#rv parks with pickleball

[oceansrvresort]

Exploring The Beauty of North Topsail Beach Attractions: A Coastal Paradise

North Topsail Beach, nestled along the stunning shores of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This picturesque beach town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting attractions that make it a perfect destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. It is just 10 miles away from Oceans RV Resort. So, to enjoy these North Topsail beach attractions, staying in Oceans RV will be an ideal solution.

Here, in this blog post, we will delve into the top attractions that make North Topsail Beach a must-visit destination.

Pristine Beaches

North Topsail Beach boasts some of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches on the East Coast. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax, sunbathe, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. The beach is also great for shell hunting and birdwatching.

Water Sports and Activities

For those seeking adventure, there are so many things to do in Topsail beach NC. This beach offers a variety of water sports and activities. You can try your hand at surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or even jet skiing. The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide the ideal playground for water enthusiasts of all levels.

Sea Turtle Sanctuary

North Topsail Beach is famous for its commitment to protecting endangered sea turtles. During the nesting season, you can participate in guided sea turtle walks or watch turtle hatchlings make their way to the sea. It’s a unique and educational experience for the whole family.

Fishing and Boating

Fishing and boating are popular North Topsail beach attractions. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, you can enjoy surf fishing, pier fishing, or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. The area is teeming with a wide variety of fish species, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts.

Fresh Seafood Dining

No visit to North Topsail Beach is complete without indulging in fresh seafood. The local restaurants serve up mouthwatering seafood dishes, including shrimp, crab, and oysters, often caught the same day. Be sure to try the local specialties for a true taste of coastal cuisine. This is the speciality of Topsail beach campgrounds which you should not miss.

Jolly Roger Pier

The Jolly Roger Pier is an iconic landmark in North Topsail Beach. It offers a classic coastal experience with a nostalgic touch. You can fish from the pier, grab a snack at the pier’s restaurant, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the ocean.

Final Words

North Topsail Beach attractions are filled with a wide range of interests. From gift shops and yummy food to relaxing by the beach and outside activities, this beach is a must-see attraction while staying at Oceans RV Resort. Stay on one of our RV sites & enjoy the gorgeous scenery nearby our resorts. RV parks with pickleball courts are also available with us. So, book your holiday with us today.

[halealex]

A Guide To Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

Finding the perfect RV campsite is crucial for a memorable and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Here are some tips to help find the ideal spot. Research potential campgrounds and RV parks in the desired area, considering amenities, location, and reviews to narrow down options and find the best fit. Before setting out, check campsite availability and make reservations to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons or popular destinations, ensuring a stress-free camping experience.

[litrvluxurytravel]

Amenities That Define Luxury Motorcoach Resorts

When it comes to luxury motorcoach resorts, the experience extends far beyond simply having a place to park your RV. These high-end establishments offer a wide array of amenities designed to provide comfort, convenience, and a touch of opulence. Here’s a detailed look at the amenities that define luxury motorcoach resorts.

Spacious and Scenic Sites

One of the hallmarks of a luxury motorcoach resort is the spaciousness and aesthetic appeal of its sites. These resorts often feature large, private lots that provide ample space for slide-outs and outdoor living areas. Landscaped surroundings with manicured lawns, gardens, and scenic views add to the overall ambiance, making each site feel like a private retreat.

High-End Hookups

Luxury motorcoach resorts provide full-service hookups with all the amenities needed to ensure a comfortable stay. This includes high-capacity power connections (usually 50 amps or more), fresh water, and sewage connections. Additionally, many resorts offer cable or satellite TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring guests have all the modern conveniences of home.

Resort-Style Pools and Spas

Swimming pools and spa facilities at luxury motorcoach resorts are designed to rival those of high-end hotels. Guests can enjoy multiple heated swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and sometimes even private cabanas. These areas often feature elegant design elements and comfortable lounge furniture, providing a relaxing oasis for guests.

