Escapees September-October 2023

present. “Whenever we get the chance to hang out with our friends from HTC one of my favorite activities is game night. Just sitting around playing cards or board games is a lot of fun,” says Teresa. Earlier this year, Brad and Teresa decided to do something different for their travels. They attended their fi rst Escapade since becoming Escapees in 2021. Several other HTC club members were also present, and the fun and fellowship the members expe rienced at Escapade told them they were among friends. “We were really impressed by the Escapees community,” says Brad. “The people we met were so kind and welcoming. The organization was outstand ing. We were pleasantly surprised by all the accommodations made for accessibility and handicapped parking. We felt right at home in this wonderful community. As we learned about the Birds-of-a-feather model within the Escapees RV Club we felt inspired to share the HTC experience with fellow SKPs asaBOF.” Brad says the goal of the HTC BOF is to make sure everyone, despite whatever obstacles they face, can have a wonderful experience. The 2024 Escapade in Rock Springs, Wyoming, will be the BoF’s fi rst of fi cial gathering. HTC members are so excited about it, they’re already planning several accessible activities, get-togethers and an open house of accessible RVs in attendance. The HTC BOF members hope to lay the foundation for many years of fun and accessible RV adventures with like minded Escapees adventurers. “I probably wouldn’t be RVing today had I not had the chance to meet other people with similar challenges who RV and understand what it’s like to travel with a disability,” says Teresa. “What I really appreciate about my HTC friends is how much I feel normal and accepted. I never feel like I’m holding anyone back. Everything we do can be done together. No one is in a rush. Everyone understands that everything just takes a little longer to do.”

she says. “I don’t want to hold anyone back, and they really try hard to accommodate, but then they’re not doing what they wanted.” However, there’s one group of friends the Bartz sometimes meet up with, and it’s this group who understands what it’s like to navigate the world with a physical impairment. Bringing Kindred Spirits Together The Bartz are members of the national Handicapped Travel Club (https://handi cappedtravelclub.com). Formed in 1973 to encourage people with disabilities to travel, the HTC serves as a gateway into the world of accessible RVing. “Teresa and I have been members of the National Handicapped Travel Club for over 13 years,” says Brad. “We have enjoyed the companionship of kindred spirits who simply want to get out and enjoy life.” He and Teresa enjoy attend ing the club’s annual rallies where they make new friends, reunite with old ones, learn

HTC at Escapade: Left: Brad and Teresa Bartz #172635; Center: Doris Bell and Rick Robinson #114117; Right: Don and Sharon Bonney #175092.

about different adaptive RV systems and share travel experiences across the country. The best part is there’s always time for fun and games, such as the ever-popular wheelchair races. But even low-key event gatherings are enjoyed by everyone

For more information about the Handicapped Travel Club BOF, see: tinyurl.com/HTCBOF or visit page 83 in this issue.

RENE AGREDANO AND JIM NELSON #103274 are enjoying their 15th year as full-time RVers and location-independent entrepreneurs. They enjoy sharing the life style with others at www.LiveWorkDream.com.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023