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In the long and exultant history of music, particularly in musical performance, the symphony orchestra is a relative newcomer to the concert scene.

In the Middle Ages and early Renaissance period, large instrumental ensembles were virtually non-existent. There were a few exceptions, of course, as larger groups sometimes were used for ceremonial and festive occasions. The various instrumental combinations were actually more reminiscent of chamber music rather than orchestral music.

The development of the orchestra had its roots in the 16^th century. It was not until the early Baroque period that instrumental music foretold what it would become later.

Composers

Giovanni Gabrieli (1567-1612), wrote for specific instruments for each part. He wrote, Sacrae Symphoniae in 1597. He also wrote Sonata pian e forte for two instrumental groups, one was soft and one was loud.

The Opera Orfeo of 1607 was written by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643).  He was one of the first early composers to write for individual instruments for special expressive purposes.

The most famous and renowned orchestra of its time, in the mid-18^th century, was the court orchestra in Mannheim, Germany. This orchestra recruited the best players and composers available. The Composer, Johann Stamitz (1717-1757), was prominent in the evolution and development of this ensemble. It was known for its precision; technique; beauty of tone; range; dynamic shading and contrasts, virtually unknown before.

Stamitz trained the musicians in the technique of gradually changing intensity and using a sudden fortisimi (very loud) as a means to stir emotions.

This orchestra was truly the forerunner and prototype of the modern symphony orchestra. It was the leading ensemble of the day. From these humble beginnings sprang forth the pacesetter of all instrumental ensembles – the modern symphony orchestra.

Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), was known as the “Father of the Symphony.”  He further developed the growth of the Mannheim Orchestra. Haydn standardized the instrumentation of the classical orchestra. The String section included: Violins, violas, cellos and string basses. Woodwinds: two flutes, two oboes and two bassoons. Brass had two horns, two trumpets and a pair of timpani. The harpsichord, used to fill in harmonies, was eliminated from Haydn’s orchestra.  In 1766 he started with a group of 17 musicians and by 1790 he had 50 members in the orchestra.

Mozart

Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791), further developed the orchestra by adding more instruments. A big change was the addition of the newly invented clarinet. This instrument was added to his later symphonies. Mozart continued the style of Haydn but went beyond the scope of his predecessors in several ways. He had a more perfect balance between harmony and counterpoint (notes played against each other) and he was very gifted in the creation of spontaneous melodies. He had a harmonic vocabulary, including the use of dissonance (lack of harmony), that was advanced for its time. Mozart was extremely versatile in all types of composition including symphonies; concerti; sonatas for various instruments; chamber music; opera and sacred music. All of these various forms contributed to the advancement of symphonic writing.

Beethoven

The composer that contributed more to the establishment of the modern orchestra is Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827). He used the model of Haydn and Mozart with his own style that has never been surpassed. His orchestral innovations include: adding new instruments, new roles for all of the instruments and the bold use of the human voice and chorus in the 9^th Symphony. The addition of the trombone, for the first time, is in his 5^th Symphony and he also used established instruments more widely.

Beethoven wrote more complex and demanding parts for all the instruments. In order to do all these innovations, he had to have a deep understanding of the capabilities, limitations and knowledge of all the instruments in the orchestra. He went beyond traditional roles established by his illustrious predecessors. He used the basic instruments of the Haydn orchestra but increased the numbers of established instruments and added new ones. The English horn, clarinets, trombones and more percussion instruments were added.

Beethoven did something that had not been done before to any great extent; he wrote detailed directions for performance of his work. He left instructions regarding tempo, dynamics, phrasing and expression. Until this time, interpretation of a piece was largely left open for speculation by both performers and conductors. The role of the conductor really wasn’t present until around 1800. Then conductors could relate to the players how the composers wanted their work performed.

The modern day symphony orchestra has grown to around 100 to 110 players. In the String section there are: 30-40 violins; 10-12 violas; 10-12 cello and 8-10 string basses. Woodwinds: 3 flutes; 1 piccolo; 2-3 oboes; 1 English horn; 3 bassoons; 1 contra bassoon; 2-3 clarinets and 1 bass clarinet. Brass: 3 to 4 trumpets; 4 to 6 horns; 3 trombones; 1 bass trombone and 1 tuba. Percussion: 4 Timpani; snare drum; bass drum; symbols; gong or tam-tam; xylophone; orchestra bells; chimes and various auxiliary percussion instruments. Also used are the Celesta, piano, harp and organ.

