Caravanner Comments
Dear Editor:
As we write this, we are on a caravan through the Holiday Rambler club, touring Newfoundland and Labrador. We have 15 RVs in the group, and when we travel from one campground to another, we drive in groups of three. The roads are usually only two-lane, and because we tend to travel a little more slowly than the speed limit to enjoy this part of the world, local vehicles can pass us when needed. I feel that it also shows consideration on our part for the folks who have a schedule to meet, and it gives a positive image of RVers.
While at one campground we saw another tour group present, and when they prepared to leave, all 23 units left at once. Can you understand the frustration of any driver that is stuck behind a group of this number? It would seem to me that this type of caravanning gives all caravans and RVers a tarnished image. I suggest that if you feel we need to give consideration to local folks and to promote goodwill on the part of all RVers, when you sign up for a caravan, please ask about their policy of moving from one campground to another, and be sure that it agrees with your standards.
Ray Nellis, F235635
FMCA Mail Forwarding
Early Accommodations
Dear Editor:
We want to tell all FMCA members about St. Cloud Campground & RV Park, an FMCA commercial member in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They are fantastic. We had to attend a funeral in St. Cloud at the end of March, and everyone knows that going north at that time of year can be a challenge, let alone the fact that most RV parks are not open for business. When I called to determine if they were open, I was told that they were not. When I asked about any possible place to park, as we had to attend a funeral in St. Cloud, I was immediately told that for this occasion they would make arrangements for me. They said they would be able to get me electricity and sewer hookups, but couldn’t get me a water hookup.
When I got there, they even gave me a very good discount and got out a water hose so that we could fill the onboard water tank. All in all, they went out of their way to help us. We have stayed here in the past, and it is a very clean and well-operated park that we highly recommend.
It was kind of strange to see our coach parked in this large park with nobody else around us.
Chuck Morlan & Michele Williams, F357578
Overland Park, Kansas
Parrot Success
Dear Editor:
I’m the one who wrote in and asked readers for help on getting a passport for our pet African Grey bird as we travel to Canada (“Traveling With A Parrot,” April 2007, page 143). One reader gave me information that I want to share, as my papers are now in order and ready to be mailed to get the passport. What a relief. I also thank the editors of FMC, because their comments following my letter were most helpful.
The correct e-mail address to get a Bird Pet Passport is www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-64.pdf. For a list of Canadian border ports, go to www.fws.gov/le/impexp/canadian_border_ports.htm, and be sure to indicate on the application which port you will use. You can read about the clearance process at www.fws.gov/le/impexp/faqs.htm.
I also was told to keep trying different days to access the above Web site links, as they don’t always open when you want them to. Also, as I write this, the expiration date on the application still reads June 30/07, but I was told to use this application until the new ones are updated.
I hope this will be helpful to others who have had the same problems and frustrations that my husband and I have had in the past. If anyone else needs help, they’re welcome to contact me.
Judy Wiencek, F383840
New Port Richey, Florida
(727) 815-0383
E-mail: paco815@juno.com
Visiting Vancouver
Dear Editor:
I hope Mr. Ferrie’s letter does not frighten travelers away from visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, and divert them to Victoria (“Vancouver, B.C., Construction,” July 2007, page 22). Yes, there has been summer construction, but is that any different than other major cities? No one would park or drive their motorhome in construction areas.
Folks, if you want to visit any part of B.C., including Victoria and/or Vancouver, do so, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the friendly people and awesome beauty of the province. Just check with www.travelbc.ca for details.
Lex Haagen, F342255
Lumby, British Columbia, Canada
Mobile Service In Maine
Dear Editor:
Just a few lines to recommend a mobile RV service. I had trouble with the house batteries on my motorhome and could not get into the dealer. I called Rex’s RV Repair in Windham, Maine. Steve was on the road when he contacted me and came right over and had us fixed in about an hour. His rates were reasonable and very professional.
The Rex’s RV Repair address is 4 Richards Road, Windham, ME 04062; phone (207) 892-5549.
Ron Kiraly, F216288
Casa Grande, Arizona