In the past 6 months Dave and I have learned a lot about life on the road....so far:
- WE LOVE IT! NO REGRETS!
- We kept too many clothes from our former life, still trying to wear out some of those old T-shirts so we can invest in much more practical, technical wear.
- It sucks having to buy things we had, but sold in the auction. DOH!
- Driving for 3 or 4 hours a day is perfect, much longer and I (BA) get bitchy! Yeah, I admit it!
- We originally thought that staying somewhere for 3-4 days would be enough, it’s NOT! Some places deserve at least a month...or longer!
- Recycling is not as big in the US as it is in Canada...sad but true! It really sucks throwing pop cans and plastic bottles in the garbage especially when provinces like BC, AB, SK actually charge a 10 cent/can deposit but it’s refunded when you return them.
- Technology is great! The internet has helped us make new friends via house sitting, kept us consistently in touch with family and friends back home, and put us back in touch with some old friends...some we haven’t seen in over 20 years!
- Jasper, Alberta is the most expensive place to do laundry in, $5 a load....holy crap!
- When you’re watching your pennies like we are, Walmart super centres are the best place to shop for just about anything you need, including groceries. Never thought I’d say that but it’s true, they really do have good stuff at low prices.
- Booze prices in the US are ridiculously low compared to those in Canada, especially in BC. That’s a good thing for the pocketbook but not so good for our livers ! :-)
- The Grand Canyon and the Canadian Rockies are spectacular!!! If you’ve never been there, GO!!!! You’ll be amazed how many wild animals you’ll see just driving thru Banff and Jasper National parks. Can’t wait to go back there!
- The private RV parks that cram you in like sardines are, despite their typical lack of privacy, usually are great places to meet fellow campers...you can’t help but to get to know your neighbours.
- Gas prices and camping fees are significantly cheaper in the US. For example we can camp at state parks with full hookups, including cable for $18 vs. $36 at a provincial park with only electric.
- Hamstring injuries really, really HURT! In the future, Dave should stay IN my cousin’s boat and away from waterskis.
- WE WANT TO KEEP TRAVELING FOR MANY YEARS!
Because there are so many places we didn’t get to on this last trip and lots we wanted to stay longer at, Dave and figure we’ll be doing the Canada and US loop for at least a few more years before we go to more exotic destinations. So, based on our experience with the little trailer we decided to upgrade to something a bit more comfy! Two main requirements, a bigger fridge and a queen size bed we didn’t have to set up and take down every day.
So we bought a 25 ft trailer that’s got those 2 things and much more space...it feels like a mansion relatively speaking. The small slide out adds 18 extra inches of aisle space which makes our living area feel huge. We love it and can’t wait to get back on the road with it. Our set up and take down time is going to be so much quicker...more time to enjoy where ever we’re at.
By the way, we’re still on Ontario, visiting friends and family in the Sarnia and Windsor areas this coming week. Hope to be back on the road soon!