Beethoven used the orchestra as a means of personal expression. His music, reflected to a certain extent, how he felt and viewed the world. He was a true genius in every sense of the word.

The Symphony Orchestra was, and is today, the cornerstone of the performing arts. Generations have thrilled to the sound of the orchestra throughout the world and will, thankfully, continue to do so in the future.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector0@comcast.net. Visit our website at www.danville.org  for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.         

 

 

 

Sunday, October 8^th was a warm, pleasant day in the quaint lakeside town of Lakeport, California. We were there for a bit of sightseeing and to attend a quilt show where my wife, Peggy, had four quilts on display. We had lunch at a small café, enjoying a panoramic view of Clearlake.

On the way up we saw the scars of the fires that had devastated thousands of acres in Lake County in 2015 and 2016, and we noted how warm it was and how the wind was gusting. With bone dry vegetation everywhere, I remember commenting how reminiscent it was to that Sunday in October, 1991 when the sirens began wailing as a firestorm began that would engulf the Oakland hills.

We started the trip home at dusk, heading home via Calistoga and through the Napa Valley, traveling on the Silverado Trail. Traffic was light but the drive was more difficult than usual, as swirling clouds of dust, leaves and dry grass blew across the road. I kept thinking about how dangerous the conditions were—how one idiotic, careless flick of a cigarette butt could cause a catastrophe.

Turning on the news that night, we learned that we had just traveled though was to become the catastrophe I had feared, as veteran KTVU 2 sportscaster Mark Ibanez, who lives in the Napa Valley, delivered a live, eye-witness telephone  report of the developing firestorm to on-the-air news anchors Heather Holmes and Frank Somerville. It was the beginning of what was to become the worst rash of firestorms in California.

By Monday morning, as we all learned, numerous fires had started throughout Northern California, burning uncontrollably. Glen Ellen and Kenwood were burning as was much of Santa Rosa. We immediately thought of my aunt and cousin who both live in the Oakmont community of Santa Rosa, and my cousin’s son and his family who live in the Skyhawk subdivision, near Oakmont.

As it turned out, after having evacuated and living one of the most anxiety-filled weeks of their lives, thankfully all of our family members were safe and their homes were spared—thanks to the selfless courage and tireless effort of firefighters and other first responders. But we all know, not everyone was so fortunate.                           

This past weekend we visited my cousin and aunt in Oakmont, seeing the aftermath of the fire as we traveled there. The devastation is almost indescribable, and just knowing that so many people are having to deal with so much loss is heartbreaking. 

Like previous fires, these are another wake-up call to all Californians. We live in a region prone to fire, especially during this time of year, so we need to be prepared at all times. Undoubtedly there will be fires in the future, so we need to be vigilant and pro-active at being “fire safe,”—and thankful for the firefighters and other first responders who stand guard, day and night, to keep us safe.   

 

       

 

Transitioning to college, for most, is a tumultuous and stressful experience. I expected as much and have, since then, found that sentiment to be true. Indeed, most freshmen tend to reconcile themselves with this problem by joining established church groups, clubs, or sports teams. These are all acceptable outlets for Freshmen to escape the anxiety and fit in with the social life of the campus and community that now surrounds them. I, of course, wished for the same. So, naturally, I joined the Berkeley College Republicans. 

And, without a doubt, it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Admittedly, when I first witnessed BCR tabling on Sproul Plaza, I was hesitant to approach them. I feared that if I were seen around the likes of any of its members, I would be committing social suicide. I did, however, decide that I would attend the clubs’ first gathering, having been extended an offer to do so by the vice president of BCR. I enjoyed the meeting and decided that it would do no harm to attend a second meeting and get to know some of its members.

