WorldMark®

Published Exclusively for WorldMark Owners October 2001

Bass Lake and Yosemite Introducing

Over the past 12 years, Trendwest Resorts and WorldMark, The Club, have developed a reputation throughout the vacation ownership industry for providing the best in service. For that reason, we continuously explore all options and consistently align ourselves with partners that best support this level of service. We are excited to announce that Trendwest and WorldMark have signed an affiliation agreement with Interval International (II) to be our exclusive exchange partner at point of sale effective October 1, 2001. If you are a current RCI member, this means that you will have the ultimate in exchange possibilities. You can retain your membership with RCI, enroll with Interval International or both! You now have choices never before available to you. RCI is committed to maintaining the same high level of service you’ve come to expect from them, including unmatched trading power, Confirm First privileges, Instant Exchanges and dedicated counselors. Interval International’s service levels mirror the WorldMark culture, while the company’s quality resort locations add a new dimension to your vacation choices. Their 3,000 credit Flexchange reservations offer an expanded 59-day booking window (RCI’s Instant Exchanges have a 45-day window), and II’s fees (both annual and exchange) are lower. Now you can truly have it all. Call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103 to learn how to enroll with Interval International. editor’sdesk

Summer’s Over ... So?

ctober’s here, which means—at least in O my book—that it’s time to get out and travel in earnest. School is back in session, the highways are clear, and the weather is fine. And, as an extra bonus, Bonus Time at your World- 10 Mark resorts is now easier to come across. For this month’s features, we present two destinations made for fall getaways: Bass Lake

and Eagle Crest. Bass Lake, in Northern DINING IN BEND, OREGON / PHOTO BY DAN STEARNS California, is a mere hop, skip and jump (18 miles, to be more specific) from that legendary giant of national parks—Yosemite. Although October 2001 writer Leah Parman Clark did her research during the height of summer, you’ll discover that fall in Yosemite brings cooler temperatures, haze-free skies and brightened colors, as well as open roads and trails. Bass Lake itself offers laid- back water-recreation pleasure, in addition to a inside photogenic setting. Eagle Crest lies along the eastern flank Nature’s Course “School is of Oregon’s soaring 8 Bass Lake and Yosemite Cascades. This is high In this spectacular landscape, the scenery moves from the back in desert—a land of pine background to take center stage. forests, alpine peaks, session, the Go Outside rushing rivers, wide- highways 10 Central Oregon’s high desert open spaces and ample Eagle Crest and its surrounds offers vacationers a mind- are clear, sunshine and outdoor boggling array of recreational opportunites. activities. Eagle Crest and the is situated in the heart 5 New brand Identity for WorldMark of a land seemingly 12 Footloose Solos in Montana weather is made for recreation 13 A Ladies-Only Adventure fine.” seekers. Tennis, golf, biking, horseback riding, hiking and fishing are just a few of the diversions vacationers can enjoy during a Central Oregon October. cover So, don’t slide your suitcase under the bed just yet. Instead, toss in a pair of tennis shoes to replace the sandals, a sweater for the evenings and you’re set! on the

Yosemite’s Half Dome, alight with fall color.

PHOTO COURTESY CORBIS October 2001 3 worldmark Call clubclips news Us for Clean Up

If something spills on your unit’s carpet or couch, please call the front desk immediately for assistance. Don’t spend your valuable vacation time scrubbing and fretting over a mishap. Our staff will be happy to take care of the spill using special cleaning products and all of their experience.

Remembering the Magic

Remember the Magic: The Story of Horizon Air was written by Bill Endicott, former consultant for Trendwest Resorts. “This is the inspiring story of the birth of Horizon Air and how it became one of the nation’s top six

THOUSAND HILLS GOLF RESORT, BRANSON, MISSOURI / PHOTO BY DAN STEARNS regional airlines in just five years,” explains Bill Peare, president and CEO club inventory specials of Trendwest. “Milt Kuolt is one of the great entrepreneurs of the 20th Century. The book tells of his vision and demon- Time to strates how passenger service became the key to his success. It is recommen- ded reading for anyone seeking a break Get Away from the conventional success story. This should be a textbook for university Vacation at one of these fine resorts between October 21 and business schools.” November 15, and it will cost you only four cents per credit. Through October 31, WorldMark owners can take advantage of a special Call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103 today. price: $16.95 USD plus $4 USD for shipping and handling (just $3.50 USD MIDWEEK ONLY: MIDWEEK AND WEEKENDS: shipping and handling for each additional Angels Camp, CA Bison Ranch, AZ copy). As of November 1, the price will Bear Lake, UT Branson, MO be $21.95 USD per book. (For pricing Birch Bay, WA Lake of the Ozarks, MO outside the U.S., call 1-800-788-3350.) McCall, ID Pinetop, AZ Mail your check or money order to: Wolf Creek, UT Steamboat Springs, CO Remember the Magic Midweek stays must take place Sunday through Thursday. Reservations at the above resorts are not subject to Turner Publishing Company the 14-day booking window, and you may book multiple units. Holidays are excluded. P.O. Box 3101 Paducah, KY 42002-3101

