Starcraft RV has a new “Euro” look travel trailer and hybrid travel trailer called “Star Stream.” At first glance, the sleek polished aluminum skin reminded me of an Airstream trailer even though the skin color of the Star Stream wasn’t the highly polished silver that is associated with the Airstream.

Instead the Star Stream has a polished finish that reminds me of the pearl-like finish available on Lexus SUV’s - very classy and upscale looking. But, I’m not a fan of the black accent trim. I think it breaks up the clean looking lines of the Star Stream and detracts from its elegance rather than adding to it.

But, I am a huge fan of the interior decor packages available. Instead of one or two available patterns that look like the only reason they were chosen was for their ability to hide dirt and stains, the three interior decor packages available on the Star Stream are updated and contemporary looking. I especially like the “Spa Blue” option with its blue and brown color scheme and circle and line graphics.

The expandable Star Stream has 2 floorplans. The Star Stream travel trailer has 4 available floor plans. Lengths range from 19 to a little over 27 feet.

The sleek and curvy Euro design is not only on the outside of the travel trailers extends to the interior as well. Again it reminds me of the curvy and sleek Airstream interiors.

There is interior accent lighting, an abundance of storage, a three burner black cooktop, all weather roofing, and has an i-beam steel powder-coated frame for durability.

A few of my favorite options are the 15″ swivel LCD TV and DVD player and the premium package which includes an awning, spare tire and carrier, AM/FM stereo CD player with outside speakers, TV antenna, microwave oven, gas water heater, Dometic double door refrigerator, aluminum wheels, Spray-Port exterior sprayer, and TV bracket.

The cost of one of these beauties? MSRP starts at just a little over $17,000 which is an attractive price (and a lot more affordable than the Airstreams I’ve been comparing the Star Stream to).

Pudgie pie pizza is my daughter’s favorite kind of pudgie pie with pepperoni being her favorite. She requests them every camping trip.

PUDGIE PIE (PIE IRON) PIZZA SANDWICHES
Ingredients:
(mix and match the meat and other toppings according to the taste of your family - i’ve tried to include all the kinds of pizza flavored pudgie pies we make but we don’t make every kind during every camping trip so don’t feel you have to have every single ingredient)
White bread
softened butter
jarred pizza sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
Plus any or all of the following:
crushed red pepper flakes (if you like extra spicy pizza)
pepperoni slices
precooked bulk italian sausage (I buy uncooked italian sausage, cook it over the campfire it, and save whatever is left over for the next pudgie pie meal)
chopped ham
sliced mushrooms (canned work best)
sliced black olives
chopped onion
chopped green pepper
pineapple chunks
or whatever you like on a pizza

Directions:
Generously butter one side of each piece of bread. Place one slice, buttered side down in one side of the pudgie pie maker.
Top with the meat(s), and veggies of your choice.
Top with 2 or 3 generous tablespoons of pizza sauce.
Sprinkle with the cheese.
Place the other slice of bread on top (buttered side up).
Close the pie iron and cook over hot coals or glowing campfire wood for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, checking it frequently to make sure it’s not burning.
When both sides of the bread are lightly toasted, remove the pie iron from the fire, but don’t open it for a couple of minutes, especially if you put a lot of toppings inside the pudgie pie. Letting it rest for a couple of minutes before opening it will ensure the everything gets heated through and the cheese melts.
If desired, serve the pudgie pie with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

For those diehard campers who think camping is only something done with a tent and the barest of essentials, you may want to quit reading this post because it’s about enjoying the outdoors while still enjoying all the comforts of home (and more).

Luxury camping accomodations are becoming more popular as people get the urge to experience the great outdoors without having to deny themselves the pleasure of soft cozy beds to sleep in, indoor plumbing, and electricity.

El Capitan Canyon in the Santa Barbara area of California is one of those places. They offer cedar cabins with front porches, beds with duvet comforters, bathroom facilities, linens and towels they provide, kitchenettes with a microwave, a mini fridge, wet bar sink, and coffeemaker; plus wireless Internet. Some of the cabins also have fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. There’s a front porch to sit on and enjoy nature plus with a picnic table, grill and firepit nearby.

If you want to cook for yourself, you need to bring your own cooking gear and food, but if you don’t feel like cooking or bringing your own food it’s not a problem. You can buy a barbecue kit at the resort’s market complete with burgers and hot dogs or beef tips and chicken plus all the fixins that you can cook at your cabin. Or for an easier way to dine, let the chefs at the resort cook for you.

There’s lots of outdoor activities to particpate in (some are an extra fee and some are included in the price of the cabin) such as: kayaking, wagon and carriage rides, yoga, hiking, challenge rope courses, horseback riding, beach cruiser biking, surfing, chuck wagon dinners, swimming, and even wine tasting.

And if all that activity makes you stiff and sore or if you are just looking for the utlimate in relaxation they offer several massage treatments.

Plus, vehicles aren’t allowed in the cabin, and slightly more rustic safari tent areas so it will be peaceful and quiet in your accomodation area.

For more information or to make a reservation, go to their website or call them at 805.685.3887 or at 866.352.2729 (the toll free reservation line).