A Word of Caution

It is well known that I am 100% responsible for the weather within 100 miles of my immediate vicinity.  And not in a good way.

We have been tracking things for over 25 years.  I don't think it's a coincidence that the heat wave ends less than a day before I get to Sudbury..... every single year!  I don't think it's random chance that droughts that make headline news end on the day that I arrive in a foreign country and the downpours continue until I'm through the security gate on the return trip.  And is it a surprise to anyone that temperatures drop to record cold within 20 minutes of my arrival anywhere?

So, Prince, to answer your question on what clothes to bring:  my answer would be skis and thermal undies.  I've already bought a heater.

Only 1 week to go!!

Only one week to go before I squeeze my over sized derriere into Air Canada's undersized seats. That along with my portable air concentrator doesn't leave much room to wiggle (if I felt like wiggling in a plane)
I'm always a little concerned that the bottom will fall out of those little turbo-props but I suppose they know what they are doing.
So, what do I pack??? Shorts or snow pants? t-shirts or hoodies? sandals or mukluks?  What's the weather in Montana in June?  To add to the challenge Air Canada charges per bag so my cheap Aeroplan flight may cost me the price of a charter if I bring everything I may need haha.  I imagine they sell clothes in the States so maybe I'll just bring enough to get me going then deal with it as it comes.  Since Harper (our Prime Minister) changed the rules, I can bring back as much stuff as I can afford...ok so that's not saying much but maybe after we stop at a casino I'll be able to afford to bring back more... That is my strategy!!

Woohooo..the last hurdle has been jumped (figuratively speaking of course) Air Canada has approved my flight to Vancouver with my oxygen concentrator so I'll be breathing like the rich people while being comfortably ferried across this wonderful country. The Big Beastly Adventure starts in just 9 days. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

This RVing thing is going to take some getting used to

Well here's a 'duh' moment for you.  I've been dithering about how I'm going to get the Beast from Chilliwack to my place, across 4 different single-lane construction zones, and then get it out to Tsawwassen so we can stay in it during Festival Polynesia.  My concern is that I didn't want to park it in an old folks' home driveway with the generator running for 3 days.   Here's where the "DUH" comes in..... I finally started wondering if maybe, just maybe, there was an RV park in Tsawwassen.  Sure enough - there's a really nice one only 8 minutes from the Festival venue!!!  RV parking appears to be an art in itself, it seems.... and I'm no artist.

Spring training in Florida is done

I had a wonderful 2 weeks here preparing for the Big Beastly Adventure across the northern states. Wow, can you imagine...Vancouver B.C. to Sudbury Ontario in only 25 days!!  haha
I like the hints that were posted here, particularly the one about putting a clip on the steering wheel to remind ourselves to lower the antenna or other pre-flight checks that are needed. Thanks.
So, I have sat and enjoyed beverages, ate at many restaurants, some good, some not so good. I got some sun and a bit of a burn so I'm ready for tanning but i don't think that will be a time waster in the northern states in June.  Going back to Sudbury for a couple of weeks to do the cold weather training.  I have to be ready for anything.
Only 23 days until I fly to Vancouver.... This will be fun!

Banging and Rattling Down the Road

I think the most exhausting thing about driving the Beast is the NOISE everything inside makes!  Banging, rattling, shifting around.  I'm beginning to suspect I'm doing something wrong.  Maybe I shouldn't drive with 2 wheels in the ditch.

I don't have a lot of stuff, since everything I own for camping is stored in my trailer in Northern Ontario.  Maybe once the cupboards are stocked, things won't rattle around so much. 

With 27 days to go, there is still so much to learn:  how to work the Satellite dish; figure out what the inverter does and how to use it; figure out how to open the awning; fix the TV antenna; figure out the water purifier unit; and, best of all, learn how to tow a car when the biggest thing I've ever towed is a semi-full honey wagon.  All part of the experience.  By the time we get to Wenatchee, I expect to be an expert. 

Prince may want to get some prescription tranquilizers in the meantime, though :-)

Sunday is a day of rest...

I can understand why professional sport teams come to Florida to train every year. It has a lot to offer pro athletes like myself..haha. On Friday we went to a chocolate festival.  It was really good. I participated in a wine and chocolate pairing workshop. I found out I like wine with my chocolate...or was it chocolate with my wine??? Either way, it was a fine time.
On Saturday we went to the All-American Pie festival in Celebration Florida.  The never ending pie buffet was a good challenge but I think we did ok. I can still feel the coconut cream coursing through my veins...
Today we rest and work on the sitting part of this training.  It's suppose to go up to 90 degrees so a good brisk sit is appropriate.  Wish me luck.