Escapees November-December 2022

Hockey in Florida If there’s one thing that many snowbirds miss when they migrate south each winter, it’s going to see their favorite NHL team play hockey. Ask any fan: watching a hockey game live at a packed arena, where one can feel the plexiglass shudder when a player is checked into the boards and hear the deafening roar of the crowd when a goal is scored, is a far cry from watching it on TV. Fortunately, for RVers headed to South Florida this winter, Yacht Haven, (www. yachthavenpark.com) a luxury RV camp ground and large yacht marina, is less than 20 minutes away from the home of the Florida Panthers. At FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale, most of their favorite NHL teams will play at least once this season. So, unlike their neighbors back up camping chair chat

North, who will have to bundle up, scrape the ice off their windshields and crank up the heat for the long drive to a game, RVers at Yacht Haven can emerge from a dip in the pool, don a pair of shorts, fl ip fl ops and a team jersey, and be in their seats for the warm-up skate before their hair has had a chance to dry! With a seating capacity of 20,737, FLA Live Arena (formerly National Car Rental Center, Of fi ce Depot Center, BB&T Center, etc.), is the second largest indoor arena in the Southeastern United States. The Panthers’ fi rst game in the arena was held in Octo ber, 1998, and enthusiastic hockey fans from near and far have kept it fi lled for every game since. RVers at Yacht Haven have three options for going to the hockey games: they can drive their RVs and tailgate in the parking lot before and after the game (no bon fi res or hand and toe warmers neces sary!); They can drive their tow vehicle to the arena, or they can take a cab or Uber. There are plenty of tasty food and beverage concessions in the stadium if you choose one of the latter two options. So, if you would like to conveniently (and warmly) watch your favorite NHL team play during the 2022-2023 season, you can order tickets online at www.vividseats.com (mouse-over “sports,” and then “NHL.”) There are sure to be a lot of other hockey fans at Yacht Haven sharing stats and talking trash at the poolside tiki bar after the game! Kellie Boyle, Guest Contributor

mind. We learned we can’t rely on anyone else and took the power back into our control. You must roll with the punches in this lifestyle, I just never thought that would include detective work. 5. Pets Speaking of rolling with the punches, few things prepare you for a rattlesnake encounter, and my dog, Henry, has now had two. In the beginning of our adventure my biggest concern was hawks, I was convinced a bird was going to fl y down and swoop up our 11-pound yorkie. Little did I know, I’d have a lot bigger concerns in the future. The best thing you can do for yourself, and peace of mind, is leash your dog. As mentioned, most of these boondocking locations are extremely remote and it’s tempting to give your pet the same freedoms you have, but you can’t predict the wild. It’s always better to have eyes. When my dog was bit, we were in the middle of the desert in Joshua Tree, we immediately got in the car and made the two-hour drive to the nearest pet hospital where Henry received anti-venom. Luckily, he survived, but it was a close call. Too close for any pet owners to have to experience. I also recommend researching what type of animals may live where you camp, remember we’re in their space, keep your distance and stay aware. Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Boondocking provides a truly immersive experience in nature. As I type this, I look outside my RV window at a lake no more than 10 feet away. It’s beauti ful, it’s fun, and it really is putting life into living. By Kelley Welch #173565

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November/December 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine