We have arrived in Panama, spent the first week or so resting after the exhausting last month or so and getting our new home set up for ourselves.
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 August 2025
Thursday, 7 August 2025
I don't know what it was, but its gone
In this weeks video we sell absolutely everything we own and fly to Panama to retire
Monday, 30 June 2025
Can we get it all done - in time?
She is coming on Wednesday!
The realtor, she is coming on Wednesday. So much to do!
There are a few juggling acts going on at the moment around here. We have to obtain suitable documents, they must be notarized, and then we have to send them off to be Apostilled (a new money grab the world governments have conjured up).
We also are doing minor touch ups to the property, like painting both bathrooms, lawn maintenance, etc.
AND, the house has to be prepped to be listed for sale, ie CLEANED and DECLUTTERED.
Which then leads to: We're having a garage sale, multiple garage sales... so its a tad busy around here.
Leave a comment below and let me know if you are a new or long time reader...
Then click the picture and watch this weeks video.
Monday, 12 July 2021
Out of the bubble
So I drove from Nova Scotia to Kingston yesterday.
When leaving the Atlantic bubble, there were no Covid checks at all. Not a one.
In fairness, because of my harsh comparison of our New Brunswick experience, I must note that the entry to New Brunswick from Quebec yesterday (as I looked over on the way past) was a vast difference to what we experienced going in.
So perhaps something had happened that caused such a force to be there when we drive in, there was but 2 police vehicles when I drove by on my way out yesterday.
This am I drove from Kingston to Windsor, through pouring rain, arriving at noon.
Because of my extensive travels I stopped in London and had another rapid Covid test done before coming down to Dads. Negative.
My step-mother has a nice little herb garden going on her deck too.
As my brother likely doesn’t want his pic posted online and he’s on a run for fish & chips at the moment so I can’t ask him- I have not posted any of the family pics we took today.
Anyway, I am here - finally.
I was unable to stop for coffee with friends in Ottawa due to timing but I do intend to call some bloggers ( you know who you are) during my time here, as and when I can.
Friday, 9 July 2021
Entering Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia border check
Much more appropriate to what’s happening in our world.
Comparatively, New Brunswick must think it’s a zombie apocalypse or something. That was absolutely unbelievable and so far over the top that I just have no words.
Thursday, 8 July 2021
No exaggeration
We had filled out a ‘hey we’re driving through’ form before our arrival at New Brunswick. We were expecting a guard in a booth…
New Brunswick border
What we met at the New Brunswick border was a force. Literally, a crowd of officers, the term could only be ‘Gestapo’ ( a political state police force), about 20 cop cars, and a lot of attitude (not directed toward us). I didn’t dare get more pics and this one above does not show the extent of it I’m afraid, but believe me it’s harsh.
We had pre-registered, unlike a few hundred the day before (we arrived there very early in the day) - they were turned back.
The show of force was unprecedented in Canada I’m sure- save maybe Oka in 1990. Very reminiscent of this pic below and with the same energy I can assure you.
1940ish
Absolutely unreal in Canada. And in my opinion, should not be allowed. Unless they’re preparing for something else we’re not aware of…
Even Robbie was wondering if he’s serious. LOL It worked as it was resting on the hitch. Good for a chuckle anyway.
On a lighter note, Brad did the market for me and had a big $$$ day! Naturally, I have the truck, so…
Monday, 16 March 2020
3 days in Q (uarantine)
As I have begun writing in the evenings - in present tense- and setting the blog to post in the mornings, I realize my posts seem to be 'off'... Hence, the post saying we Q'd (Quarantined) 'last night' posted Sat am but was written Friday pm, meaning we actually Q'd Thursday at 7pm.
With that cleared up -!?!?!? ie. I'm writing in the evenings and it posts the next morning.
I do want to say that although it's felt -and evidently, read- as though I've been being alarmist about Covid-19... I am neither an alarmist, nor a prepper. I have been paying attention though and when the powers that be so much as suggest something as extraordinary as closing all borders it is what they call a 'trial balloon', to gauge the people's reaction. No one reacted, so they know its 'on the table' as Trudeau said today...and THAT is politispeak for 'coming to a theatre near you'.... so I have been trying to warn other RVers that this was coming down the pipe. I would suggest that the borders will likely be closed on or before Wednesday. Sooner if Trump trumps Trudeau.
Moving on:
It's been fine so far. But it's only been 3 days, we have been fortunate that the outside temps even during the day have been rather cool so this has helped us adjust to our new reality and I hope it bodes well for us moving forward. We are homebodie types anyway.
I saw today that others in my Pickleball group have also Q'd now. We live next door to Washington state which is a hub of Covid-19 outbreaks and we are a highly sought tourist destination island, and we have seen tourists already for the last couple of weeks. As such, this part of Canada has been asked to Q already, while other areas like our hometown of Saskatoon have a bit more time.
That being said, I recommend being in front of the Q curve - not on the backside of it... pardon the pun ;)
Remember, they are now saying it's a longer incubation than originally believed. Most countries are locking down, significant events are cancelling, Canadian government has now officially warned Canadians to 'return home while you still can'... its not just about you - it's also about who you infect upon your return.
They in the US are now saying this will last 6 months up to 2 years... I sure as hell hope not but I think it could already have spread so far in the US that even if Canada's lockdown is effective no one will be allowed across the border until the US gets it under control. As stated previously, Trump's concern is the economy - he is a business man, after all. Health care is not his forte. Well at least it's warm down there.
The numbers they are quoting are completely skewed as they (here as well) have no tests available and are only testing those who are presenting ill, the tests and the people to take and process those tests are just not available.
It is important to keep in mind that getting 2 weeks supplies won't help much if you are infected today, Q tomorrow, then become ill yourself in 10 days and have only 4 days of supplies left.
Especially with all the closures, shops could be closed and no restocking available... also everyone who stocked 2 weeks worth will likely be restocking all at the same time - if that option is available. Being ill and having no food will not help your body fight off this bug and you won't be allowed in the shops if your ill anyway so don't mess about- get plenty of food - and decongestant - and kleenex. Assume you are already infected -what do you need? (stock illness supplies) stock as though you will be Q'd for 2 weeks and become ill in 2 weeks time. They are also now saying you could get this virus more than once. Yikes! I recommend a couple of months supplies and get things you can eat with a sore throat, soups and the like.
The only item on my list I could not obtain was a thermometer, our old one is dead - so we'll just crack an egg on the others head to check for fever.. LOL
Consider that the US has 350M people. Following what we've seen in other countries - China, 25% will likely become ill. For ease of calculations we'll use 300M people, hence at 25% = 75M infections and approx 5% are dying of it...= 3.75M deaths.
These numbers are based on China's numbers but at this point the US is more aligned to Italy with the lack of response applied to the problem - even to this day. China literally welded high-rise doors shut to contain this - you won't see that in the US, certainly not - in an election year!
For the record - and ease of calculation, Canada has approx 30M people so just delete one 0 off of the numbers above, not sure we did that much better than our US neighbours, so... at least our government is now learning from Italy's mistakes and asking us to Q asap, can expect around 375,000 deaths.
Tomorrow is going to be another brutal day on the markets, with pre-market trading already at the maximum capacity of negative 5% (- 1040 points). Of course, I say that but the market should not be as high as it is now anyway, and the players keep struggling to keep it propped up. Let her drop boys, it'll be a long rough road anyway.
On a lighter note:
Our temperatures, when I looked this morning are expected to climb after today and we will be out and about, so expect some pics... so excited to get out in that amazing sunshine.
