Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505200004
SECTION: SENIOR STYLE PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SARAH COX
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
From May through October, the Wills are senior hosts in the Roanoke Mountain campground, and the rest of the time they're "snowbirds,'' they said, along with a lot of retired persons who motor south for the winter.
The Wills decided to buy a motor home a little more than six years ago, about the time they retired. They had never done any camping, "but always loved nature,'' said Lila Wills, who explained that several months after they purchased their alternative home they "sold everything we couldn't put into the motor home.''
They had done quite a bit of reading on motor home camping, and had gone up to Roanoke Mountain campground to talk to the senior hosts there. And "you learn as you go, and we're still learning,'' said Kenneth Wills.
The Wills said contrary to appearances, camping forever is not a hard lifestyle. You've got to love it to do it full time, they said, and you've got to get along with each other because quarters are cramped. You have to enjoy meeting people and talking to people, and "a sense of humor in this style of life goes a long way,'' said Lila Wills. But, they say, the advantages to their lifestyle, as well as the fun of simply weekend tent camping for seniors, are great.
They've met people from other countries, especially on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They've learned to identify birds, trees and other flora. They've given up a lot of possessions, but said it seems as if they're on vacation year-round. And it's an inexpensive way for the "snowbirds" to escape the cold weather.
In Ocala, the Wills "boondock,'' which is their term for primitive camping. Although they have propane and a generator in their motor home, the Florida campground has no hook-ups. But they chose this site because it's in the woods. Lila Wills said one of her great pleasures is to sit and watch the animals at play. They've taken up walking, they both love to read, and all in all, "we need to do something rather than just sit there and do nothing,'' she said.
Of course, she said their family thought they were nuts at first, but they've gotten used to it now. And the Wills say, seniors are taking up camping more and more. Park rangers Ed Clark and Richard Saunders of the Blue Ridge Parkway agree. All say the majority camp in trailers or motor homes, but they do see lots of seniors in tents.
The rangers said most seniors camp before school is out for the summer, and after Labor Day. Saunders said many seniors are discovering that camping is the best way to vacation, because it's more reasonable. Seniors are eligible for the Golden Age Passport, a discounted rate in all national parks for those 62 years old and older.
Myra Sellers, the recreation supervisor for the Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Senior and Adult Program, said she is going to try to plan overnight camping trips next year when Camp Roanoke at the Spring Hollow reservoir is completed. Volunteers have been busy fixing it up, she said.
A ropes course will be completed in early summer, and bunks and cabins will be in by next summer. Some of the overnight trips may be theme camping programs, such as wildflower, star or surviving in the wilderness programs.
Sellers said this will give seniors who have wanted to go camping a good opportunity, especially those who are single.
"I see it as getting away form the city, relaxing, and getting back to nature. Women may have camped with their families, and this is an opportunity for widows to do it again and enjoy it safely,'' she said. The same with fishing - especially for senior women. They may no longer fish because they don't know how to deal with bait and equipment, tasks their husbands once took care of.
The Wills and the park rangers said precautions smooth the road to camping. The Wills said preparing for their motor lifestyle helped a great deal, and Kenneth Wills' ability to "do as much repair as I can,'' cuts down on expenses considerably. Another precaution is to make sure your equipment is in good shape before you take off, "because it'll cost you if you break down,'' he said.
With a motor home, Lila Wills said there's nothing really to pack - they buy groceries, gas up and go. Camping takes a little more effort, and the rangers advised to watch the weather carefully, but if the first camping trip is a wash-out, don't give up.
The Wills also advised to camp in park campgrounds in lieu of parking lots, overlooks or noisy truckstops. Campgrounds are usually pretty safe, with hosts who check on everyone, as well as the park rangers. The Wills, as part of their host duties, keep an eye on the camp and help direct visitors to nearby places such as laundromats, grocery stores and tourist attractions. They also do small projects such as leaf-blowing, painting numbers on campsites and keeping the sites free of fallen limbs.
The rangers said volunteers are needed, and seniors can contact the forest service, park service or corps of engineers if they are interested in volunteering. It's one way to be introduced to camping.
The Wills wouldn't have it any other way: Lila Wills said they'll do this, "as long as we can, 'til we can't do it anymore.''
by CNB