4 DESTINATIONS We Have a Winner! new brand identity for comment card WorldMark and Trendwest drawing As you may have noticed, WorldMark and Trendwest are sporting new logos. Jack Bird of Kirkland, Wash- These logos were developed as part of the companies’ new brand identity. ington, won our most recent Why the new look? As Worldmark and Trendwest continue to grow, we have drawing. He will be enjoying found confusion in the marketplace about the relationship of these two dynamic a three-night WorldMark stay organizations. We needed to ensure that all of our marketing efforts provide a on us. Remember to send in clear and concise idea of how these vacation-oriented entities work together to your completed comment provide the highest value in the travel industry. cards for a chance to win! There were concerns that the old logo didn’t match the Trendwest brand. The number of colors and the way the logo was being used were inconsistent. Our brand research indicated that owners and potential customers were confused by the logos for Trendwest, WorldMark and MountainStar (our planned resort devel- opment near Roslyn, Washington). We discovered that some owners were calling Board Update the company “Trendmark”! As a result, we developed new logos to strongly reflect our brand and give us a look that is unique and memorable. These logos feature On June 6, the WorldMark Board of a paper airplane, a universal symbol for pleasurable experiences. Directors approved the board What does our branding mean to you? All of our communications meeting minutes from February 28— efforts are now tied together to help us the day of the 6.9 Seattle-area provide continued customer prefer- earthquake. The board managed to ence for our vacation experiences. accomplish the following, despite a Strong growth means more WorldMark temporary adjournment to evacuate resorts—more destinations and vacation the Corporate Building. opportunities for your family to enjoy for years to come. • Approved the minutes from Look for these logos during your next WorldMark vacation Looking Good the 2000 Annual Owners Meeting. and on our new line of clothing items. • Authorized management to switch exchange affiliations from Resort Condominiums International to Interval International. Keep a Move On Doggone It! WorldMark’s It’s time to assign a resort manager to the brand- no-pets policy new WorldMark at Kihei resort, and JEFF CAMINOS has accepted the job. Born and raised in Hawaii, One of the hardest things about going on Make Your it only made sense that Jeff take charge of your vacation is deciding what to do with the family Kihei location. After spending nearly four years dog or cat. In an effort to keep everyone’s running a five-star, full-service hotel in Jakarta, Jeff housekeeping and maintenance dues to a Voice Heard has finally returned to the islands. minimum, we cannot allow pets at the 2001 Owners Meeting JOANN SPRADLING started out in the Eagle resorts—but that doesn’t mean we don’t care! Crest Sales Office in reception, and worked her Contact your resort ahead of time, and our The Annual Owners Meeting is just staff will be glad to recommend the best kennel way up to sales manager, eventually accepting a around the corner, and soon you will in the area. position as the Idaho regional sales manager. She have the chance to vote for your Many WorldMark has served as the resort manager at McCall for WorldMark officers. The election will employees are also the past year. With this resort becoming a World- be held on October 18 at the Belle- pet owners, so we Mark property, she is looking forward to meeting vue Doubletree Hotel (located at 300 see both sides of all of you. 112th Avenue SE in Bellevue, Wash- this issue. Al- LORI SALIN is taking over as resort manager ington). The meeting begins at 7:00 though we love at Gleneden. She worked for Thousand Trails for animals, we have p.m., with registration starting at 14 years, starting as recreation supervisor, advanc- experienced firsthand 6:00 p.m. Voting materials were ing to assistant manager and then general manager. the damage pets can mailed out last month, but if you did She is very excited about working with WorldMark do to your resorts. Club not receive your packet, please owners and staff. guidelines are in place contact Owner Services at 1-888- to protect your invest- 648-7363 for a duplicate set. If you ment, and that is why we are unable to attend the meeting to are asking everybody to vote in person, please take a mo- respect WorldMark’s no- ment to send in your proxy vote. pets policy. Thank you. fastfact points spotlight of interest

What a Difference a Decade Makes

Ten years ago, WorldMark The River had a grand total of 76 units in 11 resorts. (Today, it’s 2,369 units in 41 resorts!) Wild

carved and delicately wooded canyons, you can enjoy a quiet float past town or get soaked on a full day of Class IV rapids. Check out Osprey’s many different floats: family, scenic, wildlife and dory boat floats—or turn up the heat and go high river in a smaller sport boat through Tumwater Canyon.

WorldMark at Eagle Crest Bend, Oregon, is nothing short of sporting paradise, and the Deschutes and McKenzie rivers have a lot to do with this reputation. For rafters in search of whitewater, WorldMark at Eagle Crest is home, where the river reaches out to meet you. Pick-ups for both short and long rafting trips (family and white- water) leave throughout the week from the resort grounds. And as hot as the sun gets here, a good dose of river water is often just the thing.

WorldMark at Steamboat Springs PHOTO COURTESY OSPREY RAFTING CO. To most people, Colorado is synonymous across the board with snow-covered mountains, and come • spring and summer, those same mountains mean rapid river run-off. Glide through the My first time whitewater rafting was in the say which style I love most, really. All I know spectacularly scenic Upper Colorado on a icy waters of the Wenatchee River. Swaddled for certain is this: Water is water, and as long half- or full-day float, or head out on a three- neck-to-toe in a full-length wet suit, I endured as it’s white and frothy and I get to ride it, or four-day rafting/hiking adventure on the blasts of frigid foam as I cascaded down the I’m happy. Colorado, Green and Yampa rivers. These river—and in no time at all, I was mad with —KH professionally guided treks take you through whitewater fever. My next run took place in Canyonlands National Park, Dinosaur National Costa Rica, where I discovered that adren- WorldMark at Leavenworth Monument and Desolation and Westwater aline trip exists in warm, picture-perfect Osprey Rafting Co. shoots Washington’s canyons. You can raft through some of the tropical waters, as well. Next, I tried a kayak, Wenatchee River each spring—and they don’t most rugged and remote wilderness this and was introduced to the thrill of battling stop till things quiet down in the fall. Cruising country has to offer. wicked rocks and eddies all by myself. I can’t through the Leavenworth area’s perfectly

6 DESTINATIONS in the know in your own words • • Feasting in Fiji

BY GREG AND BLANCHE MORIOKA

We recently vacationed at WorldMark at Denarau Island, Fiji. We enjoyed meeting the activity organizer, Johnny Francis. He is not only a great fishing guide, but an excellent chef. He cooked up an out- standing dinner for us right in our own kitchen. For dessert, he made BY PEGGY FRY, DIRECTOR OF OWNER SERVICES a pineapple upside-down cake, accompanied by strawberry ice cream atop thin slices of Melbourne peaches with a sprig of fresh mint! This meal topped off our vacation. We are looking forward to a return visit Eagle Crest next year. Vacation Club Thank you for the most wonderful vacations we’ve ever had! a welcome addition As many of you may know, the Eagle Crest Vacation Club (ECVC) has been a “sister company” of Trendwest Resorts for several construction zone years, as both evolved from the same parent company, Jeld-Wen. ECVC is a points-based vacation club identical in S. Lake Tahoe, NV many ways to WorldMark, The Club. It has Though the process was complicated, units at Eagle Crest, Running Y and in permits are now in place and this new McCall, Idaho. In an agreement between resort is moving along swiftly. Contrac- Trendwest and Eagle Crest, it has been tors are currently installing utilities and decided to dissolve ECVC and merge it building the pads for the first phase of with WorldMark. Effective this fall, all of the construction. The schedule is tight, with ECVC resort inventory and members will work being performed six days a week become part of your Club. to keep the project on track. What does that mean, exactly? Well, for starters, more condominiums. World- Mark will gain new one-, two- and three- Las Vegas, NV bedroom condos at two resorts where we Development and construction are in full already have units—Running Y and Eagle swing in Las Vegas, with utilities in the ground Crest—as well as three-bedroom chalets. and the rough grade complete. The contractor In addition, we’ll be adding an exciting new has completed 70% of the masonry portion location at McCall (where we previously of the parking levels and is now pouring the had an exclusive exchange agreement). elevated decks for the first two buildings. This is a popular destination and a fantastic Framing for the clubhouse and initial unit new resort for the WorldMark network. buildings is also underway. This phase As a result of the merger, we will also consists of six unit buildings, a 25,000-square- be welcoming 3,000 ECVC owners to the foot clubhouse, courtyard and laundry and WorldMark family. What impact will these maintenance facility. new owners have on The Club? To give Ongoing Projects you an idea, Trendwest’s sales from last June added about 3,100 new owners to No. Estimated Destination Units completion Status our system. Since then, we’ve acquired Oceanside Harbor 140 Fall 2001 Finish stages 2,500 to 3,500 owners each month, so the Kihei – Phase I 80 Fall 2001 Finish stages addition of the ECVC owners will have no Kihei – Phase II 120 Winter 2001 Early finish stages negative impact on the overall WorldMark Big Bear – Phase II 50 Spring 2002 Sitework/foundations system. However, the added inventory is Solvang 76 Winter 2002 Permitting truly a significant benefit. Seaside 284 Summer 2003 Utilities/concrete walls If you have any questions, please don’t Sonoma – Phase I 150 Summer 2003 Entitlements/design hesitate to contact us at 1-888-648-7363 Victoria 92 Spring 2004 Permitting or [email protected]. Information as of 8/31/01.

