Kim Barraclough
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 11/99) - A convoy of 22 recreational vehicles from 14 American states gathered in Winnipeg recently and made their way to Yellowknife on a 40-day adventure through central and Northern Canada.

The NWT was a popular stop for the group.

"I love all these rivers and all this water you have up here," said Elaine Rhodes from Hemet, California.

Judy Miller from Woodstown, New Jersey, was more impressed with the climate.

"I did not think it would be warm up here."

The folks on the excursion were not only pleased with the North's summer weather conditions but also with the people.

"This is typical Canadian hospitality," said Newport, Oregon resident Fred Wacaser, who served as the caravan master with his wife, Geri, who run Creative World Travel Inc.

"I was just tickled by the guy who took us fishing," added Wacaser.

According to Wacaser, everyone who went on the optional fishing excursion caught a fish.

"It was good, good fish."

The travellers were also interested with Yellowknife's non-natural scenery.

"The houses built up on the rocks -- there is certainly some unique architecture up here," said Gayle Vickers from Livingston, Texas.

During their stay in Yellowknife alone, the group figures that about $20,000 was spent by the travellers.

Wacaser added there are six or seven other caravan companies that could be attracted to the North

because Creative World Travel Inc. had such a successful trip.

"If we start coming up they'll start coming up," said Wacaser.