RVers Get Break on Manitoba Park Access

In a move that's drawing heat from some critics, government officials have thrown away entrance fees at Manitoba's provincial parks. This translates into a $7 a day break for entry into any one of the half dozen regions, comprising dozens of parks.

The discount runs from now through April 2011, and officials hope it will help bring more Canadians and visitors into the province's parks. Critics argue that the costs of running parks certainly isn't heading down, and with an estimated overall loss of over two and a half million Canadian dollars per year, the buck has got to stop somewhere.

Politics and economics aside, if you're in the neighborhood, a visit to one or more of Manitoba's park jewels is only sweetened with a small discount. For more information on parks and activities in the Keystone Province, check out their website.

Photo: Duck Mountain Provincial Park, courtesy Manitoba Parks

Some US RVers Will See Canada Travel Barred

Some US RVers may soon see travel in Canada only from a distance--from the US side of the border fence. In case you missed it, the free border crossing that US citizens had to the north country will evaporate under new standards, courtesy of Homeland Security.

Effective June 1, US citizens returning from Canada (or Mexico) by land or sea MUST show a valid passport, passport card, or other documentation acceptable under Homeland Security standards. This means flashing a driver license and a birth certificate won't cut it. If you're planning on travel out of the US and you haven't already applied for (or possess) the requesit papers, best not leave the US.

Passport cards, as we've mentioned, are a less expensive alternative for travel by sea or land to Mexico or Canada. You may apply for them at a post office or other agency that handles passport applications. However, the application process still takes several weeks, at best.

RVers Looking for Excitement--Visit WildPlay Element Parks in Nanaimo

Need a little more adrenaline to run through your veins? The last "almost got us" truck driver not enough to keep your blood flowing? How about a stint of bungy jumping, tree climbing, or zip-line riding over a river gorge? WildPlay Element Parks want to drag you kicking a screaming into a pucker-string tightening adventure in Nanaimo, B.C.

The "tree course" takes you above ground on swinging bridges, zip lines, and various obstacles. The course has several levels, rated for children, young people, and adults running up four levels from that requiring minimal skill (and to a minimal height above ground), to that taking you way up high, and requiring a lot of skill.

Perhaps climbing trees and running down wobbly bridges isn't your cup o' tea. How about 150' drop with rubber bands tied to your ankles, singly or with a friend? WildPlay's bungy jump dumps you over the Nanaimo River. Think we'll pass on this offer. You could always belt up in a seat-like harness and "sit" your way through the drop on the park's King Swing. Or perhaps the least green-skin producing is the big zip line run over the width, and one long length, of the river canyon below.

Is it exciting? Sure looks like it. Is it safe? Well---you'll have to determine that one for yourself, and before you'll be allowed to do any of the park's challenges, you'll be asked to sign off on a waiver that releases everybody and their brother involved is something out-of-place does happen. Check out the website at www.wildplayparks.com.

photo courtesy wildplayparks.com