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Packing Seminars
couple packing suitcase

Our informative packing seminars are free of charge. Learn how to keep your suitcase as  highly organized as a filing cabinet!

 

Click here for details.

 

   


 

Locations 

 

 

South

#480 WillowPark Village
10816 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB     T2J 5N8
(403) 777-1767


North 

 

#165 Dalhousie Station 

5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W.

Calgary, AB     T3A 5R8

(403) 239-7084





 

 

WillowPark Village Newsletter 

 

 

If you're interested in seeing all that WillowPark Village has to offer, why not check out their Newsletter?



I Didn't
Know That!
 

Since I was commenting on the weather earlier, I thought it would be fun to look at some weird weather facts.
 
Enjoy!   
   

~~~~~~

In ten minutes, a hurricane rel eases more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined!



~~~~~~

The winter of 1932 in the US was so cold that Niagara falls froze completely solid!
 


 ~~~~~~

The Earth sees about 760 thunderstorms every hour, scientists have calculated.


 
~~~~~~

Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than women!



~~~~~~

Oak trees are struck by lightning more than any other tree.



~~~~~~

tornado that struck Washington, D.C. on August 25, 1814 ,  is credited with driving the British invaders out of the city and preventing them from carrying out further destruction. 



They had burned the White House and much of the city the day before.

~~~~~~
 
Tornadoes have also been known to pluck the feathers from chickens. 



~~~~~~

Prospect Creek, Alaska holds the U.S. temperature record for the coldest temperature: minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit!


   
~~~~~~

The largest hail stone ever discovered was found in Nebraska and its circumference was that of a soccer ball.
 


~~~~~~
 
Rain contains vitamin B12.
    

 
~~~~~~   
 
Death Valley, California's temperature has the U.S. temperature record: 134 degrees Fahrenheit recorded at Greenland Ranch. 


   
~~~~~~  
 
Listening to the chirps of crickets can give you a rough estimate of what the temperature outdoors is on the Fahrenheit temperature scale. 



Count the amount of chirps you hear in fifteen seconds and add 37!
  
~~~~~~  
   
The speed of a typical raindrop is 17 miles per hour.



~~~~~~

A lightning bolt travels up to 60,000 miles per second and can reach temperatures as high as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 



~~~~~~

hurricane in Florida, USA, caused 900 captive pythons to escape.



~~~~~~

Waterspouts, or rotating columns of air over water, can make sea creatures rain down from the sky.



~~~~~~

In 1684, it was so cold that the River Thames froze solid for two months.



~~~~~~

A fire rainbow is extremely rare.



It occurs only when the sun is high, allowing light to pass through high-altitude cirrus clouds with a high content of ice crystals.

~~~~~~
 

You can use pine cones to forecast the weather.


 


 


 

The scales on the pine coneswill close when rain is on the way.



Travel Tips 

Pack a dryer sheet and your  clothes will smell nice for those long haul trips!



Also, keep an extra one handy for your "dirty laundry" bag so that your whole suitcase doesn't start smelling like dirty clothes. Ick. 



Alternatively, just throw a bar of soap in (mini hotel ones work great).

~~~~~~ 
 
Bring a clothespin.  You'd  be amazed how many uses there are for this little fellow.



Use it to prop up your toothbrush when you're not convinced the hygiene  level on the bathroom counter is up to your standards - and you don't want it touching anything!



Use it to wedge closed  a public washroom door when the lock doesn't work - wedging it in either at the bottom or on the side - whichever works best.



Use it to close the gap in your curtains and block out that one pesky ray of sunlight that hits you in the eyes every morning.  



Bonus points, that trick will also keep out prying eyes from the outside when you're forced to stay in dodgy places.

~~~~~~ 
 
Make use of local grocery stores and supermarkets.



No, you don't need to cook your own meals necessarily, but why buy your snacks from a vending machine or a little kiosk,  when there are supermarkets, likely within eyesight, selling the exact same stuff for a fraction of the price?



Supermarkets are great for stocking up on snacks, water, drinks, etc. Take advantage of them!



~~~~~~ 
 
Mark your checked luggage as  fragile.



One of the sneakiest travel life hacks I've come across, but you'll get your luggage first and, hopefully, the airline workers will be extraaaaa careful with your goods. 



