The long and wining road: gallery
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The long and wining road
Our intrepid traveller takes wine tasting to the Maxx in Southern California
Tanya Laing Gahr and her husband, Rusty, taste the high life during a wine tour of the Temecula Valley that took them to the top of a mountain overlooking the region. —Tanya Laing Gahr
When touring the Temecula Valley wineries, it’s important to have a designated driver. Jeff Gardner—master storyteller and Maxx Taxi driver—fit the bill when my husband Rusty and I toured some of the wineries in Southern California’s up-and-coming wine region.
The Maxx Taxi is one of only five extended Hummers ever built, and Gardner offers tours through the area with the promise of “rare and spectacular views”—and some excellent wine as well.
Our first stop was the Oak Mountain Winery, where owner Valerie Andrews gave us samples of some of their specialities. Rusty isn’t normally a champagne drinker—the heathen—but he fell in love with the raspberry champagne. My favourite was the Meritage, and we agreed that the winery’s port was outstanding. There's currently a bottle sitting in our cellar waiting for a special occasion.
Next, we were off to the Frangipani Estate Winery. Owner Don Frangipani’s protegé, Chris Vienna, gave Rusty and me an extensive education in the processes of growing wine grapes, and how the subtle differences in soil, temperature and surrounding vegetation can make all the difference in the flavour of the wine.
When you go, try the Cabernet Franc, which sits on your tongue and hangs on, or the red Zinfandel with a subtle dill flavour. I was unsure about the Zinfandel—we had a bit of a falling out many years ago—but this vintage may have convinced me otherwise. It was delicious. We brought home a bottle of the blend, D’Vino. I’m not usually a blend girl, but sometimes one prefers an orchestra to a soloist. This was one of those times.
By the way, Frangipani offers another reason to visit the estate. Every weekend during the summer months, they invite theatre lovers to see Shakespeare in the Vines. With the setting sun casting long shadows among the vineyard, there are few better places to toast the bard.
Gardner showed us what the Maxx Taxi could do off-road when he took us to one of the region’s mountain peaks overlooking the Temecula Valley. The view, the four-wheeling, the stories and the wine he served us exceeded expectations.
A taste of Old Town
Next, we took a tour through Old Town Temecula and visited some of the tasting rooms. Our first stop was the Lorimar Winery & Vineyards tasting room, where owner Mark Manfield had us sample his Cabernet Franc and Meritage. The latter, in particular, was sensational—with a smooth finish and a deep bass note—a fitting metaphor since, as Manfield told me, “wine is like music.” He follows that analogy through to its conclusion with the wines' label—a single musical note.
From there it was a quick walk—or a rather crooked one, given all the wine we already consumed—to the Tesoro Winery tasting room, where owners Buzz Olson and his wife, Kimberly, treated us like honoured guests. Buzz used to be a brigadeer commander with the 82nd Airborne Division. Stop in and ask him about his career arc while sampling some of their vintages. We left with the Trinatá, another fabulous blend. I have to say, this tour convinced me that a lot of my preconceptions about wine needed updating.
Dinner at Baily’s Old Town Restaurant was the perfect end to a glorious day. The food is divine and the Sangiovese from Baily’s Vineyard & Winery has provided me with a new favourite vintage—all well worth the hangover we had the next day.
A note: When visiting Old Town, be sure to pick up a Wine & Dine card that gets you discounts on food, wine tastings or purchases at many of the vendors in Temecula. We spent a pleasant afternoon by ourselves visiting several of the other tasting rooms and restaurants.
Thank you to Carolyn Fittipaldi at the Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau for organizing our tours, Linda Kissam from Temecula Press Tours for showing us around Old Town and the Holiday Inn Express Temecula for providing us with lodging during our visit.
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Get a head . . . of lettuce
Become connected with the leafy green backbone of Yuma's economy
Yuma Lettuce Days has one of the biggest salad bars around. —Photo courtesy Yuma Lettuce Days
Yuma gets about 350 days of sunshine annually, which makes the region ideal for growing leafy vegetables. In fact, Kristan Sheppeard, the agritourism and special events manager for the Yuma Visitors Bureau, said that agriculture is one of two prominent industries in Yuma.
“Agriculture and military are huge here,” said Sheppeard. “It is important for us to celebrate our agricultural community to recognize and thank (the people behind it). Our goal is to highlight Yuma’s agricultural community as a whole.”
The salad days of spring
The agriculture industry in the Yuma region represents one-third of the annual economic output of the state, or roughly $3.2 billion. As leafy greens are one of the main staples of Yuma, the community dedicates a weekend to celebrating and honouring its agricultural heritage. The 13th annual Yuma Lettuce Days will take place from March 11 to 13. Sheppeard said this is the first year that Yuma Lettuce Days has partnered with the Southwest Ag Summit to connect the agricultural industry with the community.
Also for the first time, Yuma Lettuce Days will be a culinary festival with cooking demonstrations, contests and tastings from restaurants with local food. There will be agriculture displays and exhibits with cotton farmers selling clothes that are made from their crops and grain growers selling soap that is made from their wheat crops.
“There will be a salad contest,” said Sheppeard. “We also do a massive salad bar and we do farmer's markets. It’s about celebrating our agriculture and highlighting all of the things that are grown here. Although it is called Yuma Lettuce Days, we are also going to (showcase) our citrus community and our cotton.”
Sheppeard said that Lettuce Days will be held at two different venues—the Quartermaster Depot and Main Street. These venues will be connected by a tractor trail, which will have antique and current tractors on display. Acclaimed chefs will also be on site, offering visitors tasty samples of locally cooked food.
Locating the source
Part of Sheppeard’s job is marketing Yuma’s agricultural industry. In August 2010, the Food Network came to film in Yuma. What inspired the Food Network to film in Yuma, you ask? Well, isn’t it obvious—romaine, leaf and iceberg lettuce.
“It is amazing when you start talking to growers and they tell you that if you are sitting in Germany in the winter and eating lettuce, you are probably eating lettuce from Yuma,” said Sheppeard.
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What an udder delight!
Enjoy fresh cheese and ice cream after visiting Superstition Farm
Imagine your life without cheese and you'll appreciate any cow a little more.—Photo courtesy Superstition Farm
Named after the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, Superstition Farm in Mesa is becoming known as Super Farm instead. A 1,000-cow dairy farm, Superstition Farm holds tours for anyone interested in learning about the dairy industry and those looking for samples of fresh cheese, butter and ice cream.
The farm is operated by a dedicated team, including Casey Stechnij and Alison Crittenden, who are third-generation dairy farmers and also happen to be brother and sister. Alison’s husband, Jason Crittenden, also works on Superstition Farm. He said their mission is to show the public that a modern dairy operation is environmentally conscious and each team member who works there is lovingly dedicated to the care and health of every animal.
“There are a lot of myths about how dairy farmers treat their animals and what is in your milk,” said Crittenden. “When we started doing tours we wanted people to come and meet the farmer and see how this stuff is made and ask questions about the farm.”
Crittenden said that a typical tour starts in the barn where visitors can examine various farm equipment. Then Crittenden takes guests on a guided hay ride of Superstition Farm.
“There are a 1,000 cows at this facility,” said Crittenden. “We would expand on how milk is made and where it goes. Then we would (visit the) rescue animals. There are donkeys, horses, sheep and tons of others. Everyone can hand-feed these animals and hold a chicken.”
A side business operated by Superstition Farm is Udder Delights, where Stechnij makes cheeses, artisanal butters, cheese-infused desserts, ice cream and hummus—all with ingredients from their farm. People interested in touring the facility or learning to make ice cream, cheese or butter can make an appointment with Superstition Farm.
The other side of the story
Crittenden said that one of the main reasons they have opened Superstition Farm to the public is to educate people about dairy production and dispel some of the myths associated with dairy farming. For example, did you know that a cow has to be pregnant to make milk? Seems obvious, but that is something that never crossed my mind. Did you know that at organic dairy farms, farmers are not allowed to give their cows medicine if they are sick, which can lead to suffering and sometimes death?
Crittenden said the question he is asked the most is whether or not his animals are given antibiotics and if that transfers into the milk that people drink. Crittenden said that standard practice for sick animals is to remove them from production while they are on medication. At Superstition Farm, they have a hospital pen for any sick animal while they recover.
“Any animal that is sick in the corral will be removed from production,” said Crittenden. “They still need to be milked because they still have seven or eight gallons of milk in their udders, but we milk them last and we destroy that milk so it doesn’t get into the milk supply.”
Crittenden said the people who come to Superstition Farm are looking to be more connected to their food and have a desire to eat locally sourced produce and meat. Throughout the year, excluding June, July and August, Crittenden and the other farmers and ranchers in the area host a four-course, locally sourced meal cooked by a chef. Typically 75 to 100 people come to enjoy the dinner and company.
“You can eat your food with the guys that grew it or harvested it and hear their stories about where your food came from,” said Crittenden. “It has been a great success. People want less ingredients in their food. Food is supposed to go bad . . . it is (not supposed) to have ingredients that you can’t pronounce. People are starting to want that again and it is pretty cool.”
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I scream . . .
Italian and Mexican cuisine abound
La Scala's Creamery has perfected its Almond Joy gelato.—Photo courtesy Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell Visitors Bureau
Francesca Carozza, the communications director for the Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell Visitors Bureau, said that there are plenty of fantastic, culturally diverse restaurants in the region. In Fort McDowell, the Ahnala Restaurant in the Radisson Resort uses fresh produce from a local nut and citrus farm. Coming soon to Fountain Hills will be a Caribbean- and Puerto Rican-inspired tapas restaurant. There are numerous Italian and Mexican restaurants in the area as well.
A highlight for Carozza is LaScala’s Creamery in Fountain Hills. The people who own the creamery brought in an Italian gelato master who taught them the tricks of the trade.
“They have perfected making gelato (an Italian, sherbet-like ice cream),” said Carozza. “It is the best gelato that I have had outside of Italy. They do one that has young coconut . . . Seasonally, they will do things like roasted pumpkin.”
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This festival strikes a gourd
The annual gourd festival attracts artists, musicians and many others
See gourds like these at the Wuertz Farm's annual Gourd Festival—
Kindergourdon. Flash Gourdon. A sailing regourda. The puns are out in full force at Wuertz Farm’s annual Gourd Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the United States and something that is best experienced firsthand.
Run by the Wuertz Gourd Farm, the festival is heading into its eighth year. The Wuertz family has been farming in the area since 1929, and began growing gourds in 2001.
“It’s a niche market but it’s getting bigger and bigger each year,” said Waylon Wuertz, owner of the gourd portion of the farm. “The first year we started with 5,000 people, and we just have gradually grown. Last year there were 8,500 people at the festival.”
Attendees come from every state and Canada, and even as far away as France. Entertainment comes in the forms of music, artwork and competitions.
“There’s probably 100 different judged categories,” said Wuertz. “Biggest gourd, best wood-burned gourd, best gourd that’s in the shape of an animal—all kinds of different things.”
Though the gourds themselves are inedible, there are plenty of food stands selling Mexican foods, kettle corn, hamburgers and more.
The eighth annual Gourd Festival will be taking place from February 4 to 6, 2011, at the Pinal County Fairgrounds.
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An unobstructed view
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Fresh food on the road
Eureka hosts a popular farmer's market with fresh produce and more
People gather at the market to shop and socialize.—Photo courtesy Mime Link
The farmer’s market is a big deal in this small town where people can buy fresh produce and make friends at the same time.
For those RVers travelling around central Nevada who are tired of the daily ritual of stopping for restaurant meals three times a day, check out the Farmer's Market on Gold Street the next time you pass through Eureka.
The market had it’s first showing in the beginning of August and runs weekly on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. until September 30, featuring all kinds of local produce and goods.
“People just love to do this kind of stuff, they get excited about it every year,” said Mime Link, one of the organizers for the market.
This will be the third year in operation and Link says that while things sometimes start slow, eventually the amount of vendors triples from roughly six to 18.
Vendors line the streets and sell fresh veggies like tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and turnips while other booths contain sweet offerings like baked goods and crafts.
The small town atmosphere fosters a sense of community for the vendors, buyers and local citizens—and the access to healthy food is an added bonus.
The University of Nevada and the Eureka County Economic Development Program have come together to sponsor the events.
Eureka, located near the centre of the state, has a population of 1,900 that has grown 30 per cent over the last 10 years and is primarily supported by the mining and agriculture sectors.
Elevated at 6,500 feet, the rural area attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking or hunting opportunities and the Humboldt river provides many holes for fishing and swimming.
For the historians interested in wild west culture, there is the Eureka Opera House which was built over a century ago and still hosts many entertainment events and conventions.
Originally built in 1880, the U-shaped theatre was used for opera and theatrical productions and eventually showed ‘talkies’ and movies until the late 1950s.
Eureka County restored the building in 1993 and it won a National Preservation Honor Award a year later.
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Spiced almonds
This snack is quick to make and easy to take on the road
These almonds are a healthy way to resolve those midday cravings.—photo courtesy of News Canada
Makes: 8 servings
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg white
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) dark brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon (3 mL) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) cayenne pepper
- 2 cups (500 mL) natural almonds
- Cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray as necessary.
In a large bowl whisk together the egg white, paprika, sugar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Add the almonds and toss until evenly coated.
Transfer the almond to the parchment lined baking tray spread out to form a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes, until the coating is crisp. Almonds will continue to crisp as they cool. Allow to cool completely then break up any nuts that are stuck together. Nuts will keep up to five days in an airtight container.
Nutritional analysis per serving, 1/4 cup (50 mL)
Calories: 210 kcals, Fibre: 4.4 g, Total Fat: 18 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Saturated Fat: 1. 5g, Sodium: 230 mg, Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g, Calcium: 96 mg, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.3 g, Magnesium: 97 mg, Protein: 8 g, Potassium: 264 mg, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Vitamin E: 9.4 mg
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The Good Sams know how to have a good time: Gallery
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The Good Sams know how to have a good time
The 2010 B.C. Samboree brought sports, games, tournaments and more to the Armstrong Fairgrounds this summer
Jerry Huck entertained the Samboree crowd with some excellent country music.—Photo courtesy of Janet and Ric Schlenker
We gathered at the Armstrong Fairgrounds for the B.C. Samboree, where more than 150 rigs attended from across the western United States and Canada (approximately 300 people were there). We had four days of hot sunny weather with some thunder showers to help cool us down. We were well received by the local merchants and residents in the area and they made our stay very enjoyable and pleasant.
The first day was a time of organized chaos as everyone arrived, parked their RVs and got themselves set up. It was a time to find friends and catch up on what had been happening in their lives.
Starting things off with a bang
The Samboree quickly got off to a good start. The golfers had their chance to try out the local golf course while others had a choice of attending a seminar on RVing in Mexico or a craft class—or they could tour the surrounding area.
The crib tournament happened in the morning, while the string golf tournament took place in the afternoon. It was a tight competition between several teams—some came to play while others just relaxed in the sunshine and watched the game. The welcome and opening ceremonies in the evening started with the Parade of Flags escorted by the piper. The audience was filled with a sea of chapter colors.
There were lots of things to do to keep busy. Some fortunate quilters had the opportunity to spend the morning with an accomplished quilt maker and instructor from Kelowna. Plus there was a seminar on RV tricks and tips, an ice cream social and games. The frisbee golf tournament happened in the morning.
A little bit country
The tractor rodeo in the afternoon provided a fun time as the audience cheered on the participants. The driver was blindfolded and the passenger called out the instructions on how to drive the course. Wow, there were some “amazing” drivers out there! It was a close race between 16 teams. In the evening we had the chance to relax, learn about the history of country music and be entertained by the great country and western singer, Jerry Huck.
Our last day was filled with activities. In the morning we had the opportunity to share the site with the local Armstrong farmers market, craft sales and flea market. Some of the Good Sam members participated by selling goods at their own tables.
While the market was on, some people kept busy competing in a game of bean bag baseball. In the afternoon there was a craft display and judging. Then it was time to put on the cowboy and cowgirl outfits for the theme parade and judging.
There were so many fascinating costumes it was hard to choose the best. Meanwhile we were enticed by the aroma of roast beef cooking in a huge oven outside the arena. You can bet we were very hungry by the time the local Lions Club served a delicious dinner buffet.
Coming to a close
We finished off the evening with the closing ceremonies, followed by a selection of five skits performed by the various chapters. The winning skit was performed by the Clover Loafers chapter and consisted of a very funny and imaginative skit about chickens getting married and celebrating by doing the chicken dance.
It was hard saying good-bye Sunday morning after such a fun time spent together.
What’s special about attending a Samboree? It provides the opportunity to: meet new people, spend time getting together with friends, cheer them on during the competitions, socialize during activities and learn something new at one of the seminars or classes. We highly recommend that you try it some time.
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Top ten vitamins to help you get the most out of life
Being on the road doesn't mean you have to compromise a healthy intake of nutrients in your diet.
Eating nutrient-rich food is a great way to get your recommended daily intake of vitamins.—David Lebrero photo
Being in top form helps us enjoy life. One way to stay at your best is to pay attention to the adage, “You are what you eat.” Check the ingredients on the box. Make sure you are getting the recommended daily intake of vitamins. Know what they do for you. Know how to eat them—in pill form or in certain key foods. Here is a partial list of the best:
Vitamin A: Found in eggs, milk, green and yellow vegetables. Benefits the skin, eyes, healing, growth and appetite.
Vitamin B1: Found in milk, liver, peanuts, yeast, rice and pork. Breaks down carbs, repairs alcohol-damaged nerve tissue and keeps your nervous system viable.
Vitamin B2: Found in green vegetables, cheese and fish. Benefits growth, skin, nails, hair and eyesight; breaks down protein, fat and carbs.