With that cleared up -!?!?!? ie. I'm writing in the evenings and it posts the next morning.
I do want to say that although it's felt -and evidently, read- as though I've been being alarmist about Covid-19... I am neither an alarmist, nor a prepper. I have been paying attention though and when the powers that be so much as suggest something as extraordinary as closing all borders it is what they call a 'trial balloon', to gauge the people's reaction. No one reacted, so they know its 'on the table' as Trudeau said today...and THAT is politispeak for 'coming to a theatre near you'.... so I have been trying to warn other RVers that this was coming down the pipe. I would suggest that the borders will likely be closed on or before Wednesday. Sooner if Trump trumps Trudeau.
Moving on:
It's been fine so far. But it's only been 3 days, we have been fortunate that the outside temps even during the day have been rather cool so this has helped us adjust to our new reality and I hope it bodes well for us moving forward. We are homebodie types anyway.
I saw today that others in my Pickleball group have also Q'd now. We live next door to Washington state which is a hub of Covid-19 outbreaks and we are a highly sought tourist destination island, and we have seen tourists already for the last couple of weeks. As such, this part of Canada has been asked to Q already, while other areas like our hometown of Saskatoon have a bit more time.
That being said, I recommend being in front of the Q curve - not on the backside of it... pardon the pun ;)
Remember, they are now saying it's a longer incubation than originally believed. Most countries are locking down, significant events are cancelling, Canadian government has now officially warned Canadians to 'return home while you still can'... its not just about you - it's also about who you infect upon your return.
They in the US are now saying this will last 6 months up to 2 years... I sure as hell hope not but I think it could already have spread so far in the US that even if Canada's lockdown is effective no one will be allowed across the border until the US gets it under control. As stated previously, Trump's concern is the economy - he is a business man, after all. Health care is not his forte. Well at least it's warm down there.
The numbers they are quoting are completely skewed as they (here as well) have no tests available and are only testing those who are presenting ill, the tests and the people to take and process those tests are just not available.
It is important to keep in mind that getting 2 weeks supplies won't help much if you are infected today, Q tomorrow, then become ill yourself in 10 days and have only 4 days of supplies left.
Especially with all the closures, shops could be closed and no restocking available... also everyone who stocked 2 weeks worth will likely be restocking all at the same time - if that option is available. Being ill and having no food will not help your body fight off this bug and you won't be allowed in the shops if your ill anyway so don't mess about- get plenty of food - and decongestant - and kleenex. Assume you are already infected -what do you need? (stock illness supplies) stock as though you will be Q'd for 2 weeks and become ill in 2 weeks time. They are also now saying you could get this virus more than once. Yikes! I recommend a couple of months supplies and get things you can eat with a sore throat, soups and the like.
The only item on my list I could not obtain was a thermometer, our old one is dead - so we'll just crack an egg on the others head to check for fever.. LOL
Consider that the US has 350M people. Following what we've seen in other countries - China, 25% will likely become ill. For ease of calculations we'll use 300M people, hence at 25% = 75M infections and approx 5% are dying of it...= 3.75M deaths.
These numbers are based on China's numbers but at this point the US is more aligned to Italy with the lack of response applied to the problem - even to this day. China literally welded high-rise doors shut to contain this - you won't see that in the US, certainly not - in an election year!
For the record - and ease of calculation, Canada has approx 30M people so just delete one 0 off of the numbers above, not sure we did that much better than our US neighbours, so... at least our government is now learning from Italy's mistakes and asking us to Q asap, can expect around 375,000 deaths.
Tomorrow is going to be another brutal day on the markets, with pre-market trading already at the maximum capacity of negative 5% (- 1040 points). Of course, I say that but the market should not be as high as it is now anyway, and the players keep struggling to keep it propped up. Let her drop boys, it'll be a long rough road anyway.
On a lighter note:
Our temperatures, when I looked this morning are expected to climb after today and we will be out and about, so expect some pics... so excited to get out in that amazing sunshine.
Sunday, 15 July 2018
We've arrived
We left Saskatoon yesterday morning at 830am and arrived in Canmore at 530pm. It made for a long day. Incidentally, we are not actually IN Canmore but rather just outside. We were met and taken to our 'host site' where we met a couple of the other hosts while getting ourselves hooked up.
This space is a little tight for our rig and we may be making alterations to the way we sit on the spot or could also move to another spot but we were so tired last night that we decided just to go with it as we are and make a decision about that once we were rested. I haven't taken any pics of our spot as yet.
The Host Sites are not within the campground proper but is our own little campground area tucked away from the masses. There are 5 sites here. Today we are to meet up at 11am at the 'shop' to be introduced and get more details on whats what and where, etc. Then tomorrow we will have a half day to get familiar with the job itself. We are provided with a campground truck, t-shirts, hat, etc.
I took a couple of pics yesterday and if it looks like it was taken from the driver's seat, rest assured it was taken from the back seat behind the driver.... :D
This space is a little tight for our rig and we may be making alterations to the way we sit on the spot or could also move to another spot but we were so tired last night that we decided just to go with it as we are and make a decision about that once we were rested. I haven't taken any pics of our spot as yet.
The Host Sites are not within the campground proper but is our own little campground area tucked away from the masses. There are 5 sites here. Today we are to meet up at 11am at the 'shop' to be introduced and get more details on whats what and where, etc. Then tomorrow we will have a half day to get familiar with the job itself. We are provided with a campground truck, t-shirts, hat, etc.
I took a couple of pics yesterday and if it looks like it was taken from the driver's seat, rest assured it was taken from the back seat behind the driver.... :D
Welcome to Alberta
Lake at eastern entrance to the Rockies
Same lake showing the mountains in the background
The Three Sisters Mountain I mentioned yesterday, this time from MY camera.
There is only 1 bar of cell service at this location, so while it does work it is somewhat spotty. I will be asking about wifi today but until then I am running my laptop off my iPhone hotspot and lets face it - wifi is likely not available. We are literally in the bush at the base of - and surrounded by - mountains.
Friday, 13 July 2018
Bring back the Weatherman
It can't just be me, can it?
When I was a kid if the Weatherman said it was going to rain, it rained. If he (in our area, it was a he) said it was windy/sunny/stormy.... you could take it to the bank.
Seems that ever since the Weatherman became a Meteorologist ... he/she can't organize a fart.
The other night it was supposed to be a major storm at 12:30am, so knowing in a tin can it would wake us up, we stayed up for it. When I checked at 12:30am it had apparently already passed and the tail clearly visible on radar wouldn't be arriving in our area until 5:30/6am so off to bed we went. Only to be awoken at 1:27am by said tail passing through, a 4.5 hour difference.
This morning it is 21C at 8:30am, and here is the radar...
When I was a kid if the Weatherman said it was going to rain, it rained. If he (in our area, it was a he) said it was windy/sunny/stormy.... you could take it to the bank.
Seems that ever since the Weatherman became a Meteorologist ... he/she can't organize a fart.
The other night it was supposed to be a major storm at 12:30am, so knowing in a tin can it would wake us up, we stayed up for it. When I checked at 12:30am it had apparently already passed and the tail clearly visible on radar wouldn't be arriving in our area until 5:30/6am so off to bed we went. Only to be awoken at 1:27am by said tail passing through, a 4.5 hour difference.
This morning it is 21C at 8:30am, and here is the radar...
Major precipitation all around us
And here is the sky. Not a cloud or fart to be seen.
Clear blue sky
Center right: Rain Ongoing...
Here it says its not raining and won't be raining all day.
