Is just being a Snowbird enough?

[lizzie]

As I read through the Forum and chat with people in our campgrounds I wonder if just avoiding the cold and snow is enough for the present generation of RV-ers? Just about every rig we see has bikes and/or kayaks and everyone seems very interested in finding places to go and things to see. Are the Boomers just accustomed to more activity? Are they more affluent? More adventurous? Is this a trend or just a reflection of the kind of campgrounds that we choose? If it is a trend what kinds of information and services would better meet these needs? lizzie

[Ka_Ron]

I don't see this as a trend but a lifestyle. Even if snowbirds head for one park with all the amenities, they do so for the activities. Pools, hot tubs, sports, etc.
It is for the like minded people we meet and the activities we like to do. Some like water sports, some like fishing, some like biking and hiking.
It is a lifestyle not a trend.

[mrquacker]

When dad retired and went west (Yuma), he and Mom drove all around the country side looking at things. Many of the (more) elder were just a little bit envious. In his latter days, he was content to just sit around camp and watch the world.

I think while you're young(er) you'll enjoy the activities and sights; but' when older you'll slow down and let the sights enjoy your.

And that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[NanciL]

Speaking for us old time kayakers who snow bird in the Florida Keys, we are hard core kayakers who love to explore and nature watch.
We have been to almost every one of the off shore Keys and if the weather is permitting, as it was today, we will be out exploring.
I don't think there has every been a day go by that we have not had a good experience or a new souvenir to bring back.
We have a google site with over a hundred different trips in and around the state of Florida and the Keys with complete descriptions, including launch sites and directions
When the weather is not conducive to paddling, you will usually find us peddling our mountain bikes.

jack L

[Nutinelse2do]

Personally, no, not more affluent. We have no children and are retiring very young, to begin full timing. We have known for 20 + years we want to full time for retirement and have scrimped and saved to be able to do so, with enough put away for back up plans. Never know what tomorrow holds, and being at a job 40 hours a week that neither of us like, is not our idea of living. A lot of people's work defines them. For us, our jobs are a means to save for real life.

We have never had any exposure to pretty much anywhere other than So Cal, Az, and Nevada. There is an entire country out there waiting for us to explore. Quads, kayaks, etc allow you to see places you otherwise might not, just like Geocaching. We are both outdoorsy people. We love fishing, hiking, riding bikes, kayaking, etc.

We have no desire to stay in RV parks with activities, pools, etc since they do not fit our life style. City living is just not for us.

I think physical ability limits quite a few RVrs due to knees, joints, etc so I wouldn't really say its a trend. just what people are physically able to do when they are enjoying the RV lifestyle. A lot of people follow the weather to reduce physicall ailments, ie arthritis, copd's.

We will follow the seasons, but possibly on the opposite end. We want to see Yellowstone and Alaska Northern Lights in the winter, the leaves changing and first snowfall in the East, waterfalls at Yosemite in the spring. Those are the most beautiful natural wonders that we have yet to experience.

This should be a very interesting thread. I am looking forward to everyone's responses.

[fj12ryder]

Well, to me it would make no sense to go south to avoid the cold and then stay in the RV. If you're going to do that, why not just stay home and inside? So if you're going to go south you bring along things to do.

[MPI_Mallard]

As "Boomers" and this being our third year full-timing/snowbirding I have seen the same trend from our age group, we ourselves bring mountain bikes as well as a 12' achillies inflatable and a 12hp outboard with the idea that we can take advantage of whatever there is to enjoy from fishing/gunk holing or trails/hiking but the funny thing is that now we seem to have settled nicely into our Florida spot not wanting to roam as everything we want or need is here and looking to "amp-up" our Canadian spot to give us more of what we get here in Florida and get away from the golf course resort. all in all it's really a great lifestyle!!!

Red Green:
If life gives you lemons, throw 'em into
a quart of vodka.