Vitamin B3: Found in peanuts, lean meats, fish and bran. Helps to metabolize carbs and oxidize sugars.
Vitamin B6: Found in whole-grain cereals and bananas, chicken, pork, fish, dried beans and liver. Prevents skin conditions and nerve problems. Absorbs protein and carbs.
Vitamin B12: Found in eggs, milk and liver. Aids digestion, absorbs nutrients, promotes healthy nerves and makes red blood cells.
Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruit, kiwi, berries, cauliflower, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and peppers. Benefits metabolism, cartilage, connective tissue, bones, immune system, protects against viruses and bacteria. It also helps to heal wounds, reduce cholesterol and prevents scurvy. Oh yes, it is a natural laxative.
Vitamin D: Found in sunlight, cod-liver oil, sardines, herring, salmon, tuna and milk. Helps improve the absorption of calcium and phosphorus—essential compounds for bones and teeth.
Vitamin E: Found in nuts, soybeans, vegetable oil, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, wholemeal products and eggs. Fights toxins and deals with free radicals.
Vitamin K: Found in leafy green vegetables, olive and soybean oil. Vitamin K functions as a blood clotting agent.
I am told that there are more vitamins in frozen broccoli than in supermarket broccoli because it is fresher. Buy local at a farmer’s market or frozen for best vitamin content.
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Pulling the T@B
A unique little trailer is the perfect fit for a couple who frequently takes road trips to attend dog shows
Gary Trimble and Maggie Henigman love their T@B trailer and Kirsten, one of their three Papillon dogs.—Trevor Crawley photo
Expect to make a lot of friends with the T@B trailer.
A Nanaimo couple took theirs across the northern U.S. to Winnipeg for a dog show and had all kinds of people ask about their teardrop-shaped trailer at each stop, including RVwest.
The interest might have also had something to do with the three cute Papillon dogs they had along with them.
Hailing from Nanaimo, they hit Tacoma, Washington, and travelled along the interstate highway network until they re-crossed the border in Manitoba to attend the specialty show and trial for purebred Papillons.
They stayed in the country coming back, crossing the prairies on their way to the Okanagan and home, then set up in Baker RV Park in Cranbrook, B.C., in early August.
It's the unique teardrop shape of the trailer that attracts the curious onlookers, as people wonder how camping with such a small trailer can be comfortable.
Complete with utilities like a heater, stove, fridge and sink, the trailer has a bed that converts into a booth with a table in the middle, boasting a standing height of 175 centimetres.
"It's like living on a boat," said Henigman. "You've got to be really comfortable in each other's space."
Henigman is frequently on the road attending dog shows with her Papillons—Winky, Blaze and Kirsten, and decided with her husband that tenting was no longer comfortable enough.
Researching around the market, they looked at a Boler trailer, but passed over it for a T@B found on eBay in Utah.
The light towing weight and the cooking conveniences were the main reasons the couple liked what they saw.
At the time they bought the T@B, they had a Honda CRV—but being conscious of fuel economy, they sold it and bought a Subaru Outback—which has no issues pulling the trailer.
To each their own
While Henigman is off doing her dog shows, Trimble has a hobby of his own: flying remote-controlled airplanes.
Since his childhood, he's always been fascinated by airplanes, but he never had a good enough reason to justify getting his pilot's license and went into a career of building trades.
He'd brought along an airplane for the trip, to fly around during down time, and he pulled it out at the park to demonstrate its aerial capability.
"It fulfills the aviation desire and the perpetual kid in me," he joked.
The pizza box flyer is just that—wings shaped like a pizza box made of EPP foam with a "fuselage" down the middle and a propeller on the front. It is an unconventional design that, upon first glance, is dismissed as being incapable of flight.
Yet Trimble fired up the propeller, held the plane in one hand and the controller in the other, and flung the craft forward.
It dipped down at first, but then started to climb, gaining altitude ever so slightly.
After picking up a bit of speed, it became more manoeuvrable—zipping around their campsite, making tighter turns and doing vertical climbs.
Trimble says the materials for building the aircraft are cheap, and with everything together one can be constructed in just a few hours.
The foam is spongy and forgiving should there be any air collisions or crash landings.
"It's simple, fun and a cheap way to fly," he said.
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Pulling the T@B: Gallery
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Skip the grocery store
Tolmachoff Farms is a fun place to stop for an afternoon
In both the summer and winter, there are fresh veggies to be found at Tolmachoff Farms.—Photo courtesy Tolmachoff Farms
Even the best store bought tomatoes pale in comparison to a fresh one straight from the vine. But fortunately for those travellers craving a ripe Brandywine, at Tolmachoff Farms, visitors can buy these and numerous other fresh crops from the farm's produce stand.
“We usually only have the tomatoes in the summer, but we are trying for another tomato season this fall,” said Gracie Tolmachoff, one of the farm’s owners. “It should be ready in mid-October. In the desert, you can’t get a good tasting tomato—they taste like cardboard. People have a hard time growing them in the desert, but because the farm is irrigated, we have good luck with them."
In addition to their ten varieties of tomatoes, Tolmachoff Farms grow nearly 20 different crops. The produce stand is open seasonally; it closes during August and September and reopens in October when their pumpkin crop is ready to go. Pumpkins are available at the produce stand and on a u-pick basis.
For those looking for a bit of mid-afternoon adventure, there are three corn mazes at Tolmachoff Farms. The largest spans six acres and can take anywhere between 45 and 90 minutes to solve. Participants built a map using pieces found in mailboxes scattered throughout the maze.
“It’s like putting together a puzzle—everything is numbered, so when they’re done they’ll be able to find their way out,” said Tolmachoff.
Tolmachoff Farms is located just outside of El Mirage in Glendale, Arizona.
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This way to the buffet
The hard part of going to a buffet in Sin City is deciding where to start
Whether you've got a sweet tooth or are out to get your greens, buffets offer something for everything—Glynis Fediuk
Buffets have received a bad rap in recent years, generally due to health reasons. Not to downplay these issues, but a trip to Las Vegas isn’t complete without taking in one of the hundreds of buffets available in the city. If you’ve been avoiding buffets because you think they’re all about overcooked salisbury steaks and undercooked rice, think again: these buffets are an economical way to appease all palates.
For those who are accustomed to buffets consisting of a dozen options, you’re in for a treat: these feasts include hundreds of dishes, generally featuring foods from around the world. It is not uncommon to see build-your-own omelet bars adjacent to a Mongolian grill.
For those concerned about eating healthy, there are huge salad bars, fresh fruit, cooked vegetables and grilled meats. Patrons may find it useful to take five minutes and survey the options before lining up.
Buffets offer a variety of pricing options and it is best to contact the place that you are thinking of eating at to get more information. Some offer two-for-one deals, while others are open 24 hours. Prices may vary depending on the time of day you go. Many have specials, such as steak or seafood, on specific nights of the week. Others have overall themes, such as Japanese or French cuisine.
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The laws of space
Lynne Benjamin shares how to make the most of a limited space
Every nook and cranny can be optimized to provide more space.—Photo by Lynne Benjamin
You have a new RV, (either brand new or new to you). No matter what style or class of unit you have, there are always spaces that can be transformed into places to stow your treasures. And then there are living space issues—which are a totally different thing.
How do you survive for long periods of time in such a limited space?
There are certain laws that hold true when you are trying to organize the internal space:
- There is always more stuff than there is space.
- Secret places exist.
- The same space can be used for more than one thing.
- Cupboard doors usually hide nothing but empty spaces.
Tips:
Put in shelves and/or dividers. You can often find adjustable shelves or build them to fit.
Oh, those wonderful plastic containers with lids that can be stacked two or three deep in the empty cupboards.
We took the over-the-cab bed out and built cupboards, shelves and an entertainment unit (by the way, we have a never-been-used queen size RV mattress for sale.)
There never seem to be enough drawers.
Usually the cutlery drawer in the kitchen is deep enough to accommodate a second level.
Use sliders inside the cupboards to work as a drawer. We found sliders at a thrift shop and bolted a modified dishpan (to hold bigger kitchen utensils) to fit in the lower cupboard in the kitchen.
So, where do you hang it?
Hooks are our friends. It’s amazing how many keys you need—hooks on a board work really well.
The Scotch brand commander hooks are absolutely unbeatable. They come in any size you want, they attach to anything, anywhere, and they come off with no marks. Mind you, watch your fingers because the snap they come off with can hurt.
The rod we put across the over-the-cab bed works well to hang outside clothes or those odd things that need to be hung up to dry.
One friend of mine made a couple rows of pockets that she attached to the walls above the windows in the bedroom. They hold all the little stuff you don’t know what to do with.
Twice is nice
The microwave doubles well as a bread box.
Pans sitting on pieces of anti-skid shelf lining sit securely on the racks in the oven.
Everyone I know uses their bath/shower enclosures for storage. Ours holds the laundry hamper, a dishpan for dirty dishes that get washed when the pan is full and extra water containers we use for drinking water.
Living space laws:
- Whatever you want to do, your partner already thought of it and got there first.
- When you want to change what you’re doing, you need to put everything away before you start something new.
- You need to have a personal space.
Spending 24/7 in a limited space with the same person can be crazy-making. Sometimes you feel like you don’t even have your own thoughts. Somehow, if you are going to survive, you need to claim your own space (this is often evolved rather than assigned). You need to learn when to let your partner have the space and “go for a walk.”
The dining area is traditionally my computer workspace but we have put in a lift-up table in the bedroom for a second desk.
The outside is important. The add-on room gives us separate spaces and Fred tends to busy himself with outside work whenever he can.
Remember—you don’t need to take everything—there are always paper plates, laundromats, and Wal-Mart.
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What if you can’t become a full-timer?
There are nothing but positives in considering your RVing lifestyle
Each RVer has their own needs and wants when it comes to their favourite lifestyle...or passtime.—Photo courtesy of Lynne Benjamin
Okay, so not everybody wants to live in their RV full-time, giving up their home and squeezing all of the worldly belongings into a 36-foot fifth wheel or motorhome. Just because some of us think that is like going to heaven, we have to accept that others shudder at the thought of it. It doesn’t make either party right or wrong.
RVing is many things to many people. It may mean spending every warm, summer weekend exploring the local countryside, doing a little fishing and relaxing. Others spend their vacation time in an RV at their favourite lake with their family and friends. Many people I know use their RV to take extended trips across the country in the summer months or explore southern United States during our cold Canadian winters.
These people still have a regular home to return to at the end of their journey and although most have enjoyed their RV experience they are happy to return to their familiar routine and home.
The best of both worlds
By not living in their RV full-time, these RVers don’t have to worry about downsizing and getting rid of a lifetime of memories. Nor do they have to leave their family or friends for extended periods of time except on their short trips. They can lock the door of their home and it will be waiting for them when they return. It may be a little dusty but all of their stuff will be waiting for them to enjoy.
There is no need to arrange for long term mail service, there are no legal issues regarding where they reside, and there is a place to return to in the event of an emergency. It’s not a bad thing to have these benefits.
Choice of RV
By not having to live in their RV, the RVer does not have to be as fussy about things like storage space, size of the unit, type of unit or reliability. If you are only taking it down the road to the lake it doesn’t need to have all of those extra bells and whistles full-timers think they need.
No options
Sometimes, although we would love to become full-time RVers, it may not be possible due to health, finances or personal circumstances. It doesn’t mean we have to give up RVing completely. We can take advantage of what we can do and enjoy it to the best of our ability. Maybe we can’t have a big motorhome to travel across the country in, but it might be possible to purchase a van or small trailer. It may not have all the amenities but it still gives us the option of staying at home or being able to RV. I personally would rather be in a small trailer or van checking out the backroads than staying at home because I can’t have a big, fancy RV.
It’s up to the individual
We may have dreams of travelling full-time or we may not, and it’s perfectly okay either way. It comes down to the individual and what their wants are, and what makes it right for them. As long as they are enjoying themselves and their RV, that is what is really important. Happy travels everyone, and enjoy the summer.
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Stay and be rejuvenated: Gallery
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Stay and be rejuvenated
Find out why Fountain of Youth Spa is a favourite among snowbirds
Enter the FOY spa and be amazed.—photo courtesy of Marguerite Breda
Hot mineral springs were discovered in 1938 by construction workers who noticed how much better they felt after soaking in the springs. Decades later they were rediscovered by RVers who came to Southern California for the warm winters. J.T. Trily and Frank Domeno—men with vision—turned this piece of desert into a spa.
The Fountain of Youth Spa, better known as FOY, is a sprawling luxury resort. People come from all over the world to enjoy the steam rooms and pools—two for swimming, three with jets and three hot spring mineral spas.
The resort fills nearly 1,000 spaces with fifth wheels, campers, motorhomes, manufactured homes or park models, and the occasional tent. Both dry camping and luxury sites are available. All the sites are terraced, and most have a view of the Salton Sea. The Chocolate Mountains in the background provide contrast; the sunsets are spectacular.
Coming back for more
During the course of our visit, we heard a familiar story; a couple had spent one or two nights here, liked it, and returned the following year for a week. This longer stay was even more enjoyable and so they decided to come back for a month. Later, they stayed for the season and now they return every year. This tale was repeated by so many people that we began to wonder if it was rehearsed. But no, it proved to be true. The other commonality is that most everyone wore the same thing—a large contented grin.
The list of activities on offer is staggering. There is something going on all the time. The hobbyist, craftsperson, sport or health seeker, socializer, entertainer or just plain layabout can each find their favourite pastime. Quilting seems to be enjoyed by many and the quilts are either donated to local hospitals, sold at the craft fair or made for personal use. Other handiwork is taught or shared by the talented residents.
Sports include water aerobics led by a 102-year-young lady named Katie. Yes folks, she is 102, and also recites poems at the Tuesday Night Talent (TNT) show. The TNT show has music, skits, dancing and other performances by residents. There is so much talent within the park that they must rotate the performers. The daredevil in you can even join an ATV club.
The layabout, however, has his work cut out for him, as most days are sunny and he must stretch out in his lawn chair, watch the world go by, sip a cool one, maybe read a little, catch a few z’s . . . you get the idea. Tough life.
A warm welcome
Another reason so many people return year after year is the family-type interaction between the guests, staff, volunteers and workampers. They watch out for one another without being intrusive. There is a singles group here, so come alone, coupled or with friends.
Other features include buildings for entertainment (both local and imported), church services, Internet, laundry, ask-a-nurse, massage therapy, bocce and tennis courts, horseshoes, shuffleboard, billiards, beauty salon, library, outdoor barbecue, hiking, dog park, art, an outdoor fruit and vegetable market twice a week, an activities director who can also set up tours to the casino, Palm Springs events and even cruises. New ideas are welcomed. Oops, I almost forgot Freddy’s Fountain. This café is small with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is varied; we lunched on quesadillas and hamburgers. Fresh pastries and upside-down cake were also available but we resisted. Food is served quickly, it is delicious and comes with a smile.
Although parts of the spa are more than 45 years old, these sections are well maintained and have seen many upgrades. The newer sections are dazzling. The daughters of the founders (who now manage the facility), have lived up to the motto first established in 1966: “provide a clean, active and fun-filled facility.” We certainly found this to be the case.
Directions
From Los Angeles or Blythe take I 10 to Highway 86 expressway south (Brawley/El Centro.) Turn right onto Avenue 62 and left onto Highway 111 South. Drive 30 minutes. Turn left at the billboard to the resort.
From San Diego or Yuma, take Interstate 8 to El Centro and right onto 86 north to Brawley. In Brawley go north on Hwy 111, pass through Niland to the billboard, turn right, follow the road to the resort sign and turn right to the resort.
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The RV route to Everest: Gallery
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The RV route to Everest
These international travellers took an RV journey to a surprising location
The sign marking the 4,000-metre-high entrance to the Qomolangma Nature Preserve is festooned with prayer flags.—Photo courtesy of Harriet Halkyard
We had already driven through North America from California to Newfoundland, and taken our RV on a 99-day trip to Panama and back. We now wanted to drive to Mount Everest.
We rented a motorhome in Yunnan Province, (located in southern China, a couple hundred miles from Vietnam), and headed north. Thousands of rice paddies—some only a yard wide with little dykes trampled by generations of feet—stepped up the hillsides. We crossed sweeping valleys of soft sugar cane that made up a crazy patchwork of innumerable greens; each terrace marked with nodding sunflowers.
One afternoon, after hours of bone-jarring cobble roads under drooping bamboo, our driver’s cell phone rang. His ring tone was, “It’s a small, small world.”
When I saw wriggling larvae as big as my thumb for sale beside bananas and horse meat in the market, I was glad to be a vegetarian. But there were peanuts, fresh vegetables and fruits available as well. Walking way back to the rig I spied a couple of women scraping the skin off freshly boiled new potatoes. They smiled and waved at me to sit down on a six-inch stool between them. I was immediately rewarded with a hot potato and had found friends.
National Route 214 is a main interstate between Yunnan and Tibet, so we didn’t think it could be too difficult. Wrong! The motorhome wheels knocked rocks into cloud-filled canyons a thousand feet deep. The scenery was dramatic and worth every minute of anguish. We later learned that Lonely Planet and the official Chinese website described the road as “the most beautiful and most perilous in the world.”
A traditional route
The road was originally carved out of the mountains to accommodate Tibetan traders who wanted tea in exchange for their sturdy little horses. It is called the Tea-Horse route and later became part of the lower Silk. A horse would have been ideal; we had a motorhome.
For a week we climbed over passes and through valleys of the most varied terrain imaginable. At times furry fingers of bamboo penetrated the undergrowth on rocky cliffs that were too steep for crops, or we looked up at ghostly shadows of pine trees against a grey sky. At particularly perilous corners, faded prayer flags hung limp in the mist across the road or wrapped around boulders.
