[A/S] Courtesy Parking

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi fellow e-group members,

For four days (November 10-14), we courtesy parked at the home of Airstreamer, Pearl Main. Although
we have read Pearl's postings on the daily Airstream Email Discussion Group and have talked with her
at WBCCI Internationals, we had never spent any real time together. This week, that changed. Her
enthusiasm for living in Southern California impressed us. Every day that we went for a ride, she
took us to different neighborhoods, pointed out community facilities and shared her views on what
life is like in her town. Pearl's upbeat attitude and straight forward, decisive style was a
distinct pleasure. We liked being around her -- a lot. Our visit was most enjoyable. 

What did we learn about Pearl's city? Nearly all homes have RV parking spaces large enough for one
RV and one tow vehicle, plus a driveway long enough for two or three cars and a two car garage.
Generally, homes have a porch on both sides with cacti, shrubs and vines growing. Out in the suburbs
where acreage is common, we saw variations of the same theme, but on a larger scale. Everywhere we
went, if there was a travel trailer in the yard, there was also a serious tow vehicle for going up
and down the surrounding desert mountains. This city and the Foothills area of Yuma, Arizona are the
most RV friendly (in terms of zoning) that we've found. 

Pearl told us her town hasn't seen a frost in 20 years (no winterizing), she only used her a/c four
nights last year since it tends to cool off as soon as the sun goes down, there are no mosquitoes,
no mold, no mildew, low humidity, clear skies every day, clean air, a year round average temperature
of 74 degrees and 342 days of sunshine. Our solar panels loved it.

Her city is located in a fertile valley (1600' elevation) with a water supply that makes delicious
coffee, with a dramatic view of the surrounding mountains (some at 12,000' level) and with a year
round growing season. One morning, we saw snow on the nearby mountains while the noon time
temperature at our Airstream was 70 degrees. Twenty miles away, local residents were skiing at the
5-8,000 feet elevation.  

Housing costs are moderate for a comfortable 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with palm, citrus and fig trees
on a large lot (low maintenance, desert style landscaping). I looked at a home for sale ($78,000) on
a corner lot at the end of her street, admired the parking site for an RV (complete with roof and
shrubs for shade), the large workshop area and spacious rooms inside. I could see myself enjoying
the private in-ground jacuzzi after a day of restoring and working on our Airstream. 

Pearl's town has all the government, medical, business and recreation facilities found in a typical
medium size USA city. There is a shuttle bus for residents needing a ride to or from the airport.
There are more golf courses than you can shake a stick at. Two nights ago, the three of us had a 7
course dinner at a Mom & Pop type restaurant for an average cost of $7 each with enough food left
for 3 meals the next day. This city and the neighboring city is multi-generational with abundant
ethnic groups and churches. Combine that with a westerners outdoor lifestyle and for us, it added up
to a city we could easily become accustomed to, for year round living or for a home base between
extended explorations around the continent.

Yesterday, we moved to a campground (an hour away) with an olympic pool for my workouts. This
afternoon (Wednesday 11/16/00), Pearl stopped by to check if we were comfortable and enjoying the
pool. Not only was this courtesy parking experience a major highlight of our trip, but today's
unexpected visit by Pearl was icing on the cake. Her caring attitude was beyond that of a courteous
host. It was that of a friend.  

There are 300-400 families in Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI) who graciously offer
courtesy parking to fellow members each year. The annual directory lists them by state, city, name
and telephone number. Also in the directory, are dates of rallies and caravans throughout the
continent as well as campgrounds offering discounted rates to members. To receive the annual
directory, a new Airstream owner merely needs to join WBCCI. The annual dues are $45 plus $10 unit
dues or member at large dues. 

Membership applications should be sent to WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 with name,
address, phone number, type of unit with size, model and serial number and preference for becoming a
unit member or a member at large. New members may ask for a specific membership number, such as the
red numbers already on the trailer (if any), or the lowest possible number. Joining WBCCU can be the
ticket to a world of enjoyable experiences, new friendships and exciting adventures with other
Airstreamers.


Terry & Sandie Tyler
WBCCI #6477
'63 22' Flying Cloud
'67 22' Safari
'77 31' Excella 500
'86 32' Excella
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net