The snowball had been cast. I went to the second meeting and, before I knew it, I was signed up to volunteer for the Ben Shapiro event. It has been an exceptionally enjoyable experience, affording me the opportunity to not only watch Ben speak live, but also meet the likes of James Damore and Lauren Southern, with other public, conservative figures. For me, this was quite exciting, especially considering that I had not actively participated in politics at any point during my life.

In joining BCR, I also realized the intensity of the polarized political atmosphere in Berkeley. Thankfully, not everyone on the campus hates members of BCR. Indeed, I have found many with left-leaning attitudes that I have become friends with, as I did in high school and the years before. However, there is a substantial grouping of those who do actively stigmatize BCR and seek to make the lives of those involved within it very difficult. Some of these harassers are students, and others are random citizens from Oakland. I have even witnessed prominent members of organizations such as Antifa and By Any Means Necessary raving against BCR during protests or even when members of BCR do something as mundane as walking through Sproul Plaza.

From what I have seen up until now, all of the feelings and attitudes perpetuated by these vicious and demeaning stereotypes are patently false. Many of the individuals I have met within BCR, especially those on the board, I have found possess a polite quality to them and a manner of utmost patience when dealing with those who seek to repress their values and opinions. Time and time again, the members of the board are harassed and stalked by numerous groups and personages, on and off campus. They have been dehumanized by leftist entities that seek their destruction. Unfortunately, this has become somewhat of the “norm” for individuals on the board.

It is a rather sad fact that this exists as a problem on a campus that claims to value not only freedom of speech, but also the safety of its students. Therefore, I commend those who willfully fight for conservative students rights on the UC Berkeley campus. So few seem to have the courage to stand and fight for their deviant beliefs. The repression and violence levied upon those who would seek to express a differing opinion in Berkeley is atrocious, and to be able to endure this hatred is wholly admirable. Truly, my eyes have been opened to the resentment BCR members are subjected to on an almost daily basis. However, BCR is only hated because it serves as a collective of conservatives and Republicans, a group of the so-called “enemy” for those with left-leaning perspectives. Without BCR, individual conservatives would be forced into silence, ostracized by a campus that does not appreciate the intellectual diversity that these students bring with them to Berkeley. 

I fully recognize that, because I have joined this club, many will turn against me in this university, not because of who I am, but rather because I am different, because I am of the minority. I do not look at this phenomenon as a curse, however. Rather, I am grateful. I am thankful that I can pursue that which I believe in with an open mind and ambitious heart. My heartfelt appreciation is extended towards BCR, for allowing me a place to champion and defend what I value in a college that has resigned so many to conformity and oblivion. 

 

 

Q. I’ve planted a portion of my Tulip bulbs earlier. The rest are still in the refrigerator and they’ll be planted later this month. Will the flowering season be extended by the staggered planting?

A. November is an excellent month to plant spring flowering bulbs especially those going in containers. But, there is no advantage in staggering the plantings of tulips. Tulips are grouped into early, mid-season and late flowering varieties; such as Darwin (midseason), Parrot (late), Double (midseason), Lily (late), Fosteriana (early) and others. It is the early season varieties that emerge from the ground first, but it varies from year to year. With a warm October and November, it’s not unusual for bulbs to emerge early from the ground; however, that does not seem to be the case this year. Regardless, I would not be concerned about it. When winter arrives, the early sprouting tulips and bulbs, in general, will not be damaged by freezing temperatures. Thus, you extend the flowering period of tulips, by planting some of all the different flowering types but group them together. It is a point frequently overlooked when purchasing tulips. Besides the flowering time, another point overlooked is the stem length as it varies by type. Instead of a showy, uniform mass of color next spring, the tulips bloom randomly at different heights. The expectation from the effort is spoiled and it generates dissatisfaction. Packaged bulbs are better at avoiding this then selecting a mix selection of varieties from open boxes. This is also a contributor to the decline in residential, tulip bulbs being planted nationwide. There is a lot effort with little return. Unlike Daffodils and other bulbs, tulips take several years to rejuvenate themselves whether they are left in the ground or dug up. Hence, you should plant new bulbs each year for the best color presentation year after year.

Q. I have two Phalaenopsis Orchids that have finished flowering. The leaves are fine, but the stems are starting to turn yellow. Do I cut these stems off? How then do I continue to care for them?

A. It’s natural for the old flower stems on Phalaenopsis Orchids to turn yellow and die back. I would not cut the old stems off at the soil. Instead, cut them back leaving about four inches of the old stem. You should get a new flower spike developing from this point in about eight to twelve weeks. Next, I would start feeding them Orchid Food as they are now going into a growth cycle. Orchids are dormant when they are in bud and bloom. Gro More is one of several brands of Orchid Food available. Overwatering is a big problem now so watch the watering schedule. The growing medium is breaking down into smaller particles and holding more moisture. The days between watering need to be extended to prevent them from staying too wet. Replanting is the recommended method of avoiding this problem.Q. My Van Cherry tree is acting strangely. It was bought last spring but we haven’t gotten around to planting it. The leaves are drying up and falling off. Yet, there are new leaves forming and it is flowering again. Is this common with cherry trees?

A. Yes, this occurs periodically in the landscape but it is a more frequent occurrence with container fruit and flowering trees. Water Stress from irregular watering is the primary cause of the leaves drying up and falling off. They should be watered every other day or daily to avoid having problems depending on the temperatures. The rate that a plant loses water is affected by the temperature and the wind along with the container which heats up in the afternoon sun. All of these factors contribute to a plant suffering from water stress throughout the growing season. It starts in the leaves along the outer edges and top of the plant where they turn brown and get very crinkly. If the tree dehydrates completely, it dies. Cherry trees start to go dormant naturally in the early fall. Water stress increases the leaf drop forcing an earlier than normal dormancy. With mild temperatures, shorter days and moisture, the tree awakens from dormancy, flowers and begins a new growth cycle. Although, all of this is short lived. With cooler days and nights, the tree will go back into dormancy and that stops the growth. The tree drops any of the new leaves and the rest of the older leaves. There is no permanent damage done to the tree. Next spring, it will awaken again. Fruit trees should not be carried over into a second growing season in the same container, so, I’d plant it in the ground or a larger container by the end of February. There just isn’t enough room for all their roots.

Among the greatest challenges of today’s modern and always connected life is finding balance. Whether riddled by the desire to lean in or be offline, our days can be filled with an astonishing number of choices.

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What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is an irritation and swelling of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot toward the five toes. The plantar fascia helps hold up the bones on the bottom of the foot, creating the arch. When this fascia becomes inflamed it makes walking painful and difficult. The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Plantar Fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without Plantar Fasciitis.

Risk factors for Plantar Fasciitis include:

• Foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches)
• History of low back pain or sciatica
• Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)
• Obesity
• Running, extended amounts of driving or repetitive stress to the foot or leg
• Sudden weight gain

What treatments are available for Plantar Fasciitis

Western medicine typically treats Plantar Fasciitis with oral and/or injectable anti-inflammatories. These may temporarily reduce the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis but they do not treat the cause of the problem, and by no means heal it.

Long term correction of Plantar Fasciitis is a two step process.

First:  Heal the Damaged Fascia

Ending the pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously.  Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser Cube a Class IV Laser.  This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue.  During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Second: Correct the Foot and Gait Mechanics

This involves rehabilitation of spine as well as the arch of the foot.  Arch rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific insoles and/or specific taping of the foot in order to re-establish proper motion of the arch while walking, then specific strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate of the musculature of the foot and lower leg to ensure lasting results.

At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating Plantar Fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Even ar­thritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. To set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com for more information.

Emotions, after all, are little more than biochemical storms in a body and mind. A healthy diet invariably makes for a better forecast.                            Nora Gedgaudas                                                                                                                               Primal Body, Primal Mind

Stress, most of the time, is not the result of what happens to you, but how you respond to the situation. Again, here comes that little brat that owns us, EGO.  For me, it has been such a blessing to have been through so many “horrible situations” and have applied the Buddhist philosophy mentioned in my last article entitled “Be Thankful.” Due to this philosophy, I am able to brush off situations that might cause others heavy stress. When that brat called EGO gets dismissed from your life, it’s like getting a monkey off your back.