Above the tree line, the mountains were stark and bare where they brushed the pearl blue sky. Their colour varied from rust to grey to rich purple and then, where there was enough sediment for plants to take hold, they were tinged with green. It was as though God had not put enough green paint on his brush but instead concentrated on the richness of the blue heavens above.
The reverent pilgrimage
Pilgrims have been coming to Tibet for 1,300 years. Now most of them fly, many ride the celebrated new train, a few drive and hundreds walk.
Two hundred and fifty miles east of Lhasa we came across the first group of pilgrims on their way to the Tibet’s holiest shrine; Jokhang Temple. The men and women had a block of wood strapped to each hand that they clapped together over their head, again in front of their chest and then hit the ground with them sliding forward until they were prostrate. They then walked to where their hands had been and repeated the cycle. It became a rhythm as the pilgrims covered the length of the road with bodies.
It takes an effort to climb the hundreds of steps to the Portola as the air is thin at 3,600 meters. The palace is a living complex with thousands of rooms and as many worshippers winding through a maze of narrow corridors. Pilgrims add yak butter to the flaming dishes in front of the statues and push bank notes through the grills protecting their favorite Buddha.
But we still had not reached Mount Everest, known locally as Qomolangma.
As we continued to climb the Himalayan foothills we were surrounded by bare hills with hardly an essence of grass. Shepherds with heads wrapped against the wind, sun and sand showed only dark sparkling eyes. Craggy grey peaks cast us into shadow in the middle of the day until we were suddenly faced with a range of snow covered mountains shining in the afternoon sun.
We had driven the RV as close to Mount Everest as possible so we pulled off the road and parked. As the sun sank it lit the great Qomolangma with a tinge of pink. We sat mesmerized. Within twenty minutes the sun had tanned us through our clothes, but then it was gone and we were suddenly cold.
We camped there alone at three miles high, on top of the world, looking at Everest through our motorhome window—eating noodles.
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The stones make the story
The greenish-coloured rocks around Flin Flon hint at the minerals below
Limestone is composed mostly of calcium carbonate.—Photo by Hannes Grobe
Flin Flon’s nickname, The City Built On Rock, is as much a literal statement as a figurative one. This town has a rich mining history, thanks to the minerals found in the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt. HudBay Minerals Inc. currently operates two copper and zinc mines in Flin Flon.
From both sides now
Geographically speaking, Flin Flon is unusual because the city straddles the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. As one of only two border communities in Canada, roughly 300 of Flin Flon’s 6,200 residents live in Saskatchewan. The rest call Manitoba home.
Visitors to Flin Flon who are wanting to spend time outdoors while exploring local geology can check out the local hiking trails. There is a series of limestone caverns located close to Denare Beach, a 20-minute drive from Flin Flon. At nearly two billion years old, the surrounding Precambrian rocks are remnants from the earth’s formation.
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A fertile environment
Niland celebrates its agricultural history with the popular annual Tomato Festival
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Named after the fertile Egyptian region of the Nile, due to it's similar climate, Niland is home to the annual Tomato Festival held in February. Farmers come out and showcase their goods and the festival has built up an established base as it has been a yearly event for decades.
Over a weekend, Niland is transformed into carnival atmosphere complete with food and games, vendors and a parade.
Live music, pancake breakfasts and the ever-popular tomato packing contest are just a few things people can take in.
Niland, near the southern edge of the Salton Sea, used to be the premiere farming community for tomatoes, producing the majority of the nation's tomatoes—but it died down in the latter half of the 20th century.
Resource: http://nilandchamber.org/
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Celebrate in style
Grito de Independencia celebrations are a classic El Centro attraction
El Centro knows how to throw a great party.—photo courtesy of El Centro Parks and Recreation
If you're heading down to southern California near the end of September, be sure to swing by the city of El Centro and check out the taco cook-off during the Grito de Independencia celebrations.
Roughly 20 contestants made up of individuals, organizations and restaurants will battle throughout the evening to curry the favour of a judges panel with their culinary masterpieces on September 18.
In addition to the cook-off attraction, local bands and vendors will be out in force as the event usually draws a crowd of roughly 3,000.
Originally a stand-alone event that began when the city celebrated it's centennial in 2007, budgetary issues have forced the cook-off to be held simultaneously with the Grito de Independencia, the celebration of the declaration of Mexican independence from Spain.
"It's been such a huge success and huge thing for the community, we decided to continue it," said Kristie Riester, director of El Centro Parks and Recreation.
With Hispanics making up 85 per cent of the population and the Mexican border just a few miles away, celebrating the Grito de Independencia is just another excuse to party. Local mariachi bands, singers and flamenco dancers will entertain the throngs, which attracts up to 8,000 people and combining the event with the taco cook-off just made sense, said Riester.
The city is located in the Imperial Valley and attracts tourists looking to off-road driving adventures in the nearby Algodones sand dunes.
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B.C. Author brings Canadian Rockies gold rush to life
Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak is now being promoted in Chapters stores throughout Calgary, Alberta
—Photo courtesy of Keith Powell
Gold rushes have played an important role in the development of the Canadian Rockies. Much is known about the Yukon and Cariboo gold rushes, but the Wild Horse Creek gold rush in the Canadian Rockies is in many ways one of the forgotten gold rushes of the west.
Buried in the Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, Montana, pioneer and prospector Jack Fisher has long been forgotten too. That is until now—because a new historical novel, Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak by Keith G. Powell, explores the Kootenay gold rush of 1864. This event spurred the extension of the Dewdney Trail beyond Hope through the West Kootenay to the banks of Wild Horse Creek near Fort Steele, B.C. Fisher Peak, one of the tallest peaks in the lower half of the Canadian Rockies—standing at 9,336 feet—was named after Jack Fisher.
Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak, which has proven to be a Kootenay bestseller, tells the true-to-life story of Jack Fisher who was one of the west’s most colourful (and long forgotten) characters. The story of his adventurous life is captured vividly in this historical novel. The book is 176 pages and contains more than twenty historical photos.
One reviewer writes about Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak:
“This engaging historical novel was written by local publisher and author Keith Powell. It tells a story of the riveting adventures had by Jack Fisher, the prospector for whom Fisher Peak was named. In his quest for gold, 16-year-old Fisher (originally from Philadelphia) set off across the Midwest to improve his quality of life and find wealth in California. His tireless drive to emerge from a life of poverty led him eventually to Wild Horse Creek in Kootenay country, attesting to the motivation and courage of this young man. Readers will empathize with the ups and downs endured throughout Fisher’s extensive trek, where his triumphant success later took a tragic turn for the worse. In reading a novel such as this, one gets a sense of the hardships endured in the 1800s by those who were struck with “gold fever,” and refused to give up on their dreams. It is a truly inspiring read, and it's clear that there was significant historical research put into its creation. The tale is woven in an entertaining manner, one which any reader can relate to and enjoy.”
Through his own publishing company, Wild Horse Creek Press, author Keith G. Powell’s new historical novel is now available at Chapters in Calgary. The author will be doing a book signing on Friday, August 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Chapters in Crowfoot Shopping Centre, 6 to 9 p.m. at Chapters in Chinook Centre, and Saturday, August 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Chapters in Shawnessy.
A sample of the book is available for review. The author is also available for questions or an interview. For more information, call 250-417-4711.
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An eclectic blend
Musical revelations abound at the Calgary Folk Fest
Michael Franti brings the crowd to its feet while he's well off them during his finale while children from the audience join him in the dance on stage.—Courtesy Calgary Folk Music Festival/Melanie Boisvert
Full disclosure: I am a volunteer for the Calgary Folk Music Festival (CFMF) as one of the writers for the program, so I may be a little biased. But all disclaimers aside, CFMF is one of the best outdoor summer music festivals in the history of everything.
Full disclosure: I haven’t been to any other outdoor summer music festivals.
However, CFMF is a tradition for me that goes back at least a decade. Almost every year, I make the trek to Prince’s Island Park in the heart of the city for four days of delicious food, frenzied dancing at funky side stages, catching up with my college friends in the beer garden and sweet, sweet music. The festival has taken place on the last weekend in July for 31 years, and by all reports this was the best year yet. Personally, I agree.
What’s not to like? This year’s lineup included 67 artists, from recording legends Ian Tyson and Roberta Flack to up-and-coming local artists Dojo Workhorse and soon-to-be-famous Delhi 2 Dublin. The latter’s tracks sound like what would happen if India and Ireland met at a nightclub for chicken vindaloo and pints of Guiness, fell in love and had beautiful babies. Imagine Bhangra rhythms, Celtic fiddle, reggae and a relentless beat, and you begin to approach this band. Another unlikely group was Etran Finatawa—five musicians from Niger whose members are from the Wodaabe and Touareg tribes who live in the pitiless Sahara Desert. The two tribes frequently clash over water and land, so for them to come together to create a truly new blend of their cultural sounds was a miracle in itself. The music is transformative.
The weekend provided several other revelations. I am now fully obsessed with the Avett Brothers with their alt-bluegrass sounds. Listen just once to I and Love and You and I think you’ll see what I mean. Canadian punk-country darling, Corb Lund, was one of the highlights of the festival. And while he shone in the mainstage show late Saturday night, his unguarded moments on the side stages when he was jamming with Tyson and other artists were the best.
One of the wonderful traditions of the Calgary Folk Fest are the Sunday morning gospel stages, when several artists jam playing old gospel and soul and creating music you’ll never hear again. This year’s gospel stage was hosted by David Essig, Linda Tillery & the Cultural Heritage Choir, Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens and Shakura S’Aida. Shelton and S’Aida, in particular, we’re absolutely glorious—especially with the expert backing of Essig and the Cultural Heritage Choir. When they were preaching in song, your religious background didn’t matter a whit—we were all believers that morning. In the 30°C heat, I had shivers going up and down my spine.
This year’s event brought Michael Franti and Spearhead back to the mainstage. Franti is beloved by Calgary audiences who were greatly disappointed when he had to pull out of last year’s festival—though he was quickly forgiven when it was revealed that only a life-threatening ruptured appendix prevented him from attending. Festival attendees are mesmerized by the dreadlocked troubadour, who blends funk, hip hop and reggae with lyrics that reveal a profound social conscience. Franti brought the house down by bringing the crowd to its feet for the full set. He is all love—the musician who is known for playing soccer with kids by the side of the stage or dropping in on other stages to jam with emerging artists showed his heart again by moving into the crowd to perform and inviting all the children to join him on stage for a final song dance-fest.
This I can say without bias: the event is well managed, the artist choices are brilliant and the side stages that put different performers together for one-of-a-kind musical moments are inspired. The island is well treed, so shade is always available. The volunteers are involved, committed, delighted to be there and among the best I have ever seen. And the weekend is unforgettable. I hope to see you there next year.
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Yogurt and pesto salmon
Choose foods that are simple, easy and good for you
Salmon is a healthy protein that is low in calories.—photo courtesy of News Canada
(NC)—When we're faced with the task of preparing dinner at the end of a busy day, the prerequisite is making something fast and easy. Unfortunately, when things are hectic, meeting the recommended daily intake (RDI) of any vitamins and minerals is not as important as satisfying pangs of hunger.
Salmon is a healthy and readily available protein that is low in calories and saturated fats. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and known to help prevent cancer cell growth. It is essential to eat these acids because they cannot be made by your body. Similarly, calcium cannot be manufactured by the body so it is up to the individual to consume enough of it through food and supplements to maintain strong bones and prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
Yogurt and pesto salmon is a delicious recipe that is both easy and healthy, providing your body with omega-3 fatty acids and calcium.
Yogurt and pesto salmon
Serves: 4
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 750 g (1 1/2 lb) salmon filets or steaks
Marinade
- 250 mL (1 cup) Yoplait Asana Plain
- 30 mL (2 tbsp) pesto
- 30 mL (2 tbsp) lemon juice
- 3 shallots, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
In a bowl, combine ingredients for the marinade. Set aside.
Place the salmon filets or steaks in an oven-ready dish. Add the marinade. Mix well. If time permits, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours (optional).
Cover with aluminium foil and bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve with a salad and steamed vegetables.
Yoplait Asana contains three complementary ingredients: calcium, vitamin D and milk basic protein (MBP™). This protein is an innovative dairy ingredient that can reduce the activity of cells responsible for bone destruction and increase cell activity involved in bone formation. One serving (175 g) of plain Yoplait Asana provides 40 per cent of the RDI of calcium, twice as much calcium than most regular yogourts.
More information and more calcium-rich recipes are available online at www.yoplaitasana.com.
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Fresh food and family fun
Lonsdale Quay Market provides gourmet fare and activities galore
Lonsdale Quay Market welcomes visitors to enjoy the local wares.—Photo by Andrew Klaver
Originating as a carnival marketplace for Expo ’86, Lonsdale Quay Market is now one of North Vancouver’s most popular venues.
The fresh food market section features culinary sensations that include fresh seafood caught daily, baked goods, handmade sweets, award-winning products, specialty B.C. wines and much more.
The international food court showcases authentic cuisine from all over the world, and offers an all-day breakfast. The market also has two restaurants on its second level, and the deluxe Boutique Hotel & Spa with a waterfront lounge.
“The market caters to visitors and locals alike,” said Sonja Zoeller, marketing assistant. “There is always something going on . . . and no two visits provide the same feeling. Because of the beautiful waterfront setting, even a coffee and a freshly baked muffin on the plaza turns into a relaxing experience of its own.”
On your way through, check out the unbeatable skyline view from the “Q” Tower.
As if this isn’t enough, there are specialty shops throughout the market, a renovated children’s play area, local art displays and a seasonal farmers market.
“People can meet the person who created what they are buying,” said Zoeller, “(The market) is . . . an anchor in the community, providing free, family-friendly entertainment throughout the year.”
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Delve into the Thousand Palm Oasis
The Coachella Valley Preserve had many wonders in store
The giant palms make for a lush tropical scene.—photo by Lynn Jackart
The early morning sun beat down; we were looking for forests of giant palm trees north of Highway 10 between Palm Springs and Indio, California. Up ahead we could see a group of palm trees looking out of place in the flat dry desert. We kept driving and spotted a parking lot by the side of the road; the sign read “The Coachella Valley Preserve.” It was a short walk to the preserve.
Once in the forest of the desert fan palms, the temperature dropped 10 degrees. The giant palms were in their natural state with huge skirts covering their trunks. These giants were 150 to 250 years old and were magnificent, standing straight and tall the as sun glinted off the green fronds. They were thriving in this dry barren desert of the Coachella Valley.
Nestled amongst the trunks of the trees was a visitor centre, an old log house with furniture and utensils dating back to the turn of the century. The centre was filled with old photographs and maps of the oasis. A self guided tour was encouraged and we wandered the trails marveling at the greatness of the trees.
The making of an oasis
The Coachella Preserve is 20,000 acres—17,000 acres make up the Thousand Palms Oasis, which is situated along one of the San Andreas Fault lines which run through the Coachella Valley. These fault lines stop water from flowing underground and push the water to the surface. Here, vegetation is lush and green, ponds are formed and an oasis is created.
Many species of birds live here such as sparrows, quail and wrens. The endangered fringe-toed lizard thrives in the dunes that are also formed by the fault lines. We took a walk along the wide trails and saw jackrabbits and many lizards. The lizards scurried as we passed, unseen until they moved.
The thick skirt of thatch on the palm trees is a perfect hideaway for many living creatures. I could only guess what lives underneath the dense growth such as spiders, snakes, rodents and bats. These cool places are a perfect refuge from the hot sun and predators.
We walked the trails from one grove of palms to the other, the change in temperature went from hot to cool, greenery to dried sagebrush and rock to sand. The extremes were evident and it was amazing what water can do in the desert.
As we drove away we noticed more stands of palms and the distinct line of the San Andreas Fault across the desert floor. We had found our forests of palm trees and they were in plain sight.
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Good, bad and . . . bizarre: Gallery
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Good, bad and . . . bizarre
After a decade of reluctance, Lynne Benjamin finally experiences Slab City
Slab City vehicles are decorated in innovative ways.—Photo courtesy of Lynne Benjamin
For almost 10 years we had heard about The Slabs or Slab City (as it is called) and for almost 10 years we avoided staying there.
But when our friends Diane and Andy said how much they enjoyed their time there, we thought we might as well give it a shot.
Slab City is situated about three miles outside Niland, California, on an old military installation—Camp Dunlap—that was built during the second World War and abandoned shortly after. It may be the time of year or just the time of man, but everything around there—the buildings, the desert, many of the people—gives the impression of being worn out, burned out and/or abandoned.
In 1946, everyone and everything that could be moved was taken over to Camp Pendleton, California. So now we have a section of desolate land (one square mile) with nothing on it but the occasional water tank or bunker that couldn’t be sold or moved and a collection of concrete slabs where more than 30 buildings used to be— thus the name Slab City or The Slabs.
We followed Diane and Andy’s directions and found Ray Hound Road. Chili Bob, Mary and Rich were there with a very welcoming evening fire.
“Would you like me to take you on a tour?” asked Chili Bob.
No rules, no fees
Despite its name, Slab City is nothing like an official city. In fact, part of the attraction is that there are no rules and no fees—so they say.
The first place Bob took us was the main library. The woman who started the library died and is buried right there in the front yard.
Next we went out to Gopher Flats, the 18-hole golf course next to the military bombing range. Each (gopher) hole is marked with a red flag. It is reputed to be quite a challenging course.
Bob was going to take us out to the mud volcanoes but we had been out there last year. Instead we visited the Queen of the Slabs and her daily yard and tool sale. Many, many of the folks who stay out on the Slabs have pets—especially dogs—and like most living things, pets die. There is a pet cemetery dedicated to the memories of these treasured friends and I was told that there may be some human ashes there as well—people who wanted to spend eternity with their best friends.
