SPRING 2025 COAST MAGAZINE
APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL
LEISURE TRAVEL VANS—UNITY
LET’S GO FOR A RIDE
SEATTLE
STATE PARK STAYCATION
SPRING DESTINATIONS
SUNRISE ADVENTURES RIDGEVIEW RESORT Bullhead City, Arizona
BEE’S RV RESORT Clermont, Florida
TRES RIOS RV RESORT Glen Rose, Texas
RESORT UPDATES
CONTENTS
TRAVEL 6 APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Story by Dixie Dee Whited
Chairman of Camping World Holdings Marcus Lemonis Chief Operating Officer Matthew Wagner Executive Vice President Good Sam
Enterprises Will Colling Editorial Director Dee Whited Graphic Designer Jennifer Wizner Business Manager Christina Din Marketing Director Kristin Moser Coast Coordinator Farrah Jobling
Coast Member Services 64 Inverness Drive East Englewood, Colorado 80112 800-368-5721 info@coastresorts.com Coast to Coast Website CoastResorts.com Coast Facebook Page Facebook.com/CoastResorts
Volume 44, Number 2. Coast to Coast (ISSN 1093-3581) is published quarterly for $14 per year as part of annual membership fees, by Coast to Coast Resorts, 64 Inverness Drive E., Englewood, Colorado 80112. Coast to Coast Resorts assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manu scripts or artwork. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any method without prior written consent of the publisher. ©2025 Camp Coast to Coast, LLC. Coast wing logo is a registered trademark of Camp Coast to Coast, LLC. The GOOD SAM ICON, and Dream. Plan. Go. are registered trademarks of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC and used with permission. Unauthorized use of Coast’s or Good Sam’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA. Cover Photo: Appalachian National Scenic Trail CTC65769 - 0325
16 LET’S GO FOR A RIDE Story by Emily Fagan 21 SEATTLE Story by Richard Varr 27 STATE PARK STAYCATION Story by Dave G. Houser
DEPARTMENTS
RESORT PROFILES
12 RV REVIEW
03 BEE’S
RV RESORT Clermont, Florida 04 SUNRISE ADVENTURES RIDGEVIEW RESORT Bullhead City, Arizona 05 TRES RIOS RV RESORT Glen Rose, Texas
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deluxe
RESORT TYPE: Deluxe LOCATION: Clermont, Florida SEASON: Year-round WEBSITE: www.beesrvresort.com
But why leave the gates of Bee’s RV Resort in Clermont, Florida, when you can dive into resort-style living at the solar-heated pool or enjoy fishing and boating at nearby lakes. The community comes alive with daily activities from shuffleboard matches to live entertainment and themed dances in the clubhouse. The activities department at Bee’s RV Resort, makes sure that there are plenty of activities planned each day for every interest. Although sitting and relaxing could certainly be your idea of an activity. But, if you want to be busy, visit the Beehive, the activity center, where you can play cards, dominoes, board games, or watch television. There’s also a book-trading area where you can exchange books you’ve read for a new-to-you book. Try card bingo, a different, fun way to play bingo; or, if you yearn for traditional bingo, it’s played on Tuesdays and Fridays. The activity calendar includes street golf, pétanque, dances, crafts, concerts, and more. Activities include a lighted shuffleboard, 9-hole miniature golf, a nature walking trail, and solar heated pool. The Bee’s RV Resort Easy access to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
activities team is busy as bees keeping the activity calendar full. There is something to do almost every night with pot-luck dinners, and cookouts. You can all but hang up your apron because the Honey Pot Eatery serves up family favorites. Take in the all-you- can-eat fish on Fridays and all-you-can-eat chicken for a Sunday dinner that just happens to be served on Tuesday night. In addition to the friendly atmosphere, RVers enjoy 30- amp and 50-amp service, coin laundry, hot showers, high- speed Wi-Fi, pull-through sites, RV storage, LP gas, and post office boxes with mail forwarding service. Whether you’re planning multiple days at the theme parks, looking to explore central Florida, or wanting to experience the best of local shopping and dining, Bee’s RV Resort provides the ideal location for your Central Florida vacation and provides the perfect home base for your getaway.
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Find much more than a sunrise at Sunrise Adventures Ridgeview Resort; It’s adventure all year-round. The adventures include plenty of activities on the waters of the Colorado River and the pristine waters of Lake Mohave just minutes from the resort. Onsite, enjoy the welcoming water of the swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Sunrise Adventures Ridgeview Resort in Bullhead City, Arizona, is just two hours from Las Vegas and its numerous opportunities for gaming and recreation, but there’s no reason to travel far. In fact, the resort is directly across the border from Laughlin, Nevada, where ten casinos offer 24- hour gaming, restaurants, and exciting entertainment. But you don’t even have to leave the resort, whether your game is poker, farkle, cribbage, or Mexican train, the resort’s clubhouse is always buzzing with others who want to join in. If karaoke is more your style or maybe an ice cream social, the clubhouse is also the hub for all planned weekly activities. Sunrise Adventures Ridgeview Resort Sunshine 360 days a year
RESORT TYPE: Classic LOCATION: Bullhead City, Arizona SEASON: Year-round WEBSITE: www.coloradoriveradventures.com
Ready for some daily water aerobics? Feel like swimming some laps? Or would you rather just soak in the jacuzzi and relieve those tired traveling bones? Whatever it is you’re looking for, the sparkling heated swimming pool and jacuzzi will not disappoint. Come on over and take the plunge; The water’s perfect. There are also hiking trails, shuffleboard, and organized activities. When pulling into Sunrise Adventures Ridgeview Resort you will immediately be relieved. All the sites are spacious and can accommodate any size rig. You’ll also have choices. Most of the resort sites offer cement slabs for outdoor living and some with views of the river. Whether you prefer 30-amp or 50-amp, you’re covered. If golf is a highlight of your visit, then you’ll be very happy here because there are many golf courses in the Bullhead City/Laughlin area. There’s also some of the best shopping in the area with malls only minutes from the resort.