Clubhouses and Social Areas

Clubhouses are the social hubs of luxury motorcoach resorts. These elegant spaces often include lounges with comfortable seating, libraries stocked with books and games, game rooms with pool tables and other entertainment options, and communal kitchens for socializing and hosting events. These areas provide a welcoming environment for guests to mingle and build a sense of community.

Fitness Centers

For those who like to stay active while on the road, luxury motorcoach resorts offer state-of-the-art fitness centers. These facilities often include a variety of exercise equipment, yoga studios, and sometimes even personal trainers or fitness classes. Whether you prefer cardio, strength training, or yoga, these fitness centers cater to all workout preferences.

On-Site Dining Options

Gourmet dining is a key feature of many luxury motorcoach resorts. On-site restaurants, cafés, and bars provide a variety of dining options, from casual meals to fine dining experiences. Room service is also often available, allowing guests to enjoy delicious meals without leaving the comfort of their RV.

Recreational Facilities

Luxury motorcoach resorts offer a wide range of recreational facilities to keep guests entertained. This can include golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, and boating facilities. These amenities provide opportunities for guests to engage in their favorite hobbies and explore the great outdoors.

Pet Amenities

For guests traveling with pets, luxury motorcoach resorts often provide specialized amenities to ensure their furry friends are comfortable as well. This can include dog parks, pet washing stations, and sometimes even pet sitting or grooming services. These amenities make it easy for guests to care for their pets while enjoying their stay.

Concierge Services

Personalized concierge services are a staple of luxury motorcoach resorts. The concierge team can assist with making reservations, planning activities, and providing recommendations for local attractions. This high level of service ensures that guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Luxury Bathhouses and Laundry

Upscale bathhouses and laundry facilities are another key feature of luxury motorcoach resorts. Bathhouses often include private showers with high-end fixtures, while laundry facilities are equipped with top-of-the-line washers and dryers. These amenities provide the comfort and convenience of home while on the road.

Business Centers

For those who need to stay connected for work, luxury motorcoach resorts often feature fully equipped business centers. These centers typically include meeting rooms, high-speed internet, printers, and other office essentials. This makes it easy for guests to take care of business while enjoying their stay.

Security and Privacy

Safety and privacy are top priorities at luxury motorcoach resorts. Gated access, 24-hour security, and surveillance ensure a secure environment for all guests. Additionally, the private and spacious nature of the sites provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility.

Event Spaces

Many luxury motorcoach resorts offer event spaces for weddings, conferences, and other special occasions. These venues often come with catering services and event planning assistance, making it easy to host a memorable event in a beautiful setting.

Maintenance and Support

To ensure that guests have a hassle-free stay, luxury motorcoach resorts typically provide on-site maintenance teams. These professionals can assist with RV repairs, detailing services, and technical support. This level of service ensures that any issues are quickly and efficiently addressed.

In summary, the amenities offered by luxury motorcoach resorts go above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience for their guests. From spacious and scenic sites to high-end recreational facilities and personalized concierge services, these resorts are designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or new to the lifestyle, a stay at a luxury motorcoach resort is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

[thelistingteammiami]

Cipriani Residences Miami

Located on floors 62 and above, these 74 exclusive homes, including six penthouses, form a rarefied aerie of privacy and gracious living. Residents of The Canaletto Collection enjoy sweeping views and exceptional services ranging from a dedicated global concierge to upgraded finishes and bespoke furniture artfully curated and designed by the renowned firm 1508 London.

To live in Cipriani Residences Miami is to enjoy those signature service standards first established at Harry’s Bar in 1931 and perfected through four generations. Individual tastes are indulged and needs are anticipated with an intuitive understanding of when and where their attention is required.

