DEST SEPT 2001.FH10 - WorldMark by Trendwest

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Where
Desert Meets
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editor’sdesk
Sneak a Peek
I
t isn’t often that you can peek into someone’s
journal without worrying about being discov-
ered, but that’s just what you get to do this month.
For this issue, we sent our writers on the
road. Their mission? Scout WorldMark country
10
for the best in road trips. When they returned,
their journals were crammed with notes on two
very different excursions, similar only in the sheer
B I G S U R B L U E S / P H O T O B Y L E A H PA R M A N
variety of fun activities, offbeat attractions and
spectacular scenery. Our Southwest road trip
leads from starry-eyed Los Angeles to the outdoor
September 2001
playland of Big Bear Lake, then on to the glitter
and glamour of Las Vegas before wrapping up in
the spectacular natural architecture of the St.
George area. The California Coast trip starts in
Pismo Beach and ends in Monterey, with adventures in the picturesque towns of San Luis Obispo,
8
Cambria, Big Sur
“I love the
freedom, the
spontaneity,
the adrenalinerush of hitting
the open
road.”
and Carmel along
the way.
Some of my all-
10
time favorite vacations have been road
trips. I love the freedom, the spontanrush of hitting the
open road … Just a
phone call to nail down my WorldMark accom-
good to go. If you haven’t explored this type of
vacationing, you’re missing out. Give one of our
suggested road trips a try—I think you’ll find the
experience downright exhilarating.
drive 1: desert
Time to slow down and take it easy. Join a road trip from
the hip through the Southwestern desert.
On the Road Again
drive 2: ocean
Three generations navigate Highway 1, delighting in the
journey—and each other.
WorldMark Tour to Ireland
Scottsdale Direct Exchange
Explore the Western Caribbean
cover
on the
jeans and one basic black dress for me, and I’m
Wherever Life Leads
12
13
13
eity, the adrenaline-
modations, an oil change for the car, T-shirts,
inside
The peaks
of Bryce
Canyon
reach
heavenward.
P H O T O B Y K AT R I N A H AY N E S
September 2001
3
clubclips
worldmark
news
It’s Your
Business
privacy policy
With today’s concern for
privacy of personal information, we thought you would
like to know that Trendwest
Resorts and WorldMark, The
Club, do not sell your personal
Fruit
of a
Different
Vine
While many are
familiar with the
nuances of wine
tasting, few people
have had the opportunity to identify
the subtleties of
olive oil. Climate, soil conditions
and fruit maturity all affect the
flavor and quality of olive oil. A
visit to California’s Calaveras
County will demonstrate that
there’s more tasting to be had
in these hills than just on the
wine-sipping circuit. Base
yourself at Angels Camp and
hook up with Calaveras Olive
Oil and Land Company—
situated in the rolling hills of
Gold Country—to hone your
oil sampling skills. Learn more
about the body, flavor, finish,
color, varieties, blends and,
most important of all, the many
uses of olive oil. Then buy a
few of your favorites and take
them home to host your own
tasting party.
financial information, nor do
we disclose it to anyone,
except as permitted by law.
Such permitted disclosure
may include providing information to companies that
perform support services on
our behalf, or to other firms
that assist us in providing you
with products and services.
We collect nonpublic
personal information about
you from the following
sources: applications or other
forms you submit to us; your
transactions with us, our
affiliates or others; and a
consumer-reporting agency.
We maintain physical,
electronic and procedural
safeguards to protect this
information. Within our
companies, access to your
personal information is
O L I V E G R O V E / A r t To d a y. c o m
q&a
Babies are people, too!
Q: Do WorldMark occupancy limits include
babies if they don’t need a bed?
A: When it comes to unit occupancy limits,
everybody counts. As far as fire codes and
state regulations are concerned, people are
people, regardless of size, age or bed preference. Everyone staying in a unit is calculated
into the occupancy total.
4
D E S T I N AT I O N S
restricted to Trendwest ®
and WorldMark employees
who need this data to provide
products or services to you.
To have a copy of
Trendwest and WorldMark’s
privacy policy mailed to you,
please call 1-800-722-3487.
We Have a
Winner!
comment card drawing
Congratulations to Conrad Brazzel of
Glendora, California. His comment card
was pulled from the hat during our most
recent drawing, which means that
Conrad has won a three-night stay at
the WorldMark resort of his choice.
Remember to fill out—and submit—
those comment cards!
Clearing
the Air
Our no-smoking policy, adopted as a voluntary
program in 1998, continues to work wonders
by reducing the unit maintenance required
between visitors. In the past, just eliminating
smoky residue required an hour of attention—
and it didn’t always do the trick. Our housekeeping staff and your fellow owners truly appreciate that you only light up in designated
areas. Thank you.
club inventory
specials
Fall Steals
Between September 16 and October 18, you
can vacation at these resorts for only four cents
per credit. Call the Vacation Planning Center at
1-800-457-0103 to make your reservation.