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premier
RESORT TYPE: Premier LOCATION: Glen Rose, Texas SEASON: Year-round WEBSITE: www.oceancanyon.com
Tres Rios RV Resort Dinosaurs, bluebonnets, and rivers
And you’ll find all three when visiting Tres Rios RV Resort in Glen Rose, Texas. Tres Rios is an RV resort Texas style and Texas scale. Nestled among native Texas bluebonnets, pecan and oak trees on 47 spacious acres. The three nearby Texas rivers mean there’s plenty of fishing, boating, swimming, and rafting, which are favorite activities for guests of all ages, as are day trips to nearby Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Dinosaur Valley State Park. The resort is named for the three Texas rivers that converge on the resort’s southern point—the Brazos River, Paluxy River, and Squaw Creek. The Brazos is popular for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. The Paluxy is known for numerous dinosaur footprints found in its bed near Glen Rose. Not only are the waters great for fishing— the Brazos River is home to 44 fish species. The area is a magnet for many bird species including blue herons and bald eagles. Warblers, cranes, plovers, peregrine falcons, woodpeckers, and sandpipers are present throughout the year.
The resort is known for its special events and local area events such as the annual music festival, blue bonnet festival, and regularly scheduled arts, crafts, and antique shows. The resort is well known in the area because it has 50 years of history as a YMCA summer camp, so it’s set up perfectly for guests of all ages. Tres Rios offers plenty of onsite activities and amenities. These include full hook-up RV sites, large pull-through sites, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, walking trails, basketball, horseshoes, and volleyball. The younger set isn’t left out and they can join the adult supervised Kids Club and play on the playground. Take your pet to Tres Rios Bark Park. Take advantage of the RV storage so you can plan to visit again. Traveling without a rig? Rent one of the riverside cabins.
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APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and beyond.
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October’s Hurricane Helene laid waste to portions of the southeastern United States. Its sheer wind force and deadly floods left behind a path of destruction stretching more than 500 miles from Florida to the Southern Appalachians. Many of you reading this may have been personally affected by this enormous storm. But the majority of us watched spellbound to news reports about people in that region enduring the destruction. Months later, our attention has been turned to other dramatic news items and the plight of those in Helene’s wake is all but forgotten. My husband and I are fortunate enough to live within a few miles of the famed Appalachian National Scenic Trail—commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or simply “the A.T.” Completed in 1937, the A.T. is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,190 miles in length, which travels through 14 states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Being so close to the trail, our small town of Front Royal, Virginia, often plays host to thru-hikers— people who attempt to hike the entire footpath in Appalachian National Scenic Trail The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and beyond By Dixie Dee Whited
Hiker on the Appalachian Trail Shenandoah National Park
a single year. The town welcomes those intrepid hikers with open arms offering showers, lockers, mail drop, boot dryers, and laundry facilities, according to Kerry Barnhart, president of Vibrissa Beer, who spearheaded the creation of the Base Camp along with Mountain Trails, Down Home Bakery, and Vibrissa Beer. Front Royal has even been named the nation’s 15th official Appalachian Trail Community. According to Lizi Lewis, director of Tourism for Front Royal, in 2023, more than 1,000 thru-hikers formally checked in. Of course, that doesn’t count the number of hikers who failed to check in. During peak hiking times, the town trolley makes several round trips to the trail head daily. Because the trail is internationally known, it’s not surprising that there have been thru-hikers from 16 different countries and 45 U.S. states, says Barnhart. Her interest in the A.T. rubbed off on daughter Jenna Carroll, trail name Coach,
Fabulous view from the Trail in New Hampshire
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Matt Drury, Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Associate Director of Science and Stewardship, explains how invasive plants contribute to the forest’s deterioration: “Non-native invasive species can support a couple of insects, but native plants can support hundreds. For example, oaks can support 800 different insect species, while some invasive trees might support only two or three. When invasive species begin to dominate a habitat, that disruption in the food web silences the forest—fewer insects mean fewer birds. It’s a quiet, heartbreaking loss.” There’s also increased fire danger as the dead, down trees begin to dry out and become fuel for wildfires. As more people recreate and live near wild areas, severe fires pose a significant threat to the communities, health, and local economies. High-elevation areas, which are crucial for certain species of birds and other wildlife in sharp decline, were especially hard hit by the storm. The loss of trees and understory plants has left these habitats less suitable for species that depend on diverse and intact forests for food and shelter. The hurricane’s devastation has led to significant habitat loss, particularly for species that rely on mature, undisturbed forests. Birds like the Blackburnian Warbler and the Scarlet Tanager depend on intact canopies, and the loss of mature trees due to the storm and subsequent invasive plant growth threatens their nesting sites. “Without the intact canopy, there’s no home for birds like the Ovenbird or other species that rely on mature forests,” Drury explains.