October 2001 7 Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

—John Muir, Our National Parks, 1901

It is 1856. A 42-year-old man by the name of Galen Clark goes to his doctor complaining of inflammation of the lungs and bleeding. His doctor examines him, shakes his head and informs the former miner that he’s got terminal tuberculosis and only six months to live. So Galen, preferring to spend his last days in the mountains to anywhere else, packs up his belongings and moves to Wawona, California. There, after building a cabin and settling in, he rises early to explore the glorious meadows, trees and valley around him. Six months go by, and he doesn’t die. Instead, he discovers a grove of enormous sequoias that he names the Mariposa Grove (after the county in which they’re located). Galen is so excited by what he’s found that he brings public attention to this grove and crusades for its preservation. He’s one of the reasons why, in 1864 (during the middle of the Civil War), Lincoln signs the Yosemite Grant. This grant is the genesis of the park movement, ensuring that generations to come will be able to enjoy the land. Eventually, of course, Galen does die, but not before becoming the first guardian of the Yosemite Grant. And in addition to surviving his doctor’s prognosis, he outlives his doctor by 20 years! Galen is 95 when he’s finally buried in the Yosemite Cemetery beneath the trees that he loved so much. Amazing what a little mountain air can do for you. In Galen’s Footsteps ing six times during one storm—and three personal favorite is still standing tall: the Over a century after Galen roamed this times in one day!), but they actually need Faithful Couple actually began as two sep- forest, my husband—a passionate tree fire in order for the species to survive and arate sequoias, but their trunks merged lover—and I have come to the Mariposa thrive. At the same time, in what seems together creating a combined diameter of Grove to see the big trees for ourselves. And contrary to their resiliency, these enormous, 40 feet and, our guide jokes, “the oldest big, I suppose, is really an understatement, often 300-foot trees have remarkably shallow surviving marriage in California.” since in total volume the giant sequoia is root systems (typically going no deeper than The tram stops three times during the the world’s largest living thing. six feet). Giant sequoias do not die of old tour, and at the last stop, we opt to get off We’re 18 miles from WorldMark at age or disease; instead, these massive trees so we can closely examine the Grizzly Bass Lake, sweltering under the hot summer eventually lose their grip on the earth and Giant—the oldest tree in the entire grove— sun. But with 500 mature sequoias filling die essentially of falling over. then explore some more on foot. Standing this grove, suffice to say there is some shade. The tour takes us past the grove’s most near the Grizzly’s base, I am astounded not There’s also a bumpy, open-air tram ride notable trees, including the Wawona Tunnel only by its height (about 200 feet), but the offered every hour (May through October), Tree, which at one time was perhaps the massive size of its trunk (30 feet in diameter) which allows us to see the grove without most famous tree in the world. In 1881, the and limbs (one measures six feet in diameter). hiking too much in the 98-degree heat. Our Scribner brothers cut a tunnel eight feet Equally—if not more impressive—is the guide has a gruff voice and light sense of wide, 10 feet high and 27 feet long through Grizzly’s age. At 2,700 years, it’s older than humor, frequently sharing fun trivia about this giant sequoia and took pictures of it. anything my mind can strain to think of the trees. For instance, we learn that only These pictures were sent all over, attracting even Christianity! And what makes the one seed out of every 600 million succeeds visitors from far and wide just to see the tree Grizzly such an extraordinary piece of history in becoming a giant sequoia. And not only you could drive your car through. Sadly, the is that, unlike a book or early photograph, can these incredibly adaptive trees survive tree thundered to the ground during a snow- it’s still living. periodic forest fires (or being hit by lighten- storm in the winter of 1968/69. Yet my continued on page 15

Bass Lake and Yosemite

BY LEAH PARMAN CLARK

From Tunnel View, seven miles of inspiration. (Photo by Leah Clark)

October 2001 9 BY KATRINA HAYNES

W hen you visit Eagle Crest in the high desert of Central Oregon, the last thing you’ll want to do is sit around inside. With lakes, mountains, rivers, falls, rocks, golf courses, caves, snow, sun, llamas, horses and fish—plus requisite hiking, swimming, water-skiing, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing, skiing, golfing, spelunking, fishing, camping and llama packing—there’s only one thing to do: go outside and play. And with the recent Eagle Crest Vacation Club-WorldMark merger—resulting in additional units for you—there’s never been a better time to stay at the resort and do just that. So to simplify your vacation planning, I’ve put together a sampler of the endless outdoor avenues you can expect to find. Have fun! outsigo d Central Oregon’s High Rockin’ Out Gone Floating

