The summer of 2008 has been a very interesting adventure for Canadian RV enthusiasts. Mild but rainy weather in the east has brought some of the most magnificent scenic views in recent memory – I don’t think I have ever seen the campgrounds so green and lush – perhaps the concept of global warming will have benefits for Canada – it would be nice to have a bit warmer weather on a regular basis.
            As I write this column, I am sitting at a campsite on the shores of Lake Erie, with cool winds wafting in from the waterfront, and brilliant sunshine warming the pristine sandy beach. It’s an idyllic setting, and the epitome of a camper’s dream. Like so many of the RV enthusiasts in the park this weekend, I wish the season would never end, but even though the summer vacation will soon draw to a close, there are at least a dozen prime RV weekends left before the weather gets too chilly to enjoy camping, and we are planning to enjoy each and every weekend until the snow flies by assigning a special theme to our RV excursions… we will discover historic landmarks, celebrate the harvest moon, and follow the changing leaves of autumn before casting our sights to the sunbelt states for a “snowbird” getaway in November.
            This issue marks the beginning of our 2009 RV Road Test series, with the new Winnebago leading what will be a steady stream of reports throughout the coming year. In preparation for the new model year, we have started to review the latest in RV technology, and it is refreshing to see the many changes in interior décor and lightweight construction that are coming off the production lines – many of the new models will be in RV dealerships as you read this issue of RV Lifestyle Magazine, and the fall RV dealer open houses will be some of the most exciting events in recent years.
            We also hear some very positive news from the automotive industry, with hybrid trucks and SUV’s ahead of schedule – by the time your current tow vehicle is due for replacement there should be a fuel-efficient replacement available… that’s a very rapid response to changing times, and we will be featuring road tests on the ’09 models over the next few issues.
            As we head to press, our Canadian dollar remains strong, and it’s the best time in years to invest in your recreational lifestyle… after all, there is no better vacation alternative in North America.
            In the final analysis, the RV community is very well positioned to adapt to the changing times ahead.

William E. Taylor
Publisher