Sign directing visitors to Jefferson Rock, the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center, or to the Loudoun Heights Trail. All of these stops are along the AT.
who thru-hiked the Trail in 2021.
As I sit comfortably in our house a few miles from the trail, I wonder how those in the southern part of the A.T. are faring. One of my friends who retired from FEMA, was called back to work to assist those impacted in Asheville, North Carolina. Homes and businesses that were devastated during Helene continue clean up and still struggle to find suitable refuge. So, how is the trail doing? The best place to access up-to-date information about the A.T. is by visiting https://appalachiantrail.org. When it was time to turn attention to the A.T., it was evident that there was more to the recovery than the clearing and repairing of the treadway and Trail infrastructure of downed trees and washed-out trails would take weeks, months, and even years. One thing I never imagined was the ecological impacts. These include the spread of invasive non-native species. The winds and rains uprooted and damaged many native plants and caused disruption and displacement of soils. Invasive species, whose seeds may have been lying dormant. are fast-spreading plants and may out-complete native species.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s impact, the Appalachian Trail in Virginia—a state boasting
A view of Sunfish Pond New Jersey Photo credit Richard and MaryEllen Cramer
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more miles of the A.T. than any other state—faced incredible challenges. Thanks to the tireless efforts of skilled volunteer and professional saw crews, the Trail is open all the way through the state again as of December 13, 2024. In Tennessee and North Carolina, trail clearing efforts are still underway, and some areas are still closed. Hikers should check the current conditions (appalachiantrail.org/helene- recovery-resources-updates/) before setting out and use caution on storm-damaged sections. How can you help? Get involved. The A.T. would not exist without a dedicated network of volunteers and donors. Find an opportunity to give back to the Trail by visiting appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/. Although there are portions of the Trail that are in bad shape, there are still hundreds of miles of trail waiting for you to explore. Every year more than 3 million people visit the Trail and more than 3,000 people attempt to thru-hike the entire footpath. Here are some interesting facts: The Trail is 2,198.4 miles long, as of in 2023, passing through 14 states. This distance typically changes slightly each year due to footpath relocations and more precise measurement techniques. It takes roughly 5 million steps to hike the entire A.T. —whether that is over a series of section hikes or one “thru-hike” in a single year.
Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 240,000 hours to the A.T. every year.
More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.
Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).
Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest.
The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
The A.T. passes through six National Park Service units, including: • Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Blue Ridge Parkway • Shenandoah National Park • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
A brown sign mounted to a large tree branch sticks out from a pile of rocks. In the distance overlooks an expanse of forest from above.
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The construction of the Appalachian Trail began in 1928, and it passed through fields, forests, orchards, and along old dirt farm roads.
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The A.T. also travels through two wildlife refuges: • Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge • Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea. Hikers More than 3 million visitors walk a portion of the A.T. each year.
The A.T. also traverses eight National Forests, which include: • Chattahoochee National Forest
• Cherokee National Forest • Nantahala National Forest
• Pisgah National Forest • Jefferson National Forest • George Washington National Forest • Green Mountain National Forest • White Mountain National Forest
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hike listed in all 14 A.T. states. Many of these hikes were adapted from The Best of the Appalachian Trail: Day Hikes by Frank and Victoria Logue and Leonard Atkins. All day hikes are listed with their round-trip distance and a difficulty rating. Distance is an important determinant in deciding if a hike is right for you, but elevation can be even more of a factor. Hikes are rated from easy to strenuous. For instance, one of the day hikes listed indicates the closest town is my town, Front Royal, Virginia. Compton Gap to Compton Peak: is moderate, 2.4 miles with good views and basalt formations. There are directions to parking and then concise directions to get onto the Trail and along the A.T. This is a perfect hike to introduce our grandchildren to the Trail and then follow it with popcorn and soda watching A Walk in the Woods . The movie is adapted from a hilarious book of the same name by Bill Bryson about his time on the Trail. Although a thru-hike generally takes 6 months, meet Tara Dower, the fastest person in history to complete the A.T. in 40 days, 18 hours, and five minutes, a distance usually covered in five to seven months. To set the record, Dower ran and hiked an average of 54 miles each day on the often rocky and steep trail, which includes a total vertical gain of 465,000 feet as it runs through 14 states. She started her daily runs at 3:30 a.m. and continued for approximately 17 hours with several short breaks for meals and 90-second “dirt naps.” Dower used her record-setting run to raise money for Girls on the Run, saying that she hopes her feat will inspire girls and women. “I hope more women get out there,” she said. “It’s not about beating men, it’s about finding our true potential. And, you know, if you beat the men, that’s an extra bonus.” When she reached the trail’s end on Saturday night, the exhausted but jubilant Dower fell to her knees and put her hands on the bronze plaque that reads, “A footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness.” Whether you plan a thru-hike, a section hike, or flip flop, it all begins with that first step. The wilderness awaits.