Worth the price of a sticker!

~~~~~~ 
 
How many times have you settled into your seat on the plane, thrown bits and pieces into the seat pocket only to forget them to grab when you left the plane?



Sunglasses, water bottles, boarding passes, phones and tablets are all things that have been left behind.



Solution: Get a small bag that you can attach to the seat pocket carabiners.  



Once you take your seat put all your loose stuff in the bag and attach the bag to the seat pocket .

 
Such a simple idea and it will save you from losing things and/or having to fumble around in the seat pocket (which can be yucky)."

 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
       

Watch Out
For These Scams
 
ATM

This could happen anywhere, but it's prevalent in Germany      

How it works: 

Be very careful where you use an ATM in Germany.  



There are many card skimmers where people have rigged the machines to skim your pin number and the scammers then can withdraw money from your bank account.  

   
What you can do:
 
The best practice is to always use ATM machines that are located inside of a bank.


  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Train Ticket "Helping" Hands

London


How it works:

Be very careful when buying your train ticket at the ticket machines in England. 



One common scam especially at the train stations in London is one in which men prey on tourists who are using the machines. 



They will wait for you to put your money in the machine and then come over and act like they are helping you.



They will then cancel your transaction and when your money comes out of the machine, they will take it and run.    

What you can do:
 
If you buy your ticket from a ticket counter and not from the machine in England, you can avoid this scam completely.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
More Train Ticket "Helping" Hands

London


How it works:

Also near the end of each day, you will encounter touts who will ask you to give them your travel card tickets.  



Don't give it to them, as they are trying to sell it to other people.  

What you can do:

If you just ignore them, they will go away.  



And, of course, you never want to buy a train ticket or tube pass from anyone trying to sell it directly to you, as it usually won't be any good.   
The Pipestone Patter
July 2019

Welcome Back Loyal Readers!


Welcome back everyone.  
 
It's July.

And you know what that means!  Summer is officially here, and if we're lucky, it's not already half done!

Just kidding!  I know Summer doesn't go by that fast - it just feels like it does.

As I'm writing this Newsletter, it's raining, but we  all know the sun is coming, right?

Wait, now it's sunny.

Wait, now it's raining again!

So, yes - it is July, and we have the weather to prove it!

Now, as I was saying - we do know we're going to get some nice sunny weather, and I'm here to introduce you to some of the great summer clothing we have in stock right now.  

We have a wonderful new line called "Coolibar", and it offers fashionable and sun protective clothing for women.

Y'all need to come on in and check it out!




Spotlight On ...  

Coolibar 



Remember how I mentioned our new line, Coolibar?

Well, let me tell you a little bit more about it.

For  nearly 20 years, Coolibar (koo-luh-bar) has stopped at nothing to develop the most innovative, technical and high performing sun protective apparel and accessories. 

In fact, they are the first sun protective clothing compa ny to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.

As trusted experts in sun safety, they know the more you're covered, the more you're protected, and the more you'll enjoy a worry-free life outside.  

Call them fabric and design sticklers, but when it comes to protecting your skin and your right to safely enjoy the outdoors, they refuse to settle. 

They never compromise on protection - they never skimp on quality - and they always test their fabrics for UPF 50+ protection like your life depends on it - because it does. 

Tested more than any other brand, endorsed by experts worldwide and recommended by dermatologists - Coolibar guarantees UPF 50+ protection in our fabrics from the first day our product is worn until the day your garment is retired.

  Welcome to health, happiness, and Coolibar life in the sun.

Please note:  we may have limited quantities of some styles

~~~~~~~~ 
   
Convertible Sun Scarf
  • UPF 50+
  • Snap closure lets you decide how to wear it: as a scarf, a wrap, a shrug, a hood
  • ZnO SUNTECT Versa®: Super soft against the skin, lightweight, cool and comfortable with the highest quality zinc oxide protection
  • French terry knit - Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Spandex Blend
  • Measurements: 27" X 60"
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colour:     Black & White Stripe

One Size

$94.00

~~~~~~~~

Navona City Shorts
  • UPF 50+
  • Relaxed fit through hip and thigh 
  • Front pockets 
  • Hits at the knee
  • Side slits at bottom hem
  • Elastic waistband
  • Lite SUNTECT®: Ultra-soft with a cotton like feel, lightweight, built-in stretch, breathable, quick dry performance
  • Polyester/Spandex Blend
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colours:     Black, Midnight Blue

Sizes:         XS  - XL 

$108.00

~~~~~~~~

Arabella Quarter-Zip
  • UPF 50+
  • Slightly fitted
  • Stand collar with quarter-zip
  • Raglan full-length sleeves with thumbholes and curved hem for added sun protection
  • Slightly curved hem
  • Ruching detail on raglan seams
  • Beautiful jacquard diamond texture
  • Active SUNTECT® Diamond: Lightweight and breathable with moisture wicking for quick dry performance
  • Nylon/Spandex Blend
  • 26 ½" Body length (size medium) 
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colour:     Coral

Sizes:        Small - 2XL

$121.00

~~~~~~~~

Sun Wrap
  • UPF 50+
  • Stylish shawl collar
  • Packable design; great for travel
  • ZnO SUNTECT®: Super soft against the skin, lightweight, cool and comfortable with the highest quality zinc oxide protection
  • Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Spandex Blend
  • 29" body length (size medium)
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colour:     Black & White Stripe

Sizes:        XS - 2XL

$121.00

