Page 18 July 1988 Cassiar Courier ROVIN G REPORTER HOW DO THE LONGER STORE HOURS AND OPEN | EVERY DAY EFFECT YOU ??? INFORMATION FIRST OF SIX FEATURE ARTICLES ON CAMPING AND PARKS IN B.C. CAMPING: THE INEXPENSIVE FAMILY VACATION By Karl Bruhn Faced with rising costs on all sides, many families are cutting the time allotted for vacations or even putting holiday plans on hold. Yet even a cursory glance at possible alternative vacation plans will show there is little need to either curtail or abandon plans for the annual family holiday. A recent study of vacation costs indicates family camping trips are among the least expen- sive vacation options available while at same the time helping cement family ties in ways increasingly rare in today’s world. The study, undertaken by an international public accounting firm at the behest of various camping interests, used a hypothetical family of four in determining com- parative vacation costs. It found camping vacations were the most economical of eight vacation types studied, regardless of trip distance, duration or region travelled. BCAA Parks sides few shelters can top tents when it comes to the matter of quality of experience. There is a wonderfully romantic element to tent camping which even the best RVs fail to capture. Costs increase only marginally when the added expense of sleeping bags and various camping parapher- nalia is included. For family camping purposes such gear need not be of the high calibre and expense de- manded by specialty groups such. as hikers, climbers and true wilderness travellers. Costs ofthese items are further offset by their versatility; the same equipment can be used for everything from fishing and hunting trips to simple overnight stays with friends and relatives. With reasonable care such equipment will last a long time, providing many years of affordable holiday fun. None of this takes into account the intangible values of the camping experience itself. Nowhere does the old adage “the family that plays together stays to- gether” apply more than to a shared outdoor experience such as a camping trip. Outdoors, over a fishing pole, around the evening campfire or even sharing in one of Cassiar Courier July 1988 Page 19 other activities related to the natural and human history of the park and surrounding area add immeasurably to the benefits of the trip. As well, provincial parks offer the security of patrolled campsites not available elsewhere. Few people are aware just how extensive the provincial parks network has become. For instance, in the Kootenays alone, there are 61 provincial parks ranging from large hike-in wilderness parts such as Mount Assiniboine and Top of the World to drive-in camping parks such as Champion Lakes and Kokanee Creek and boat-in parks such as Drewry Point and Ole Johnson. All offer the stunning sky-high scenery of the Kootenys and a variety of special features such as groomed fishing: waters, interpretive programs, self-guided nature trails, campsites tailored to either RV or tent use, flush toilets and even adventure playgrounds for children. For more information on parks in the Kootenays write the Ministry of Environment and Parks, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, 101 - 1050 West Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 1L4. For more specific information on the east or west Kootenays, write the Parks and CGutdocr Recreation office at either, vert Kootenay District, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, %.%. 3, Nelson, B.C. VIL 5P6 or East Kootenay District, ¥asa Provincial Park, Box 118, Wasa, 8.C., VOB 2K0. JASON HEBERT Camping vacations were found to cost 50 per cent less 4 Number of simple campsite tasks, families are drawn- than comparable car/hotel and train/hotel trips and together and life-long relationships cemented. Far re- Contact: Kick Howie, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, : “Excellent! Now I ‘can 75 per cent less than air/hotel vacations. Travelling by moved from the stress and Cares of day-to-day living, Ministry of Environment and Parks, MARLENE SHIPLEY go in every day at junch recreational vehicle, the study found a typical eight- the time is found to share and listen; to rediscover one Victoria, B.C. “Now that the hours are more consistant and return all my movies.” night vacation would cost $516 U.S. for a family of another and the simple joys of nature. It is part of the (604) 387-4341 m ” it’s easier to remember when its open. SHEENA BILLINGSLEY “T guess they are fine.” TED BECK “It makes no difference to me, I only shop on Wednesdays.” JUNE EVANS “J think it’s great and much more _con- venient, especially for working parents.” four provided they cook a majority of their own meals and stay in campgrounds (average cost $10/night. While the study does not consider the capital costs of purchasing an RV (too many variables, it claimed) such costs are mitigated over time and by the potential resale value of the unit. Costs can be further reduced by purchasing a used RV or investing in less expensive folding tent trailers or one of a variety of quality family tents now on the market. The large tents now available from major dis- tributors are a far cry from the heavy canvas monsters of old, are relatively inexpensive, come with many options (screened, weather proof dining shelters, etc.) and provide more than adequate protection from the elements. Be- The bees are buzzing, the trees are in bloom and the Stikine River is OPEN!! Come and have a taste of Spring at the STIKINE RIVERSONG CAFE LODGE and GENERAL STORE magic of the camping experience. Once having decided on a camping vacation and invested in the necessary equipment, the only re- maining question is where to go. Motoring to far-flung destinations will greatly increase costs. A sensible cost- cutting alternative is stay within B.C. and take advantage of the extensive provincial parks network. While there is a small fee for use of these parks, this is greatly out- weighed by the many services offered, especially for family groups. Besides being located in areas of outstanding natural beauty, usually near or on good fishing waters, many provincial parks offer guided interpretive programs at no extra cost. These programs of. walk, talks and is under CLOTHES CLOSET PROTEST = & We are fighting the weather : More rain means more new BATHING ae ea & | ee eae | | HISTORIC SUITS | BEAUTIFUL , ; | BUILDING More clouds means more SHORTS CLAUDIA BUNCE “It’s nice to have it con- sistant.” THE STIKINE RIVER =x ™ == eee B.C. approved guest rooms (kitchen facilities available) Cafe features home-cooking (Stikine Salmon a specialty) DEALERS FOR: tee gas and oil Boat charters More wind means more —,T—SHIRTS So please help us with our battle ee: to beat the drearies TUESDAY THRU THURSDAY 2:30 to 6:30% FRIDAY 2:30 to 7:30 0 to 4:00 ee SETERDAY 222 Kennedy St eed 778 7310 s See a2 Pe : : ae a - Stihl & Husqvarna Saws Johnson Motors Bombardier Ski-doos - Makita Power Tools Sharp TV’s & VCR's FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, PHONE 235-3196 -- Inglis Appliances “ED JEON “It’s better because now you Ey ota Saha HU ; =~ tS FAL 545, can return videos on Tuesday a and not have to pay extra.” ia ie = “J figure that’s good idea. eee 40 KERRIE DESJARDINS JAMES LANTEIGNE fs