Here it says it is raining at 9am
Apparently the algorithm used by the Meteorologist computational equipment (because they don't stick up a wet finger anymore) is faulty.
I personally vote to go back to the wet finger method, it would be FAR more accurate.
What is the point of a Meteorologist if one page of theweathernetwork.com says rain and the others do not. I've heard of covering your ass, but this is ridiculous. It literally changes every 30 minutes. Take a look now, make your plans for the day/wedding/event and it will be completely different in 30 min. Meteorology is quickly making itself mute, going the way of Main Stream Media.
I understand that the skies are ever changing, but they managed it okay before... come on, pull the other leg. Get it right or get a new job.
Monday, 9 April 2018
Helena, MT
We made it to Helena, MT rather uneventfully. There were a couple of minor blizzard spots but otherwise the trip here was smooth sailing.
Spent the evening relaxing, played some cribbage and finished off the last of our coolers we're sure they won't let us take across.
Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and puts him in shot of Canada.
Almost home. Can't wait. Finished the very last of my Tim Horton's French Vanilla mix yesterday so I can't wait to get across and get me a cup of Ho's,
I was up at 6am this morning, getting in the shower shortly, hoping to get to the crossing before too many people aggravate the border guys.
Snow means we're almost home
Up top between the mounds is a massive statue that I assume to be Jesus
Butte, MT
Spent the evening relaxing, played some cribbage and finished off the last of our coolers we're sure they won't let us take across.
Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and puts him in shot of Canada.
Almost home. Can't wait. Finished the very last of my Tim Horton's French Vanilla mix yesterday so I can't wait to get across and get me a cup of Ho's,
I was up at 6am this morning, getting in the shower shortly, hoping to get to the crossing before too many people aggravate the border guys.
Sunday, 4 March 2018
How to RV as a Canadian
So I was talking to my girlfriend about RVing... answering all kinds of questions... and I remembered how hard it was for me, as a Canadian, to find pertinent information about this lifestyle. So I decided to write a blog post about all the things you need to know as a Canadian RVer to give her a clean and concise point of reference. Of course, I am hoping that this will help other people in the future too.
The following is based only on our experience to date but keep in mind we've only been doing this for 6 months so we are not experts.
First things first:
There are 3 different types of RV's. Prices are based on reasonable condition and just estimates.
Travel Trailers - these are towed behind a car/truck at bumper level, your typical going to the lake for the weekend kind of trailer. Easy, inexpensive and they are now (very recently) available with slideouts also. No longer weekends only, these travel trailers are now as luxurious as 5th Wheels (see below) but all on one level, great for people with physical limitations. Almost no storage especially outside, so difficult for full timing. Requires suitable car/truck to tow it with, lightweight, driver's seat in separate vehicle. Not as stable on the highway, more difficult to back up and requires additional equipment such as stabilizers and sway bars. Separate vehicle means you have something to drive when you get where you're going. Be sure the vehicle you are towing with is rated for the weight of the trailer you intend to pull. For example: DO NOT pull a 20,000 lb trailer with a car rated to tow 5,000lb.
Ballpark Price: $20,000 - $50,000 CAD
Insurance: Inexpensive
Motorhomes - A driveable trailer available in 3 different configurations:
Class A - Good full time option. Plenty of storage in the 'basement', ie. plenty of bays beneath for storage. Generally comes with a built in Generator for power, slides for more roominess inside and easy access to driver's seat. Requires a second vehicle to be towed (called a Toad) on the back for driving around when you get where you're going. You don't want to try to take a Class A into a typical parking lot so a toad is a must.
Ballpark Price: $50,000 - $1,500,000 CAD
Insurance: Expensive (our is in the $240/mo range)
Class B / B+ - Essentially a converted van with all the amenities you will need strategically arranged, minimal storage, no slides, easy access to driver's seat. B+ is an extended version, the extra length providing more living space. Can easily park in any parking spot. Great for Stealth parking ie. parking undetected as an RV giving you more overnight options.
Ballpark Price: $120,000 - $160,000 CAD
Insurance: Expensive
Class C/C+ - Cab over the driver's seat generally has a bed though sometimes more cupboard space. more storage than a B but less than an A, Class C's now have slides allowing for more living space. More maneuverable but can also do with a toad for when you get where you're going.
Ballpark Price: $50,000 - $180,000 CAD
Insurance: Expensive
Fifth Wheels - Great full time option. Large trailers which connect to a truck bed via a 5th Wheel Hitch (similar to a semi). Very large living space, large 'basement' storage and interior storage, slides (as many as 5 slides or as few as 1). Some have two bathroom or bath and a half, handy for guests. Pulling truck means you have a vehicle for getting around when you get where you're going. Again, Do not pull a 5th Wheel with a 1/4 ton truck, make sure your truck is rated for the weight you require it to pull. Due to the weight of a 5th wheel, the trucks required to tow with can be hard to find parking for at say Walmart or Safeway. 5th wheel have a seperate bedroom usually located above the hitch but some 5th wheels have the bedroom in the rear and the livingroom above the hitch. This space is accessible by a couple of steps, awkward if you have physical limitations. In my opinion, 5th Wheels are the most 'homey'.
Ballpark Price: $45,000 - $85,000 CAD
Insurance: Reasonable
Buying an RV... Many things to consider before buying an RV. We live in the RV the same way we lived in our sticks and bricks. Not much is different. So when buying an RV keep that in mind. Also as a Canadian I advise, even if you intend to spend 6 months in the States, you should make every effort to get an RV that is 3 or preferably 4 season rated, also called 'Arctic Package'. This will keep you plenty cool down south on hot days and warm during the Spring/Fall when travelling back and forth to/from Canada.
Consider how much of your RV runs on electric vs propane. RV's that are fully electric mean you will be tied to resorts/parks... the more propane your RV operates on the more flexibility you will have with regard to where to stay. Also the size of your rig should be given a great deal of consideration. The longer it is the harder to find a resort/park that can accomodate it, and maneuverability is much harder the longer your set up is also. Try to balance comfort and length, ideally you will be spending most of your time outdoors anyway, but on cold/wet days you do not want to be cramped.
As much as you may like to think you will have company, you don't want to have a lot of wasted space so consider the number of people your rig sleeps. You'll likely be surprised how rarely extra sleeping space is needed and usually the couch will convert to a bed, making room for those rare occasions and saving the expense of extra space for bunk beds, etc which could be used for storage.
If your RV has slides, how much is accessible with the slides in? You will want to access the fridge when you stop for lunch, the bed when you overnight while travelling, the bathroom would be a great convenience - believe me. If the slides block any of these items, my advise would be to keep looking.
It is also advisable to live and buy in a Province with little to no Sales Tax for obvious reasons. You can plate it in your home province but will need to pay the sales tax amount to that Province when you plate it. If you are planning to live fulltime in your RV then your residency will be an important decision. For us, this is Alberta. Alberta has no Sales Tax, insurance is reasonable, Personal Income Tax is low and Health Insurance is free.
Travel Styles:
Stationary - This style of RVing means you buy an RV, place it at a site in an RV Park somewhere and it never moves. Good for University students, Grandparents who don't want a big house but want to stay near the family. Price will vary by park.
Boondocking - Boondocking is all about going into the Boonies and being self-sufficient. Creating your own power and supplying you own water. Dealing with your tanks usually requires taking the RV to an RV Dump Station somewhere every few days or a week, depending on how well you conserve water. Your showerhead should have a 'pause' valve to save water while you lather. Some are better at this than others so much thought should go into it before you consider this endeavor.
