2017/2018 148 Snowbirds & RV Travelers - Dec/Jan
A perfect read for Snowbirds. Dec/January 2018
A perfect read for Snowbirds. Dec/January 2018
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AFFORDABLY LIVE THE SNOWBIRD LIFESTYLE ALL YEAR<br />
SNOWBIRDS<br />
& <strong>RV</strong><br />
Canada's Active <strong>RV</strong> Guide<br />
NEW <strong>RV</strong>S<br />
READY TO ROLL FOR <strong>2018</strong><br />
SAND DUNES IN CALIFORNIA<br />
THE GRAND CANYON RAILWAY<br />
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA<br />
MORE<br />
GIFT GUIDES<br />
For Your Favourite <strong>RV</strong>er<br />
VANCOUVER, BC<br />
$5.95 DEC <strong>2017</strong>/JAN <strong>2018</strong><br />
A Stunning Waterfront Destination<br />
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8<br />
Canada Pub No: 42201513<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 1
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2 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong><br />
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 3
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4 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
SNOWBIRDS<br />
& <strong>RV</strong><br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember/<strong>Jan</strong>uary<br />
44<br />
Travel<br />
16 Bring the Snowbird Lifestyle Home<br />
With Parkbridge Communities<br />
22 Quebec City<br />
Always Enchanting<br />
26 Palm Beach County<br />
For Every Pleasure, Passion and Pastime<br />
56 California’s Best Sand Dunes<br />
So Much More Than Piles of Sand<br />
64 History and Magic Come Alive<br />
On the Grand Canyon Railway<br />
64<br />
Destinations<br />
32 Toby’s <strong>RV</strong> Resort<br />
Off the Beaten Path in Arcadia, Florida<br />
34 Vancouver<br />
Canada’s Waterfront Destination<br />
42 BC’s Best Little Secret<br />
Greenwood, BC<br />
72 Active Adult Living Mindset<br />
On An Affordable Budget<br />
74 Come Fly Away<br />
To the Balloon Festival in Pahrump<br />
Departments<br />
8 Great Stays<br />
10 Product Showcase<br />
Stay Warm in Your <strong>RV</strong> This Winter<br />
12 Travel Tips<br />
Don’t Fear Camping in the Cold<br />
44 10 New <strong>RV</strong>s<br />
That Are Ready to Roll for <strong>2018</strong><br />
54 Driving Skills<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Winter Driving Reminder<br />
63 Hi Tech<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Furnace Maintenance<br />
76 Gift Guide <strong>2018</strong><br />
16<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 5
Editor’s Note<br />
SNOWBIRDS<br />
& <strong>RV</strong><br />
PUBLISHER<br />
Jason Tansem<br />
EDITOR-in-CHIEF<br />
Perry Mack<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
Cassandra Redding<br />
DIGITAL EDITOR<br />
Tracy Ubell<br />
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS<br />
Lisa Di Marco, Kate Parfitt<br />
CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />
Cassandra Redding<br />
ADMINISTRATION<br />
Cindy Mack<br />
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
Megan Campagnolo<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS<br />
Gordon Baron, William Ennis, Steve Fennell, Darcy Nybo,<br />
Perry and Cindy Mack,Cindy Phillips, Steve Rock<br />
COVER PHOTOGRAPH<br />
Winnebago Industries<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong><strong>RV</strong><strong>Travelers</strong><br />
@snowbirdsrv<br />
snowbirdsmagazine<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong>Magazine<br />
Escape this Winter<br />
Have you finalized your winter plans? Where<br />
will you go and what will you do? We hope that<br />
your plans do include some form of an escape.<br />
<strong>2017</strong> was a tough year with strange politics,<br />
extreme weather and more than its fair share of<br />
tragic events, so it seems fitting that we all end<br />
the year on a much higher note.<br />
We think you can use this issue of<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong> and <strong>RV</strong> <strong>Travelers</strong> to plan your winter<br />
excursion to a warmer land, but if you can’t<br />
escape the cold and snow this winter, you<br />
can at least use the issue as a break from the<br />
everyday for an hour or two.<br />
If you are dreaming of a trip that includes<br />
sun, water and sand, we have some fantastic<br />
stories on trips to Florida, California and<br />
Nevada — read about Palm Beach County,<br />
California’s Best Sand Dunes, and the History<br />
and Magic of the Grand Canyon Railway<br />
If you want to plan your adventure in a new<br />
<strong>RV</strong>, see page 44 for our 10 New <strong>RV</strong>s review —<br />
with fresh, innovative designs at price points<br />
for nearly every budget, <strong>RV</strong> manufacturers<br />
north and south of the border are meeting<br />
the needs of enthusiasts with a range of new<br />
models for <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
If you’ve been wondering how to afford<br />
the snowbird lifestyle this year we have two<br />
articles that will assist you - see page 16 for<br />
Bring the Snowbird Lifestyle Home and page<br />
72 for Active Adult Living Mindset: On An<br />
Affordable Budget. We’ve done some research<br />
for you and can help you to find a place and<br />
make it work for your budget.<br />
In this issue we have provided lots of tips<br />
on keeping you and your <strong>RV</strong> safe this winter<br />
(Don’t Fear Camping in the Cold; page 12, <strong>RV</strong><br />
Winter Driving Reminder; page 54, and <strong>RV</strong><br />
Furnace Maintenance; page 63). We’ve made<br />
sure you don’t get stuck in the cold!<br />
If you haven’t finished your gift buying, look<br />
to our Product Showcase on page 10 for some<br />
ideas on keeping your favourite <strong>RV</strong>er warm<br />
or to our Gift Guide on page 76 for some great<br />
backpacks and padfolios. See page 14 if you’d<br />
like to gift a subscription to our magazine.<br />
We wish you all the best with your winter<br />
and holiday plans. We’ll see you next year.<br />
Tell us more about you by sending us a photo,<br />
writing an email or visiting us online. See page<br />
78 for more info.<br />
Canadian publications mail product sales agreement<br />
-No: 42201513.<br />
Volume 14, Issue 8<br />
We acknowledge the financial support of<br />
the Government of Canada through the<br />
Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our<br />
publishing activities.<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong> & <strong>RV</strong> <strong>Travelers</strong> publishes 8 times per<br />
year and has a paid circulation.<br />
All material in <strong>Snowbirds</strong> & <strong>RV</strong> <strong>Travelers</strong> is copyright by<br />
SunCruiser Publishing Inc. and cannot be reproduced<br />
without the publishers consent.<br />
For any additions, deletions or changes you would like to<br />
see or if you would like to submit a photo or story, please<br />
contact:<br />
SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS MAGAZINE<br />
1503-1160 Sunset Drive<br />
Kelowna, BC VIY 9P7<br />
(866) 609-2383 x 201<br />
editor@suncruisermedia.com<br />
VISIT US ONLINE AT<br />
www.suncruisermedia.com<br />
Printed in Canada. As a responsible<br />
corporate partner, <strong>Snowbirds</strong> is printed on<br />
recycled paper.<br />
Proudly published by<br />
SunCruiser Media<br />
ISSN 1918-5081<br />
6 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
FIVE STAR RATING<br />
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O’Connor <strong>RV</strong><br />
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Big Boys Toys<br />
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Summerland<br />
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www.northern-lite.com • 800-887-5342 • info@northern-lite.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 7
y<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong> & <strong>RV</strong> <strong>Travelers</strong> is on the road every issue finding you “Great Stays”.<br />
To have your park or resort featured call 1-866-609-2383<br />
www.suncruisermedia.com<br />
Claybanks <strong>RV</strong> Park<br />
Spokane <strong>RV</strong> Resort<br />
Burnaby Cariboo<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Park<br />
(250) 378-6441 • Merritt, BC<br />
www.claybanksrv.ca<br />
Claybanks <strong>RV</strong> Park is a tree-filled park situated next to the beautiful<br />
Coldwater River and within close proximity to downtown Merritt. The<br />
park is open year round, with heated showers/washrooms and electrical<br />
hook-ups for all sites. Claybanks has 44 large fully-serviced sites, 8<br />
fully winterized sites (winter <strong>RV</strong> storage space available) and 20 tenting<br />
sites with handicap facilities available. A new recreation building is now<br />
available for use by <strong>RV</strong> Park guests. It has a washroom, sink with hot and<br />
cold water, electrical outlets, tables and chairs. Pets are welcome but<br />
they must be on leash when in the park.<br />
Terracana Ranch<br />
Resort<br />
(877) 276-1555 • Deer Park, WA<br />
www.spokanervresort.com<br />
Spokane <strong>RV</strong> Resort is a Good Sam 10-10-10 resort that caters to big<br />
rigs and family <strong>RV</strong>ing. It adjoins a challenging, excellently landscaped<br />
18 hole golf course with grill and sports bar. The oversized <strong>RV</strong> sites<br />
are all paved with full hookups, including 50 AMP service, WiFi, and<br />
cable television with over 60 channels, all for one flat rate with no<br />
surcharges. There is a northwest contemporary pavilion with a fireplace<br />
and dance floor that can comfortably table 50 guests. The heated<br />
swimming pool and walk-in hot tub are always popular. The bathroom<br />
and shower facilities are all tile, spacious and immaculate. There is also<br />
a laundromat. The resort is a great jumping off place for multiple lakes<br />
and rivers but it is also close to a major airline hub and Spokane cultural<br />
events.<br />
Pedder Bay<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Resort & Marina<br />
(604) 420-1722 • Burnaby, BC<br />
www.bcrv.com<br />
VANCOUVER'S HIGHEST RATED PARK.<br />
Deluxe <strong>RV</strong> Park for sightseeing the Vancouver, BC area. This<br />
campground has full hookup accommodation. Sites are paved and<br />
beautifully landscaped with privacy hedges. Cablevision and WiFi.<br />
Separate tent camping area. Indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness room, games<br />
room, internet access, playground, store, large laundromat. Coinoperated<br />
<strong>RV</strong> wash as well as a free <strong>RV</strong> washing area. On transit route,<br />
minutes from the Skytrain (monorail) to Vancouver’s attractions. West<br />
Coast Tours picks up daily. Guided city tours. From Hwy 1 (East or West)<br />
take Exit 37. Turn right at the first light, left at the next light, the next<br />
right turn is access road. Open all year.<br />
Kimberley Riverside<br />
Campground<br />
(866) 968 4304 • Valemount, BC<br />
www.terracana.com<br />
Come for a wilderness resort getaway vacation at Terracana Ranch<br />
Resort, which is located one hour west of Jasper, and 20 minutes west<br />
of Mount Robson. Escape to a mountain paradise surrounded by the<br />
Canadian Rockies, Caribou Mountains and Monashee Mountains.<br />
Terracana has <strong>RV</strong> sites, a campground, and deluxe log cabin rentals<br />
with spectacular mountain views for rent. They can accommodate<br />
a single person to large groups. Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky<br />
mountain wilderness, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful hiking<br />
and biking. ATVing or fishing is available on-site, as are the countless<br />
world-class multi use trails in the area. They have year-round availability<br />
and activities.<br />
(250) 478-1771 • Victoria, BC<br />
www.pedderbay.com<br />
Pedder Bay <strong>RV</strong> Resort & Marina, located just 40 minutes away from<br />
downtown Victoria, is a secluded angler’s paradise. The Resort is<br />
surrounded by some of the finest fishing grounds on southern<br />
Vancouver Island and countless hiking trails. Enjoy the breath-taking<br />
natural beauty from your spacious ocean-view <strong>RV</strong> site or take advantage<br />
of our boat rentals, fishing charters and kayaks and go on an adventure.<br />
Whether you’re looking for pristine wilderness to explore or amazing<br />
west coast ocean activities, Pedder Bay is your headquarters.<br />
(877) 999-2929 • Kimberley, BC<br />
www.kimberleycampground.com<br />
Nestled in the pristine St. Mary river valley, the Kimberley<br />
Riverside Campground offers incredible scenery, quiet and<br />
relaxing surroundings and endless opportunities for all to<br />
enjoy. The campground has over 130 spacious privately treed<br />
sites with partial or full services including; power (15-50amp)<br />
water and sewer. We have the choice of back in, pull through or<br />
Riverview sites along with a variety of tenting options. Enjoy our<br />
18 hole putting course along with a beautiful outdoor pool, free<br />
hot showers, coin laundry, hotspot internet access, children’s<br />
playground, and a convenience store. The friendly campground<br />
staff maintain clean washrooms, grounds, facilities and ensuring<br />
the most positive guest experience. Located only 8.6 kms south<br />
of the city centre, you can enjoy the shopping, dining, arts and<br />
culture of nearby Kimberley, BC.BOOK NOW FOR <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
8 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
KEEPING WINTER<br />
WORRY FREE<br />
FOR OVER 25 YEARS<br />
There’s no doubt that winter is hard on your vehicle’s interior,<br />
but whether it’s mud, sand, salt or snow, WeatherTech ® has<br />
you covered. Our DigitalFit ® FloorLiner and rear Cargo Liner<br />
provides complete interior floor protection, preserving your<br />
carpet and keeping the elements where they belong - outdoors.<br />
And with a limited lifetime warranty, it’s guaranteed to outlast<br />
even the harshest Canadian winters.<br />
For the full line of car, truck and SUV accessories,<br />
visit www.weathertech.ca or call 888-905-6287.<br />
© <strong>2017</strong> WeatherTech Canada<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 9
Product Showcase<br />
Stay Warm<br />
THIS<br />
WINTER<br />
Camco 36543 Pump Converter Winterizing Kit - Lead Free<br />
• Use the <strong>RV</strong> water pump to fill<br />
the <strong>RV</strong> pipes with antifreeze<br />
• Comes complete with brass valve, siphon hose, Teflon<br />
tape and pump adapters (pump not included)<br />
• Makes winterizing easier<br />
• Permanent, one-time installation<br />
• Compliant with all federal and state level low lead<br />
laws. CSA Low Lead Content Certified to NSF/ANSI 372<br />
• Camco’s permanent <strong>RV</strong> Pump Converter Winterizing<br />
Kit can be installed with just an adjustable wrench. The<br />
kit includes a brass valve; siphon hose, Teflon tape and<br />
pump adapters. Use this kit to bypass the fresh water<br />
supply line.<br />
www.homedepot.com $12.59 USD<br />
Here are some great ideas to stay<br />
cozy in your <strong>RV</strong> this winter.<br />
Reflectix ® Insulation<br />
Keep your <strong>RV</strong> warm this winter with Reflectix ®<br />
Insulation. It consists of two outer layers of aluminum<br />
foil that reflect 97% of radiant heat. Each layer of foil is<br />
bonded to a tough layer of polyethylene for strength.<br />
Two inner layers of insulating bubbles resist conductive<br />
heat flow while a centre layer of polyethylene gives<br />
Reflectix ® high reliability and strength.<br />
Various prices www.reflectixinc.com<br />
Hamilton Beach Programmable 5 Quart Slow Cooker<br />
This Hamilton Beach Programmable 5-Quart Slow<br />
Cooker cooks while you are away. You can mix and<br />
match any temperature with your choice of cooking<br />
times. The Hamilton Beach slow cooker is the ideal size<br />
for a 5-lb chicken or 3-lb roast. It features a stoneware<br />
cooking vessel with a clear glass lid and an easy-clean<br />
touch pad, for quick programming of desired cooking<br />
times and fast clean up. Its wraparound exterior helps<br />
ensure even cooking. Choose anywhere from two to<br />
ten hours of cooking time. Once your desired cook time<br />
is complete, the slow cooker will automatically switch<br />
itself to the warming setting. The Hamilton Beach<br />
Programmable 5-Quart Slow Cooker stoneware vessel<br />
and lid are dishwasher safe.<br />
www.walmart.com $24.95 USD<br />
Ivation DehumMini Powerful Small-Size<br />
Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier<br />
Quietly Gathers Up to 6oz. of Water Per Day<br />
• Quiet Small-Size Dehumidifier with No Moving Parts<br />
• Removable 17-oz. Water Tank & Washable Air Filter<br />
• Features ‘Tank Full’ Indicator Light<br />
• Auto-Shuts When Water Reservoir is Full<br />
• Measures Just 6.1” x 5.1” x 8.7” Inches<br />
amazon.ca $54.99 CAD<br />
Comfort Zone® CZ448 Oscillating Ceramic Heater –<br />
Portable Fan Forced – Black - 750-1500 Watt<br />
Small, quiet and powerful. The CZ448 heater with<br />
adjustable thermostat not only forces out air with a<br />
maximum of 1500 watts of power and it also has a fan<br />
only mode for year around uses but it also oscillates so<br />
all parts of the room will feel the power quicker. Low<br />
setting is 750 watts. The unit provides safety overload<br />
protection and a tip-over switch that will turn the unit<br />
off. This unit is ETL listed.<br />
www.globalindustrial.ca $32.95 ea. CAD<br />
10 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Explore with Wonder.<br />
A game-changer from the chassis up, the Wonder is packed with smarter space solutions<br />
that combine superior design with innovative functionality. From the ingenious Murphy Bed<br />
or all-new Front Twin Bed floorplans to the abundance of interior and exterior storage, every<br />
inch is utilized to its maximum potential in the Wonder.<br />
leisurevans.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 11
Travel Tips<br />
By Cassandra Redding<br />
A Foray into the Cold:<br />
Don’t Fear Winter <strong>RV</strong> Camping<br />
If you’re like me, you’d rather be warm 12 months of the year, so that means you’d rather be <strong>RV</strong>ing in the sun or on the beach than <strong>RV</strong>ing in the snow and cold. I’m trying to<br />
get over my disdain for the winter months, and think about the benefits of cold weather camping, such as the beautiful winter scenery and activities like skiing, skating, and<br />
snowmobiling. No wonder so many people use their <strong>RV</strong> year-round. A good idea to ease into cold-weather camping is to take a few shorter trips to work out all the issues that<br />
come with the colder season. (Longer trips may require a bit more planning and material, such as a protective skirt).<br />
READ ON FOR SOME TIPS ON PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR MOTORHOME IN THE COLD.<br />
1. First things first – the temperature will<br />
