The Driver’s Manual
All of us should share in caravan duties and jobs. If you do have medical problems that preclude your performance of assigned jobs please contact the caravan leaders.
The directory of participants includes your name, cell numbers, email addresses and home information. This is privileged information and should not be shared with anyone outside the caravan
Don’t forget to wear your WBCCI badge when you leave your RV! We can learn each other’s names more quickly and it is your ticket into many places we go.
Please read this manual carefully. We have few rules, but we need to take care of one another and travel safely. Therefore we must make some basic agreements at our driver’s meetings.
Do not hesitate to ask questions, and certainly, if you have a problem, please come to the leaders and we will work with you to resolve it.
We have a great group and look forward to sharing fantastic adventures with you. Please take time to get to know the new faces around you as well as enjoying the company of familiar ones.
Caravan Guidelines
Alcohol: Alcohol may be consumed at socials and cookouts, but please be discreet and do not display alcoholic beverages or containers.
Carpooling: Take turns driving and share with new and old friends. Parking may be limited at many of the places we tour.
CB Usage: The caravan CB channel is 14. Please turn to this channel when touring. If you have a CB in your rig, leave it on while at the camp site for messages. As you approach the campground, leave Ch. 14 open for parking instructions. (If you need to contact your travel companions switch channels to talk!)
Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and layer your clothing as temperatures may vary during our tours. Be prepared for anything. We shall try to keep abreast of temperature and keep you informed.
Cookouts: We will have scheduled cookouts during th caravan. Food will be furnished and duty assignments will be made for these events. Normally you should bring your plate, utensils and beverage unless otherwise announced.
Drivers Meetings: There will be a driver’s meeting prior to a move or when specified. We will also review directions for tours when needed. It is important that at least one member of each unit attends the meeting and brings your Driver’s Manual. Please no smoking or pets at the meetings.
Emergencies: Please notify one of the leaders of any emergency or problem. If you are in camp and need help, turn on your rig lights and blow your tow horn.
Finances: All WBCCI caravans are self-supporting. We have estimated all the expected expenses and based the kitty fee on that estimate. The kitty will be administered by the leaders, and we will ask one or two caravan members to review our books at or near the end of the caravan. You will receive a detailed cost explanation and final accounting at the end of the caravan
Fueling Up: If possible, fill your tow car prior to moving day. This limits the need for fuel stops with trailer in tow. It also reduces the congestion at filling stations along the way.
Generators: If you intend to use your generator while parked please observe the established guidelines. No usage after 10 PM or before 7 AM unless needed for medical reasons.
Identification: Please wear your WBCCI badge. You are encouraged to fly your flags.
Journal: If the caravanners elect to have a journal, individuals may be asked to write an entry for each caravan stop. When completed, these pages will be turned in to the journal editor and will be assembled into the Caravan Journal at the end of the caravan. Each rig will receive one copy at caravan expense.
Leaving the caravan: After notifying the caravan leaders in writing you may leave the caravan at any time. There will be no refunds for prepaid activities. Notify the leaders if you will arrive late or leave early at any time.
Mail: We have planned for two mail stops at the American RV in Albuquerque and the Alphen Rose in Durango. The addresses are found on the list of Campgrounds. Be sure to include WBCCI Southwest Adventure Caravan in the address.
Maps: Each rig will be provided with a map of the Indian country and current routes are detailed in this driver’s manual. Often the GPS maps are not current for the roads we travel. Please trust the written driving instructions.
Mirrors: Removable towing mirrors should be removed and fixed towing mirrors should be turned in anytime your trailer is disconnected from your towing vehicle. Not only is it dangerous to drive with extended mirrors, in many states it is illegal.
Parking: We will have parkers at every stop to direct you to your parking place. This duty will be assigned on a rotating basis to everyone, unless you are physically unable to assist in this activity. If you would like to have your parker direct you into parking on your site, just let him or her know, and agree on the signals to be used. Parkers will not park your vehicle for you!
Pets: Please clean up after your pet and leave your pet in your RV or your vehicle while on tours. Dispose of trash in the proper receptacles.
Special Skills: If you have special skills (such as electrical, mechanical, medical, musical, etc.) that you would like to make available to the Caravan group, please let the caravan leaders know.
Touring on your own: We encourage you to stop and see as much as you can on our caravan. But, please do not miss scheduled functions. We do have to pay if you are there or not and many are based on a specified attendance.
Traveling: Please make a timely departure and have stops along the way so that you do not arrive before the specified arrival time! We do not convoy on roads. While driving, if you can read the numbers on the rig directly ahead of you YOU ARE TOO CLOSE! Traveling in groups of 3 or 4 rigs is good, but spread out. If 4 or 5 vehicles pile up behind you, pull over and let them pass.
Health Effects of High Altitude
At high elevations everyone is affected to some degree. As you go to higher altitudes, the barometric pressure decreases, the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. The air is also drier and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger. At elevations of greater than 7,000 feet, your body responds by breathing faster and more deeply, resulting in shortness of breath, especially on exertion. Many people develop mild symptoms of headache, nausea, trouble sleeping and unusual tiredness, which we call acute mountain sickness (AMS). These symptoms usually go away in a day or two. If symptoms are severe, persist or worsen, you should consult a doctor. A short visit to a physician may save the rest of your vacation.
The effects of high altitude can be decreased by following these recommendations:
1. Increase fluid intake: drink two or three times more fluid than usual ; water and juices are best. Adequate hydration is the key to preventing altitude illness. You should drink enough fluids to urinate approximately every two hours.
2. Use Sunscreen (SPF 15-30). Always wear sunglasses or goggles.
3. Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine on your day of arrival and for one to two days thereafter. Be very careful if consuming alcohol; at this altitude, you may be much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and sedatives.
4. Decrease salt intake: salt causes your body to retain fluid (edema), which increases the severity of altitude illness.
5. Eat frequent, small meals high in carbohydrates, low in fat and low in protein.
6. Moderate physical activity and get plenty of rest.
7. Medications and oxygen can help you feel much better. Diamox (acetazolamide) is a prescription drug that prevents the unpleasant symptoms for many people. Contact your doctor.
8. Spending 1-2 nights at a modest altitude of 4,00-5,000 feet, such as Albuquerque prior to arrival at higher altitudes decreases symptoms when you go higher.
9. Have fun and enjoy the mountains!
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a more serious condition. This condition is recognized by a wet cough, increasing shortness of breath, and the feeling of fluid building up in your lungs. Another serious condition is High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Symptoms of this condition include disorientation, confusion, lack of coordination or difficulty walking. If you feel any of these symptoms developing , you need to seek medical attention immediately. HAPE and HACE can be threatening if left untreated..