Some Boxing Day shopping for our little house on wheels. Bought a set of Corelle plates/cups with a retro motive. Also a duvet and some pillows so we don't have to keep dragging our bedding between home and the trailer. Blew another $100, but there's really not much more to buy now. Well, that's not quite true. There's always something more to buy for a trailer!
We're still talking about a trip south in April. With the mild weather we've had over the Christmas period I'm itching to get out camping again!
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Itching to do something!
The trailer has been on my mind lately. I've been worrying about the battery. It's just sitting in the trailer and with the cold weather I'm wondering if it's losing it's charge and what might happen if it does. Well, the weekly Canadian Tire flyer just happened to have an inexpensive battery charger....
Off to Canadian Tire. Purchase one battery charger. I look for an inexpensive battery tester--one I saw on-line--the clerk doesn't know what I am talking about.
I find myself in a manic sort of money spending mood. Oh oh! Well, I've been working, so I have money!
I stop at my favourite camping store. I pick up a portable propane heater (Mr. Heater, Little Buddy model) to use when we are dry camping. I bring my purchases home. I try out the heater. It won't light! Back to the store. I find a clerk and we try to light it. No luck. The supervisor gets involved. We try another heater. Still won't light. Must be a bad batch! The supervisor says this has never happened before. I get my money back. I'm really wound up now.
I come home and research heaters. The local hardware has one that might be suitable. I drive over there. I look, but think that model is just too big for our little trailer. I jump back in the car and dash to Canadian Tire. They have one Coleman Blackcat heater left. I buy it along with a little canister of propane. I bring it home. I light it. Voila! It works beautifully and gets very warm. It will take the chill out out of the trailer no problem.
I research the battery tester at Canadian Tire. Yes they have one. I note the part number and head over. Yes, the clerk says, it's in the isle with the marine supplies (who would have though?).
The next day we drive to the trailer to pick up the battery. Ahhh, the trailer still has the "new" smell in spite of having been sitting idle for over a month.
We bring the battery home. I test it. 75% left. Not bad for sitting in the cold for a month. I put the new little charger to work. Four hours later the battery is fully charged. Now it is sitting on our balcony on "maintenance" mode and will be ready at a moment's notice if we decide to go camping.
It's lovely weather right now. Really quite spring-like. Gets me in the mood for camping. MPW says "it's up to you." I must mull this over....
Off to Canadian Tire. Purchase one battery charger. I look for an inexpensive battery tester--one I saw on-line--the clerk doesn't know what I am talking about.
I find myself in a manic sort of money spending mood. Oh oh! Well, I've been working, so I have money!
I stop at my favourite camping store. I pick up a portable propane heater (Mr. Heater, Little Buddy model) to use when we are dry camping. I bring my purchases home. I try out the heater. It won't light! Back to the store. I find a clerk and we try to light it. No luck. The supervisor gets involved. We try another heater. Still won't light. Must be a bad batch! The supervisor says this has never happened before. I get my money back. I'm really wound up now.
I come home and research heaters. The local hardware has one that might be suitable. I drive over there. I look, but think that model is just too big for our little trailer. I jump back in the car and dash to Canadian Tire. They have one Coleman Blackcat heater left. I buy it along with a little canister of propane. I bring it home. I light it. Voila! It works beautifully and gets very warm. It will take the chill out out of the trailer no problem.
I research the battery tester at Canadian Tire. Yes they have one. I note the part number and head over. Yes, the clerk says, it's in the isle with the marine supplies (who would have though?).
The next day we drive to the trailer to pick up the battery. Ahhh, the trailer still has the "new" smell in spite of having been sitting idle for over a month.
We bring the battery home. I test it. 75% left. Not bad for sitting in the cold for a month. I put the new little charger to work. Four hours later the battery is fully charged. Now it is sitting on our balcony on "maintenance" mode and will be ready at a moment's notice if we decide to go camping.
It's lovely weather right now. Really quite spring-like. Gets me in the mood for camping. MPW says "it's up to you." I must mull this over....
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Hibernation
Well, I really want to make this blog about the trailer and camping experiences, so while "Tony" is snuggly put away for the winter there won't be many posts.
I'm keeping busy and my restlessness is under control as we head into the holiday season.
All the best until the spring!
I'm keeping busy and my restlessness is under control as we head into the holiday season.
All the best until the spring!
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Procrastination....
I've been putting off writing a blog post. Partly because I've been too tired. But also partly because I don't want to get into complaining about customers at my new job.
I used to read a flight attendant's blog. He proclaimed to love his job, but continually complained about passengers. I confronted him on it in a comment and he gave me quite a bitchy reply. My conclusion is that he loves the flying and the glamour of the job, but not actually working with people.....
Me? My job's hardly glamorous! Mostly I love the people who come in the store, drunk, stoned or straight. At no point have I ever felt unsafe. But here comes the whining: It's the shoplifters that concern me. Being a perfectionist, I tend to take it personally when I think someone's walked out without paying for merchandise. But, I'm getting to know the behavioural signs now, and who the "regulars" are. Of course, like many people, I hate confrontation. But I must steel myself to deny them entry to the store. A strategy I plan to implement on my shift tonight.