BU I LD I N G OV E RV I E W

• An elegant 80-story tower with a curved cascading

glass façade

• A collection of 397 residences, including exceptional

penthouses with private pools

• Resident-only dining services by Cipriani

• Sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Brickell skyline,

and Coconut Grove

• 24-Hour staff trained by Cipriani

D ES I G N TE A M

• Architecture: Arquitectonica

• Landscape: Arquitectonica GEO

A ME N ITI ES

• Exclusive private entrance with lush landscaping

and elegant porte-cochère

• Dramatic lobby leading to two banks of high-speed,

touchless elevators

• Signature private dining experiences by Cipriani

• In-home dining and 24-hour catering services

by Cipriani, exclusive to residents

• Private dining rooms available for reservation,

catered by Cipriani

• Elevated resort deck with two swimming pools,

a blissful outdoor spa, poolside cabanas, and

a beautifully landscaped sun terrace

• Poolside food and beverage services catered

by Cipriani

• Holistic spa with sauna and treatment rooms

• Luxurious residents’ lounge for special events

and intimate gatherings

• State-of-the-art fitness center

• Golf simulator

• Pickleball court

• Private salon available to be reserved for

personal beauty services

• Screening room with cutting-edge audio

visual equipment

• Serene and spacious residents’ library

• Engaging children’s playroom

• Elevated four-level wellness center and lounge

overlooking the Brickell skyline

• Pet-friendly community with dog park

• High-speed internet access across all public areas

• Electric vehicle charging stations available

• Air-conditioned storage rooms

RES I D E N C E FE ATU RES

• Generous living areas with ceiling heights of 10 feet

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows

with magnificent panoramic views

• Terrace access from the living room and primary

bedroom of every residence

• Gracious walk-in wardrobes in every primary bedroom

• An exquisite selection of flooring options included

• Direct elevator entry for select residences

• Eat-in, open kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry inspired

by Cipriani’s renowned style

• Top-of-the-line appliances from Wolf Sub-Zero, including

cooktop, integrated refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler,

and dishwasher

• Primary bathrooms with grand, stand-alone bathtubs

and glass-enclosed showers; vanities with premium

Italian cabinetry, imported stone tops, back-lit mirrors;

separate room with water closet

• Spacious laundry rooms with full-size washing machine

and dryer, with a utility sink in most residences

• Individually controlled, high-efficiency central

air conditioning and heating systems, with linear

diffusers in main areas to ensure seamless integration

• Innovative smart technology infrastructure that enables

home automation

• Intelligent interface system for essential building services

such as concierge, valet, and security

S E RV I C ES

• Designated Director of Residences

• Cipriani Residential Concierge

• Residential services including plant care,

and away-from-home maintenance*

• Pet-friendly community with pet grooming

and walk services available*

• A luxury house limousine service for convenient

transport within a three-mile radius*

• In-residence spa treatments*

• Personal training services*

• A secure, covered garage with 24-hour complimentary

valet and optional self-parking in assigned spaces

• 24-hour security guards and controlled building access

Photo Gallery

[mike-jacque-c-the-world]

05/10/23 - Jonestown, TX - SPRINGTIME IS HERE - We’ve been staying at an RV park in Jonestown while house hunting in nearby Lago Vista. We drive by this large Yucca everytime we leave the RV park. It’s been in bloom for awhile. Decided to take the pic today before the flowers disappear for the summer. We’ve narrowed down our house search to Lago Vista and already find ourselves getting plugged into the community through pickleball, line dancing and cycling. All we need to do now is find a place. The biggest obstacle right now is a lack of homes for sale. We may have to start talking to home builders. The good news: Lake Travis is less than 50% full which has depressed Lago home prices a bit.

[les-pompiers118]

9-1-1 fans: Is anyone else watching LA Fire & Rescue?

I’m enjoying it very much! Their compassion and dedication is amazing to watch. I thought I’d write out my takeaways so far, comparing real Los Angeles firefighting to our beloved weewoo show:

◼ Real fire stations are much more cramped and cluttered than the 118. They eat meals squeezed into (often windowless) kitchens about the size of an office that look like they were fitted out in the 1970s. Bobby would probably cry if he had to cook in there.

