Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys
Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys
Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys
Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys
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Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys are Your Destinations for Active Adventures in 2025
From fishing and diving to kayaking, hiking, and camping, the wonders of Florida’s Lower Keys never cease to amaze. These idyllic islands offer miles of pristine beaches, wonderful restaurants and campgrounds, and gorgeous weather all year long. But those who crave a more active outdoor experience won’t be disappointed either, as opportunities for adventure abound.Florida’s Lower Keys are an outdoor paradise stretching along Highway US 1 from the iconic Seven Mile Bridge south to historic Stock Island. In between, travelers will find plenty of things to see and do, with options for every visitor. Activities include everything from hiking and biking in the National Key Deer Refuge to playing a round of golf on the par-70 championship course at Key West Golf Club on Stock Island. Looking for an aquatic adventure? There are plenty of opportunities for sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing, too.
Bahia Honda State Park is one of the epicenters for outdoor activities in the Lower Keys. Located at mile marker 37, this fantastic destination offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best sunsets found anywhere along the gulf. Visitors can choose to simply relax along the shore with their feet in the water or take a more active approach. The park has a 3.5-mile paved walking and biking trail, while the waters just offshore are excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Bahia Honda is also home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the state and has three onsite campgrounds with a total of 80 campsites for RV and tent camping.
With its delicious restaurants, beautiful campgrounds, live music, and access to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Big Pine Key rightfully receives plenty of attention. But visitors should be sure to add the eclectic and enchanting Stock Island to their must-visit list. It is not only home to a thriving commercial shrimping industry, but it is also a surprisingly great culinary destination with charming art studios and seaside bars nestled beside colorful marinas. It is also a hub for serious anglers searching for the best charter fishing captains the Keys have to offer.As you can see, these unique and beautiful islands have plenty to offer anyone looking for a tropical escape. From active adventures to total rest and relaxation, you’ll find it all in Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys. To start planning your visit—and learn more about this fantastic destination—click here.The post Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys are Your Destinations for Active Adventures in 2025 appeared first on RV.com.Meet the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Luxury Fifth-Wheel
Everything about the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Fifth-Wheel is impressive. So much so that it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. The well-appointed luxury RV comes with a very long list of standard features that are sure to appeal to a broad range of travelers. But it is its innovative floorplan, comfortable and inviting interior, and excellent build quality that make it so intriguing to a wide range of travelers.Built with couples and full-timers in mind, the 38FBRK features a primary bedroom that includes a king-size bed, privacy doors, and a massive walk-in closet complete with washer/dryer prep. An en-suite private bathroom features a residential-style shower, porcelain toilet, and a spacious vanity, adding a further touch of elegance to an already great space.The 38FBRK’s living room area is just as impressive as the bedroom and is a relaxing place for entertaining guests. This Pinnacle floorplan in particular, is famous for its proprietary radius sectional sofa, with built-in reclining theater seating. An electric fireplace creates both warmth and ambiance, while a roll-top dinette with four standing chairs serves as a gathering place for meals and socializing. Nearby, a flexible work station adds convenience and functionality by doubling as a coffee bar or desk. A midship half-bath is easily accessible from anywhere in the cabin.Photo Credit: Jayco
Spacious and modern, the Pinnacle 38FBRK’s kitchen further enhances its appeal. The GE Suite of appliances includes a four-burner stove, convection microwave, an air fryer, and a traditional oven, giving camp chefs all of the tools they need for perfect gourmet meals on the go. An onboard dishwasher makes clean-up a breeze, while a large single-basin farmhouse sink, a residential-size refrigerator, and a pull-out cutting board above the trashcan add further convenience. Numerous overhead cupboards and a pullout pantry offer ample storage.But all of these exciting features are just the tip of the iceberg for the 2025 Pinnacle. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a fifth-wheel equipped with residential heating and cooling systems, efficient insulation packages, and optional double-pane windows, giving it true four-season camping capabilities. Tech-savvy RVers will also appreciate the trailer’s JAYCOMMAND smart multiplexing system, that puts control and monitoring of lights, climate, the holding tanks, and other features right at your fingertips. Multiple charging stations are conveniently located throughout the cabin, keeping digital devices charged and operational at all times, too.Photo Credit: Jayco
One of the Pinnacle’s signature new features this year is its integrated NuvoH2O Water Purification System. This whole-house solution works with both a city water connection or while boondocking, and features a citrus-based softener that filters up to 5,000 gallons of water to remove scale build-up. That translates to safer and better-tasting water that won’t stain the RV’s shower or toilet.Other features of note include two powered awnings, an exterior entertainment system, Dexter axles with antilock brakes, and towing assist. Efficient LED lighting is used inside and out, and is included in the JaySMART safety feature, making the fifth-wheel more visible to other drivers. A JBL sound system keeps the tunes playing both inside and out. Optional upgrades include a 5,500W Onan Microquiet generator, an outdoor kitchen, multiple solar packages, a Truma on-demand water heater, and more.Photo Credit: Jayco
The Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK is 43’ 10” in length, weighs 15,330 lbs., and comfortably sleeps four. The fifth-wheel trailer has a starting price of $128,168. For more information, visit jayco.com.The post Meet the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Luxury Fifth-Wheel appeared first on RV.com.
Photo Credit: Jayco
Camp Keepers: Warthen RV Park in Warthen, Georgia
Josh Gordy is the Camp Keeper at Warthen RV Park in Warthen, Georgia. Here’s the story of how he started that gig after a career in the NFL.“Back in 2011, the land that the park sits on came up for sale and it was right in the area where I grew up. I was playing in the NFL at the time. I wanted the opportunity to buy some land and hold onto it for the family—and then ambition started to roll in our stomachs. We started thinking: What can we do to capitalize on it? My mom and my late uncle suggested an RV park, and we broke ground in 2012.“I didn’t know anything about RVing. But I spent a lot of my life outside, and we eventually became more connected with the recreational side of the industry. Every little thing we do in the park ties back to our ability to help people recharge. We’re getting a fishing pond built and a walking trail constructed— peaceful activities. That was a big ‘why’ to the mission. I just love adding value to the place and giving people a place to recharge and clear their mind, because you gotta unplug a little bit. We host events for people to come together and get to know each other, too.“Being African American, it’s no secret there are not a lot of owners of businesses like this in the country. So, naturally, a big portion of our clients are African American. We want to add value to our community by providing a great product. We attract a diverse community, and that’s what makes us good. We say people come to us as strangers but they leave as family.”Gordy played with five NFL teams, winning a Super Bowl with Green Bay in 2010-11.Photo Credit: Josh Gordy/Warthen RV Park
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
The post Camp Keepers: Warthen RV Park in Warthen, Georgia appeared first on RV.com.Video: Is the Jayco Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH the Best RV for Beginners?
Budget bunkhouses make excellent options for families looking to dip their toes into the RV-camping scene. These models tend to be small, lightweight, extremely affordable, and have enough room for the whole crew. That’s an apt description of the Jayco Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH, which just so happens to be the subject of the video above.Unlike some of the videos we post here on RV.com, this towable won’t wow you with a long list of features or upscale luxuries. Instead, it offers an approachable travel trailer that’s perfect for newcomers to the RV lifestyle, allowing owners to cut their teeth on a model that won’t break the bank. Measuring 21′ 3″ end-to-end, and with a GVWR of just 3,750 bls, the 170BH can be towed behind a wide range of vehicles, including mid-size SUVs and pick-up trucks. And with an MSRP of $19,495, it is easy to see why it is a popular choice for families.So, what do you get for your money? For starters, an interior space that includes a main sleeping area with a queen-size bed, a wardrobe, nightstand, and a surprisingly large storage shelf. Two bunk beds offer room for the kids or a couple of guests, while a modestly sized dinette serves as a gathering point for meals, playing games, or getting a little work done. The nearby kitchen is equipped with a microwave, 12V refrigerator, a two-burner cooktop, and a sink with a high-rise faucet. The onboard bathroom features a marine-grade toilet and a shower.