Midweek Only:
Angels Camp, CA
Pinetop, AZ
Running Y, OR
Midweek and Weekend:
Bear Lake, UT
Bison Ranch, AZ
Branson, MO
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Rancho Vistoso, AZ
Wolf Creek, UT
Midweek stays must take place Sunday through Thursday.
Reservations at the above resorts are not subject to the
14-day booking window, and you may book multiple units.
Holidays are excluded.
It’s in
the
Box
Your WorldMark resorts are
stocked with everything from
laundry soap and spices to
paper towels and popcorn
poppers. Even so, you may
find a few items missing that
your family simply must have
to enjoy a vacation to the
fullest. Or, for longer stays or
bigger groups, you may run
out of some of the unit’s
starter supplies before it’s time
to head home. As a result,
some owners have put together a “WorldMark box” that
they toss in the car when
heading off to a resort. Here’s
what they suggest including:
Sugar/sweetener
Powdered drink mixes
Extra coffee & coffee filters
Popcorn
Condiment packets
(ketchup, mustard, mayo)
Cooking oil
Toothpicks
Plastic bags (all sizes)
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Extra bath soap
Dryer sheets
Aspirin/ibuprofen
Playing cards and games
Music CDs
These are all things that
will store well and save you
time (and money) during your
vacation. Remember to replenish your box when you
first return home, while you
can still remember which
supplies are running low. That
way, it’s ready to go for your
next WorldMark trip.
Going
Shoeless
and other ways
to keep the noise
down
In Hawaii, it is customary for people to
remove their shoes before entering a home.
This practice serves WorldMark owners well
at any resort. Not only does it contribute to
cleaner carpets, but it reduces the amount
of noise that transfers from floor to floor—
especially on tiled surfaces.
There are other ways to ensure that
everyone has a peaceful vacation: Be conscious of your noise levels—as well as your
children’s—and observe quiet hours from
10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. We appreciate it!
Golf Has Its
Rewards
Club Classic update
Want to earn a free WorldMark vacation just
for playing golf? That’s one of the rewards
of participating in the Club Classic Golf
Tournament. Regardless of your score, if
you play golf during your stays at five different
Club resorts, you’ll earn a three-night WorldMark vacation certificate; stay and play at
10 different resorts, and you’ll receive a
seven-night vacation certificate.
For those serious about scores, the title
of Club Classic Master—and accompanying
green blazer—is up for grabs. To qualify,
simply play a round of golf while staying at
any six different WorldMark resorts, then
turn in your score cards. We’ll take care of
the rest.
It isn’t too late to make a run in this
year’s tournament, which doesn’t end until
October 31. Ask for an application and a
complete list of rules and prizes at the front
desk of any WorldMark resort. Or contact
Owner Services at 1-800-648-7263. Good
luck, and have fun.
September 2001
5
spotlight
G
across
points
of
interest
the board
•
one Fishin’
When it came to fishing, my big brother taught me all the tricks of
the trade. Every Saturday, he would take me down to the beach by
our home to try our luck. I watched as he waded for piling worms,
strung my line, untangled my inevitable knots, cut me loose from
snags and extracted the hook from my catch. (We never came home
empty-handed on those excursions.) Ever since then, fishing has held
me with its hypnotic lure, though, sadly, none of my brother’s skill
rubbed off on me. Without his help, I cannot catch a fish—not even
in a fully stocked, manmade fishing hole. Nevertheless, I keep trying.
Because someday, I know I’ll snag the big one. And for those of you
who understand what I’m talking about, here are a few WorldMark
locations you might consider trying. (Make sure you contact Parks
and Recreation at each location for area-specific information on
licenses and regulations.)
—KH
WorldMark at Pinetop
Fifty lakes and 500 miles of streams garnish Arizona’s White Mountains,
creating paramount angling pleasure. Fishing has a big following here,
since blue gill, bass, Arctic grayling, green sunfish, walleye, catfish
and four kinds of trout are waiting to be reeled in. Local PinetopLakeside experts offer lessons in the art of fly-fishing and, for an
additional fee, they will even join you on a guided tour, helping perfect
your form along the way.
WorldMark at Lake of the Ozarks
Although Lake of the Ozarks is known for unparalleled nature above
water, for many, it’s what is underneath that counts. Largemouth
bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and stripers tempt thousands of
anglers each year. Fishing season begins early (about January 1),
and ends late (December 31), so you’re pretty much set whenever
the urge strikes. From deep diving crankbaits and jig-n-frog lures to
explosive strikes worthy of the Fishing Channel, Missouri’s Lake of
the Ozarks is synonymous with fast-and-furious fishing.
WorldMark at Bear Lake
Nothing strips line from your reel like the trophy cutthroat trout at
Bear Lake; the fish pulled in here are record-breakers. The region is
home to the Idaho State record-holding cutthroat (a 19-pounder!), as
well as mackinaw trout, which grow up to 30 pounds. Winter and
spring months are generally the most prolific, and Bonneville whitefish
can be caught from shore late into the fall. Trolling and jigging from
boats is allowed throughout the year.