It’s interesting how communities evolve and how various social conventions develop. Selected sections are cordoned off—some with yellow tape, some with old tires outlining the perimeter and some where you are simply made to feel uncomfortable if you are not part of the group. Still others have signs posted—for example, the area where the LOW’s (Loners on Wheels) stay; another where they call themselves Escapees; others where people with ATVs gather; and still others for naturalists who reject the use of generators. There is one area that has been tagged Poverty Flats; another is called Beverly Hills. Almost every form and description of housing exists. Dwellings constructed from recycled, rejected materials stand beside motorhomes valued at close to three-quarters of a million dollars.
There are two separate music stages, two libraries, a church, a café and various businesses, including a solar sales shop.
A vibrant destination
If it stands still long enough, it will have graffiti on it, be decorated or painted (usually with some startling colour of donated paint).
The Oasis is one such gathering place. This is the place where a bunch from our group goes to have breakfast and play poker once a week. The trailer that sat out front used to be white but someone donated some cans of paint and just before we left it became interesting shades of pink, lavender and yellow.
You can't say the folks are not creative—where else would you see vehicles decorated with absolutely everything imaginable?
The most famous construction at Slab City is Salvation Mountain, which stands on your right just before you get to the entrance to Slab City. It has been featured in a number of documentaries as well as the movie Into the Wild, and is resident Leonard Knight’s artistic tribute to his Christian faith. There are always vehicles parked and people walking up to see the mountain.
Our stay there was fascinating and an experience I wouldn’t have missed for the world. But now we’re off to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to stalk the elusive desert wildflowers.
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Venturing north from Texas
The desert wildlife is just one reason to tour the fantastic southern deserts.—photo courtesy of Anthony F. and Marguerite Breda
Winter Texans have a number of routes north to choose from. San Antonio is an excellent place to begin your sightseeing. Two or three nights here would only scratch the surface. There are many RV parks near Sea World and Fiesta, Texas. Stroll along the River Walk or sit at an outdoor café and watch the world float by. Go over to the Alamo, the Shrine of Texas independence. Be sure to take your hat off. This is a shrine and Texans take this site seriously.
Head west on I-10 to Fort Stockton, which was a favourite rest stop on the Comanche Trail to Chihuahua, San Antonio and El Paso. The Butterfield Mail Express went this way. The fort was garrisoned by Buffalo soldiers from 1867 to 1886. It was a tough life for these troops. The visitor centre and museum bring you back to that time.
Back on I-10 to El Paso and a glimpse of life on a border town. El Paso is the home of Fort Bliss and is a huge US Army training base, the northern boundary of which stretches well into New Mexico. The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are well worth the stop here.
Winter Texans can avoid El Paso and head north into New Mexico on TX54 at Van Horn through Guadalupe Mountains National Park. In New Mexico, take the US180/62 to Carlsbad Caverns. These underground caves are an exhilarating experience.
Mystery and history
Continue on US285 to Roswell to investigate the Roswell UFO incident that occurred in July of 1947. Was it a UFO from outer space, like the locals say, or was it the debris from a high altitude surveillance balloon as the government claims? It is still a mystery.
Continue north on NM20 to Old Fort Sumner. The fort was established 1863 for the internment of Apache Indians and was closed in 1868. Nearby is the Bosque Redondo Memorial, dedicated to the thousands of Native Americans who died during the “Long Walk” in 1860. It was here at Fort Sumner in 1881, that the notorious outlaw, Billy the Kid, was killed. His grave is located in the old fort. Fort Sumner is also the spring and fall home of the Columbia Scientific Balloon facility.
NM20 will take you to I-40 West and back to US285 North to US25, and on to Sante Fe, which is a pretty city with a number of beautiful campgrounds and spectacular views from the high ground surrounding the city.
When you finally arrive home, you should feel good about knowing you have added to your knowledge of history and nature.
Author's note:
There are many roads that will take you to these attractions, depending on your exact starting location and the type of road you prefer to use. The routes we chose were suitable for a 34-foot fifth wheel RV. In all cases, given the time of year, it is recommended that you call ahead to ensure that the roads are passable.
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Driving to Panama: Gallery
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RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van
Learn about economic RVing in this engaging travel memoir
—Photo courtesy Barb Rees
Barb and Dave Rees didn’t allow limited funds stop them from travelling. In 2007 they took a four-month, 19,962-kilometre working holiday—climbing over the Rocky Mountains in Boo (the van with an attitude)—to experience the Maritimes. Their goal of experiencing the maritimes led to Barb authoring RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van.
The book lets you stand with the Rees on an isolated beach in Newfoundland surrounded by Arctic alpine flowers. Readers can learn about travelling economically, having a working vacation and finding tourism offices, boondocking spots and sani-dumps.
“I found RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van inspiring,” said Jaimie Hall, author of Support Your RV Lifestyle. “(It was) always upbeat in spite of moments when Boo breaks down or money is getting tight. Barb reminds us to appreciate all the wonderful things and people around us. It is also a model for RV travel.”
Barb lives in Powell River where, as a Métis travel writer and speaker, she coaches writers. Purchase RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van online by visiting www.write2dream.com or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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Driving to Panama
Potential snowbirds, your balmy winter dream can become a reality
The cloud forests of Costa Rica are mystical with flowers and bromeliads growing from the trees and occasionally falling to the ground beside you. Montiverdi Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.—Photo courtesy of Harriet Halkyard
Have you dreamed of sitting in front of your RV on a Caribbean beach? This dream can become a reality this winter if you head south like we did.
On the east side of the Yucatan Peninsula is Belize—the northernmost country in Central America. Many people know that it is an English speaking country with coral reefs, but not so well known are the sacrificial limestone caves. We sat in inner tubes and drifted into caves around stalagmites and stalactites carved with the features of ancient idols. Two thousand years ago, Mayan woman came here to make sacrifices at little fires and then smashed the pots to release the spirits in the hopes that their wish to become pregnant would be granted.
Through the jungle canopy
Continuing southeast we drove into Guatemala and visited one of the largest of the Mayan temples at Tikal. Some RVers have dry-camped in the parking lot and tell stories of waking up to the screech of monkeys climbing the jungle overhead. We camped elsewhere as we had our dog with us, but we did climb to the top of a temple that offered magnificent views of other temples rising through the jungle canopy. We also watched the locals who still come to light small fires and pay homage as their ancestors have done for centuries.
Further south in Quetzaltenango, in the Guatemalan highlands, we lived with a family and took a total immersion Spanish course. Five hours of one-on-one instruction and full food and board only cost about $175 US a week. You can hardly stay at home for that price! Being immersed in the culture was special and we thoroughly enjoyed going to the market with the family. We took excursions in our motorhome up winding pine-lined roads to colourful market towns like Chichicastenango, where locals sold their woven fabrics alongside bananas, masks, flowers and goats.
Lush greenery
We left the light frost of the Guatemalan Highlands and headed to the tropical lowlands. We drove down gentle gradients with grassy slopes dotted with trees that added rich emerald patches of shadow. Green hills faded into soft blue ridges in the distance that melted into sky. As we descended it became hotter and humid. The coffee groves gave way to corn and tobacco, which in turn yielded to sugar cane and bananas.
The Caribbean coast of Honduras is full of history and pirate stories, tropical fruit and beaches with the occasional coconut palm leaning towards the silver sand. We parked our rig for free behind the Christopher Columbus hotel, next to the airstrip Ollie North built in Trujillo. The beach was deserted and clean with lounge chairs waiting in the shade of palapas where we enjoyed the best piňa coladas in Central America. The locals claim Trujillo is where Christopher Columbus limped ashore with a ship badly damaged after hitting the coral reef, making this the first place he touched on the mainland of America. The Spanish shipped gold home from here when they could get it past the British buccaneers.
Exploring the communities
We walked the couple of kilometres into town. People were milling about the square sucking frozen juice from bags a local entrepreneur was selling from a battered cooler. There was a small market and a church with the date 1525 engraved in the stone.
We could have lingered but we had our hearts set on reaching the Panama Canal and we had Nicaragua and Costa Rica to cross first. Distances are short—all seven countries of Central America could almost fit into British Columbia twice—however road conditions required us to drive slowly.
Costa Rica is worthy of its reputation as an eco-destination. We watched volcanoes dribbling hot lava, swam in pristine streams, hot and cold. We meandered through rain forests under orchids and bromeliads and over bridges strung across canyons so we looked down on the jungle. On one occasion we got completely lost driving a damp dirt side road that sliced through the ultimate jungle that reached so high it was as though the clumps of green at the top were in a different world.
Onward to Panama
Panama was our ultimate goal and we cheered as we crossed the Bridge of the Americas. Imagine our excitement when we secured our passage through the Canal for free. We inquired at the Balboa Yacht Club if there were any boats needing line handlers as we knew each yacht must have four in order to make the transit. A couple of days later we were sailing through the Canal, occasionally leaping up to secure the yacht to a tug or other craft when we reached a lock. It took us twelve hours to transit the Canal and an hour and a half by taxi back to our motorhome.
The next day sitting under a palm tree on the Caribbean I had to turn down a fisherman because the lobster he offered was too big for any pot on our rig!
For more information, visit our website.
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Meet the Samsons
Ron and Denise Samson are a long way from home
This Class A Cameo Carriage has taken the Samsons across North America in style—Photo by Kali Love
Ron and Denise Samson are seasoned RVers and they are enjoying their first glimpse of the B.C. Rockies.
Where are you from?
We are from Ontario.
How long have you been RVing?
We have been RVing for 13 or 14 years. We have been all over the southern and western United States, we have covered Newfoundland and we are working our way across Canada. Essentially we have been all over Canada, we are coming back over the northern United States because we haven’t done them yet.
How long have you been travelling for?
We have been gone about a month and we have about two and a half months to go.
What kind of RV do you own?
This is a Cameo made by Carriage. It is a 36-foot triple slide RV.
Do you have a favourite destination?
Every trip is special. The 100-day California trip was special and we fell in love with the desert. In Newfoundland we fell in love with the ocean and this year we are falling in love with the mountains.
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First timers
Herb Lane and Marie Wirth are spending their first month of RVing in B.C.
This couple has found their second home in their Class A motorhome—Photo by Kali Love
Herb Lane, Marie Wirth and their two dogs, Cookie and Oreo, have been in B.C. for almost a month and have enjoyed their first RV trip immensely. From Williams Lake and Cache Creek to Quesnel and now Cranbrook, Wirth and Lane have had an amazing month.
Is this your first time in B.C.?
Herb: I was up to Cold Lake, Alberta, with the military, but years and years ago. They have a military base up there but I am out of the military now—they booted me out because I am too damn good looking.
Where are you from?
Boise, Idaho.
What inspired you to go RVing?
Marie: He (Herb) retired in January and I retired in November. We bought our motorhome and we love it and our puppies love it. We are just out exploring, B.C. has some amazing provincial parks.
How long have you been on this trip?
We left Boise on June 21 and our puppies only have a visa for 30 days. So they have to be back in Idaho soon because that is all they are able to be out.
What kind of RV do you own?
This is a Class A Newmar Mountaineer 2000. We pull our Ford Explorer behind, which is one of the few of the Ford products that you are able to pull with all four wheels down. We have had fun with the kilometres and learning your money, and we would come back to Canada for sure.
Do you have plans for your next RV trip?
Maybe in the summer we will be back but when it snows we will head to Arizona.
Do you have any tips for other RVers?
I think we could almost become full timers. You have to watch your pennies and thank goodness for RV parks that are not expensive and places that have Wal-Mart.
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Bull riding, Disneyland and beating Big Mama
Rafting the Elk River can feel like several experiences in one wild trip
The ups and downs on the Elk River beat any day at the office.—Photo courtesy of Mountain High Adventures
I spent the day riding class 4 rapids through some gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery. Along the way, I went bull riding, visited Disneyland, hung around with Van Halen and was almost swept off my seat by Big Mama’s surprise. Oh, and I did a bit of cliff jumping to break up the monotony. How was your work day?
I’ve been wanting to raft the Elk River near the Canada-U.S. border in southeastern B.C. since Jon Knauf, the owner of Mountain High Rafting, told me about it following a wild ride on another East Kootenay river, the Bull. Knauf rafts both rivers: the Bull in the spring and the Elk in the summer. The Bull River is a full throttle ride with tight canyons and rapids named the Sandwich Maker and the Toilet Bowl—all the best rapids have names that come with a story—and it’s definitely a must-do on any adrenaline junkie’s checklist. But at the end of it, Knauf told me that for the full-meal deal, I had to spend a day on the Elk.
The Elk River is a relatively warm river; in the summer, the water can reach up to 20°C. I’ll admit that, wimp that I am, that was one of my main reasons for wanting to take the ride. However, I’ll redeem myself and retain my cool points by saying it was Knauf’s promise of a wild, tight canyon ride down class 4 rapids that really got my attention.
The Elk didn’t disappoint. After a steep walk down to the put-in site and a safety briefing by our intrepid guide, Mark Hatch, it was all hands on deck―six people to each raft plus one guide―and into the river. Hatch suggests we all take a moment to look around at the scenery that includes hoodoos, osprey nests and glacial rivers. Soon enough we’ll be busy with other things.
Here be dragon slayers
There’s an interesting thing that happens after the first set of rapids. Before you approach the burbling whitewater—dragon slayers at the front of the boat to be the first to tackle the monster—there is often doubt and trepidation for the first-timer. Even though we’ve been prepared for all eventualities―swim away from log jams, pull swimmers into the raft using their life jackets, dive safely across the raft in case of high-siding―there’s still that remaining bit of (let’s call it) instinct telling you that paddling into class 4 rapids is a ridiculous thing to be doing. But after you get that first full-on rush of water in the face while trying to dig your paddle into water but getting nothing but air, you are pumped. You are ready. And when you see those bad boys coming your way, you find yourself yelling uncharacteristically, “Yeah! Bring it! Bring it on!”
The first quarter of the trip was the training ground. Some class 2 to 3 rapids to get our bearing followed by an amazing lunch provided by Mug Shots Bistro from Fernie only left us hungry for the big, bad stuff in the tight Philips Canyon. You want the calories for this. It’s intense—deep bowls and whorls that bounce you around the raft while sudden 2-metre waves appear from nowhere to smack you in the face and tell you who’s boss. There’s a hairpin turn and a tight squeeze in the middle of the run that looks just like the curl on a surfer’s wave and you head directly for it. And, strangely, you’re laughing your fool head off as you paddle like mad to get there.
Alas. It was over far too quickly. However, there was a tasty dessert on the outer edge of the canyon. A bit of cliff jumping kept the heart going and gave us the chance to feel the pull of the river personally. It also allowed us the opportunity to appreciate the incredible beauty of the canyon that has been carved through the millennia.
Water play
From there, we got to play. We stood up to surf. Daring souls sat on the front of the raft and, with hands in the air, did the bull rider down the Disneyland rapids. There were no-holds-barred water fights with the other rafts. (Hint: Hatch told us the secret to winning was to claim victory first, regardless of who soaked who most.) Several of our team ditched their paddles to jump overboard in the swimming rapids. We rocked out on the Van Halen section but everyone concentrated all of their energy on the upcoming rapid: Big Mama. Let me tell you, Big Mama packs a wallop.
And then we’re done. Back on the bus. Exhausted but grinning from ear to ear.
Our group included young teens and grandparents. The most arduous part of the Elk River journey is the steep 120-metre walk down to the put-in site. From there, although you’re working to paddle the rafts to the point where the guides can steer you into the river’s sweet spots, Hatch assured us that he could take a group safely down the river without the power provided by the group’s oars. It’s just a better ride when you’re digging in to get there. However, if you’re not sure that you can make the journey down the hill, ask Knauf about the Bull River tour—every bit as thrilling and with just as many visual feasts along the way.
Mountain High Rafting also provides inflatable kayak trips for those who want to take the next bold step in whitewater addiction. It’s on my list.
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The auxillary switch mystery
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Boondocking
Carol Ann Quibell introduces you to the most adventurous aspect of RVing
Boondocking is a great way to bring even more adventure into your RVing experience.—Photo by Lolly Tyre
Boondocking means different things to different people, and if you are a serious RVer you probably have already tried or at least considered it. Stopping overnight in a shopping centre while travelling through an area is called dry camping, but long-term independent camping is considered to be true boondocking.
Dry camping, boondocking and independent parking all refer to camping with limited or no campground amenities such as power, sewer, water, cable TV or wired telephone.
For the most part it means that you camp in the wilderness, desert or other non-commercial location for free. I always like free, but before you head out into the forest for a week of unencumbered camping there are things that must be considered.
Most people feel that they can boondock in one location for at least a week without any problems. How do they do it?
Safety first
First, take into consideration where you are parking and how safe it is. Use some common sense and make sure you have permission or ensure you aren’t inconveniencing anyone else. Don’t let your concern for safety spoil your fun, but if you take a few precautions you shouldn’t have any problems.
Use the daylight to get all of your outside business taken care of—walking the dog or any maintenance that needs to be done on your RV. Don’t invite strangers into your RV and be alert to your surroundings.That doesn’t mean you have to sit up all night watching out the window; just be cautious.
Conserve your resources
Conservation is the most important aspect, since what resources you have with you shouldn’t be wasted. Starting out with a full fresh water tank and empty holding tanks will give you a good start on your boondocking excursion. Being careful with your water usage when doing dishes, brushing teeth, shaving, washing or flushing the toilet is the first start in becoming a true boondocker.
Don’t waste water, electricity or fuel. This advice is usually freely given by others more experienced, and should be listened to. When in doubt as to how to do something don’t be afraid to ask, since RVers are helpful people and will probably be more than willing to lend a hand.