Photo Credit: Jayco
The Sport edition of the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 170BH adds a 19,000 BTU furnace to complement the 8,000 BTU air conditioner that comes standard. While that doesn’t make this a four-season travel trailer, it does help keep the interior comfortable in a wide variety of weather conditions. Stabilizer jacks add balance and safety at the campsite, while a power awning extends the living space outdoors. Add in a tankless water heater, 30-amp service, a built-in digital TV antenna and cable TV hookups—not to mention LED lighting inside and out—and you’ll begin to see how much value this towable offers.Photo Credit: Jayco
The video above takes you on a tour of the Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH, so you can get a sense of what it looks like inside and out. What you’ll find is a sensible, well-designed travel trailer that delivers a lot for the price. To find out more, visit the Jayco website.The post Video: Is the Jayco Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH the Best RV for Beginners? appeared first on RV.com.
Photo Credit: Jayco
Oklahoma Good Sam Road Trip
It’s hard to rival the Sooner State when it comes to Native American history or cowboy culture. The following trip takes deep into the Chickasaw Nation and ends in the Deer Capital of the World.Click on the numbered icons to take a walk on the Sooner State’s wild side. Start with sky-high adventures in OKC or venture into untamed plains, lakes, and mountains. The post Oklahoma Good Sam Road Trip appeared first on RV.com.RV News: Grand Design’s Next Motorized RV Comes into Focus
It is a holiday edition of our weekly RV and camping news round-up. As you would expect, it has been a very quiet week across the RV industry, but despite some downtime for Christmas and the approaching New Year, there are still a few tidbits to share. Here are a few things you might want to know.- Grand Design Hints at New Super C RV: We already know that Grand Design is preparing to unveil its next motorized RV at the upcoming Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa next month. But in the lead-up to that event, the company has started to share a few new details about the next addition to its Lineage line of motorhomes. Dubbed the Lineage Series F, the new model will ride on a custom-built MORryde modified chassis with a Fox Racing suspension. It will also have a 15,000-pound towing capacity, a 320Ah lithium battery bank with 1000W of solar, and a dual-zone 15,000 BTU A/C unit with air conditioning in the cab over space. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however, so expect much more news in the coming weeks.
- The EXPLORE Act is Now Law: Ahead of the holiday recess in Washington last week, the US Congress addressed a number of issues, including an imminent government shutdown. But one of the things that also happened was the Senate passing the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (It was passed by the House back in April), which President Biden immediately signed into law. Why is this a big deal? Because this particular piece of legislation is designed to streamline the process of managing, expanding, and adding more public lands expressly for outdoor recreation. That includes camping, of course, but also mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and a host of other activities. In other words, it is a good thing for those of us who enjoy spending time outside.
Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze/Getty
- EmergencyRV Provides RV Models For Victims of Hurricane Helene: The holidays are the season of giving, and an organization called EmergencyRV is taking that to heart. Last week, the nonprofit announced that it has given 77 RVs to victims of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee this past September. The rigs went to help families who were left homeless by the storm and are provided completely free with a clean title that has the new owner’s name on it. The most recent recipients just welcomed their second child and were preparing to live in a homeless shelter, but now have a place of their own thanks to this generous effort. That is worth more than a salute. To find out more about Emergency RV, visit its website.
- East to West RV Conducts Successful Holiday Food Drive: Speaking of generous holiday giving, East to West RV announced another successful holiday food drive for 2024. This year, the effort was spearheaded by the company’s 500, 501, 502, 503, and 504 plans, which managed to collect 2,279 pounds of food, which is up from last year’s total of 2,240 pounds. Each year, the RV brand selects a different local charity to donate the food to. This year, it is Helping Hands Food Pantry of Cass County, Michigan. Big thanks to the East to West team for these outstanding efforts.