◼ Actual CPR is scary to watch! The compressions are done with so much force that the entire body moves. It’s no surprise that ribs get broken (and that dramatized CPR has to be toned down for the safety of the actor).

◼ Statistically speaking, at least two or three cast members in the 118 should be sporting mustaches. Those firefighters love their mustaches. Mustaches everywhere you turn.

◼ Buck was 100% right in 2x01 when he said Eddie should not be comfortable and hadn’t payed his dues yet. Based on LA Fire & Rescue (and firefighting websites I’ve read), Probies (or “Boots” as they’re called in the LA County department) have to be in constant hustle mode, not only taking on the grunt work in the house and studying, but also trying to prove themselves worthy to the rest of the team. They’re definitely not considered equals with the other firefighters, even if they’re a beautiful man competent and have a Silver Star.

◼ Air Operations is hella cool. I don’t blame Lucy for transferring over (though I wish she’d come back). 

◼ In central LA especially, firefighters regularly get sent to medical emergencies for unhoused people, including folks living in tents and rundown RVs, and fires in vacant buildings where there may or may not be people sheltering. If the 118 is located downtown (which I think it is), they’d see this a lot.

◼ Because of our expensive, shitty excuse for a medical system in America, people are often understandably reluctant to be transported to the hospital. Stab wounds, sepsis, possible broken bones—paramedics often have to convince them that their condition needs to be treated by a doctor.

◼ It’s now confirmed that at least one station in the LA County FD has a pickleball court set up in their parking lot. Get with the times, 118!

Feel free to reblog with your own additions, if you’re watching the show!

[susanhaley1111]

January 26,2023

I am retired as of 1/17. I suspect I will go back to fill in, but my time is my own. We are headed to Ocala, Florida tomorrow. Today was the initial departure day but another snow/sleet storm hit last night.

We drove to Burlington yesterday to visit Pam yesterday. She is content to be there, still recognized us, but is much worse mentally. She had her eyes closed, while thinking, she said, most of our visit. She does not remember her friend Art who she had spent lots of time with. She did not remember Art and Linda's visit last weekend . She has significant arthritis and much reduced mobility. She has her own walker now, but wonders who it belongs to. I miss my sister ,but know she is gone. She looks pretty normal, and beautiful in this picture.

I got up at 3 am to snowblow the driveway. It had just changed to sleet and will become rain. Our blower is challenged by heavy, wet snow. It was good to get it mostly cleaned up.

Our destination is

We will be here with the Frechettes for 2 months !!

.

[ourcrazyrvlife]

Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort Tour and Review Part 1 - A Guide For N...

With approximately 1,000 RV sites, TTO has full hookups with 30/50 amp electrical at each one! This is a first come, first served park. During peak season, though, there is a staging process involved that ends with you being escorted by a golf cart to your site after they determine your needs and wants (and they try their very best to meet those). This park is situated on Lake Hancock, and is home to many species of animals, including endangered gopher tortoises and sandhill cranes (not to mention, alligators and snakes). With its close proximity to renowned theme parks such as Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and more, TTO is a very popular destination. The resort is open year-round and is easily accessible from Florida Highway 27, and it is conveniently located about 30 minutes southwest of Orlando’s metropolitan area. This park is so large, we decided to do this first video showing you as many of the sites as we could, and also discussing TTO's rules and regulations. We will be making a second video to show you the amenities such as the Rec Center, pool and hot tub, fitness center, pickleball courts... just so many things to see! We make these videos primarily for our own pleasure, and hope that you enjoy them as much as we do making them! Please don't forget to Subscribe, Like, Comment, and Share! ▶︎ MEMBERSHIPS AND PRODUCTS WE LOVE Thousand Trails Camping Membership We LOVE our Thousand Trails membership! We would never be able to live our full-time RV lifestyle without it! If you're interested in one, please contact the best Membership Specialists we know, Warren and Sharon Lewis! They won't steer you wrong and will help you find the membership that fits you! Please be sure to tell them that Our Crazy RV Life sent you (we do receive a small commission from membership sales, but, hey... every little bit helps, right?)! Sharon and Warren Lewis 772-217-1851 or 804-366-0798 warren_lewis@equitylifestyle.com