Photo credit Neal Lewis
The A.T. has hundreds of access points and is within a few hour’s drive of millions of Americans, making it a popular destination for day-hikers. Thru-hikers walk the entire Trail in a continuous journey. Section-hikers piece the entire Trail together over years. Flip-floppers thru-hike the entire trail in discontinuous sections to avoid crowds or extremes in weather, or to start on easier terrain.
1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey.
Most thru-hikers walk north, starting in Georgia in spring and finishing in Maine in fall, taking an average of 6 months. Foods high in calories and low in water weight, such as Snickers bars and Ramen Noodles, are popular with backpackers, who can burn up to 6,000 calories a day. Not interested in thru-hiking? Not many are, but you can enjoy a beautiful day hike on this amazing Trail. Visit Appalachian Trail Day Hikes (appalachiantrail. org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/appalachian-trail- day-hikes-1.pdf) and you’ll discover at least one day
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RESORT UPDATES LEISURE TRAVEL VANS—UNITY A 60th Anniversary Model
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Leisure Travel Vans—Unity A 60th Anniversary Model By Howard J Elmer
3500 Cab Chassis, providing luxury, comfort, and safety previously not available in traditional Class C motorhomes. Advanced safety features include: • Active Lane Keeping Assist, • Active Brake Assist, • Active Distance Assist,
• Attention Assist, • Crosswind Assist • Digital Rearview Mirror • Emergency Call System Ready
The popularity of van conversion RVs increases every year—as do the number of models and the new options those models offer. Still, the question remains—why spend so much money on an RV that’s substantially smaller than others on the market; many of which also cost less money. That’s a question that I mull over every time I test a Class B or C. So, here are my thoughts. First, a smaller motorized unit is designed to be driven—a lot. The folks that buy one of these are more interested in covering ground—rather than just being parked on it. The internal size of the unit is less of a concern to these buyers, because the ease of this RVs mobility is more important to them. So, the conclusion has to be that buying a Class B or C—(like the Leisure Travel Vans Unity we are reviewing) is a lifestyle choice not an economic one. For 2025 Leisure Travel Vans (LTV) is offering a 60th anniversary model. Well, it’s a color scheme, some hardware and unique materials, and stitching—such as 60th anniversary headrests, but it does look good. It’s available on the Unity and that’s the unit I’m concentrating on here. With this much history behind them, LTV understands that the buyers of these highly mobile adventure Class C’s are looking for personalization in their RV as much as standard features. That’s why they offer six floorplans. From among these, they expect to easily suit your traveling lifestyle. These include twin beds, a corner bed, a rear lounge, an innovative Murphy bed, or two flexible living spaces. Each floorplan is built to create innovative use of space and storage in this compact luxury Class C RV. They also make a point of saying that much of what you’ll see in these floorplan choices is a result of customer feedback and constant innovation. However, further to the idea of personalization, the Unity can be further customized. From high-end Ultrafabrics upholstery to modern cabinetry finishes, the Unity can be finished in a wide variety of cabinetry and décor options. You can customize the Unity RV to suit your style.
• Hill Start Assist • HOLD Function • Load-Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) • Traffic Sign Assist Additional cabin features include heated swivel seats, a digital rearview mirror, and the MBUX infotainment system featuring a 10.25” touchscreen with navigation. This dual rear wheel chassis is rated at 11,030 lb GVWR and rides on a 170” wheelbase. It’s powered by a 2.0-L turbocharged I-4 diesel engine—which makes 208 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a 9G-tronic automatic transmission.
Photo credit Leisure Travel Vans
The Unity is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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Photo credit Leisure Travel Vans
smart lithium battery, boosting your battery system to an impressive 540-Ah.
Some other convenience and comfort features include: • Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering • Driver-Side and Passenger-Side Seat Swivels • Heated and Powered Comfort Driver and Passenger Seats with Lumbar Support
A new standard is the 3000W inverter that is a pure sine wave inverter/charger that provides ample power for the RV’s AC, microwave, TVs, and more. For added convenience, all interior and exterior electrical outlets are now inverted. The inverter controls have now been integrated into the touchscreen control panel to further simplify the electrical system. Also new is the inverted Truma Aventa Eco Air Conditioner with Soft-Start. This air conditioner balances cooling and humidity while minimizing noise in an energy-efficient, low-profile design. This AC unit can run off battery power, providing comfort in remote off-grid camping areas. The Multiplex Wiring Control System is also updated. It makes monitoring and controlling your LTV systems easy using either from the 7″ touchscreen control panel or mobile app. Battery Monitoring: You can now see your battery’s charge percentage with the new state-of-charge functionality.
• Instrument Cluster with Color Display • Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel • SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready
This list of driving-related features speaks to the intent of an RV like the Unity. Get out there and drive.
So, the Unity is not new, nor is the MB platform it’s built on. However, as I mentioned, innovation is constant is this segment. Today, electronics and power management are constantly improving and that’s what the updates for 2025 are centered around. Consider the added on-road benefits of the following: 270 Ah Smart Lithium Battery. This battery has an internal heating system, allowing it to be charged at lower temperatures, and now features state- of-charge functionality. You can also expand your boondocking capabilities by adding a second 270-Ah
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Photo credit Leisure Travel Vans
A Smart Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Controller is new for 2025. This MPPT solar controller conveniently monitors the output of the optional 200- W or 400-W solar panels via the RV’s touchscreen control panel or mobile app. Also, for 2025, an upgraded smart surge protector with transfer switch protects your LTV from sudden power surges or voltage spikes, as well as automatically transfers AC power sources when required. This feature can also be conveniently monitored from the touchscreen control panel. If you have the itch to stay on the move and see what’s over the next hill, well you’d be well served to have a look at this Class C.