be below freezing. You should winterize your<br />
<strong>RV</strong> otherwise, if there is water in your system,<br />
your plumbing or water heater could freeze. If<br />
you haven’t winterized, it doesn’t take much<br />
effort to get it done, and it will save you from<br />
a massive repair bill that could happen if your<br />
lines freeze.<br />
2. Don’t worry; you can you still use your <strong>RV</strong><br />
bathroom after winterizing your <strong>RV</strong>. Take some<br />
four-litre jugs with you to fill the toilet and if<br />
your holding tanks are not heated add some<br />
<strong>RV</strong> antifreeze to them. You can add the <strong>RV</strong><br />
antifreeze through the toilet for the black water<br />
holding tank and down the shower drain for<br />
the gray water tank. You will also have to bring<br />
extra water with you for drinking, cooking,<br />
washing dishes and brushing your teeth.<br />
3. Make sure you know the location of all your<br />
<strong>RV</strong>’s plumbing. If your water system is below<br />
floor level, in areas that aren’t heated, it could<br />
again, freeze and damage the water lines. If you<br />
do hook up to an external water supply, you<br />
might want to leave your faucet dripping slightly.<br />
The flowing water decreases the chance of<br />
freezing. You could also use heat tape to cover<br />
any outside water lines. If you know it is going<br />
to be an extremely frigid trip and you don’t<br />
want to risk your water supply freezing, you<br />
could fill the fresh water holding tank if it’s in a<br />
heated area. But, a better idea is would be to use<br />
the campground’s facilities. This saves your grey<br />
water from filling up and you from worrying<br />
about freezing lines.<br />
4. Your <strong>RV</strong>’s heating system should be enough<br />
to keep the interior warm. Remember, that<br />
a forced air furnace, will not only consume<br />
propane but will also draw up to seven amps of<br />
electricity while operating. You could considerably<br />
drain the battery. Try to book a campground<br />
that you know has an electrical supply<br />
(batteries can also freeze in cold temperatures.)<br />
If you have electricity, then you can also supplement<br />
your heat with a portable ceramic heater.<br />
You won’t have to worry about fire or carbon<br />
monoxide poisoning. If you don’t have a hookup,<br />
you could use a generator, just be confident<br />
that the exhaust system is working correctly and<br />
that you have a carbon monoxide detector.<br />
5. Pack extra blankets (or an electric blanket),<br />
your thermal wear and an emergency kit.<br />
If possible, camp in a spot that faces the sun,<br />
and is protected from the wind. You can also<br />
minimize cold drafts by shutting your curtains<br />
and keeping the entry door closed as much as<br />
possible.<br />
After you have protected your <strong>RV</strong> from the<br />
cold, bundle up, get out outside, and enjoy<br />
those winter activities - you will feel better<br />
knowing you can come back to a cozy and<br />
secure <strong>RV</strong>.<br />
12 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
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14 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Photo Credit: Minakwa Lodge<br />
Photo Credit: Bass Lake Park<br />
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snowbirds <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>.indd 1<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 15<br />
12/09/<strong>2017</strong> 2:21:43 PM
O<br />
N<br />
T<br />
A<br />
R<br />
I<br />
O<br />
FROM PARKBRIDGE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES<br />
BRING THE<br />
nowbird<br />
Lifestyle<br />
HOME
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 17
Temperatures are rapidly dropping, and very soon the snow shovel will be your best ally: it’s time to head down to warmer<br />
destinations. As snowbirds, we look forward to the sense of community, security, activities, affordability, and freedom to travel<br />
that many southern properties provide. Many of us wish we could bring that lifestyle home when we return to the comfortable<br />
temperatures of spring and summer in Canada. Here are the top five reasons why any Canadians should consider embracing the<br />
snowbird lifestyle at home, and how they can achieve it:<br />
1<br />
COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURES: Brace<br />
yourself this winter! The Old Farmer’s<br />
Almanac has recently revealed it’s predictions<br />
for the upcoming winter season, and it’s not<br />
great news. The cold weather may be the<br />
number one reason we head south, and the<br />
opposite is why we head home! By April,<br />
many southern states are uncomfortably hot<br />
or stifling hot and humid - whereas home<br />
sweet home has gloriously agreeable spring,<br />
summer and fall weather. We leave with few<br />
cares about the southern property. If only we<br />
could do the same for our northern one.<br />
2<br />
FREEDOM OF LIFESTYLE: With just a little<br />
bit of planning, the snowbird lifestyle<br />
allows many Canadians and retirees a relatively<br />
stress-free lifestyle all year. Throughout<br />
Canada and the U.S., there are many<br />
communities that let us affordably split our<br />
time between two homes, without sacrificing<br />
our quality of life. In a land lease community,<br />
homeowners own the house but lease the<br />
land. They enjoy security, safety, and peace of<br />
18 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
mind when they head south for the winter or<br />
any trip during the spring, summer, and fall,<br />
as many of these communities look after and<br />
maintain their residence. These property<br />
management services can include snow shoveling,<br />
home watch security, mail collection,<br />
and more. The same worry-free lifestyle we<br />
enjoy down south.<br />
3<br />
TRUE SENSE OF CONNECTIVITY: There is<br />
a vast network for snowbirds where they<br />
can meet other like-minded people. Many<br />
Parkbridge communities have Social Clubs or<br />
Residents Associations, which organize dinners,<br />
dances, golf tournaments, and other social<br />
activities which foster social connectivity<br />
and that true sense of friendship. A current<br />
snowbird named Les Ferrey, a homeowner<br />
for seven years at Park Place, a Parkbridge<br />
Lifestyle Community, just outside of Wasaga<br />
Beach, Ontario says, “I love getting together<br />
with my neighbours for an impromptu drink<br />
or get-together or hosting my friends for a<br />
jam session at our home. What makes us so<br />
happy about Park Place is the wonderful people<br />
that we’ve met that make up the community<br />
and who we are proud to call our dearest<br />
life-long friends.”<br />
4<br />
ACTIVE & HEALTHY LIVING: By heading<br />
south snowbirds are not forced to hibernate<br />
indoors all winter, and they can stay<br />
active through planned activities and outdoor<br />
amenities. The same can be true at home<br />
where it can be easy to stay active and enjoy<br />
the warm weather when you have the proper<br />
facilities. Many Parkbridge communities<br />
have indoor and outdoor pools, work-out facilities,<br />
organized fitness classes, golf courses,<br />
walking & biking paths, and more.<br />
5<br />
HAPPINESS: Less stress equals more<br />
happiness. In fact, in a recent Dutch study<br />
it was reported that there was a “protective<br />
relationship” between optimism and mortality.<br />
People with less stress, and therefore a<br />
positive attitude, quite simply, lived longer.<br />
The land leasing concept of home ownership<br />
lends itself to a stress-free, happier lifestyle.<br />
Land leasing can be quite affordable for those<br />
transitioning into retirement and becoming<br />
snowbirds. It allows them to unlock money<br />
from their existing homes, start doing the<br />
things they’d rather be doing, and stop doing<br />
the things they’d rather not be doing (like<br />
grass cutting, snow shoveling or maintaining<br />
a house that feels too big.) In a sense, leasing<br />
lets a retiree have a happy, stress-free lifestyle<br />
that they have worked hard for, and deserve.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 19
PARKBRIDGE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES<br />
Interested in the snowbird lifestyle and the land<br />
lease concept? Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities<br />
(www.parkbridge.com) is Canada’s leading<br />
land lease owner and developer. Learn more<br />
about their approach:<br />
INVESTED PARTNERSHIP<br />
Parkbridge is invested in their communities<br />
alongside their homeowners. They work continually<br />
with them to ensure there is ongoing,<br />
thoughtful investment in community infrastructure,<br />
standards, and amenities so they feel<br />
safe, proud and at home in the communities<br />
where they live.<br />
ATTAINABLE HOME OWNERSHIP<br />
Parkbridge’s land lease approach is one of the<br />
most attainable housing options, allowing<br />
homeowners to maintain and grow equity in<br />
their homes at a lower cost relative to other<br />
home ownership options, while still having<br />
money available for life’s other priorities.<br />
VIBRANT COMMUNITIES<br />
Parkbridge fosters vibrant, active communities,<br />
giving homeowners access to well-maintained,<br />
shared amenities where they can participate<br />
in various activities and feel connected to the<br />
communities in which they live.<br />
QUALITY & RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT<br />
Parkbridge believes in building sustainable<br />
communities. We introduced our first certified<br />
Energy Star home, offering an exceptional value<br />
while using significantly less energy, and continually<br />
look for new ways to make and sustain<br />
communities.<br />
20 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 21
Q<br />
U<br />
E<br />
B<br />
E<br />
C<br />
Story and Photos<br />
Quebec<br />
by William Ennis<br />
City<br />
Always Enchanting<br />
22 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Chateau Frontenac<br />
Quebec City’s ‘old world’ charm<br />
makes it a popular destination<br />
for <strong>RV</strong> travelers. Canadians are<br />
fortunate to have such a perfectly<br />
preserved slice of the country’s<br />
history. With its forts, battlefield<br />
parks, magnificent stone buildings,<br />
and tantalizing shops along narrow<br />
streets, Quebec City is ready to<br />
welcome you.<br />
Some 400 years ago France began sending<br />
explorers to North America with the intent of<br />
creating the Country of New France. In 1608<br />
Samuel de Champlain landed on the north shore<br />
of the St. Lawrence River, just where the river<br />
passes a large island and then narrows abruptly.<br />
Stadacona, a small Iroquois settlement, was nearby<br />
and it was there that Champlain proceeded to<br />
build the base camp for what he predicted would<br />
be a prosperous, and wealthy nation.<br />
His l’Habitation was protected with a palisade<br />
of stakes, which surrounded a crude fort<br />
with several floors. It was rushed to completion<br />
and took up much time that should have been<br />
used to hunt and store away food for the winter.<br />
The winter devastated them, leaving only a<br />
handful of the 25 men who wintered there alive.<br />
It was a poor start for the fulfillment of Champlain’s<br />
dreams.<br />
The camp persevered and the present day<br />
city of Quebec is the net result of the tumultuous<br />
centuries that have passed. The British never<br />
ceased in their efforts to displace the French and<br />
for a short period they were successful but were<br />
then driven off, though they continued attacks<br />
over the years. Meanwhile, the French built their<br />
ramparts, and their gates, and the stone buildings,<br />
and their churches.<br />
Religion played a large part in creating the<br />
beautiful structures you will see in the city. Huge<br />
churches are open for visitations. The early settlement<br />
became more active as fur trading took<br />
hold, and shiploads of furs headed back to Europe.<br />
The settlement exported forestry products.<br />
Everything seemed to be going well.<br />
In 1759, the British were back and laid a<br />
three-month siege. Quebec City was well placed<br />
for defence, located on high cliffs overlooking<br />
the river but it fell to the British by a strange twist<br />
of fate. All attacks onto the land had been met<br />
with disaster because of the well-established safe<br />
fighting positions of the French, who even used<br />
the fortified stone homes along the riverfront.<br />
Something, perhaps money and strong drink,<br />
gave General James Wolfe some information that<br />
led him into a secret attack on a least likely place,<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 23
a high sheer cliff with a battery of guns on top.<br />
His informer told him about a narrow track that<br />
led to the top of the cliff. A small group of British<br />
cleared out the sentries and left the cliff free for<br />
General Wolfe to lead his troops to the top. The<br />
morning brought an unhappy surprise to the<br />
unsuspecting French General Montcalm who ordered<br />
an attack without waiting to gather up his<br />
outspread troops and guns. The battle was short.<br />
The British overwhelmed the enemy. Sadly, both<br />
brave generals died in the battle.<br />
It’s this history that makes Old Quebec City<br />
such a great tourist destination. A visit to the<br />
Citadel is a good way to start your trip. The Citadel<br />
is the largest fortress on the continent. The<br />
changing of the guard ceremony at 10 am should<br />
not be missed. The huge star-shaped fortress was<br />
built in the 1770’s after attacks on Canada from<br />
the country to the south.<br />
Nearby, to the west, is the huge park featuring<br />
the Plains of Abraham where General Wolfe<br />
fought the battle that turned the ownership from<br />
France to England. A short visit to the Plains of<br />
Abraham Museum is an excellent way to see the<br />
history and learn about what to see as you stroll<br />
on the battlefield.<br />
Stroll easterly past the Citadel on the Promenade<br />
des Gouverneurs. This path is on the edge of<br />
the cliff, high above the river. Views to Old Quebec’s<br />
Lower Town and across the river are definitely<br />
outstanding. It’s a perfect place to see how the<br />
French made use of a great place for defence.<br />
Head east to the Chateau Frontenac, to see<br />
what is possibly the most photographed building<br />
in North America. There is no doubt as to why.<br />
This hotel is an immense stone landmark, of<br />
excellent old-world design, sitting high above<br />
the river near the cliff edge. It was designed,<br />
and built for the Canadian Pacific Railway, to<br />
encourage travel across Canada by the well-todo.<br />
It played host to two Quebec Conferences<br />
where the WWII allies met to plan strategy. The<br />
hotel is designated as a National Historic Site. At<br />
the front, there is a long boardwalk with good<br />
views of lower town and across the river, which<br />
provides access to the funicular. Rows of historic<br />
cannon still remain placed strategically to protect<br />
the town.<br />
Visit the lower town by taking the rather<br />
steep set of stairs, or if you don’t need the<br />
exercise, ride the funicular. The historic Lower<br />
Town is like a visit to a medieval town in Europe.<br />
The cobblestone streets are narrow, and lined<br />
with gaily painted shops. The mixture of colours,<br />
red roofs, and white buildings, or tan buildings<br />
next to white, makes it feel like you are entering<br />
a warm, welcoming part of town. The shops are<br />
filled with souvenirs, or antiques, and refreshments<br />
are available at cosy bistros. Artists putting<br />
on a variety of shows may occupy the streets.<br />
Here and there you may find a square with a<br />
fountain, and benches on which to rest and view<br />
the street. The tall belfries looming above the<br />
smaller buildings add to the European ambiance.<br />
There are several examples of religious<br />
heritage, in fact, there are over one hundred<br />
churches, two cathedrals, and two basilicas. The<br />
Basilica Notre-Dame de Quebec dates to 1647<br />
and is a National Historic Site. If the outside<br />
design attracts you, wait until you enter this huge<br />
building with its great vaulted ceiling, paintings,<br />
and statues.<br />
I don’t suggest you attempt driving in the<br />
historic part of the city. The narrow streets,<br />
horse-drawn carriages, local drivers, and crowds<br />
of people don’t make it easy. Searching for<br />
parking may keep you behind the wheel as you<br />
24 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Clockwise: The Old Walls, the harvest,<br />
Montmorency Falls, Old Town Shop and<br />
mural of Old Town.<br />
look and look. A better idea would be to leave<br />
the vehicle at your lodgings and take one of the<br />
many tours that are available. The tour guide will<br />
keep you informed with interesting commentary<br />
along the route. There are even open-topped tour<br />
buses that let you on and off at fixed stops. Make<br />
sure you visit Montmorency Falls, an impressive<br />
waterfall of white water and spray, marking the<br />
location where many local residents go for rest<br />
and relaxation.<br />
Quebec City has several campgrounds<br />
around the perimeter. One of the most convenient<br />
is Quebec City KOA on the south side of<br />
the river. They work with a tour company and<br />
you can select from several city tours, and for an<br />
extra fee, be picked up at the campground.<br />
If a visit to Quebec City is not yet on your<br />
agenda this winter, give it another thought. For<br />
a city with European charm, it’s a lot closer than<br />
Europe, and its Canadian history, and great architecture<br />
will draw you back again and again.<br />
FOR YOUR INFORMATION<br />
For an overview of tours:<br />
https://www.toursvieuxquebec.com/en/home<br />
For a PDF guide of tours:<br />
https://www.toursvieuxquebec.com/assets/files/<br />
guide-tours-vieux-quebec-<strong>2017</strong>.pdf
F<br />
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JASON TANSEM,<br />
PERRY AND CINDY MACK<br />
Palm Beach<br />
COUNTY<br />
CRUISING THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IS<br />
A UNIQUELY FLORIDA EXPERIENCE, and while<br />
Beach Water Sports was the most affordable<br />
option, the staff were less than friendly. Nevertheless,<br />
we rented a 22’ Pontoon boat and<br />
set out on an afternoon cruise north on Indian<br />
River towards Peck Lake, which is a part of the<br />
Intracoastal. Along the way you can marvel at<br />
the waterfront homes and neighbourhoods,<br />
each has a boat dock or marina, but always be<br />
on the lookout for dolphins or manatees. We<br />
didn’t see any – dolphins or manatees that is,<br />
but lots of beautiful homes – most shuttered<br />