Boondocking is FREE!! There is a ton of free Boondocking/Overnight Parking in the SW of the US, but as you move further East there are less and less Boondocking options available down here. Similarly, Ontario has virtually no boondocking, they have that Province sealed up pretty tight. Also available, including Ontario is Boondocker's Welcome which gives you other RVers who have a space for you and your rig to stay in their driveway or on their land for a night, maybe two (by invitation) - for free (though you should provide a small gift, make a purchase in the case of a business or offer to pay for electric if it is provided). Being in 'the boonies' can be dangerous so use your common sense in your location choices and if you are uncomfortable even a little, move. Find a new location. Even staying at a Walmart is preferable to being uncomfortable or in personal danger.
Resort/Park - Travelling around and staying at one resort/park for a week, a couple of weeks or a month at a time before moving on to another RV resort/park. Resorts/parks can range from $300/month to $3000/month with full-hookups (water, sewer and electric) so it is wise to plan ahead. Florida and California are especially expensive but other states especially during the summer are pretty pricey as well. We got very lucky on this front in California. Resorts/Parks are the safest places to be as everyone watches out for each other. Assuming you don't choose a Park in 'the hood', of course.
Snowbird - 6 months in the US and 6 months in Canada. The United States of America only allows you to spend a maximum of 182 days a year in the US and they have a wonky calculator which uses the previous few years of visits in its calculations. Learn this system before your second year and DO NOT under ANY circumstances stay more than 182 days your first year. You can be forced to pay taxes on your Canadian income to the IRS as well as to CCRA if you do! This should not be taken lightly. Fly or even walk if you have to to be across that border in time. Allow yourself plenty of time for the trip north in case of emergency, bad weather or vehicle problems. Snowbirds can spend the entire 6 months at one park or move from park to park as they see fit.
Fulltime in Canada?
This is possible. Again, a 4 season RV is preferable. You will want to be in a location that is relatively warm in winter such as Victoria, BC / Osoyoos, BC etc. You will need to put a 'skirt' around your RV to keep the wind out from under it which will help you keep warm. I am aware of people fulltiming in their RV in Fort McMurray but you've got to be pretty hearty for that I think. Walton's resort in Osoyoos for the winter will run you around $500/month plus Electric.
Points to Ponder:
1. Check into Provincial tax details, each Province is different for Sales/HST/GST/Personal taxes.
2. Residency requirements ie. How long can you be out of Province before losing residency and thereby Health Insurance coverage. Alberta is 6 months but some Provinces differ, so don't assume.
3. Mail. In order to get residency you require an address. UPS offers mailboxes which provide you with a street address. Be sure to consider the address of the UPS store itself, you don't want your address to appear like this: 101-253-42578 Main Street... Your address for residency purposes should appear as: 101-42578 Main Street. UPS will also forward your mail to you wherever you are whenever you request it.
4. Travel Insurance. You NEED this if you cross into the States! The US has extraordinarily expensive health care so this Travel Insurance can be the difference between life/death or at the very least bankruptcy should something unforeseen occur.
5. Work Camping. This is an option to Canadians in Canada, there are many campgrounds that will hire RVers to run their campgrounds and provide them with free/inexpensive sites and/or pay in return. This can be especially helpful if you do not own a home and cannot afford RV Park rates. Canadians CANNOT work in the US without the proper documentation.
6. I recommend, although it's not a required thing, to have a drinking water filter. Some parks are old and their inground plumbing has not been updated in decades...
7. Once you have a mailbox street address, change your cell phone address. Take proof of your new address (ie. phone bill, etc) to any Motor Vehicle office and get your new Driver's license, apply for the Health Care of the Province you have chosen and generally you are a resident after 3 months.
8. As for funds transfers/banking, etc. We pay all our bills online through our bank website and apply everything else to our Credit Card. We then withdraw a set amount each week to use as spending money. Keep in mind that the exchange rate, currently, is 1.25% so every $1 USD is $1.25 CAD. The ATM charges approx $3.50 for each withdrawal but we have found - surprisingly, that neither the Credit Card nor the Bank charges any additional fees other than the exchange rate of the day. I do not know if that is based on our banking history/Credit rating or just how they do it so check into this at your own bank.
8a. Americans are just getting into chip cards now so a lot of gas station pumps are swipe only, if your card's swiper is not working you will need to pay inside each time and guess how much gas you need. ATM's take the chip cards. If asked what your ZIP code is: it will begin with 00 and then use the 3 numerical digits of your Canadian Postal Code as the last 3 digits of your ZIP.. as an example: If your Postal Code is A1B2C3 then your ZIP for Credit Card purposes will be 00123. If this does not work, put the 00 after your 3 numerical Postal Code digits.
9. For getting around, we highly recommend an RV (or at least trucker's) GPS this specific system allows you to enter the height, weight, width and length of your RV setup. The GPS will then route you based on these parameters and you won't end up stuck under a low bridge in the middle of either New York or NoWhere.
10. Once you have your RV where you want it to be, you can use your Google Maps app on your cell phone while in your toad, to show you in real time what the traffic is like enroute to the destination you have chosen, perhaps a restaurant of RV supply shop.
11. Each State and Province has a Visitor Center, these are great for stopping on long travel days, many will allow you to stay overnight, and they will provide you with free maps and information about the sights and sounds of their particular State/Province.
12. RVers are very friendly (for the most part), and always willing to lend a hand and/or knowledge. There is a very real sense of camaraderie amongst RVers. Happy hour is a 3pm daily occasion at campgrounds/resorts, and in some instances boondocking locations, should you choose to partake once in a while. No one cares WHAT your drinking, just that your there so take a coffee or even water if you find the alcohol a bit much.
13. RV Tanks are not the nightmare they are portrayed to be. Just be sure to have a designated pair of gloves in the dump bay of your RV and use them. Ensure that all hoses are properly connected PRIOR to pulling the levers. Our tanks are of fairly typical sizes and we can last 3 days boondocking with both of us showering, dishes, drinking water before our tanks are full. If you don't want to move your rig every 3 days, you will need to conserve water better (alternate shower days) or stay somewhere with full hookups, we have lasted 6 days boondocking without dumping tanks so it can be done.
Do not leave your black tank open, even when at a full-hookup site - ever (bugs/mice/rats from the sewer will crawl in), and keep a dip in your sewer hose if your gray tank is left open (bugs don't swim under water). Simply close the grey tank valve the day prior to dumping your black tank to accumulate some rinse water, dump the black tank first then rinse the hoses by pulling the grey tank last.
Sewer hoses are delicate and can easily be torn/poked so be careful with it until you can purchase a heavy duty one.
14. It is wise to eventually get a portable water softener and water filter if you are moving around and unfamiliar with the water at your location. A lot of parks (again, back to old plumbing) have very hard water which can cause health problems. This is not required before leaving on your journey but don't wait too long as this hard water can build up in your RV's pipes and cause problems over time.
15. In cold (freezing) weather, leave a tap dripping. It doesn't need to be much but a drip will keep the water moving and moving water will not freeze. As long as you protect the drain from clogging should the water make it float you can use a dish cloth to minimize the sound of the drip. (turn the drain plug upside down and/or tie the rag to the tap)
16. If taking a pet into the US, ensure the animal is up to date on all immunizations, and ensure the Vet knows where you are taking the animal. We have a flea/tick prescription that we administer to our Dog every month to make sure he stays healthy during our travels. Border patrol will require up to date immunization records for your animal also. Do not leave an animal unattended inside the RV for extended periods, just like a car it can get extremely hot inside an RV and the animal could die. On reasonable temperature days you could leave the animal with blinds down/windows open, etc. Use common sense to ensure the safety of your pet.