A r t To d a y. c o m
fastfact
Bald British
Columbia
More bald eagles
live in British
Columbia than
anywhere else in
the world.
in
your
own
•
words
Picture Perfect
“I’m sending you a
print of a picture that
BY GENE HENSLEY
P R E S I D E N T, W O R L D M A R K , T H E C L U B
I painted in oils. We
were vacationing at
WorldMark’s Coral
Baja resort. This is
what I came up
with after visiting
that beautiful place.”
construction zone
Big Bear, CA
(Phase II)
The second phase of this highmountain Southern California resort
is in the final approval stages. The
project managers are working on
getting the budgets in place and the
contracts drafted. Meanwhile, the
contractor is mobilizing crews and
materials, and the tree removal and
site grub work will begin shortly. The
City of Big Bear should issue a grading permit soon, and construction is scheduled to begin early this fall. Fifty condos will
be added to the existing 58-unit resort.
Seaside, OR
Construction is continuing on the Oregon Coast,
with the contractor working on excavation and
footings for the parking garage. There is a large
management center on site and the logistics are
being ironed out. With such a big project, a lot of
work is involved in just getting the local traffic to
flow around the construction site properly! Good
progress is expected through the summer and into
what, hopefully, will prove to be a long, mild fall.
Ongoing Projects
Information as of 7/17/01.
No.
Units
140
80
120
210
the know
•
Driven to
Vacation
BY JANNA SEGAL, OWNER
Destination
Oceanside
Maui—Phase I
Maui—Phase II
Las Vegas—Phase I
in
Estimated
Completion
Fall 2001
Fall 2001
Winter 2001
Spring 2002
Status
Finishing stages
Early finish stages
Late framing stages
Utilities and grading
Recently, one of our
St. Louis owners
expressed concern
that Colorado was
considered a “driveto” location for his
area. He also understood that WorldMark is planning to open resorts in Texas,
and that the Lone Star State would be
considered a drive-to location for him,
as well. He was concerned because his
concept of drive-to inventory included
destinations closer to home.
Let me explain … If you visit the
WorldMark Web site and go to the resort
map for a look at your Northwest
locations, you’ll see what was our first
region. It serves as a prototype for all
that will follow, including the Midwest,
our newest addition. Will the Midwest be
connected to the West Coast? Yes, by
way of the Sunbelt. This explains the
mention of Texas, as it will be part of the
link. Are we working our way from the
Midwest to the East Coast? Yes, which
explains the naming of other U.S. resort
locations. I will tell you that the Midwest
Region is far from complete. It has only
just started to grow, and will continue to
grow as long as Trendwest is selling in
that market. We also have new regions
in development, as well as numerous
resorts in various stages of construction
in existing regions.
We plan our destinations many years
in advance. Our objective is to create a
cohesive network of resorts built around
major markets. The system is designed
to complement each of those markets
with a network of drive-to destinations.
To qualify as “drive-to,” the resorts must
be within a five-hour drive of the market.
Eventually, all those drive-to destinations
will connect into one unified, national
network with an array of international
locations to supplement it.
Hang on—with Trendwest’s and
WorldMark’s rapid growth, it will happen
almost before you know it!
September 2001
7
D R I V E
1 :
D E S E R T
WhereverLifeLeads
S
T
O
R
Y
A
N
D
acations assume many forms. There are ultrastreamlined productions of organization locking in everything from hourly itinerary to daily menu months
before the suitcase even gets packed. There are those
less strategized trips that follow a not-so stringent premeditated path, offering structure and spontaneity. Then there is
the wind-tousled, muse-chasing holiday. A bit too carefree for
some, vagabond travel has distinct advantages.
For me, anyway.
And fortunately, for Ayesha, my nearly-only-single-friendleft who I managed to lure along for the ride of a lifetime. (At least
that’s how I posed it to her.) I knew little beforehand other than
I planned to forge an unspecified trail through southwestern
WorldMark country. My point of departure was Los Angeles, and
the goal was simply to discover the natural progression of things—
sniffing out every evocative prospect along the way.
It would be loose. It would be free. And given the Thelma and
Louise vibe (not to mention the burning sun), my only precondition
was that a Mustang convertible serve as command central.
So, top down, map open and journal at the ready, we hit the
road. What follows are excerpts from that diary—highlights from
my off-the-cuff desert drive.
L .A.: CIT Y DEEP Day One began with a craving for
sushi and thrill rides—in that order. And, seeing as this was
a trip built on impulse, I made certain both urges were satisfied. First stop: Sushi Nozawa, then onto the mother of all
theme parks, Disneyland.
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. Studio City I checked out the Zagats
review before visiting Sushi Nozawa. It said, “Be humble, take what
they give you and enjoy the best fish around.” Between that and
my brother’s strict directives on Nozawa-specific etiquette, Ayesha
and I played it safe and ordered the “Trust Me” special—too afraid
to wing it with the renowned no-nonsense god of sushi at the
knife. And a fine decision it was: never has time with raw fish been
more rewarding.