Photo credit Leisure Travel Vans
Happy trails to you.
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LET’S GO FOR A RIDE!
Unique excursions in Oregon, Maine, New Hampshire, and Alberta Canada
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Have you ever taken a historic boat ride across an international border … on a lake? Or pedaled a recumbent bicycle-built-for-two on an old narrow gauge railroad track? Or found yourself mingling with the locals aboard a Mail Boat? Or ridden a cog railway train straight up the side of a mountain? We’ve been fortunate to have experienced all of these adventures in our RV travels and loved every single one. Let’s Go For a Ride! Unique excursions in Oregon, Maine, New Hampshire, and Alberta Canada Story by Emily Fagan, photos by Emily and Mark Fagan Waterton Shoreline Cruise, Montana and Alberta, Canada Few people are aware that Glacier National Park in Montana holds hands across the US / Canadian border with one of the jewels in Canada’s National Park system, Waterton Lakes National Park. After Canada and the US signed a 1909 treaty, the two National Parks joined forces to form the Waterton- Glacier International Peace Park. One of the highlights during our stay on the Waterton Lakes side of the park was the 2.5 hour boat ride that sails the entire length of Upper Waterton Lake from Canada into the US, crossing the international border in the middle of the trip.
We hopped on the side-by-side tandem Joseph Branch Rail Riders for a ride.
Prince of Wales hotel. This wooden boat has been taking tourists out on this excursion for decades. We quickly found a spot on deck where we could savor the snowcapped mountain views all around us as the boat slipped out into the lake. Our host, Kevin, pointed out the landmarks and explained that glaciers are huge masses of ice that are in perpetual motion, slowly moving across the landscape and grinding up rocks beneath them. The rich blue and turquoise color of glacial lakes is created by “glacial flour,” which is ground rock, suspended in the water.
We boarded the historic cruise boat, MV / International, in the Village of Waterton just below the stately
As we approached the international border, the captain slowed the boat. A thin line of cleared trees in
The colorful Cog railway cars take you right up the side of a mountain.
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the woods on the mountainsides defined the border, into the U.S., but Border Patrol boat zipped past reminding us that we were crossing into the US,. Bbut we did not need any passports for this excursion. We landed in Montana at Goat Haunt for a 30-minute stroll amid wildflowers. Before we could get off the boat to stretch our legs, however, we had to wait for two black bears to leave the shore and go back into the woods. The captain spotted another black bear on our return trip and then the Prince of Wales Hotel appeared in the distance, perched on a bluff in radiant glory. What a beautiful ride this had been. Joseph Branch Rail Riders, Oregon In between the tiny village of Joseph, Oregon (pop. 1,000) and next-door neighbor Enterprise (pop. 2,000), the Joseph Branch Rail Riders is a fabulous bike ride atop antique narrow gauge railway tracks. The brainchild of Kim Melten, back in 2014, guests pedal unique railcars that roll along train tracks winding through a valley with stunning mountain views. After a career in the bicycle industry, Kim had a vision for a unique use of these historic tracks since their original purpose of transporting lumber, grain, and livestock had long since faded away.
More fun on the water with a Waterton Shoreline Cruise.
The railcars are built from standard bicycle parts,
and they come in solo, side-by-side tandem, and four-seater configurations. Each car is pedaled independently of the others, so it is a “go-at-your-own pace” kind of ride, although you can’t pass the railcar in front of you. My husband, Mark, and I hopped into a side-by-side tandem and were delighted by the ease of pedaling and relative flatness of this route. Either one of us could stop pedaling at any time to snap photos or just take a break and let the other do the work. It was a two-hour out-and-back ride filled with views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. We passed many red barns in the distance and saw a deer bound past. At the turnaround point we all picked up our bikes and placed them back on the tracks facing the opposite direction for the return trip home. Founder Kim Melten eventually sold the company, and the new owners have expanded the operation to the delight of visitors and locals alike. Our ride was just one of several that are offered from two different starting points, ranging from one hour to four hours long. The railcars have electric assist, just in case your legs get tired, and they even offer pet boarding at the starting point so guests with a pooch can do the ride too.
The Beal & Bunker Mail Boat Ferry is the only way some Maine islanders can get provisions.
