RV Lifestyle It was prime parka weather in northern Alberta in mid-January, a crisp -35 Celsius, which reminded me that I had planned to spend time in southern Arizona this winter. I could start my day with a hike at Catalina State Park, revel in the dry heat and hang out with all my cacti friends. This is the first winter in 20+ years that we haven’t driven our RV to the U.S. Sunbelt: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. But not this year! It’s a lifestyle, as opposed to vacationing for two weeks. If you told me in January 2020 that I would spend the winter of 2020-21 in the Great White North, I’d surely have wondered which one of us was crazier. I look at the positives…it could be a lot worse. We’ve got a nice warm home-onwheels, we have pleasant neighbours here at Fort Camping, we’re in a beautiful area of the country and spring comes early. As I write this in earlyMarch, spring is in the air! The robins have returned and the snowdrops and crocus are in bloom. Most shrubs and trees have begun the process of sprouting their crop of new growth. Soon, the trees will grow back their lush, green leaves. Only a few days ago, they appeared barren − now there is a new explosion of life. And, as spring arrived, so did a lot more sunshine. Would I like to be down south? Oh, you bet! Also, while these alternative destinations within Canada’s borders might not be as sunny as their usual winter destinations, these regions in British Columbia were an ideal solution for snowbirds in a less-thanideal year. On a hopeful note, the one-year absence has not diminished Canadian snowbirds’ enthusiasm for their winter homes. We’ll be back next winter. I certainly hope so! There is hope on the horizon. U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) is leading a joint call in Congress for the Biden administration to reach new terms for a Canadian border reopening. “Minimizing the risk presented by COVID19 and prioritizing the safety of our communities remains of utmost importance while the U.S. and Canada work to overcome this public health crisis,” seven members of Washington state’s congressional delegation, led by DelBene, wrote. “However, as we approach one year of restricted travel, individuals, families, businesses and communities on both sides of the border have been significantly impacted by these restrictions.” Together again someday “We’ll Meet Again” was a popular song − and saying − during the SecondWorldWar among Americans and Canadians alike. Then, both countries were united against one enemy, just like during this pandemic. So, expect friendly border crossings again. The border will open… In the meantime, go outside, spring is for feeling alive! Worth Pondering… As Anne Murray sings in the popular song, “Snowbird”: “Spread your tiny wings and fly away And take the snow back with you Where it came from on that day So, little snowbird, take me with you when you go To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow…” 24 | www.snowbirds.org
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