Back to the good old days in comfort and style
This couple loves their Escape 13 fibreglass trailer
Vancouver couple Brian and Maria Van Snellenberg spent a lifetime contentedly tenting with their kids. Once retired, they wanted to continue camping all year round, but with a few more creature comforts. In 2009 they bought a fibreglass trailer, an Escape 13, and they haven't looked back. Brian said that RVing allows them to enjoy the natural beauty of their province of British Columbia and of the United States. They have been able to fulfil their dream of travelling as early as January, and in the off-season.
“We wanted to return to our youth a little, when we camped all the time with our kids,” said Brian. “So we love our small trailer, which we can take everywhere that tents can go and still be in a natural setting.”
The Escape
Brian can't say enough about his trailer, and its ease of use is obviously a huge part of why he and his wife love RVing. Their Escape 13 is the smallest of the Escape brand and is now manufactured only by request. Its snug size suits the Van Snellenbergs perfectly.
“Our tent was nine feet by nine feet and our Escape is six feet by ten,” said Brian. “So not a lot of difference, but everything in the trailer is multifunctional.
“It has all the features we want, is easy to tow, is excellent quality and allows us to go anywhere we could go with a tent but with a bit more comfort,” said Brian. “We can use our trailer year round. With the furnace or heater and insulation we have been camping in every season.”
Brian said that this fits in well with their retirement, since as time goes by comfort becomes more important. Plus they need a base for their hobbies: photography for Brian and quilting and crafts for Maria.
The Okanagan
Brian said that British Columbia has some magnificent provincial parks located in areas of the province which are really wonderful to see, and the Okanagan is one of their favourite destinations. There they often witness some remarkable wildlife shows and stunning sunsets.
Brian will pick up his camera to capture nature's beauty in as many situations as he can. In fact, he modestly admitted that his work has won him a few awards.
“We had just driven to Osoyoos from Vancouver and put the trailer into position, and a sunset occurred. I quickly got the camera out and took a photo,” said Brian. “It was entered into a competition at the Fibreglass RV Oregon Gathering in Bandon, Oregon, in July of 2010 and won in the nature category.”
Another favourite wildlife moment for Brian was when he and his wife witnessed a pair of nesting European starlings.
“Both parents made constant trips to the nest, bringing food and taking away waste all day long,” said Brian. “Our trailer was close by, so we did not even have to move to see the show.
“The visit of a small rattlesnake in Osoyoos was remarkable,” said Brian. “We had just set up our trailer and saw the snake beside a tree. This is the same spot where we were camped near a large RV.”
Brian said that he had to capture that moment too, as the difference in the size of the trailers was significant. This photo won the award for humour at the Oregon Gathering of Fibreglass RVs held at Bullard's Beach, Oregon, in July 2011.
RV rallies
The Van Snellenbergs attend rallies when they can, especially the Escape trailer rallies held in Osoyoos at Nk'Mip in the summer. Here, Escape fans can get together and socialize, compare notes and often view upcoming models from Escape Trailer Industries.
“Rallies are not only a way of meeting people, but also a way of learning the best places to camp and how to do it,” said Brian.
The Van Snellenbergs said that RVing allows them time to spend with their three grandchildren, who will turn two, three and five in August of this year. The kids have already been camping and are following in their grandparents' footsteps. Brian said their trailer has just enough room for their greyhound, Chelsea, who is really part of the family too. So it is a tent for the kids and grandkids—just like the old days.
