Orientation times?

[blhvet]

Does anyone know if there are set times for Orientations? I thought I received an email from ETI saying there were 3 times during the day, but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks!
Brenda

[stephen99]

Originally Posted by blhvet

Does anyone know if there are set times for Orientations? I thought I received an email from ETI saying there were 3 times during the day, but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks!
Brenda

Got this from ETI:

We offer three orientations a day:

Monday – Friday

8:00am – US or Canadian Customers
11:00am – US or Canadian Customers
2:00pm – Canadian Customers ONLY

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, the lines at Customs can sometimes get long so they have schedules also.

[NW Cat Owner]

ETI also needs to give Customs 24 hour notice of when they're bringing a trailer across, according to what happened when I got an email from them (on a Tuesday) stating the trailer would be ready the following day. Good thing I wasn't ready to go that quickly, without any advance notice! Between that 24 hour notice, waiting to find out what the driver's schedule was and all that, I picked it up on a Friday. And that turned out to really be a great day, as it was Black Friday and nobody was on the highway or wanting to cross the border, compared to other crossings.

I did think it was rather strange they said I could pick it up the following day when notice (as far as I know) hadn't been given to Customs. I've always wondered if I could have picked it up that Wednesday. Oh well, no biggie, I got it, it's here and all that.

[blhvet]

Thanks for the info, Stephen 99.

Luckily, I don't have to worry about customs.

How far ahead to people usually book their orientation? I had been considering going the third week in Feb, and Tammy told me several weeks ago that that week was already filling up. Hate to book too far ahead and have to cancel because of weather, but I'm currently thinking around Mar 10. I suppose I should be calling them soon?

[gbaglo]

I would book orientation for the day you pick up so that it is all fresh in your mind. Prior to that, I'd view the Escape orientation video so you can ask the right questions.

http://escapetrailer.com/orientation-video/

[Donna D.]

Just to throw something else in the mix, if you're planning to come through Oregon on I-5, there's a possibility we're going to have snow this week. Still too many unknowns. It could be nothing, a little something or a big fat mess. I know everyone traveling pays attention to TripCheck, etc.

Forecasters: Snow possible for Willamette Valley floor later this week | KATU

[blhvet]

Sorry, Glenn, I don't think I worded my question very well. What I meant was, how far ahead do most people book orientation/pickup to get the day they want, and not find that it's already booked?

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by blhvet

How far ahead to people usually book their orientation? I had been considering going the third week in Feb, and Tammy told me several weeks ago that that week was already filling up. Hate to book too far ahead and have to cancel because of weather, but I'm currently thinking around Mar 10. I suppose I should be calling them soon?

Originally Posted by blhvet

Sorry, Glenn, I don't think I worded my question very well. What I meant was, how far ahead do most people book orientation/pickup to get the day they want, and not find that it's already booked?

We booked our original orientation date (Dec 14th) several months in advance as that day worked really well for us, with Dirk coming back from his cruise a day earlier. They never did say that was too far in advance. Then, when the trailer was ready earlier, it didn't seem to be a problem. I'd asked for either that Thursday/Friday (Thanksgiving - US/Black Friday) when I was told the trailer was ready much earlier than expected. Not many people getting it that Friday, as the guy giving it to me said I was the only one that morning, so I could take as long as I wanted.

With that said, I would book right now for the date you want. Hopefully it'll work out. I'm sure they're well used to dates getting moved around due to weather or other situations, as they know many owners are coming from far away and the timing can't always be controlled.

And if they're upping production, that means more folks wanting orientations each day. Maybe they'll eventually be able to do two people/trailers in the same time slot as they'll have room to do so. One Canadian and one US. Or two drivers available.

[gbaglo]

Said it before, but I'll say it again. Don't take pictures and don't shoot video during the orientation. Just pay attention. There is already a comprehensive video on the Escape site. I'd make a point to watch it prior to orientation.

[Mary F]

I did make notes during orientation. It helped me pay attention.

[blhvet]

So, I've booked my Orientation/pick-up for March 9 at 2 p.m. Here's hoping the weather cooperates! Tammy was nice enough to send a list of campgrounds - I was hoping to stay nearby for one night, as many do. However, as far as I can tell, the only one open this time of year is Cottonwood Meadows, and I just got an email from them saying they are booked until June! Does anyone know of anyplace nearby (not in the U.S.) that might be open and have availability?
Brenda

[gbaglo]

There is this place that's about 15 minutes east of Hope:

Sunshine Valley RV Campground - Camping Sunshine Valley RV Resort - Holiday Trails RV Resorts

I have no idea why anybody would stay there, but apparently they do.

[Kountrykamper]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I have no idea why anybody would stay there, but apparently they do.

Looks like Walmart with hook ups.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Kountrykamper

Looks like Walmart with hook ups.

I stayed at a Walmart a couple times last year, and it was WAY less crowded.

[gbaglo]

I see maybe a dozen motorhomes there when I drive by on my way to Osoyoos or Rock Creek in the summer.

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

There is this place that's about 15 minutes east of Hope:

Sunshine Valley RV Campground - Camping Sunshine Valley RV Resort - Holiday Trails RV Resorts

I have no idea why anybody would stay there, but apparently they do.

Maybe for the Sunshine??
Or to be the first to watch the next Hope Slide, slide??

[blhvet]

I had a look at that place... I really can't find much close to Chilliwack that would work. It's only one night - I know I'm not staying for a week, but I think I'd take Wal-Mart over that. (There isn't a WM in Chilliwack, is there). Tammy emailed me that Bridal Falls Camperland was open, but their website says they're only open in the winter (March) for monthly rentals.

Since I'm going to be tight for time, I'm thinking I'll cross my fingers that everything works fine in the Mutt Hut, and just head for Merritt that night. Seems to be more places open, and they seem a little more like "campgrounds". Anyone familiar with camping in the area?

[gbaglo]

I like Moonshadows in Merritt. Haven't been there for a couple years though. It looks scary going in because you pass through industrial, but it's right on the Coldwater River and still five minutes from the coffee shop and beer store.
Claybanks is right in Merritt. More packed together. Had a lumber mill that ran all night up the hill from camp, but I think the mill is shut down and people unemployed.
Pix are all of Moonshadows.

[blhvet]

Thanks, Glenn. That is one that I. Amen across during my search. Looks like a nice spot for a 17B! If I recall correctly, the price was pretty reasonable, too. I'll check it out. Then I think I'll try to get to Jasper the next night - Wapiti is open for winter camping, and there's no Park entry fee!