Just north of Redmond, Smith Rock State Park There are plenty of ways to manage a float juts out starkly from miles of baked terrain. These adventure—in a group tackling rapids, alone by 651 acres of rock wonderland hover up to 3,000 kayak, buddied-up in a canoe, powering a feet above the desert, and climbers flock to the paddleboat, laying low on a tube or sporting park to wedge cams into some of the most challeng- waterwings. Consider alone the concept of the ing rock faces around. Any given season you’ll find “float” and you can choose from the family float, bodies clinging to ridges with names like Monkey scenic float, sunset float, wildlife float, moonlight Face, Pleasure Palace, Heinous Cling, Spiderman float, flatwater float, or one yet-to-be-named of Buttress and Cocaine Gully (if that doesn’t give an your own fashioning. And in Central Oregon, the idea of the rush climbers get here ). Although wheres are just as exhaustive as the hows: rivers this park is seemingly built for climbers, hikers get and streams (Deschutes, McKenzie, Crooked, their nature’s worth, too. Loop the Crooked River Squaw, Paulina), lakes, ponds and reservoirs (Sparks, along Little Three Fingered Jack to catch spectacular Elk, Lava, Wickiup, Fireman’s), or even the wraparound views of the sunset at Indian Ridge— spectacular Eagle Crest pools. then wind down for an evening picnic on rimrock made of columnar basalt.

10 DESTINATIONS Go Fly a Fish

Few experiences compare to the rush of hooking and landing a sea-running steelhead. And TOP LEFT: Kayaking on a for those lucky enough to secure one, it’s said these guys fight all the way to the bank. Deschutes Central Oregon fall morning. steelhead start migrating upriver from the Columbia in August, and over a hundred pristine BOTTOM LEFT: A serene moment at mountain lakes and streams bejewel the region with their own array of fine fishing fare. Smith Rock State Park. BELOW: Eagle Crest and its Mountain Shadow Cascade Mountain backdrop.

Here in the shadow of the Cascade Range, Bachelor Butte, the Three Sisters and Broken Top reign supreme. Depending on the person and/or season, this can mean a daring downhill thrill-ride by bike, skis or board, or leisurely trek through the forest by foot, horse or cross- country skis. Off-road biking comes in all shapes, sizes and abilities—from easy subalpine trails through the Deschutes National Forest to half-cocked races down Broken Top. For those of you battling winter wanderlust, climb into the Cascades for snow-skiing, -boarding, -shoeing and -camping. The mountains here even provide for those who prefer not to sweat. Take the Pine Marten chair lift 7,560 feet up to mid-Bachelor level and enjoy a mile-high barbecue on a gloriously sunny Central Oregon day. de To a Tee Three hundred annual days of sunshine translate to almost year-round golf at Eagle Crest. And with two championship courses—the Resort Course and Ridge Course— as well as a putting course and new 3,684-yard mid-iron course, it’s guaranteed that whether you’re a beginner or a pro, golfing here will fit your skill level to a tee. And if you’d like to improve your game (or at least have fun trying), Eagle Crest also offers h Desert private lessons, classes and clinics. Call 1-877-818-0286 for more information. Resort Recreation

Another amenity of the Central Oregon playground: World- Mark at Eagle Crest. Built for and catering to families, this is one of those places that can engulf a traveler and distract him from the locale entirely. The sprawling complex is perched on the banks of the Deschutes, and from the moment you are greeted by the entry guard, the resort’s offerings are laid out tantalizingly before you. Drive the grounds and you’ll discover an equestrian center, walking and riding trails, softball and soccer fields, sports courts, ponds and lakes, swimming pools, restaurants, an amphitheater and above-mentioned golf courses, plus driving range and pro shop. But that’s not all. The Eagle Crest staff has put together a bevy of rotating activities for you and your family: children’s pool games and movie matinees, adult hoops, sand volleyball, evening river walks, aqua aerobics and innergystics, adult tennis clinics, children’s slip-n-slide, teen and family tie-dye classes, children’s soccer and scavenger hunts, family canoeing trips and treks in the Cascades, river rafting, ice cream socials, teen basketball shootouts and family Bingo. Whew! travel

the Adventure Club in Rome Rome, sweet Rome. Built upon eons of history layered centuries deep, this magnificent city dazzles with Imperial temples, Etruscan tombs, baroque basilicas, Renaissance palaces, Republican meeting rooms and medieval bell towers. It’s a place where history, legend and passion commingle with incredible food and affable people, making it difficult to say what you’ll love best. So drop by the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain or Vatican to see for yourself—or better yet, join the Adventure Club when we head to the Eternal City this February.

February 16 – 22, 2002 / 45,000 credits for two

Package includes: Round-trip air from Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles (including transfers) Six nights of accommodation at the Valadier Hotel Daily breakfast Porterage (one bag per person) Half-day guided tour of Rome via motor coach (including entrance to the Vatican Museum) Full-day guided tour of Florence via motor coach (including lunch and entrance to the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)

Call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103 for reservations.

All tours subject to change and availability. $129 USD exchange fee not included. Cash ’n’ Credits options available. ST. PETER’S SQUARE, VATICAN CITY / COURTESY ARTTODAY.COM

Footloose Solos Head to Montana January 18 – 21, 2002

There’s something really special about White- sion, you can ski or snowmobile on Saturday lobby, rock fireplace, outdoor pool and spa, fish, Montana. From celebrities shopping chic and follow it up with a pizza dinner, go dog and deluxe continental breakfasts. boutiques to cowboys downing cold ones in sledding on Sunday and, if you still have Complimentary shuttle-van service is old-fashioned taverns, Whitefish is an inter- energy, ice-skate later that night. available from Glacier Park International mingling of cultures that symbolizes the New Airport and the Amtrak Station (reservations West. Located just minutes from Glacier Winter Wonderland for Solo Travelers are required). Bus transportation to and from National Park and at the base of Big Moun- Two-day Downhill Ski Package: Big Mountain is available 20 times a day. tain—one of the most spectacular ski resorts 3,850 credits per person, dbl. occupancy Don’t miss out on this Rocky Mountain in the country—this little railroad town is an Two-day Snowmobile/Dog Sled Package: high. Call the Vacation Planning Center today. unforgettable destination. 4,500 credits per person, dbl. occupancy This January, head to Whitefish to spend Subject to change and availability. $129 USD exchange a three-day weekend with other solo travelers. You’ll stay at the Best Western Rocky fee and air or train travel not included. Cash ’n’ Credits options available. Travel arrangements can be made During this one-of-a-kind Footloose excur- Mountain Lodge, which features a spacious through Trendwest Travel by calling 1-800-953-5511. Footloose in Ireland March 10 – 17, 2002 Last month we tempted everyone to tour • Two nights in Dublin (with full breakfast) Ireland on WorldMark credits. Now we’d like • A half-day tour of Dublin to extend a special invitation to all you solo • Two nights in Waterford (with full breakfast travelers to experience this enchan-ted isle. and dinner) Spend a week with fellow single owners • Two nights in Killarney (with full breakfast Ladies and hit the streets of cosmopolitan Dublin, and dinner) • Entrance to the Waterford Crystal Factory exploring its museums, shops and parks. Stress- and Blarney Castle You’ll also get to relax next to the majestic • One night at the Bunratty Castle Hotel (with Reliever lakes of Killarney, tour the Waterford Crystal four-course dinner and entertainment) Weekend Factory, witness 15th- and 17th-century life March 22 – 24, 2002 preserved in Bunratty Castle and kiss the Space will go fast, so sign up today. Call famed Blarney Stone. the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457- Join us for the Adventure Club’s first- 0103 for more information. ever ladies-only event. This stress- For 29,000 credits per person, double free weekend includes two nights at occupancy, your Ireland excursion includes: All tours subject to change and availability. $129 USD the four-star Coeur d’Alene Resort, • Round-trip airfare from Seattle, San Fran exchange fee not included. Cash ’n’ Credits options are available. namesake of the lovely northern Idaho cisco or Los Angeles (including transfers) lake it graces. National Geographic has listed Coeur d’Alene as one of America’s most beautiful lakes, and Condé Nast has given The Coeur Gone to Baja d’Alene the distinct honor of “Amer- ica’s Number One Mainland Resort.” March 1 and March 22, 2002 The weekend also includes a March 1 Swedish massage at the resort’s spa, Wave goodbye to Los Angeles on either Outside cabin: which will make you feel like you’re 11,750 credits for two one of these dates and you’ll be Baja in heaven. So grab your best friend, bound. This spring, Carnival’s Ecstasy March 22 mom or daughter and hit the lake on will set sail from the San Pedro Pier for Outside cabin: March 22. Ensenada, Mexico. The Ecstasy is a 12,050 credits for two floating resort that treats you to spec- Outside quad cabin: 3,800 credits pp, dbl. occup. tacular Las Vegas-style shows and 21,500 credits for four 6,500 credits pp, sgl. occup. casino glamour, in addition to a spa as pampering as any found in Palm Call the Vacation Planning Center at Subject to change and availability. $129 USD Springs. But why drive to the desert 1-800-457-0103. exchange fee, air travel and meals not in- cluded. Cash ’n’ Credits options available. when you can spend three days on the Cruises subject to change and availability. Rates Travel arrangements can be made through blue Pacific? include port taxes and fees. Air transportation Trendwest Travel by calling 1-800-953-5511. and $129 USD exchange fee not included.