Wyoming Good Sam Road Trip
With the Rodeo Capital of the World in the east and Yellowstone National Park in the northwest, the landscape of Wyoming draws both outdoor explorers and bronco-loving cowpokes in equal measure. Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of famous outlaws or simply explore the rugged western outdoors, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Wyoming.Click on the numbered icons to take a journey through some of the Cowboy State’s most famous destinations. Belly up to a bar once visited by Butch and Sundance or marvel at bison, bears, and wolves in Yellowstone. Wyoming by John SullawayThe post Wyoming Good Sam Road Trip appeared first on RV.com.Video: The Forest River Impression 44STAY is Pure Luxury Inside and Out
While destination trailers aren’t new to the RV industry, these models have seen some dramatic upgrades and changes in recent years. The result has been some truly outstanding models hitting the market, offering unprecedented luxury and comfort in a towable designed to make life at the campground as enjoyable as possible. Case in point, the Forest River Impression 44STAY, which is a fantastic example of everything one of these amazing fifth-wheel trailers brings to the table.The video above takes us on extensive walk through of the Impression 44STAY, giving us a good look at this model inside and out. This mid-profile fifth-wheel measures 44 feet in length and has an UVW of 13,829 lbs. With those dimensions, the trailer has room for an expansive, open floorplan that includes a large kitchen, a comfy living room, and one-and-a-half baths. The main bedroom suite sits at the front and has space for a king-size bed and a wardrobe that has to be seen to be believed. A lofted sleeping space in the rear provides additional space for guests.With its numerous windows, triple-sliding glass doors, and pass-through storage, the 44STAY model is no less impressive on the outside. Four slides give the already spacious interior even more usable square footage, while a four-point self-leveling system provides stability and balance at the campsite. The rugged and wide retractable stairs make entering and exiting safe and easy, while a 24-foot awning—with integrated LED lighting—extends the living space outdoors.
Photo Credit: Forest River
Of course, nothing beats seeing this beautiful destination trailer with your own eyes. Hit play on the video above to see it in all of its glory. The clip shows a long list of features we haven’t even mentioned yet, like hidden storage behind the entertainment center, residential-style appliances in the kitchen, an enormous walk-in shower, and a washer and dryer neatly tucked away in the full bath. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however, with so many other things to discover. Sit back and enjoy the video while discovering everything this type of RV has to offer.Thanks to the AllaboutRVs YouTube channel for sharing.The post Video: The Forest River Impression 44STAY is Pure Luxury Inside and Out appeared first on RV.com.
Photo Credit: Forest River
Winnebago’s Backcountry Series are built to take you on an adventure.
When it comes to describing its impressive line of RVs, Winnebago is fond of saying “home is where you take it.” Nowhere is that more applicable than with the company’s Backcountry Series of RVs. Rugged, reliable, and well-equipped, these off-road and off-grid-capable vehicles can take you off the well-beaten path to get closer to untouched wilderness.
The Backcountry Series consists of the Winnebago Revel, Revel Sport, EKKO Transit, EKKO Sprinter, and Solis Pocket. And while each of these RVs has its own distinct style and personality, they all share plenty of similar traits, too. For instance, each offers ample ground clearance, rugged suspensions, and all-terrain tires, all of which provide an extra dose of confidence when wandering off the pavement. Need a little extra reassurance? Revel and EKKO models are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Once you reach your remote campsite, these RVs only continue to shine. Solar panels, lithium house batteries, and gas-powered generators keep onboard lights and appliances—not to mention all of your tech devices—functioning while traveling off-grid. Large freshwater tanks provide water for drinking, cooking, and showering, while comfortable interiors offer room to rest, relax, work, and play. Large awnings, outdoor kitchens, and fold-out tables are just a few of the features that extend the living space to the vehicle’s exterior.
Onboard heating systems and ample amounts of insulation make the Revel, EKKO, and Solis Pocket models ideal options for extended-season camping. All tanks and water lines are well protected from the cold, and exterior storage compartments are also heated. This allows owners to continue to pursue their favorite adventures, well into the fall and early winter. After all, who says you have to stop camping just because the temperature starts to drop?