17. If you have an issue with your RV, my first suggestion (except in emergencies, obviously) is to check YouTube. There are a ton of DIY how to fix this and that with your RV videos online which could save you $Thousands$.
18. Always maintain a basic set of tools, and I personally recommend a compact air compressor that is appropriate for RV tires. A typical air compressor will be okay for car tires of around 50psi, but an RV's tires could take 80psi or more so ensure your compressor is sufficient for the job. This way you can fill your tires if you find them low when you are in the middle of nowhere,. Having an RV towed is very expensive.
19. Your sewer hose and water hose should be a minimum of 25 ft long to accommodate unusual site layouts, hookups are not all conveniently located.
20. Solar power is a luxury you do not necessarily need. We thought we needed it for Brad's CPAP machine and it has certainly come in handy on several occasions... but $10,000 handy? Probably not. A simple CPAP battery that can be charged while the generator is on or while your driving would suffice. While we don't regret getting 480w of solar, new batteries, upgraded wiring and tilted panels- because we unexpectedly changed our travel style we could have done without them. However, for boondocking they were a great asset with his CPAP. Hindsight...
21. There are a lot of RV Clubs/Groups available. As an example, Escapees has many smaller groups within it, a Boondocker's group, a sewing group, bird watching group... just about anything that interests you, where you can meet like minded people to travel with.
22. Toilet paper must be RV or Septic approved. Do not use regular household TP unless it is 1 Ply as it will bung up your tanks. Scots now makes an RV paper which can be found at Walmart or online. RV appropriate paper can be found at RV stores such as Camping World or a Dealership.
23. Ensure that you have a Surge protector, again- old campgrounds may have poor wiring and could fry your RV's electrical system, available in 30Amp or 50Amp depending on your RV's Amperage.
24. A slide is a portion of a wall which extends outwards when parked to allow for more living space, before driving these must be pulled (automatic) in.
25. When travelling keep in mind that the longer you stay somewhere the lower the rate will be. For example: One night could be $55, a week $200 but a month will be $600. Nightly rates usually include electric, most weekly rates include electric but if you stay for a month they will generally add the electric to your bill. ie $600/month + electric.
26. There are programs like Passport America which cost about $50/year, these programs provide you with discounts of up to 50% off at a resort/park. Thousand Trails is another more expensive option that offers you significant discounts at a multitude of different parks all around the US.
27. KNOW YOUR VEHICLES HEIGHT. Always measure it yourself, just because the dealer says its 12'6" doesn't mean it is, changes may have been made by a previous owner that the dealer/newest owner is unaware of. Never fully trust a GPS, pay attention to clearance signs along your route. Don't get stuck. For the most part, clearance will not be an issue but when you get into back areas there is a chance of a low bridge or other obstruction like low hanging trees which could tear your roof. If you are unsure - pull over and check. Replacing a roof is very expensive.
28. Due to the size of your RV set up, toll roads can be costly and there are a lot of them. When routing your GPS always review the route before approving it, and stay alert as you drive.
There are plenty of people who will tell you that you NEED this or that, you do not. There are a few items that would be must haves but very few. Most items are pick up as you go along items. Leveller Jack Pads would be a must have (see below) in my opinion, as is an RV appropriate GPS.
Items we wouldn't be without: (other than the above mentioned items)
* as much as possible all items should be collapsible or otherwise space saving.
* The links below are for examples and pricing ideas only and not necessarily recommendations for that particular product.
Stovetop Kettle, Bucket, Flashlight (including black light to see snakes and scorpions at night), Compact BBQ, water jug to hold Berkeyized water, storage containers, air tight canisters, (for rice, sugar, etc.), vent insulators (one for every ceiling vent), cheap garden hose (extremely handy for rinsing your RV or other outdoor chores), leveller jack pads (keep your rig from sinking into gravel/dirt - important).
During our own research we found a lot of information at www.roamingrv.com, Carol Anne has compiled quite a bit of information for Canadian RVers.
I will update this Blog Post as our experience changes.
The following is based only on our experience to date but keep in mind we've only been doing this for 6 months so we are not experts.
First things first:
There are 3 different types of RV's. Prices are based on reasonable condition and just estimates.
Travel Trailers - these are towed behind a car/truck at bumper level, your typical going to the lake for the weekend kind of trailer. Easy, inexpensive and they are now (very recently) available with slideouts also. No longer weekends only, these travel trailers are now as luxurious as 5th Wheels (see below) but all on one level, great for people with physical limitations. Almost no storage especially outside, so difficult for full timing. Requires suitable car/truck to tow it with, lightweight, driver's seat in separate vehicle. Not as stable on the highway, more difficult to back up and requires additional equipment such as stabilizers and sway bars. Separate vehicle means you have something to drive when you get where you're going. Be sure the vehicle you are towing with is rated for the weight of the trailer you intend to pull. For example: DO NOT pull a 20,000 lb trailer with a car rated to tow 5,000lb.
Ballpark Price: $20,000 - $50,000 CAD
Insurance: Inexpensive
Motorhomes - A driveable trailer available in 3 different configurations:
Class A - Good full time option. Plenty of storage in the 'basement', ie. plenty of bays beneath for storage. Generally comes with a built in Generator for power, slides for more roominess inside and easy access to driver's seat. Requires a second vehicle to be towed (called a Toad) on the back for driving around when you get where you're going. You don't want to try to take a Class A into a typical parking lot so a toad is a must.
Ballpark Price: $50,000 - $1,500,000 CAD
Insurance: Expensive (our is in the $240/mo range)
Class B / B+ - Essentially a converted van with all the amenities you will need strategically arranged, minimal storage, no slides, easy access to driver's seat. B+ is an extended version, the extra length providing more living space. Can easily park in any parking spot. Great for Stealth parking ie. parking undetected as an RV giving you more overnight options.
Ballpark Price: $120,000 - $160,000 CAD
Insurance: Expensive
Class C/C+ - Cab over the driver's seat generally has a bed though sometimes more cupboard space. more storage than a B but less than an A, Class C's now have slides allowing for more living space. More maneuverable but can also do with a toad for when you get where you're going.
Ballpark Price: $50,000 - $180,000 CAD
Insurance: Expensive
Fifth Wheels - Great full time option. Large trailers which connect to a truck bed via a 5th Wheel Hitch (similar to a semi). Very large living space, large 'basement' storage and interior storage, slides (as many as 5 slides or as few as 1). Some have two bathroom or bath and a half, handy for guests. Pulling truck means you have a vehicle for getting around when you get where you're going. Again, Do not pull a 5th Wheel with a 1/4 ton truck, make sure your truck is rated for the weight you require it to pull. Due to the weight of a 5th wheel, the trucks required to tow with can be hard to find parking for at say Walmart or Safeway. 5th wheel have a seperate bedroom usually located above the hitch but some 5th wheels have the bedroom in the rear and the livingroom above the hitch. This space is accessible by a couple of steps, awkward if you have physical limitations. In my opinion, 5th Wheels are the most 'homey'.
Ballpark Price: $45,000 - $85,000 CAD
Insurance: Reasonable
Buying an RV... Many things to consider before buying an RV. We live in the RV the same way we lived in our sticks and bricks. Not much is different. So when buying an RV keep that in mind. Also as a Canadian I advise, even if you intend to spend 6 months in the States, you should make every effort to get an RV that is 3 or preferably 4 season rated, also called 'Arctic Package'. This will keep you plenty cool down south on hot days and warm during the Spring/Fall when travelling back and forth to/from Canada.