[sheltierv]

May 13th, Keizer OR

Got to the Keizer Elks Wednesday morning after spending over $5 a gallon for diesel. We also stopped a Superior tire to have them look at one of our inside rear tires that has had a slow leak. They think it was a valve issue but let the tire swim in their pool to make sure it had no leaks.

The Elks RV park is packed! Got here before 11am and had 2 spaces to choose from. For lunch we walked over to the lodge and split some broasted chicken that was very good. We had friends over in the evening and they delivered some parts we had Shipped to their house.

Thursday was more rain and it stopped just in time for us to host some other friends for a chicken taco 🌮 dinner.

Today, the rain broke for a while so we went to Dallas to play pickelball. Then lunch at Xicha brewery with friends and tasted some of their great beers.

It started raining 🌧 in the afternoon as we drove to our other friends for Pickleball and dinner. Rain didn't matter as they have an indoor Pickleball court. Played 6 games. And yes played PB twice in 1 day!

Dinner was excellent and Bella had a blast as she loves them and thought their big house was neat.

Got back to the rig after 10pm and yes, still raining 🌧.

[halealex]

Creative Birthday Party Ideas for a Memorable Celebration

Looking for unique and memorable birthday party ideas? Organize a thrilling treasure hunt with a creative theme, providing clues and challenges that lead to a hidden treasure, ensuring an exciting and interactive experience for all guests!

[smithfamilyfive]

03-17-22 (rewind) After the desert museum, we spent some time at the west side of Saguaro National Park. On our way back to the RV park we stopped at the old apartment, the UofA, and Kelly’s old work. After a busy day we played some pickleball and the kids went swimming again.

[bozefam]

2022.

The last few days we were in Tucson, the Smith family took their spring break vacation and came to see us.  

They started their trip in Las Vegas then travelled through Death Valley, the Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona, and Phoenix.  They spent the last three days with us in Tucson.  The Smiths did their own touristy stuff during the day, then came back to our RV park for dinner at night.

We all got to swim, play pickleball and do some old-folk stuff.  Mom and Dad slept in a casita, and the kids slept in our camper, giving mom and dad some much needed rest.

[vickisventures]

Yippee Ki Yay

I can not say it enough…this season has FLOWN by. We are down to the last few weeks now. They have signed the lease for our site for next year, so it looks like we are “in.” The last month has been filled with softball games and activities. Our friends, that we made in Durango, spent a month here in the Phoenix area and we hiked with them (Photo 2), ate Whataburger with them twice and played pickleball. It was so nice having them here. We got free tickets to see to the Barleen’s show. For those of you familiar with Branson, Barleen’s is similar to a Branson show. We went to their variety show and it was so well done. There was some serious talent on the stage. They also serve a full meal for their guests. We lucked into some complimentary tickets and saved ourselves $84. Then we got free tickets to an Alabama tribute show at another area park. It was really well done. We have also been to John Denver and Journey tribute shows (worked those show for free attendance.). We weren’t super impressed with the quality of the shows we worked, but at least we didn’t pay money for them. This week we have a Volunteer Appreciation Party and a Bingo event to help with. After that, things will be fairly slow around here.

My niece has a good team this season but they don’t seem to be improving much. We had high hopes for them after the first game or two, but they have lost several games they should have won. Our belief is it’s the coaches. But we have had so much fun going to their games and haven’t missed any that were drivable. We only have 2 more days of games left before we leave. Hate to miss so many games, but they do have a way to listen to the games that we will have to take advantage of.