Other than for a quick shower, you shouldn’t need to have your water heater turned on. Dishwater can be heated on a stove quickly and will probably ensure you don’t waste it. Save your propane.
Solar panels
Even if you are fortunate enough to have solar power, it doesn’t mean you should leave all of your lights on all evening or even have your patio light on unnecessarily. Only use your lights when absolutely needed and your batteries will last that much longer.
Give back
I like the suggestion made by others that we should leave our camping space cleaner and neater than when we arrived. Pick up the trash left by others, volunteer in the community or just remember not to leave anything behind. Everything you carry into a site must be taken out with you. Be a good neighbour, practice your conservation skills and enjoy boondocking. You will probably decide you like the lifestyle and enjoy the solitude of a peaceful spot along a beautiful river. Happy travels!
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Natural sinus relief
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More from Saskatchewan.
The blue, bluegrass of home
Gwen and Gord Moffatt are dedicated RVers who live amongst some of the most rugged beauty in Canada.
Gwen and Gord Moffatt—and their dog, Koal—two-step to a new bluegrass CD near Haines Junction, YT.—Photo courtesy of Gwen and Gord Moffatt
There is a rhythm to Gord and Gwen Moffatt’s year. Like many residents of Canada’s Great White North in Whitehorse, Yukon, they hunker down in the long, dark winter months. In the spring, the tempo increases as the sun comes up and stays up. By mid-June, the Moffatts are ready to kick up their heels, jump in their motorhome and head for the annual Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival. The weekend marks the beginning of a summer of RVing in the larger-than-life wilderness of the Yukon.
Bluegrass is a passion for Gord and Gwen, as is the weekend of camping, two-stepping and hootenannying. They’ve helped organize the festival in Haines Junction for the past eight years and when it moves to Whitehorse in 2011, they’ll be a part of bringing renowned bluegrass acts to the stage.
“As a kid, I used to listen to bluegrass all of the time, but I didn’t know what it was,” said Gord. “When we first came to the festival eight years ago, I said, ‘That’s the music I’ve been missing.’ ”
Gwen said that she and Gord will dance wherever they are when the music they love is playing—in the house, in the yard or in the campground.
“It’s our tradition,” said Gwen. “It started out with six of us having a little dance on the beach following the festival to the CDs that we’ve bought. And now it’s grown so that bands who come to the festival come to our party . . . and jam around our campfire.”
Gord and Gwen bought their motorhome, an Itasca Sonova, four years ago, but Gord said it has less than 10,000 kilometres on it because they prefer to camp locally. Their favourite spots on Lake Laberge and Fox Lake are close enough that they can commute to work while enjoying the incredible beauty of the North.
“We love the Yukon so much that we’re not willing to sacrifice a Yukon summer to go somewhere else,” said Gord.
Their time in the RV and in the Yukon is so special to them that they renewed their wedding vows on their 35th anniversary three years ago.
“We walked in to bluegrass music, said our vows together and cried,” said Gwen. “It took Gord two martinis to walk up the aisle, but he survived.”
The Moffatts are taking a leave of absence from their jobs this fall so they can test semi-retirement, visiting snowbird favourites such as California and Nevada.
“There’s bluegrass festivals down there, too,” said Gwen. “We’ll probably hit some of them.”
More from Saskatchewan.
Harness the sun’s power
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More from Saskatchewan.
Boler cruising
Recently a spectacular family event took place in Penticton, B.C., that included Elvis Presley, antique cars and classic Boler trailers—what a combination!
This fully restored Boler features thematic bedding inside its cozy interior.—Photo courtesy of Astral Radio, Summerland
While walking through Gyro Park during the annual Peach City Beach Cruise and eating a delicious hot dog, I met up with a group of people who are touring parts of British Columbia in their classic cars and pulling luxury Boler trailers.
Egg on wheels
Sometimes called “eggs on wheels,” these lightweight trailers have become an integral part of Classic Car Cruises and were of great interest to the spectators at the recent Penticton’s Peach Cruise and Tribute to Elvis Festival. Supposedly, there were 10,000 Bolers manufactured in Canada prior to 1988 and it seems that more people are getting involved in their restoration every year. The three I viewed are no exception.
The initial group started on Vancouver Island, crossing on B.C. Ferries to the mainland driving their antique cars and pulling their little trailers. I had actually seen this small group on the highway near Keremeos and was looking forward to seeing them again in the Skaha Beach to Peach Parade in Penticton.
Bumblebee Boler
I wasn’t disappointed. The bright yellow El Camino pulling a little “bumble bee” trailer led the pack with a restored Packard towing its matching maroon-coloured Boler and more classic cars and Bolers following not too far behind.
Of course, I asked George Tyre’s wife, Lolly, what it was like staying in such a confined space. She laughed and said that she had threatened to follow the group with her truck and fifth wheel but her husband convinced her otherwise and says it is actually very comfortable. Judging by the large number of people who stuck their heads through the door to check it out at the car show, many others agree.
Route 66 tablecloth
The trailer’s interior has been restored with checked pillow cases, a Route 66 table cloth over the little dining table and a smiling baby doll dressed as a bumble bee propped up on the bed. The compact fridge, stove and sink all seemed to be working just fine.
After displaying their units along Okanagan Lake and enjoying the events in Penticton, their next stop was a show in Westbank, then on to Princeton and up into the Cariboo, stopping at antique car shows along the way. What a way to travel!
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Recognized for excellence
Fraserway RV earns a coveted Circle of Excellence Award for great service
RVers are welcome to visit the showroom in Abbotsford and enjoy a free latté.—Photo courtesy Ed Froese
RVwest spoke with Alex Loosdrecht, general manager of dealerships for Fraserway RV, about earning the Circle of Excellence Award.
What customer service innovations led to Fraserway being awarded a Circle of Excellence Award?
Fraserway has a strong commitment to servicing both our own customers and customers that purchased an RV from another dealer. We match the ability to deliver good service to the demands of the consumer so that customers can bring in their units and get serviced in a reasonable time period.
We have always made significant investments in both our people and our facilities. With the largest number of qualified RV technicians in Canada, we are constantly looking to ensure they have up-to-date training. The new 24-bay service facility, plus a 20,000-square-foot body shop (including a 60-foot paint booth) are unrivalled in our industry.
Our people are what make us successful and they have made it possible to earn the Circle of Excellence Award.
Please state what this recognition means for Fraserway and your clientele.
We have been a Winnebago dealer for three years and it takes time to achieve the high standards they have in place to win this award.
The winning of this award is an extension of how we do business every day. Whether you own a Winnebago or any other RV, the commitment to customer service excellence is the same. We invite any out-of-town RVers to drop by our facility in Abbotsford, exit 83, an easy two-minute drive off the No. 1 freeway. The free latté’s, huge parts store, extensive product selection and themed indoor showroom will make it worth your while!
More from Saskatchewan.
Pursuing a passion
Lifelong music enthusiast Gary Badke creates wooden flutes
Gary Badke took up flute making after being struck by the music.—Photo courtesy Gary Badke
Nearly 25 years ago, a lucky coincidence introduced Gary Badke to the beauty and intricacies of native American flutes. While waiting to catch the Victoria ferry, he struck up a conversation with a man playing a flute and was struck by the beauty of the music. This inspired him to begin carving his own flutes, first as a hobby and then as a business.
“I found a book on native lore by a man named Ben Hunt,” said Badke. “It was quite an authentic book—he went and lived with native tribes in the 1800s and learned their craft, like flute making, which was in the book. It was a fairly crude design—I’ve taken it way beyond that now.”
Music has been a lifelong interest of Badke’s. He began singing in his childhood, and playing instruments in his teens.
Choose your own totem
Badke runs Windflower Flutes, in addition to being a music teacher. He carves flutes out of cedar or elder wood that he sources from either Home Depot or from standing dead trees. In addition to making the flutes, Badke also teaches a workshop about playing techniques and the historical significance of the flutes.
“The (flutes) have a block on the top that I carve in various ways, like bears or eagles,” said Badke. “People come to the workshop and I talk about the significance of a totem animal and, based on that, they choose their carving for their flute. I then teach them the basics of playing.”
Make your own music
Badke said that Enderby and the surrounding communities have an exceptionally active arts and music scene. To take in some local music, he suggests tourists head to The Cliffs Café in Enderby, where there is a popular open-mike night every second Wednesday.
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Tales from the mighty Columbia River
A river tour offers views of modern technology and ancient rock forms
Gary Crombie may be having no luck catching a fish but the hot weather and river views still make for a great afternoon.—Tanya Laing Gahr
Before the Teck (formerly Cominco) smelter created a city that at one time was the third largest in the province of British Columbia, before the Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team became a force to be reckoned with around the world, even before the First Nations people fished the waters, there were the mountains and the mighty Columbia River.
The Columbia River is the fourth largest river system in North America with the largest volume on the continent draining into the Pacific Ocean. From source to delta, it is 2,000 kilometres long and, including its tributaries, is the most dammed river on the continent as well. At Trail, it has covered less than one third of the distance it will travel to the sea but the volume of water is already impressive—and often deadly. But, it can’t be denied, it is also magnificent.
Gary Crombie from Columbia River Power Rafting offered me a trip along the river to see another side of Trail. Starting at the boat launch in beautiful Gyro Park, we set off downstream at a leisurely pace. On one side of the river is the Teck smelter, the largest non-ferrous lead and zinc smelter in the world. Trail has a complicated but positive relationship with the smelter, and much has been said over the course of its 110-year history about environmental damage, but as we floated past, Crombie pointed out how clean the river was. By way of proof, as we drifted with the current, Crombie baited a hook and cast his line into the river.
We passed under two bridges, generally known as the old bridge and the new bridge. Before major damming and flood control, the waters of the Columbia could rise so high as to touch the bottom of the old bridge, which in June was about 20 feet above our heads. It’s a daunting image.
Beyond city limits
As we left developed Trail behind us, we got into some serious nature. It’s common to see native wildlife along the river—elk, whitetail deer, black bear and otters are regularly spotted. And the fish, of course, though they weren’t biting today—a rarity, according to Crombie. He pointed out the folds of rock—volcanic—that brought European settlers to the area in search of gold.
The current is fast but the pace is relaxing. Crombie continued to fish (unsuccesfully) while we chatted. In between pointing out various landmarks, fish flipping beyond Combie’s hook, signs of industry or natural erosion, we engaged in a discussion about how you would explain “heebie-jeebies” to someone whose first language wasn’t English. The weather was hot and Jimmy Buffett was playing on Crombie’s MP3 player.
Rock (and roll) Island
The highlight of the trip is Rock Island, which is exactly what it sounds like. The Columbia narrows and bends and in the middle is a large rock formation where the fast-moving but placid river suddenly becomes turbulent, choppy and just a little unsettling. When sternwheelers were making regular journeys from the United States, 10 kilometres to the south, they had to be hauled by a winch through the narrows. It’s here that we get to see what the power raft can do. Crombie revs the motor and we careen through waves, skirting maelstroms and eddies. As we looked at the whirlpools that are caused by the water curling around the island, we all got a very good sense of how to describe heebie-jeebies. But the ins and outs, ups and downs are so thrilling that we took several turns through it before gunning the engine and heading back up stream to the boat dock.
When we disembarked back at Gyro Park, I’m certain Crombie was turning around to go find the fish that eluded him on our trip. Crombie, who grew up in Trail, considers the river to be the most integral part of the city. While modern day economics would say the smelter has shaped the city’s culture, Crombie believes the river is the greatest influence. For him personally, that much is obviously true.
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Love the wild
This wildlife area offers education
Birdwatchers and photographers flock to the wetland boardwalks.—Photo courtesy Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
One of the most popular places in Creston, B.C., is the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.
Included in this vast wetland sanctuary is the Wildlife Interpretation Centre.
The centre allows visitors to take a hands-on approach and get familiar with local wildlife via educational programs and exhibits that appeal to all age groups.
Canoe tours are a regular activity that the centre provides, with naturalists available to teach participants about the flora and fauna that resides in this area. From ducks and turtles to majestic moose, you never know what you will see here.
Wetland wonders
View wildlife and watch the sun rise during the Sunrise Paddle, taking place every morning from 7 to 9 a.m., from July 10 to August 7, 2010.
Meet the nocturnal wildlife on the Moonlit Adventure evening walk on August 13, 2010, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.crestonwildlife.ca or call 250-402-6908.
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Poised for the big time
Multiple musical endeavours keep Elkord rocker John Paul Smith busy
Each member of Sleeping With Tuesday is from the East Kootenay—Photo courtesy Dan Berdusco
Looking for an East Kootenay musical success story? Look no further than Elkford’s John Paul Smith. Smith is the vocalist for rock band Sleeping With Tuesday and the John Paul Smith Trio, as well as the owner of a recording studio in Lethbridge, Alberta. Though he spends two or three days per week on the road touring, he still enjoys living in Elkford.
“I have always felt better at home, whether it’s Elkford, Fernie or Nelson,” said Smith. “For me, Elkford is really easy to tour out of, because it’s sort of central to Calgary or Lethbridge or Vancouver.”
Sleeping With Tuesday is releasing its second LP, Shuffle, in August. Single Fa-Fa-Phone reached no. 6 on the Top 40 charts. However, Smith said that his greatest musical accomplishment has simply been finding happiness and being able to support his wife and children by doing something he loves.
“It’s been a hard road, with a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “The biggest challenge is to financially stay with it. There were times when I really had to consider what I was doing, but I don’t regret anything. I have a family and I try to keep them happy and healthy. Being able to support a family playing my guitar is very nice.”
To take in a little of the Elkford music scene, stop in at Sneaky’s Pub, renowned for its excellent live music.
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There is more to Palm Springs
The appeal of this location extends far beyond palm trees and golf courses
A pair of exquisite cheetahs enjoy an early morning respite just 30 yards from a viewing site.—Photo by Bert Buxbaum
So the old RV is gassed up, tire pressure is good, oil and water is perfect and the refrigerator is stocked. Now the question: Is it north, east, west, or south?
Well, if your meanderings take you anywhere near the Palm Springs area in Southern California, be sure to include a stop at The Living Desert. No, it isn’t a golf course, tennis court, or spa. However, there are so many wondrous things to experience there, you may want to plan an overnight at a local RV park and come back a second day.
Founded in 1970, the Living Desert is that rare combination of conservation, education and fun. It consists of 1,200 desert acres—encompassing a zoo, botanical garden, conversation centre, nature preserve and so much more. All set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, placed there many moons ago—ironically—courtesy of the Ice Age.
From Arabian oryx, to reticulated giraffe—African cheetah to Mexican wolf, you’ll find an incredible array of fascinating desert wildlife, all in natural habitat surroundings. Like Eagle Canyon for example.
At Eagle Canyon, you can view magnificent golden eagles in flight; come face-to-face with a mountain lion as it prowls along its territory. Scan the area and spot a badger or shy fennec fox, or maybe watch the javelina rout for food. For your information, a javelina is a collard peccary, which is a medium sized mammal. But you knew that!
At the Living Desert you can also catch a glimpse of rare, Mexican gray wolves that sit and gaze regally from atop their ridge. You may gaze back, or spy a graceful cheetah bounding through its territory (don’t bound with it!) But bounding or not, you are in for a truly memorable experience.
Fluttering wings
Speaking of memorable, while you’re there you should stop at the Fanciful Flyers pavilion. It’s a 3,000-square-foot, walk-through exhibit, filled with hundreds of fluttering butterflies and a dozen zippy hummingbirds, all within the setting of a tranquil garden. It’s a visual delight, like a Disney movie, only live and in living colour.
The thirty or so species of butterflies in the garden are all from North America, many from the desert southwest. And they are as colourful as their names; painted lady, tiger swallowtail, orange-barred sulphur, luna moth and zebra longwing.
The hummingbirds are all from the desert southwest and include the Anna’s, Costa’s, Rufous and broad-billed hummingbirds. Position yourself between a hummingbird and the sun and you will be amazed at the iridescent colors that adorn the male’s gorget. To us uninitiated birdwatchers, that’s their neck area.
The garden also includes over 60 species of butterfly- and hummingbird-friendly plants. Speaking of plants, be sure to stroll through the Living Desert’s beautiful Botanical Gardens, which includes geographic replicas of areas as diverse as Baja, California’s Viscaino Desert and the exotic deserts of Madagascar. Feast your eyes on over 1,200 varieties of plants, all indigenous to the far flung deserts of the world.
May I have a word with all model train enthusiasts? Imagine almost a full acre of G-scale model trains (twice the size of Lionel trains), running on more than 3,000 feet of track, in beautiful, realistic settings like Mount Rushmore, a California logging and mining town and the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Actually, there’s no need to imagine it. It’s all there at the Living Desert. With 13 to 15 separate trains, running seven days a week, it’s a moving dream come true for all model train lovers.
All aboard!
There are so many attractions at the Living Desert, I couldn’t fit them all into one article, but a couple of others are well worth mentioning. The new Discovery Center for example—a fascinating permanent exhibit, designed to help both children and adults understand and appreciate the amazing resource that is Southern California’s Coachella Valley. On the other hand, you may want to visit Village WaTuTu, where you can take an African safari and experience a culture that is a world away, without leaving the country.
If you want to do a little more research before you roll, just log onto LivingDesert.org. In the meantime, here’s wishing you a safe, exciting and rewarding journey. And I leave you with this travel thought from English writer G.K. Chesteron: “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.”
About the writer:
Frank Furino is a former staff director for ABC News/Sports and a TV writer/producer, whose credits include “Dynasty,” “Dallas,” “General Hospital” and more. He is currently co-founder and president of a Marketing Agency in Palm Desert, California.
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Snowbirds heading home—Part IV
The Bredas continue their journey and make a stop in a historic part of New Mexico.