6:45 p.m. Disneyland We headed to the Happiest Place
on Earth after lunch, but were dead-dog tired before we even made
it down Main Street. (I don’t know when 31 got so old.) We decided
P
H
O
T
O
S
B
Y
we’d only visit the obligatory musts. Ayesha’s two favorite things
in life, stars and vicious speed, dictated a ride on Space Mountain,
and my love for international intrigue took us on the Indiana Jones
Adventure. Landing the driver’s seat of the mechanized Humvee,
I pretended I’d been sent to save the truckload of tourists behind
me. Then I learned a humiliating fact about myself: I am a pathetic
wimp. Stationed at the helm—these poor strangers’ only hope—
I shrieked and flailed and dropped the wheel to cower into Ayesha
while imaginary poison darts pelted me in mock Indian jungles.
Had it been a real truck, I’d have sent the thing careening off the
cliff and killed us all.
A career in heroine work is not looking likely.
BIG BEAR: MOUNTAIN HIGH It was midnight before we
climbed to Big Bear City perched at the top of Highway 38. The moon
and stars were crisp, and even in the silent shroud of night we could
sense the mountain grandeur wrapping around us. We went straight
to bed, knowing we had to fit all Big Bear had to offer into one day.
MAP BY CHRIS CLARK
7:30 p.m. Whiskey Pete’s It was
dinner at Whiskey Pete’s, just over the Nevada border in Primm, that brought us to
Bonnie and Clyde’s death car; the one in
which their ruthless crime spree was snuffed
back in 1934. It was wild—all pocked with
bullet scars—but what was embarrassingly
more compelling was its proximity to the
all-too alluring outlet mall. After our abbreviated history lesson, we boned up on bargain shopping at J. Crew, Kenneth Cole,
Wiliams-Sonoma, DKNY, et al.
Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. Magic Mountain Recreation
Big Bear is mountaintop perfect. Shimmery lake, sky-piercing pines,
cutesy village, and extreme sport. Our adrenaline binge began with
the Alpine Slide. Sprawling down a seemingly benign hill, and relegated
alongside family fare like pitch-n-putt golf, I wasn’t prepared for its
dizzy spin. But, I found out, the winding track looms a lot more menacingly standing at its top. I got on the toboggan planning to fly down,
then immediately scared myself with visions of serious road rash—
and kept throwing on the brakes whenever momentum got the better
of me. I finally had a feel for the thing on the last curve of the run. I
knew if I’d arranged for a couple more rides, I’d open that baby up
and really let loose. (Note to self: next time, buy the five-pack.)
11:30 a.m. Bear Valley Bikes From slide to bike. Our guide,
Tom, told us Big Bear has so many trails that you never have to ride
any one twice in the same season. He also assured us that the first leg
of our journey would be the worst. I prayed he was right. After fighting
that two-wheeled beast up and down rugged terrain, forcing its broncolike rearing front tire to the ground, pointing my tail end more southerly
than skyward, negotiating the bike’s frighteningly responsive fork and
maintaining momentum around jagged yellow-tipped rocks and small
shrubs, I happily discovered he was telling the truth: the rest of the
ride was glorious. A perfect blend of fear-factor and incidental scraping—and just as sweaty, dusty and muddy as a girl could dream.
LAS VEGAS: NEON CIRCUS2 Working the “spontaneous”
angle, Ayesha was inspired by an “If You Build It, They Will Come”
water park in the middle of Nowhere, California—but there appeared
to be no road in. We saw a sign for the “Early Man Site,” but after visiting
the time-warped 1972 mom-n-pop gas station promoting it, we ruled
it out. We feared spontaneity wasn’t for us. And then we came across
Primm, Nevada.
10:05 p.m. The Strip We crossed
the desert at sunset and pulled into Vegas
at night: flawless incidental timing. Paris,
Excalibur, Aladdin, the Luxor and the Venetian lit up the sky in their over-the-top,
showgirl array. I thought the Las Vegas of
my youth was excessive, but the old-school
gaudiness I remembered—the Flamingo
and badly deteriorated Vegas Vic—are
nowadays about as swanky as a Jiffy Lube. Truth be told, as we hit
town the next day, my enthusiasm waned … so much surface, the
relentless heat and swarms of people. Each time I entered another
extravagant casino, I longed instead to be in the actual country or
time period it celebrated.
Until I discovered New York, New York. This place is even better
than the real thing. All the Big Apple flair—delis, canopied shops,
shows, tenements, steaming potholes and taxi cabs (okay, trash bins
dressed up as taxis)—only closer, cleaner, less crowded, air conditioned
… and capped off by one truly horrifying roller-coaster on top of the
whole affair. Between New York, New York and the M&M Museum
immediately across the street (selling 22 unexpected colors of the
famous candy shell), I was lulled into my own numbed Las Vegas bliss.
continued on page 15
September 2001
9
D R I V E
2 :
O C E A N
OntheRoadAgain
S
T
O
R
Y
A
N
D
t was just us girls—my mom, my seven-month-old
daughter and me. We were three generations hitting
California’s Highway 1 to see what beauty, history,
adventure and—let’s be honest—shopping we could find. Our
road trip began at WorldMark at Pismo Beach and ended at
WorldMark at Marina Dunes, with many strategic stops along
the way. Throughout our week-long extravaganza, the coast didn’t
disappoint. Nor, I might add, did the company.
