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A modern trend is the vehicle helping drive a Shelter Bay couple’s deeply rooted interest in genealogy.

Garry and Zayna Cline, who formerly owned The Seabird Shop candy and ice cream store on First Street, are again living the sweet life, having joined the growing ranks of recreational vehicle enthusiasts traveling America’s highways and back roads, often while on the trail of clues related to their family histories.

The Clines, longtime RVers, recently purchased a Jayco travel trailer they use while visiting museums, libraries and locales where their forebears once lived, most recently while touring scenic southwest Montana.

In a way, their RV sojourns represent a Back to the Future lifestyle in retirement.

Prior to moving to the La Conner area in the mid-1980s, Garry Cline worked 14 years at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Maryland. He later served as curator and director at the Anacortes Museum and as executive director of the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum.

Zayna Cline, like her husband, a University of Maryland alumnus, is a career librarian and college student credit evaluator.

Their current road trips meld the Clines’ professional training and love of travel.

“It’s so interesting,” Zayna Cline told the Weekly News, “to see where our ancestors have lived in the past and to be able to visit museums, libraries and sometimes archives to seek out bits and pieces of information regarding our ancestors.

“Plus, besides visiting where ancestors have lived, through DNA testing and sharing family research on some of the genealogy websites,” she added, “we have gotten acquainted with several living second to distant cousins who have now become friends. So, when we can, we include visits with them on some of our trips and we share information back and forth.

“That has been a very special bonus to the genealogy research,” she said.

A special part of the Clines’ own history was their time as La Conner merchants. After their arrival here, they purchased One Moore Store from Bud and Lynn Moore, then settled into nearby Shelter Bay.

“We could probably write a book on that,” Zayna Cline said of the couple’s experience as downtown business owners. “It was a pretty fun time, but literally the hardest work I ever did in my life. It was, overall, such a happy, busy place full of good smells, lots of colors, mostly happy people coming in and out to purchase a treat or restock their supply of favorite candies.”

Their customers ranged from a loyal year-round core of locals to summertime tourists hailing from all parts of the world.

After selling the store, the Clines resumed careers related to their pre-Seabird Shop days. Garry Cline returned to museum work. Zayna Cline spent a decade at Everett Community College helping students transfer college and work-related credits to meet their respective academic goals.

Eventually they found time to travel. The Clines started with a Eurovan camper, which allowed them to make two cross-country trips as well as ventures into British Columbia and the Yukon.

Later they bought the Jayco trailer, which is equipped with a bathroom, fridge, microwave and stove.

“Though compact,” said Zayna Cline, “it is quite comfortable and convenient for our travel needs.

“We bought the trailer and a vehicle that could pull it,” she said. “Thus began a whole new adventure in learning how to safely hook up, drive and maneuver a trailer.”

Garry Cline has appreciated how RV life has made possible visits to parks, waterways and hiking areas. He and Zayna are especially fond of Big Sky country.

“My favorite trips,” she stressed, “have been to Montana to explore the territory where Garry’s ancestors lived. It’s a beautiful state and since I’ve worked on the family genealogy for at least a dozen years now, it’s very fascinating to visit these places in person.”

She said another highlight has been visits to the Midwest, where relatives on both sides of their family have resided.

“When we finally had the time to do some extended travel,” said Zayna Cline, “it definitely allowed us to expand on our interest in history and for me, as a former librarian and information gatherer, it was the perfect extension of my interests.

“We both enjoy family history and exploring the puzzles and connections made through DNA testing,” she said. “I love photographing whatever catches my eye locally and actually wherever I go via my trusty digital camera.”

While they relish RVing into history, the Clines always look forward to their time back in La Conner.

“Garry and I feel fortunate to live here,” Zayna Cline said, “and are especially grateful to the Swinomish Tribe to be able to live in a place like Shelter Bay. You just can’t beat La Conner.”