Consider how much of your RV runs on electric vs propane. RV's that are fully electric mean you will be tied to resorts/parks... the more propane your RV operates on the more flexibility you will have with regard to where to stay. Also the size of your rig should be given a great deal of consideration. The longer it is the harder to find a resort/park that can accomodate it, and maneuverability is much harder the longer your set up is also. Try to balance comfort and length, ideally you will be spending most of your time outdoors anyway, but on cold/wet days you do not want to be cramped.
As much as you may like to think you will have company, you don't want to have a lot of wasted space so consider the number of people your rig sleeps. You'll likely be surprised how rarely extra sleeping space is needed and usually the couch will convert to a bed, making room for those rare occasions and saving the expense of extra space for bunk beds, etc which could be used for storage.
If your RV has slides, how much is accessible with the slides in? You will want to access the fridge when you stop for lunch, the bed when you overnight while travelling, the bathroom would be a great convenience - believe me. If the slides block any of these items, my advise would be to keep looking.
It is also advisable to live and buy in a Province with little to no Sales Tax for obvious reasons. You can plate it in your home province but will need to pay the sales tax amount to that Province when you plate it. If you are planning to live fulltime in your RV then your residency will be an important decision. For us, this is Alberta. Alberta has no Sales Tax, insurance is reasonable, Personal Income Tax is low and Health Insurance is free.
Travel Styles:
Stationary - This style of RVing means you buy an RV, place it at a site in an RV Park somewhere and it never moves. Good for University students, Grandparents who don't want a big house but want to stay near the family. Price will vary by park.
Boondocking - Boondocking is all about going into the Boonies and being self-sufficient. Creating your own power and supplying you own water. Dealing with your tanks usually requires taking the RV to an RV Dump Station somewhere every few days or a week, depending on how well you conserve water. Your showerhead should have a 'pause' valve to save water while you lather. Some are better at this than others so much thought should go into it before you consider this endeavor.
Boondocking is FREE!! There is a ton of free Boondocking/Overnight Parking in the SW of the US, but as you move further East there are less and less Boondocking options available down here. Similarly, Ontario has virtually no boondocking, they have that Province sealed up pretty tight. Also available, including Ontario is Boondocker's Welcome which gives you other RVers who have a space for you and your rig to stay in their driveway or on their land for a night, maybe two (by invitation) - for free (though you should provide a small gift, make a purchase in the case of a business or offer to pay for electric if it is provided). Being in 'the boonies' can be dangerous so use your common sense in your location choices and if you are uncomfortable even a little, move. Find a new location. Even staying at a Walmart is preferable to being uncomfortable or in personal danger.
Resort/Park - Travelling around and staying at one resort/park for a week, a couple of weeks or a month at a time before moving on to another RV resort/park. Resorts/parks can range from $300/month to $3000/month with full-hookups (water, sewer and electric) so it is wise to plan ahead. Florida and California are especially expensive but other states especially during the summer are pretty pricey as well. We got very lucky on this front in California. Resorts/Parks are the safest places to be as everyone watches out for each other. Assuming you don't choose a Park in 'the hood', of course.
Snowbird - 6 months in the US and 6 months in Canada. The United States of America only allows you to spend a maximum of 182 days a year in the US and they have a wonky calculator which uses the previous few years of visits in its calculations. Learn this system before your second year and DO NOT under ANY circumstances stay more than 182 days your first year. You can be forced to pay taxes on your Canadian income to the IRS as well as to CCRA if you do! This should not be taken lightly. Fly or even walk if you have to to be across that border in time. Allow yourself plenty of time for the trip north in case of emergency, bad weather or vehicle problems. Snowbirds can spend the entire 6 months at one park or move from park to park as they see fit.
Fulltime in Canada?
This is possible. Again, a 4 season RV is preferable. You will want to be in a location that is relatively warm in winter such as Victoria, BC / Osoyoos, BC etc. You will need to put a 'skirt' around your RV to keep the wind out from under it which will help you keep warm. I am aware of people fulltiming in their RV in Fort McMurray but you've got to be pretty hearty for that I think. Walton's resort in Osoyoos for the winter will run you around $500/month plus Electric.
Points to Ponder:
1. Check into Provincial tax details, each Province is different for Sales/HST/GST/Personal taxes.
2. Residency requirements ie. How long can you be out of Province before losing residency and thereby Health Insurance coverage. Alberta is 6 months but some Provinces differ, so don't assume.
3. Mail. In order to get residency you require an address. UPS offers mailboxes which provide you with a street address. Be sure to consider the address of the UPS store itself, you don't want your address to appear like this: 101-253-42578 Main Street... Your address for residency purposes should appear as: 101-42578 Main Street. UPS will also forward your mail to you wherever you are whenever you request it.
4. Travel Insurance. You NEED this if you cross into the States! The US has extraordinarily expensive health care so this Travel Insurance can be the difference between life/death or at the very least bankruptcy should something unforeseen occur.
5. Work Camping. This is an option to Canadians in Canada, there are many campgrounds that will hire RVers to run their campgrounds and provide them with free/inexpensive sites and/or pay in return. This can be especially helpful if you do not own a home and cannot afford RV Park rates. Canadians CANNOT work in the US without the proper documentation.
6. I recommend, although it's not a required thing, to have a drinking water filter. Some parks are old and their inground plumbing has not been updated in decades...
7. Once you have a mailbox street address, change your cell phone address. Take proof of your new address (ie. phone bill, etc) to any Motor Vehicle office and get your new Driver's license, apply for the Health Care of the Province you have chosen and generally you are a resident after 3 months.
8. As for funds transfers/banking, etc. We pay all our bills online through our bank website and apply everything else to our Credit Card. We then withdraw a set amount each week to use as spending money. Keep in mind that the exchange rate, currently, is 1.25% so every $1 USD is $1.25 CAD. The ATM charges approx $3.50 for each withdrawal but we have found - surprisingly, that neither the Credit Card nor the Bank charges any additional fees other than the exchange rate of the day. I do not know if that is based on our banking history/Credit rating or just how they do it so check into this at your own bank.
8a. Americans are just getting into chip cards now so a lot of gas station pumps are swipe only, if your card's swiper is not working you will need to pay inside each time and guess how much gas you need. ATM's take the chip cards. If asked what your ZIP code is: it will begin with 00 and then use the 3 numerical digits of your Canadian Postal Code as the last 3 digits of your ZIP.. as an example: If your Postal Code is A1B2C3 then your ZIP for Credit Card purposes will be 00123. If this does not work, put the 00 after your 3 numerical Postal Code digits.
9. For getting around, we highly recommend an RV (or at least trucker's) GPS this specific system allows you to enter the height, weight, width and length of your RV setup. The GPS will then route you based on these parameters and you won't end up stuck under a low bridge in the middle of either New York or NoWhere.
10. Once you have your RV where you want it to be, you can use your Google Maps app on your cell phone while in your toad, to show you in real time what the traffic is like enroute to the destination you have chosen, perhaps a restaurant of RV supply shop.
11. Each State and Province has a Visitor Center, these are great for stopping on long travel days, many will allow you to stay overnight, and they will provide you with free maps and information about the sights and sounds of their particular State/Province.
12. RVers are very friendly (for the most part), and always willing to lend a hand and/or knowledge. There is a very real sense of camaraderie amongst RVers. Happy hour is a 3pm daily occasion at campgrounds/resorts, and in some instances boondocking locations, should you choose to partake once in a while. No one cares WHAT your drinking, just that your there so take a coffee or even water if you find the alcohol a bit much.