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Beal & Bunker Mail Boat Ferry, Maine What would it be like to live on a tiny island in the ice cold Atlantic off the coast of northern Maine?. About 128 hardy souls call the petite Cranberry Islands next to Mt. Desert Island their year-round home. Talk about remote living. The only way they can get provisions is via the Mail Boat Ferry that sails between Great Cranberry Island, Little Cranberry (home to the village of Islesford), and Mt. Desert Island every day. Visitors looking for a truly authentic and unique boat ride can board the 38-foot power boat called the Double B (for “Beal & Bunker”) in Northeast Harbor and ride it in a loop all day long, disembarking at any stop. As we boarded the boat, we saw the deck and holding area were packed with goods being transported. “We live and die by Amazon,” one woman joked. Then we noticed we were surrounded by workers carrying lunch pails commuting to work. When they got off at Great Cranberry Island, a string of school kids and their teachers came down the gangplank to get on the boat to go to school over on Islesford. The conductor told us he has the phone number of every parent, and he made sure each kid had donned a life preserver before we set out. The Double B sails in all but the worst weather because it is a virtual lifeline for the people living on these beautiful islands. We learned that our balmy summer joy ride can actually
become a harrowing adventure in rough seas and powerful salt spray during a Nor’easter blizzard in January. We explored both of the Cranberry Islands, and although we were on foot, we saw a lot. Islesford is home to several artists whose work is displayed at the Islesford Artists Gallery, and both islands have a general store that was fun to wander through. On the last leg of our trip, a young man loaded the Mail Boat with exotic drums, explaining to us that he was the music teacher at the Islesford school and had just finished teaching a segment on African music. How totally cool is that?. Mt. Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire At 6,288 feet elevation, the summit of New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington is the tallest peak in the eastern United States, and back in the summer of 1869, the unique Cog Railway became the first train ever to climb straight up the side of a mountain. Sylvester Marsh, a wealthy inventor, had hiked up treacherous Mt. Washington in 1857, and upon witnessing the stunning views at the top, he decided to make those views accessible to city folk from Boston and New York who couldn’t endure the punishing hike.
He designed a unique train, a “Little Engine That
Guests pedal unique railcars that roll along train tracks winding through a valley with stunning mountain views.
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view in every direction.
The summit of Mt. Washington is known for its unpredictable and savage weather. On April 12, 1934, the summit weather station measured wind speeds of 231 mph, the highest the world had ever seen at the time, and still the highest recorded in a manned weather station. Showing us its fickle nature during our visit, Mt. Washington’s views suddenly vanished when pea soup fog enveloped the mountaintop. On our trip back down, we passed a train that was on its way up. As we passed, we all took photos of each other out the windows. In no time, we were back at the bottom of the mountain, totally exhilarated. This is a ride that brings out the kid in everyone, and we were enchanted. If you have a chance to try any or all of these rides, we highly recommend them. Each one is special in its own way and stands out in our memories as a true highlight in our RV travels. For more Information: • Mt. Washington Cog Railway - www.thecog.com • Joseph Branch Rail Riders - www.jbrailriders.com • Waterton Shoreline Cruise - www.watertoncruise.com • Beal & Bunker Ferry - www.bealandbunkerferry.com
The Waterton Shoreline 2.5-hour boat ride sails the entire length of Upper Waterton Lake from Canada into the U.S.
Could,” that literally claws its way up the steepest slopes to the summit. Marsh’s clever invention uses a third rail ladder track that runs between the two ordinary train tracks. Functioning just like a bicycle chain laid out on the ground, the teeth on two big cogs in the center of the train’s engine and coach car grab onto the ladder track and pull the train up. The regular train wheels simply roll along for the ride. As our steam powered train slowly climbed the mountain, the Fireman shoveled coal from a huge hopper into the boiler as fast as he could while clouds of black smoke filled the air. Soon, we were above the tree line, and the peaks of the White Mountains filled our
The unique Mt. Washington Cog Railway became the first train ever to climb straight up the side of a mountain.
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RESORT UPDATES Iconic and Quirky, but it’s the Great Outdoors that Captured this City’s Soul SEATTLE
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Seattle Iconic and quirky, but it’s the great outdoors that captured this city’s soul Story and photos by Richard Varr
I’m walking amid debris—broken pipes, shattered wooden planks and a twisted and rusted radiator— while on a tour of downtown Seattle’s so-called underground. “The pioneers got here from the Midwest, and they set up shop on a beach, on a mud flat,” explains Clay Ballard with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. “Twice a day the tide would come in and it would be a mess. They put sawdust from the mill and packed it into the streets. They had oatmeal streets, people would say.” “They had their original sewer pipes on the beach— not below because the water table was there. And every time it would back up during high tide,” Ballard asserts, “they would have exploding toilets.” I soon consider the debris inside these tunnels below downtown sidewalks more as history than clutter. That’s because when a fire leveled the city in 1889, residents had a chance to rebuild above the water line. Thus, the new downtown area was built a story higher. “They raised the streets up around all the buildings and they buried the first story of the buildings, creating tunnels,” continues Ballard. “Inside these streets of dirt, they put new sewer pipes. So, they were high enough to fix the problem
Tunnel in underground Seattle with debris
and wouldn’t back up during high tide.”