for the summer. Jupiter is the winter home for<br />
many golfing greats like Tiger Woods, Greg<br />
Norman, and Gary Player, and singers including<br />
Celine Dion, Alan Jackson and Kid Rock, and<br />
other celebrities and professional athletes - so<br />
bring along your binoculars and paparazzi<br />
camera lenses.<br />
We moored on the east side of Peck Lake<br />
(look for the tower) and walked 50 metres<br />
across Jupiter Island along a path to find the<br />
Atlantic Ocean and a relatively uninhabited<br />
beach. Another family had packed along a tent,<br />
chairs, cooler (and the family pet) to spend the<br />
afternoon – and so should you.<br />
This adventure into Seabranch Preserve<br />
State Park is great on a hot day as you can enjoy<br />
the breeze as you cruise, even if Mother Nature<br />
hasn’t provided any wind. The Intracoastal is<br />
protected from waves, so you do not need to be<br />
an expert boater to enjoy yourselves.<br />
Native fauna can be hard to spot in the<br />
wild, but not at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.<br />
This non-profit organization is dedicated to<br />
preserving Florida’s wildlife through the rescue,<br />
rehabilitation, and preservation - and education<br />
of local and visitor human inhabitants. While<br />
some of their ‘guests’ vary as they are rehabilitated<br />
and released, others are permanent<br />
residents, which can’t return to their natural<br />
habitat in Florida due to their injuries or complacency<br />
towards humans. Exploring along the<br />
lush tropical paths, you’ll typically be able to<br />
see everything from Florida’s foxes to falcons,<br />
skunks to snakes, parrots to panthers, and of<br />
course the infamous alligators.<br />
www.buschwildlife.org<br />
The wind whips past us, as our earmuffs<br />
attempt to protect us from the roar of the<br />
massive fan propelling us through the forest of<br />
tall grass. We are hunting (with cameras) for<br />
the elusive alligators that so far we’ve only seen<br />
at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. The adrenaline<br />
rush of crossing the small lake is replaced with<br />
26 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
capital of outdoor markets. We stopped there<br />
for the Farmer’s Market (every Saturday 8 am<br />
to 12 pm) to wander among the eclectic mix of<br />
vendors. Fresh fruits and veggies, exotic plants,<br />
spices, clothing, food and music – and all free to<br />
see. At the same time, you can also stop in at the<br />
Jazz Craft Market, or make it to the Wednesday<br />
Green Market instead. The Fort Pierce Marina<br />
even proclaims to have ‘Florida’s Best Fishing.’<br />
Next time we’ll let them prove it!<br />
Shopping can make you thirsty and tired, so<br />
it’s a good thing the ‘Original Tiki Bar’ is next<br />
door to the market, overlooking the marina<br />
with a great vibe and live music. Odds are you’ll<br />
hear Jimmy Buffet’s greatest ballads from the<br />
microphone, and enjoy another iconic Florida<br />
experience.<br />
Our only caveat is that the road into Fort<br />
Pierce, unfortunately, doesn’t display the<br />
prosperity of Jupiter, with barred, shuttered and<br />
abandoned businesses along your route to the<br />
market. While Marina Square and downtown is<br />
a fantastic place to visit for the day, I can’t say I<br />
would recommend you make this a home base<br />
for your stay.<br />
After exploring so much of the natural<br />
habitat, we needed some civilization and found<br />
ourselves with tickets in hand entering Roger<br />
Dean Stadium, home of the Jupiter Hammerheads<br />
and Palm Beach Cardinals in the triple<br />
A league, and the Gulf Coast Marlins and Gulf<br />
Coast Cardinals in the Rookie league. With four<br />
teams calling the stadium home, there is a game<br />
in the stadium almost every day April through<br />
August. Then during spring training, you can<br />
watch the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins<br />
practice from the end of February to the<br />
end of March.<br />
anticipation as we quietly idle through the<br />
narrow channels, peering into the murky grasslined<br />
banks, searching for the wary prehistoric<br />
predators that we know are all around us. ‘There’s<br />
one”, shouts Jason as our pilot cuts the engine<br />
and cameras follow eyeballs to the rustle and<br />
splash on shore. While that was our only sighting,<br />
our guide took us to see an alligator nest,<br />
and a small pond where gazing below the still<br />
surface, in water as clear as an aquarium, schools<br />
of fish swarmed towards the bread we tossed<br />
from the side. 45 minutes passed in the blink of<br />
an eye and then it was time to return to the dock.<br />
Eagle Boat Airboat rides have great staff, a small<br />
outdoor fresh food market, and of course – gator<br />
head souvenirs. For the hearty and the brave –<br />
you can hold a baby gator!<br />
Marina Square in Fort Pierce (an hour<br />
drive north of Jupiter) seems to be Florida’s<br />
Clockwise: Boat rental on Intracoastal, Eagle Bay Airport and the Roger Dean Stadium.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 27
Speaking of civilized, when I suggest service<br />
to your chair, a call button for food and alcohol,<br />
while in reclining seats with a tray table, you<br />
naturally think airplane. However, these words describe<br />
the luxury cinema experience at Cineopolis<br />
cinema in Jupiter. We purchased our tickets ($41<br />
US for two adults), chose our seats at the ticket<br />
counter, passed the full-service bar on the way to<br />
our theatre, reclined in our spacious, plush, leather<br />
seats, and then ordered food and beverages from<br />
the server after reviewing the menu. If we had any<br />
further food and drink desires, we pushed the call<br />
button on the arm of our chair, and our server<br />
reappeared. You can also order your tickets online,<br />
choosing your movie, time, and seats. There are<br />
also non-luxury theatres available as well. It is<br />
expensive for ‘going to the movies,’ but then again<br />
it is a quite an experience.<br />
West Palm Beach County, like much of Florida,<br />
is overflowing with a multitude of satisfying<br />
experiences for every pleasure, passion, and<br />
pastime. Don’t wait another year to get your fill!<br />
Top: Fort Pierce and bottom: Gator at the Eagle<br />
Bay Airboat.<br />
28 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 29
30 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong><br />
ILLINOIS
Join us at more than 100 amazing<br />
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 31
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BY DARCY NYBO<br />
Toby’s<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Resort<br />
PHOTOS SUBMITTED<br />
MORE HOME THAN NOT<br />
When you find a place that feels as comfortable<br />
and enjoyable as being at home, chances are<br />
you’re going to want to stay there, especially if<br />
the weather is excellent! Toby’s <strong>RV</strong> Resort in<br />
Arcadia, Florida is extremely popular, in part<br />
due to its high value among Florida <strong>RV</strong> resorts<br />
and its location off the beaten path.<br />
MEET BILL<br />
They say if you want to know something about<br />
a place, you ask a local. While most <strong>RV</strong> resorts<br />
have a somewhat transient population, Toby’s<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Resort has residents who park their <strong>RV</strong>s<br />
here year-round and stay for more than a<br />
season. Bill Payne and his wife Ruth are two of<br />
those residents. They liked living here so much,<br />
they came down earlier than usual this year.<br />
“I heard about Toby’s from some friends<br />
that were down here,” explained Bill. “They<br />
loved it, so we came down to see it for ourselves.<br />
That was in <strong>Jan</strong>uary 2010, and we’ve<br />
been coming here ever since. We usually come<br />
down here for six or seven months. This year it<br />
will probably be eight or nine months.”<br />
Bill is one of the 800 or so people who come<br />
to stay at Toby’s <strong>RV</strong> every year. There are a few<br />
that live at the resort year-round. “We get a lot<br />
of people here from Michigan, Ohio, New York,<br />
New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland,<br />
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Connecticut<br />
and quite a few who come down from all over<br />
Canada. We even have people come down here<br />
from Alaska,” he said.<br />
KEEPING BUSY IN THE RESORT<br />
Bill knows how to keep himself and others busy.<br />
In fact, he arranges some of the activities. He<br />
sits on the activity board and is in charge of the<br />
Ice Cream Social, hall rentals, and helps with<br />
bringing in entertainment.<br />
“There’s so much to do here!” he exclaimed.<br />
“We have something pretty much every day<br />
and night. We have the Unknown DJ, a park<br />
resident from Canada, who DJs 50s to 90s music,<br />
and there’s live music a few times a month.<br />
We have Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve<br />
parties, Valentine’s parties…”<br />
Suffice it to say there are over 80 activities<br />
a month. Yes, that’s right, a month, which you<br />
can take part in. From pickleball to Pétanque,<br />
you’re bound to find a thing or two to keep you<br />
busy here.<br />
“Our Ice Cream Socials are every Sunday,”<br />
said Bill as he looked for his activities list. “We<br />
have regular Bingo on Monday and Friday<br />
nights and Card Bingo, that you play with a<br />
deck of cards, on Wednesday nights.”<br />
Bill found his list, and then the information<br />
started flowing. “Our most popular activities are<br />
shuffleboard, bocce ball, and horseshoes. We<br />
have a live music jam every Tuesday night and<br />
every other Thursday there’s a potluck supper.<br />
There are dances twice a month on Saturdays<br />
and shows twice a month too. About 100 - 200<br />
people will show up to each of these events. The<br />
hall here holds 300 people.”<br />
With all these activities, you might think it<br />
would be expensive, but the activity committee<br />
has that all figured out. “We sell activity cards<br />
for $12.50 for six months from November to<br />
end of March. That will get you into the dances<br />
and the shows for free. If you don’t have a card<br />
– it’s $10 each to get into the dance or a show.<br />
Coming up in March we even have Dion Pride,<br />
Charlie Pride’s son, coming to perform for us.”<br />
There’s more on Bill’s list. About once a<br />
month they have someone come in to cook<br />
lunch. The last few years they’ve had someone<br />
come in and smoke up ribs for their rib dinner.<br />
There’s coffee and donuts every Friday morning<br />
where the coffee is free, and donuts are 50 cents.<br />
KEEP ON LEARNING<br />
There are classes here as well. Not just one or<br />
two, there are a dozen or so, with more being<br />
thought up every year. “You can take just about
any kind of class here,” Bill said with a touch<br />
of pride in his voice. You can tell he loves it<br />
here. “We have painting classes and if you want<br />
something different, there are classes for stained<br />
glass, quilting and needle work, plus crocheting.<br />
Beading classes are also held every Friday<br />
morning. “<br />
“There’s line dancing classes too, which is<br />
always fun. Then we have a younger gal from<br />
Canada who comes here and teaches Yoga and<br />
other movement exercises. You can even take<br />
tennis lessons here.”<br />
Should you want to learn something else,<br />
they have someone at the resort who teaches<br />
computer classes, woodcarving and basket<br />
weaving. “There’s something every day,” said Bill.<br />
“We’re pretty busy here. We just keep going.”<br />
KICK BACK AND RELAX<br />
For those who just want to sit back and relax a<br />
bit, there’s time and places for that, too. There’s<br />
a park with a large pond on the property.<br />
“The pond has alligators in it,” Bill said.<br />
“You don’t have to worry about them. You can<br />
just sit on the deck by the pond and watch<br />
them. They never come into the resort, and if<br />
the odd one does, we get rid of it quickly. You<br />
can fish here too. It’s all catch and release. If<br />
you want to go further out, Lake Okeechobee<br />
is only an hour east of here. You can go fishing<br />
and boating there.”<br />
Many residents just like to relax in the pool<br />
or have a soak in the hot tub. There’s an exercise<br />
room, a weight room, pool tables and even a<br />
well-stocked library on site.<br />
HAPPY TRAILS<br />
The land around Toby’s is relatively flat,<br />
making it easy to bike around the <strong>RV</strong> resort<br />
and into the town of Arcadia. “The only hills<br />
around here are man-made,” said Bill. “It’s<br />
fairly flat countryside so you can go quite far.”<br />
It’s about a 20-minute bike ride or a<br />
10-minute car ride to Morgan Park, which has<br />
some easy hiking trails. There are large open<br />
grassy areas for games and picnics. The park is<br />
located on the banks of the Peace River, which<br />
is reportedly an excellent spot for swimming<br />
and fishing. You may even see the odd armadillo,<br />
deer or squirrel as you walk the trails.<br />
“There’s a bike and hike trail near Toby’s,<br />
too and you can go up as far as the Winn Dixie<br />
and the hardware store,” said Bill. “You can<br />
even ride your golf cart up there.”<br />
FROM VILLAGE TO CITIES<br />
The cozy town of Arcadia is just a few minutes<br />
away from Toby’s <strong>RV</strong> Resort. It has all the major<br />
amenities you’ll need including a Walmart<br />
Superstore, “There are some small restaurants<br />
as well as fast food joints,” explained Bill.<br />
“There are a couple good Italian and Mexican<br />
restaurants too. The town even has a walk-in<br />
clinic and a Goodwill store.”<br />
One of the more significant draws to<br />
Arcadia are the antique shops. “There are<br />
over a dozen shops here and then every third<br />
Saturday of the month they have an antique<br />
show and people come from all over.”<br />
As this is the middle of cow country, it’s<br />
a given that there’s an agriculture centre. The<br />
Turner Agri-Civic Center has horse pulls,<br />
dog shows, beef sales and car shows, all<br />
within minutes of the <strong>RV</strong> resort. “They have a<br />
rodeo here in Arcadia, too,” said Bill proudly.<br />
“They’re building a brand new rodeo station,<br />
which will be the biggest rodeo east of the<br />
Mississippi and will have riders from all over<br />
the world come here just for the rodeo in<br />
February.”<br />
For those who miss what the city has to<br />
offer, you can find all the theatres, live music,<br />
shopping and fine dining you need in the<br />
surrounding areas. “Port Charlotte is just 35<br />
minutes south of the resort, with Fort Myers<br />
about an hour and a bit south,” said Bill. “Then<br />
there’s Sarasota, about an hour away to the<br />
west. Fort Myers and Fort Charlotte have<br />
some great theatres. Pretty much everywhere<br />
you want to go is about an hour, hour and a<br />
half from here.”<br />
DO AS YOU PLEASE<br />
With so much to see and do you may feel<br />
obligated to get out there and do as much as<br />
possible. Remember, this is your get-away,<br />
your time. Do as you please, knowing that at<br />
any time, on any day, there’s always something<br />
else to do at Toby’s <strong>RV</strong> Resort.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 33
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Vancouver<br />
Canada’s Waterfront<br />
DESTINATION<br />
STORY AND PHOTOS BY<br />
CINDY PHILLIPS AND GORDON BARON<br />
34 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Vancouver is known as one of the most scenic<br />
waterfront cities in North America, but it was<br />
Expo 1986 (The 1986 World Exposition on<br />
Transportation and Communication) and the<br />
2010 Winter Olympics that put Vancouver on<br />
the global map.<br />
Canada Place is Vancouver’s terminal for Alaska Cruise Ships.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 35
Burnaby Cariboo <strong>RV</strong> Park<br />
T<br />
he Burnaby Cariboo <strong>RV</strong> Park and<br />
Campground is a great place to stay,<br />
just off the Trans Canada Highway, 20<br />
minutes east of downtown Vancouver. The 212<br />
paved sites are very well set up for any recreational<br />
vehicle. They have everything you are<br />
looking for including a pool, store, games room,<br />
even a pressure wash facility to clean your <strong>RV</strong>.<br />
The manager of the park gave us helpful tips<br />
for alternative ways to travel around the city,<br />
so we could leave our vehicle at the campsite.<br />
It is only a ten-minute walk to the commuter<br />
transit “Skytrain”, the metropolitan rapid transit<br />
rail system serving the lower mainland. Transit<br />
was a much easier way for us to travel around<br />
the busy city, as we did not have to worry about<br />
traffic or where to park a large <strong>RV</strong>.<br />
Canada Place is Vancouver’s terminal for<br />
cruises to Alaska. This year, 237 cruise ships<br />
are destined for Canada Place. As many as four<br />
cruise ships can be docked at one time, creating<br />
an extra 10,000 to 15,000 visitors to the city.<br />
We were amazed at how well Vancouver was set<br />
up to handle the thousands of daily commuters<br />
and visitors to the downtown area. The Port<br />
of Vancouver is the busiest harbour in Canada<br />
and the third largest port in North America.<br />
The morning we were at Canada Place, the sky<br />
was busy bringing commuters in from Victoria,<br />
Vancouver’s West Convention Centre located next<br />
to Canada Place. Coal Harbour Marina and Stanley<br />
Park in the distance.<br />
Vancouver’s 22km (14m) seawalk starts at<br />
Canada Place, circles Stanley Park and False<br />
Creek, ends at Kitsilano Beach.<br />
36 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
memories are made here<br />
MEMORIES<br />
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RESE<strong>RV</strong>ATIONS<br />
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16<br />
2<br />
ALBERTA<br />
Red Deer<br />
97<br />
5<br />
2<br />
Drumheller<br />
9<br />
9<br />
Ladysmith, BC<br />
19<br />
99<br />
Whistler<br />
1<br />
5<br />
97C<br />
Kamloops<br />
97<br />
Kelowna<br />
1<br />
1<br />
Calgary<br />
2<br />
2<br />
1<br />
1<br />
4<br />
Nanaimo<br />
19<br />
Vancouver<br />
1<br />
97<br />
3<br />
Osoyoos<br />
Penticton<br />
Nelson<br />
Cranbrook<br />
6<br />
3<br />
4<br />
Lethbridge<br />
Book your site now!<br />
SNOWBIRD & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELLERS <strong>2017</strong>.04.20<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 37
Nanaimo, Comox, Whistler and the Gulf Islands<br />
to shop and work in the city. Seaplanes were<br />
landing on the water every five minutes on the<br />
west side of Canada Place, docking at Vancouver’s<br />
Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) seaplane<br />
terminal. HeliJet helicopters were landing on the<br />
east side of Canada Place on the floating helipad.<br />
Big ocean-going freighters were entering the<br />
harbour to unload their cargo and a five-mast<br />
sailboat was anchored on the north side of the<br />
Inlet, along with the cruise ship “Star Princess”,<br />
which had just come in earlier that morning. All<br />
this activity happened before 9:00 am and we<br />
quickly understood why Canada Place is one of<br />
the city’s main attractions.<br />
The roof on the exterior has five sails and<br />
is an iconic landmark for locals and visitors<br />
entering Vancouver’s waterfront. Canada Place<br />
is also home to the 504-room Pan Pacific<br />
Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver East Convention<br />
Centre, the World Trade Centre and the iconic<br />
FlyOver Canada. This is a flight simulation ride<br />
that suspends you above the ground looking at<br />
a huge curved screen travelling across Canada,<br />
all while twisting, turning, and feeling the wind<br />
and mist on your face.<br />
It is also the start of the famous seawall<br />
walk to Stanley Park. The walkway continues<br />
around Stanley Park, passes through English<br />
Bay, circles False Creek to Granville Island, and<br />
ends at Kitsilano Beach. The total distance of 22<br />
kilometers (14 miles) one way, makes it one of<br />
the longest uninterrupted waterfront walkways<br />
in the world.<br />
The “Seawall Adventure Centre” located<br />
next to the seaplane terminal is one of many<br />
establishments in Greater Vancouver that rents<br />
bicycles to complete a shorter ten kilometre<br />
loop around Stanley Park.<br />
Vancouver is biking friendly with their own<br />
paved paths around the seawall and over some<br />
of the city’s bridges. We opted to get an Adult<br />
day pass with Westcoast Sightseeing Tour buses<br />
for $47 each. They have a family pass, which<br />
includes two adults and two children for $135.<br />
The Hop-On, Hop-Off convertible bus<br />
stops at 24 of Vancouver’s top attractions<br />
around the city. We caught the bus at their first<br />
stop at 8:30 am in Gastown. Their next bus left<br />
20 minutes later from that same bus stop. This<br />
meant that at any one of the stops where we<br />
wanted to get off, there was another Westcoast<br />
Sightseeing Tour bus only twenty minutes<br />
behind. What a great way to see the city on<br />
a sunny day. They have a taped narration on<br />
the tour that is translated into seven different<br />
languages using headphones.<br />
South of Canada Place is the saltwater Inlet<br />
of False Creek, a small body of water that separates<br />
downtown Vancouver from the rest of the<br />
city, the site of Expo 86. Located on the south<br />
side of False Creek is a 14 hectare (35 acres)<br />
Island (peninsula) known as Granville Island,<br />
which was our destination for our second day of<br />
visiting Vancouver.<br />
Granville Island has waterfront restaurants,<br />
oceanfront patio decks, galleries, theaters and<br />
studios, cafés, marinas, boat and kayak rentals,<br />
public ferries and an adventure playland for<br />
kids (consisting of more than 25 shops and activities).<br />
The Public Market is an open-concept<br />
indoor market selling fresh seafood, meat, produce,<br />
bread and cheese, crafts and cut flowers - a<br />
magnet for attracting the locals. The Market is<br />
Harbour Air is the biggest seaplane-only airline in the world. (Famous for their scheduled bird’s-eye<br />
tours of Vancouver’s waterfront).<br />
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O’Connor <strong>RV</strong>, Chilliwack BC<br />
Peden <strong>RV</strong> Superstore, Sidney BC<br />
South Thompson <strong>RV</strong>, Kamloops BC<br />
Traveland <strong>RV</strong> Superstore, Langley BC<br />
Traveland <strong>RV</strong> Kelowna, West Kelowna BC<br />
Bucars <strong>RV</strong> Centre, Balzac AB<br />
Eldorado <strong>RV</strong> Sales, Lethbridge AB<br />
Happy Trails <strong>RV</strong>, Grande Prairie AB<br />
Holiday <strong>RV</strong> Super Centre, Redcliff AB<br />
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GNR Camping World, Winnipeg MB<br />
Pik-A-Dilly <strong>RV</strong> Centre, Brandon MB<br />
Happy Camper <strong>RV</strong>, Prince Albert SK<br />
Lardner’s Trailer Sales, Saskatoon SK<br />
Sellers <strong>RV</strong> Center, Lloydminster SK<br />
Traveland Leisure Centre, Regina SK<br />
1000 Islands <strong>RV</strong> Centre, Gananoque ON<br />
Campkin’s <strong>RV</strong> Centre, Myrtle Station ON<br />
Camp-Out <strong>RV</strong>, Stratford ON<br />
Can-Am <strong>RV</strong> Centre, London ON<br />
Christie’s <strong>RV</strong>, Sault Ste. Marie ON<br />
Earlton <strong>RV</strong>, Earlton ON<br />
Ferguson <strong>RV</strong> World, St. Thomas ON<br />
Globetrotter <strong>RV</strong>, Bolton, ON<br />
Leisure Trailer Sales, Tecumseh ON<br />
McPhail’s of Harriston, Harriston ON<br />
Mobilife <strong>RV</strong> Centre, Kitchener ON<br />
Niagara Trailers, St. Davids ON<br />
Nickel Belt Camping, Chelmsford ON<br />
Ottawa Camping Trailers, Ottawa ON<br />
Primo Trailer Sales, Ottawa ON<br />
Recreation World <strong>RV</strong>, Thunder Bay ON<br />
Ruston <strong>RV</strong> Centre, Burlington ON<br />
Transit Caravane, Plantagenet, ON<br />
The Hitch House, Barrie, ON<br />
Caravanes de la Petite Nation, Gatineau QC<br />
Centre de Camping d’Amos, Amos QC<br />
Horizon Lussier, Marieville QC<br />
Passion VR, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield QC<br />
Roulottes Chaudiere, Levis, QC<br />
Roulottes Desjardins, L’Ange-Gardien, Quebec<br />
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Roulottes MLR, Chicoutimi QC<br />
VR Prestige, Terrebonne QC<br />
VR Souliere, Lanoraie, QC<br />
VR Souliere, Sherbrooke, QC<br />
Leisure Time <strong>RV</strong> Center, Quispamsis NB<br />
Moncton <strong>RV</strong> Center, Moncton NB<br />
<strong>RV</strong> World, Waasis NB<br />
Adventure Sports <strong>RV</strong>, Dartmouth NS<br />
Stone’s <strong>RV</strong> & Home Center, New Glasgow NS<br />
Stone’s <strong>RV</strong> Center, Sydney NS<br />
Islander <strong>RV</strong>, St. John’s NL<br />
Islander <strong>RV</strong>, Grand Falls - Windsor NL<br />
Toy Master <strong>RV</strong>, Charlottetown, PEI<br />
www.rvcare.ca<br />
38 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
FREE WITH THE<br />
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YOUR <strong>RV</strong><br />
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 39
open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 7:00<br />
pm. There were at least 45 vendors just selling<br />
food and beverages from around the world - a<br />
“Food Lover’s Paradise” for us.<br />
The False Creek Ferries and the Aqua Bus offer<br />
a daily scheduled service transporting people<br />
to and from Granville Island to the south side of<br />
downtown Vancouver. We went with the little<br />
blue and white boats from False Creek Ferries.<br />
They stop at nine ports of calls on False Creek<br />
about every 10 to 15 minutes. We bought a day<br />
pass for $16, which gave us unlimited time on<br />
the water to visit Yaletown, Science World, Plaza<br />
of Nations and the Maritime Museum. On our<br />
last stop, we got out at the Maritime Museums<br />
dock for a walk on the sand at Kitsilano Beach.<br />
What a gorgeous view looking out at English Bay,<br />
Vancouver, and West Vancouver.<br />
Vancouver is a beautiful waterfront city. If<br />
your timing and planning are right, you will have<br />
a holiday of a lifetime, just like we did.<br />
Top: Expo 86 World’s Fair landmark “Science<br />
World” on False Creek. Bottom: Westcoast Sightseeing<br />
touring buses stops at 24 attractions in<br />
Greater Vancouver.<br />
CONTACTS<br />
Tourism Vancouver Visitor Information Centre<br />
www.tourismvancouver.com 604-683-2000<br />
Canada Place<br />
www.canadaplace.ca 604-665-9000<br />
Burnaby Caribou <strong>RV</strong> Park<br />
www.bcrvpark.com 604-420-1722<br />
False Creek Ferries<br />
www.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca<br />
604-684-7781<br />
Westcoast Sightseeing Tours<br />
www.westcoastsightseeing.com<br />
1-877-451-1777<br />
Harbour Air Airlines www.harbourair.com<br />
1-800-665-0212<br />
Granville Island<br />
www.grandvilleisland.com<br />
Seawall Adventure<br />
www.seawalladventure.com<br />
TOURISM<br />
DAWSON CREEK<br />
british columbia<br />
start your alaska highway<br />
JOURNEY HERE<br />
Visitor Centre<br />
900 Alaska Avenue<br />
250-782-9595<br />
1-866-645-3022<br />
Alaska<br />
Highway House<br />
10201 – 10th St<br />
250-782-4714<br />
1-866-645-3022<br />
Share your <strong>Snowbirds</strong> and <strong>RV</strong><br />
Travellers story with us on Facebook<br />
@myAlaskaHiWay #DawsonCreekBC<br />
facebook.com/alaskahighway<br />
facebook.com/TDCBC<br />
TourismDawsonCreek.com
ESCAPE WITH US<br />
And our new <strong>2017</strong> Travel Trailer<br />
The <strong>2017</strong> 19'<br />
DON’T BE FOOLED BY THEIR SIZE. Escape<br />
trailers come equipped with a complete galley,<br />
comfortable seating / sleeping areas and<br />
bathroom with interior shower. We offer a<br />
full line of <strong>RV</strong> trailers, a 17', 19', and 21' travel<br />
trailer and a 21’ Escape 5.0TA all designed<br />
specifically for smaller tow vehicles. All of our<br />
units are high quality, 100% molded fiberglass<br />
and come with a full, two year warranty.<br />
43851 Industrial Way,<br />
Bldg B. Chilliwack, BC, V2R 4L2<br />
Toll Free 1 855 703 1650<br />
escapetrailer.com<br />
We better call O’Connor Collision,<br />
they’ve been so wonderful to us in<br />
the past doing our <strong>RV</strong> repairs.<br />
44840 Yale Road West, Chilliwack, BC<br />
604-792-3170<br />
Email: terryc@oconnorcollision.com<br />
A Division of O’Connor Motors Ltd.<br />
www.oconnorgroup.com
B<br />
R<br />
I<br />
T<br />
I<br />
S<br />
H<br />
C<br />
O<br />
L<br />
U<br />
M<br />
B<br />
I<br />
A<br />
BC’s Best Little Secret<br />
Photos courtesy of Greenwood Museum<br />
Located along Highway 3, in the Kootenay<br />
Boundary region of Southern British Columbia,<br />
you will find Greenwood – the “smallest city<br />
in Canada”. Although the incorporated city is<br />
small, with only 676 residents, it has become<br />
a centre for both the history buff, who wants<br />
to explore the Old West, and the nature lover,<br />
who wants to enjoy Greenwood’s year-round<br />
activities. The city is just a two-hour drive east<br />
of the major centre of Kelowna and 20 minutes<br />
north of the US border, and with its turn of the<br />
century architecture and pristine environment,<br />
Greenwood has become one of BC’s best kept<br />
secrets.<br />
Greenwood’s rich history goes back to 1891<br />
when gold, silver and copper were all discovered,<br />
bringing great prosperity to the city. Fortune<br />
seekers came from all over the world to the<br />
booming city, which had quickly become the<br />
epicenter of the mining and smelting industry<br />
in Boundary country with a boisterous population<br />
of 3500 souls. The city rose in stature to<br />
become the seat of government in the region<br />
with more than 100 companies in the business<br />
district. Sadly, the success was short-lived and<br />
by 1931 the gold boom had passed and there<br />
was no market for copper so the smelters shut<br />
and the population dwindled to just 171.<br />
Then a tragic event that no one could have<br />
foreseen occurred to revitalize the city anew<br />
– Greenwood became BC’s first internment<br />
camp. After the bombing of Pearl Harbour on<br />
<strong>Dec</strong> 7, 1941, thousands of Japanese Canadians<br />
had their homes and assets seized and 1200<br />
were forcibly relocated to many of the empty<br />
buildings in Greenwood. Many stayed after the<br />
war and the population began to rebound to<br />
the roughly 700 residents that remain today.<br />
O’Hairi Park, located in the centre of town, is<br />
dedicated to the Japanese Canadian citizens of<br />
Greenwood.<br />
The city has proven its resiliency over the<br />
years and now is a destination rich with history.<br />
In his renowned Gold Trails and Ghost Towns<br />
series, Bill Barlee stated “Greenwood is one of<br />
the only two mining towns still in existence.”<br />
You can see the Victorian past in many of the<br />
42 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
BANKA & COMPANY*<br />
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS<br />
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Call us today; we can help you!<br />
THOROUGH SE<strong>RV</strong>ICE, SOUND ADVICE, AND PERSONAL APPROACH<br />
303 -1630 Pandosy St., Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P7<br />
Tel: 250-763-4528 fax: 250-763-4529<br />
well-preserved buildings and homes. Be sure to stop at the Museum and<br />
Visitor Centre. They can arrange a tour of the court house at City Hall.<br />
This beautiful old building is one of the finest wooden structures in BC<br />
and was used as a BC Supreme Court in the County of Yale.<br />
If you wanted to immerse yourself completely in history, you could<br />
stay at Fort Greenwood <strong>RV</strong> Park, dubbed “the Old West’s finest gated<br />
community”, which was built to reflect those good old-fashioned western<br />
values. The owners have always been fascinated with the Old West, and<br />
over the years amassed a collection of authentic Old West antiques. They<br />
believed the artifacts were an integral part of Canada’s heritage and built<br />
the Greenwood <strong>RV</strong> resort in true Old West style, complete with the<br />
Pioneer Village where their collection has finally found a home. Their<br />
Pioneer Village includes a dance hall, wash house, pool hall, entertainment<br />
room, exercise room and WiFi. Visit www.fortgreenwood.ca or call<br />
1-866-650-6444 to learn more.<br />
From here you can visit and explore all the old mine sites and ghost<br />
towns you want. There are hundreds of them —everything from the City<br />
of Paris ghost town site to the Tramway Bore tunnel.<br />
Stroll down Main Street – with its great selection of shops and coffee<br />
houses. Be sure to stop at the Yellow Door Boutique, Copper Eagle<br />
Cappuccino and Bakery Ltd and Deadwood Junction Coffee and Bakery.<br />
There is even a saddle shop. The Pacific Grill was voted the best restaurant<br />
in Boundary country- it’s a great place for great food, don’t miss it.<br />
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are many great adventures for all<br />
ages and fitness levels. Greenwood is proud that the Trans Canada Trail<br />
is so easily accessible to town. You can hike, bike or ride an ATV or<br />
horse up the old mining and logging roads, climb to the top of Jubilee<br />
Mountain, or hike to Boundary Falls. Fishing, boating and camping are<br />
favourites at Jewel Lake, just nine kilometres north.<br />
Take a step back in time and enjoy life in Canada’s smallest city.<br />
www.bankaco.com<br />
------<br />
info@bankaco.com<br />
The FINEST Gated<br />
Community in the<br />
OLD WEST<br />
IF YOU LOVE THE OLD WEST AS MUCH<br />
AS WE DO, WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU<br />
We knew this day would come that because of health or age we have<br />
to pass Fort Greenwood on to someone else. This would be an ideal<br />
situation for a retired couple who is looking for a part-time job that still<br />
would like to go south in the winter, and of course have some capital.<br />
SEE OUR WEBSITE & OUR VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION.<br />
PRINCIPLES ONLY, BY APPOINTMENT<br />
1-866-650-6444 www.fortgreenwood.ca<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 43
Reviews<br />
BY STEVE FENNELL<br />
10 NEW <strong>RV</strong>S<br />
that are Ready to Roll for <strong>2018</strong><br />
Adventurer LP 89RBS Truck Camper<br />
The Adventurer 89RBS is the latest addition to<br />
the company’s series for <strong>2018</strong> and joins a set<br />
of models to enhance your outdoor adventures<br />
whether your game is fishing, hunting, or simply<br />
outdoor exploring and touring.<br />
With a base weight of 3,072 pounds, the 89RBS<br />
can accommodate short or long bed trucks and has an<br />
interior floor length of eight feet, nine inches, an interior<br />
height of 78 inches, with a centre of gravity of 38<br />
inches. While compact for easier, long-distant travels,<br />
the one-slide design extends living space with a facing<br />
dinette, as well as a fridge. When night falls, steps<br />
lead up to a 60 x 80-inch queen bed where there`s an<br />
entertainment center, two nightstands, a small storage<br />
area, and wardrobe.<br />
Some additional highlights for a truck camper of<br />
this size are the wet bath complete with a one-piece fibreglass<br />
shower, porcelain-style fresh water foot-flush<br />
toilet and even a sliding bath door for privacy. While<br />
galleys can be limited in this segment of <strong>RV</strong> models,<br />
Adventurer upgraded them with new stainless steel<br />
appliances to include a seven cubic-foot Dometic<br />
double-door refrigerator, and a three-burner cook top<br />
with a glass top cover, oven, and range hood. They<br />
also added a new marble-look countertop with a<br />
double bowl stainless steel sink.<br />
Tank capacities on the 89RBS include a 44-gallon<br />
fresh tank, 25-gallon grey tank, 22-gallon black tank<br />
plus a six-gallon water heater. It can also accommodate<br />
two batteries and a pair of 20-pound propane tanks. If<br />
you like to dry camp, the RBS is also available with the<br />
optional 2500W Cummins/Onan LPG generator for<br />
extended stays.<br />
“The 89RBS is one of few models that can easily fit<br />
both short and long bed trucks with a factory generator<br />
installed,” says Greg Tucknies, director of sales and marketing<br />
for Adventurer LP. “When you add a generator<br />
to other 8.5-foot truck campers, it can only fit on short<br />
beds only. The 89RBS can accommodate both.”<br />
Other new treatments on the 89RBS are upgraded,<br />
brushed nickel fixtures, cabinet hardware, a low profile<br />
Dometic A/C system, magnetic exterior baggage door<br />
catches, plus full extension closing drawer guides (that<br />
also feature magnetic catches to keep the drawers<br />
secure and closed during travel).<br />
The company also announced a new <strong>2018</strong> Eagle<br />
Cap 811, which like the Adventurer 89RBS, is a<br />
hard-sided, single-slide unit designed for short- or longbed<br />
trucks with a base weight of 3,386 pounds. It has a<br />
floor length of eight feet, 11 inches, an interior height<br />
of 78 inches with a center of gravity of 38.6 inches. The<br />
water capacities are also ideal, including the options<br />
for a 44-gallon fresh tank, a 34-gallon grey tank, and a<br />
34-gallon black tank.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Floor Length: 8’9” (2.7 M)<br />
Interior Height: 78” (1.9 M)<br />