~~~~~~~~

Oceanside Tank Dress
  • UPF 50+
  • Slightly fitted
  • Feminine notch neckline 
  • Side seam vents
  • ZnO SUNTECT®: Super soft against the skin, 

  • lightweight, cool and comfortable with the highest quality zinc oxide protection
  • Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Spandex Blend
  • 36 ½" body length (size medium)
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colour:     Navy & White 

Sizes:        Small - 2XL

$125.00

~~~~~~~~

Beach Cover-Up Dress
  • UPF 50+
  • Hooded V-neckline with draw cord
  • Loose pockets
  • Side seam vents 
  • 34" body length (size medium) falls to mid-thigh
  • ZnO SUNTECT®: Super soft against the skin, lightweight, cool and comfortable with the highest quality zinc oxide protection
  • Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Spandex Blend
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colours:     Navy Stripe, Blue Multi

Sizes:         Small - 2XL

$135.00

~~~~~~~~

St. Lucia Tunic Top
  • UPF 50+
  • Falls below hip
  • ¾ length sleeve
  • Split neckline
  • Side vents
  • ZnO SUNTECT®: Super soft against the skin, lightweight, cool and comfortable with the highest quality zinc oxide protection
  • Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Spandex Blend
  • 27 ½" Body length (size medium)
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colours:     Aqua, Coral, Red/Blue

Sizes:         Small - 2XL

$135.00

~~~~~~~~

Canyon Roll Up Pants
  • UPF 50+
  • Drawstring waistband
  • Anti-pickpocket hidden left side seam and hip zipper pockets
  • Anti-pickpocket hidden zipper pockets under back yoke
  • Venting at upper leg inseam panels
  • Roll tabs at hem to convert to capri length
  • Lite SUNTECT®: Ultra-soft with a cotton like feel, lightweight, breathable, quick dry performance
  • Polyester/Spandex Blend
  • 31" Inseam
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colours:     Black, Navy, Stone

Sizes:         XS - XL

$135 .00

~~~~~~~~

Santa Barbara Tunic Top
  • UPF 50+
  • Relaxed fit
  • Front notch neckline
  • Full length sleeves with roll up button tab
  • Asymmetrical hem
  • aire SUNTECT®: Luxurious, silky fabric with beautiful drape, feather-light and breathable with built-in stretch
  • Polyester
  • 28" Body length (size medium)
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colour:     Green Floral

Sizes:        Small - Large

$150.00

~~~~~~~~

Long Sleeve Oceanside Dress
  • UPF 50+
  • Hits just below the knee
  • Feminine notch neckline
  • Full length sleeves
  • Straight hem with side seam vents
  • ZnO SUNTECT®: Super soft against the skin, lightweight, cool and comfortable with the highest quality zinc oxide protection
  • Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Spandex Blend
  • 41 ½" Body length (size medium)
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colour:     Aqua, Black

Sizes:        XS - 2XL

$150.00

~~~~~~~~

And no, we didn't forget about you men out there.

We know you like to be protected from the sun too!

Here's some choices for you.  The first one is from Coolibar, and the others are from Ex-Officio.


Performance Pullover
  • UPF 50+
  • Athletic fit
  • Quarter-zip neckline with stand collar
  • Mesh underarm panels for breathability
  • Flatlock seams to reduce chafing
  • Reflective details for enhanced visibility
  • Back zipper pocket at right side seam
  • Active SUNTECT®: Lightweight and breathable with moisture wicking for quick dry performance
  • Cooltect™ technology accelerates moisture wicking to keep you cooler and more comfortable
  • Antimicrobial protection infused at the fiber level prevents the growth of 99.9% of bacteria to help eliminate odor.
  • Polyester/Spandex blend
  • 30 ½" body length (size large)
  • Easy care: machine wash, tumble dry

Colours:     Charcoal, Navy

Sizes:         Small - 2XL

$132 .00

~~~~~~~~



Nantes Short Sleeve Shirt
  • UPF 50+
    Colour not exactly as shown in photo
  • Lightweight and quick-drying fabric
  • Breathable, wicking, polyester/cotton blend
  • Durable flat-felled seams
  • Forward set shoulder seams
  • Double chest pockets
  • Shirt tail hem

Colour:     Maui

Sizes:        Small - 2XL

$89.95

~~~~~~~~
      
Tellico Short Sleeve Shirt
  • UPF 50+
  • Lightweight, quick-drying, wicking, abrasion resistant Nylon/Polyester blend
  • Mechanical stretch for comfort and ease of movement
  • Action back vent with mesh lining for breathability
  • Mesh lined double chest pockets with embroidered drain holes, left side drop in with Velcro closure, zipper secure right side
  • 3-position button-down sun collar
  • Durable flat-felled seams
  • Forward set shoulder seams and side seams
  • Sunglass cleaner chamois patch inside the bottom left placket
  • Straight hem