Along with Bill Speidel’s, a second company, Beneath the Streets, also hosts underground tours around Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, where a bust of the city’s Native American namesake Chief Sealth stands near a totem pole representing the indigenous Tlinget tribe. On adjacent sidewalks, faded and darkened skylights offer a glimpse into the historic tunnels. Surrounded by green forests and sloping hillsides, Seattle nestles within many waterfronts between Puget Sound and inland waterways, separated by
Outside Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle
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building with its white terra-cotta façade and at the time the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. An elevator zips me up to the 35th floor observation deck and restaurant for sweeping views of downtown and Puget Sound. A small museum highlights how the tower was the inspiration and namesake of New York typewriter and firearm industrialist Lyman Cornelius Smith who purchased the lot on which it was built. My next stop downtown is one of the city’s best known meeting places—Pike Place Market. Yes, vendors still hurl whole fish over counters filled with iced King Salmon, cod, and Alaskan King crabs amid a bit of shouting and theatrics when customers buy them. Flower kiosks add a panorama of color alongside seafood restaurants and shops selling books and arts and crafts. From downtown, I hop on the Monorail for the two- minute, mile-long trip to the Seattle Center, the city’s predominant tourism development with multiple attractions—a must see for any visitor. An attraction itself, the Monorail was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and at the time was thought to be part of future transportation. It’s the easiest way to reach the Seattle Center. The city’s most recognized and iconic landmark, the 605-foot Space Needle dominates the development. Also built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower’s flying saucer-like observation deck offers roundabout views—on a clear day—all the way to the Cascades and Olympic Mmountain ranges, and to Mount Rainier and beyond.
Seattle’s iconic 605-foot Space Needle
the Ballard Locks for entry into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and onward to Lake Union. To the east are Union Bay and Lake Washington. To the west, locals and tourists alike take the many ferries for excursions to surrounding islands including Bainbridge and Whidbey to visit their seaside villages and shops. Popular weekend getaways include visits to the outlying San Juan Islands, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Cascade Mountains. “The natural setting of Seattle is extraordinary and shapes everything we do,” says Leonard Garfield, Executive Director of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) with its collection of four million artifacts, photographs, documents, and other items that highlight the region’s past. “It provides the lure of outdoor adventure that keeps the city a place of adventurers. It has been the foundation of our economy, the key factor in attracting new residents, and keeping folks here.” Seattle is also home to innovation and world-renowned companies including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks.
The Seattle Center’s Chihuly Garden and Glass attraction features the exotic and colorful glassworks
Chihuly glass creations in the Mille Fiori gallery in Seattle Center’s Chihuly Garden and Glass attraction
Just a block or so from Pioneer Square stands Seattle’s first skyscraper, the 1914 Smith Tower, a 38-story
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of artist Dale Chihuly, a native of the Seattle area, which inspired some of his creations. Chihuly’s 15- foot Sealife Tower features twisting, blue-tinted glass representing starfish, conch shells, sea anemones, and other creatures, some in golden yellow tones. “The Sealife Tower was inspired by Dale Chihuly’s love of water and growing up along the Puget Sound,” says gallery attendant Lorraine Robinson. “It does reflect water in all its different nuances, shades, and light degradations. It’s very graceful.” The Winter Brilliance Gallery has translucent pointed glass shooting out like icicles amid a white snow-like setting. In the Mille Fiori gallery (the title meaning a thousand flowers in Italian), Chihuly created his so- called gardens of glass with large yellow flowers surrounded by red stems and green and blue plants among other shapes. Intricate multicolored chandelier artworks hang from the ceiling in another gallery. Outside the museum, exotic glass artworks representing trees and plants shoot up from flower gardens. You don’t have to be a fan of science fiction to find the Seattle Center’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) simply fascinating yet also on the quirky side. Within its amorphous-shaped and multi-color stainless steel and aluminum exterior, exhibits include an actual storm trooper helmet and model of the Death Star from the Star Wars movies. There’s also a creature suit from the 1979 movie Aliens, all part of the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts from science fiction films and TV shows. Being a musician, I’m particularly intrigued by the towering guitar vortex in MoPOP with a mix of basses, drums, keyboards, and even classical instruments, all seemingly glued together and swirling up two or three stories in the shape of a tornado. A prominent exhibit showcases a tribute to Seattle native son and rock legend Jimi Hendrix entitled Wild Blue Angel: Hendrix Abroad 1966-70. Key features include handwritten song lyrics, some of his outfits worn on stage, his white Fender Stratocaster he played at the 1969 Woodstock music festival and his own signature black-rimmed hat with purple trim that he wore on an album cover and during some performances. MoPOP’s collection also includes guitars formerly owned by famous rock and pop musicians including Kurt Cobain, Chuck Berry, and Eric Clapton. As part of Seattle’s great outdoor culture, several city parks offer touches of both wilderness and art. On the edge of downtown, the Seattle Art Museum
Star Trek movie memorabilia is found in the Seattle Center’s Museum of Pop Culture
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Olympic Sculpture Park has artworks along a winding pathway with views of Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, including the landmark giant Echo sculpture of a young girl’s elongated face. Gas Works Park on the shores of Lake Union still has the now rusty gasification infrastructure once providing gas for streetlights and homes before becoming a public park. Residents flock there for its splendid views of downtown across the lake. Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest, sits within 534 acres along Puget Sound and is a hot spot for birders looking for glimpses of more than 270 species including bald eagles. “We are always ready to embrace an outdoor activity regardless of the weather, so we need our outfits to match the opportunities,” says Garfield, testament to the fact that I never spotted anyone wearing a suit or even a dinner jacket. “Even casual may be too formal for the typical Seattleite. We dress for comfort and practicality rather than success or to impress.” An important part of the area’s water management is also a popular attraction. The Ballard Locks separate the fresh water of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and inland lakes to the salt water of Puget Sound. Every year, thousands of pleasure boats and commercial vessels wait while the water level drops or rises more than 20 feet before passing through.