Anyway, I've been working steadily three graveyard shifts a week and will continue to do so until the owner returns from holidays on December 5th. I'm wearing out, so after that I need to cut back significantly. If that's not suitable for the owner then it's goodbye job--which would be a great shame because, after all, this work suits my restless nature!
Today's gratitude:
I'm grateful for our pensions, which mean that we'll never be destitute.
I used to read a flight attendant's blog. He proclaimed to love his job, but continually complained about passengers. I confronted him on it in a comment and he gave me quite a bitchy reply. My conclusion is that he loves the flying and the glamour of the job, but not actually working with people.....
Me? My job's hardly glamorous! Mostly I love the people who come in the store, drunk, stoned or straight. At no point have I ever felt unsafe. But here comes the whining: It's the shoplifters that concern me. Being a perfectionist, I tend to take it personally when I think someone's walked out without paying for merchandise. But, I'm getting to know the behavioural signs now, and who the "regulars" are. Of course, like many people, I hate confrontation. But I must steel myself to deny them entry to the store. A strategy I plan to implement on my shift tonight.
Anyway, I've been working steadily three graveyard shifts a week and will continue to do so until the owner returns from holidays on December 5th. I'm wearing out, so after that I need to cut back significantly. If that's not suitable for the owner then it's goodbye job--which would be a great shame because, after all, this work suits my restless nature!
Today's gratitude:
I'm grateful for our pensions, which mean that we'll never be destitute.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
I feel so relaxed!
My work schedule seems to have settled into Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. From 10pm to 7 or 8am. Luckily I am able to sleep fairly well when I get home. I'm still getting that "relaxed" feeling after working. The little motor in my head drops it's RPM's and I zone out into a worry-free state. I'm so glad that this effect seems to be ongoing!
Today was one of those gorgeous Autumn days. Sunny and a little cool. In the afternoon MPW and I walked down by the water and and enjoyed the sun reflecting off a blue/grey sea. There's always something to watch there. Boats, planes, birds, people, dogs. Such a great way to get a dose of Vitamin D.
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. I expect a quiet shift tonight. Many of my morning regulars won't be heading to work and dropping in for their coffee and newspaper.
Todays gratitude:
I'm grateful for all the men and women who have served and sacrificed in various wars and conflicts to keep the rest of us free and safe. Thanks so much guys!
Today was one of those gorgeous Autumn days. Sunny and a little cool. In the afternoon MPW and I walked down by the water and and enjoyed the sun reflecting off a blue/grey sea. There's always something to watch there. Boats, planes, birds, people, dogs. Such a great way to get a dose of Vitamin D.
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. I expect a quiet shift tonight. Many of my morning regulars won't be heading to work and dropping in for their coffee and newspaper.
Todays gratitude:
I'm grateful for all the men and women who have served and sacrificed in various wars and conflicts to keep the rest of us free and safe. Thanks so much guys!
Saturday, 5 November 2011
The work paradox
Why is it that my enjoyment of a job is inversely proportional to the amount I get paid? I love my unpaid volunteer "job," and I really enjoy my new career as a convenience store clerk, for which I am paid a pittance. On the other hand, jobs that I have had that pay over $100K per year I've hated. I think it's because I enjoy an ongoing, superficial, interaction with the public in my workplace. I would have made a wonderful flight attendant (wouldn't that be a perfect job for someone with a restless nature?). Unfortunately, I became an accountant. Possibly the world's most boring job. Even at management level, working with the movers and shakers, how many budgets with cutbacks can one guy produce?
Winterizing the trailer
It's that time of year. I've got to buy antifreeze for the plumbing lines today. I'll drain the water out of all the pipes in the next couple of days. Bye bye camping.
Today's gratitude:
I'm grateful to live in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada!
Winterizing the trailer
It's that time of year. I've got to buy antifreeze for the plumbing lines today. I'll drain the water out of all the pipes in the next couple of days. Bye bye camping.
Today's gratitude:
I'm grateful to live in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada!
Saturday, 29 October 2011
The job is perfect for a restless nature!
I enjoy working with all the "night" people. Everyone from cops to hookers seem to come through the door. I get along pretty well with them all. One women even gave me a tip!
When I get home I'm dead tired and find myself more relaxed than I've been in a long time. I've discovered I need a high energy (high risk?) activity to keep me centered. Before my knee gave out I used to exhaust myself running. Now I have a great substitute for running. MWP agrees.
We had to pack up the trailer in the pouring rain the other day to come home. Well, we got it done, but we were both pretty soaked by the end of it. It was fairly cold, so that may be the end of trailering for a couple of months. Very sad.
I have a couple of days off before my airport volunteer shift and then another night shift at the store. This afternoon we are going to a local recreation center to swim a few laps and soak in the hot tub.
Today's gratitude
I'm grateful for the good health that MWP and I have. We're doing pretty good for a couple of old guys in their early 60's!
When I get home I'm dead tired and find myself more relaxed than I've been in a long time. I've discovered I need a high energy (high risk?) activity to keep me centered. Before my knee gave out I used to exhaust myself running. Now I have a great substitute for running. MWP agrees.