Colours:     Deep Water, Wheatgrass

Sizes:         Medium - XL

$94.95

~~~~~~~~

AirStrip Plaid Check Long Sleeve Shirt
  • UPF 50+
  • Lightweight, quick-drying, wicking, abrasion resistant Nylon/Polyester blend
  • 3-position back cape ventilation
  • Side vents for increased air flow
  • Hidden security zip pocket in right pocket
  • Pen/Sunglasses slot in left chest pocket
  • Utility loop above left front pocket
  • Straight hem

Colour:     Citadel, Deep Water

Sizes:        Small - 2XL

$114.95


~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
 
Wallaroo Hats    
 
 
Speaking of sun protection, of course you all know you can never forget your hat!

Keeping that in mind, we just wanted to let you know that last month we told you about a fabulous deal on Wallaroo hats.

Well, if you didn't make it in - or - if you did make it in, bought a hat, love it, and would like to get another one - then you're in luck.

We still have some select Wallaroo hats available at the low, low price of only

$25.00!

So, you can protect yourself from the sun, look great, and save money!

The hats range in price from $66.00 to $96.00, so at this price - you are saving yourself a pretty penny!  

Why not beat the heat, and come on in and take advantage of this amazing offer?




 

 
 
 
 
 
















Happy shopping everyone!



~~~~~~~~

Now, here's the fine print:
  • This offer is in effect while supplies last
  • All Sales are Final
  • There is a limit of 3 hats per customer
  • Hats must be purchased in-store

Tales from the Road    
 
  Up, Up and Away!
 
I had forgotten the sound.

I had forgotten that massive "whoosh" that resonated over everything else.

I had forgotten how loud it was, what an onslaught to the ears it could be.

I had forgotten how it violates your sleep and rips you from your dreams.

But recently, early in the morning, as I lay in bed recumbent in slumber, it all came rushing back to me!

The noise that rudely rousts you out of a deep sleep as it assaults your senses.

The noise that shakes you awake, fearful that your furnace is about to explode, causing your house to blow up.

The noise that, in my house, is inevitably followed by the sound of two large dogs barking, barking, barking, as they defend their territory against the monstrosity they see, and hear, outside.

I had forgotten that noise.

As I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter, I had an inkling.

As I rushed to the window to determine what on earth was going on, I began to remember.

As I neared the window and caught a glimpse of colour, it started making more sense.

Ah, yes - the sound of hot air being released into a colourful nylon container.

The sight of colourful globes as they gently ascended from the ground.

The diorama of what could likely be described as Jules Verne's greatest fantasy.

 
     
Handy Gadget 

Okay, we've already talked about sun protective clothing and hats - but what else do we have to help you beat the heat?

Read on, Loyal Reader, read on . . .
 
Travelon Packable Water Tote
 
What a great idea for a hands free, fashionable way to carry that bottle of water we take everywhere with us!

You'll use this travelling, taking the kids to the game, walking the dog - the possibilities are endless.
  • Holds up to a 40 oz bottle with a base diameter of 3.5"
     
  • Adjustable strap for perfect fit
     
  • Packs into its own compartment for storage
     
  • Lightweight, water and dirt resistant ripstop
  • Strap Drop Length: 15.25"- 30" 
Colours:   Black, Lime, Rope Weave

$14.95

~~~~~~~~
 
  Travelon 3 Speed Personal Folding Fan
 
So, you know all those places you're going to take your Packable Water Tote (see above) to?

Well, this is the perfect companion piece.  You'll feel like you're living in the lap of luxury - wherever you are!
  • Compact and portable
     
  • Perfect for sporting events, outdoor use and travel
  • Hangs around the neck or sits on desk, table or other flat surface
  • Whisper quiet
  • Uses 4 "AA" batteries (not included)
 
$19.95

~~~~~~~~

Travelon Anti-Theft LockDown Bag

Okay, this one isn't going to exactly help you to beat the heat, but it will certainly help you keep your valuables safe while you're basking in the heat.

You can use this handy dandy device  while traveling in a car, plane, train, bike or boat - while playing sports or at sporting events - at the pool or beach - while staying at a hotel or hostel - in a closet, dorm or hospital room.

  • LockDown bag stops theft with features like SafeTex slash-resistant strap and body material, sold brass lock and one-piece construction
     
  • Keep valuables safe when on the go, or when you're lying in a beach chair "resting your eyes"
 
$65.95

Quote 
  

   

Well, we made it all the way to the end again.  Thanks for staying with me.

As always, you can send us stories or feedback by sending an e-mail to pipestonetravelstore.com

See you next month!
 

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