P
H
O
T
O
S
B
Y
THE CENTRAL COAST
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast
is often overlooked for its flashier bookends. But San Luis Obispo
County has a charm that’s all its own. SLO’s Thursday night Farmers
Market is perhaps the best way to sample local life—from produce,
flowers and food to arts, crafts and live entertainment. But if you
arrive on a Monday, like we did, there are still 24 towns to tour,
with a plethora of trails, shops, wineries and restaurants to discover.
Monday, 4:00 p.m. Pismo Beach I breathed in the
unmistakable ocean air. You think of the ocean as a body of water,
but it inhabits the air above, as well. After six hours in the car
(with one quick stop for lunch), we’d arrived at Pismo Beach. The
sun made this beach town glorious. Everywhere people were
strolling, lounging, laughing, happy. Children played in the sand,
couples combed the beach for shells, and a kite, rising and diving,
seemed to flirt with the wind.
We drove under the freeway, then up the mountain past
colorful homes built on the hillside. After weaving through the
residential area, we reached the turnaround at the top, where the
view was unbelievable. Surveying Pismo and beyond from this
vantage point, I could see that life here truly is a beach. And one,
I figured, whose leisurely pace allows ample time for relaxation,
and dreaming.
Tuesday, 8:55 p.m. San Luis Obispo Hordes of bright
freshmen come to Cal Poly each fall, and it’s no wonder. San Luis
Obispo is the quintessential college town. Tree-lined streets offer
up used book and record stores, as well as an appealing mix of
big name shops and specialty boutiques. The heart of the downtown area, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, is surrounded by
Mission Plaza’s gardens and San Luis Creek. It’s invitingly serene,
with men in suits eating lunch by the water, and students sprawled
on the grass, reading or writing in leather journals.
Dinner was absolutely delicious at the Big Sky Café. But
walking back to the car, our culinary euphoria was disrupted by
near catastrophe when Mom couldn’t find our keys. After emptying
her purse three times and Sienna’s diaper bag twice, we figured
that she must have left them on the counter of Cloud Nine (the
last store we’d frequented before dinner). In a panic, we rushed
back to Cloud Nine—feeling anything but. It was completely dark
inside, yet we knocked anyway. When there was no
answer, Mom knocked again, this time louder. And
just as we turned to go, the owner came running to
the door with our keys in hand. They’d been waiting
for nearly two hours, hoping we would return. What
luck, I thought. What extraordinary kindness.
Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. Cambria Nestled
against the pines, cute little Cambria consists of an
East and West Village. So depending on where you’re
coming from, you quickly pass through half the town,
then are pleasantly surprised to come upon another
adorable town (which is actually still Cambria). We
visited The Soldier Gallery first so I could pick out
an early Christmas present for my dad. Mom advised
me that collectors pilgrimage far and wide for this
store’s museum-quality soldiers, and, once inside, I
believed it. I mean, my fellow customers were fanatical, spending hours pondering over the intricacies
of each figurine—as well as hundreds, even thousands
of dollars. More to my liking was Antiques on Main.
Out of all the antique stores sprinkled throughout
Cambria, this shop, housing 40 antique dealers, was
by far the best. Creatively-displayed room after room
offered up interesting and impeccable items, such as
vintage sewing boxes and linens in mint condition.
MAP BY CHRIS CLARK
9:30 p.m. San Simeon William Randolph Hearst’s resplendent,
sprawling estate is technically located in San Simeon. As a result, San
Simeon is filled with hotels—is like one giant hotel—with buses
frequently running tourists to the Hearst Castle for four different
tours scheduled daily. Somewhat ironically, it was San Simeon (sans
castle tour) that was my favorite stop. Not only did Sienna and I go
swimming (her first time in a pool), but we three got to stroll along
the beach as the sun was beginning to set. The wind blew fiercely.
Mom held and danced with her granddaughter, while I took photographs of them in the golden light, trying to remember in my heart
what I knew I wasn’t sufficiently capturing on film: our joy.
We dined outdoors at the Big Sur Lodge. Our waiter, Paul, had
long hair and a soft voice. The service was very slow, but we didn’t
mind. Sienna drank her apple juice and entertained us by flirting with
the couple seated at the next table. She would cough for attention,
lean over, then smile. Behind us, redwoods rustled in the breeze, and
birds, perched on the fence, sang a song or two. I thought about how
refreshing it was that despite intense popularity, Big Sur has remained
relatively unspoiled. No touristy Main Street or meaningless diversions.
Here, the earth still reigns supreme.
continued on page 15
THE BIG SUR COAST
Big Sur actually refers to the 90-mile stretch between San Simeon and
Carmel. With its misty redwood forests, crashing ocean, dramatic rock
formations and varied wildlife, the hiking here is tremendous. Luckily,
many years ago, my first visit to this natural oasis spanned two weeks.
