shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com August 21, 2018 • Page 9 The Bookworm ‘Camper Book’ Lets You Get Away From it All “The Camper Book: A Celebration of a Moveable American Dream” by Dave Hoekstra, foreword by Jeff Daniels, photographs by Jon Sall; © 2018, Chicago Review Press. 186 pages ——— BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER All summer long, you tried to get away. But the timing was wrong. Work needed you, extended family needed you, friends needed you. Weekends were filled with obligations, while weekdays were filled with dreams and now the summer’s almost over. But in “The Camper Book” by Dave Hoekstra, you’ll see that getting away can happen any time. Nine years ago, a certain kind of bug — a VW Beetle — bit Dave Hoekstra. He was visiting his friend, Bob Waldmire, who’d been a nomad in a converted van, a Route 66 devotee, and was dying of cancer. The loss of a guy like Bob — and loss of both his elderly parents — made Hoekstra begin to think hard about “place” — specifically, “Is a place stored in your memory, or is it something in the moment?” In early 2016, he decided to find out. He bought a cargo van, had it converted into a home on wheels, and on June 5, 2016, he set out to meet his fellow wanderers. First stop: Carthage, Missouri, and a campground that was lovingly built by two people who live in (guess where?) a camper. In Idaho, Hoekstra met two families that travel separately but that always get together when they find themselves in the same area. In Madison, Wisconsin, he met a traveler who “inherited” a childhood treasure; in Arkansas, he visited a gayfriendly camper resort; in Minnesota, he met a man who lives in a camper, year-‘round. He spoke with the president of the National African-American RVers Association. He found families who travel all year and home-school their kids. He attended a Thanksgiving potluck in one campground, a Valentine’s Day feast in another spot, and celebrated a State Fair with thousands of other travelers. In short, Hoekstra found community. Living in a camper was fun, and so was visiting places he’d always wanted to see and meeting people he never would’ve otherwise met. RVing, he learned, allows you to see America in a unique way. And if you don’t like where you are, you can just take your home to the next place … For months, you’ve been thinking about chucking it all and hitting the road, but job obligations are a real thing. You’ll be happy to know, then, that some jobs are made for travel; “The Camper Book” tells you more. Don’t come here for a how-to, though; there are things to learn in this book but, judging solely by what you’ll read, if you like Cramer-Kenyon Home Oktoberfest Slated Pooch Plunge Slated Aug. 21 The Heartland Humane Society and Homeward Bound Rescue, along with the City of Yankton Parks and Recreation Department, invite the community to the eighth annual Pooch Plunge at the Memorial Park Pool in Yankton. The dog swim event will be held on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 6-8 p.m. There is a fee for each dog that is brought in to swim and each dog must be accompanied by a human companion. Dogs and their humans are invited to swim as lifepeople, you’ve already got guards will be on duty. Proceeds from the Pooch Plunge will go toward the care of Heartland Humane Society and half the skills needed to Homeward Bound Rescue’s shelter pets and supplies. be a happy RVer. Indeed, All dogs should have a collar, carry ID tags, be propauthor Dave Hoekstra erly licensed, vaccinated and in good health to particitells a homey tale of fun, fellowship, and friends you pate. Ensure all dogs are leashed until ready to take the haven’t met yet, and that’s plunge. You are asked to be courteous and be prepared to clean up after your dogs. wonderfully mixed with For more information, contact the Summit Activities nostalgia. Center at 605-665-5234, the Heartland Humane Society at He also peeks into the 605-664-4244 or the Homeward Bound Rescue at 605-665future: will Millennials someday embrace camper- 2626. living, or is this the end of the road? There are hints to answer that question, lots of pictures, and a feelWant your business ing of comfort inside this book that should make it to be seen? appealing to travelers and Get your display ad here! homebodies alike. Even if Call 605-665-5884 it’s on paper, “The Camper Or Drop By At 319 Walnut St. Book” is a nice getaway. MAKING LIFE MORE COMFORTABLE. Handicare Stairlifts Prairie View Industries Ramps The Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 15, in the gardens and in the Carriage House at 509 Pine Street. Beer, brats, munchies and music are available from 3-6 p.m. A sampling of beers from Ben’s Brewing Company, a brat and munchies and music from the Tyndall Accordion Club complete the festival. Canopies are to be set up in the yard so that the celebration can proceed whatever the weather. Tickets are available from Board Members Rachel Cure, Stan Hofer, Michele Leibfarth, Jack Lyons, Mary Milroy, Ted Powell, Joe Sejnoha, Dan Smith and Anne Swift. Or either call the Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home at 665-7470 or stop by at 509 Pine Street from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during regular tour hours until Sept. 3. The home is not open for tours during Oktoberfest. Twilight Lift Chair Participating Businesses Are… Medi Compression Socks YANKTON WORKS 15% OFF Want your REAL-TIME MESSAGE on the most visited media website in the Yankton area? Join our ‘Friends2Follow’ program! Contact your Yankton Media Representative today! 605-665-7811 THESE PRO DUCT IN AUGUS S T To talk with a home solution expert or purchase products, call 605-250-2186 or visit your local Avera Home Medical Equipment store at 1001 W. Ninth St., Yankton. Avera.org/home-medical-equipment 18-HMED-12170 J&H Cleaning Services