13. RV Tanks are not the nightmare they are portrayed to be. Just be sure to have a designated pair of gloves in the dump bay of your RV and use them. Ensure that all hoses are properly connected PRIOR to pulling the levers. Our tanks are of fairly typical sizes and we can last 3 days boondocking with both of us showering, dishes, drinking water before our tanks are full. If you don't want to move your rig every 3 days, you will need to conserve water better (alternate shower days) or stay somewhere with full hookups, we have lasted 6 days boondocking without dumping tanks so it can be done.
Do not leave your black tank open, even when at a full-hookup site - ever (bugs/mice/rats from the sewer will crawl in), and keep a dip in your sewer hose if your gray tank is left open (bugs don't swim under water). Simply close the grey tank valve the day prior to dumping your black tank to accumulate some rinse water, dump the black tank first then rinse the hoses by pulling the grey tank last.
Sewer hoses are delicate and can easily be torn/poked so be careful with it until you can purchase a heavy duty one.
14. It is wise to eventually get a portable water softener and water filter if you are moving around and unfamiliar with the water at your location. A lot of parks (again, back to old plumbing) have very hard water which can cause health problems. This is not required before leaving on your journey but don't wait too long as this hard water can build up in your RV's pipes and cause problems over time.
15. In cold (freezing) weather, leave a tap dripping. It doesn't need to be much but a drip will keep the water moving and moving water will not freeze. As long as you protect the drain from clogging should the water make it float you can use a dish cloth to minimize the sound of the drip. (turn the drain plug upside down and/or tie the rag to the tap)
16. If taking a pet into the US, ensure the animal is up to date on all immunizations, and ensure the Vet knows where you are taking the animal. We have a flea/tick prescription that we administer to our Dog every month to make sure he stays healthy during our travels. Border patrol will require up to date immunization records for your animal also. Do not leave an animal unattended inside the RV for extended periods, just like a car it can get extremely hot inside an RV and the animal could die. On reasonable temperature days you could leave the animal with blinds down/windows open, etc. Use common sense to ensure the safety of your pet.
17. If you have an issue with your RV, my first suggestion (except in emergencies, obviously) is to check YouTube. There are a ton of DIY how to fix this and that with your RV videos online which could save you $Thousands$.
18. Always maintain a basic set of tools, and I personally recommend a compact air compressor that is appropriate for RV tires. A typical air compressor will be okay for car tires of around 50psi, but an RV's tires could take 80psi or more so ensure your compressor is sufficient for the job. This way you can fill your tires if you find them low when you are in the middle of nowhere,. Having an RV towed is very expensive.
19. Your sewer hose and water hose should be a minimum of 25 ft long to accommodate unusual site layouts, hookups are not all conveniently located.
20. Solar power is a luxury you do not necessarily need. We thought we needed it for Brad's CPAP machine and it has certainly come in handy on several occasions... but $10,000 handy? Probably not. A simple CPAP battery that can be charged while the generator is on or while your driving would suffice. While we don't regret getting 480w of solar, new batteries, upgraded wiring and tilted panels- because we unexpectedly changed our travel style we could have done without them. However, for boondocking they were a great asset with his CPAP. Hindsight...
21. There are a lot of RV Clubs/Groups available. As an example, Escapees has many smaller groups within it, a Boondocker's group, a sewing group, bird watching group... just about anything that interests you, where you can meet like minded people to travel with.
22. Toilet paper must be RV or Septic approved. Do not use regular household TP unless it is 1 Ply as it will bung up your tanks. Scots now makes an RV paper which can be found at Walmart or online. RV appropriate paper can be found at RV stores such as Camping World or a Dealership.
23. Ensure that you have a Surge protector, again- old campgrounds may have poor wiring and could fry your RV's electrical system, available in 30Amp or 50Amp depending on your RV's Amperage.
24. A slide is a portion of a wall which extends outwards when parked to allow for more living space, before driving these must be pulled (automatic) in.
25. When travelling keep in mind that the longer you stay somewhere the lower the rate will be. For example: One night could be $55, a week $200 but a month will be $600. Nightly rates usually include electric, most weekly rates include electric but if you stay for a month they will generally add the electric to your bill. ie $600/month + electric.
26. There are programs like Passport America which cost about $50/year, these programs provide you with discounts of up to 50% off at a resort/park. Thousand Trails is another more expensive option that offers you significant discounts at a multitude of different parks all around the US.
27. KNOW YOUR VEHICLES HEIGHT. Always measure it yourself, just because the dealer says its 12'6" doesn't mean it is, changes may have been made by a previous owner that the dealer/newest owner is unaware of. Never fully trust a GPS, pay attention to clearance signs along your route. Don't get stuck. For the most part, clearance will not be an issue but when you get into back areas there is a chance of a low bridge or other obstruction like low hanging trees which could tear your roof. If you are unsure - pull over and check. Replacing a roof is very expensive.
28. Due to the size of your RV set up, toll roads can be costly and there are a lot of them. When routing your GPS always review the route before approving it, and stay alert as you drive.
There are plenty of people who will tell you that you NEED this or that, you do not. There are a few items that would be must haves but very few. Most items are pick up as you go along items. Leveller Jack Pads would be a must have (see below) in my opinion, as is an RV appropriate GPS.
Items we wouldn't be without: (other than the above mentioned items)
* as much as possible all items should be collapsible or otherwise space saving.
* The links below are for examples and pricing ideas only and not necessarily recommendations for that particular product.
Stovetop Kettle, Bucket, Flashlight (including black light to see snakes and scorpions at night), Compact BBQ, water jug to hold Berkeyized water, storage containers, air tight canisters, (for rice, sugar, etc.), vent insulators (one for every ceiling vent), cheap garden hose (extremely handy for rinsing your RV or other outdoor chores), leveller jack pads (keep your rig from sinking into gravel/dirt - important).
During our own research we found a lot of information at www.roamingrv.com, Carol Anne has compiled quite a bit of information for Canadian RVers.
I will update this Blog Post as our experience changes.
Saturday, 3 March 2018
A Coup for Fine Hair
All my life I've struggled with my hair, I'm not a vain person but I could never keep my hair looking presentable - ever. Until now.
If you have fine hair keep reading, if you don't then wait for my next blog which will be an information post about RV Life, perks and poops. Mostly for a friend but informative for everyone.
Now, about my hair. It is SO fine that I have to wash it every morning because I look like Medusa when I wake up... unfortunately, this stops oils from building on the hairs but is also why I believe I'm still so blonde at 49.
I shower and get myself stunning - and I do look good when I'm done! haha. An hour later though, I look like a drowned rat. I started using a Leave-in Conditioner about 10 years ago and have faithfully driven literally 3 hours to get more in the past. While I was happy with my Fast Food leave-in conditioner by AG I couldn't reasonably get it down here. Had to go closer to LA and while I've driven much farther for it before - LA is a whole other world, so I needed something...
Enter Walmart! Yes, Walmart. Never would have thought. With the help of 2 other women who were also looking for a leave-in Conditioner (hard to find in the aisles at Walmart), we found this:
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner!
Now I promised I would only talk about products that were worthy and this one is certainly worthy. I've been using it for about a week now and boy am I impressed! It doesn't weigh my hair down - at all. I can even put my hair up in a ponytail to play PickleBall and when I take the hair tie out my hair isn't kinked... it just falls back to the way I styled it a couple of hours earlier. Holds that style all day. We went for supper the other night and I ran a brush through it though I didn't have to and it really woke it up. Usually, I just do my hair in the mornings and don't touch it again the rest of the day and it looks presentable and doesn't get static'd right up until I go to bed.