This time around, we only had time to pass through the area instead of
sufficiently exploring it. We walked softly …
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. Big Sur Curvy is really an understatement. But we took the drive slowly, savoring the views from every
bend and turn. (Honestly, the coast is not as dramatic as I remembered
it, but magnificent nonetheless.) Mom pulled off frequently so we
could better admire the Pacific’s moody blues. At one point, when we
stepped outside to stretch our legs, little chipmunks came running
up to us. They were so tame they would eat out of your hands if you
let them. (We didn’t.)
September 2001
11
To look, really look out
travel
upon the world as it is
framed in the window of
a moving vehicle is to
become a child again.
—Anonymous
Fairy Tale
Made
to Order
Ireland with WorldMark
B L A R N E Y C A S T L E , I R E L A N D / A r t To d a y. c o m
Ireland’s temperate climate, incredible landscape and
gregarious people make it the land “once visited, never
forgotten.” The countryside here shimmers with mythic
charm. This may be attributed to fable-ready fairies and
brownies, but probably has more to do with layers of history
and countless shades of green. Whether your interests
include touring castles, playing golf, pub-hopping or enjoying
traditional Irish music, the Emerald Isle has it all.
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12
D E S T I N AT I O N S
Seven Nights in Ireland
March 2 – 9, 2002
50,000 credits for two includes:
Round-trip airfare from Seattle, San Francisco
or Los Angeles (including hotel transfers)
Two nights in Dublin (with full breakfast)
A half-day sightseeing tour of Dublin
Two nights in Waterford (with full breakfast and dinner)
Two nights in Killarney (with full breakfast and dinner)
Entrance to the Waterford Crystal Factory
and Blarney Castle
One night at the Bunratty Castle Hotel
(with four-course dinner and entertainment)
Call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103 to
reserve your spot.
All tours subject to change and availability. $129 USD exchange fee not
included. Cash ’n’ Credits options available.
EXPLORE THE
Western
Caribbean
WorldMark
Welcomes a Princess
Princess Cruise Line is bringing a new style of cruising to the West Coast. To celebrate
the Star Princess splashing onto the scene for the first time, WorldMark has arranged
a three-night Mexican Baja cruise for owners who know what they like. This ship is
unique—virtually a destination unto herself—allowing passengers to enjoy the luxury
of a “what you want, when you want it” experience. What’s unique about the Star
Princess is not just choice, but the array of customizable alternatives, including nine
dining options and three major stage shows every evening! Reserve your cabin while
you still can, and get ready to enjoy cruising to the fullest.
Three-Night Cruise to Ensenada
There’s never been
a ship like the
Explorer of the Seas ...
with unprecedented features such as
a skating rink, rock-climbing wall,
nine-hole miniature golf course, openair basketball and volleyball court …
even a street fair! Royal Caribbean’s
142,000-ton, 3,114-guest Explorer
boasts the highest space-per-guest
ratio in the cruise market, featuring
enhanced staterooms, expanded
dining options and exceptional recreational facilities. You can experience
her charms firsthand come April 13,
when the Explorer departs Miami for
Labadee (Hispanola), Ocho Rios
(Jamaica), Georgetown (Grand
Cayman) and Cozumel (Mexico).
Seven-Night Western
Caribbean Cruise
April 13 – 20, 2002
Inside cabin:
29,500 credits for two
Outside cabin:
35,000 credits for two
Balcony cabin:
40,000 credits for two
Outside quad cabin:
60,000 credits for four
Cruise subject to change and availability.
These rates include port charges. $129 USD
exchange fee not included. Cash ’n’ Credits
options available. Call the Vacation Planning
Center to reserve your cabin.
March 13 – 16, 2002
Inside cabin: 14,500 credits for two
Balcony cabin: 19,500 credits for two
Cruise subject to change and availability. Port fees included. $129 USD exchange fee additional. Cash
’n’ Credits options available. Call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103 for reservations.
Valley of the Fun
direct exchange
Scottsdale, Arizona
Central Arizona is known as the “Valley of the Sun.” But with its wonderful
combination of nature and culture, relaxation and excitement, it could also be
called the Valley of the Fun.
Your direct exchange resort—the Scottsdale Camelback—puts you right in
the middle of all this fun. Nestled in the foothills of majestic Camelback Mountain,
it’s both luxuriously appointed and centrally located. In addition to Scottsdale’s
world-class shopping, golf and Old West
atmosphere, you can enjoy the resort’s
swimming pool, children’s pool, exercise
equipment, racquetball and tennis courts,
restaurant, sauna and whirlpool spas.
Each unit features air conditioning, a
dishwasher, microwave, washer and
dryer, fireplace and telephone. And
there’s good availability for WorldMark
owners throughout most of the year
(March 15 to April 15 excluded).
Studio townhouse (sleeps four)
with partial kitchen: 7,000 credits
Two-bedroom unit (sleeps six)
with full kitchen: 10,000 credits
Three-bedroom unit (sleeps eight)
with full kitchen: 12,000 credits
$124 USD exchange fee additional
Call the Vacation Planning Center at
1-800-457-0103 for more information.
A r t To d a y. c o m
departures
travel
Long
Weekend!
Trendwest Travel and the
Vacation Planning Center will
be closed September 1 through
3 for Labor Day Weekend. Get
out there and enjoy.
words to travel by
Hit the Books
“I can’t believe you didn’t take the dinner train! That was the
best part of our vacation.”
“You didn’t hike along the river? Gosh, you missed out.”
Have you ever returned home from a trip only to hear a
similar comment from a friend? Few things disperse the afterglow
of a vacation faster than learning that you failed to enjoy your
destination to its fullest potential. To avoid this kind of disappointment in the future, simply invest a bit of time in research.
A few hours hitting the books (or phone, or Web) before you
leave home can reveal an area’s best-kept secrets—as well
as renowned attractions—helping you make the very most of
your holiday.
The Library
Start with a trip to your local library and enlist the assistance
of the information desk employee. He will be happy to help
you seek out whatever information his branch has to offer on
your destination, starting with guidebooks. Some of the
Destinations staff’s favorite resources are Lonely Planet,
Frommer’s and Fodor’s. You might find that your library’s editions
are dated or checked out. In that case, visit your favorite bookstore.
$20 to $30 USD for a good, comprehensive guidebook is a wise
investment in your vacation.
directexchange
opportunities
Keep Your Options Open
Alexandria, Virginia
Visitors Bureaus
Place a call to your destination’s visitors bureau or chamber of
commerce (the phone numbers are listed on the confirmation brochure
you receive after making a WorldMark reservation). These organizations
will mail you brochures, fliers and maps on your selected locale.
Employees can also answer your questions: What is the elevation?
Is there live theater in the area? When do the ski resorts open?
Grand Cayman Island, Caribbean
Maui, Hawaii
Mazatlan, Mexico
Newport, Oregon
Oahu, Hawaii
Orlando, Florida
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Scottsdale, Arizona
For more information on these popular exchange destinations,
call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103.
14
D E S T I N AT I O N S
The Web
If you haven’t surfed the Web much, you’ll be amazed by the amount
of travel information out there. Zip to your favorite search engine,
type in your destination, and stand back. Some specific sites to try
are tripspot.com, concierge.com and, again, lonelyplanet.com. If
you’re heading out on a WorldMark vacation, your first stop should
be worldmarktheclub.com, where you’ll find information on area
attractions and a listing of resort amenities.
D R I V E
1 :
D E S E R T
D R I V E
2 :
O C E A N
continued from page 9
continued from page 11
ST. GEORGE: ROCK SPECTACLE It’s a pretty bold transition
exchanging the clank, ching and buzz of Electric City for the silent geological
wonders that surround St. George, Utah. Fierce crosswinds and tumbleweeds whipped through northeastern Arizona, challenging our entry into
Utah. We put up in St. George for the night, then rose early to hit the state
and national park trail. Hard.
THE MONTEREY PENINSULA
So many choices, so little time! The Monterey Peninsula is chock full
of things to do and see, from Pebble Beach’s premier golfing and
scenic 17-Mile Drive to Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf,
bustling Cannery Row and world-famous aquarium (plus nearby
WorldMark at Marina Dunes). But with its artistic heritage, Carmel
was the destination we were most drawn to.
Friday, 10:25 a.m. Bryce Canyon Hiking. And more hiking.
Bryce Canyon is just as amazing as the books attest. A matchless kind
of place—sweltering and dusty and crowded with foreigners … but in
all the good ways. Few people were actually foolish enough to trek in
the heat, so we had all the vibrantly colored, crazy-looking formations
to ourselves. Somehow it took four hours to hike five miles, and I got
cooked. Bad. But it felt good to be hot and burned and exhausted. Eating fruit by the pound, sucking the juices till I could get more water,
driving back with the top down, sun and music blasting. And best of
all was the culminating bath dissolving the layers of caked orange dust.
Saturday, 11:55 a.m. Valley of Fire The next morning, we
crossed back into Nevada and rolled into the Valley of Fire. This place
caught me off guard; its magnificence was beyond imagining. I mean,
Bryce was incredible—insane—but the fiery colors, stark brilliance
and intricate, endless shapes and cliffs and erosion of the Valley of Fire
sent me. Even cooler was how desolate it was. And that its rocks were
completely scalable—not like the sharp, flaky shale of the inaccessible
peaks at Bryce; these babies I could climb.
So I climbed. Scrambled, slid and played like a little Paiute kid.
Clawed around the wrinkled reptilian ridges, squeezed through holes
and crevices, traversed the ledges chasing lizards and studying pink
thistle bushes. And the higher I went, the better it got. I’m in love with
climbing now. Hot rock against bare skin, probing for a toehold, clinging
and shimmying. I scared myself with visions of black widows, scorpions
and rattlesnakes, but the only real enemy was my fear of heights. (More
to the point, slithering back down after climbing up.)
Once I made it to the crest of a monstrous outcropping. As I
reached the top, a massive wind whipped up and I had to drop to my
belly and wriggle inch by inch to peek over the edge, staying low so the
wicked gale wouldn’t flick me off. I lay flush against the baking sandstone
as the wind rushed and broke over me. It grew and grew in intensity
without letting up. I lay there, eyes streaming, baseball cap sailing, heart
racing. I felt like a figurehead on a barreling pirate ship.
It was heaven.
BACK TO REALITY After Valley of Fire, we drove the more or less
straight shot of I-15 South back to California, exhausted and utterly
impulsed-out, yet utterly content. Really, given the immensity of the U.S.,
we traveled only the tiniest stretch of road. But when it comes right down
to it, distance is irrelevant. High vacationing adventure can be built from
the simplest elements—and with little advance warning. Let life unravel
slowly, piece by piece, and it’s amazing the detail you’ll uncover.
8:25 p.m. Carmel-by-the-Sea The town’s bohemian
beginnings are still evident throughout Carmel’s one square mile.
Just as the literature promised, there are no streetlights or street
numbers. But to the immediate eye, the community seems more
devoted to shopping now than any intellectual pursuit (although
our visit did coincide with the extremely popular Bach Festival—
just one of many cultural events held each year).
Carmel’s meandering streets end in
flowering courtyards
and arcades, making
it reminiscent of a
European village.
The many European
visitors—with their
distinct fashion and
foreign languages—
only add to the international ambiance. After
dinner, we strolled up and down Ocean Avenue,
sipping cappucinos. Because it was cold outside,
the streets were nearly empty of people. At last,
Carmel felt like our own undiscovered country.
Friday, 4:00 p.m. Pacific Grove Didn’t see one Monarch
butterfly. But Pacific Grove, Monterey’s quaint and tranquil neighbor, still struck me as the kind of community I’d love to be a part
of and raise our family in. In addition to gorgeous Victorians, a
beautiful, multi-use path winds along the coast’s edge. I so wanted
to stay awhile in Pacific Grove, but for us, it was time to head
north—and home.
10:00 p.m. Home We pulled into the driveway at nine
o’clock. “We did it, Lee,” Mom said with triumph, or relief. And
I smiled, because indeed we had. And I’d learned something along
the way. Road trips don’t have to be about spontaneity or rock
music blaring out of a convertible. For a successful trip, you just
need a car, some money, some food and places to stay along the
way (WorldMark, anyone?). And the most important ingredient
of all: a companion—or, in my case, two—to share the road with.
As in life, who wants to go it alone?
September 2001
15
STILLHot
Cruise for Credits
Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas
Seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise
December 16 – 23
Sails from San Diego with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and
Puerto Vallarta
Inside cabin: 21,600 credits for two
Outside cabin: 24,500 credits for two
Carnival’s Elation
Seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise
February 17 – 24
Sails from Los Angeles with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and
Cabo San Lucas
Inside cabin: 21,000 credits for two
Outside cabin: 26,500 credits for two
Inside quad cabin: 35,500 credits for four
Theme Park Tickets
Paramount’s Great America
Santa Clara, CA
Adults: 475 credits
Children (ages 3 – 6): 300 credits
Silverwood Theme Park
Athol, ID
Adults: 350 credits
Children (ages 3 – 7): 200 credits
Six Flags, St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
350 credits per person (all ages)
Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA
Adults: 500 credits
Children (ages 3 – 11): 425 credits
Adventure Club
Pinetop Wilderness
Adventure
September 29 – October 6
Exclusive
Exchanges
Alaska’s Princess Lodges
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Fairbanks Princess Hotel
Trendwest Travel
Contracted Hawaiian
Airfares for 2002
Valid January 8 – March 14
Call 1-800-457-0103 for reservations.
Published Exclusively for WorldMark Owners
Vice President of Resort Operations
DAVE HERRICK
•
Editor-in-Chief
RIC ROSA
•
Editor
CHRISTINE RORABECK
•
Assistant Editor
LEAH PARMAN
•
Art Director
TERRY DICKENS
•
Writer
KATRINA HAYNES
•
Photographer
DAN STEARNS
•
Contributors
ROSIE GRAY, SCOTT ROBERTS,
MARANDA MABERRY, SARAH JANSEN,
VADEN SAVAGE, MARK McCULLEY,
JULIE STEVENS, PEGGY FRY
•
Comments are appreciated
DESTINATIONS EDITOR
9805 Willows Road
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 498-2500
•
TRENDWEST TRAVEL
1-800-953-5511
Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT
Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT
(Closed Wed., 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. PT)
•
VACATION PLANNING CENTER
1-800-457-0103
Mon. – Fri., 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Sat. & Sun., 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT
(Closed Tues., 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. PT)
•
OWNER SERVICES
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)
•
RCI SERVICE LINE
US: 1-800-585-4833
Canada: 1-800-772-7729
•
www.worldmarktheclub.com
© 2001, WorldMark, The Club. All rights
reserved. Destinations and its respective
logos and the design of this publication
are trademarks, service marks and/or trade
dress of WorldMark, The Club. WorldMark®
is a registered trademark and service mark
of WorldMark, The Club. Trendwest® is a
registered trademark and service mark of
Trendwest Resorts, Inc. Other marks,
names and logos may be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective
holders. No affiliation with such companies
should be assumed.