Roads, Ferries, And Vikings
Dear Editor:
It was nice to see our little neck of the woods featured in the August 2014 issue (“Southern Vancouver Island,” page 72). We would like to point out, however, that following the Galloping Goose Trail from downtown Vancouver won’t get you to the Saanich Peninsula and Swartz Bay without turning off. If followed all the way, the Galloping Goose Trail will take you west through the Western Communities out to Sooke. Just north of Victoria, you must take the right fork toward the Lochside Trail for the Saanich Peninsula.
Not to say the Galloping Goose Trail isn’t worth the trip!
We would also like to add that if anyone wishes to travel the north part of the island to Sidney, a ferry can be taken from Anacortes, Washington, to Sidney that offers discount fares for motorhomes; yes, even during high season. For details, see www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule.
The article did mention our many museums, but the Royal British Columbia Museum deserves particular attention. Should you find you have chanced upon a rainy day (it does happen once in a while!), the museum, right at the harbor across the side street from the Empress Hotel, is a great way to spend a day or even more. The current visiting display focuses on the Vikings. Visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca for more information.
Art and Gillian Jackson, F313653
Victoria, British Columbia
Repairs With Hospitality
Dear Editor:
Each year I have Wayne Howard of Howard’s RV Repair do the tune-up on my motorhome’s Aqua-Hot system. This past winter I noticed a bad leak in the coils that go around the unit and called Wayne. It was a good-sized leak, and I needed a new unit. We were able to locate a remanufactured one for less money. He was not allowed to replace it at the RV site, so I drove to his facility in Beaumont, California.
I was very impressed by his facility, which has four large motorhome bays.
He has a very clean rest room with a shower for guests (we did not have hot water in the RV while it was being repaired). He also has a dump station, water hookups, and a 30-amp hookup. If any FMCA members need Aqua-Hot work done while coach hot water is not available, this is the perfect place to bring the RV. We were there for about four days. I can’t thank Wayne Howard enough for his assistance and hospitality during our stay.
Contact Howard’s RV Repair, 40721 Lincoln St., Beaumont, CA 92223; (909) 227-3904; www.howardsrvrepair.net.
Bob Lawlor, F310849
Bellingham, Washington
A Free Test-Drive
Dear Editor:
We would like to recommend an outstanding transmission facility in Madera, California. We were overwhelmed by the friendliness and generosity of the man in charge behind the desk when we approached him for advice about a supposedly “racing transmission” in central California’s heat. He determined it to be only an overworked radiator fan. He actually test-drove our RV down the freeway to be sure. He would not take any remuneration for his time.
His company is called Madera Automatic Transmission (905 S. Gateway Drive, Madera, CA 93637; 559-673-5126; www.maderatrans.com). We were so impressed by his gracious service that we suggest other RV owners consult with him if they need any help.
Jim and Jan Graves, F245418
West Linn, Oregon
A Windshield Repair Worth Noting
Dear Editor:
During a recent trip through upper New England, we experienced some extremely rough roads. Adding to that, I got the coach in a bit of a twist. This allowed the windshield to try to remove itself from the coach. The upper right corner of the two-piece windshield pushed out of the rubber seal that, among other things, holds it in place. A torrential rainfall made finding the newly created leak quite easy
.
After the initial panic and a few phone calls, we were able to make arrangements with Portland Glass of Brunswick in Brunswick, Maine, for an analysis the very next morning. They also allowed us to park overnight at their location. A few other RV repair facilities we contacted coldly told me they were scheduling two months out.
I often read these testimonials with a bit of skepticism about how well people have been treated at various service locations around the country. I am now a believer.
The technician came out to the coach a few minutes after 7:00 a.m. He looked everything over. He went on to give us a bit of comfort as he described the many coaches he has fixed with similar issues. After he made a few trips across the parking lot for tools, a helper, a ladder, and some material, the repair was quick and complete. We were on our way before 8:00 a.m. Their great service and willingness to address our issue so quickly were valuable beyond description.
If anyone might be in need of a windshield or windshield-related services while in New England, be advised that Portland Glass, especially their Brunswick office (261 Bath Road, Brunswick, ME 04011; 207-729-9971), provides a service well beyond normal expectations.
Vaughn and Margie Wood, F334650
Shelocta, Pennsylvania
Silver Lake Stopover
Dear Editor:
We were traveling in our diesel coach to see family this summer when we started having brake trouble. We had traveled about an hour and decided to turn around and go back to the Silver Lake area of Michigan to have them repaired. We called Gary Beggs at Mears Service Center, and although he had closed, he said he would wait for us. When we got there, he put us behind the building with power for the night. Although they were very busy, they started working on our unit at 7:30 a.m. the next day. The air brake line had a leak. They were able to get the part locally and had us repaired and back on the road by 11:00 a.m.
They went out of their way to help us, and they were very fair and honest with their repair bill.
If you are ever in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes region of Michigan (about 12 campgrounds are in that area), and you need service work, we highly recommend Mears Service Center (7282 W. Fox Road, Mears, MI 49436; 231-873-4638). They are just up the road from the sand dunes.
Jake and Linda Ure, F251321
Haines City, Florida