Carlsbad Caverns is one of many New Mexico delights.—Photo by Peter Jones
The Alamogordo and White Sands Missile Range is a fascinating facility. This is a 3,200-square-mile rocket range, the largest military installation in the USA.
It was here at the Trinity site that the first atomic bomb was detonated in July of 1945. The New Mexico Museum of Space History and the White Sands Missile Range Museum are excellent places for learning about this country’s space exploration program.
The White Sands National Monument, a large area of white gypsum dunes covering 275 square miles, is a sight to behold.
If you started out from the eastern part of New Mexico, you might want to follow the route winter Texans might take—starting at Carlsbad.
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The ghosts of peoples past
Lynne Benjamin ponders the remains of the lost civilization at Gila
It is suspected that the Mogollon people dwelled here in the 1200’s for only about 30 years—but signs of their daily living remain to this day.—Photo by Lynne Benjamin
You know they were there because of what they left behind: skeletons of dwellings that they called home; bits of vessels that held their food and water; enclosures that might have been meeting places. All types of structures remain, and we can only guess at their uses.
Who were they? Where did they come from? How did they live? Did they farm? Did they hunt and gather? What happened to them?
They may not be our ancestors but they are the ancestors of the land. Ancient native ruins are scattered throughout the entire American southwest.
The Gila cliff dwellings are about 45 twisty, winding miles north of Silver City, in southern New Mexico. Supposedly the Mogollon people, known for their pottery, pit houses and agriculture, built and lived in these sophisticated shelters.
The dwellings were built in natural caves, and the Gila wilderness is rich in wildlife and natural resources (like wood, clay for masonry and pottery, fertile soil and water) that are conducive to survival. Apparently the cliff dwellings were only occupied for a short period of time (from the 1270’s to 1300’s), maybe for only one generation.
Archaeologists have no idea why these dwellings were abandoned but speculate that the intrusion of the Spanish or other peoples may have been a strong contributor.
Taking a tour
We visited two of the dwelling sites: a smaller cave—probably a single-family dwelling—and a larger cave with a complex arrangement of rooms. Wandering through this apartment-like space I could just envision men, women and children going about their daily lives.
My thoughts are that the caves might have been used for winter shelter. As the weather changed, the people found that the caves did not give them the level of protection they needed, or perhaps the population outgrew the space and resources.
The more I learn about the ancient peoples, petroglyphs and pictographs, the more I realize how little is actually known and how much is speculation.
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A park system is born
Forty years later, Alaska State Parks looks back at its beginnings
The dedication of Chugach State Park took place on August 6, 1970.—Photo courtesy of Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Sharon Cissna remembers how outraged she was, when at the very inexperienced yet overly confident age of 25 she found out that a logging operation was planned for the Indian Valley, along Turnagain Arm, in an area she thought was beautiful. For years, Indian Valley had been a favourite among locals for hiking and exploring the back country. It had been part of Chugach National Forest, but the federal government had recently made it available to the state to select under the Statehood Act.
The proposed logging project could put an end to the wilderness experience that Cissna and her hiking buddies enjoyed so much. All of that old-growth spruce would be in jeopardy. The clear-cutting of the area would ruin the natural landscape, she feared.
Fortunately that naïve confidence made Cissna and her friends oblivious to the overwhelming odds stacked against them. They organized meetings that went late into the night, had impromptu conversations with important people and built consensus with everyone from city hydrologists to geologists to local politicians, creating a mountain of paperwork that they took to the legislature.
Their goal: to create a park owned by the state that would protect the beauty and landscape surrounding Alaska’s largest population center.
“I think if we were to try something like that today, it would have a very hard time passing (the legislature),” said Cissna, now a state representative for District 22, in Anchorage. “But those were the days when we made things happen without money. We saw that things needed to be done, and (we) just did them.”
That is exactly what happened.
Joining forces
With help from a small cadre of supporters, including Pete Martin, Art Davidson, Mark Ganapole and legislators Lowell Thomas Jr., and Helen Beirne among others, the State agreed that the mountains surrounding Anchorage should be protected for generations to come.
At about the same time, a movement similar to this was going on across the state. It was the late ’60s, a time when the phrase “power to the people” held some sway, when the population of the state was around 300,000 (less than half of today’s nearly 700,000), and when small groups of people truly believed they could—and did—accomplish big things.
The time was ripe for change.
This movement had not been announced or formally advertised. It was not an organized effort, either. Rather, Cissna and her friends had taken the first steps toward establishing the Alaska State Park System though it would be years before they realized it. It had not begun with a specific vision or an organized effort, just a group of like-minded people; conservationists, biologists, adventurers and regular folks who liked the natural landscapes of their communities, who were beginning to realize that the newly minted state of Alaska’s biggest asset, indeed, was its geography.
Here were thousands upon thousands of miles of land precariously waiting to be exploited by resource development, sold for private use and covered with houses, or otherwise disposed of by the federal government. Or maybe it would sit untouched. But with oil exploration on the horizon and a growing population, it was clear that the latter possibility seemed very remote.
“There was certainly a citizens’ movement but there were also some very interesting things happening at the time,” said Neil Johannsen, who is the longest serving director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and held the position for nearly 13 years, from February 1983 to September 1995. “It was in 1969 that Charles Lindbergh gave a speech to the legislature and in that speech he urged them to protect the land.”
Some legislators even walked out on the meeting, Johannsen said.
A new emergence
Eventually though, the legislature saw the way, and in 1970, the Division of Parks came into being. This year, the Division celebrates 40 years of existence—40 years of growing, developing and fighting through the booms and busts of Alaska’s economy to provide outdoor recreation opportunities while conserving and preserving the natural, cultural and historical integrity of the lands.
In that first year, 1970, three parks were established to form the state park system: Kachemak Bay, Denali and Chugach. They are our oldest, and perhaps most-loved and used parks in the state.
Today however, the state park system has grown to include 123 park “units,” ranging in size from the half-acre Potter Section House State Historic Site to the 1.6 million acre Wood-Tikchik State Park. Besides historic sites and state parks, the Alaska state park system also encompasses recreation areas, recreation sites, historic sites, historic parks, trails, marine parks, special management areas and preserves. Each is classified for a management purpose, and each—if you talk to the people instrumental in developing the areas—is critical to the state parks system as a whole.
In a 1988 presentation on the Alaska state park system by Johannsen, he placed the beginning of the parks movement at 1957—although a History of the Division of Parks document, written by R.K. Alman in December 1974, suggested the move began as early as 1956 with the passage of Public Law 507 by Congress.
Regardless of the date, there was always an interest in preserving some lands for public recreation in Alaska. There was a park system in Alaska, albeit loosely organized, from the time it became a state. That system consisted of road-accessible recreation sites run by the Bureau of Land Management, but transferred to the new state’s Department of Natural Resources upon statehood.
“On July 1, 1959, the BLM transferred 32 campgrounds with some operating funds to the new Alaska Department of Natural Resources,” Johannsen wrote. These locations, along with state recreation areas, would later become the basis for the Alaska state park system, he said, and many of them are still around today.
Enduring favourites
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area on the Kenai Peninsula, Big Lake North and Big Lake South state recreation sites in the Valley and Clearwater State Recreation Site near Delta Junction are just a few of the still-popular destinations that have endured.
In fact, according to Chris Degernes, deputy director for the Division of Parks and Outdoors Recreation, if any State Park unit deserves a superlative as the first, it would not be one of the parks at all, rather it would be the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which was the first legislatively designated area of the state park system, established in 1966. The Chena River State Recreation Area came second, established by the legislature at the request of the Fairbanks Garden Club in 1967.
While Alaska grew as a state and became more organized, the fledgling park system grew with it. In 1970, the Division of Parks was created within the Department of Natural Resources. This creation became the seed for the parks system that exists today.
“In those years, Alaska was at a paradox of forces,” Johannsen said. “There were those who wanted it to stay wild and those who wanted to develop it.”
It was Kachemak Bay that earned its designation as a State Park first, when the state legislature, effective May 9, 1970, approved 105,387 acres as Kachemak Bay State Park. Two years later, the state legislature added nearly 200,000 acres, specifying it as a State Wilderness Park. By 1989, another 68,500 acres had been added into the mix. Today, it is at nearly 400,000 acres.
“Locals in Homer just called it ‘Across the Bay,’ ” said Jeff Johnson, who would in 1984 become the park’s first ranger. “They didn’t call it Kachemak Bay State Park, they didn’t think of it as a park. It was just ‘across the bay.’ ”
Citizens with a mission
It was a citizens’ initiative that brought Kachemak Bay to reality, Johnson said. Like the Chugach, logging interests were threatening the land and people who lived nearby did not want to see the landscape scarred by such practices.
Halibut Cove resident Clem Tillion—who lives there to this day—was a state senator in 1970 and was instrumental to the success of the initiative.
“Clem was (key), and he really is the father of Kachemak Bay State Park,” agreed Johannsen. “He lived there and he wanted to protect the land from development. Without him, it would not have happened.”
From his home in Halibut Cove, Tillion, who will be 85 this year, said he still has the original plan that he drew by hand, outlining the park boundaries to Kachemak.
“Kachemak was the recreation site requested by (the people of) Seldovia and Homer,” Tillion said. “I picked out all the places that people shouldn’t live and put them in the park. Anything with a harbour I left out, so there could be development.”
Tillion also preferred that the state be involved with protection of the land, rather than the federal government.
“Because I think we do need big parks but I don’t support anything run by the federal government,” he said. “I’m much like my forebears in that way.”
Still, even after the park designation became official with the State, for a long time the titles seemed simply a formality.
“We used to call them paper parks” Johnson said, because the parks had no staff and no facilities. “Human beings decided to set all this land aside for special purposes, but of course it was there and being enjoyed by people before it was ever a park.”
The real deal
It took nearly 15 years for the cash-strapped state parks system to get enough money to staff the then-300,000-acre park, and he calls it the best ranger job he ever had.
“For a ranger, it was the real deal,” he said of his 10-year tenure there. He was based out of a cabin in Halibut Cove Lagoon that had formerly been an Alaska Department of Fish and Game hatchery and was transferred to the Division of Parks. There, Johnson and whatever crew of volunteers he could muster helped set trails, patrol the water and add just enough basic infrastructure to accommodate visitors, but not so much as to impact the character of the area.
“We did a little bit of everything because so much needed to be done,” he said.
The new ranger station was hard to get to, primarily because of the tidal action affecting entrance to the lagoon. Their only means of communication was a low-band radio.
“It was broken half the time,” Johnson recalled. “We had a mile-long wire from the ranger station up to the radio transmitter, (which was) a 20-minute hike away. That line would break in 35 places each year. For the first couple of weeks every season, I’d be up there climbing trees having to patch it together so we could communicate.”
But, Johnson said, “It was a ranger’s dream come true, going to Alaska to be a park ranger and having the honour and thrill to have been among the first to be there as professionals. There aren’t that many people in the world who have that chance.”
As Kachemak Bay State Park became an official “paper” park, and work continued with Cissna and her group to protect the Chugach Mountains, another effort also was underway two hours north of Anchorage.
Mount McKinley National Park was one of the most popular visitor destinations in the state; a trend that continues to this day. Run by the National Park Service, the park introduced national and international visitors to Alaska’s wilderness. When adjacent land became available under the Statehood Act, the National Park Service, according to Johannsen, was interested in adding to its acreage.
“When that talk of expansion happened, there were people who wanted to head off the National Park Service,” Johannsen said. “They didn’t want them to have more land.”
Unlike the Chugach, which came about after a citizen’s initiative to create a state park, it was the State that introduced legislation to acquire Denali as a park. According to the Denali State Park management plan, “The legislature had a strong interest in tourism-related development, as well as providing recreational opportunities for Alaskans and preserving the area’s natural resources.”
Growing strong
Dave Johnston, who was the first ranger in Denali (hired in 1974 with the primary duty of collecting garbage and maintaining dumpsters), said there weren’t enough people living in the Denali area at the time to form any sort of community force to create parkland, but he’s glad the land eventually got earmarked as a state park.
“There were just a few families, and they were all spread out,” he said. “But the state, I think, liked the good fishing (locations) there, and people did come out to fish, especially after the Parks Highway went in.”
The legislature, on September 21, 1970, ultimately passed the bill to create the sister park to McKinley after having successfully adding Kachemak and Chugach to its cabinet of parks. It was a large chunk of land—some 280,947 acres—that by 1981 had grown, through various additions, to its current size of about 324,240 acres.
“Alaska State Parks’ growth over the past 40 years is indeed remarkable,” Johannsen said. “As an agency that is constantly trying to do more with less money, and is subject to the boom and bust economy that affects agencies throughout the state government, Alaska State Parks has continued to persevere and maintain its amenities for users.”
While not every dream of every group has resulted in the establishment of a state park—Johannsen cited Thompson Pass and Hatcher Pass as two failed initiatives—for the most part, it is the people who have made Alaska State Parks what it is today.
“If you look at every state park in Alaska, (each has) a history behind it,” he said. “They (all) result (from) a dream of a group of citizens somewhere who worked to make it happen.”
This article was researched and written for the Alaska State Parks 40th Anniversary History Project, which is supported in part by a grant from the Alaska Humanities Forum and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Melissa DeVaughn can be contacted at www.melissadevaughn.com. For more information about Alaska State Parks’ 40th Anniversary events, visit their website.
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Greek salad tart
Take a trip to the Greek Isles with every bite of this delicious salad tart
A vegetarian dish like this will appeal to any palate—Photo by Marguerite Breda
Tony and I try to have at least one vegetarian meal a week to reduce our carbon footprint, and I was wandering through the cooking ideas I collect. Tomato tart sounded good but Greek salad sounded sun dipped and ripe. I could just see the navy and aqua waters around the Greek Isles! So here is what evolved. The dish can be either an appetizer or—with half an avocado on the side—a tasty dinner.
15 minutes prep
25 min bake
Yields 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- Olive oil cooking spray or brush with olive oil
- Dough for pie crust
- 3 tablespoons olive tapenade or make your own
- 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 oz crumbled feta cheese (I used tomato/basil flavored )
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Lightly spray or brush the pie pan with olive oil.
Place the pie dough in the pan and flute the edges.
Lightly spray or brush the crust with olive oil.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for ten minutes.
Spread the tapenade over the bottom of the pie crust.
Lay tomato slices in a circular pattern with edges overlapping on top of the tapenade.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cover the tomato layer with the fresh spinach.
Lay the remaining slices of tomato on top of the spinach in the same circular pattern.
Gently place the feta cheese over the tomato.
Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Enjoy!
NOTE: This is not an inexpensive recipe. One way to lower the cost is to make your own tapenade.
Home made tapenade
Grind green olives with either a mortar and pestle or a blender, using enough olive oil to make a paste. You can add tablespoon of capers and or anchovies if you like their taste. Season with salt and pepper and you’ve got tapenade! I used prepared tapenade in the pictured tart I we really enjoyed the meal.
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Meet Bill Carlson
This Nelson, B.C. couple restored a classic car, and a classic trailer to match
Bill Carlson enjoyed restoring his Buick station wagon and Trillium trailer.—Joni Krats photo
Meet Bill Carlson of Nelson, B.C. He and his wife, Marlene, are driving across Canada to St. Johns, Newfoundland. Their rig consists of a 1957 Buick Caballero four-door hard top station wagon and a 1979 Trillium Jubilee.
Carlson painted the Trillium to match the professionally painted Buick. He also upgraded both the car and the trailer with fancy chrome wheels.
“Old coots like us, we just like to improve things,” said Carlson.
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Meet the Smiths
This Port Alberni couple are following the sun
Ward and Lorraine Smith follow the weather and their dreams.—Joni Krats photo
Lorraine and Ward Smith—with their manx-cross cat Stubby—are travelling with their truck and trailer set up.
The Port Alberni couple are taking a slightly longer trip through British Columbia, trying to get a feel for their RV needs. They are considering upgrading to a unit with slide-outs, but want to maximize fuel efficiency and ease of towing. They have a 32-foot fifth-wheel in mind.
During their month long trip, the couple have been to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. They base their decisions on the weather.
“We are following the sun,” said Ward. “It’s relaxing, that’s for sure.”
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Valley of Fire
This Nevada gem will take your breath away.
Author Andy in one of the strange formations.—Photo courtesy of Andy Marshall
For us winter-heat-seeking Canadians barreling along the Interstate 15 into the southwest U.S., there’s a special thrill descending from Cedar City, Utah, through a corner of Arizona, negotiating the dramatic canyons formed by the Virgin River, and then entering the Nevada border community of Mesquite.
Making this more-than-4,500-foot descent makes our hearts soar. My wife, Chris, and I watch with glee as the figures on the digital thermometer in our truck jump quickly from the single digits into the high-20s Celsius. We’re in desert country, and that three-day trek from our home in Cochrane, Alberta, pulling our small A-Liner trailer, all seems worthwhile.
But, an even more exciting bonus awaits the traveller a little further on. By taking Route 169 at Exit 93, and driving about 25 kilometres through Overton, you arrive at the entrance to one of the jewels of Nevada that can really ignite your passions.
The bizarrely-shaped rock formations in the Valley of Fire State Park burn brilliant shades of red and pink as the sun moves across the sky. Sunrise and sunset is when the valley really “catches.” Quite small in area—about 35,000 acres—the park has all the drama and beauty of, say, the red rocks of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. But, with its warmer temperatures and smaller-scale accessibility, it offers ideal camping, hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Nature at its finest
We last stopped at Valley of Fire on our way home from the south. Although only about 80 kilometres up from Las Vegas, it was surprisingly quiet there. Daytime temperatures hovered around 30°C.The jagged valley derived it name, we were told, from the red sandstone formations created from the shifting sand dunes more than 150 million years ago. Like much of this part of the continent, it was once the bottom of a deep ocean basin. Complex uplift and faulting activities in the region, followed by extensive erosion, then created this fascinating landscape, park interpreters explained.