Aspen officially turned 17 the other day. We have had days when we thought it was time and then he bounces back, and we know it's not time yet. It’s really hard being in this situation. One day at a time, I guess.

It appears the RV leg that was replaced is still slipping slightly. Steve is now wondering if it’s the other leg (somehow they are connected) causing the problem. We aren’t too worried about this since it’s such a slow slippage, but I sure hope the slide issue is fixed. I’m not feeling super confident right now.

We spent a couple of weekends working on our summer plans. So glad the gas prices have skyrocketed. Ha! As mentioned before, we will stop in Amarillo for doctor appointments, then in Colorado to check out our trees. Then on to Minnesota for 3 months to work again at DigiKey starting in May. Then let the fun begin. Thanks to some “experts,” we have planned our first 2 weeks touring the UP (Upper Peninsula-Michigan). It was never on my radar until a high school friend went and shared her photos on Facebook. Then there are people at our resort who are from that area, so we decided to go there first. I have always wanted to go to Mackinac Island so our UP trip will end with a stop there. It has been a bit interesting finding campgrounds for our trip. There aren’t many full hookup type of RV parks. There are a lot of county parks and state parks that only have electric. We don’t mind electric only sites for stays of a night or 2, but 5 nights is a different story. From there we will head south to Tennessee. We will spend around 9 days around Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. We want to do the touristy thing there for a few days. Then we are going north a few miles where it’s more affordable over the Labor Day holiday. After that, we have a month stay planned in North Carolina in the Smoky Mountains. Hopefully there we can make some day trips and do a lot of hiking. I definitely plan to head to Asheville to tour Biltmore. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time. (Trip plan-Photo 1)After all that fun, we will need to start our way back to Arizona. We plan to stop in Missouri and Amarillo on our way back. This is all new to us. We tried to plan a 2-week trip around Utah but COVID hit and we never got to do that. This is our first time to travel around like this in our RV. I can’t wait!

[omgstupendousbouquetbasement]

