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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2000-09-27, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2000. Seniors Retirees hitting the road in RVs By Carol McDonnell Chances are, if )u have been driving anywhere near Blyth a few weeks ago, you would nave noticed many trailers of various sorts on the roads. Fifth wheelers, to tent trailers, a new town within Blyth’s boundaries is bom every September - this year about 1,000 units were expected for the 39th Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Reunion campsite. One big reason is renewing old acquaintances and making new ones. Lured by another couple from Ingersoll, for example, one couple from Connecticut had made the long trek, and were looking forward to all the events their friends had prom ised. Some of our own Blyth residents move their trailers to the camp ground to be closer to the action. Music, friends, activities - what’s missing? You guessed it - food. Various opportunities to eat without doing dishes were appreciated by many. They were looking forward to Gary Courtney’s com roast, the large bean pot, various food vendors and the Fire Department’s pancake breakfasts. They will keep coming back for the warm hospitality at the Threshers and the clean, well-organized facili ties (thanks to Chris Courtney and crew). After this event many will go on to the Flowing Match in Elora. Indeed many are on the go almost the whole summer, camping at the Fergus Highland Games or the Shelburne Fiddle Contest to name just a few of the events available. About 80 per cent of the folks at our Thresher Reunion are retired and are able to get away more easily to events such as these. Some continue this lifestyle by taking their unit down to the southern United States for the winter. A house may not even be needed anymore, if a com fortable enough motor home is pur chased. Vendors of trailers of various sorts all said that business couldn’t be bet ter. Increased sales have followed those with earlier retirements, one dealer noted. Often trailer owners will want to trade up, so used units are available. All kinds of gadgets are available to keep you as comfortable as if you were at home. But whether in a tent trailer or in a luxury motor home, you are in charge of your travel plans - as Roger Miller’s song says King (or Queen) of the Road. ER VICES P.O. Box 100 26 Jordan Drive Belgrave, Ontario NOG 1E0 Phone: (519) 357-3010 Fax: (519) 357-3143 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE ] 24 HOUR SERVICE 4 Ontario Home OXYGEN RESPIRATORY SERVICES INC. Officer offers travel safety tips SALES • REPAIRS • RENTALS By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Life is good. Work is behind you, health is with you and you are head ing down the open road to enjoy the countryside and the world of retire ment. Recreational vehicles have become a popular option for retirees, who now more than ever before are living longer and better with more time and freedom for travel. However, as it is with any unfamiliar surrounding or situation there are safety factors to consider. Huron OPP Sr. Const. Don Shropshall said the first thing to con sider when travelling is to make sure the motorhome and any other vehi cles you may be towing are in good working condition, with all mirrors in position and all lights functioning. Before leaving, Shropshall says, tell a family member your exact route from departure to destination and if possible book sites ahead of time. Not only is this important if someone needs to contact you, but it also lets people know right away if you do not arrive when expected. Carry a cell phong so that should you have problems enroute you can more readily and safely contact the help you need, he says. In Ontario *677 will automatically link you to the OPP’s communication centre. says too. used Also, the new Call Police signs can be purchased at hardware stores for $4.99. “They’re good in the States as well as here,” Shropshall. Take note while travelling “The last time I went south, I the CAA book and followed the map noting each road. That way if there . had been a breakdown I could say that I was between such and such a highway. It narrows it down so that assistance can get there quicker.” Shropshall also suggests that gas tanks be kept reasonably full. “If you get to a half tank look at re-filling.” Caution while travelling is another important factor these days. “When driving stay to the slow-moving lane and don’t respond or react to anyone who tailgates or cuts you off. Don’t gesture, don’t honk or don’t give chase. Just take down the informa tion and contact police.” Should someone begin to chase you, Shropshall says the best plan is to pull into a crowded area such as a busy gas station or mall. When looking at rest areas, Shropshall recommends you wait for one that has a number of trucks parked there. “Truckers will come to your aid in a hurry. Otherwise move down the road.” While many of the busier service stops are noisier it’s better to pull in and try to grab a nap there. than somewhere quiet. “It’s a lot safer for you.” Once you’ve arrived at your desti nation aiways be certain to lock your motorhome when you leave the site. Any valuables outside should be chained to something to protect against theft. Being away from home means meeting new people and making new friends, as well. Shropshall says that basically he suggests going with instinct. “If you have a feeling about someone, listen to that feeling and get out of there.” “More importantly, don’t let any one inside your RV. They can get to know you from outside, but you needn’t allow complete strangers into your motorhome.” * Home Oxygen Therapy * Infant Apnea Monitors * Arthritic Aids 24 HR. 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