Remembering Paris a recent Footloose tour

Some clutched shopping bags—scanning “Footloose is a true value added to for further shopping opportunities along WorldMark, greatly increasing owner the Champs Élysées—while others chose options not available in other companies.” to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. —Lynne Hadley And a few simply relished warm, early- “Footloose gives me the reason to plan morning almond croissants while waiting and look forward to taking a vacation.” for the metro. Here is what these World- —Floyd Wolfe Mark travelers had to say about the Foot- “Thanks again for a perfect vacation.” loose program and their trip: —Kay Murphy

“Footloose offers the opportunity for single Experience a Footloose Excursion for The Parisian adventure began with 45 Footloose members to meet other single members yourself. Call your vacation planning participants journeying across the Atlantic. It continued in enchanting settings where new rela- counselor at 1-800-457-0103 for as they canvassed the city to marvel at famous works tionships can form.” upcoming travel dates. in the Louvre, admire the Seine’s silken waters and —Patrick O’Reilly ride the ferris wheel above the Place de la Concorde. October 2001 13 Good company in a

journey makes the way departures travel seem the shorter. —Izaak Walton

A Penny words to travel by Saved is ... Another Day of Vacation!

Avid travelers, my husband and I hit the road every chance we get— although this also means that we’re always traveling on a budget. For us, cutting costs here and there means being able to manage longer—and more frequent—vacations. Inspired by a recent trip to Kauai, I’ve decided to share a few practical ideas for ways to stretch your vacation dollar and, more importantly, your vacation. —CR

• Purchase your airfare well in advance (at least two weeks for most iday—and all your money—shopping. If you do airlines) to secure the best rates. Also, shop, avoid stores near large, luxury hotels, plan ahead and make car rental res- and you’ll also be avoiding higher prices. ervations. Travelers showing up at the rental counter without them are slam- • Sightseeing flights and activity tours are directexchange med with inflated fees. Thanks to con- fun, but pricey. Many other activities can be opportunities tracts with select airlines and rental every bit as enjoyable—and free! A day of sun agencies, Trendwest Travel (1-800- and surf at the beach, exploring a nature trail, See the World 953-5511) can help you obtain the window shopping A little imagination can go best rates for all your air and car needs. a long way toward providing an enter-taining, Alexandria, Virginia inexpensive day. Grand Cayman Island, Caribbean • Treating yourself to a nice meal Maui, Hawaii overlooking the ocean or city lights is • And, finally, take advantage of Bonus Mazatlan, Mexico worthwhile, to be sure, but a picnic at Time whenever possible. At just four cents Newport, Oregon the beach or lake can be just as mem- per credit, WorldMark units—with their full Oahu, Hawaii orable for a smidgen of the cost. kitchens, VCRs, fireplaces, decks, swimming Orlando, Florida pools and spas—are a bargain hunter’s dream. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico • Take all your necessities with And Exotic Bonus Time allows you to book Scottsdale, Arizona you. If you plan on buying your entire your Hawaii, Mexico and Fiji units as far as 30 vacation wardrobe or your accessories days out, which means you will still be able to For more information on these popular during the trip, you’ll spend your hol- purchase advance airfare. exchange destinations, call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103.