Amazing stuff. If you have fine hair - this is the answer to your prayers. About $10US at Walmart in the US. Also available at Walmart Canada and Ralph's in the US (only places I've looked.) Highly recommend.
Here are before (9am) and after (7:30pm) pictures.
If you have fine hair keep reading, if you don't then wait for my next blog which will be an information post about RV Life, perks and poops. Mostly for a friend but informative for everyone.
Now, about my hair. It is SO fine that I have to wash it every morning because I look like Medusa when I wake up... unfortunately, this stops oils from building on the hairs but is also why I believe I'm still so blonde at 49.
I shower and get myself stunning - and I do look good when I'm done! haha. An hour later though, I look like a drowned rat. I started using a Leave-in Conditioner about 10 years ago and have faithfully driven literally 3 hours to get more in the past. While I was happy with my Fast Food leave-in conditioner by AG I couldn't reasonably get it down here. Had to go closer to LA and while I've driven much farther for it before - LA is a whole other world, so I needed something...
Enter Walmart! Yes, Walmart. Never would have thought. With the help of 2 other women who were also looking for a leave-in Conditioner (hard to find in the aisles at Walmart), we found this:
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner!
Now I promised I would only talk about products that were worthy and this one is certainly worthy. I've been using it for about a week now and boy am I impressed! It doesn't weigh my hair down - at all. I can even put my hair up in a ponytail to play PickleBall and when I take the hair tie out my hair isn't kinked... it just falls back to the way I styled it a couple of hours earlier. Holds that style all day. We went for supper the other night and I ran a brush through it though I didn't have to and it really woke it up. Usually, I just do my hair in the mornings and don't touch it again the rest of the day and it looks presentable and doesn't get static'd right up until I go to bed.
Amazing stuff. If you have fine hair - this is the answer to your prayers. About $10US at Walmart in the US. Also available at Walmart Canada and Ralph's in the US (only places I've looked.) Highly recommend.
Here are before (9am) and after (7:30pm) pictures.
9am
7:30pm
See? Still Cute as hell.
Sunday, 8 October 2017
Canadian Internet in the U.S
Thought I'd write about this as it has been an important topic for us and may well be for other Canadians as well.
We received a call this morning from Bell, they were calling to inquire if everything was okay with our service. I advised that it is BUT we needed a data plan we could take with us into the U.S, would there be anything they could do other than the 100mb for $5/day...
Turns out there is. We have now been switched to a Canada/US plan which allows us to take our current phones and data into the states with us. No hassle, no trouble. (at least that the theory, we'll see how it works). When we were researching the different companies - Verizon, AT&T, etc. they all have different coverage. We also looked into some mifi type units. Some work mostly in the Eastern U.S, most have spotty service in the Western U.S., but Bell's coverage map for the U.S. shows almost complete coverage.
My assumption here is that Bell has deals with all the American companies which affords us the most coverage. Fantastic! Sure, its not cheap but it is cheaper than the plan we are currently on which is only covering us for Canada. And did I mention its 20Gigs of data?!! We are on 25G at the moment so it will require some cutting back but it is minute relatively speaking.
Our cell phones will work there as they work here, though we will definitely have to cut down our data usage until we get a handle on it. Back at home we were using 58G/month so you can see there will be some trimming required. Before you all freak on me about our data usage, we are aware it is a lot.
Given we intend to boondock most of the time, our biggest concern now is for keeping everything electrified. Hopefully our solar will be the solution we hope it will be in that regard.
We received a call this morning from Bell, they were calling to inquire if everything was okay with our service. I advised that it is BUT we needed a data plan we could take with us into the U.S, would there be anything they could do other than the 100mb for $5/day...
Turns out there is. We have now been switched to a Canada/US plan which allows us to take our current phones and data into the states with us. No hassle, no trouble. (at least that the theory, we'll see how it works). When we were researching the different companies - Verizon, AT&T, etc. they all have different coverage. We also looked into some mifi type units. Some work mostly in the Eastern U.S, most have spotty service in the Western U.S., but Bell's coverage map for the U.S. shows almost complete coverage.
My assumption here is that Bell has deals with all the American companies which affords us the most coverage. Fantastic! Sure, its not cheap but it is cheaper than the plan we are currently on which is only covering us for Canada. And did I mention its 20Gigs of data?!! We are on 25G at the moment so it will require some cutting back but it is minute relatively speaking.
Our cell phones will work there as they work here, though we will definitely have to cut down our data usage until we get a handle on it. Back at home we were using 58G/month so you can see there will be some trimming required. Before you all freak on me about our data usage, we are aware it is a lot.
Given we intend to boondock most of the time, our biggest concern now is for keeping everything electrified. Hopefully our solar will be the solution we hope it will be in that regard.
Happy Thanksgiving Canada
Good morning, we had a very quiet day yesterday, Brad wasn't feeling well so we stayed in the RV. Not that we could have walked far anyway with the wind we've been having here. We set the chairs up by the water but the wind was just too cold so that didn't last long.
Taking full advantage of campground wifi we spent the day watching Netflix and YouTube. Sorry to disappoint but it can't be rainbows and sugar plums all the time.
Apparently tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in Canada so Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Canadian readers, actually I better say it to all readers since we barely know what day it is never mind that its an event day and the American one will likely come and go without our noticing, though I will try.
We have so much to be Thankful for I don't even know where to start... suffice to say that we were retired under 50, we have a brand new house (in the wrong place, but..) and we are now living in our RV touring the continent. Not much to complain about thats for sure.
We have 4 children between us and 3 Grandchildren who are happy and healthy, of course Robbie (our dog) who has such a loving personality, our parents are doing well and of course we are grateful for all of our readers.
Yep, nothing to complain about here. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We hope you have a great day stuffing Turkey with your family/friends (most people will likely do that today not tomorrow being a Sunday) and remember to enjoy the scenery wherever you are.
No plans today but we hope to do something once beautified. Perhaps we'll go out for lunch somewhere... tomorrow is moving day. Interesting to see what if any difference there is in the campground and the people. We've noticed a trend between friendliness and license plates - seems odd I know but there is a particular license plate that for the most part, is not very friendly. Very strange, and telling.
Onwards and upwards my friends, onwards and upwards.
Taking full advantage of campground wifi we spent the day watching Netflix and YouTube. Sorry to disappoint but it can't be rainbows and sugar plums all the time.
Apparently tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in Canada so Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Canadian readers, actually I better say it to all readers since we barely know what day it is never mind that its an event day and the American one will likely come and go without our noticing, though I will try.
We have so much to be Thankful for I don't even know where to start... suffice to say that we were retired under 50, we have a brand new house (in the wrong place, but..) and we are now living in our RV touring the continent. Not much to complain about thats for sure.
We have 4 children between us and 3 Grandchildren who are happy and healthy, of course Robbie (our dog) who has such a loving personality, our parents are doing well and of course we are grateful for all of our readers.
Yep, nothing to complain about here. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We hope you have a great day stuffing Turkey with your family/friends (most people will likely do that today not tomorrow being a Sunday) and remember to enjoy the scenery wherever you are.
No plans today but we hope to do something once beautified. Perhaps we'll go out for lunch somewhere... tomorrow is moving day. Interesting to see what if any difference there is in the campground and the people. We've noticed a trend between friendliness and license plates - seems odd I know but there is a particular license plate that for the most part, is not very friendly. Very strange, and telling.
Onwards and upwards my friends, onwards and upwards.
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