The Colorado River city's winter population of 135,000 doubles its normal summer figure of 65,000. McHugh and Mings developed this concept as a way to map the life experience of seasonal migrants. They propose the metaphor of a circle to more aptly describe the emotional context of such a lifestyle, rather than a simple linear or polar conception. McHugh says that the RV parks offer a wide variety of activities, most of them park-centered. However, some involve churches and charitable organizations.
Many snowbirds have close friends in the park and they exchange summertime visits.
In terms of demographic statistics, the RV lifestyle allows commu-nication with different people from all parts of the country. McHugh thinks that the Sun Belt states which have experienced great growth in recent years likely will see a big push of migration thanks to the baby boomers. The boomers came of age as the economy was being restructured. Mobility has been a way of life for the boomers. I think that will continue as they age.