processes the checks are affected and it could resonate next time in two weeks . Lots more I could say but I wil be quiet and go do some more camping plans and mods .Pat

[gbaglo]

I've not read any political posts in this thread. I've read about the state of the shutdown, which is happening.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I have stayed completely out of this discussion even though in a few weeks I head south of the border for a couple months or so. While great information on the topic can be shared to assist others in the current situation, as soon as you include 'government' in the subject line, there are some that just cannot resist the opportunity to get on a soapbox and express their opinion which is not often shared by all and only results in animosities between the good folks here.

Recently I mentioned to Jim a website that has great up-to-the-minute information on Baja with the caveat that it was a "Wild West" of a website. The political vitriol that is spewed out sometimes makes it unpleasant to peruse the posts. I also commented how glad I was that the Escape Forum was so well moderated.

I know that folks can just skip posts from known dissenters but the problem that I have is by the time you realize the you should just skip the post you've read it.

At any rate I'm glad to here that areas like BLM lands are not affected.

Ron

[Hilola]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I've not read any political posts in this thread. I've read about the state of the shutdown, which is happening.

Apparently the moderators have which have been deleted, as they mentioned.

[Vermilye]

They just put signs up at the entrances to the LTVAs (Long Term Visitor Area) in Quartzsite that state due to the shutdown some services may not be available. They (or someone) emptied the dumpsters, and the dump & fresh water fill stations are open. No toilet paper in the vault toilets.

[Iowa Dave]

Having managed campgrounds in my former life, there were some services that were contractor provided such as dumpster emptying services and periodic portable toilet cleaning depending upon usage levels. These were often season long services, not affected by operations of the department. Daily cleaning, mowing and similar services were provided by the governmental entity and were or would have been affected by our department . “Lock the gate and doors and ask the police for stepped up patrols” was a common order in situations where the regular maintenance crew wasn’t going to be available. Usually flooding or windstorms that knocked down trees and limbs.
Iowa Dave

[salmo7000]

I am a furloughed US federal employee. The last place I would ever consider making political statements on that topic is on this forum. I come here to "escape" (hah!). For me, the worse thing about these shutdowns is not the financial uncertainty, it's all the vitriol and hate directed at government employees on social media. I'm really happy to follow this forum and not find it here! Thanks moderators... and happy travels to everyone in 2019!

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by salmo7000

I am a furloughed US federal employee. The last place I would ever consider making political statements on that topic is on this forum. I come here to "escape" (hah!). For me, the worse thing about these shutdowns is not the financial uncertainty, it's all the vitriol and hate directed at government employees on social media. I'm really happy to follow this forum and not find it here! Thanks moderators... and happy travels to everyone in 2019!

I'll send you some appreciation! Growing up in DC area we recognized the #1 employer in the US is the US Govt with almost 3 million employees. We'd be in a world of hurt on jobs and the unemployment rate without those folks, not to mention the countless services they provide.
I worked for the Natl Park Service in HS and considered a career with them but life went another direction.
My hats off to you and prayers that you'll be back on the job soon.

[jeffrow]

Wont get any from me, many of our brightest and most talented citizens work for the government.

[salmo7000]

You guys are too kind. Thank you! I'll camp with you any day...

[mizterwizard]

Well, all I've got to say is that if I have to bring my own toilet paper to the vault toilets I'm just not going to use them any more. Or any less for that matter. If it isn't a flushie then I don't use it any more than absolutely necessary.

It's been my experience that people at the "We The People" contact level in the government are pretty nice. I've met a couple of jerks but mostly they just do their jobs with a friendly smile. "We The People" are lousy at hiring.

I guess I'm dissing everybody now.

[EdColorado]

Week #2 information. Interior Dept.

https://www.doi.gov/shutdown

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by EdColorado

Week #2 information. Interior Dept.

https://www.doi.gov/shutdown

I always loved those gov't acronyms, some going back to WWII and general purpose vehicle later shortened to Jeep.

[Tam2004]

I sure appreciate the fact that we all have such a strong common interest in our wonderful Escape Trailers and either planning our next trip or on our trip - that we can talk facts and not get into opinions (on the shutdown). AND we also keep to that pretty much in our regular posts - except for - should I get a 21 foot or a 19 foot or a big refrigerator or is the 90 degree door bad or good .... (HAHAHA). This is my America!!!

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by Tam2004

I sure appreciate the fact that we all have such a strong common interest in our wonderful Escape Trailers and either planning our next trip or on our trip - that we can talk facts and not get into opinions (on the shutdown). AND we also keep to that pretty much in our regular posts - except for - should I get a 21 foot or a 19 foot or a big refrigerator or is the 90 degree door bad or good .... (HAHAHA). This is my America!!!

[LRL]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

The best advice I can give anyone on this forum, is you don't NEED to read anything nor POST an opinion. That's why we have free will. In some cases for some people, it would be best to use the scroll wheel and move along. It may be better for blood pressure too.

We attempt to be inclusive of people here on the EscapeForum. In 99% of the membership, I don't know members last names. I don't need to know someone's political affiliation, religion... nor how much money someone makes in order to enjoy the information members provide regarding modifications, camping experiences, etc.

Any trigger just becomes noise and distracts from why this forum exists. What would be bad is if an opinion causes a rift between members. In that case, we all lose. Mainly because it displays the worst in people and not the best.

Moderators and admins do not like to edit posts. We'd rather y'all put us out of business because there's nothing to be done.

Now, does anyone have any new information about what's open or closed that affects people here that are traveling?

Well said, Donna. Thank you.

[dfandrews]

Pinnacles National Park, east of King City, CA, is closed, But: the campground is open, and the campground store is open, so the main restrooms at the campground entry are supposed to be open. All other restrooms in the Park are closed, but the pit toilets are available: bring your own TP.