Chris and I like to play a game of what-shape do-you-see-in-the-rocks, imagining tyrannosaurus rex, turtles and other exotic animals in the gnarly profiles. Among the arch formations throughout the park, one of the best known is the well-marked elephant rock, complete with long trunk.
At the excellent and informative visitors’ centre we learned the area has been used by ancient peoples, mostly the Fremont and later the Anasazi, from 300 BC to 1,150 AD. Their visits probably involved hunting, food gathering and religious ceremonies, although scarcity of water—the average annual rainfall here is six centimetres—would have limited the length of their stay. We came across fine examples of their rock art, or petroglyphs. But, warnings circulate that some petroglyphs have been scratched, vandalized and, in a few cases, power-sawed right out of existence.
One of several trails in the park led us to the petrified logs from ancient forests 225 million years ago; not as extensive or colourful as the Petrified Forest along Interstate 40 in east-central Arizona, but these logs still put an interesting perspective on the passage of time and our place in it. They certainly won’t burn up anytime soon.
Wildlife wonders
Another trail took us to the so-called Mouse’s Tank, named after a renegade Indian who used the area as a hideout in the 1890s. The Mouse’s Tank is a natural basin in the rock where water collects after rare rainfalls. Story has it that the fellow drowned there during his attempts to escape from one of his crime sprees.
As elsewhere in the Mojave Desert, the plant community here is dominated by the creosote, burro and brittle bushes. We enjoyed several cactus species, including the beavertail with their magnificent purple flowers, and cholla. The glorious yellow of the desert marigold and the subtle orange of the desert mallow added to the spectacular scenes before us.
We always hoped to see the desert animals, but, because most are nocturnal, like the coyote, kit fox or spotted skunk, we were out of luck; the odd jackrabbit and plenty of antelope ground squirrels scurried around, though. We still dream of spotting a rare desert tortoise. What the campground host said was an owl, screeched mysteriously up one of the canyons on several occasions.
Two campgrounds—one with flush toilets, hot showers and hook-ups; the other with just basic services but with many of its sites tucked delightfully into small canyons—are close to each other and have 73 sites in total. Entry to the park is $10 per vehicle, with an additional $10 to camp in the unserviced campground, or an additional $20 in the more luxurious location.
Whether you’re venturing south to escape the icy embrace of a Canadian winter, or returning home from the other delights of the southwest U.S., spending a few days at Valley of Fire can offer an awesome interlude.
RESOURCES:
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Meet the Svenssons
This Swedish couple have travelled in Canada for three summers
Stefan and Viveka Svensson brought their bikes to further experience the land.—Joni Krats photo
Stefan and Viveka Svensson are from Fredrika, Sweden—population 300.
The couple have RVed in Canada for three years in a row. Each time, they have flown to the country and rented an RV. This year, the Svenssons are taking three months to holiday in their rented RV.
So far on this trip, they have been through Waterton Lakes National Park and are currently travelling through B.C.’s East Kootenay region. The Svenssons plan to hit Yellowstone, Vancouver and Banff. They also want to spend some time on a ranch at Cremona, Alberta; they love the western cowboy life. They brought their mountain bikes and like to cycle portions of the Trans-Canada Trail and along rail beds that have been converted to bike trails.
“It is easy to travel this way,” said Viveka.
The couple enjoy many things about travelling in Canada, including the fact that English is easy to speak and the country is clean. And they like the people of Canada.
“They are honest, simple and open-minded,” said Viveka. “Canadians are good hosts.”
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Big things come in small packages
Little Guy is spreading its wings and making an impression on the RV industry
Little Guy trailers offer innovative features and customizable options.—Photo courtesy of Little Guy Teardrop Trailers
Little Guy Teardrop Trailers is an emerging force in the RV industry. The company specializes in lightweight, eco-friendly trailers that can be customized to suit the needs of individual travellers. Chris Baum, chief operating officer, gave us a sneak peek at this booming business and his role in its success.
How did you get started in the industry?
One of my best friends owns the company and asked me to come and work for him. I come from a pretty heavy corporate background so we tried to integrate that corporate background with a small company.
Did your background fit well with the company?
Absolutely, because our plans are to grow . . . and we have had double digit growth every year—so you have to implement a lot of corporate thought into that as you grow.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge has been exposure. We’ve sold thousands and thousands of trailers but still the biggest question people have is, “I’ve seen it on TV . . . where can I see it in person?” Also, advertising and marketing has changed substantially since we’ve been in business and so it’s (a matter of) targeting your dollars towards where you’re going to get the biggest bang for what you put out there.
What are some of the advantages of Little Guy trailers?
The biggest advantages I think are that they’re lightweight and you get a lot for the size. There are a lot of different features and benefits to each trailer that allow for a lot of different types of customers. When people ask us who our demographic is, it’s a really challenging question because it’s all over the place. (The trailers also) leave a very small footprint on the environment.
What kinds of vehicles are able to tow these units?
Anything from a motorcycle to a big truck or SUV.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
I think one of the biggest things is that we’ve just opened up a facility in Europe and we’re shipping to 19 countries. That market is going to be even bigger because the roads are smaller, cars are smaller, everything is smaller and I don’t have any competition over there. The next thing is, we just reached a national agreement with KOA campgrounds. We have a huge partnership with KOA that’s going into effect this year—it’s going to be big for us. As we partner with some of these larger organizations I think it’s just going to increase the word of mouth and excitement about our company.
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RV etiquette or common courtesy?
Carol Ann Quibell shares observations on considerate RVing
RVers need to be courteous to others on the road.—KPI File photo
Is it okay for an RV travelling well below the posted speed limit to force 35 or more vehicles to follow it? How about if you and your friends are enjoying a loud and raucous sing-along while seated around a crackling fire during the early hours of the morning? Do you let your diesel truck sit idling for an extended period of time? Do you use the sani-dump for washing your vehicle or just dumping your holding tanks? Do you let your “friendly” dog run loose and visit other campers? Do you pick up after Fido? I could probably add quite a few more questions but I think you probably get the idea. What is RV etiquette?
For the most part I have found RVers to be friendly, helpful and caring people and am glad to be considered one of them. However, there is always someone who has to spoil it for everyone else.
Dry camping in Banff
The term dry camping is usually thought to mean camping without services, but today it means something totally different in the campgrounds near Banff, Alberta. Watching the news at the beginning of the May long weekend I saw the local Banff police stopping campers as they entered the park and advising them of the new restriction on alcohol in the campgrounds.
Many campgrounds no longer allow pets, which can be really frustrating to someone who has a family pet who enjoys camping too.
Traffic fines
Last week I overheard a man angrily tell his friends that he had received a traffic ticket and huge fine because he had held up traffic while travelling in the interior of B.C. What he neglected to disclose was that there were more than 35 cars creeping along behind him way below the speed limit and without the ability of passing. He also neglected to mention he could have pulled over a number of times, let everyone go by and then could have continued on his leisurely scenic drive. I am glad I wasn’t one of those frustrated drivers following him.
Regrettably there is always a reason why we can no longer bring our pets with us or appreciate a glass of wine or a beer while enjoying the heat of a campfire. There wouldn’t have to be traffic laws for inconsiderate drivers if there weren’t people who ruin it for everyone else.
Fortunately, this inconsiderate behaviour is in the minority. However, we must all be diligent in our attitudes so we aren’t all painted with the same brush. Camping season has just started and many people are looking forward to their vacation in local campgrounds. With planning and thought, our journey to and from—as well as our camping experience—will be successful and memorable.
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Weak floor in a Fleetwood Bounder
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Possible fuel pump failure
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Weight on the axles
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Creating community
Indio Outdoor Resort’s community came together to fight cancer
Indio Outdoor Resort’s community came together to fight cancer.—Photo courtesy Earl Andrusiak
The word home conjures many images. Home connotes friends, family, the house we now own or the house we grew up in, a yard, children slamming the front door as they run out to play, and our neighbours who create the community in which we live. Home is important to us humans, whether we never stray far from our abode or we take it with us wherever we go.
For full-time or snowbirding RVers, home is where the mail goes. But even nomads create communities. Many of the RVers we profile have established longstanding friendships with RVers they meet on the road or in the resorts where they set up home for months at a time—and in doing so, they find their home away from home.
Oh, give me a home
Earl Andrusiak and his wife, Liz, found their second home in Indio, California.
The Andrusiaks are from Edmonton, Alberta, and like many other RVers, they bought a motorhome upon retiring. They’ve travelled around North America—to 46 American states and nine Canadian provinces—and three years ago, they purchased a lot at the Indio Outdoor Resort, a place Earl describes as “a second Garden of Eden.”
There was a lot to love about their new home—the Andrusiaks enjoy the desert and California dreamin’—but the community was one of the highlights. Two years ago, the first annual Sunshine Invitational Charity Event was held at the resort as a means of fostering community and raising money for cancer research.
“The first year we ran it, we raised $9,600,” said Earl. “This year, on March 2nd, we raised $18,458 . . . and half of it has been donated to the American Cancer Society and half will be going to the Canadian Cancer Society.”
Cancer touches many communities, and the residents of the Indio Outdoor Resort are no exception. The resort is a mix of regular Canadian and American RVers; some of them have purchased lots while others rent. They come from all over, with different histories, views and cultures, but many of the residents of the resort have had their families ravaged by cancer and had a common desire to make a difference in the battle against the disease.
Collective spirit
Earl said one of the resort’s residents, Jane Burnett, came up with the idea for the Sunshine Invitational Charity Event as a way of raising money for cancer research and bringing the resort community together.
“Virtually the entire resort participates in this volunteer event,” said Earl. “Some volunteer, some compete, some donate prizes, some prepare food, some auctioneer, some help set it up and some take it down.”
The one-day event starts with the singing of both national anthems—Canadian and American—followed by a lighting of luminaires signifying people who have been lost to cancer. Activities during the day include golf, tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball and ATV tours, among others. There are live auction items, hotrod displays, works of art created by resort residents and more. The day concludes by honouring cancer survivors and their caregivers.
“It was a really feel-good day where everybody came together for a common cause,” said Earl. “You forget your own little troubles when you see everybody working hard in some small way.”
The goal is to invite a member of the community to share an activity as a means of creating or enhancing friendships and introducing a pastime to someone new, said Earl. And the event has two rewards—contributing several thousand dollars toward cancer research and strengthening the bonds between these nomads.
“This is one day where we focus all of our attention on one thing,” said Earl. “Both are equally important, though—the fundraising and the camaraderie.”
If home is where the heart is, these RVers have certainly found a reason to keep going home.
Resource: www.orindio.com
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Rocky Mountain high
Geology created the foundations for many of the Rockies’ best features
The hoodoos near Fairmont Hot Springs are remnants of a prehistoric glacial lake that carved many of the area’s features.—photo by Kris Lindblad
You’re on my turf now. I live, work and play in the Kootenay Rockies, and I find that there’s always something new to discover. Driving along the highways and backroads, it’s easy to be bowled over by the scenery—mountains, lakes, rivers, a mosaic of forests and wildlife. But it wasn’t the larger-than-life views that brought early European settlers to this region in the 19th century—it was the potential that lay beneath the surface.
All that glitters
In 1864, gold was discovered on the Wild Horse Creek, and prospectors by the thousands came from all over to find their fortune. Fisherville—named after one of the first prospectors, Jack Fisher—was the first town that was built during the gold rush, but other towns would quickly spring up, including Fort Steele, Kimberley and Cranbrook.
Fort Steele, originally known as Galbraith’s Ferry—was where gold seekers crossed the Kootenay River when coming from the south; it survived for many decades after Fisherville’s decline. Cranbrook became the most prominent city in the Kootenay Rockies when the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to bypass Fort Steele in favour of Cranbrook when constructing the B.C. Southern Railway Line in 1898.
Today, Fort Steele Heritage Town recreates the community during its peak, and tourists can catch gold fever by panning for the real thing on site.
More than a lump of coal
The main reason for building the B.C. Southern Railyway Line was to transport another valuable resource from the area—coal.
Coal was discovered in the Elk Valley in the late 1800s and it remains an important industry in the region. The coal that is produced in the Elk Valley is loaded onto rail cars and shipped up to Golden—ironically, the line now runs by Fort Steele rather than Cranbrook—and from there it is bound either west or east. Most of the coal is transported to Vancouver, where the bulk of it is shipped to Asia.
The origin of the coal is primarily from the operating open-pit mines near Sparwood and Elkford; mine tours are offered through the local chambers of commerce. These tours give a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of coal mining. Instead of going deep underground with picks and headlamps, the miners at the Sparwood and Elkford mines use giant-sized pieces of machinery—enormous dump trucks and loader-haulers. Alongside the mining activities, you can see active reclamation taking place, where the land is returned to natural use.
Go down underground
Kimberley is a city that is now a favourite tourist destination; skiing and other deep-snow adventures are a huge draw in the winter, and whitewater rafting, alpine hiking, golfing and fishing bring outdoor enthusiasts in the summer. However, Kimberley’s beginnings date back to 1892, when high-grade ores rich in silver and lead were discovered. The Sullivan Mine brought prosperity to the community for over 100 years. The underground tunnels stretched for more than 480 kilometres, making it one of the largest underground mines in Canada.
Today, the Sullivan Mine and the Underground Mining Railway offer visitors a chance to explore some of the passages and learn about the history of the Sullivan Mine. An interpretive train ride takes passengers for a scenic journey along Mark Creek before going underground. In the Underground Interpretive Centre, real miners demonstrate some of the authentic mining equipment used.
Hoodoos and hot water
Geological formations are responsible for the creation of the many hot springs that can be found in the Kootenay Rockies. Rain that falls on the mountains trickles down through porous sedimentary rock, percolating and heating from the earth’s thermal energy as it descends, picking up minerals that are responsible for the therapeutic qualities of the hot springs. Eventually, the super-heated water reaches a large thrust fault and is forced to the surface. Voila! Hot springs!
I’ve never needed to be convinced of the medicinal merits of Fairmont Hot Springs. Sinking into the hot waters at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, or the natural pools near the RV park, has always had an immediate, relaxing effect on me. It’s one of my favourite destinations any time of year.
While there, it’s worth taking a hike along another interesting geological formation—the hoodoos. A well-marked trail that follows the top of the hoodoos gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the Columbia Valley below, including the headwaters of the Columbia River—Columbia Lake.
What a rush
One of the most significant landmarks in the Kootenay Rockies, the Columbia River is also one of the most important river systems in North America—and one of the most dammed. The Revelstoke Dam has an installed capacity of more than 1.8 million kilowatts and the potential for greater than 2.7 million kilowatts—making it the most powerful hydroelectric development in B.C. Interpretive tours are available daily at the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre.
While in Revelstoke, if you’re ready for some serious adventure, take a lesson in rock climbing. Not only is this a chance to learn one of the best physical activities there is, you can also get up close and personal with some of B.C.’s geology.
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Meet me at the oasis
The warmth of this desert region brings people happily together
Just beyond the sand dunes, visitors will find gorgeous hot springs.—Photo by Lynne Benjamin
Just off the highway between Yuma, Arizona, and El Centro, California, is an area they call the Dunes—an area consisting of mile after mile of hills of fine, silty sand.
Beyond the Dunes is a long-term Bureau of Land Management (BLM) visitor area called the Oasis Desert Hot Springs. The collection of core Canadian snowbird residents is outstanding. Most are from Alberta and B.C., but some make an annual trek from Ontario or even the Maritimes to spend the winter here. Like any gathering of people, they have formed various groups, and you see rings of RVs around big firepits where they meet for nightly get-togethers.
The main attraction here is the mineral hot springs, which are accessible to all. The temperature is about 48° C (120° F) and people claim the water has healing properties—all I know is that it feels great. The people from nearby Holtville and the BLM residents have worked together to build and maintain the hot springs area to keep it clean and free of charge for everyone.
A pond within the palms
There are showers you can stand under—no soaps allowed. There is a pond in the palm trees that isn’t as hot, for swimming, and there is also a hot tub and a not-so-hot tub.
The water was so hot that visitors would make practical use of it. People would go down, fill up containers and bring them back to do their dishes and laundry.
The nearest town is Holtville, which is about 10 miles from the hot springs. It is considered the Carrot Capital of the World and every year the townsfolk celebrate this distinction with a parade and festival.
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Immersed in grandeur
Revel in elegance at the Trains Deluxe Canadian Museum of Rail Travel
Opulence is all around in these restored train cars.—Photo by Tanya Laing Gahr
A visit to Cranbrook isn’t complete without a stop at the Trains Deluxe Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. Guided tours showcase, through tens of thousands of square feet of restored exotic wood panels with inlay, how first-class travellers rode along CPR transcontinental and international lines.
“These trains are unique, being displayed in complete sets, some over a city block in length,” said Garry Anderson, the museum’s executive director. “They are really deluxe ‘hotels on wheels’ that are unparalleled.”
Features such as the breathtaking stained glass domes in the Soo-Spokane Train or the dining facilities in the Argyle car will make visitors appreciate the lifestyle associated with early rail travel. From the cars-of-state, which carried only the most important passengers, to the extraordinary cars from the Edwardian era, there is a wonderful mix of beauty and history.
Another fascinating sight in the museum is its recreation of the Royal Alexandra Hall. Using pieces from the original 1906 Royal Alexandra Café in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the room adds another dimension of authenticity to the surroundings.
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Rolling rocks and history
If you think there’s anything plain about Alberta’s plains, think again
The Okotoks Erratic is a reminder of the glacial age.—photo courtesy of the Town of Okotoks
Although Alberta is considered one of the prairie provinces, the geological formations of the southern half of the province are varied and often surprising. And many have interesting tales to tell.