When you add a bad diet to stress and allow sugar cravings to totally change your intestinal bacteria to Candida, your ability to cope can be minimized. Recent studies have revealed that proper bacteria in your digestive system are closely associated with cognitive function. In other words, the more you give in to eating junk, the less ability you have to use your brain to fight back and address your problems. To add insult to injury, as primitive humans with a fight or flight response to stress, we build up the stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol, which further diminish our ability to digest properly. This can sometimes cause excessive weight gain which adds to stress by creating a poor self-image.

In my book WHY? The Question That Could Save Your Life, I emphasize the importance of being proactive and researching your own answers. Every tiny step you take in learning how to be healthy is important. Even though I could retire, I choose to continue working because I truly enjoy leading my patients away from what causes their pain, and more importantly, leading them to vitality, resistance to illness, less stress, and a lifestyle that can slow down the aging process.

We don’t beat the Reaper by living longer. We beat the Reaper by living well… land living fully.

                                                                                    Randy Pausch                                                                                                                                                            Carnegie Mellon University

At Advanced Oral Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Danville we treat patients not just symptoms.  Because of this approach we often find something, not related to the dental complex, that is responsible for the illness and then make the appropriate referral. If you have any concerns about your quality of sleep or about any TMJ/TMD symptoms you may be having, we can help. 925-837-8048 and www.aodtc.com

 

 

 

As a parent, there is almost nothing worse then watching your brand new baby scream for hours at a time and not be able to do anything about it. The worst part about it is how helpless you can often feel. It’s your job to nurture and protect this perfect little being, but for some reason nothing that you do seems to help.

Believe it or not this is actually way more common than you think. Up to 20% of babies experience infantile colic between the ages of three weeks and three months old and most cases of untreated colic don’t resolve until about four to five months of age. It can be hard to differentiate normal baby cries from colic cries. Here are some common signs to look for to help you determine if your baby may be suffering from colic:

• Predictable crying episodes, usually in the afternoon or evening
• Intense and often high pitched crying that is inconsolable, typically lasting upwards of three hours
• Crying for no reason, you have ruled out hunger, new diaper, tired, etc.
• Curled up legs, clenched fists, and tight abdominal muscles while crying

At this point, the cause is of colic is still unknown. That being said, gas in the intestines, dietary sensitivities, and birth traumas are all thought to be contributing factors. While there are no lasting long-term developmental effects for the babies, parents are often left traumatized and family life can greatly suffer during the months that your baby struggles with colic.

While the exact cause is unknown, there are treatment options that have proven to be effective. A clinical trial was published in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, which tested the effectiveness of anti-gas medication versus chiropractic treatments for babies suffering with colic. The study found that babies who took the anti-gas medication had a 38% decrease in the amount of crying whereas the babies who received chiropractic treatments had a 67% decrease. (Chiropractic care significantly reduced the colic crying much better than simply taking anti-gas medication.

In my office, I treat colic with a multi-faceted chiropractic approach. I first check the baby’s diet. If the baby is breastfed, we also discuss the mom’s diet. If the baby is formula fed, we look for any sensitivities the baby could have to the formula. Secondly, I check the abdomen for gas buildup. If there is a need, I will perform abdominal massage or recommend natural supplements to help decrease gas buildup within the digestive tract.

Lastly, I check for any birth traumas by evaluating the baby’s spine. If any misalignments are found I will gently correct them and bring more ease and relaxation to their body. Please note that a chiropractic adjustment for a baby requires the same amount of pressure you would use to check if a tomato is ripe.  It is very soft yet incredibly effective at relieving the symptoms of colic.

Typically, within a handful of visits, I expect to see a decrease in the severity and longevity of the colic symptoms. That being said, every baby is different and they will heal and recover at their own pace.  The best way to know if your baby is a candidate for my care is to call my office and request a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me. This way we can sit down and discuss your baby’s specific symptoms and I can help to determine if this treatment option will be helpful. Please don’t wait to call, there is HOPE for relief from your baby’s colic!!

Dr. Kristin Moore, DC is a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor at Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation to the readers of ALIVE magazine. Call Dr. Kristin at (925) 362-8283 to schedule your appointment.

 

All-Season Performance!