Canadian Snowbirds Head South As US Land Borders Reopen

Canadians Ian and Heather Stewart are savoring the idea of leaving behind this winter’s subzero temperatures when the U.S. reopens its borders to nonessential land travel next week and they launch a long-delayed drive to their seasonal home in Fort Myers, Florida.   Restrictions imposed by both countries during the coronavirus pandemic and their own concerns kept the retired couple and millions of other Canadians from driving south to warmer climes like Florida, Arizona and Mexico during last year’s freezing winter months.   Now, the Biden administration’s decision to allow vaccinated people to enter the U.S. by land for any reason starting Nov. 8 has many Canadians packing up their campers and making reservations at their favorite vacation condominiums and mobile home parks. Some are already in the U.S., arriving on flights that never stopped and have required just a negative COVID-19 test.   But many have waited to drive, preferring the convenience of having a vehicle to get around in with rental cars scarce and expensive.   Vacasa, a management company for over 30,000 vacation homes in North America, Belize and Costa Rica, said it saw a major rise in traffic on its online platform after the new rules were announced. Canadian users’ views at rentals in snowbird-popular destinations jumped by 120%.  The Stewarts will board their SUV with two dogs and a cat Nov. 10 for the four-day trek from Ottawa, Ontario, to spend six months on Florida’s Gulf Coast.  “We love it there,” said Ian Stewart, 81, a retired air traffic controller with the Royal Canadian Air Force. “There’s such a nice feel with the good weather that lets you get out and walk and talk to your neighbors. And you don’t have to worry about slipping on the ice and breaking your bones!”  Like the Stewarts, many Canadian snowbirds stay at mobile home parks and luxury RV resorts — with swimming pools, pickleball and sometimes golf courses — for people 55 and over. The Stewarts have owned a manufactured home at their Florida park since 2007.  Arizona is also popular for its mild winters.   The Arizona Office of Tourism expects an immediate economic impact in a state where people from Canada and Mexico traditionally make up the largest number of overnight visitors, said Becky Blaine, the office’s deputy director.   “The phones have been ringing off the hook since they announced the border will be reopened,” said Kate Ebert, manager of the Sundance 1 RV Resort in Casa Grande, halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. Renée Louzon-Benn, executive director of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, said the desert community last year felt the absence of visitors from Canada and U.S. Midwestern states like Wisconsin and Michigan, with far fewer people spending money locally. Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland said the city of about 62,000 people usually swells by another 25,000 each winter.   Wendy Caban of Lake Country, British Columbia, is thrilled she and her husband, Geoffrey, can soon drive to their resort home in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa.   “I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of friends that we made over the last dozen years,” Wendy Caban said. “I’m looking forward to the warmth.”  But the couple, both 73, are still mulling when to leave.  “I think it’s going to be insane on Nov. 8,” Caban said. “So, we’ll wait a few days and monitor the lineups and the weather.”  Arizona’s Office of Tourism says close to 1 million Canadian tourists accounted for $1 billion in spending in 2019. That plunged to 257,000 Canadians who spent $325 million last year.   R. Glenn Williamson, Canada’s Arizona honorary consul and founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council, said the numbers for tourists don’t consider longer term stays by part-time resident Canadians who spend months at a time in homes they own in Arizona — as many as 200,000 additional people spending another $1.5 billion locally each year.  With some 500 Canadian companies operating in Arizona, a new wave of younger, wealthier Canadian snowbirds work part-time in the state, where they buy upscale homes and play golf, among Canada’s most popular sports, Williamson said.   Barbara and Brian Fox of Toronto, both in their 60s, plan to keep working for their strategic communications firm when they return to the Naples area on Florida’s Gulf Coast in March and April.   It will be the longest Florida stay so far for the couple, who have canceled at least five planned trips south during the course of the pandemic over restrictions and concerns about possible infection.  Plenty of retirees are planning to head south again as well.   They include Wilf and Lynne Burnett, who haven’t made annual trek south from their hometown in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, since the coronavirus emerged. They typically tow a 15-foot (4.5-meter) boat so they can fish and visit restaurants with docks on the bay.  Now that land border restrictions are being eliminated, the Burnetts have a three-month reservation at a Puerto Vallarta condominium starting Jan. 6.  “We’ll keep an eye on the virus and if things continue to improve, we’ll go,” Wilf Burnett said.  Those who decide to travel at the last minute will likely find it hard to book a condominium, RV park or campground.  Amid concern restrictions might keep changing, some snowbirds are making reservations for earlier in the season than usual, starting from November through early next year, said Bruce Hoban, co-founder of the 2,000-member Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Palm Springs. Hoban said peak visitor times for snowbirds, who comprise about 15% of vacation rentals, are generally between February and April.   Those who come can also expect prices as much as 20% to 30% higher because of increased demand, he said.   Bobby Cornwell, executive director of the Florida and Alabama RV Parks & Campground Association, said many sites in those states were booked solid from January through March even before the new travel rules were announced. That’s because Americans have embraced RV travel during the pandemic, filling spots Canadian campers normally would.   Still, it’s “wonderful news” Canadians can return, Cornwell said.   “We encourage all snowbirds to plan to come to Florida and make your reservations as soon as possible,” he said.  from Blogger https://ift.tt/3w83Trd via IFTTT

[mike-jacque-c-the-world]

03/02/22 - Saguaro National Park West, AZ - SAGUARO TIME - We're about two weeks into our scheduled two-month stay in Tucson, AZ. One of the unique things about Tucson is that the city is straddled by two halves of Saguaro National Park that can be found at the eastern and western edges of the city's suburbs. But you don't actually have to go to the National Parks to see the Saguaros. These giant cacti can be found all over the city which does a great job of maintaining their appearance. We are enjoying our time here: there are so many activities at the Rincon Country West RV resort, a large 55+ resort community populated by a mix of permanent residents and winter snowbirds who keep coming back year after year. My day is pretty much pickleball in the morning hours and cycling in the afternoon on the bike trails that can take you all over the Tucson area. Jacque is maximizing on many different activities and socializing as well. It's fun, but all this activity can get a little exhausting at times. Still, bottom line, at this stage in our lives, we wouldn't have it any other way.

[dougrobyngoold]

Ten Days at Beachwood Resort - Birch Bay, WA

Our time here at Beachwood Resort has been well spent.  It is a great location just north of Bellingham in northwestern Washington.  We have played a couple rounds of golf at Grandview Golf Course - just down the road from the RV park.  Relatively inexpensive AND uncrowded, but our favorite part of playing golf in Washington:

All the yummy berries growing on the golf courses - great way to distract yourself during a bad round of golf!

We spent a day on Whidbey Island, visiting with Doug’s cousin, Tina, and her family.  It was nice to spend a little time with them, hopefully, we will meet up with them again while we are in the area.  We also went into Bellingham and played tennis at one of their city parks.  That was quite the adventure to find those courts!  They were tucked away under the trees and when we did finally locate them, we were subjected to exhaust and noise from heavy machinery tearing up the grounds near two of the four courts.  They were getting ready to convert two of the courts into pickleball courts and that required tearing up the area adjacent to the courts.  We had managed to just get warmed up before we were kicked off our courts by a couple of people who wanted to mark the court we were playing on with pickleball court lines.  Pretty distracting!  In addition, the smoke from the fires was pretty bad that day, too.  We probably did more damage than good trying to play under those conditions!  Oh well, it provided a story to tell!

We did fit in a couple of hikes during our stay.  The first one was a hike up to Oyster Dome.  The trailhead was located on Chuckanut Drive along Samish Bay, between Bellingham and Burlington.  Beautiful walk through towering cedars and lush undergrowth, definitely a climb.  Our views were limited due to the smoke from the fires, but we still enjoyed the walk.

Highly used trail, not too busy the day we were there.  Signage is great all the way to the top.

We were on the Pacific Northwest Trail for portions of this hike - completing that trail is not on my bucket list!

Great trail through the woods!

Samish Bay through the trees.....smoke was definitely covering the bay.

Oregon grape holly, I couldn’t believe the number of berries growing on these plants in this forest.

Doug at the summit of Oyster Dome.

Our view from Oyster Dome.

We were definitely sweaty from our climb, the breeze at Oyster Dome was refreshing.

A little fungi on the way back.

This photo makes it look like we were hiking in Hawaii!

The other hike we did during our stay was in Mt. Baker Wilderness Area.  It was over an hour to drive there, but so worth it.  This area of Washington is drop-dead gorgeous!  We did the out-and-back hike to Lake Ann.  Could not have asked for a more perfect day.

Well-marked trail, 8.4 miles RT.

Lots of berries along the first portion of the trail, as you switchback your way down into the valley.

The views get spectacular as you enter the valley after your descent from the parking area.

Hiking across the valley floor, you have to watch where you are going!  Easy to get distracted by the views.

The trail begins to climb up out of the valley toward the saddle at Lake Ann.

After a few rocky, long switchbacks we were rewarded with a stunning view of Mt. Baker (if you remember to take a moment to turn around).

Lake Ann from the saddle.

Mt. Shucksan overwhelmed us as we continued along the trail above Lake Ann.

Pretty sweet spot to stop for lunch.

Table Mountain in the distance, as we made our way back up to the saddle on our way back.

We have enjoyed our stay here, the park is very busy.  Lots of families and more kids riding bicycles than I have ever seen!  This is an area we will probably come back to again - we just can’t stay away from the beautiful Cascades!  In case you are wondering why, I am going to leave you with one last photo of Mt. Baker: