Hello from Saskatchewan! We are a mid-forties couple who have taken the plunge from dreaming into action. It was probably a year ago my husband threw out the curveball during a wine-fuelled conversation that he imagined selling it all and living on the road. A year later, we have taken that fleeting thought and turned it into the first stepping stone on the path to our dream life!
About two months ago, we truly began to research full-timing, and found this website - this gift, this unbelievable resource. What a source of information and inspiration! Each week, we learn a little more, and tread further along our path of preparation. I've slowly begun selling bits and pieces of our bricks and sticks lifestyle, and as each item goes out the door and the cash goes into our FTRV savings, we feel closer to each of you.
We have the good fortune to be almost debt-free now; our current truck payments will be taken care of when we sell our home, hopefully in 2016, although the market is really poor in Saskatchewan right now. But we will continue to live by our motto: if it's meant to be . . .
Far and beyond, the hardest thing we have to face is talking to our currently 20-year-old only child and telling him our dream is to travel about eight months of the year, and spend four months back in our home community, likely working to supplement our savings. How do we leave behind a son who has only been on his own for less than two years? It breaks my heart . . .
The second-hardest thing is keeping this whole crazy dream to ourselves for now. We have not told our family or friends, as until our house sells, we just don't want word out there about our plan. There will be enough talk, gossip and nay-sayers to deal with when the time arrives! But it's so hard not to run ideas past my friends or share my excitement about the future. So thank goodness for this forum, because I feel like I could burst some days!
Finally, the third-hardest thing is far more practical than emotional: since we can only stay in the US six months of the year, we have to remain in Canada during our six warmest months. And if you know anything about Canada, it's nearly impossible to experience six warm months! So I'm asking for advice from any fellow northerners about how to cope with camping in Canada as early as April or as late as October.
And for our soon-to-be friends to the south, what about travelling in those same months through the States? Is it warm enough to loiter in any northern areas during October? Is anything open yet in March or April?
I know I've gone beyond a simple introduction, so I'll save the next hundred or so questions for another time and a new thread! I'm looking forward to the pleasure of your company, someday on the road :)
BiggarView said
06:02 AM Oct 6, 2015
Welcome aboard, Nicole. As a former resident of the GWN I can attest to the short interglacial thawing that masquerades as a growing season each year. It's a bit longer in southern Ontario, so my strategy would be to do the Canadian portion from late April-May through October-early November with emphasis on the southern Ontario or Maritimes regions during the fall before crossing into the USA for the winter. This should get you the six months in Canada you need. You could then follow the moderate days and cool nights down to your winter roost. Reverse the process in Feb or March. October is excellent camping weather here in northern IL, with excellent fall colors (colours... Canadian spelling) April and May can have wild swings in weather in the northern midwest states from late winter storms to violent spring T-storms, as you no doubt are aware, so I'd be wary of those areas during that time frame and travel the west coast back into Canada. We have not hit the road yet but we plan on several trips around the North American "clock" so to speak... southbound in the east during the fall and northbound in the west during the spring. Avoiding the worst parts of "Tornado Alley" during the peak months of April-early June.
Being debt free in this endeavor (endeavour... Canadian spelling) will definitely stand you in good stead. Working out out a viable budget will eliminate surprises that you will most certainly encounter.
Can't really comment on the breaking of the news issue and the subsequent "talk, gossip and naysayers". I've never been one to care much about what other people think about what I'm doing. If I feel good about it, it doesn't matter what they say. though I will always listen just in case I've overlooked something. One cannot be so arrogant as to ignore sound advice. It's been my experience that the poo-poo crowd generally are dealing with deficiencies in their own lives and are merely seeking allies to make themselves feel better. Misery loves company as they say.
As to your 20 year old, I have every confidence that you raised him well and he's been on his own for the better part of two years now which suggests he has learned from you how to be independent and master of his own destiny. The beauty of the FT lifestyle is you are portable and, if need be, you can always relocate if you feel the need to be near him if your maternal instincts get the best of you. (tongue in cheek).
Round these parts you'll find a wealth of information, humor, and friendship from a likeminded community of Dreamers. If you haven't already, check out Howard & Linda's web pages on some of the issues you mentioned, very informative. Let the good times roll!
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 6th of October 2015 06:09:52 AM
In Laymans Terms said
08:29 AM Oct 6, 2015
Thank you Brian - what a fantastic welcoming response! The former teacher in me (is anyone really a former teacher?) loves your Canadian spelling :)
Your suggestion about how to plan our yearly loop confirms precisely what we were thinking would be required to split the year 50-50. We also envision a down-and-up the west coast some years. I wondered if central US would be as challenging as central Canada and it sounds like it is just that! I'm terrified of storms so I will do everything possible to avoid them at all cost.
We have anticipated people's response to our eventual news and don't mind at all what they might think of us. Right now it's more job security and the ability to sell our home that we are concerned about protecting. That's life in a community of 2000! We love this town but the idea of the wide-open road and all there is to see in these glorious countries is too strong a draw ...
Thank you for your comments about our son; they help put a wee bit of my mind at ease! I will continue working on the rest of it - haha!
dianneandsteve said
08:41 AM Oct 6, 2015
We usually spend spring and fall at Fort Camping in historic Fort Langley. (Vancouver, BC area) This is a very popular RV park for easterners during the winter. Victoria, Parksville and Qualicum on Vancouver Island have the mildest, driest climate on the coast. The south coast of BC has the mildest weather in Canada however we do get more rain. For those that can't stand the rain another very popular area is the Okanagan area of BC, Osoyoos and Oliver especially. This is wine country! It's a very dry high desert area and fairly mild as well.
Although we never heard anything negative from friends and family about our full timing lifestyle many do envy us...it's not for everyone.
Good luck with your planning!
Far and beyond, the hardest thing we have to face is talking to our currently 20-year-old only child and telling him our dream is to travel about eight months of the year, and spend four months back in our home community, likely working to supplement our savings. How do we leave behind a son who has only been on his own for less than two years? It breaks my heart . . .
The second-hardest thing is keeping this whole crazy dream to ourselves for now. We have not told our family or friends, as until our house sells, we just don't want word out there about our plan. There will be enough talk, gossip and nay-sayers to deal with when the time arrives! But it's so hard not to run ideas past my friends or share my excitement about the future. So thank goodness for this forum, because I feel like I could burst some days!
Hi and Welcome,
We are also in out 40's , kept it a secret, and left children so I can totally relate. First, the kids will be fine. I was super worried, but in the end it seems to have given them a push to take control of their own lives, since they know the mom and dad safety net is somewhat gone. I think this is a good thing!! It was extremely hard for me to keep it a secret but VERY necessary for work and family dynamics. We told (in order) the kids, our parents, Lee's work, then my work. This was based really on who we would trust not to completely burst our bubble. In retrospect I am very glad we were cautious in sharing. Some reactions will be negative and the more solidified your plan is the easier it is to deal with those objections. During that time I absolutely used this forum, because it was the only place I felt I could really tell the truth. If you have a chance I really recommend going to a rally. You can develop deeper relationships with the folks who go their and that will provide a support system for you as you work through the journey.
In any event welcome! We are 10 months on the road and I do not regret our decision at all. It's been a whirlwind, but the most amazing 10 months of my life.
Trace
Terry and Jo said
09:55 AM Oct 6, 2015
Nicole,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forum "family." As you've already discovered before joining, there are lots of folks here to "help you along" with ideas and suggestions. Feel free to ask questions, and there are no "dumb" questions. The only "dumb" ones are those that don't get asked, and thus, don't get answered. Unanswered questions can lead to expensive or time consuming experiences.
I'll agree with the others that at 20, I suspect your son is independent enough to be able to get along on his own. If needs be, there is always Skype, phone calls, and e-mails.
As for the idea of "hearing from others," don't let the "barking dogs" deter you. (For an explanation of that phrase, see this link: Pioneers Take the Arrows."
Good luck with your research, downsizing, and planning. Above all else, have fun with it all.
Terry
In Laymans Terms said
11:18 AM Oct 6, 2015
Trace, I can't tell you how much your words mean to me. That was my greatest hope - to find people on the forum who could truly understand what we are preparing to do, and what it means to take those steps - both the physical and the emotional ones! Thank you for your reassuring and thoughtful message. Your 'order of operations' sounds nearly exactly the same as what we have in mind. We are going to start by listing our house, and just telling our family and friends we are looking at downsizing/keeping our options open. If it takes a year or two to sell, I don't want their knowledge of our plans for the road to hang over us like an anvil! Once we've signed on the dotted line, let the truth come out!
Dianne and Steve, thanks for the input on BC. I've only been there once as a teenager so that was too many years ago! The interior sounds like heaven :)
And TrailerKing, perhaps we can commiserate about Saskatchewan winters sometime around a campfire in the warm south!
Terry, I feel like I'm getting to know you already! I've enjoyed reading your posts in other threads. You have a great deal of knowledge, practicality and common-sense advice to share and I look forward to staying in touch!
In Laymans Terms said
05:03 PM Oct 6, 2015
Hi again Trace,
I just had to tell you I followed the link to your site and spent the afternoon going through the various menus and topics. What fun!!! I can't get over how I feel like I'm coming to know everyone, without ever having left home. You're an excellent writer and really help bring to life the adventure and challenges of life on the road. Thanks again for commenting on my introductory thread - I''m so glad to have made your acquaintance :)
SuzieQ said
07:04 PM Oct 6, 2015
I understand a lot of your concern. Hubby & I hope to be FT in 15-18 months. Step #1 is to sell my business. We can't "let the cat out of the bag" until after the business is sold and the customers have gotten comfortable with the new owner. (Concern is that the customers will leave if they find out before the buyer is in place and customers are comfortable. If customers leave, there goes the value of the business.)
We're doing some work on the house (paint, remodel a bath) that would be needed even if we weren't selling.
After my business sells, we can work on reducing stuff, finding a condo (permanent address, place to store family antiques, place to stay when we come back 2-3 times a year to check on hubby's family), buying TT, buying truck. Whew!!
A lot to do and I keep hearing a clock ticking.
soos said
09:02 PM Oct 6, 2015
We sold everything and went on the road in 2009, after the market tanked. We told basically no one at work what we were doing.
The first person we told was our 19 year old daughter who was away at school but planning on living at home until she graduated. We got her an apartment, but I will say she wasn't thrilled by what we were doing. She understood, but was just not happy about us leaving.
We didn't tell many others, mostly because we didn't want to hear " did you get any offers on the house yet?" 8 million times. We had no idea how long it would take to sell. We were "lucky" that we sold it in 2 months. Moved everything out- put everything in storage- walked into work and told them we were leaving. I felt bad. I'd get questions like "so you are gonna sell your house?" Nope, sold it. Closed already. Don't own it. " you're going to move into a trailer?" Nope, ALREADY moved into a trailer. Some people were actually miffed because we had had 2 garage sales and they would have liked some of our stuff.
My work friends thought it was amazing that I kept the secret, and thought it was funny that after working all day I had to then move stuff into storage, then on my lunch break the next day go for my usual 2 mile walk with my friends and pretend I wasn't totally exhausted.
It WAS all stressful trying to get all the timing to work, but we never waffled in our decision to go full time. We had a great 6 years and now will be getting our stuff OUT of storage because we are building a winter home in AZ.
Diana and Jim said
04:45 AM Oct 7, 2015
We don't have children, so I can't offer advice on that subject. We were fortunate to not have any 'barking dogs', as Terry pointed out, but we do know that a lot of people aren't able to wrap their heads around the idea of fulltiming. We get a lot of comments about our RV being 'small', in relation to a house; it is anything BUT small. RVing tends to draw people outside, unlike S&B living.
Like Lee and Trace, we have not regretted our decision one bit. I would suggest two things: First: attend one of Howard and Linda's rallies, as you will gain a personal support group and learn a ton of stuff. Second, keep reading blogs, as there is a wealth of information in them.
Keep positive and have fun!
Jim
In Laymans Terms said
04:15 PM Oct 7, 2015
I've really appreciated hearing from all of you, each with an unique perspective on the whole RV lifestyle and preparation for it. Your words of wisdom are invaluable! Like SuzieQ, we are aiming for that 12-18 month timespan. Some days it feels like forever; at other times, I feel there is so much to read, learn and do that I will never be ready! And this, after 25 years of summer RV experience behind us. It will definitely stand us in good stead, but I know the transition to living in our camper fulltime will definitely be a huge change, so any and all advice is welcome :)
To my fellow Canadians, happy upcoming Thanksgiving weekend!
Terry said
08:13 PM Oct 8, 2015
We are full-timers from Northern Saskatchewan ( 70 KM NE of Lloydminster) since 2009.
We own 10 acres beside our only daughter and 2 grandchildren as a home base (NO house yet)
We leave in October 15 to 30th every year since 2009 and return to Saskatchewan on April 15th or so. We enjoy seeing the spring from the last of the snow melting to the late fall and the first lasting snowfall. This year the weather looks great so we may not leave until the end of October. This year we plan to follow the Mississippi river down until we get far enough south and then travel to Arizona for December 1st reservation for 4 months. So our plans are to take 4 to 6 weeks to get to Arizona then we take a minimum for 2 week to get back to Saskatchewan in April.
We have traveled to Florida, Texas (Twice) and California for the winter, but prefer Arizona. (Personal Preference)
We are very happy with our travels and hope you enjoy this lifestyle as well.
Terry and Terry Meyers and our dog ( TnT, Blue's Roadies )
2005 3907 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher
Toad 2006 Honda CR-V (we need to replace)
bjoyce said
08:48 PM Oct 8, 2015
Terry: "Toad 2006 Honda CR-V (we need to replace)"
We replaced our 2002 Honda CR-V with a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and like it. Ours was made in Ontario, but I do not know if the current Equinox is still made in Canada.
Terry said
09:23 PM Oct 8, 2015
Thanks for the Info on your new TOAD
tnt
jrzygrl64 said
01:44 PM Oct 11, 2015
I know exactly how you feel! Our kids were a little older than your son, but not by much. I was not worried about telling them at all - they had been out of the house around 2 years. Their response was actually more enthusiastic than expected and amounted to something like "we are surprised you haven't done it already". Their opinions were the only ones I cared about at all, so the fact that they were supportive was awesome! Leaving was made somewhat easier b/c we do have 2 kids and even though they live about 3 1/2 hours apart, I know they are near enough to be there for one another - and they have been! I agree with what Trace said - kind of pushed them to be more responsible for themselves and also rely more on each other.
I've been blogging since May 2014, starting about 3 1/2 months from before we closed on our house. I also have pages that describe how we came to make our decisions along the way (up to the point that the actual blog picks up). If you think it could help you out - take a look.
Hey there Lloydminster! Thanks for letting us know there are others from Saskatchewan also living the dream :) We are spending the Thanksgiving weekend with family and it's SO hard not to spill the beans! I look forward to sharing more with everyone here once we can properly introduce ourselves. Thanks for your post!
In Laymans Terms said
05:17 PM Oct 11, 2015
Thanks for the link to your blog, Kelly - I've already spend about half an hour reading, and plan to return for more! I love finding out more about the States - I'm such a newbie to travel and American geography. It's going to be an amazing experience to find and explore places in person!
And while part of me believes our son will be just fine while we spend approximately eight months away from him and our home community, another part aches with the thought of it. We casually mentioned something last night about 'considering selling the house', and he just looked so shocked at the idea. And because he is an only child, we really are leaving him to his own devices. He has a few cousins but no-one he is really close to. He also has a new relationship that I could see becoming serious, but there's no guarantees in life, are there? I know I can't have it both ways though - and I can't live my life hovering over and around my son! It's just such a huge, life-changing decision, but that's my struggle to overcome :)
I do believe he will be very happy and excited for us when the time comes to share our news - and that faith helps me stick with our decision and our dream!
Camper Chronicles said
08:20 AM Oct 14, 2015
In Laymans Terms wrote:
Hi again Trace,
I just had to tell you I followed the link to your site and spent the afternoon going through the various menus and topics. What fun!!! I can't get over how I feel like I'm coming to know everyone, without ever having left home. You're an excellent writer and really help bring to life the adventure and challenges of life on the road. Thanks again for commenting on my introductory thread - I''m so glad to have made your acquaintance :)
Thank you so much and I am glad it helped. I had to keep it a secret for job reasons, but wrote it all as it was happening in the hopes I would both remember the experience and help someone else. So glad it did. Getting close to my year anniversary now and in retrospect I am pretty happy with the steps we took to get here. I absolutely love my rig still after all this time, so am so glad we took the time to buy the right thing for us!! So glad we got more truck than we need, that has been a comfort on the steeper grades. I'm glad I didn't jump into picking a home state since I changed my mind three times and it turns out Florida was a pretty good choice. Considering what we knew then I really don't think we could have done anything better. Anyways, thanks for the kind words and good luck!!
Trace
SuzieQ said
06:19 PM Oct 14, 2015
Your blog inspired me! I'm kind of doing the same thing you did with writing for later "publication". Have to keep it under wraps until after I sell the business. Then we can be more "public". We're about 18 mths out. Going to see a TT & a 5th Wheel at an auction this weekend. Early shopping & ideas. We're going to the Tampa supershow in January and hope to start actively shopping after that. It will take a while to find the right unit because of hubby's height (6'7").
ticat900 said
09:30 AM Oct 17, 2015
its extremely easy to spend 7 warm months in BC Canada as I do it all the time. we come home middle part of april and leave nov 2
not sure why you said what u said. If your in your mid fortys and still making truck payments I seriously don't think you can afford this dream quit yet
selling your house to pay off your truck just does not work in my mind but as they say to each their own
In Laymans Terms said
12:50 PM Oct 17, 2015
Ticat, I'm not sure why you are judging our readiness based on one comment regarding our house and truck; while I said we would pay off our truck when the house sold, I didn't say that we needed to sell our house in order to pay off our truck. Thanks to wisely buying the vehicle when 0% financing was available, we were able to keep our money where it was making interest while paying down the loan at no cost to us. Prudent financial management, I'd say?
Being in our mid-forties and "still" making truck payments simply indicates we prefer to - and can afford to - keep our vehicles current.
And since we did not share personal details of our financial status and stability, I question your decision to tell us you don't think we can afford this dream. I do, however, appreciate the feedback, support and constructive comments I've found otherwise in this forum.
PD CFK said
07:55 PM Oct 17, 2015
Nicole, I wish we had become aware of this lifestyle sooner, like you have. We do not wish to go full time because we are 71, and it does not seem right for us. (it seems that a lot of folks are beginning to look for a stix & brix by our age...and yet some are still going strong) But if we were your age...wow! So for us, it is part time and we still enjoy it! Continue with your dream Best wishes, Pat K.
In Laymans Terms said
12:16 PM Oct 18, 2015
Thanks for the encouragement Pat! It's so hard to keep this all to ourselves for now, so this forum is a real joy! Our parents are in their late sixties and early seventies, and we think the same: by that point, we will probably be entering a different phase of life, so if this lifestyle is our goal, it's time to take life by the horns and go for it!
Someday said
02:55 PM Oct 18, 2015
Hey Nicole,
Good for you with doing this whilst you are still young and fit enough to enjoy the best. At a similar stage to you in the process going to FT, albeit we've been into RVing for many many years whilst working, and are slowly edging in to FT and retirement by end 2016. These are a small handful of folks/blogs/forums besides this one we've found helpful in our research process.
SteveandDianne that posted a link to their blog above in Post No 4 went FT on the road in their mid fifties from the Island BC, and I've really enjoyed reading their blog as you might. Steve has very kindly shared much useful "as a Canadian Challenges" info with us as we are of similar age to them now, prep to hit the road FT in a little over a year. There's another Canadian couple www.travelwithKevinandRuth.com who started FT Rving and simple living whilst relatively young, they not only travel around Canada, the USA and Mexico but also overseas and are very frugal in their approach and avid boondockers like ourselves. They also work at a CG in Sask' in the summer months. Sorry I'm not good with links but I think you'll enjoy their detailed accounts including monthly budgets/expenses etc.
There are tons of really useful and interesting websites/blogs written by so many folks we've found of immense interest and value in our planning, in addition of course to the never ending support from many folks on forums like this and RVnetwork.com (Escapees). To name but a few we personally enjoy: Trace of CamperChronicles.com that also posted above has poured her heart into her blog from many open emotional viewpoints, as well so kindly sharing her budget versus actual expenses with her just under first year FTing in the USA and it's challenges. Likewise Bill and Kelly that posted above. Both of these guys giving a wonderful synopsis of starting on the road in recent times and how it's unfolding currently for them = priceless.
Because we personally love being off grid right now in our lives, we avidly follow:
GoneWithTheWynns.com (young couple working on the road full of vim and vigor. Make us wanna do it all just like them = minds willing bodies not!) Technomadia.com (Technical/Internet etc = great resource) Roadslesstraveled.us (Emily & Mark Fagan = wonderful writer/photographer and tips on saving money plus annual comparison expenses 2007 vs 2014) Wheelingit.us - Paul and Nina - Work Campers Part Time Of The Year In The West USA
Favourite RVing Forums for many years: RV-Dreams and RVNetwork.com (personally we can never thank the escapee folks over the years enough for all the help and guidance they've given us on modifications, technical, mechanical and many other issues, that have saved us an arm and a leg financially).
Hope you find some of the above might be a good starting point for you Nicole. Also just as a thought, we here in Alberta have to be present in province at least 5 months of the year to maintain our eligibility for our provincial health care - not sure about Sask' but you may want to check for your peace of mind. Of course we are not sure how they can tell where we are for what periods of time in the country but ....... just saying FWIW.
BoAndRach said
03:33 PM Oct 18, 2015
Hi Nicole,
Welcome! This group is fantastic. All the members are willing to share so much information and experience. It’s amazing.
We’re not yet on the road, but possibly in a similar situation as you. We’re 44/51. I still work but my husband is retired Navy. I’ll keep my job once we hit the road later this year or early next. We haven’t purchased our RV yet, but are closing in fast – plan to pull the trigger next month. We have announced to family and work – it was easier than I thought. Our kiddo is 21 and out on his own. He’s fully entrenched in his own life now, though and isn’t very concerned about our plans, except ensuring that he’ll have a place to sleep when he visits (he’s in the Navy and spends a lot of time at sea).
Anyhow, I can’t offer any advice other than what I’ve learned through my own research, but if you want to chat with someone who might be in about the same place as you with respect to planning, feel free to give a shout.
Enjoy the journey!
Rachael
In Laymans Terms said
06:33 PM Oct 20, 2015
Thanks so much for the amazing wealth of information, Someday - I appreciate the time and effort you took to give me such a great response! I'm looking forward to a solid evening of following links and reading about more Canadians' experiences on the road. The health insurance tip is a real gem - would not have thought to ask if we need to stay in province a certain number of months. So much to learn - but it sure makes the time go by quickly!
And Rachel, I'm thrilled to hear from someone my own age who is also planning for the same kind of future - and an only son, just like us :) The job situation is sure going to be different for us. We will totally quit working, and try to pick up some summer employment when we are back in Saskatchewan from about May to September each year. It's definitely more uncertain, but we have a solid budget worked out and should be okay for at least 15 years. Both our parents are in their late 60s/early 70s, so I can't see being away any longer than that - or even full time during the next decade. Who knows what life brings? Exactly the reason to follow our dreams, sooner than later! I would love to stay in touch, and compare our preparations and experiences during the next year. Have fun!
-- Edited by In Laymans Terms on Monday 2nd of November 2015 10:29:47 PM
jrzygrl64 said
03:49 PM Oct 21, 2015
Someday: thanks for the shout-out and thanks for reading!
In Laymans Terms: Another thought I wanted to share when thinking about your son - you can always have him fly to spend time with you guys whoever you are to shorten the time apart. He would probably LOVE to see some of the USA also! Our son and daughter have both spent time in the rig with us and it's great to get that quality time with them!
In Laymans Terms said
09:38 PM Sep 23, 2016
I'm not sure that anyone will notice the update to this post, already a year old - how can that be? But I am - alternately - thrilled, terrified, ecstatic, terrified, over-the-moon, terrified . . . ;) - to announce that since last year, not only have we decided to chase the dream, we also have:
1. Sold our weekender travel trailer (in August);
2. Sold our house!!!! (in September, with an Oct. 8 possession date - ack!!!);
3. Bought our HOME ON WHEELS!!!!! (today, on the way home from a whirlwind, day-and-a-half trip to the neighbouring province - a new 2015 Bighorn 3685RL);
4. Held a huge garage sale to clear out everything we don't need (today and tomorrow);
5. Told my in-laws about our plan, and received nothing but support and love from them :)
Did I also mention I started a new job in September, and my husband starts a new job in 10 days, and we are moving into said in-laws home by Oct. 7 to house-sit for the winter while they head south, and we are hunting for a new truck with which to pull our new home, and our plan is to hit the road one year from now? I don't even know what to do with all the emotions I process in the course of a day! But we are so ready to do this, and the universe keeps sending supportive messages our way. For instance, at our garage sale tonight, in strolls a fellow from PEI who has been full-timing for four years: lives in PEI for the summer, harvests for a family south of here in the fall, travels to BC for the winter, and reverses the route to seed in the spring on his way back to PEI for the summer. I have NEVER once met or spoken to someone who full times, and the day we buy our trailer to do just that, we meet our first fellow nomad. Coincidence? I think not . . . ;)
Hello from Saskatchewan! We are a mid-forties couple who have taken the plunge from dreaming into action. It was probably a year ago my husband threw out the curveball during a wine-fuelled conversation that he imagined selling it all and living on the road. A year later, we have taken that fleeting thought and turned it into the first stepping stone on the path to our dream life!
About two months ago, we truly began to research full-timing, and found this website - this gift, this unbelievable resource. What a source of information and inspiration! Each week, we learn a little more, and tread further along our path of preparation. I've slowly begun selling bits and pieces of our bricks and sticks lifestyle, and as each item goes out the door and the cash goes into our FTRV savings, we feel closer to each of you.
We have the good fortune to be almost debt-free now; our current truck payments will be taken care of when we sell our home, hopefully in 2016, although the market is really poor in Saskatchewan right now. But we will continue to live by our motto: if it's meant to be . . .
Far and beyond, the hardest thing we have to face is talking to our currently 20-year-old only child and telling him our dream is to travel about eight months of the year, and spend four months back in our home community, likely working to supplement our savings. How do we leave behind a son who has only been on his own for less than two years? It breaks my heart . . .
The second-hardest thing is keeping this whole crazy dream to ourselves for now. We have not told our family or friends, as until our house sells, we just don't want word out there about our plan. There will be enough talk, gossip and nay-sayers to deal with when the time arrives! But it's so hard not to run ideas past my friends or share my excitement about the future. So thank goodness for this forum, because I feel like I could burst some days!
Finally, the third-hardest thing is far more practical than emotional: since we can only stay in the US six months of the year, we have to remain in Canada during our six warmest months. And if you know anything about Canada, it's nearly impossible to experience six warm months! So I'm asking for advice from any fellow northerners about how to cope with camping in Canada as early as April or as late as October.
And for our soon-to-be friends to the south, what about travelling in those same months through the States? Is it warm enough to loiter in any northern areas during October? Is anything open yet in March or April?
I know I've gone beyond a simple introduction, so I'll save the next hundred or so questions for another time and a new thread! I'm looking forward to the pleasure of your company, someday on the road :)
Welcome aboard, Nicole. As a former resident of the GWN I can attest to the short interglacial thawing that masquerades as a growing season each year. It's a bit longer in southern Ontario, so my strategy would be to do the Canadian portion from late April-May through October-early November with emphasis on the southern Ontario or Maritimes regions during the fall before crossing into the USA for the winter. This should get you the six months in Canada you need. You could then follow the moderate days and cool nights down to your winter roost. Reverse the process in Feb or March. October is excellent camping weather here in northern IL, with excellent fall colors (colours... Canadian spelling)
April and May can have wild swings in weather in the northern midwest states from late winter storms to violent spring T-storms, as you no doubt are aware, so I'd be wary of those areas during that time frame and travel the west coast back into Canada. We have not hit the road yet but we plan on several trips around the North American "clock" so to speak... southbound in the east during the fall and northbound in the west during the spring. Avoiding the worst parts of "Tornado Alley" during the peak months of April-early June.
Being debt free in this endeavor (endeavour... Canadian spelling)
will definitely stand you in good stead. Working out out a viable budget will eliminate surprises that you will most certainly encounter.
Can't really comment on the breaking of the news issue and the subsequent "talk, gossip and naysayers". I've never been one to care much about what other people think about what I'm doing. If I feel good about it, it doesn't matter what they say. though I will always listen just in case I've overlooked something. One cannot be so arrogant as to ignore sound advice. It's been my experience that the poo-poo crowd generally are dealing with deficiencies in their own lives and are merely seeking allies to make themselves feel better. Misery loves company as they say.
As to your 20 year old, I have every confidence that you raised him well and he's been on his own for the better part of two years now which suggests he has learned from you how to be independent and master of his own destiny. The beauty of the FT lifestyle is you are portable and, if need be, you can always relocate if you feel the need to be near him if your maternal instincts get the best of you.
(tongue in cheek).
Round these parts you'll find a wealth of information, humor, and friendship from a likeminded community of Dreamers. If you haven't already, check out Howard & Linda's web pages on some of the issues you mentioned, very informative. Let the good times roll!
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 6th of October 2015 06:09:52 AM
Thank you Brian - what a fantastic welcoming response! The former teacher in me (is anyone really a former teacher?) loves your Canadian spelling :)
Your suggestion about how to plan our yearly loop confirms precisely what we were thinking would be required to split the year 50-50. We also envision a down-and-up the west coast some years. I wondered if central US would be as challenging as central Canada and it sounds like it is just that! I'm terrified of storms so I will do everything possible to avoid them at all cost.
We have anticipated people's response to our eventual news and don't mind at all what they might think of us. Right now it's more job security and the ability to sell our home that we are concerned about protecting. That's life in a community of 2000! We love this town but the idea of the wide-open road and all there is to see in these glorious countries is too strong a draw ...
Thank you for your comments about our son; they help put a wee bit of my mind at ease! I will continue working on the rest of it - haha!
Although we never heard anything negative from friends and family about our full timing lifestyle many do envy us...it's not for everyone.
Good luck with your planning!
Hi and Welcome,
We are also in out 40's , kept it a secret, and left children so I can totally relate. First, the kids will be fine. I was super worried, but in the end it seems to have given them a push to take control of their own lives, since they know the mom and dad safety net is somewhat gone. I think this is a good thing!! It was extremely hard for me to keep it a secret but VERY necessary for work and family dynamics. We told (in order) the kids, our parents, Lee's work, then my work. This was based really on who we would trust not to completely burst our bubble. In retrospect I am very glad we were cautious in sharing. Some reactions will be negative and the more solidified your plan is the easier it is to deal with those objections. During that time I absolutely used this forum, because it was the only place I felt I could really tell the truth. If you have a chance I really recommend going to a rally. You can develop deeper relationships with the folks who go their and that will provide a support system for you as you work through the journey.
In any event welcome! We are 10 months on the road and I do not regret our decision at all. It's been a whirlwind, but the most amazing 10 months of my life.
Trace
Nicole,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forum "family." As you've already discovered before joining, there are lots of folks here to "help you along" with ideas and suggestions. Feel free to ask questions, and there are no "dumb" questions. The only "dumb" ones are those that don't get asked, and thus, don't get answered. Unanswered questions can lead to expensive or time consuming experiences.
I'll agree with the others that at 20, I suspect your son is independent enough to be able to get along on his own. If needs be, there is always Skype, phone calls, and e-mails.
As for the idea of "hearing from others," don't let the "barking dogs" deter you. (For an explanation of that phrase, see this link: Pioneers Take the Arrows."
Good luck with your research, downsizing, and planning. Above all else, have fun with it all.
Terry
Dianne and Steve, thanks for the input on BC. I've only been there once as a teenager so that was too many years ago! The interior sounds like heaven :)
And TrailerKing, perhaps we can commiserate about Saskatchewan winters sometime around a campfire in the warm south!
Terry, I feel like I'm getting to know you already! I've enjoyed reading your posts in other threads. You have a great deal of knowledge, practicality and common-sense advice to share and I look forward to staying in touch!
Hi again Trace,
I just had to tell you I followed the link to your site and spent the afternoon going through the various menus and topics. What fun!!! I can't get over how I feel like I'm coming to know everyone, without ever having left home. You're an excellent writer and really help bring to life the adventure and challenges of life on the road. Thanks again for commenting on my introductory thread - I''m so glad to have made your acquaintance :)
We're doing some work on the house (paint, remodel a bath) that would be needed even if we weren't selling.
After my business sells, we can work on reducing stuff, finding a condo (permanent address, place to store family antiques, place to stay when we come back 2-3 times a year to check on hubby's family), buying TT, buying truck. Whew!!
A lot to do and I keep hearing a clock ticking.
The first person we told was our 19 year old daughter who was away at school but planning on living at home until she graduated. We got her an apartment, but I will say she wasn't thrilled by what we were doing. She understood, but was just not happy about us leaving.
We didn't tell many others, mostly because we didn't want to hear " did you get any offers on the house yet?" 8 million times. We had no idea how long it would take to sell. We were "lucky" that we sold it in 2 months. Moved everything out- put everything in storage- walked into work and told them we were leaving. I felt bad. I'd get questions like "so you are gonna sell your house?" Nope, sold it. Closed already. Don't own it. " you're going to move into a trailer?" Nope, ALREADY moved into a trailer. Some people were actually miffed because we had had 2 garage sales and they would have liked some of our stuff.
My work friends thought it was amazing that I kept the secret, and thought it was funny that after working all day I had to then move stuff into storage, then on my lunch break the next day go for my usual 2 mile walk with my friends and pretend I wasn't totally exhausted.
It WAS all stressful trying to get all the timing to work, but we never waffled in our decision to go full time. We had a great 6 years and now will be getting our stuff OUT of storage because we are building a winter home in AZ.
Like Lee and Trace, we have not regretted our decision one bit. I would suggest two things: First: attend one of Howard and Linda's rallies, as you will gain a personal support group and learn a ton of stuff. Second, keep reading blogs, as there is a wealth of information in them.
Keep positive and have fun!
Jim
To my fellow Canadians, happy upcoming Thanksgiving weekend!
We are full-timers from Northern Saskatchewan ( 70 KM NE of Lloydminster) since 2009.
We own 10 acres beside our only daughter and 2 grandchildren as a home base (NO house yet)
We leave in October 15 to 30th every year since 2009 and return to Saskatchewan on April 15th or so. We enjoy seeing the spring from the last of the snow melting to the late fall and the first lasting snowfall. This year the weather looks great so we may not leave until the end of October. This year we plan to follow the Mississippi river down until we get far enough south and then travel to Arizona for December 1st reservation for 4 months. So our plans are to take 4 to 6 weeks to get to Arizona then we take a minimum for 2 week to get back to Saskatchewan in April.
We have traveled to Florida, Texas (Twice) and California for the winter, but prefer Arizona. (Personal Preference)
We are very happy with our travels and hope you enjoy this lifestyle as well.
Terry and Terry Meyers and our dog ( TnT, Blue's Roadies )
2005 3907 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher
Toad 2006 Honda CR-V (we need to replace)
We replaced our 2002 Honda CR-V with a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and like it. Ours was made in Ontario, but I do not know if the current Equinox is still made in Canada.
Thanks for the Info on your new TOAD
tnt
I've been blogging since May 2014, starting about 3 1/2 months from before we closed on our house. I also have pages that describe how we came to make our decisions along the way (up to the point that the actual blog picks up). If you think it could help you out - take a look.
bkamericanodyssey.com
Good luck in your planning!
Hey there Lloydminster! Thanks for letting us know there are others from Saskatchewan also living the dream :) We are spending the Thanksgiving weekend with family and it's SO hard not to spill the beans! I look forward to sharing more with everyone here once we can properly introduce ourselves. Thanks for your post!
And while part of me believes our son will be just fine while we spend approximately eight months away from him and our home community, another part aches with the thought of it. We casually mentioned something last night about 'considering selling the house', and he just looked so shocked at the idea. And because he is an only child, we really are leaving him to his own devices. He has a few cousins but no-one he is really close to. He also has a new relationship that I could see becoming serious, but there's no guarantees in life, are there? I know I can't have it both ways though - and I can't live my life hovering over and around my son! It's just such a huge, life-changing decision, but that's my struggle to overcome :)
I do believe he will be very happy and excited for us when the time comes to share our news - and that faith helps me stick with our decision and our dream!
Thank you so much and I am glad it helped. I had to keep it a secret for job reasons, but wrote it all as it was happening in the hopes I would both remember the experience and help someone else. So glad it did. Getting close to my year anniversary now and in retrospect I am pretty happy with the steps we took to get here. I absolutely love my rig still after all this time, so am so glad we took the time to buy the right thing for us!! So glad we got more truck than we need, that has been a comfort on the steeper grades. I'm glad I didn't jump into picking a home state since I changed my mind three times and it turns out Florida was a pretty good choice. Considering what we knew then I really don't think we could have done anything better. Anyways, thanks for the kind words and good luck!!
Trace
not sure why you said what u said. If your in your mid fortys and still making truck payments I seriously don't think you can afford this dream quit yet
selling your house to pay off your truck just does not work in my mind but as they say to each their own
Being in our mid-forties and "still" making truck payments simply indicates we prefer to - and can afford to - keep our vehicles current.
And since we did not share personal details of our financial status and stability, I question your decision to tell us you don't think we can afford this dream. I do, however, appreciate the feedback, support and constructive comments I've found otherwise in this forum.
Good for you with doing this whilst you are still young and fit enough to enjoy the best. At a similar stage to you in the process going to FT, albeit we've been into RVing for many many years whilst working, and are slowly edging in to FT and retirement by end 2016. These are a small handful of folks/blogs/forums besides this one we've found helpful in our research process.
SteveandDianne that posted a link to their blog above in Post No 4 went FT on the road in their mid fifties from the Island BC, and I've really enjoyed reading their blog as you might. Steve has very kindly shared much useful "as a Canadian Challenges" info with us as we are of similar age to them now, prep to hit the road FT in a little over a year. There's another Canadian couple www.travelwithKevinandRuth.com who started FT Rving and simple living whilst relatively young, they not only travel around Canada, the USA and Mexico but also overseas and are very frugal in their approach and avid boondockers like ourselves. They also work at a CG in Sask' in the summer months. Sorry I'm not good with links but I think you'll enjoy their detailed accounts including monthly budgets/expenses etc.
There are tons of really useful and interesting websites/blogs written by so many folks we've found of immense interest and value in our planning, in addition of course to the never ending support from many folks on forums like this and RVnetwork.com (Escapees). To name but a few we personally enjoy: Trace of CamperChronicles.com that also posted above has poured her heart into her blog from many open emotional viewpoints, as well so kindly sharing her budget versus actual expenses with her just under first year FTing in the USA and it's challenges. Likewise Bill and Kelly that posted above. Both of these guys giving a wonderful synopsis of starting on the road in recent times and how it's unfolding currently for them = priceless.
Because we personally love being off grid right now in our lives, we avidly follow:
GoneWithTheWynns.com (young couple working on the road full of vim and vigor. Make us wanna do it all just like them = minds willing bodies not!)
Technomadia.com (Technical/Internet etc = great resource)
Roadslesstraveled.us (Emily & Mark Fagan = wonderful writer/photographer and tips on saving money plus annual comparison expenses 2007 vs 2014)
Wheelingit.us - Paul and Nina - Work Campers Part Time Of The Year In The West USA
Favourite RVing Forums for many years: RV-Dreams and RVNetwork.com (personally we can never thank the escapee folks over the years enough for all the help and guidance they've given us on modifications, technical, mechanical and many other issues, that have saved us an arm and a leg financially).
Hope you find some of the above might be a good starting point for you Nicole. Also just as a thought, we here in Alberta have to be present in province at least 5 months of the year to maintain our eligibility for our provincial health care - not sure about Sask' but you may want to check for your peace of mind. Of course we are not sure how they can tell where we are for what periods of time in the country but ....... just saying FWIW.
Welcome! This group is fantastic. All the members are willing to share so much information and experience. It’s amazing.
We’re not yet on the road, but possibly in a similar situation as you. We’re 44/51. I still work but my husband is retired Navy. I’ll keep my job once we hit the road later this year or early next. We haven’t purchased our RV yet, but are closing in fast – plan to pull the trigger next month. We have announced to family and work – it was easier than I thought. Our kiddo is 21 and out on his own. He’s fully entrenched in his own life now, though and isn’t very concerned about our plans, except ensuring that he’ll have a place to sleep when he visits (he’s in the Navy and spends a lot of time at sea).
Anyhow, I can’t offer any advice other than what I’ve learned through my own research, but if you want to chat with someone who might be in about the same place as you with respect to planning, feel free to give a shout.
Enjoy the journey!
Rachael
Thanks so much for the amazing wealth of information, Someday - I appreciate the time and effort you took to give me such a great response! I'm looking forward to a solid evening of following links and reading about more Canadians' experiences on the road. The health insurance tip is a real gem - would not have thought to ask if we need to stay in province a certain number of months. So much to learn - but it sure makes the time go by quickly!
And Rachel, I'm thrilled to hear from someone my own age who is also planning for the same kind of future - and an only son, just like us :) The job situation is sure going to be different for us. We will totally quit working, and try to pick up some summer employment when we are back in Saskatchewan from about May to September each year. It's definitely more uncertain, but we have a solid budget worked out and should be okay for at least 15 years. Both our parents are in their late 60s/early 70s, so I can't see being away any longer than that - or even full time during the next decade. Who knows what life brings? Exactly the reason to follow our dreams, sooner than later! I would love to stay in touch, and compare our preparations and experiences during the next year. Have fun!
-- Edited by In Laymans Terms on Monday 2nd of November 2015 10:29:47 PM
In Laymans Terms: Another thought I wanted to share when thinking about your son - you can always have him fly to spend time with you guys whoever you are to shorten the time apart. He would probably LOVE to see some of the USA also! Our son and daughter have both spent time in the rig with us and it's great to get that quality time with them!
1. Sold our weekender travel trailer (in August);
2. Sold our house!!!! (in September, with an Oct. 8 possession date - ack!!!);
3. Bought our HOME ON WHEELS!!!!! (today, on the way home from a whirlwind, day-and-a-half trip to the neighbouring province - a new 2015 Bighorn 3685RL);
4. Held a huge garage sale to clear out everything we don't need (today and tomorrow);
5. Told my in-laws about our plan, and received nothing but support and love from them :)
Did I also mention I started a new job in September, and my husband starts a new job in 10 days, and we are moving into said in-laws home by Oct. 7 to house-sit for the winter while they head south, and we are hunting for a new truck with which to pull our new home, and our plan is to hit the road one year from now? I don't even know what to do with all the emotions I process in the course of a day! But we are so ready to do this, and the universe keeps sending supportive messages our way. For instance, at our garage sale tonight, in strolls a fellow from PEI who has been full-timing for four years: lives in PEI for the summer, harvests for a family south of here in the fall, travels to BC for the winter, and reverses the route to seed in the spring on his way back to PEI for the summer. I have NEVER once met or spoken to someone who full times, and the day we buy our trailer to do just that, we meet our first fellow nomad. Coincidence? I think not . . . ;)
Trace