Slides: 1<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 44 gal (166 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 25 gal (94 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 22 gal (83 L)<br />
Dry Weight: 3,072 lbs.<br />
Base Price: $29,750<br />
www.amlrv.com<br />
44 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
With fresh, innovative designs at price points for nearly every budget, <strong>RV</strong> manufacturers north and south of the<br />
border are meeting the needs of enthusiasts with a range of new models for <strong>2018</strong>. From luxurious Class A diesel<br />
pushers to compact fibreglass travel trailers, plush appointments and user-friendly features combine to provide the<br />
utmost functionality for life on the road. SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS MAGAZINE REACHED OUT TO 10<br />
MANUFACTURERS TO SEE WHAT`S NEW SO FAR FOR THE <strong>2018</strong> <strong>RV</strong>ING SEASON.<br />
Airstream Atlas Class B+<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 24’9” (7.5 M)<br />
Overall height: 10’6” (including A/C)<br />
Interior Height: 6’6” (2 M)<br />
Fuel Capacity (diesel): 26.4 gal (99 L)<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 23 gal (87 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 31 gal (117 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 23 gal (87 L)<br />
Sleeps: 2<br />
Base Price: USD 215,900 *no Canadian pricing<br />
www.airstream.com<br />
With a series of new upgrades to its existing<br />
motorized and towable lines, Airstream<br />
introduces its new Atlas class B-plus touring<br />
coach for <strong>2018</strong>. Inspired by its popular Class B Interstate,<br />
the Atlas rides smooth thanks to the combination<br />
of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cut-away Chassis,<br />
the 170-inch wheelbase, and the company’s proven<br />
rear Air-Ride suspension system. You get a little more<br />
mileage with the addition of the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel<br />
engine.<br />
At 24 feet, nine inches, with a width of a little more<br />
than eight feet, the Atlas is a good-sized unit in the B<br />
market, and its space is used well. Walk into the Atlas,<br />
and in an instant, you’ll see the interior reflects the<br />
company’s taste in plush fabrics, high-gloss laminate<br />
cabinetry and marine-grade woven synthetic flooring.<br />
The superior Magic Suede is on the trim and window<br />
coverings, and the Oceanair window shades provide<br />
that added touch, as well as privacy.<br />
The three-piece bath takes up most of rear and<br />
is complete with a corner shower (that highlights<br />
a stylish teak inlay), a mirrored medicine cabinet,<br />
Kohler hardware, and ample storage. Trends this<br />
year seem to be a rear bath on class B coaches, and<br />
this concept works for the Atlas as it provides more<br />
usable space in the living area.<br />
The main cabin is the heart of the Atlas — Airstream<br />
features the optional black or “moon” UltraLeather Villa<br />
Power Sofa that transforms into a large Murphy bed,<br />
with the added space provided by the one-slide system.<br />
It has the Froli Ergonomic Bed Support System for a<br />
good night`s rest and directly faces the 40-inch widescreen<br />
HDTV with sound bar. For added convenience, all<br />
settings for entertaining are controlled on the featured<br />
Multiplex Control System. Overhead is a powered<br />
sunroof/skylight with a screen and shade. The galley,<br />
too, is impressive with its solid surface countertop (with<br />
an aluminum backsplash), aluminum refrigerator, a<br />
pull-out shelf and more Kohler hardware at the sink.<br />
While the main features are apparent at a quick<br />
glance, Airstream is notable for the little, finishing<br />
touches. With features such as the flush-mounted<br />
cabinet hardware with soft close doors, heated swivel<br />
driver/passenger seats, rear/side view camera monitors,<br />
LED patio lighting, and storage with LED motion lights,<br />
your travels will be that much more convenient.<br />
The company also builds on its classic line of trailers<br />
with the addition of the <strong>2018</strong> Airstream Globetrotter.<br />
Collaborating with the UK-based design firm, Astheimer<br />
Limited, the Globetrotter represents some of its deep<br />
roots and the traveling spirit of company founder Wally<br />
Byam. It has a length of 27 feet, and four décor choices<br />
are available – each based on dark walnut and natural<br />
elm themes. The Globetrotter’s Euro-design theme also<br />
features aluminum walls set with panoramic windows,<br />
curved headboard and cabinets, and wrap-around upholstery,<br />
for a smooth, clean interior profile. A new appointment<br />
is the slim-fit radius doors for the overhead<br />
storage locker design, while woven vinyl flooring and<br />
hand-crafted Italian lite-ply laminated interior cabinetry<br />
are the other creature comforts. Also included are some<br />
practical features such as power stabilizer jacks, a threeway<br />
refrigerator, and premium appliances.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 45
Erwin Hymer Group North America<br />
Carado Banff/Axion Class B<br />
Based in Southern Ontario, Erwin Hymer Group<br />
North America has been gaining even more<br />
attention in the B van market, and just recently<br />
opened a new manufacturing facility in Cambridge,<br />
Ontario to handle capacity. For <strong>2018</strong>, the company<br />
sheds new light in its series of Class B <strong>RV</strong>s with three<br />
new models. There’s the Carado series – featuring the<br />
Axion and the Banff – and Hymer’s all-new Aktiv 2.0.<br />
The largest model in the Carado series is the Banff,<br />
which rides on the Ram Promaster 2500 chassis and<br />
has a 3.6L gas V6 engine with a fuel capacity of 24<br />
gallons. You’re provided with stable, smooth handling<br />
as it also sports 16-inch wheels and a wheelbase of 159<br />
inches.<br />
With an exterior length of 19 feet, six inches, an<br />
exterior height of nine feet, five inches, and width of six<br />
feet, seven inches, the Banff allows plenty of space for a<br />
<strong>RV</strong>ing couple or even a large group for day trips.<br />
“The overall concept of the Carado series is a modern,<br />
functional and affordable unit for a small family or<br />
couple to start their travel adventures,” says Lisa Phillips,<br />
marketing manager for Erwin Hymer Group North<br />
America. “Included with every Carado is a piece of mind<br />
with a bonus of two years roadside assistance coverage.”<br />
The Banff has six feet, two inches of interior height<br />
and among the many standards, there’s a rear wet-dry<br />
bath and a galley with its two-burner propane stove,<br />
700W microwave oven, and 3.1 cubic-foot refrigerator.<br />
You will find low-energy, high-output LED lighting<br />
throughout. Storage on the Banff is also impressive. It’s<br />
located in the full-length wardrobe with the addition of<br />
deep drawer storage, and more space is in the series of<br />
cupboards over of the lounges.<br />
While functionality continues on the outside –<br />
thanks to the 11.5-foot manual awning and external<br />
propane hook up — some worthwhile upgrades are the<br />
bike and roof racks, under-hood 280-amp generator,<br />
plus a 200-watt solar charging system (with a charge<br />
controller and 400 lithium power module). You can<br />
also enhance your driving experience with the optional<br />
blind spot monitoring, lane keeping/collision prevention,<br />
rearview cameras and navigation system.<br />
The Axion is another model in the Carado series,<br />
and while it’s designed more for solo <strong>RV</strong>ers, it shares<br />
many of the same appointments and options as the<br />
Banff. It has an exterior length of 17 feet and a width<br />
of more than six feet, nine inches, to offer great living<br />
space, functionality, and easy maneuverability.<br />
“The added benefit of the Axion is its smaller size<br />
that is perfect for one or two people,” says Phillips. “It’s<br />
a lower cost alternative while maintaining safety and<br />
quality. Its sleek modern styling will attract anyone<br />
looking to get into a campervan for the first time.”<br />
Rounding out Hymer’s <strong>2018</strong> models is the all-new<br />
Aktiv 2.0, a European-designed class B that’s big on<br />
style. Built on a Ram Promaster chassis, its European<br />
design flows throughout the living space, and some<br />
highlights are the king bed, compact bath (with a<br />
tambour door and ergonomic swiveling toilet) plus an<br />
optional soft composite leather power sofa bed.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 19’6” (5.9 M)<br />
Overall Height: 9’ 5” (2.8 M)<br />
Interior Height: 6’3” (1.9 M)<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 17.6 U.S. gal. (66.8 L)<br />
Black/Grey Water Capacity: 23.1 U.S. gal.<br />
(87.4 L)<br />
Sleeps: 2<br />
Base Price: $77,958 CAD<br />
www.caradorv.com<br />
46 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Lance<br />
1475/1575 Travel Trailers<br />
With a continued effort to appeal to <strong>RV</strong>ers, expect<br />
to see new looks, designs, and features<br />
across Lance’s series of travel trailers and<br />
truck campers for <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
With a travel trailer line that includes a range of<br />
lightweight models ranging from 14 feet up to a little<br />
less than 24 feet, the upgrades start with the 1475 and<br />
1575 trailers. This year, Lance placed a strong focus on<br />
the exterior appointments of these two models. For<br />
instance, the range of new selections includes all-new<br />
standard graphics, and series of Euro-Thermopane<br />
windows, including what the company calls its Lance<br />
Sky View to offer expanded views, as well more natural<br />
light to the interior. Other new exterior features are new<br />
aluminum wheels with colour coordinated accents,<br />
molded LP covers, and protective TPO gravel guards<br />
with LED Jewel dock lighting.<br />
The interiors in these models have also been given<br />
a sight makeover by offering a new sofa option paired<br />
with two adjustable tables (available for the 1475) and<br />
European-style overhead cabinets.<br />
Other upgrades for the 1475 and 1575 – as well for<br />
its entire travel trailer fleet – are entry-step well lighting<br />
systems, new, large foot pads on the stabilizer jacks,<br />
and the company’s “Solar On The Side” pre-wired receptacles<br />
for a solar power option. Good Year tires are also<br />
available on all travel trailer models. What’s more, the<br />
galleys are given a fresh look with flush-mount stainless<br />
steel ranges (with black glass covers), and flat-bottom<br />
microwaves, which replace the turn table design.<br />
In its truck camper division, Lance has added new<br />
enhancements such as design modifications to fit<br />
better on Ford trucks and the company’s “Keyed-Alike<br />
System,” which allows you to use the same key for the<br />
entry door and storage compartments. Select models<br />
will also feature strategically-placed steps for easier<br />
access to the cab-over area. Lance’s truck camper series<br />
ranges from six feet, 10 inches to 11 feet, 11 inches<br />
and can accommodate short- or long-bed trucks.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Floor Length: 14`10 (4.2 M)<br />
Interior Height: 78” (1.98 M)<br />
Slides: N/A<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 26 gal (98 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 26 (98 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 22 (83 L)<br />
Gross Dry Weight: 2560 lbs. (1,161 kg)<br />
Base Price: $40,000 CDN (w/o freight).<br />
www.lancecamper.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 47
Leisure Travel Vans<br />
Wonder FTB Class B+<br />
With a series of upgrades across its three van<br />
lines for <strong>2018</strong>, the big news from Leisure<br />
is its Wonder Front Twin Bed (FTB) Class<br />
B-plus. One of two models in this line – the other being<br />
the Wonder Murphy Bed (MB) – the FTB introduces<br />
a new, stylish floor plan providing a great option to<br />
meet personal traveling styles and preferences.<br />
The FTB has an exterior length of 24 feet, nine<br />
inches with a width of a little less than eight feet, making<br />
the FTB touring friendly for a variety conditions.<br />
Add the proven Ford Transit cutaway chassis, 3.2 L I-5<br />
Power Stroke turbo engine and the 178-inch wheelbase,<br />
and the FTB is ready to roll. Additional driving<br />
comfort is provided by the Ford SYNC with MyFord-<br />
Touch infotainment, GPS navigation, and a lane-keeping<br />
safety feature to alert you when the vehicle drifts<br />
out of a lane.<br />
One of the main focuses inside the FTB is the<br />
versatility of the forward sleeping area. By day, two facing<br />
lounges occupy the forward section of the coach,<br />
and when night falls, they serve as two large single<br />
beds (or day beds) by removing the back cushions.<br />
For more comfort, move the two single’s together to<br />
form a large queen, which measures 64 x 76 inches.<br />
There’s sizeable overhead storage on both sides on<br />
the lounges plus two opposing picture windows for<br />
cross ventilation. An opening skylight is also overhead.<br />
The flat screen and dining table, which are on swivel<br />
mounts can also be enjoyed in this area, and can even<br />
extend for use in the galley.<br />
Space in the galley (and the immediate area) is<br />
well thought out. There’s ample storage thanks to<br />
the large wardrobe, full-extension drawers, overhead<br />
cupboards, and extended pantry. The large Corian<br />
countertop has a deep sink plus more space for<br />
small appliances. Leisure also added a two-door,<br />
6.7 cubic-foot fridge/freezer, convection microwave,<br />
two-burner spark-ignition stove with a splash guard<br />
and a multi-purpose track. More sunlight and ventilation<br />
is provided by the large picture window over the<br />
sink, with pull-down valances.<br />
The large bath, positioned in the rear, extends the<br />
width of the FTB to maximize space and comfort. The<br />
enclosed shower measures approximately 30 inches,<br />
has more than six feet of headroom, and the integrated<br />
shower head has been upgraded with an on/off switch<br />
to conserve water. The deep stainless steel sink area,<br />
which is set into a Corian countertop, features a chrome<br />
facet, large mirror, and medicine cabinet.<br />
Other news from Leisure Travel Vans includes new<br />
paint schemes, as well as the available Winegard<br />
ConnecT WiFi Extender for all of its Class B models.<br />
The line also includes new standard accent lighting,<br />
redesigned bathroom doors and baths for the Unity<br />
IB and TB floor plans, and optional UltraLeather rear<br />
sofas for the Unity FX floorplan.<br />
A few updates in the Serenity series are standard<br />
upper cabinet accent lighting, an updated shower<br />
with integrated storage, and new shelves in the<br />
bedroom.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 24’9” (7.5 M)<br />
Overall height: 9’11” (2.7 M)<br />
Interior Height: 6’5” (1.9 M)<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 34 Gal. (129 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 37 Gal. (140 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 28 Gal. (106 L)<br />
Sleeps: 2<br />
Base Price: $131,690 CDN<br />
www.leisurevans.com<br />
48 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Newmar Corp.<br />
New Aire Class A<br />
On the other end of the <strong>RV</strong> spectrum is Newmar’s<br />
<strong>2018</strong> New Aire, a luxury Class A diesel<br />
pusher featuring rich appointments, plush<br />
living areas, and the utmost functionality to qualify it as<br />
a true home-away-from-home.<br />
Purchasing the New Aire begins with your choice<br />
of three graphics packages, three interior-themed<br />
options, and three interior wood finishing choices — to<br />
customize to your liking. Two floor plans are available<br />
that include the 3341 with four slides and the 3343<br />
that offers three slides, including a full wall expansion.<br />
No matter which you choose, both share an interior<br />
height of 81.5 inches and width of 95.5 inches.<br />
Functionality on the New Aire starts from the<br />
bottom up. It has the Freightliner XCS chassis running<br />
a 360 hp Cummins diesel pusher with IFS Front<br />
Suspension and the V-Ride Drive Axle Suspension for<br />
cushioned, driving comfort. Adding to its structural<br />
integrity is the basement’s cargo liner, 3/8-inch floor<br />
decking, 1 ½-inch bead foam, and galvanized sheeting<br />
to prevent distortion.<br />
The XCS chassis also provides information directly<br />
to the cab thanks to the Electronic Chassis Information<br />
Center. Other driving-friendly appointments include the<br />
RoadWatch safety package, glass dash instrument panel,<br />
keyless ignition, trip travel Information and Comfort<br />
Drive Steering. Cab seating with its six-way power-lumbar<br />
and footrests provide ultimate comfort and a laptop<br />
workstation is a special treat for passengers.<br />
Boarding the New Aire is a breeze thanks to the<br />
automatic steps, which sit a mere four inches from<br />
the ground. Once inside, it will be hard not to be<br />
enamoured by the standard porcelain tile floor, Bermuda-glazed<br />
maple hardwood cabinets, and Flexsteel<br />
UltraFabric sofa.<br />
In the bedroom, the cathedral ceiling is designed<br />
to add six inches of headroom, while two nightstands<br />
serve as charging stations. There’s also a queen bed<br />
with a quilted bedspread with accent pillows, a sliding-window<br />
headboard, and ample storage.<br />
While the list of appointments goes on, this is a<br />
touring-friendly and richly-appointed coach. You’ll like<br />
the fully-equipped galley with pull-out pantry shelves,<br />
30-inch stainless steel convection microwave, and<br />
residential refrigerator. The New Aire is also prepped for<br />
a two-piece washer/dryer.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 33’10” (10 M)<br />
Overall Height: 12’03” (3.6 M)<br />
Interior Height: 81.5” (2 M)<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 75 gal (283 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 60 gal (227 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 40 gal (151 L)<br />
Furnace: 50,000 BTU<br />
Base Price: $354, 467 USD<br />
*No CDN pricing available<br />
www.newmarcorp.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 49
Northern-Lite MFG<br />
8-11EX Dry Bath Special Edition Truck Camper<br />
While slide-outs are not uncommon in the<br />
truck camper space, the 8-11EX Dry Bath<br />
Special Edition Truck Camper from Northern-Lite<br />
has a host of features designed in one solid,<br />
non-slide unit for <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Built on a two-piece, moulded fibreglass shell with<br />
one-inch R6 block foam insulation, this is a four-season<br />
Canadian-made camper that has a floor length of nine<br />
feet, three inches, a width of eight feet, two inches, and<br />
is designed for ¾-ton short bed pick-up trucks. One<br />
of the highlights this year is its dry bath design, which<br />
according to the company is the only short-box dry bath<br />
truck camper on the market without a slide. It comes<br />
with a freshwater flush toilet, stand-up shower, sink plus<br />
a designated black holding tank.<br />
Truck campers often have limited space, but<br />
Northern-Lite made use of every inch to provide a<br />
functional interior. For instance, the galley has a 6.3<br />
cubic-foot two-door fridge, deep stainless steel sink, an<br />
Atwood stainless steel oven, plus a power range hood<br />
and glass stove top cover. A facing dinette was also<br />
accommodated and is an ideal appointment for a truck<br />
camper of this size. It even doubles as a fold-down 37 x<br />
67-inch sleeping area. If you need space for kitchenware,<br />
storage is in the cupboards and drawers, which<br />
includes smooth roller bearing drawer glides for ease of<br />
use. You can even upgrade the 8-11 with the optional<br />
microwave and U-shape dinette.<br />
When owners are ready to retire for the evening,<br />
there’s easy access to the sleeping area featuring a 60 x<br />
80-inch bed with two-inch R12 insulation underneath.<br />
Additional storage space, a Jensen 12V 19-inch LCD TV,<br />
and Thermopane skylight are nice touches. Rounding<br />
out the interior appointments are the Dometic<br />
Thermopane windows, removable carpeting for easy<br />
maintenance, and designated generator storage for a<br />
portable Honda generator.<br />
With a range of features on the inside, the 8-11EX<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Floor Length: 108” (2.7 M)<br />
Interior Height: 6’4” (1.95 M)<br />
Slides: N/A<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 33 gal (124 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 24 gal (90 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 12 gal (45 L)<br />
Dry Weight: 2650 lbs (1,202 kg) (Approx.)<br />
Base Price: $50,400 CDN<br />
www.northern-lite.com<br />
has many highlights on the outside. In true Northern-Lite<br />
fashion, protection from the sun is provided<br />
by two Carefree awnings, while the Fat Ladder allows<br />
easy access to the roof. The exterior shower will come in<br />
handy for many uses, and the convenient Rear Bumper<br />
Step System offers smooth, easy entry in and out of the<br />
camper.<br />
In addition to the range of standards, some options<br />
to consider include a 9200 BTU A/C unit, boat rack,<br />
camo graphics, gas/electric water heater and Happijac<br />
dually brackets.<br />
50 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
TV<br />
An all-new new floor plan in the Allegro Rear<br />
Engine Diesel (RED) line is a reliable indicator<br />
that the company is doing something right. The<br />
37 BA RED is currently in production and is set to hit<br />
showrooms for the <strong>2018</strong> model year, if it hasn’t already.<br />
Upgrading to the 37 BA means stepping up in the<br />
world of luxury touring. At approximately 39 feet, two<br />
inches, the 37 BA rides on a solid rear-engine Freightliner<br />
chassis, pushed by a turbo-charged Cummins ISB<br />
6.7 L Electronic Diesel that offers 360 hp at 2600 rpm.<br />
With Air-Ride Suspension and the comfort afforded<br />
by the newly designed cab, you’ll find the 37 BA as<br />
pleasurable on the road as it is at a campground.<br />
On the outside, the 37 BA’s full-body paint scheme<br />
offers seasons of use against the elements thanks to<br />
the use of premium paints and a sealant to resist UV<br />
rays. There’s even a scratch-resistant coating to protect<br />
the front, stairwell, and entry door lock. Other exterior<br />
components include fiberglass front and rear caps, a<br />
tinted one-piece windshield, and a power patio awning.<br />
Additional awnings are over the auto entry door and<br />
the three slide-outs. Other exterior features are single<br />
handle lockable storage door latches, a rinse hose/<br />
shower, and a back-up colour monitor.<br />
Another redesign on the 37 BA floor plan is the European-style<br />
driver’s centre. All controls and gauges are<br />
Tiffin Motorhomes<br />
Allegro 37 BA RED<br />
designed to be within easy reach or viewing. Two new<br />
UltraLeather chairs offer great support and an in-dash<br />
navigation system is available as an option.<br />
Inside the 37 BA, the stylish appointments mix with<br />
comfort to provide an ideal living space. UltraLeather<br />
furniture abounds and is set on the ceramic tile floor in<br />
the living and bath area. The decor offers easier maintenance<br />
– and also good, clean looks. Some nice added<br />
touches are the high-gloss raised panel hardwood<br />
cabinet doors, as well as the soft touch vinyl ceiling,<br />
accented fabrics, and LED lighting.<br />
The galley is a space where everyone commonly<br />
gravitates towards – and Tiffin designers made sure<br />
everyone will. The countertops and cooktop cover are<br />
a solid surface, while the three essential appliances<br />
include the residential refrigerator and three-burner<br />
cooktop with convection microwave. You’ll also appreciate<br />
the double bowl sink with single lever satin nickel<br />
faucet, plus the pull-out pantry, and lots of storage.<br />
At day’s end, the master suite is just as impressive<br />
with its designer fabrics, handcrafted wardrobe, side<br />
windows and queen bed.<br />
The 37 BA is just one model from Tiffin for <strong>2018</strong> as<br />
a handful of other models are in the works, including<br />
a redesigned Zephyr, a new 33 BR Breeze, 37 BH<br />
Phaeton and a new 24 FW Wayfarer class C.<br />
EXTERIOR TV<br />
OPTIONAL GALLEY WINDOW<br />
RESIDENTIAL<br />
WARDROBE FRIDGE<br />
OVERHEAD<br />
OHC<br />
CABINET<br />
CONVECTION MICROWAVE<br />
RECLINER WITH LIFT TV<br />
& OPTIONAL FIREPLACE<br />
PANTRY<br />
LIFT TV<br />
OPTIONAL<br />
WASHER/<br />
DRYER<br />
OHC<br />
SOFA<br />
BED<br />
OHC OHC<br />
OPTIONAL<br />
DRAWER TYPE<br />
DISHWASHER<br />
STEP<br />
OHC<br />
LAV<br />
TV<br />
60" X 80" QUEEN BED<br />
LAV<br />
LINENS<br />
SHOWER<br />
NIGHTSTAND<br />
NIGHTSTAND<br />
OHC<br />
OHC OHC<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
Seen here is the<br />
37 PA floorplan<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 39’ 2” (11.9 M) (Approximate)<br />
Overall Height: 12’10” (3.6 M) (w/roof air)<br />
Interior Height: 84” (2.1 M)<br />
Fuel Capacity: 100 gal (378 L)<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 90 gal (340 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 70 gal (264 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 50 gal (189 L)<br />
Furnace: 15,000 BTUs (Two low profile roof ACs<br />
with heat pumps)<br />
Base price: $269,352 USD<br />
www.tiffinmotorhomes.com<br />
BOOTH<br />
DINETTE<br />
U-SHAPED BOOTH DINETTE<br />
DINETTE WITH<br />
COMPUTER WORKSTATION<br />
OVERHEAD CABINET<br />
OVERHEAD CABINET<br />
37 BA<br />
Allegro RED<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 51
Team Trillium Trailers Manufacturing<br />
The Outback<br />
Fibreglass trailers – or ‘eggs” as they are often referred<br />
to – have a strong following in the <strong>RV</strong> community.<br />
They come in all shapes, sizes, colours, or with<br />
unique graphics and their compact design make them<br />
easy to tow with a variety of vehicles.<br />
Team Trillium Trailers Manufacturing Ltd. of Rocky<br />
View County, Alberta, builds its Outback Trailer for<br />
enthusiasts all across North America with its four different<br />
floor plans. If you’re looking for something truly unique<br />
and custom in the Outback, the company can build and<br />
design that, too.<br />
While the standard Outback floor plan may seem<br />
compact at first glance, it offers all of the necessities –<br />
and durability – you need on the road. It’s built with a<br />
two-piece aerodynamic fiberglass shell, a heavy-duty<br />
steel frame, and a hail-proof and leak-proof roof. It<br />
also rides on a torsion bar suspension to provide<br />
smooth, effortless towing.<br />
Inside the insulated interior, the double bed measures<br />
nearly 74 x 47 inches and houses all the ideal appliances<br />
such as a DC fridge, and two -burner flush-mount cooktop<br />
stove with sink. It even has a Suburban NT16 E furnace and<br />
25-amp converter with a battery charger.<br />
The standard items continue on the outside with<br />
mud flaps, a 1,000 –pound tongue jack, rear stabilizer<br />
jacks, and a custom wheel package. While the basic<br />
floor plan will get you on the road and way beyond, a<br />
bevy of options and three other layouts are available<br />
to meet your desired comfort level.<br />
The Outback has a series of configurations that are<br />
built with basic floor plans, but there’s the choice of<br />
an available mini couch and extended countertops, a<br />
bathroom model, and front dinette model. A bunk bed<br />
option is available for additional sleeping space.<br />
The options are just as impressive and extend its<br />
functionality. In addition to being available in more than<br />
100 colour combinations, some standouts include a<br />
brand new custom screen door, an awning, bike carriers,<br />
an all-wood interior, and a four-gallon water heater. For<br />
entertaining, you can break nature’s silence with the<br />
stereo system or add the TV antenna with booster, dual<br />
6V batteries and pair of 20-pound LP tanks. <strong>RV</strong>150 solar<br />
panels are available for when traveling off the grid.<br />
If you often trek along backcountry roads, perhaps<br />
choose the GravelGuard protection package, spare tires<br />
package, 14-inch custom wheel package and the exterior<br />
shower for easy washdowns.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 14’2”<br />
Overall Width: 6’3”<br />
Interior Height: 6’2”<br />
Interior Width: 6’2”<br />
Sleeping Capacity: 1-2<br />
Dry Weight: 1500 lbs.<br />
Base Price: $14,900<br />
www.trilliumtrailers.com<br />
52 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Winnebago Industries<br />
Intent Class A<br />
T<br />
his all-new <strong>2018</strong> Class A is one of the first gas<br />
coaches from Winnebago to be available at an<br />
entry-level price and has been designed around<br />
user experiences – whether you travel with family or you’re<br />
a seasoned full-timer.<br />
Contemporary and sleek, the Intent is offered in four<br />
different floor plans – the 26M, 29L, 30R, and 31 P – ranging<br />
in length from a little more than 26 feet to just over 31<br />
feet. Depending on your lifestyle, the four plans are diverse.<br />
For instance, the 26M and 30R each feature separate dual<br />
slides, while the 29L and 31 P offer full wall slides.<br />
Regardless of which you choose, all floorplans share<br />
many highlights including exterior entertainment centres<br />
under the awning, residential refrigerators, Powerline Energy<br />
Management Systems, Smart Storage pass-through<br />
storage areas, and Versa Cab seating for extra comfort while<br />
you’re on the road or at rest.<br />
When it comes to driving comfort, the Intent has<br />
a newly designed cab offering optimum visibility and<br />
sightlines thanks to the narrow corner pillars and large<br />
windshield. You’ll appreciate the pivoting command center<br />
with the LCD colour touchscreen, plus the rear view monitor<br />
system, iPod/MP3 inputs, and Bluetooth. The cab seats are<br />
large and adjustable, with easy access for passengers to the<br />
dash workstation.<br />
The galley is the heart of the Intent. It has a standard<br />
three-burner range with oven, touch-controlled microwave,<br />
laminate countertops with a backsplash, and a road-worthy<br />
stainless-steel double sink. Added benefits include the<br />
pantry and powered roof ventilator fan.<br />
Between the cab and the fully appointed rear master<br />
bedroom is a plethora of comfort and features. The full-wall<br />
or dual slide-out designs on the Intent provide ideal living<br />
space. They pull out to offer a dinette (on the 26M) or a<br />
dinette and sofa bed, while the dual swivel cab seats and a<br />
multi-position table come into play to expand the seating<br />
or entertaining options.<br />
Rounding out the Intent is the LP tank system. Rather<br />
than having the fixed, industry-standard 60-pound LP tank,<br />
the Intent can house two 20 pound LP tanks, with the capability<br />
– and space – of adding two more. Extra tanks offer<br />
added convenience at a campground, and also means<br />
fewer fill-ups during your travels. Other new models from<br />
Winnebago for <strong>2018</strong> include the Horizon Class A diesel<br />
motorhome, Revel 4x4 Class B and a new Series of Minnie<br />
Plus Fifth-Wheels in the company’s towable division.<br />
THE SPECS<br />
Overall Length: 26’10” (8 M)<br />
Overall Height: 12’ (3.6 M)<br />
Interior Height: 7’ (2.1 M)<br />
Fresh Water Capacity: 48 gal (181 L)<br />
Grey Water Capacity: 45 gal (170 L)<br />
Black Water Capacity: 31 gal (117 L)<br />
Furnace: 30,000 BTU<br />
Base Price: $$119,525 CAD<br />
www.winnebagoind.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 53
Driving Skills<br />
JAYCO DEALERS<br />
<strong>RV</strong> WINTER<br />
DRIVING<br />
REMINDER<br />
By STEVE ROCK<br />
BIG BOY’S TOYS<br />
1421 East Island Hwy<br />
Parksville, British Columbia<br />
1-800-492-2869<br />
www.bigboystoys.ca<br />
FRASERWAY <strong>RV</strong> LP<br />
9039 Quartz Road<br />
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 4Z5<br />
1-867-668-3438<br />
www.fraserway.com<br />
DRIVING A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE-SIZED <strong>RV</strong><br />
through a Canadian winter to reach sunnier climes can<br />
often be stressful, but adopting a professional attitude<br />
before you turn the ignition key will make a significant<br />
difference between being an average driver and being<br />
a good driver. Being a better driver, in turn, is bound to<br />
make a positive difference to the trip for you and your<br />
passengers should bad weather hit.<br />
The vehicle has been serviced, possessions are<br />
packed, and the route double-checked, but are you<br />
ready to operate an <strong>RV</strong> in adverse conditions? <strong>RV</strong> drivers<br />
can often choose when to travel, but professional drivers<br />
don’t have that luxury and so they should be prepared<br />
to operate in all situations, plus they have a responsibility<br />
to do it safely, as should you.<br />
Thoroughly circle your <strong>RV</strong> and check for issues. It<br />
doesn’t matter that it just came out of the shop, lights<br />
can blow, and oil leaks can occur on even the most<br />
rigorously maintained vehicle at any time, so get in<br />
the habit of doing a daily under-hood check and walkaround.<br />
It’s a legal requirement for the professional<br />
driver, but for the <strong>RV</strong> driver, it helps to protect your<br />
investment.<br />
Tires are often forgotten, and it’s not so much the<br />
tread depth we’re concerned about, but more the tire<br />
type and operating pressure. Pressures change with<br />
ambient air temperatures -roughly 1psi for every 10°F,<br />
so it’s important to check them several times during the<br />
trip, as under and over-inflated tires can seriously affect<br />
the vehicle’s braking and handling capabilities. Also,<br />
remember that even though snow tires are available,<br />
most <strong>RV</strong>’s are fitted with highway (summer) tires that<br />
don’t have a winter tread pattern or compound, which<br />
makes them unsuitable for driving on snow and ice.<br />
Most commercial trucks don’t have snow tires<br />
either, but they do have a weight advantage. Being<br />
heavier enables the vehicle to bite down through the<br />
snow to find traction. This is great to get going, but<br />
unfortunately, it’s a significant disadvantage when it<br />
comes to cornering or stopping when inertia usually<br />
overpowers the capability of the summer rubber. Your<br />
saving grace here is to employ defensive driving techniques;<br />
truckers that are piloting an 80,000-pound<br />
rig can’t stop on a dime in the best of conditions<br />
and need to drive defensively to remain in complete<br />
control of the vehicle. Using your wealth of driving<br />
experience, you know that the green light ahead will<br />
soon be changing to red, and you can also ‘read’ the<br />
actions of other motorists around you, enabling you<br />
to adjust your driving accordingly and in plenty of<br />
time. Smooth and steady steering, acceleration, and<br />
braking are essential to keep a large vehicle under<br />
control in adverse conditions.<br />
Good all-around observation is also essential, and<br />
the mirrors should be kept clean and set correctly to<br />
achieve this. A small spray bottle of windshield washer<br />
fluid and a squeegee will keep the muck off, and you<br />
should make mirror adjustments so that you can see<br />
what’s going on behind and alongside you. If there’s<br />
more than a small strip of sky along the top of the<br />
mirror or more than a tiny column of vehicle visible<br />
on the inside edge, then the mirrors aren’t set quite<br />
right. You’ll never eliminate the vehicle’s blind-spots,<br />
but correct mirror adjustment will go a long way to<br />
reducing them.<br />
Nothing is ever guaranteed, but careful preparation,<br />
a patient, professional attitude, combined with<br />
smooth and steady driving should ensure your <strong>RV</strong> trip<br />
through another Canadian winter is an uneventful<br />
one, and that your knuckles aren’t as white as the<br />
snow you’ve just driven through when you reach your<br />
destination.<br />
TRAVELAND <strong>RV</strong> SUPERSTORE<br />
Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières,<br />
Châteauguay, Saguenay, Laval<br />
1-888-791-2727<br />
www.roulotte.ca<br />
<strong>RV</strong> SALES<br />
7610 Sparrow Drive<br />
Leduc, Alberta<br />
1-780-986-1333<br />
www.rvcity.ab.ca<br />
<strong>RV</strong> SALES, PARTS & SE<strong>RV</strong>ICE<br />
8704 100 St,<br />
Morinville, Alberta<br />
1-888-438-8588<br />
www.rvcity.ab.ca<br />
SMITH <strong>RV</strong> CENTRE<br />
940 Cobalt Crescent<br />
Thunder Bay, ON<br />
1-807-346-9399<br />
www.smithsrvcentre.com<br />
VOYAGER <strong>RV</strong> CENTRE<br />
9250 Hwy 97<br />
Winfield, British Columbia<br />
1-800-668-1447<br />
www.Voyager<strong>RV</strong>.ca<br />
54 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
#LETSJAYCO<br />
Quality time<br />
meets timeless qualitY<br />
From day one, Jayco has set out to build a better, more comfortable <strong>RV</strong>. And ever since,<br />
whether in a pop-up camping trailer or a luxurious motorhome, families have counted on<br />
us to help them shape the stories that last generations. Nearly 50 years and millions of<br />
memories—that’s the Jayco story. What’s yours?<br />
Visit Jayco.com to learn more and find your nearest dealer.