Many come to watch salmon swimming up through the glass facades of the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder. “We have three of five species of salmon that are returning to spawn,” says Tish Cameron, a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “They start on the freshwater side, come through to the salt water and then return to freshwater. It’s part of their life cycle.” East of Seattle is home to Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ estate, a mansion on the shores of Lake Washington that’s closed to the public but often pointed out during boat tours. A short drive away is the Microsoft Visitor Center as part of the company’s campus in Redmond. The Center delves into the company’s history including the first personal computer all the way to artificial intelligence. Guided tours are available. Attractions along the city’s downtown waterfront include the Seattle Aquarium, the 175-foot-high Great (Ferris) Wheel and Ivar’s Acres of Clams restaurant along Pier 54, famous since 1938 and hands down this writer’s favorite local restaurant for its thick clam chowder. The waterfront is also the launching point for Washington State Ferries used by both commuters and sightseers. Farther north is Myrtle Edwards Park with—when the skies clear—great views of Mount Rainier.
View of downtown Seattle from Gas Works Park
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jet Air Force One used by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. Hanging in the World War I Gallery is a replica of a Fokker triplane used by the legendary “Red Baron.” The Space Gallery showcases mock-ups of the Apollo 17 Lunar Module and a Boeing Lunar Roving Vehicle, to name just a few. My thrill for the day was is not over yet. From a window in the museum, Mount Rainier finally made an appearance—only slightly cloaked in the distant mist but still majestic and beautiful. “The mountain is out and the mountain is calling!” I recall Garfield asserting. “Seattleites look to Mount Rainier for inspiration.”
Inside the massive plane hangars at the Museum of Flight near the Seattle Airport
FOR MORE INFORMATION • visitseattle.org • wnpf.org/mount-rainier-national-park • capitol.wa.gov
To hopefully get a close-up view of the mountain, I join a colleague as we take to the road for the two- hour drive to Mount Rainier National Park. My visit is a bit of a disappointment as I can only see a small area of the mountain as the rest is shrouded in mist and clouds. The 14,410-foot peak is the Cascade Mountain Range’s tallest volcano with its glistening glaciers when the sun peeks through. We take winding roads to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center in the Paradise area of the park, one of four main visitor centers leading to strings of hiking trails crisscrossing and ascending sloping terrain. Before returning to Seattle, we also visit Olympia and tour the Washington State Capitol. Completed in 1928, the building’s 287-foot-high dome is the fifth tallest self-supporting dome in the world following such iconic landmarks as Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica and London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Highlighting that Washington became the 42nd state to join the union in 1889, 42 steps ascend the north entrance. On display inside is an American flag with 42 stars, which never became official as Idaho joined the union as the 43rd state just eight months later in 1890. What catches my eye in the rotunda is the giant brass bust of George Washington with a shiny nose, as visitors rub it for good luck. Driving north on Interstate 5 before reaching Seattle, I stop at one of the region’s must-see attractions, the Museum of Flight, located near the city’s international airport. Aircraft both hang and sit within four of the museum’s five expansive galleries, one with World War I and World War II planes, and another the three- acre Aviation Pavilion with a Concorde and the first
Waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park
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STATE PARK STAYCATION Discover history and recreation close to home
STORY NAME Map credit: Compart Maps
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It hardly matters where you live (or where you’re going), every U.S. state has a number of state parks waiting to be explored. America’s 429 national park sites, especially the 63 major parks, may get the most attention—but some of the nation’s finest scenery, most compelling history, and best opportunities for recreation are found in the lesser-known (and generally less-crowded) state parks. According to the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), there are nearly 7,000 state parks scattered across the country, covering a whopping 18,694,570 acres and offering more than 43,000 miles of trails. And, for you camping enthusiasts, the nation’s state parks tally more than 217,000 campsites, many of them designated for RVs. So, before you plan your next road trip, consider a visit to one or more of these eight particularly appealing state parks: Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas It has been called the “Other Side of Nowhere.” And to be certain, this remote and rugged park is sure to please the hard-core adventurist seeking solitude and seclusion. Big Bend Ranch neighbors Big Bend National Park and shares its Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. Located on the Rio Grande River and ranging across 311,000 acres of desert, mountains State Park Staycation Discover history and recreation close to home By Dave G. Houser
Hikers appreciate the solitude and seclusion of Big Bend Ranch State Park — the largest state park in Texas. Photo credit: Flickr
and steep canyons, it is Texas’ largest state park.
Visitors can hike, backpack, mountain-bike, camp, paddle, ride horses, or explore by vehicle (the park has two- and four-wheel-drive roads). Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Big Bend Ranch is a great spot for stargazing as well. You’ll enter the park either on the east side through the Barton Warnock Visitor Center or the through the western gateway at the Fort Leaton Visitor Center on FM170. Also known as the River Road, this is an immensely scenic route following the Rio Grande through the park. It provides a wonderful overview of Big Bend Ranch for those unable or disinterested in engaging in more rigorous activity.
Those uneasy about tackling this rugged park on their own can hire the services of one of the several
Sunset over the Rio Grande River, Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX. Photo credit: Flickr
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