FANTASTIC DAY!

You know sometimes when you just have a super fantastical day?? Well we had one today!

Dropped off the 5th wheel for solar installation, went for a scrumptious breaky at the Mountain Quail Cafe then headed out on a circle run - first North to Parker to pick up some things then further north to the Parker Dam where the dually almost didn't fit between the guide barriers to see if we could go over the Dam! But we did just fit with a little wheel rubbing! 

Beautiful views.  We then traveling south down the other side of the Colorado River to Blythe, California.  We saw wild burros on the side of the road and tons of off road vehicles.  We saw HUGE houses right on the river - people basically had their boats tied to their decks! $$$&

We had lunch in Blythe then headed east to Quartzsite where we checked on the 5th - all was chugging along well so we did a little shopping for a new aerial & pipe to get it up in the air.  

Soon we were able to go through the 5th and see how everything works, pay the bill and take our home over to our new camp spot. 

We set up quickly in the rain (Yup more rain!) and now we sit all cozy in our little house with power from 4 newly charged mega batteries which will continue to be charged by 2 big solar panels on our roof. 

Nice Day!!

Took a TON of pics!!

TIPS FOR RVING

LATEST TIPS!

BLACK WATER

The one we've been using all winter - after dumping, mix one cup of borax and 2 caps full of calgon water softener together with some water, pour down the toilet and add some more water.  We are draining perfectly and haven't had any issues since we left home.

Once in awhile - After you do a big black tank dump - put 3 gallons of vinegar down the toilet, especially if you are going to travel a bit then stop again.  That sloshing around vinegar will apparently clean off the sensors. Going to try it next move!

To stop having to dump as often, don't use the toilet if you don't need to - use the campground facilities if there are any.

Also, keep a jug of water in the bathroom to use just a bit to flush with - more conscious of added water that way.

Some folks put no tissue down the toilet at all - they use wet wipes and ziplock bags instead - they report 1 month between dumps

GREY WATER

Wash dishes in small bins - outside preferably - again, conscious of water - not running down the drain

Shower standing in a rubbermaid bin (feet get a good soak too) 

Stop and start the water (camping showers)

Again, both make you conscious of water use.

Here at Holtville Hot Springs near California they even have a shower place set up behind the palm trees - you get a couple of jugs of water from a hose off the spring, get wet, shampoo and soap up, rinse off with your jugs - all done!  Of course, it's probably best to do it in the dark since drivers on the highway look down on that spot! Lol

Brush teeth using a cup of drinking water - no running the water down the drain

Run the grey water you do use out to a big rubber bin - it will evaporate quickly in this dry region.

LAUNDRY

Never use your own laundry - too much water use - run through all your clothes, towels and bedding then hit the laundromat once every 2 or 3 weeks - just been told about a huge laundromat in El Centro. Most people go twice a month.

SHOPPING

If you want to buy some things, wait til the end of the season (like now).  Prices go WAY DOWN in the border towns.  E.g. Our $14 antenna!

For Those Who Like to Travel and Then Dry Camp in Different Places

Every once in awhile, go to an RV Park for a day, use their water and electricity to have long showers, do laundry, charge up batteries and get ready for the next adventure.

There are more I'm sure but I'll update later when I remember them!

ARIZONA SUNRISES AND SUNSETS!

So many amazing sunrises and sunsets over the winter in the south west US that I made it a point to be up in the morning before they started  - here are just a few examples.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

What does it cost to live here over the winter?

Some of you have been wondering about prices.

FUEL

Diesel is much higher here than gasoline but even with the exchange it is still lower than at home - it runs about 85 to 87 cents a litre canadian. Gasoline is WAY cheaper!

CAMPING

You can pay anywhere from $250 to $400 US per month if you are here seasonally or you can literally wacks of money to stay in a fancy park $650 US (over $900 cdn) BUT you can dry camp for free for two weeks in what they call BLM's all over the place - or pay $80 for 28 days/$180 for 7 months in the Long Term Visitor areas.  La Posa south has free water & sani there too.  We're paying $50 a month now in our new spot - dry camping in town with sani dump water & propane right here at the park for $30 a month so it's the same (or slightly better) than the LTVA so we're not going to bother moving out there.  We're all set up and love our spot and now have big containers for water and a pump that works with Bry's drill to get it into the fresh water tank and a blue boy to drag over to the dump station so we're all good.  Don't even have to move 'til mid march when we tootle home.  Some people say they don't like the highway noise - we don't even hear it! We're used to it from Keremeos and Summerland I guess.

GROCERIES

Groceries are about par I think although some things - like most dairy, eggs & meat - are MUCH less expensive.