Photo Credit: Winnebago
The Revel and Revel Sport are Winnebago’s most adventurous camper vans, combining confident off-road performance with a well-appointed interior. Notable features include an indoor/outdoor galley, a power lift bed, and a wet bath. An expansive gear garage makes it easy to bring all of your toys along for the ride, while the Revel’s new, highly-efficient Winnebago Power Max system allows you to stay off grid for up to 7 days.
The EKKO Transit and EKKO Sprinter offer excellent maneuverability and off-road capabilities along with the storage and onboard living space you’ve come to expect from a Class C model. Both rugged and refined, these RVs come with a flexible and semi-private sleeping area, a nicely-equipped kitchen, an innovative wet-dry bath, and a highly versatile lounge area that flexes from intimate dining or work space to room for gathering with friends. Built for the adventurer who doesn’t want to sacrifice convenience and comfort, the EKKO is in a class all its own.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Compact and nimble, the Solis Pocket is Winnebago’s most affordable and versatile camper van. The flexible interior living space includes a dinette that effortlessly transforms into a sofa, daybed, loveseat, and more. The indoor/outdoor galley is designed for ease of use and accessibility, and one floorplan even comes with a mudroom for cleaning up after a long day on the trail. Don’t let the entry-level pricing fool you, this is a highly capable RV that is fun to drive both on and off-road.
Collectively, these five RVs make up the Winnebago Backcountry Series that makes accessing the outdoors easier and more adventurous than ever. To find out which one is right for you, visit the Winnebago website. There, you’ll find more information including a complete list of features, technical specs, and pricing.
The post Winnebago’s Backcountry Series are built to take you on an adventure. appeared first on RV.com.
Happy Holidays From Wildsam and RV.com
All of us at Wildsam magazine and RV.com are sending our readers the warmest of holiday greetings. Thank you for supporting us over the past year and we look forward to connecting with you on new and deeper levels in 2025 and beyond. Enjoy this holiday season with friends and family and get ready for another year of travel, camping, outdoor adventures, and the best RV content on the web and in print.
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Litun/Getty
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!
The post Happy Holidays From Wildsam and RV.com appeared first on RV.com.RV News: Milestones for ORV and Jayco, a Towable for Winter Conditions, and More
The holidays are nearly here, which means things have started to get a little quiet across the RV industry. Still, there were some interesting stories that made their way across our desks this week. Here are a few things you may want to have on your radar as we head towards Christmas week:- Outdoors RV Manufacturing Had Produced its 30,000th Towable: Congrats to our friends at Outdoors RV Manufacturing (ORV) for reaching an impressive milestone this week. The company says that it has produced its 30,000th towable model, which includes its Glacier Peak fifth-wheels, Blackstone travel trailers, Trail Series toy haulers, and several other models. The RV in question is a Trail Series that was shipped to ORV’s long-term dealer/partner Thompson RV. The hero image at the top of this page shows the ORV team sitting with the record-setting towable.
Photo Credit: Mammoth Overland
- Mammoth Overland Introduces Burly Winter-Ready Towable: Just in time for the first day of winter, Mammoth Overland has announced a rugged new off-road trailer designed for winter camping. The new WLY (pronounced “Wooly,” of course) model is built to take on temperatures as low as -20ºF. It comes equipped with a Truma furnace, a cozy interior cabin with a king-size bed, and solar panels installed at the factory. To find out more, check out our profile of the WLY Mammoth from earlier this week.
- T-Mobile Opens Beta for Satellite Texting Service: Do you routinely find you have crappy cell service while camping? If so, a new service from T-Mobile may be able to help. The company has teamed up with Starlink to roll out a service that allows users to send text messages via satellite. The goal is to help more people stay in contact even when they’re traveling off-grid somewhere. For now, the service is in beta with plans to roll it out fully in 2025. But if you want to see how it works, you can sign up to join the beta test here. This gives existing customers a chance to test drive the new tech, while helping T-Mo and Starlink stress test their network, ahead of its launch next year. Read more in this press release.