C<br />
A<br />
L<br />
I<br />
F<br />
O<br />
R<br />
N<br />
I<br />
A<br />
BY CASSANDRA REDDING<br />
Sand Dunes<br />
Eureka Sand Dunes<br />
56 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
If you’ve never taken the time to visit some of California’s sand<br />
dunes, you are missing out. These dunes are much more than<br />
small piles of sand on the beach – they are some of the most<br />
magical places on the planet. Windswept and full of sandy waves,<br />
these majestic mountains are ever-changing into entirely different<br />
landscapes from one day to the next. Here are my top picks for the<br />
most mysterious and beautiful sand dunes of California.<br />
JAMES MA<strong>RV</strong>IN PHELPS<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 57
Imperial Sand Dunes<br />
IMPERIAL SAND DUNES<br />
The Imperial Sand Dunes, also known as the<br />
Algodones Dunes, are located in the southeastern<br />
portion of California, near the border<br />
with Arizona and the Mexican state of Baja<br />
California, and make up the most extensive<br />
dune system in the state. The system runs approximately<br />
72 km (45 miles) long, 10 km (6<br />
miles) wide and rises to over 90 metres (300<br />
DIRK DALLAS<br />
ft) high. If you feel a sense of déjà vu when you<br />
arrive, it may be because filming for parts of<br />
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi took<br />
place here.<br />
You’ll feel like you are in another world<br />
as the dunes get higher on both sides of the<br />
highway as you drive through, and you won’t<br />
be able to resist pulling over to climb these<br />
dunes, especially at sunset.<br />
You will want to contemplate the timing<br />
of your visit - summer temperatures often<br />
rise above 43°C (110°F) and annual rainfall<br />
averages less than two inches. The mild<br />
climate between October and May might be<br />
more comfortable, just be aware that the area<br />
attracts tens of thousands of off-road enthusiasts.<br />
Where to Stay<br />
Imperial Sand Dune Recreation Area (IS-<br />
DRA) is commonly known as Glamis for the<br />
store, restaurant and pizza parlor at the northeast<br />
end of the ISDRA and vendor row, where<br />
you can rent ATVs and UTVs and get most<br />
anything you need for duning and camping.<br />
The historical Gold Rock Ranch is a full-service<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Resort. www.goldrockranch.us<br />
Getting There<br />
The dunes are southeast of the Salton Sea,<br />
and if you are traveling along Hwy 8, there is<br />
a great spot to stop for a nice hike. Just east of<br />
the public rest stop, take exit 156, and you will<br />
find yourself on the frontage road called Grays<br />
Well Rd which runs parallel to Hwy 8 on its<br />
south. The trail comes to a dead end, but you<br />
can usually park next to the <strong>RV</strong> hosts.<br />
Your Perfect Desert Getaway<br />
FOUNTAIN of YOUTH<br />
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Rejuvenating Hot Springs<br />
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(888) 800-0772 foyspa.com<br />
Stay 2 Nights, GET 3 RD NIGHT FREE!<br />
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58 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
The Ultimate 5 Star Motor Coach Experience<br />
Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Surrounded by Dining,<br />
Theaters, Shopping, Major Sporting Events, and Year Round Festivals.<br />
• 18 Hole Par 3 Golf<br />
Course<br />
• 6 Pickleball Courts<br />
• 2 Tennis Courts<br />
• Gourmet Cafe<br />
• 4 Swimming Pools:<br />
Includes 1 Lap Pool<br />
• 5 Jacuzzi’s<br />
• Fitness Center<br />
• Laundry Facilities<br />
• Clubhouse: Movie<br />
Area, Library, Billiards<br />
• Full Time Activities<br />
Coordinator: During<br />
Primary Season<br />
• 7 Sauna’s 1 Steam<br />
Room<br />
• Each Site has complete<br />
hookups<br />
• Much More<br />
DISCOVER DENIM<br />
TO DIAMONDS RESORT<br />
amenities and activities with<br />
friends that last a lifetime.<br />
Class “A” adult resort with<br />
both Ownership and Rental<br />
opportunities.<br />
80-394 Avenue 48, Indio, CA 92201<br />
800-892-2992 | 760-775-7255 | www.orindio.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 59
DEATH VALLEY SAND DUNES<br />
The dunes of Death Valley National Park are<br />
great places to enjoy both nature and recreation<br />
and include the Saline Valley Dunes, Panamint<br />
Dunes and the Ibex Sand Dunes – but the best<br />
areas are the Mesquite Flat and the Eureka Sand<br />
Dunes.<br />
MESQUITE FLAT SAND DUNES<br />
These dunes are the best-known and most accessible<br />
dunes in the national park. A walk along<br />
these rippled dunes will have you convinced you<br />
are walking where no one has been before. There<br />
is no marked trail because the desert sands are<br />
constantly shifting, but the access is easy from<br />
Hwy 190 or from the unpaved Sand Dunes Road<br />
so make your own path and travel for as long as<br />
you want. For an extra special show of colour and<br />
light, make your way there before sunrise or just<br />
before sunset (beware at night of rattlesnakes,<br />
especially in the summer). Your photos will be<br />
fantastic.<br />
Where to Stay<br />
If you’re looking for an ideal camping experience,<br />
the National Park Service operates a rustic<br />
campground at Stovepipe Wells Village. The 190<br />
sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis<br />
from October through April for $12 a night. No<br />
hookups are available. http://www.deathvalleyhotels.com/our-hotel/rv-park-and-camping/<br />
Getting There<br />
Located in central Death Valley near Stovepipe<br />
Wells, access is from either Hwy 190 or the<br />
unpaved Sand Dunes Road.<br />
EUREKA DUNES<br />
These dunes are located in the northern section<br />
of Death Valley, in the remote Eureka Valley and<br />
although they only cover an area of 4.8 km (3<br />
miles) long and 1.6 km (1 mile) wide, they are<br />
the tallest dunes in California (some say in North<br />
America). The dunes are more than 183 metres<br />
(600 ft) above the valley with the even higher<br />
Last Chance Mountains, which rise 1220 metres<br />
(4000 ft) in the backdrop. You really will feel like<br />
you are on another planet.<br />
Even though you will be at the hottest<br />
and driest place in North America, you will<br />
be surprised at the amount of plant life here.<br />
Some species are so rare you won’t find them<br />
anywhere else.<br />
Getting to Eureka Sand Dunes is no small<br />
feat however, and it requires a 64 km (40 mile)<br />
drive down a dirt road. But you will be more<br />
than rewarded at the end with incomparable<br />
camping, hiking, and stargazing opportunities.<br />
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<br />
Eureka Dunes<br />
CASS REDDING<br />
JAMES MA<strong>RV</strong>IN PHELPS<br />
60 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Golf | Health Club | Large Lots | Pools | Tennis | Boating | Restaurant | Casitas | Natural Gas<br />
Motorcoach<br />
Lots for Sale<br />
In a beautiful setting with a panoramic view of<br />
the Santa Rosa mountain range, this motorcoach<br />
resort offers the ultimate experience. All of the<br />
quality features developed in over 20 previous<br />
Outdoor Resorts locations are included. There<br />
are 400 beautiful lots including 136 on a<br />
navigable waterway.<br />
• 400 beautifully landscaped motorhome lots<br />
• Private dock on all waterfront lots<br />
• Approximately two mile of navigable waterways<br />
approved for up to 18’ electric boats with up to<br />
7.5 horsepower motors<br />
• Every lot has 200 amp and natural gas services<br />
• Optional 9’x13’ casita available at an additional cost<br />
• Dedicated on-site staff<br />
• 10,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant, bar,<br />
fitness center, lap pool, spa and tanning pool<br />
• Two additional swimming pools with spas,<br />
bathhouses and laundry facilities<br />
• Nine-hole par 3 golf course with golf cart paths<br />
• Private dining room and bar<br />
• Three lighted tennis courts<br />
• Individual lots are sold Fee Simple<br />
Contact Kerry Johnston<br />
Mobile: (541) 912-6409 • kdj.johnston@gmail.com<br />
Rental: (888) 277-0789 • (760) 863-0789<br />
Motorcoach Country Club, 80-501 Avenue 48, Indio, CA 92201<br />
Scan our QR<br />
code and take<br />
a tour through<br />
the resort.<br />
CalBRE # 00863474<br />
www.motorcoachlotsales.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 61
Pismo Dunes<br />
JAMES MA<strong>RV</strong>IN PHELPS<br />
Getting There<br />
Travel 4.3 km (2.7 miles) north of the Grapevine<br />
Entrance Station on Ubehebe Crater Road<br />
to the marked turnoff for the Eureka Dunes.<br />
Here pavement ends and a well-maintained<br />
graded dirt road begins. You’ll reach Crankshaft<br />
Junction in approximately 34 km (21 miles) and<br />
begin a winding climb through the Last Chance<br />
Mountains and down Winding Rock Canyon (the<br />
latter portion is partially paved). At 53.7 km (33.4<br />
miles) from the initial turnoff you will find the<br />
turnoff for the dunes - stay left another 15.7 km<br />
(9.7 miles) down a graded dirt road to the dune<br />
parking area.<br />
KELSO SAND DUNES, MOJAVE DESERT<br />
Halfway between Las Vegas and LA, in the Mojave<br />
Desert, you will find the Kelso Dunes, which<br />
cover over 72 sq km (45 square miles). This is the<br />
largest single area of wind-blown dunes in the Mojave<br />
Desert. The highest dune rises to more than<br />
183 metres (600 feet) above ground level. You<br />
get to the dunes by following a few kilometres of<br />
straight gravel road to the parking area. You could<br />
just view the dunes from here, but to get to larger<br />
dunes, you have to hike about two kilometres<br />
on a sandy trail. When you get to the base of the<br />
massive dunes, you can then make the steep climb<br />
up to conquer the summit. Many people run or<br />
sled down these dunes – super fun but a little<br />
dangerous. If you want to hear the sand “sing”, kick<br />
a bit of sand over top of the dune on the lee side.<br />
There are various theories as to why the sand sings<br />
– it may be caused by wind passing over the dunes<br />
or by just walking on the sand.<br />
Pismo Dunes<br />
Getting There<br />
Located between I-40 and I-15, close to the old<br />
junction town of Kelso and not far from Baker,<br />
California. For Kelso Depot Visitor Center, take<br />
Kelbaker Road exit from I–15 (head south 34<br />
miles) or I–40 (head north 22 miles), Mojave<br />
National Preserve, California.<br />
PISMO DUNES<br />
Officially known as the Oceano Dunes State<br />
Vehicular Recreation Area, the Pismo Dunes are<br />
outside the town of Oceano, a few minutes from<br />
San Luis Obispo and is a favourite weekend destination<br />
for many. These beach dunes are much<br />
JAMES MA<strong>RV</strong>IN PHELPS<br />
different than the desert dunes but are still a fun<br />
adventure. This area is unique because you can<br />
drive right on the beach. Pismo Beach and Oceano<br />
beach are one of the last remaining coastal<br />
dunes that allow off-highway vehicles (OHV).<br />
Where to Stay<br />
Camping is allowed right on the beach, in the<br />
area that is about two kilometres (1.2 mi) south<br />
from Pier Ave, which marks the beginning of<br />
the OHV area and is marked Post 2. Reservations<br />
are strongly recommended – call<br />
1-800-444-7275.<br />
62 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
From O’Connor <strong>RV</strong><br />
Hi Tech<br />
<strong>RV</strong> FURNACE<br />
MAINTENANCE<br />
Your furnace is one of the most critical appliances within your <strong>RV</strong> and if you are <strong>RV</strong>ing this winter you need your heater to work correctly – even if you<br />
are lucky enough to be <strong>RV</strong>ing in a sunnier climate, the temperature can still get quite chilly at night. Here are some basic troubleshooting tips that<br />
will help you solve your <strong>RV</strong> furnace problems. If you do need more than a simple repair, you let your favourite qualified <strong>RV</strong> technician do the work.<br />
IF YOUR FAN ISN’T RUNNING AND<br />
YOU CAN’T FEEL ANY HEAT<br />
If the fan isn’t working, check your battery<br />
first. Make sure that you have 12 volts at the<br />
furnace and that you haven’t tripped a circuit<br />
breaker or blown a fuse. If all checks out,<br />
then move on to your <strong>RV</strong>’s thermostat.<br />
Remove the cover and find the “anticipator”<br />
adjustment – this is an adjustable<br />
control with a sliding contact over a straight<br />
bare wire or a wire wound around an insulating<br />
material. (Some newer <strong>RV</strong>s may not have<br />
one).<br />
Start by setting the temperature to the<br />
maximum and then move the slider to see<br />
if the fan starts – wait at least 30 seconds. If<br />
the fan does start, then you most likely have<br />
found the issue. You might solve the problem<br />
by setting the slider just near its original<br />
position.<br />
However, if your anticipator adjustment<br />
has a wire that lies directly on the plastic<br />
housing, you should make sure it hasn’t sunk<br />
into the plastic. If it has melted a little, then<br />
it won’t make any contact, and you will have<br />
to replace the thermostat.<br />
IF YOUR FAN IS RUNNING,<br />
BUT YOU CAN’T FEEL HEAT<br />
Your thermostat is working if<br />
your furnace fan is running,<br />
but you might have an airflow<br />
problem if you can’t feel any<br />
warmth. An internal switch<br />
in the furnace will sense if<br />
the airflow is sufficient and if<br />
not, it prevents the furnace<br />
from igniting, your fan won’t<br />
run, and you won’t have any<br />
heat. If the motor is too slow,<br />
this could be because of a low<br />
battery or a bad connection<br />
in the wiring.<br />
The ‘brain’ of the system is<br />
the propane regulator, which<br />
works to lower the pressure<br />
from your propane cylinder,<br />
so it can deliver the right amount of pressure<br />
to operate your furnace. A lousy propane valve<br />
at the furnace or a bad regulator at the propane<br />
tank will affect the airflow, as well.<br />
Finally, check to see if any heat registers<br />
are blocked – your furnace might not tolerate<br />
even the smallest closure of a register.<br />
You should get your furnace checked at<br />
least once a year by a trained <strong>RV</strong> service<br />
technician.<br />
If you are not comfortable working on the<br />
<strong>RV</strong> furnace, have your maintenance performed<br />
by an authorized <strong>RV</strong> service centre.<br />
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PARTS: We know just how important <strong>RV</strong> parts are to our customers.We proudly stock both parts and accessories<br />
for all of our makes and models. SE<strong>RV</strong>ICE: Whether you need preventative maintenance or come to us for<br />
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PLEASE CALL<br />
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44430 Yale Road, Chilliwack • 604-792-2747<br />
1-877-912-3909 •www.oconnorrv.com
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64 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
History<br />
& Magic<br />
COME ALIVE ON THE<br />
GRAND CANYON<br />
RAILWAY<br />
Story and Photos Courtesy of Xanterra Parks and Resorts<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 65
R<br />
iding a train as it travels west always<br />
seems romantically nostalgic — you<br />
can’t help but remember the great<br />
stories of how the West was won. Many say it<br />
wasn’t the cowboys that changed the wilderness,<br />
but instead the mighty train. There is no<br />
better example of this bygone lifestyle than the<br />
Grand Canyon Railway.<br />
As far back as the 1880s people recognized<br />
the potential of the Grand Canyon, however,<br />
the area was so remote and difficult to travel<br />
to it might have just remained a giant hole, if it<br />
weren’t for William Owen “Buckey” O’Neill and<br />
his grand visions of a railroad to the canyon.<br />
O’Neill, who was mayor of Prescott at the<br />
time, owned several mineral claims and had<br />
built a substantial cabin on the South Rim<br />
of the Grand Canyon. While he’d found his<br />
wealth, he wasn’t able to unlock it from the canyon<br />
due to the high cost of transporting the ore.<br />
A man of action, he lobbied for nearly five years<br />
before securing the funding for the railway.<br />
On Sept. 17, 1901, O’Neill’s vision became<br />
a reality when the first steam train took passengers<br />
and supplies from Williams, Arizona to the<br />
South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Even though<br />
O’Neill wasn’t there to see it for himself – he<br />
died while serving as a Rough Rider in the<br />
Spanish American War – his spirit was smiling<br />
as the steam rose through the forest en route to<br />
the Grand Canyon.<br />
The railway revolutionized the canyon, sharing<br />
its natural wonder with the general public.<br />
In its heyday, Grand Canyon Railway – then a<br />
subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa<br />
Fe Railway Company – had two scheduled arrivals<br />
per day at the South Rim, but as many as<br />
six special trains might also arrive at the Grand<br />
Canyon in one day.<br />
The final rays of golden sunlight disappeared<br />
June 30, 1968, as Train No. 14, a diesel locomotive<br />
pulling only one baggage car and one<br />
coach car left Grand Canyon Depot with just<br />
three people aboard. Beginning the 104 km (65<br />
mi) trek to Williams, the engineer gave the horn<br />
two short blasts heard only by those aboard and<br />
canyon wildlife. No one was present to send the<br />
train off, or to celebrate the contributions the<br />
railway had made. As the last passenger train<br />
66 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 67
traveled out of sight, the tracks grew quiet and<br />
stayed that way for nearly 20 years.<br />
It wasn’t until a determined cropduster, and<br />
his wife, entered the scene that the railway had<br />
a chance of coming back to life. Reaching deep<br />
into their pockets and tapping all the resources<br />
available to them, Max and Thelma Biegert<br />
dedicated everything, including an initial $15<br />
million, to reinstate train service to the Grand<br />
Canyon.<br />
Pulling together a talented team of people<br />
including steam locomotive experts, Max and<br />
Thelma went to work restoring the much-dilapidated<br />
Williams and Grand Canyon Depots as<br />
well as the 104 km (65 mi) of weather-beaten<br />
railroad track. The team rebuilt washout areas<br />
and bridges, replacing 30,000 railroad ties and<br />
many more rails, beams, and spikes.<br />
Their hard work paid off, and on Sept. 17,<br />
1989 – 88 years to the day from the first train to<br />
the canyon – Max and Thelma Biegert brought<br />
the powerful pull of the steam locomotive back<br />
to Grand Canyon National Park.<br />
More than 10,000 people and dignitaries<br />
arrived in Williams to celebrate the return of<br />
the railway, with more gathered to greet the<br />
passengers arriving at Grand Canyon Depot. It<br />
seemed as though the whole world recognized<br />
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the importance of returning train service to the<br />
canyon.<br />
Grand Canyon Railway gained momentum<br />
with each passing trip to the canyon, growing<br />
into the operation it is today. Providing daily<br />
service and transporting more than 225,000<br />
passengers to the Grand Canyon each year<br />
(more than 2.5 million since 1989), the railway<br />
is much more than an alternative mode of<br />
transportation.<br />
The simple act of returning train service<br />
restored an integral part of the Grand Canyon’s<br />
68 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
history. The wail of the historic locomotives<br />
traveling the rails today shares the story of how<br />
the canyon came to be.<br />
No, the West was not won by cowboys or<br />
cavalry, but by the train and the people whose<br />
vision of grandeur was matched only by the<br />
Grand Canyon itself.<br />
Passengers depart from the historic Williams<br />
Depot and arrive at the Grand Canyon<br />
Depot, the last operating log depot in the<br />
United States. Located in the heart of Grand<br />
Canyon National Park’s historic district, near<br />
the world-famous El Tovar Hotel, Grand<br />
Canyon Depot is just 180 m (200 yd) from the<br />
edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.<br />
The trip to the canyon covers 104 km (65<br />
mi) of classic Old West territory, including<br />
high desert plains with endless vistas, small<br />
arroyos, and portions of the world’s largest<br />
ponderosa pine forest.<br />
Trip highlights include a daily Wild West<br />
shootout at the 1908 Williams Depot before<br />
the morning departure; and entertainment and<br />
live action aboard the train, featuring roaming<br />
western singers, as well as the infamous<br />
Cataract Creek Gang and the justice of a Grand<br />
Canyon Railway Marshal.<br />
Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized<br />
concessionaire of the National Park Service<br />
and Kaibab National Forest and was honoured<br />
in 2004 with the prestigious Governor’s Tourism<br />
Special Events Award for its Polar Express<br />
special engagement train (See sidebar).<br />
HOURS OF OPERATION:<br />
Grand Canyon Railway operates daily service<br />
(except <strong>Dec</strong>ember 25) from Williams, Arizona<br />
into Grand Canyon National Park. The Williams<br />
Depot ticket counter is open seven days a<br />
week, 7:30 am – 7:30 pm Arizona time.<br />
ROUND-TRIP ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES:<br />
Passengers have the option to stay overnight<br />
at the canyon and return to Williams on the<br />
regularly scheduled train at a later date.<br />