We had to pack up the trailer in the pouring rain the other day to come home. Well, we got it done, but we were both pretty soaked by the end of it. It was fairly cold, so that may be the end of trailering for a couple of months. Very sad.
I have a couple of days off before my airport volunteer shift and then another night shift at the store. This afternoon we are going to a local recreation center to swim a few laps and soak in the hot tub.
Today's gratitude
I'm grateful for the good health that MWP and I have. We're doing pretty good for a couple of old guys in their early 60's!
Monday, 24 October 2011
I survived!
The life of a professional convenience store clerk
I somehow managed to make it through my first solo night shift without any major incidents. I'm getting to know where things are now, although it's a pretty crowded little store, with a lot of merchandise, so it will take time to learn it all. Several down-and-out type people came in, but for the most part they were well behaved. I tried to keep an eye out for shoplifters, but who knows? Most of the customers were very pleasant. Overall it was a very positive experience, just the sort of activity a restless guy needs.
Taking a break
Tomorrow we go camping in the trailer again. Yeah! Today we made a list of all the things we need to take. It's quite complicated. I hope over time we can simplify that a bit.
Today's gratitude
Having a lovely daughter, who's support I truly cherish.
I somehow managed to make it through my first solo night shift without any major incidents. I'm getting to know where things are now, although it's a pretty crowded little store, with a lot of merchandise, so it will take time to learn it all. Several down-and-out type people came in, but for the most part they were well behaved. I tried to keep an eye out for shoplifters, but who knows? Most of the customers were very pleasant. Overall it was a very positive experience, just the sort of activity a restless guy needs.
Taking a break
Tomorrow we go camping in the trailer again. Yeah! Today we made a list of all the things we need to take. It's quite complicated. I hope over time we can simplify that a bit.
Today's gratitude
Having a lovely daughter, who's support I truly cherish.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
No camping this week
Although it's been a busy week what with work and errands, my thoughts run to camping in our little trailer. After 2 weeks of camping activity it seems like "withdrawal" not to be out there! That will be remedied next week. We plan to be out for 3 nights (assuming my work schedule for next week is what I had discussed with the boss).
Yesterday I spend memorizing the placement of cigarettes at the store. Now when a customer asks for some obscure brand I know which cupboard to go to! They say learning a new skill keeps your brain healthy. Let's hope.
I know expressing gratitude is the latest fad, but nonetheless I'd like to add a little postscript to my blog entries. Each post I will add a short gratitude statement.
Today's Gratitude
Having MWP in my life. He's a huge source of support and love.
Yesterday I spend memorizing the placement of cigarettes at the store. Now when a customer asks for some obscure brand I know which cupboard to go to! They say learning a new skill keeps your brain healthy. Let's hope.
I know expressing gratitude is the latest fad, but nonetheless I'd like to add a little postscript to my blog entries. Each post I will add a short gratitude statement.
Today's Gratitude
Having MWP in my life. He's a huge source of support and love.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Working hard!
Am I too old for this?
It wasn't a particularly busy shift last night, but it seemed there was too much to do anyway! Serving customers is one thing, but stocking shelves, checking inventory, mopping floors and making coffee are all time consuming and have to be done while the customers are coming and going. Whew!!!
Well, I think I have the general idea. There are a few things that can trip me up, and I made a couple of mistakes, but it was all a good learning experience. I go for my 3rd training shift this evening.
Of course we sell a lot of cigarettes and lottery produces, neither of which I buy, so this seems to be my main "learning" challenge.
After tonight I get a few day off before working solo next Sunday night.
It wasn't a particularly busy shift last night, but it seemed there was too much to do anyway! Serving customers is one thing, but stocking shelves, checking inventory, mopping floors and making coffee are all time consuming and have to be done while the customers are coming and going. Whew!!!
Well, I think I have the general idea. There are a few things that can trip me up, and I made a couple of mistakes, but it was all a good learning experience. I go for my 3rd training shift this evening.
Of course we sell a lot of cigarettes and lottery produces, neither of which I buy, so this seems to be my main "learning" challenge.
After tonight I get a few day off before working solo next Sunday night.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Working!
After dropping off about 10 resumes around town I immediately got a call from Bal, the owner of a Mac's Convenience Store. I go to see him. He wants somebody who can start right away. He wants somebody who can work three graveyard shifts a week for the next two months. He's from Nepal. He's going on a month's holiday soon. I tell him I'm his man. I start that evening...
It was fun!!! But hard work. Theres' lots to do. It was a Saturday night. Many people came to buy cigarettes. I'm not a smoker so I don't know my brands/sizes. I soon learn what are the most popular. We sell a few packs of condoms. Chips and drinks are popular. I have a bit of trouble with the lottery sales, but I'll get there. The young fellow training me is very pleasant and patient with me. He's from India. He said that in India older people don't say "sorry" to younger people and it seems odd to him that I say "sorry" so much. I explain that it's just a Canadian thing. We all say "sorry" at the drop of a hat, even if whatever has happened is not our fault, and even if we're not really sorry. I try not to say "sorry" so much, but it's a reflex, I can't stop myself from doing it!
I work 11pm to 7am. The night passes quickly there's so much to do! Counting stock, cleaning, stocking shelves, making coffee, attending to customers.... I arrive home tired, but strangely happy. It's good to do a job that's busy, where I interact with people, and where I don't have to use a lot of brain power. A perfect retiree's job!
I arrive home about 8am. Fall into bed and soon it's 11am and time for me to get up and get ready to go to the Airport for my volunteer shift. I'm a little tired, but I manage to get through that. It's always fun at the airport. Lots of "happy" vibes there. We pass a quiet evening at home. By 9pm I'm asleep, and I sleep right through until 7am this morning. I feel great!
I go back tonight for the second training shift. It's Monday today and it won't be as busy as the Saturday shift. I'm determined to get the lottery sales down pat. I'll take more notes tonight!
It was fun!!! But hard work. Theres' lots to do. It was a Saturday night. Many people came to buy cigarettes. I'm not a smoker so I don't know my brands/sizes. I soon learn what are the most popular. We sell a few packs of condoms. Chips and drinks are popular. I have a bit of trouble with the lottery sales, but I'll get there. The young fellow training me is very pleasant and patient with me. He's from India. He said that in India older people don't say "sorry" to younger people and it seems odd to him that I say "sorry" so much. I explain that it's just a Canadian thing. We all say "sorry" at the drop of a hat, even if whatever has happened is not our fault, and even if we're not really sorry. I try not to say "sorry" so much, but it's a reflex, I can't stop myself from doing it!
I work 11pm to 7am. The night passes quickly there's so much to do! Counting stock, cleaning, stocking shelves, making coffee, attending to customers.... I arrive home tired, but strangely happy. It's good to do a job that's busy, where I interact with people, and where I don't have to use a lot of brain power. A perfect retiree's job!
I arrive home about 8am. Fall into bed and soon it's 11am and time for me to get up and get ready to go to the Airport for my volunteer shift. I'm a little tired, but I manage to get through that. It's always fun at the airport. Lots of "happy" vibes there. We pass a quiet evening at home. By 9pm I'm asleep, and I sleep right through until 7am this morning. I feel great!
I go back tonight for the second training shift. It's Monday today and it won't be as busy as the Saturday shift. I'm determined to get the lottery sales down pat. I'll take more notes tonight!
Thursday, 13 October 2011
We all go there eventually
We stopped at Walmart on the way home yesterday. Just to eat lunch in the parking lot but nonetheless we felt it was like losing our Walmart virginity.
After all the rain camping, guess what? It's sunny today.
I took the dinette cushions (the ones we sleep on) into a foam shop and got them to cut me a topper that conforms to the curves of the trailer. It's going to be a very comfortable bed indeed!
I miss camping! Camping is the perfect activity for a nomad...
After all the rain camping, guess what? It's sunny today.
I took the dinette cushions (the ones we sleep on) into a foam shop and got them to cut me a topper that conforms to the curves of the trailer. It's going to be a very comfortable bed indeed!
I miss camping! Camping is the perfect activity for a nomad...
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Camping in the rain
As I write this the rain is pelting down on the trailer's roof making a loud but soothing sound. It's warm and snug inside the trailer.
We hitched up the trailer yesterday and brought it to this wonderful spot called Pedder Bay. A gorgeous RV resort and marina. The camping sites are large and have privacy hedges between them. It's idyllic.
On the way to the trailer yesterday we stopped and got a crock pot and a roast of beef to inaugurate it. I set it up on the table outside and cooked the roast for about 5 hours. Before cooking I put a packet of onion soup mix and a can of cream of mushroom soup over it and it turned out wonderful. The gravy was perfect. I BBQ'd some veggies in foil and used some garlic and herb instant mashed potatoes and voila! A delicious dinner. The crock pot is definitely a keeper!
We're getting the "doing dishes" routine pretty well figured out. I wash and MWP dries.
Last night we slept to the sound of rain on the roof. This morning the sun was trying to shine so we went for a long walk up to a little lake and back. It's autumn here now so the leaves are just starting to turn colour. The forest was dripping wet overhanging the path we were on and the forest perfume was almost intoxicating. Luckily we took the umbrellas because it started pouring again just before we got back to the trailer.
At the moment I'm baking bread. I had brought the mixed ingredients with me so all I had to do was add some warm water and mix. It's rising right now and after that I will bake it outside in the portable BBQ.
We hitched up the trailer yesterday and brought it to this wonderful spot called Pedder Bay. A gorgeous RV resort and marina. The camping sites are large and have privacy hedges between them. It's idyllic.
On the way to the trailer yesterday we stopped and got a crock pot and a roast of beef to inaugurate it. I set it up on the table outside and cooked the roast for about 5 hours. Before cooking I put a packet of onion soup mix and a can of cream of mushroom soup over it and it turned out wonderful. The gravy was perfect. I BBQ'd some veggies in foil and used some garlic and herb instant mashed potatoes and voila! A delicious dinner. The crock pot is definitely a keeper!
We're getting the "doing dishes" routine pretty well figured out. I wash and MWP dries.
Last night we slept to the sound of rain on the roof. This morning the sun was trying to shine so we went for a long walk up to a little lake and back. It's autumn here now so the leaves are just starting to turn colour. The forest was dripping wet overhanging the path we were on and the forest perfume was almost intoxicating. Luckily we took the umbrellas because it started pouring again just before we got back to the trailer.
At the moment I'm baking bread. I had brought the mixed ingredients with me so all I had to do was add some warm water and mix. It's rising right now and after that I will bake it outside in the portable BBQ.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Everything is OK
I went to the trailer this morning. The battery was still there. Whew! I put it in the trailer (which is, of course, kept locked). I also brought all the documents home so we can keep the bill-of-sale and other stuff safely at home.
When I opened the trailer door I got hit with a good whiff of "new trailer smell." Wonderful!
I did my volunteer job this afternoon then tomorrow we head out for another couple of days camping. I know we'll be going out as much as possible, until the novelty wears off. Which, hopefully, will be a long time.
Meanwhile, we're refining our must-take list for when we leave the house, but at least it's getting shorter as all the necessities are stored permanently in the trailer.
We are considering buying a crock pot for the trailer. At first I thought it might take up too much room, but as we discovered, there's lots of storage room. We'll be eating like kings!
When I opened the trailer door I got hit with a good whiff of "new trailer smell." Wonderful!
I did my volunteer job this afternoon then tomorrow we head out for another couple of days camping. I know we'll be going out as much as possible, until the novelty wears off. Which, hopefully, will be a long time.
Meanwhile, we're refining our must-take list for when we leave the house, but at least it's getting shorter as all the necessities are stored permanently in the trailer.
We are considering buying a crock pot for the trailer. At first I thought it might take up too much room, but as we discovered, there's lots of storage room. We'll be eating like kings!
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Obsessive people worry a lot!
The Trailer is Safely Stored
Or is it? We disconnected the battery to prevent power drain, but left it pretty much unsecured in a box on the tongue. Easy to steal. Oh dear. Worry, worry... Well, at least the trailer cover is over the battery case and propane bottle. This fact does little to easy my worrying.
Then I realized we left all our paperwork in the trailer. Registration, serial number, bill of sale. What if the trailer gets stolen? What kind of information could we give the police on short notice?
All this may mean a 20 km trip to the trailer storage yard today. I will discuss the situation with MWP. He worries a lot less than I do. His counsel often calms me down.
Or is it? We disconnected the battery to prevent power drain, but left it pretty much unsecured in a box on the tongue. Easy to steal. Oh dear. Worry, worry... Well, at least the trailer cover is over the battery case and propane bottle. This fact does little to easy my worrying.
Then I realized we left all our paperwork in the trailer. Registration, serial number, bill of sale. What if the trailer gets stolen? What kind of information could we give the police on short notice?
All this may mean a 20 km trip to the trailer storage yard today. I will discuss the situation with MWP. He worries a lot less than I do. His counsel often calms me down.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
The big day has come and gone
He is much more spacious inside than we had expected. Yahoo! And he has a lot more storage space than we have junk to put in him (at least for now). Double yahoo!
Finally the time came to hook it up and drive it away. I was a bit nervous, but I drove down a side road for a few kilometres before turning onto the freeway (yikes!) to get to our camping spot. Of course, it went perfectly. Tony is a dream to tow. Hardly know he's there. We had one night in Chilliwack then took the ferry toward home. Then we spent the next 2 nights at a nice RV park near the ocean.
Monday, 3 October 2011
OCTOBER 3RD, OCTOBER 3RD!!!!
Today is TRAILER DAY. I'm up at 4 am, so excited I'm wide awake 2 hours before the alarm is set to go off. Thoughts racing a mile a minute.
We've made list after list of all the stuff we have to take with us today. Outside furniture like chairs, table, chocks and Coleman stove. Inside furnishings like kitchen ware and bedding. Food. Clothes. Legal documents (insurance, registration, license plate). And a bunch of other necessary stuff. Our little SUV is going to be packed to the gunnels!
We're on the road at 7am. We have an appointment to pick up the trailer at 1pm. After orientation we will haul the trailer about 1 kilometre to a commercial campground for a one night trial before starting our journey home.
We're both a bit nervous. Next post will be about our first impressions. Wish us luck!
We've made list after list of all the stuff we have to take with us today. Outside furniture like chairs, table, chocks and Coleman stove. Inside furnishings like kitchen ware and bedding. Food. Clothes. Legal documents (insurance, registration, license plate). And a bunch of other necessary stuff. Our little SUV is going to be packed to the gunnels!
We're on the road at 7am. We have an appointment to pick up the trailer at 1pm. After orientation we will haul the trailer about 1 kilometre to a commercial campground for a one night trial before starting our journey home.
We're both a bit nervous. Next post will be about our first impressions. Wish us luck!
Friday, 30 September 2011
3 more days
until we pick up the trailer. Now in my last post I talked about getting a part-time job. One of my "requirements" is that a job will not interfere with camping. It will have to be only 1 day per week and fit with my volunteer schedule so that the other day of the week will be free to get out into nature.
We're almost ready to pick up the trailer. Just a few more little things to buy and we have to visit the insurance agent to transfer the trailer into our name.
Monday morning we hit the road at 7am to start our journey to the factory where "Tony" will be waiting patiently for us.
Oh, and we found a new location to store the trailer. The people where we were going to leave it wanted us to sign a liability waiver. We weren't comfortable with that. So I called around and found a commercial storage lot for just a few more dollars per month. It is fenced and monitored and doesn't have trees overhanging. (Which was one of the drawbacks of the private yard we were looking at.) Anyway, we're much more comfortable about leaving our trailer at the new place we found. All's well that ends well.
We're almost ready to pick up the trailer. Just a few more little things to buy and we have to visit the insurance agent to transfer the trailer into our name.
Monday morning we hit the road at 7am to start our journey to the factory where "Tony" will be waiting patiently for us.
Oh, and we found a new location to store the trailer. The people where we were going to leave it wanted us to sign a liability waiver. We weren't comfortable with that. So I called around and found a commercial storage lot for just a few more dollars per month. It is fenced and monitored and doesn't have trees overhanging. (Which was one of the drawbacks of the private yard we were looking at.) Anyway, we're much more comfortable about leaving our trailer at the new place we found. All's well that ends well.
To work, or not to work...
...that is the question.
Well, if you've been reading this you know I'm a mercurial guy. Impulsive-Obsessive, if I were to offer a diagnosis. Anyway, I volunteer one afternoon a week at a tourist information kiosk. I just love it. Lots of superficial interaction with very nice people. Mostly the tourists are in a very good mood and looking forward to their adventures. So that got me thinking, if I enjoy doing this so much why not do it one more day a week? Two days a week "working" would round out my week nicely and more than satisfy my need for socializing and more importantly satisfy MY RESTLESS NATURE. But then I said, why give my time away? Why not get a part-time job, like in a coffee shop, or store or some other place that provides a bit of socializing?
Step 1. I went to a local employment counseling agency. You know the kind, they are funded by the government and mostly just provide employment for the people that work there. They don't actually help you find a job, they just offer advice and hand-holding. But the lady I met with was very nice and encouraging and actually offered to "dumbsize" my resume so I can present it to the kind of employers I'm targeting.
I really want something that's fairly menial, where I don't have to think to hard, where I don't have a lot of responsibility. It is for fun after all. For a bit there I did consider doing contract work in my field (I am a professional) but quickly decided against that because it would just bring me stress. I retired to get out of the stress factory, so I ain't gonna jump back in.
Well, if you've been reading this you know I'm a mercurial guy. Impulsive-Obsessive, if I were to offer a diagnosis. Anyway, I volunteer one afternoon a week at a tourist information kiosk. I just love it. Lots of superficial interaction with very nice people. Mostly the tourists are in a very good mood and looking forward to their adventures. So that got me thinking, if I enjoy doing this so much why not do it one more day a week? Two days a week "working" would round out my week nicely and more than satisfy my need for socializing and more importantly satisfy MY RESTLESS NATURE. But then I said, why give my time away? Why not get a part-time job, like in a coffee shop, or store or some other place that provides a bit of socializing?
Step 1. I went to a local employment counseling agency. You know the kind, they are funded by the government and mostly just provide employment for the people that work there. They don't actually help you find a job, they just offer advice and hand-holding. But the lady I met with was very nice and encouraging and actually offered to "dumbsize" my resume so I can present it to the kind of employers I'm targeting.
I really want something that's fairly menial, where I don't have to think to hard, where I don't have a lot of responsibility. It is for fun after all. For a bit there I did consider doing contract work in my field (I am a professional) but quickly decided against that because it would just bring me stress. I retired to get out of the stress factory, so I ain't gonna jump back in.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Getting out into nature
MWP and I were discussing the question of "what are our goals for this new trailer?". Both of us agreed that our primary goal is to "get out into nature." We're very fortunate in this part of the world to have multiple, beautiful, wilderness-like campgrounds within a short drive. We're looking forward to having "retreats" away from the phone and internet. To just hang out at the campsite reading a good book or hiking in the nearby trails. Sitting by the campfire in the evening is fun too! Our second goal is to travel to different parts of the US and Canada. For instance, we want to spend time in New Mexico and enjoy its vibrant arts scene. Or perhaps pull our little guy across Canada and see the Maritime provinces. A third goal would be limited "snowbirding." Perhaps spending a week or two in Palm Springs on our way to New Mexico or swinging by Texas on the way back from who-knows-where. Hanging out by a pool for a few days would be nice, but we are leery of the big RV resorts. Who wants to be cheek to jowl with 40 foot monsters parked on cement pads?.
So to sum up, our goals in order of priority are: Nature retreats, travel/sightseeing, snowbirding. We're very lucky to have these experiences to look forward to!
So to sum up, our goals in order of priority are: Nature retreats, travel/sightseeing, snowbirding. We're very lucky to have these experiences to look forward to!
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Why 13 feet?
This has been one of the hardest posts to write. Many of the factors deciding the length of our new trailer are subjective. First, there's the whole mystique of the small fibreglass travel trailers. Fascinating little buggers.
Cleverly designed, using every square inch to re-create the comforts of home. Call it the "cute" factor.
A bigger toy doesn't necessarily mean a better toy. When is enough enough? If 13 is nice then 15 might be nicer, or 17, or 19? OK! Just go small and enjoy the advantages of small. Sure the bed's a bit on the narrow side, but the ease of towing and parking make the little guys very attractive.
And speaking of towing, the tow vehicle was a big consideration in our decision. We wanted something small and easy on gas for everyday driving but big enough to safely tow our trailer. One of the small SUV's fit the bill perfectly. A towing capacity of around 3,000lbs gave us a good margin of safety & doesn't restrict our ability to carry extras to make our life at the campground more comfortable. And the smaller the trailer the more closely it tracks to the tow vehicle so it's much easier to maneuver on multi-lane highways, in parking lots and at gas stations.
And finally, there's the travel stress factor. In my experience stress increases exponentially with the length of the RV. This trailer is for holidays and fun!!!
Cleverly designed, using every square inch to re-create the comforts of home. Call it the "cute" factor.
A bigger toy doesn't necessarily mean a better toy. When is enough enough? If 13 is nice then 15 might be nicer, or 17, or 19? OK! Just go small and enjoy the advantages of small. Sure the bed's a bit on the narrow side, but the ease of towing and parking make the little guys very attractive.
And speaking of towing, the tow vehicle was a big consideration in our decision. We wanted something small and easy on gas for everyday driving but big enough to safely tow our trailer. One of the small SUV's fit the bill perfectly. A towing capacity of around 3,000lbs gave us a good margin of safety & doesn't restrict our ability to carry extras to make our life at the campground more comfortable. And the smaller the trailer the more closely it tracks to the tow vehicle so it's much easier to maneuver on multi-lane highways, in parking lots and at gas stations.
And finally, there's the travel stress factor. In my experience stress increases exponentially with the length of the RV. This trailer is for holidays and fun!!!
Monday, 19 September 2011
Progress
The trailer is coming along
Every Friday, after our trailer went into production, Tammy from Escape Industries emails photos of the in-progress trailer. The last week's photos showed an outer shell sitting on the frame. It has wheels but no door or windows installed. Inside, the cupboards and seats are framed in, the walls are covered, electrical wires have been run and I can just make out a couple of water pipes near the tank under the dinette seat. It's going to be a beauty!
Two weeks today
It is exactly 2 weeks today unitl we pick up the trailer. Time drags waiting for "the big day" but at the same time, when I look back on the last 6 weeks since we placed the order, the time has flown by.
I weighed stuff
At the moment, a lot of the stuff we've been buying for the "camping lifestyle" (remember I said it was like furnishing a house?) is sitting in our hallway. I weighed myself dry (now there's some trailer lingo for you) then I picked up all the boxes of stuff one by one and weighed myself while holding them. I did the math and presto! the total weight came to about 100 pounds. There's a bit more in the car, then I estimated the weight of water, propane, bedding & food (I hope I remembered most everything) and the total came to somewhere between 500 and 600 pounds. Wow. With the trailer weight of 1,400 pounds the total tow weight should be in the neighbourhood of 2,000 pounds. The car's capacity is 3,200 pounds, but I read in Trailer Life that a good rule of thumb is keep to about 70% of that. So, even fully loaded we'll be well within our safety range. Ain't that great?
Every Friday, after our trailer went into production, Tammy from Escape Industries emails photos of the in-progress trailer. The last week's photos showed an outer shell sitting on the frame. It has wheels but no door or windows installed. Inside, the cupboards and seats are framed in, the walls are covered, electrical wires have been run and I can just make out a couple of water pipes near the tank under the dinette seat. It's going to be a beauty!
Two weeks today
It is exactly 2 weeks today unitl we pick up the trailer. Time drags waiting for "the big day" but at the same time, when I look back on the last 6 weeks since we placed the order, the time has flown by.
I weighed stuff
At the moment, a lot of the stuff we've been buying for the "camping lifestyle" (remember I said it was like furnishing a house?) is sitting in our hallway. I weighed myself dry (now there's some trailer lingo for you) then I picked up all the boxes of stuff one by one and weighed myself while holding them. I did the math and presto! the total weight came to about 100 pounds. There's a bit more in the car, then I estimated the weight of water, propane, bedding & food (I hope I remembered most everything) and the total came to somewhere between 500 and 600 pounds. Wow. With the trailer weight of 1,400 pounds the total tow weight should be in the neighbourhood of 2,000 pounds. The car's capacity is 3,200 pounds, but I read in Trailer Life that a good rule of thumb is keep to about 70% of that. So, even fully loaded we'll be well within our safety range. Ain't that great?
Saturday was not a good day
When I say restless I mean it...
I woke up feeling agitated. It's a bit like getting in your car, putting it in neutral, and stepping on the gas. The car revs up but doesn't go anywhere. It's an awful feeling. I'd rather be depressed any day. I tried to channel it in positive ways: I took a long walk on the beach, cleaned the bathroom, washed the floors, baked bread. Luckily that "spell" only lasted the day and I was able to get a good night's sleep that night.
I woke up feeling agitated. It's a bit like getting in your car, putting it in neutral, and stepping on the gas. The car revs up but doesn't go anywhere. It's an awful feeling. I'd rather be depressed any day. I tried to channel it in positive ways: I took a long walk on the beach, cleaned the bathroom, washed the floors, baked bread. Luckily that "spell" only lasted the day and I was able to get a good night's sleep that night.
Saturday, 17 September 2011
So much to do!
Where are we going to store this baby?
A little complication. We live in an apartment and have no place to store our little baby. No problem, there are several RV storage yards in the vicinity. I call several. Yes they have space, but yikes! they sure charge a lot. I finally locate a good, affordable possibility, but it's a long way away. What to do? Craigslist comes to the rescue. I place a "wanted" ad for a spot nearby and get 2 responses! The one closest has no security and I'm worried about vandalism. The second place, a little further away, is a private, fenced yard of some very nice people. They have a 13 foot trailer so ours will have company. The only drawback is that there are large trees in their yard and I fear out trailer will become covered in falling leaves. Oh dear!
The solution is a trailer cover...
fiberglassrv.com is a great resource. There's a link to a place that sells covers. Perfect! It will keep the leaves off. I email the nice people and tell them we are definitely taking their offer. I order a cover. It comes in less than a week. Looks good. Soft breathable material. Should do the trick.
We need a lot of stuff
MWP says it's like furnishing a house. Cutlery, pots, cooking utensils, rugs, etc. etc. etc. I make a list. I go comparison shopping. I divide the list by store. The dollar store has the largest list! I start shopping!
Well, this is fun.
A little complication. We live in an apartment and have no place to store our little baby. No problem, there are several RV storage yards in the vicinity. I call several. Yes they have space, but yikes! they sure charge a lot. I finally locate a good, affordable possibility, but it's a long way away. What to do? Craigslist comes to the rescue. I place a "wanted" ad for a spot nearby and get 2 responses! The one closest has no security and I'm worried about vandalism. The second place, a little further away, is a private, fenced yard of some very nice people. They have a 13 foot trailer so ours will have company. The only drawback is that there are large trees in their yard and I fear out trailer will become covered in falling leaves. Oh dear!
The solution is a trailer cover...
fiberglassrv.com is a great resource. There's a link to a place that sells covers. Perfect! It will keep the leaves off. I email the nice people and tell them we are definitely taking their offer. I order a cover. It comes in less than a week. Looks good. Soft breathable material. Should do the trick.
We need a lot of stuff
MWP says it's like furnishing a house. Cutlery, pots, cooking utensils, rugs, etc. etc. etc. I make a list. I go comparison shopping. I divide the list by store. The dollar store has the largest list! I start shopping!
Well, this is fun.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Step 3: getting the Santa Fe ready
The Santa Fe came with a tow hitch and basic trailer wiring but it need a brake controller and a proper 7-pin trailer plug. I got several quotes. Why so expensive? I finally found a guy just out of town who has a great little RV maintenance business who gave me a fair quote. Got that done.
Step 2: buying a tow vehicle
Our faithful little car just wasn't going to cut the mustard as a tow vehicle. Well, we didn't need anything too big to pull the Escape. Ford Ranger? Sorry, MWP just ain't a pickup guy. How about a "compact" SUV? Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe were good contenders. An Escape pulling an Escape had a certain symmetry. On the other hand, Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of our favourite places. Our only criteria was that we didn't "trade down" meaning no older and hopefully less mileage than our current car. In the end the Santa Fe won the day. After an agonizing negotiation session at the dealer's we were the proud owners of a blue, 2006, low-mileage Santa Fe. Which, by the way, feels truly luxurious compared to what we had.
Step 1: ordering the trailer
August 5th, 2011. What a day! Called Tammy at Escape and gave her the deposit for a brand new Escape 13 Plan A trailer. The Plan A comes with a rear dinette that makes into a double bed and a narrower front dinette that can be made into a single bed. That way we can leave the larger bed made up and use the front dinette as our eating area. No bathroom. We order the optional porta-potti. That's it. Escape trailers come amazing well equipped with furnace, fridge, awning, Maxx fan, etc. Man, I'm so excited I'm practically wetting my pants! The trailer will be ready on October 3rd. Eight weeks to wait. It's gonna seem like forever. But there's lots do do...
Decisions, decisions
Gosh there's so much out there! Big vs small. New vs used. After lots of research and discussion we decided to get a new, light-weight, 13 foot trailer. We looked at different brands. Escape, for their quality and design, soon became our favourite. Our enthusiasm was at a fever pitch. Go for it!
Where did this come from?
Well, I've already owned 5 (yes, 5) RV's so I'm not stranger to them. Anyway, I was reading an article in the LA Times about a young architect who had beautifully restored an old Airstream trailer. That got me dreaming about trailers again. I went to the local library and borrowed a bunch of back copies of Trailer Life. I got more excited. Talked to MWP (my wonderful partner) about RVing again. "Well, you do have a restless nature," he said.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Some people just never settle down!
Hey! Are you talking about me? Well, I've had lots of adventures and there's more on the way. I retired 2 years ago, and I've got to say that retirement is the best job I've ever had! But after a couple of years of everyday-is-a-Saturday time starts to hang a little heavy. So what does a guy with a restless nature do? Buys a recreational vehicle, of course!
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