RESTAURANTS

Meals out are more expensive since they are usually the same price on the menu as at home - e.g. $8.95 to $12.95 for big breakfasts and lunches - add the exchange and . . . 

That's a big change from when were south in 2005 & 2010. It used to be much cheaper for restaurant meals.  Still though, meals are HUGE here and we often share. As well, there are all kinds of stands where you can grab something for $5/$6.

LITTLE STUFF

Bottle of beer is $3.00 at the Day Care - lol sooo $4.17 Canadian

Funny thing - little solar lights that you can get at Canadian Tire for $1.00 each are $3.00 here - odd eh?

OCTOBER !

Oct 1 - Saturday

VEHICLE TROUBLES - UPDATE:

Well . . . 

We are exactly where we need to be . . . But not where we thought we'd be . . . 

Yesterday morning, Saturday, we left Bear Creek Park and stopped at Walmart in West Kelowna to get a few groceries and have some lunch.  The plan was to drive south to set up in a full service park, get all charged up, do a big laundry, close down our phones for the winter with Telus and generally get set to enter the states today.

BUT

We pulled out of the Walmart parking lot and SUDDENLY LOUD thunks from the engine compartment! WTH! So Bry pulled over and I got on the web and found Dynamic Auto/Diesel just a few blocks away in West Kelowna.  The owner said to have the truck & 5th towed over and camp in their lot - they would make it a priority for Monday.  So then on to BCAA - two great guys came and towed the truck first and then the 5th.  They set it up - the owner of the shop brought out an electric cord for us, gave us his wifi password and lent us a pickup to get around in.  Then he said a cheerful goodbye 'til Monday!

WOW! What incredible service!

My friend Colleen came to make sure we were okay and we picked up a few more things we needed.

So the fact is that we are exactly where we need to be right now.

Please - everyone - think positive thoughts (and pray too)  for a relatively inexpensive fix! 

For now, we are comfortable, friends are nearby and ready to help and all is well!

Here's our morning view! Lol

Oct 2 - Sunday

UPDATE:

Yup we're here for a bit more time! Something wrong with the truck - had to get towed - the garage owner is kindly allowing us to camp in the shop parking lot, has given us an electrical connection and even loaned us a truck for the weekend.

We are definitely at the right place at the right time!

We just had the truck all checked over and an oil change and new air filter.  No idea what the issue is.  

Got a lot done in reorganizing the trailer & piles of laundry!

Oct 3 - Monday

UPDATE:

All injectors need replacing - one completely blown, 5 very weak.  So we are camped here for a few more days with free electricity, water, wifi and a loaner truck.  Amazing people Amazing service! Thanking ALL the gods that it happened here.  Great BCAA service, great mechanical service and in Canada still.  We are truly blessed even though the bill is HUGE! Should have much better fuel mileage too! YAY!

Good visit with Stu and Autumn today

Feel free to visit!!

October 4 - Tuesday 

Out for dinner with Colleen and Franco for their Anniversary! 

October 5  - Wednesday

Across the Border and on to Omak 

Finally on our way - Posts from now on will be weather, experiences, people we meet, lessons we've learned- enough of this day to day stuff!

SEPTEMBER!

 ROCK AND RIVER RUSTIC RETREAT



Once we left Lac La Hache, we spent a short time at the Rock and River Resort working with Tammy the owner.  We were also able to visit an old friend Brian (who lives just down the road) and friends Dan & Maureen and Doug & Allison again.  We explored old Wallachian and a western ghost town.

We also enjoyed shared campfires at Rock & River where we met people from Ireland, German & Holland. Such fun!

FRIENDS IN NEED ARE FRIENDS INDEED

In the last couple of weeks we were able to stay at Donna & Danny's place while our 5th wheel was being repaired - water leaks! Under warranty - Yay!! D & D are fantastic hosts - just make yourself at home

We were also able to visit lots of folks at the park we used to live in (Bry even received a special gift ;) from Dave!) and I enjoyed the company of friends and former colleagues in Penticton at Take Back the Night! Judy k gifted us too with a fly rod & reel for Bry and a beautiful oil lamp for me! So kind!

STEELHEAD PROVINCIAL PARK

We then traveled back to Rock & River to take of the resort for a couple of days so Tammy could get away and then we stayed at Steelhead Provincial Park near Savona and enjoyed picture taking and fishing while we were there.  Nice spot. 

BEAR CREEK PARK PROVINCIAL CAMPGROUND

Soon we were back to the Okanagan to finish up all pre-trip errands.  So glad I got to see Deb M and give her a bunch of 'bye for now' hugs!! We decided to stay at Bear Creek Park on Westside Rd. and were very happy to enjoy a scrumptious italian dinner at Colleen and Franco's and get in a visit with Stu and Autumn.  