The Crowsnest Trail in southwestern Alberta runs through the historic mining towns of Blairmore, Coleman and Hillcrest. Here you will find Frank Slide.
The little town of Frank was located at the base of Turtle Mountain, which local aboriginal people called The Mountain That Walks. In the early hours of April 29, 1903, 82 million tonnes of limestone sheared off the side of Turtle Mountain, tumbling down and devastating the town of Frank. In the community of 600 people, 70 were killed.
Today, an interpretive centre is tucked into the detritus of the slide. Walking along the paths through the rubble is a sobering and fascinating experience.
Whales and bison
Alberta’s foothills are prime ranching and grazing land, and driving along Highway 22, you’ll see particular hills known as the Whalebacks because of their resemblance to surfacing humpback whales.
Along the ridges of the Whalebacks and the foothills to the east, you may see stony outcroppings. First Nations people once used these areas as buffalo jumps; hunters would chase bison over a precipice. While there are many such sites throughout the area, the most significant can be found at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump near Fort Macleod. A world-class interpretive centre has been develped here by the local First Nations.
Distant traveller
Along Highway 7, between the communities of Okotoks and Black Diamond, is the Okotoks Erratic. Also known as Big Rock—a name reflected in one of southern Alberta’s best known breweries—the Okotoks Erratic is the world’s largest known glacial rock transported by a glacier from its place of origin. Geologists believe the rock was deposited more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age.
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Great gazpacho
Hot weather demands a cold soup
The key to gazpacho is using the freshest ingredients possible.—photo by Cherice Montgomery
For me, the best part of summer is the abundance of fresh, locally grown produce that tastes sweeter and infinitely more flavourful than anything we find in the supermarkets during the winter months. And when the thought of cooking in sweltering hot weather is too unappealing, that’s when I turn to my favourite summer recipe—gazpacho.
Note: For this recipe, you can use canned tomatoes, some of your own homemade jarred tomatoes or, if you’re ready for the real deal, fresh tomatoes that have been roasted to remove the skins. The soup will be delicious in any case. Also, the measurements are approximate; this is a great soup to personalize to your taste. The secret lies in using the freshest vegetables you can find.
Ingredients:
- 1,000 ml canned, jarred or roasted tomatoes with skins removed
- 1 small red onion
- 1 medium cucumber
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 red and 1 yellow pepper
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 handfuls each of fresh basil and oregano
- 15-30 ml fresh parsley
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 15 ml balsamic vinegar
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
Finely chop all of the vegetables and put into a large bowl. Or, if you prefer, use a food processor and coarsely process the vegetables in small batches. Add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Chill for several hours to let the ingredients get to know each other.
This is the just the base. From here, you can add any number of ingredients to create your own soup: cubed avocado, marinaded artichoke hearts, capers, grilled prawns, homemade croutons, hot sauce, cumin, cilantro or crumbled cheese. What is essential is a good loaf of bread, some hot weather and friends to share it with.
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Island adventures
Frommer’s Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands & the San Juan Islands is a big hit
This book makes it easy to plan your own exotic holiday—photo courtesy of Frommers
More than just a travel guide, Frommer’s Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands & the San Juan Islands is filled with historical facts, geographics standouts, gastronomic delights and more. The book starts out strong, highlighting the top 10 hotels, scenic drives and a number of other noteworthy sites in other categories. Planning a trip is easy; suggested stops have a price range noted as well as symbols deeming them everything from kid-friendly to overrated. At 280 pages, this book is informative without becoming overwhelming.
Resource: www.frommers.com
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Snowbirds heading home—Part III
Taking the journey from Arizona onward
Saguaro National Park boasts intriguing desert features.—photo courtesy of Anthony F. and Marguerite Breda
For those of you who spent the winter in southern Arizona, your route home could take you near a number of interesting sites. We will assume you will pass through Tucson, and the first stop will be the Saguaro National Park. There are two sections, one east of Tucson and the other slightly to the west. Each section has a visitor center and both sections contain fine tracts of the Sonoran Desert surrounded by the Tucson and Rincon Mountains. This is where you go to see cacti, the Lesser Long-nosed bat and the Mexican Spotted Owl. Hikers will find 150 miles of hiking trails to try.
Continue on I-10 to AZ64 and go a short distance to Casa Grande National Monument. This site contains the ruins of “The Big House” where ancient Sonoran Desert People lived up until about 1450 AD. Casa Grande was the USA’s first archeological preserve in1892 and is one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America. Farming and trading lasted over a thousand years but the demise of its inhabitants remains a mystery.
Hikes and tours
Next, head north on I-17 about 40 miles past Phoenix to Aqua Fria National Monument. Signage is poor, but take Exit 259 on I-17. This attraction is centered around a deep river canyon on the northern border of the Sonoran Desert. The monument was created to preserve ancient sites, ruins of structures and pueblos. There are also many pictographs found here.
Continue north on I-17 through Flagstaff and pick up AZ43 and go north to the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most popular attractions in the USA, with over 5 million visitors a year. They come to see the one-mile-deep (1.6 km) Grand Canyon. The South Rim is open all year long and has many visitor centers, museums and gift shops. There are a number of guided tours available. Hiking and opportunities to take photographs of the spectacular scenery abound.
The North Rim is less crowded but is only opened from mid-May to October. There is a visitor center on Bright Angle Road and Ranger programs and day hikes are available also. From either side of the canyon, the view is breathtaking!
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It’s easy as 1, 2, 3
You will have no trouble finding adventure in the Grande Prairie region
Fun and excitement await all those visting Northern Alberta.—photo courtesy of the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association
1. . .There’s lots to do!
As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Grande Prairie is a major trade and service centre for more than 300,000 people in the region. Regardless of the season, during your stay you will find opportunities for culture, entertainment, fine dining and recreation. The area’s amazing variety of world-class activities includes just about any kind of outdoor pursuit you can think of, such as fishing, hunting and golfing—plus there are shops, art galleries and museums to explore.
The Grande Prairie region kicks off its summer event season with the Grande Prairie Stompede in late May. Bud Country Fever brings huge names in country music to Evergreen Park in early July. And it doesn’t stop there – throughout the year there are tons more unique attractions and events that you don’t want to miss.
2 . . . Camping and accommodations
There is no lack of choice for accommodation in the Grande Prairie region. Several full-service bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels and over 50 campgrounds are available for visitors. Accommodations range in amenities and price range, so there is something to suit everybody’s needs—even if you have all three generations in tow!
The Grande Prairie region’s campgrounds provide services and amenities from the very basic, rustic tent space to full service facilities, including electricity (15, 30 amps), water taps, indoor washrooms and heated showers, phone, coin laundry, concessions and recreational vehicle sanitary pump-outs. Some campgrounds provide firewood free of charge; for others, there may be firewood sold at a concession or a fee included as a surcharge on the campsite cost. Northern Alberta is presently free of Dutch Elm Disease. To continue to prevent this disease, visitors are asked not to bring firewood from other areas of Canada and the United States into northern Alberta.
In most provincial parks and recreation areas camping fees are paid by self-registration (cash or cheque). Reservations will be available online for Saskatoon Island, Young’s Point and Historic Dunvegan Provincial parks. The core season for provincial parks and provincial recreation areas is usually from the Victoria Day long weekend in May until early October. The campgrounds in the Grande Prairie region include municipal and county operated provincial parks and recreation areas, and independent operators. Campground features such as boat launch sites, dock, beaches and swimming, fishing, hiking, sani dumps and cycling trails vary with the site location.
3 . . . It’s easy to get here
Located 450 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, reach Grande Prairie by Highway 43, which is almost completely “four-laned” and fully paved. The gateway to virtually everywhere, the city is about 390 kilometres from Jasper and the Rocky Mountains. Grande Prairie is 100 kilometres east of the B.C. border, and is considered the last major stop on the Alberta to Alaska Highway. It is also an entry point for travellers heading to the Northwest Territories. The Grande Prairie Regional Airport receives flights from Edmonton, Calgary and Fort St. John making connections to destinations in the rest of Canada and the United States regularly.
While you are in our region, we want to extend a special invitation for you to get a taste of the Grande Prairie region.
Bison barbecues
Get a taste of our region by taking in a free bison barbecue with all the fixings. Barbecues are held every Wednesday, June through August from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Visitor Information Centre, at 11330 106 street, just off highway 43 in Grande Prairie.
The Grande Prairie Rotary Club’s bus tours
Take in the Grande Prairie Rotary Club’s free 1 ½ hour bus tour of the city and county that runs every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening, June through August. This award winning tour leaves at 7 p.m. sharp from the Visitor Information Centre.
Water sports
Enjoy a day of water skiing, paddling, or having fun on the beach at Young’s Point, Williamson and Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and Musreau Lake PRA.
Picnics
Looking for somewhere to spend a special afternoon? Try a picnic along the Wapiti River at O’Brien Provincial Park, a walk in northern badlands at Kleskun Hill Natural Area, or take in amazing views of the Rocky Mountains from Saskatoon Mountain.
Fishing
Sturgeon Lake supports the region’s largest year-round lake fishery, with access at both Young’s Point and Williamson Provincial Park. At Two Lakes and Moonshine Lake Provincial Park, try your luck catching trout from shore, a non-motorized or electric boat or on the ice. If you prefer casting a line into flowing water, check the Iosegun River in Waskahigan PRA or the Kakwa River on the way to Two Lakes Provincial Park.
Programs
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is the focal point for nature-based family programs. Throughout July and August, visitors can drop in to Saturday afternoon discovery activities or be entertained at an evening amphitheatre show. New programs are also being offered at Moonshine Lake and Young’s Point so be sure to check park notice boards.
Events
Take in special events year-round including winter fun at Moonshine Lake on Family Day and Parks Day in July at Saskatoon Island. Saskatoon Island is also the place to be for the annual swan festival on April 25th and 26th.
Wildlife watching
The Grande Prairie region is home to an amazing variety of wildlife from waterfowl and songbirds to moose and beaver. Viewing platforms at Saskatoon Island and Young’s Point Provincial Park are great places to experience thriving wetlands while self-guiding trails at Kleskun Hill Natural Area and Saskatoon Island explore the region’s rare native prairie landscapes.
Hiking and mountain biking
Whether you prefer summer hiking and mountain biking or winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, trails await in all of our provincial parks.
The camping is fine in Athabasca
The town of Athabasca and the surrounding region are bursting with lively and exciting camping opportunities for you to discover and explore. The Athabasca region has many picturesque areas ideal for a relaxing vacation with your family, or to create your own personal adventure. Areas within the region of Athabasca blossom to life in the warm and breezy summer months to create some of the most stunning and dazzling camping areas within northern Alberta.
Located only 90 minutes from the city of Edmonton, Athabasca is a comfortable and hospitable town with many places for camping and other outdoor activities.
Whether you are a wilderness expert or you have never camped a day in your life, Athabasca has a wide variety of sites to choose from with different levels of service and amenities. Many of the camping areas in the region feature non-serviced campgrounds that come with picnic tables, fire pits, beaches and boat launches. Some of the campsites also have flush toilets, showers and well water available for public use to make your stay in the Athabasca area as enjoyable as possible. Many of the campgrounds have rentals available—ranging from small fishing boats to ATVs—to enhance your experience and to get the most fun out of your vacation.
Starry, starry nights
If spending the night underneath clear skies and billions of stars sounds like the ultimate getaway, the region of Athabasca is the place for you to visit.
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A natural wonder
Outdoor adventurers—this city is for you.
Sundial Bridge is a striking pedestrian structure.—photo by Lynn Jackart
The traffic flies down I-5 passing everything in sight. The trees become a blur and towns are just a glimpse of buildings and malls. It’s hard to get to know a place unless you stop. We stopped.
At first glance Redding looks like just another town but a closer look gives us a different perspective. This is the largest California city north of Sacramento in Shasta County, and is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. The surrounding countryside is perfect for many outdoor activities and adventures.
Valleys and hills
On a cloudy day we followed a scenic drive west of Redding through small populated areas, forests and winding mountainous terrain to an overlook which gave us a perfect view of the Shasta Dam. Built on the Sacramento River, this dam creates Shasta Lake which has a 365-mile shoreline and is the largest water reservoir in California. We stopped at a scenic lookout, where the lake winding back towards the Cascade Mountains and snow-capped Mount Shasta could be seen in the distance. The recreational possibilities include everything from fishing and houseboating to camping. This dam also creates power for millions of people.
As we stood and looked towards the dam we heard the roar of ATVs and motorbikes. Below us was a deep valley, and the hillsides were covered in trails and roads. A large campground at the bottom of the valley was home to these outdoor enthusiasts. The road to this area is a drive over the 602-foot-high concrete dam, where security is of utmost importance.
A perfect stroll
Our next visit was to the Sundial Bridge, opened in July 2004—this is an engineering marvel and is pedestrian only. We parked at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and began our walk; the granite suspension bridge is 700 feet long and has an aqua-green opaque glass deck, which is not slippery. At the north end is an enormous 217-foot-high white main pylon which actually tells time on a tile-covered garden at the north end of the bridge. A few people were walking their bikes over the bridge while others walked between the glass panels. On the other side, the Sacramento River Trail follows the river, and is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
As we walked over the bridge, fishermen were fly fishing or easing their boats along the river below us. These boats are river boats and float with the current. I leaned over the railing of the bridge and asked one of the fishermen what they were fishing for, and they said, “anything that bites but trout is the one we want.”
Later at the gas station, dirt bikes, motorbikes, boats and extra gas cans were being filled. The riders were eager to get started and excitement was in the air. With lots of open spaces and endless trails, this is a sportsman’s paradise.
With close proximity to a beautiful large lake, endless trails and magnificent forests, this is nature at its best. I think Redding is California’s best kept secret.
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Saskatchewan key contacts
SaskatchewanLand of Living Skies
Explore Saskatchewan! You will discover 100,000 lakes and rivers, some of the world's friendliest people and our famous living skies. Relive our fascinating history and celebrate it with us at lively events and colourful festivals. Seek adventure in our rugged wilderness. Relax in our breathtaking outdoor splendour and tranquility. Discover the beauty of our land. See how it has shaped a unique people and culture.
We have more than 6,000 campsites located throughout the province, offering everything from
full service sites, to backcountry adventures.Experience the heart and soul of Saskatchewan! Photo credit:
OA00306.jpg – Horseback Riding, South Saskatchewan River
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
OA00266.jpg – Harbor Golf Club & Resort
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
PN00091new.jpg – Narrow Hills Provincial Park
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar PhotographyTourism SaskatchewanPHONE: 1-877-237-2273www.sasktourism.com
Candle Lake, SKThe perfect spot for either business or pleasure
The Candle Lake Golf Resort is becoming the best 18-hole lakeside golf destination in western Canada. The resort is nestled between the lake and the pines of the beautiful boreal forest. The breathtaking scenery of the landscape and the wildlife will leave you awestruck. We offer 18 holes of championship golf and a state-of-the-art convention centre which has seating for up to 300 people, making it the perfect spot for functions, business retreats, weddings, reunions, corporate golf tournaments or any other social event. We have a full-service restaurant and lounge, inland marina, rental cabins and townhouses, a fully serviced RV park, boat and hot tub rentals and driving range.
Our resort is the perfect spot for either business or pleasure. We invite you to swing by www.candlelakegolfresort.com for more information. It's your place to relax.
Candle Lake Golf Resortwww.candlelakegolfresort.com
Outlook, SKCanadas Longest Pedestrian Bridge
Located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and only a short drive from Lake Diefenbaker, Outlook is the perfect place to make your home or enjoy your vacation. Walk the Skytrail, Canada's longest pedestrian bridge, or take advantage of our many local activities. The Outlook & District Regional Park is a must-see for those who enjoy golfing, swimming, camping or any other outdoor recreation. The Jim Kook Recreation Complex boasts a skating rink, two-sheet curling rink, four-lane bowling alley and five shale ball diamonds on its grounds. With the Equinox Theatre and the LCBI Theatre group bringing an artistic touch to the city, there will truly be something for everyone.Outlook Tourismwww.town.outlook.sk.ca
SaskatchewanA Saskatchewan provincial park is ready for you
Saskatchewan is blessed with wide open spaces, clean water and fresh air. Whether you desire a full-service resort or a backcountry wilderness experience, a Saskatchewan provincial park is the place for you—with 6,000 campsites located throughout the province. Put your feet up and enjoy a stay at some of our fine in-park accommodations or stay in a nearby town. All year round there are countless activities to enjoy, such as swimming, snowmobiling, hiking, skiing, horseback riding and much more.
Our parks also host a variety of programs and services to benefit the community.
Saskatchewan Provincial Parkswww.saskparks.net
Elbow, SkFind your own private beach
In the peaceful environment of Elbow and Lake Diefenbaker, experience serenity at Elbow Sunset Suites & RV Park. This beautiful location is just a quarter of a mile away from incredible beaches with a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Complete with picnic tables, firepits, large pull-throughs and winter storage, our sites can be booked at nightly, weekly, monthly or seasonal rates. Firewood is available in town. We are located just over an hour's drive south from Saskatoon, and less than two hours northwest of Regina.Elbow Sunset Suites And RV Parkwww.elbowsunsetsuites.ca-
Saskatoon, SKSharing success
Since being incorporated as a non-profit organization, SIGA has become a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry in Saskatchewan. By combining gaming with traditional First Nations hospitality, guests are treated to a truly unique entertainment experience. The success and accomplishments of SIGA over the years has been the result of a strong vision and the commitment of their 1,700 employees. In addition to the profits it generates for its beneficiaries, SIGA also invests in excess of a million dollars annually to hundreds of community groups in Saskatchewan through its community relations sponsorship program. Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc.Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc.www.siga.sk.ca