This month’s article is the third installment to the question “What type of vehicle works best for camping?” So far, we have reviewed a Crossover and a Minivan. This month we take a trip in an AWD wagon.

For those readers who missed my past two articles, my goal is to look at three or four different types of vehicles and how they stack up to a camping adventure. I  highlight the pros and cons of each vehicle category along with my personal camping experiences. 

Our third vehicle category is the wagon in the form of the very capable 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD. The category was called “station wagon” for years, but has now been shortened to just “wagon.”

I remember growing up taking trips in my parents’ Buick Estate Wagon – the biggest of the wagons. It had tons of power but not the best on handling. It was like driving a big boat. It was completely different than Volvo’s V90 Cross Country T6 AWD. The Volvo provides you with power, handling, and an array of features to boot!

The fact that the V90 Cross Country comes in AWD speaks to its capabilities. If you hit a rough uneven patch of dirt road, no sweat, the AWD eats it up and keeps you heading toward your destination. The V90 is part of Volvo’s new flagship 90 series and feels part SUV, wagon and sedan. With that said, the 90 series is available in these forms: SUV, sedan and, of course, wagons.

For me, when it comes to camping, there are four main things I need in a vehicle: cargo space for all of my camping gear (I really need to change over to light weight, compact camping stuff), seating for at least four, minor off-road capabilities, and lastly, comfort.The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD possesses all four characteristics. The cargo volume starts with over 35 cu. ft., seats five (and up to seven, but you lose the rear storage area), comes in AWD with a ground clearance of 6.0 inches, and a suspension and interior that keeps the ride enjoyable.

The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country is available in to trims: V90 T5 FWD and V90 T6 AWD. Both models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor, but the T6 adds a supercharger to the turbocharger boosting the horse power from 250 to 316 hp. Both models are teamed up with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

When you first look at the V90 you get a sense of movement thanks in part to the bright red rear taillights that angle upward and forward framing the rear windowin a red glow. You have to look twice as the appearance almost resembles an SUV minus the extra high roofline. The AWD model raises the ground height and in turn the sheet metal is elevated over the wheels with black wheel arch extensions creating an off-road aggressiveness.

The interior starts with Cross Country leather upholstery seat services: a panoramic sunroof, dark walnut wood inlays, and a large 9-inch command touch screen in the center dash that directs you to the navigation, radio, phone and other areas. The leather seats felt firm and comfortable. The center

command screen wasn’t as friendly as I would like, but at the same time had cool features including temperature information for your current city location. There is plenty of room for your phone, cups and two USB ports. The driver’s dash displays your navigation, temperature and time in convenient eye view. A con would be the interior height is much lower than that of a SUV or Minivan, so avoid stacking your gear too high.

Cool Features:

• Temperature and weather information
• Convenient rear air vents
• 9-inch touch screen

The definition of the word Safety must have the word Volvo in it as Volvo has a reputation for being at the fore-front of security. The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD is loaded with safety features including the following: City Safe low speed collision system; pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection system; pilot assist semi-autonomous drive system; driver adaptive front passenger dual-stage airbag system; Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), side curtain airbags; lane departure assist system, and more.

In Summary –The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD has earned the AWD wagon category and V90 itself, a favorable position on my list, for great vehicles to take camping. Besides camping, the Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD is great for all trips from the family beach outing, to the friend’s getaway, to the snowy ski slopes. The V90 has great styling, performance, power and technology. It’s on my list…

Stay tuned for the next camping special review!

Specifications

2017 Volvo V90 Cross CountryT6 AWD
Base price:                  $55,300as driven: $64,640(including destination & optional
                                    features)

Engine:                       2.0-liter 4-Cylinder supercharged and turbocharged

Horsepower:               316 hp

Torque:                       295 lb.-ft.

Transmission:           8-speed automatic

Drive:                         AWD-Wheel Drive

Seating:                      7-passenger
Turning radius:        37.4 feet

Cargo space:             35 to 71.3 cubic feet

Curb weight:             4,982pounds  

EPA mileage:            City 21/Hwy 31/Comb 25 MPG

Wheel Base:                115.8inches

Warranty:                  4 years/50,000-miles

Also consider:           Audi A4 Allroad