- A Couple Buys Their 8th WInnebago Travato on Video: Winnebago’s Travato is an excellent camper van, offering a flexible interior, excellent storage, an innovative onboard power system, and the option for extended-season camping. All of this makes it one of the most popular Class B models in North America, with thousands of units sold across the van’s lifetime. One couple loves the motorhome so much that they’ve actually bought eight of them. You can see them take ownership of their newest model above and learn why they love this vehicle so much.
- Jayco Hits Sustainability Milestone: This week, Jayco announced that it had achieved a major goal in its efforts to become a more environmentally responsible organization. Back in June of 2021, the RV manufacturer partnered with Tactical Energy Group to create a long-term strategy for reducing energy waste across the entire company. Since then, the brand’s Middlebury, Indiana, campus embarked on a number of energy-saving projects, including installing a 1-megawatt solar system, adding a Virtual Energy Manager system, and retrofitting all lights with LEDs. This resulted in a 50% reduction in energy waste, a 23% reduction in kilowatt-hours used, and a decrease of 27% in energy use year-over-year. Now, the organization will move on to Phase 2 of its sustainability plan, which includes enhancing its off-grid efficiency..
Photo Credit: sanfel/Getty
- US Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case Against California Emissions Regulations: If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re already aware of the impending regulations in California that could potentially limit motorhome sales in that state. If you’re not up on this story, then check out our article on the topic. This week, the US Supreme Court declined to hear a case that appeals the enaction of those new rules, essentially allowing them to move ahead as planned on January 1. Find out more here.
SoftStartUp Takes the Hassle Out of Starting and Running Your Air Conditioner
We all know that running the air conditioner in our RVs can be frustrating at times. That’s because even highly efficient RV A/C units draw a lot of power during their initial start-up. So much power in fact that it is not uncommon to blow a circuit breaker or not be able to run other appliances while the AC is on.Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this problem. The SoftStartUp soft stat controller from SoftStartUSA removes all of the difficulty that comes with running your RV’s air conditioner. This plug-and-play device connects directly to a 30-amp or 50-amp power pole at the campground, reducing the startup inrush current by as much as 50%. That means you can not only run two RV A/C units but also multiple other appliances, too.As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the SoftStartUp device also provides overload protection, extends the life of your A/C’s compressor, and runs off a generator, too. It installs quickly and easily without the need for tools and is portable, allowing you to swap it between different RVs.If you’re a regular reader of RV.com, you’ve probably seen us extol the virtues of this great product before. But now, you don’t have to just take our word for it. Below are several videos from fellow RVers who have put the device to use in the field. As you’ll see, it continually exceeds their expectations.First up, we have Shawn and Rhonda Coleman, who own a Grand Design Momentum G-Class fifth-wheel toy hauler. In their video, you’ll see them start up two air conditioners on this 50A trailer, along with several other appliances, while connected to 30A power.Next we have Larry from Downsizing Makes Cents, who puts the SoftStartUp to a serious test. He plugs the unit into a 2,200W Honda generator using a 50A-to-30A cable plugged into a 30A-to15A adapter. How did it go? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.Need further evidence of the quality of this product? Check out this clip with Jim From R & J RV Adventures. He has no issues getting his A/C to run using the SoftStartUp device on 30A, but is curious to test it out on his generator, as well. As you’ll see, it works great, allowing his Forest River Wildwood to stay nice and cool, while also running its other appliances.Thomas Baity of Home on the Hitch is next up, sharing his impressions of the SoftStartUp. He appreciates the plug-and-play nature of the device, which makes it easy to use for any RVers. He also runs both of his air conditioners off the generator with no muss or fuss, but to Tom’s surprise.These excellent testimonials are further proof of just how efficient and useful the SoftStartUp device is in the field. To learn more about this exciting product—and get a special Wildsam discount—visit SoftStartUp.com.The post SoftStartUp Takes the Hassle Out of Starting and Running Your Air Conditioner appeared first on RV.com.Photo Credit: SoftStartUSA