Planned to travel to Osoyoos on Saturday then leave the country Sunday morning.

THE BEGINNING - JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST

All Ready to Start our Travels - June 16, 2016

Family & Friends  - (old and new) have enriched our summer in many ways this year.

As I've often said to so many people, when I move on I don't miss places but I do (and will always) miss people.

PARTIES AND GATHERINGS

We started our adventure  - after multiple good bye gatherings - leaving our many friends in Penticton and Summerland and driving to Kamloops for an amazing 25th anniversary weekend for Anne & Bill!

Wasn't that a PARTY! Fabulous setting, people and food!  Even a pig roast!

Kimmie & Johnny were amazing hosts!

We got to see Leslie & Don in Vernon on the way and stayed at Swan lake Resort..

And afterward, we able to see Mark & Janis Ottem and Judy Bregoliss and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Ottem's home on the Shuswap  - We enjoyed staying at Blind Bay Resort for a couple of days.

and also able to see Jacey & Tyler, Keithan, Grady & Hanna, as well Cheryl too for a wonderful dinner at their home in Kamloops.

We then carried on to 100 Mile House where we were able to stay for a week on Bry's sister Karen's acreage.  We really enjoyed staying with her and we visited back and forth with her throughout the summer too. As well, Karen supplied us with all our firewood this summer - what an incredible gift! We attended Canada Day July 1 at the 108 Heritage Site and enjoyed the Garlic Festival too!  I spent some time gathering wild flowers on Karen's acreage - so beautiful there!

NEW GRAND-DAUGHTER - July 1, 2016

During the summer, I was so excited to fly to Vancouver Island to meet my new granddaughter Amelia.  It was absolutely wonderful to be able to spend a week with Mike & Jen and baby 'Mia'!  

LAC LA HACHE PROVINCIAL PARK - CAMPGROUND HOSTS - July 3 to September 13, 2016


Lac La Hache was a GREAT experience!   We met folks from all over the world who were traveling through the Cariboo to and from Alaska, Bella Coola & Jasper. People stayed from all over Canads, International travellers included people from Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Australia, the UK and so many from the US - Travelers from Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Alabama, California, Oregon and Idaho.  Some of the American RVers were full timers and we've added them to our FB friends.  One couple have been 'on the road' for 13 years! So many  great tips from them!

We enjoyed meeting and greeting, giving directions and suggestions for meals & activities, helping campers, restocking our info kiosk and selling firewood.  Although we think we'd like to be busier next year, it was a good 'first time' experience and we will definitely do it again next year!

Bryan spent lots of time fishing while we were at Lac Hache - that's fishing NOT catching! BUT he enjoyed his quiet time at the lake.

While we were in Lac La Hache serving as campground hosts, we also enjoyed visits from Judy & Oceana, Doug  & Allison, Dan & Maureen, Donna  & Danny, Jim & Marlene (and their friends) and Mary Ovens.

BEE & BRY'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURES - INTRO & BACKGROUND

When my husband Bryan and I began our newest adventure in June of 2016, I thought I would blog the experience daily.  Sadly, that didn't happen.  I merrily posted on Facebook and reported to friends what we were experiencing and learning; but didn't follow the format I had planned to use along the way.  

Today, I will begin to document what we have learned and endeavour to pass along the best of the tips we have gathered, the best of our experiences and the struggles as well.  Hopefully I will be able to have most of them sprinkled with humour although, sometimes, it was hard to find the humour! Lol

A little background about us . . . 

In 2004 we bought a Lee-sure lite tent trailer to tow behind our trike and in 2005 we took off on the first of our adventures - an incredible 16,000 mile trip across Canada and down through the US.  We continued to travel and camp everywhere with the tent trailer until we bought a small motorhome.  

In 2011, we bought a small C Class motorhome and spent more money fixing it then we did to buy it.  Even though we enjoyed our adventures with our next step up in accommodations, we lost money - BIG TIME - on that item!  

 

Finally, in the fall of 2012, we bit the bullet and bought a 2013 Big Horn, as well as a 2006 GMC Diesel Dually with low low miles in it.  We reasoned that we would eventually be full-time RVers so why not get it now.  Subsequently, we sold our home and, in March of 2013, we parked the 5^th wheel at Summerland RV Park and began the enormous process of downsizing and learning to live in a smaller space.  

I continued to work full time until retiring June 1, 2015; then we began, in earnest, to plan our ‘taking off.  We knew we wanted to head south in fall but what about the summer?  Sure, we could visit all kinds of folks but what could we actually ‘do; for the summer.  I had heard about Campground Hosting so we did some research and made some calls and found ourselves a Campground Host position at Lac le Hache,

Finally, we were ready to go.  June 16, 2016 we pulled up stakes at the RV Park and took off.