14 DESTINATIONS continued from page 9

The Incomparable Valley But as stunning as the Mariposa Grove is, it’s the valley proper that most people envision when they picture Yosemite. Or more specifically, the beauty and sheer diversity of Yosemite Valley’s huge domes, graceful waterfalls, peaks, meadows and forests as they change from season to season and even hour to hour. From Bass Lake, the drive to the valley takes over an hour. The next morning, cruising along curvy Highway 41, I am relaxed and at peace listening to Bach and admiring the sunlight streaming through the trees. But as we approach Tunnel View, I start to feel excited. After all, I am at last going to see the famed Yosemite Valley! As we pass through Wawona Tunnel, my anticipation rises like a crescendo of music, and, when daylight reaches our eyes again, we’re greeted by a gorgeous panoramic view of the valley. Quickly we park the car and step outside. My eyes scan El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall, feasting on the lush blanket of trees covering the valley floor and The surrounding Sierra National Forest enhances the beauty of the gray granite dramatically jutting towards the sky. I am struck by 4½-mile Bass Lake. (Photo by Dan Stearns) how a landscape millions of years old can look so timeless. And by just how utterly composed, precise—in a sense, un-wild—the wilderness can be. Laid-back Civilization We snap some photographs, then continue on to the village. In contrast to Yosemite’s almost overwhelmingly vast landscape, In contrast to the effortless harmony of the landscape, the manmade Bass Lake is an intimate, welcoming, sparkling blue gem. Maybe village, with its shops, eateries and crowds (So this is where all the it’s the casual dress code (read: flip-flops) or the homes with wooden people are!), seems particularly chaotic. We eat quickly and depart signs bearing the surname of each household. Maybe it’s the the village. But still not having gotten our fill of Yosemite, we stop congregation of mellow kids in front of the local market, or the beside a meadow as we’re exiting the park. Out in the fields, I swish way cars play second fiddle to the numerous pedestrians meandering through the tall grass, making my own trail, keeping watch on the down the main street: women with water bottles, an older gentleman scenery ahead of me. I am delighted to spot a deer not far off in the ambling along with a cane, young shirtless boys with fishing poles distance, and quickly turn around to tell my husband. But something perched on their shoulders. This tiny town reminds me of every else literally takes my breath away: El Capitan, rising 3,583 feet into lake destin-ation I’ve ever vacationed at—only Bass Lake is much the air before me. It’s the largest single exposed granite monolith in more pictur-esque. (In addition to serving as the backdrop for the world, and from this vantage point, looks taller than its 350 many movies, the lake’s sapphire waters surrounded by luxurious stories. What’s even cooler than seeing the imperial rock up close emerald pines was recently featured on the cover of Sunset magazine.) is the soundtrack that accompanies it. After the loud shrieks and We have dinner at Ducey’s on the Lake, which has its own buzzing of the village, all I can hear now is the whistling of tree interesting history—though unlike Yosemite, not of the natural branches blowing in the wind, then a hush and an absence of noise— kind. It’s almost nine o’clock when we get around to enjoying our the sound of silence. meal (Chris has parmesan-crusted halibut; me, vegetarian Welling- Feeling rejuvenated by our experience, we decide to continue ton). Through the windows, I spy two teenage girls in bikinis on Highway 41 up to Glacier Point. From the parking lot, it’s just slowly edging out into the lake for a nighttime swim. It seems like a short walk to awesome views of Half Dome, numerous falls, lakes the perfect end to a warm summer day—and our wonderful and the High Sierra beyond. Perched like birds 3,214 feet above the Yosemite getaway—so after dinner is over, we slip into our bathing valley floor, we’re so close to the clouds I feel I can almost touch suits and take a moonlit dip. At this point, there is not another them. And I can certainly understand why Galen Clark found this soul around—except, of course, each other’s. mountain air so exhilarating and life-enhancing. In fact, I wonder how the majority of us ever manage to live without it. October 2001 15 Published Exclusively for WorldMark Owners

Vice President of Resort Operations DAVE HERRICK • Editor-in-Chief RIC ROSA • Trendwest Travel Editor CHRISTINE RORABECK • Contracted Hawaiian Assistant Editor

Hot LEAH CLARK Airfares for 2002 • Art Director Valid January 8 through March 14, 2002 TERRY DICKENS • Writer Hawaiian Inter-island KATRINA HAYNES • Savings Photographer $65 USD each way between any two islands DAN STEARNS • Hawaiian services Contributors ROSIE GRAY, MAGGIE KOLTER, Valid through December 14, 2001 SCOTT ROBERTS, MARANDA MABERRY, SARAH JANSEN, CHRISTINA WALTERS, RIC ROSA, GENE HENSLEY, ANDY BOTT, FREDERICH BECKER, JILL HOUSE Call Trendwest Travel at • 1-800-953-5511 Comments are appreciated DESTINATIONS EDITOR 9805 Willows Road Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 498-2500

STILL • TRENDWEST TRAVEL Theme Park 1-800-953-5511 Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT Tickets Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT (Closed Wed., 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. PT) • VACATION PLANNING CENTER Universal Studios 1-800-457-0103 Hollywood Mon. – Fri., 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT Sat. & Sun., 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT Los Angeles, CA (Closed Tues., 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. PT) • Adults: 500 credits OWNER SERVICES Children (ages 3 – 11): 425 credits 1-888-648-7363 [email protected] Mon. – Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT (Closed Tues., 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. PT) • Call the Vacation Planning RCI SERVICE LINES Center at 1-800-457-0103 US: 1-800-585-4833 Canada: 1-800-772-7729 • INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL Service line: 1-877-678-4400 Flexchange recording: 1-800-722-1747 • www.worldmarktheclub.com

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