Grand Canyon Railway <strong>RV</strong> Park is just west<br />
of the historic Williams Depot and opposite<br />
the famed Cataract Creek. Nature paths and<br />
a shuttle take guests from the <strong>RV</strong> Park to the<br />
Depot, where Grand Canyon Railway begins<br />
its daily journey to the South Rim of the Grand<br />
Canyon.<br />
For Grand Canyon Railway reservations, call<br />
1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724) or visit<br />
www.thetrain.com.<br />
THE POLAR EXPRESS<br />
Every winter the Grand Canyon<br />
Railway’s Polar Express comes<br />
to life on a journey from the<br />
nighttime wilderness of Williams,<br />
Arizona, to the enchanted beauty<br />
of “the North Pole”—where Santa<br />
Claus and his reindeer are waiting<br />
with a keepsake present for every<br />
good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling<br />
from ear to ear, as you watch<br />
children’s faces light up when the<br />
train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate<br />
and chocolate chip cookies<br />
while listening to this timeless<br />
story.<br />
Make this a family holiday<br />
tradition, and call today to make<br />
your reservations (because space is<br />
limited to those who fully believe<br />
in the spirit of Christmas). The ride<br />
lasts a little over an hour, with the<br />
train leaving each night at 5:30 pm<br />
and 7:30 pm. Book online for <strong>2017</strong><br />
now, or call 1-888-848-3511.<br />
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 69
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Ammenties<br />
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Brighthaven<br />
Brookhaven<br />
Glenhaven<br />
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Rosehaven<br />
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Pool<br />
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8421 E. Main Street<br />
Mesa, AZ 85207<br />
480-986-1514<br />
2760 S. Royal Palm Rd.<br />
Apache Junction, AZ 85119<br />
480-983-1446<br />
2345 E. Main Street<br />
Mesa, AZ 85213<br />
480-964-8315<br />
5201 W. Camelback Road<br />
Phoenix, AZ 85031<br />
623-846-7230<br />
2015 E Old West Highway<br />
Apache Junction, AZ 85119<br />
480-982-6604<br />
306 S. Recker Road<br />
Mesa, AZ 85206<br />
480-830-1080<br />
10540 E. Apache Trail<br />
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480-986-4132<br />
800 W. Apache Trail<br />
Apache Junction, AZ 85120<br />
480-982-3231<br />
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480-832-2700<br />
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Apache Junction, AZ 85120<br />
480-982-2521<br />
840 N. Idaho Rd.<br />
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480-982-1876<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 71
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From Tricon Communities<br />
ACTIVE ADULT<br />
LIVING MINDSET<br />
On An Affordable Budget<br />
Mobile home communities have risen to a<br />
higher standard and now offer a superior<br />
quality of living to meet the growing demands<br />
of modern seniors. Today’s 55-plus mobile<br />
home and <strong>RV</strong> communities are delightfully<br />
welcoming to active residents and snowbirds.<br />
As more boomers take to the road in hopes of<br />
finding the perfect vacation spot or destination<br />
resort, Tricon strives to meet their lifestyle<br />
desires while maintaining an affordable location<br />
to call home.<br />
“Mobile home and <strong>RV</strong> communities are<br />
back on the rise for Baby Boomers,” said Vicki<br />
Moore, Tricon Regional Manager. “They miss<br />
the feeling of community, the neighbourhood<br />
picnics, Canada Day and Fourth of July barbeques<br />
and community garage sales. They can<br />
find this in our communities. They grew up in<br />
suburbia and they want to go back to that.”<br />
With eleven communities in the Phoenix/<br />
Mesa area and three in California, Tricon is<br />
able to provide a broad range of amenity and<br />
lifestyle packages to meet the needs of many<br />
travelers and retirees. They have chosen unique<br />
locations convenient to shopping, dining and<br />
attractions in the more majestic portions of<br />
Arizona.<br />
For seniors not willing or able to pay a fortune<br />
for housing in their “golden years,” Tricon<br />
offers an affordable alternative to a traditional<br />
house, apartment, condo, or vacation rental.<br />
More and more seniors are discovering the<br />
hottest trend - community living. It provides an<br />
attractive alternative when considering where<br />
they will retire and where they will travel in<br />
their “Golden Years”.<br />
“Seniors and new retirees have taken a new<br />
old approach to vacationing. Road trips with<br />
the family were a valuable and memorable part<br />
of their lives. Exploring this beautiful country<br />
and reuniting themselves with each other has<br />
gained popularity and purpose; getting back to<br />
their roots. The days of hotel stays in comparison<br />
to <strong>RV</strong> traveling is closing in gap drastically.<br />
They have paid their dues and now deserve to<br />
enjoy themselves.” remarked Kim Lake, Tricon<br />
Regional Vice President. “We want to provide<br />
them with destination communities that are<br />
reminiscent of that same era; that hometown<br />
feel and sense of belonging.”<br />
Tricon, in an effort to meet the demand<br />
of the boomer market, has created multiuse<br />
communities where they offer a wide variety<br />
of mobile homes and park models for sale as<br />
well as <strong>RV</strong> sections for those on the hunt for an<br />
adventure.<br />
The majority of the communities in the<br />
Tricon portfolio are 55+ and pet-friendly. They<br />
provide exceptional amenities at all locations,<br />
planned activities onsite and field trips organized<br />
by an activities coordinator.<br />
“We strive to find something for everyone,”<br />
said Moore, “some just want to come and relax,<br />
and enjoy. Others enjoy golf tournaments,<br />
bowling leagues, dinners, and dances. It’s really<br />
about providing guests with the perfect vacation<br />
or living experience.”<br />
The residents, compromised of permanent<br />
and seasonal tenants, really appreciate quality,<br />
affordable social suburbia living in a community<br />
that is both well-maintained, and filled with<br />
engaging activities. Tricon aims to provide a<br />
healthy and safe environment for likeminded<br />
individuals.<br />
“… We just want to enjoy these years, we<br />
want to explore and have fun. See the things we<br />
were not able to when we were busy making<br />
the dollar… we are able to do that here. The<br />
community was just renovated and looks darling<br />
and the people are wonderful,” commented<br />
Laura Hovater, an annual resident at one of the<br />
Tricon communities in Apache Junction.<br />
Activities range from breakfasts, picnics,<br />
barbeques, dinners, to dancing in the clubhouse<br />
or enjoying crafts, karaoke, bingo, and cards<br />
in the community library. They also offer a<br />
community yard sale and spring craft show.<br />
There is also shuffle board and water aerobics<br />
in a heated pool, as well as a fitness room where<br />
residents are encouraged to exercise.<br />
“When people think of 55 plus, they often<br />
think of sleepy and boring,” said Kim. “Our<br />
signature properties are definitely not that. We<br />
encourage healthy active living for all of our<br />
seniors. And of course, to have as much fun as<br />
they can possibly stand.”<br />
72 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
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<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 73
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By Arlette Ledbetter, Photos from the Town of Pahrump<br />
Come F ly Away<br />
(Or Just Watch …)<br />
TOP TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE<br />
PAHRUMP BALLOON FESTIVAL<br />
Each winter, azure Mojave Desert skies fill with a<br />
beautiful spectacle: the annual Pahrump Balloon<br />
Festival. During the weekend of Friday, February<br />
23 through Sunday, February 25, <strong>2018</strong>, more than<br />
20 balloon teams will gracefully float above the<br />
landscape suspended in baskets beneath colourful,<br />
buoyant envelopes filled with heated air. The<br />
wonderful aerial extravaganza brings thousands<br />
of visitors to Petrack Park for the family-friendly<br />
celebration.<br />
With three days of lighter-than-air events—including<br />
lift-offs at dawn and evening glow shows<br />
where balloon pilots synchronize the illuminating<br />
blasts of their burners to songs—we’ve assembled<br />
some handy tips for making the most of your<br />
festival experience.<br />
ARRIVE EARLY<br />
Make that very early! To watch teams set up and<br />
inflate their balloons, set your alarm clock and arrive<br />
at the park by 6:00 am. Pilots need very light<br />
winds to take to the air, and the window around<br />
dawn is frequently the calmest time of day. As a<br />
bonus, you’ll be able to watch the launching of<br />
an unmanned, helium-filled weather balloon;<br />
it tracks the direction and speed of prevailing<br />
winds, and helps determine if conditions are<br />
safe for take-off. It also helps map out the route<br />
manned festival balloons will take.<br />
DRESS WARMLY<br />
Sure, there are stately palm trees in Pahrump<br />
and plenty of sunshine, but the desert can get<br />
downright chilly in winter, even more so in early<br />
mornings. A warm hat and pair of winter gloves<br />
are a must. Fingered gloves are best if you want<br />
to volunteer and hold the rope tethers that secure<br />
balloons to the ground pre-launch. Dressing in<br />
layers is a good idea, so you can shed insulation<br />
as the day heats up. Also, sunglasses are key, as<br />
you’ll be looking up into the brilliant sky most of<br />
the day.<br />
BRING GEAR<br />
If you’re here just to watch, take in the surroundings<br />
from the comfort of camp chairs. This way,<br />
you can relax as the balloons inflate and ascend<br />
into the skies around 6:30 am. Of course, a<br />
camera is a must, too. You can use your smart<br />
phone to share the spectacle on social media as it<br />
happens, whether in photo or video. If you have<br />
a DSLR camera, a zoom lens comes in handy<br />
once the balloons rise high above, especially for<br />
frame-worthy photos to display back home.<br />
JOIN THE ACTION<br />
While many Pahrump Balloon Festival guests are<br />
happy with sitting back and watching the majestic<br />
aircraft float through the atmosphere, many also<br />
like to play a more hands-on role as a volunteer.<br />
When you sign up to participate, you’ll frequently<br />
help pilots and their crews fill the envelopes with<br />
heated air and set up the baskets and lines—all<br />
parts of going aloft. No experience is needed,<br />
though signing a release form is required. You’ll<br />
need to follow pilot instructions such as where to<br />
stand and what to do (or the reverse, where not to<br />
stand and what not to do). Sometimes, though it’s<br />
not guaranteed, volunteering can result in getting<br />
invited on flights — a true bonus.<br />
The Pahrump Balloon Festival is a full-fledged<br />
experience, morning through night. Beyond<br />
dawn adventures and evening glow-o-ramas,<br />
guests can purchase tethered rides—they’re a<br />
perfect introduction to ballooning; you’re in the<br />
air, but not too far up. There’s also music, arts and<br />
crafts, food and drink, and a carnival. Add in a<br />
rodeo, too! Admission to the festival is free, with<br />
pre-sale tickets to the carnival available from the<br />
Pahrump Valley of Commerce at 775-727-5800.<br />
Tethered ride tickets are a great value at $10 and<br />
are available at the festival. For hot air balloon<br />
superfans, the $25 VIP Field Pass includes an<br />
up-and-close view of Friday and Saturday night’s<br />
illuminated get-togethers.<br />
It’s always important to remember, however,<br />
ballooning depends on good weather. Strong<br />
winds, rain, and even snow flurries can affect the<br />
festival schedule.<br />
74 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
DISCOVER<br />
ONE-OF-A-KIND<br />
VIEWS.<br />
Gaze up and watch dozens of hot air balloons<br />
take over Pahrump skies. When the sun sets,<br />
enjoy a synchronized glow show as balloons<br />
light up to classic tunes.<br />
The event is free; for more information<br />
head to VisitPahrump.com.<br />
TravelNevada.com<br />
Pahrump, Nevada — 60 Miles West of Las Vegas. 180 degrees different.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 75
Gift Guide <strong>2018</strong><br />
All-Star Hybrid Backpack / Duffel<br />
When your storage space in the <strong>RV</strong> is limited, versatility is a key feature<br />
for what ever you pack. This 49x27x12 cm (20” x 11” x 5”) travel bag can<br />
be used as a duffel bag, shoulder bag or backpack, with its cushioned mesh<br />
shoulder sling and hidden backpack straps. The comfortable backpack straps<br />
are a padded covered mesh and have an easily adjustable-height chest strap,<br />
perfect for short hikes or picnics. The large zipper pulls are effortless to grasp<br />
and we like the smooth nylon fabric, which doesn’t catch or pick up dirt easily.<br />
A padded separate compartment easily holds our 15” MacBook with room<br />
to spare, and internally there is a shoe/laundry compartment and five other<br />
compartments to organize your life.<br />
MSRP: $80 USD Solo.net<br />
Altitude Backpack – Black Ops Edition<br />
If you love separate compartments and the ability to hang accessories<br />
like water bottles and tripods – this is the pack for you. Aside from the<br />
innumerable pockets and strap points on the outside, the backpack straps<br />
are constructed from a wide cushioned mesh, with height-adjustable chest<br />
straps. The padded mesh backrest should ensure a comfortable and cool fit<br />
for day hikes – and – doubles as a luggage handle strap. On the inside, a<br />
padded interior pocket will hold a 17.3” laptop and an additional padded<br />
pocket will hold a tablet or eReader. There are plenty of additional pockets<br />
to keep your stuff organized – from pens to passports, food to first aid.<br />
One notable feature on our black pack was the contrasting yellow interior,<br />
which makes finding what you’ve stored so much easier than the confines<br />
of a black interior. It comes with a velcro ‘New York’ patch which you can<br />
easily substitute for one that suits your own personal taste.<br />
MSRP $80 USD Solo.net<br />
76 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
Premiere Leather Padfolio<br />
Every good <strong>RV</strong> navigator deserves a stylish case for their mini iPad<br />
or eReader to keep you on track and themselves entertained. Inside<br />
the full-grain leather body, the universal fit technology employs<br />
tension clips to securely cradle virtually all brands of small tablets<br />
and eReaders from 5.5 to 8.5 inches. The inside front section has<br />
sleeves for ID, small documents and a pen, which you can use on the<br />
accompanying paper pad – my kids would say ‘how retro’. The padfolio<br />
zips closed so nothing escapes.<br />
MSRP: $60 USD – 5.5 to 8.5” & $70 USD – 8.5 to 11”<br />
Solo.net<br />
The lowest price<br />
U.S. cell plans for<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong><br />
Join hundreds of thousands of Canadians and save<br />
up to 90% on U.S. phone service with Roam Mobility.<br />
EXCLUSIVE FREE SIM OFFER<br />
Get a FREE USA Travel SIM † so you can try<br />
Roam Mobility on your next trip to the USA!<br />
Claim your free SIM online now at:<br />
get.roammobility.com/suncruiser<br />
SNOWBIRD<br />
PLANS<br />
www.roammobility.com<br />
TALK+ TEXT+DATA<br />
Unlimited U.S./Canada calling<br />
Unlimited global texting<br />
Unlimited data with 4GB 4G LTE<br />
Voicemail, caller ID, and more<br />
Includes a U.S. phone number<br />
TALK+ TEXT<br />
Unlimited U.S./Canada calling<br />
Unlimited global texting<br />
Voicemail, caller ID, and more<br />
Includes a U.S. phone number<br />
Plans start as low as<br />
$<br />
34 95<br />
/mo*<br />
All prices in Canadian dollars<br />
† Offer ends <strong>Dec</strong>ember 31, <strong>2017</strong>. Online only. While quantities last. Subject to change.<br />
*Minimum service term applies. Snowbird Plans must be purchased in increments of<br />
90 days. Features and rates depend on plan type and duration purchased.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 77
Getting Social<br />
GET IN ON THE CONVERSATION. TALK<br />
TO SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS ON<br />
FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM.<br />
www.facebook.com/<br />
<strong>Snowbirds</strong><strong>RV</strong><strong>Travelers</strong><br />
Tweet us at<br />
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SUNCRUISERMEDIA.COM<br />
FMCA has rolled out exclusive,<br />
member-only pricing for FMCA<br />
Roadside Rescue, powered by SafeRide<br />
<strong>RV</strong> Motor Club.<br />
FACEBOOK<br />
Why Not Try Camping in Ontario<br />
Awe-inspiring attractions. Fantastic<br />
festivals. Knockout nature. Distinct<br />
downtowns. Canadian history and<br />
heritage. It’s all right in the Heart of<br />
Ontario. Explore Hamilton, Halton,<br />
Brant and discover something new.<br />
INSTAGRAM<br />
Her name is Doris and she carried the<br />
gang to Cedar Creek winery for the<br />
Five for Fighting concert overlooking<br />
Okanagan Lake. @cedarcreekwine<br />
TWITTER<br />
Did you catch last month’s story on<br />
Endangered Tortoises?<br />
TALK TO US<br />
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line or send us a shot of your latest <strong>RV</strong><br />
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78 SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong>
• Boat Rentals<br />
• Bistro on the waterfront<br />
• Convenience store open July & August<br />
• Winery, Spa, Golf Course and Cultural Center<br />
Summerwithin walking distance<br />
ONE OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEY’S FINEST <strong>RV</strong> DESTINATIONS<br />
COME EXPERIENCE NK’MIP<br />
IN ANY SEASON<br />
Winter<br />
• Offers 180 winterized sites: 50/30 Amp available ( Monthly rates available )<br />
• Pool and hot tub open October to May; plus fitness room<br />
• Activities to choose from include: | Aquatics | Card/Poker Night | Crafts<br />
| Dances/ Parties | Jam Night | Pot Luck Dinner And much more!<br />
One of the South Okanagan’s largest parks, at the edge of the Sonora Desert and just minutes from the town’s main street,<br />
Nk’Mip <strong>RV</strong> Park offers over 380 sites ranging from simple tenting spots to full service <strong>RV</strong> stalls, a cabin with 4 bedrooms to round<br />
out the selection, all complete with free wifi access. Come enjoy the beach and family day area. The clubhouse is perfect for<br />
events or meetings, and offers an indoor pool & hot tub (open October - May) and a patio perfect for group BBQs.<br />
8000 - 45th Street, Osoyoos, BC P: 250-495-7279<br />
info@campingosoyoos.com | www.campingosoyoos.com<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2018</strong> SNOWBIRDS & <strong>RV</strong> TRAVELERS 79
Come for the<br />
Sun<br />
stay for the<br />
Fun!<br />
$<br />
750<br />
PER<br />
$<br />
299<br />
PER $<br />
399<br />
PER<br />
MONTH MONTH MONTH<br />
Mesa Spirit <strong>RV</strong> Resort<br />
Mesa, AZ<br />
New customers only.<br />
Offer valid on a deluxe <strong>RV</strong> site<br />
from <strong>Jan</strong>uary 1 - March 31, <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Mention promo code: SNOWB4<br />
10 South Texas <strong>RV</strong> Resorts<br />
New customers only.<br />
Offer valid on a standard <strong>RV</strong> site<br />
until July 1, <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Mention promo code: SNOWB5<br />
Forest Lake Village <strong>RV</strong> Resort<br />
Zephyrhills, FL<br />
New customers only.<br />
Offer valid on a standard <strong>RV</strong> site<br />
until May 31, <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Mention promo code: SNOWB6<br />
To Enjoy These Offers, Book Your <strong>RV</strong> Site Before <strong>Dec</strong>ember 22nd, <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
Call us to book!<br />
(855) 336-8841<br />
Visit<br />
<strong>RV</strong>ontheGo.com<br />
You must book by <strong>Dec</strong>ember 22, <strong>2017</strong>. Offers are subject to availability. Reservation required. Offers valid on new reservations only. Mesa Spirit offer is valid for new reservations between <strong>Jan</strong>uary 1, <strong>2018</strong><br />
through March 31, <strong>2018</strong> with a minimum/maximum length of stay of 28/31 days for new customers only on a deluxe site. South Texas $299 offer is valid at Alamo Palms <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Country Sunshine <strong>RV</strong><br />
Resort, Fun-N-Sun <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Lakewood <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Paradise Park <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Paradise South <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Southern Comfort <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Sunshine <strong>RV</strong> Resort, Tropic Winds <strong>RV</strong> Resort and Victoria Palms <strong>RV</strong><br />
Resort for stays completed by July 1, <strong>2018</strong>, with a minimum/maximum length of stay of 28/31 days for new customers only on a standard site. Forest Lake Village offer valid until May 31, <strong>2018</strong> with a<br />
minimum/maximum length of stay of 28/31 days for new customers only on a standard site. All rates are in US dollars. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to a $4 per day resort fee. Electric is not included<br />
for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions.