TS Today - Creating a Vision for the Future of Vacation Ownership Issue #96 Nov/Dec, 2007 | Page 12

TimeSharing Today

Page 12

Nov/Dec, 2007

Life on the Edge
By David C. Meyers
We had always wanted to vacation in
the Pacific Northwest after reading in
TimeSharing Today the commentaries of
those who have had the opportunity. After years of waiting, the opportunity finally arose with an opening at the Cabana
Club Condominiums in Birch Bay, WA, a
tiny community 7 miles south of Blaine
which is directly on the border with British Colombia.
We arrived by plane in Seattle and
were eager to get the 100-mile trek to Birch
Bay behind us. What a mistake it was to
think that Friday afternoon travel would
be pleasant on the only highway north.
After three hours, we had traveled 40 miles.
(There are pockets in the day in which traffic flows well). In approaching our destination, we noticed how rustic and undeveloped the area was. Commercialism has
overlooked this place. In fact, the village
was pretty derelict.
Birch Bay has many older shoreline
cottages with newer construction inland.
There are a couple of larger resorts but
shopping was limited to convenient stores
and a few boutiques. The Cabana Club is
across the street from the bay and a block
from a public access. A direct view is
blocked by shoreline houses. Needless
to say, we headed to Blaine for our marketing at a very pleasant Cost Cutter Market. Blaine also has some pretty good restaurants.
The Cabana Club is a modest twostory resort with a mixture of permanent
residents and timeshare units. It appeared
to be built in the 70’s and decorated in the
80’s. Other than a well-stocked kitchen,
the whole place was basic. We were somewhat embarrassed, as we had invited our
parents to share this two bedroom, one
bath unit which did not reach Interval International standards in our opinion. The
resort has no services, no telephone, no
maid, no welcome package, and no programs. There is a grill, an outdoor pool, a
hot tub, a sauna, and a game room. The
back of the property is bordered by a lovely
creek. The view, however, is spoiled by a
junky bus that appeared to be a permanent residence.
There are many things of interest in
the immediate area. All state parks, includ-

ing the one a mile down the road, are free.
The International Peace Arch and park in
Blaine is a hidden gem that most people
simply drive by. There is rich farming in
the immediate area, so vegetable stands,
dairies, and artisan cheeses are available.
Clams are abundant and are good in either
restaurants or steamed at home. The town
of Lynden is nearby, boasting an authentic Dutch heritage and atmosphere. There
are lots of good shops and a great bakery.
Bellingham is 12 miles south and has a
nice Old Towne section.
Further afield is Mt. Baker which is
certainly worth a day trip. Even in June,
the snow was a factor at the peak as it
feeds beautiful mountain streams. We were
also hoping to explore Puget Sound and
the San Juan Islands, but that will have to
wait for another trip. Ferry schedules,
length of travel, and cost ($100.00 /person
from Bellingham) make day trips difficult.
The whole area is much larger than we had
anticipated.
The best ferry package we found was
45 minutes to the north at Tsawassen. We
arose very early to catch the first sailing.
For $60.00, a couple can take a car to
Vancouver Island (one way). The ferry
had five decks, was immaculate, very comfortable, and had some shops. The 90minute voyage was itself an adventure as
the ship passed through islands with
eagles, herons, and gorgeous scenery. On
the island, the capitol City of Victoria is
worth a day with a lovely harbor, museums, shops, and government buildings.
Another day should be reserved for the
legendary Butchart Gardens.
The City of Vancouver is up the coast
and could also command several days to
explore. The Sky Train, available at many
stations well out of town, is the best way
to enter the city if f