“I won’t trade for nothing the life that we built” Dan & Shay
This post is dedicated to Clint.
I want to give a public, heartfelt and sincere Thank You to my husband and best friend.
If you know Clint, you know he’s not one to want or need the accolades and certainly doesn’t like being in the public eye. But…too bad, this one you deserve.
Thank you for having the bucket list dream of driving across North America. It was on your list, not mine. But, shortly after we started talking about it, it went onto my list too.
You drove thousands of miles across Canada and the USA, hauling our tiny home, repairing what needed to be fixed, MacGyvering the trailer to become my gym, flushing and filling tanks and dumping our shit 😂, and making sure we were always safe on the road. You learned more about RVing than the average person so you could get us to all our destinations safely. You spent countless hours researching and reading to find the coolest spots, fun things to do and unique places to stay.
And…you did this all for us. From the depths of my heart, THANK YOU. The memories we created will be forever cherished and relived for years to come. You are my bestie and I am fortunate to have lived this dream with you. I’m excited to see what other shenanigans we can get into in the years ahead 😜!
“I hope you had the time of your life” Greenday
“And maybe our brightest days still wait for us in the unknown” Josh Groban
Well here we are, 174 days (5 months, 3 weeks), later returning to our homeland of Canada. Despite our incredible adventure and amazing shenanigans, we couldn’t be happier to cross that border to what we call “home”. We put on 30,547 km on our truck and 21,648 km on our tiny home in 10 months 🤯 — travelled across two countries, crossed too many landscapes to name, touched our toes in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans within 6 months, met a schwack of people through Harvest Host, and saw more than our minds can remember (that’s where this blog will come in handy). We’ve done more than the average person does on any vacation and have deep routed memories of our favorite places. Living in a tiny trailer, we grew closer together as a couple, and our friendship is stronger than we anticipated. We’ve missed our kids and sweet Zoey as well as numerous family & friends. We are excited to continue bouncing around to see what tomorrow will bring to our lives. Yes, we would do it all over again…but perhaps we’ll wait for at least 4 years 😉. Thanks to everyone for inviting us onto your phone, tablet, iPad or computer and travelling along with us on our journey. I hope we entertained you, made you laugh and inspired you to get off your keester and go see what beauty lies around the globe.
When we started this journey, we had no idea what we would encounter, how we would survive tiny home living, what challenges we would face along the way or even how to be full-time RVers! We didn’t know if we’d grow closer together or want to throttle each other after 10 days!
We survived it all and wouldn’t change a thing – well maybe we wouldn’t have hit that damn bird in Manitoba 😜. Here’s a glimpse at some of the ‘unexpected’ that happened along the way:
MANITOBA – Of all the things, we were lucky enough to somehow have a large bird hit our passenger windshield window frame and then fly over the truck box and hit the front of our trailer…what the??? It left a permanent indent that will be a story to tell the next owners!
QUEBEC CITY – In a bit of a rush to get out of the RV park before check-out time, we left our nice (expensive) camper wheel chocks behind…you’re welcome to the next RVer who snatched those babies up!
NASHVILLE – Backing down a driveway in the dark proved to be not such a good plan as we sustained a leaky trailer roof…but didn’t notice it until we reached New Orleans where we had quite a bit of rain. Yes, we had bowls collecting the drips inside the trailer 😯. Lacking RV roof repair tape, roof repair calking did the job!
STONY PLAIN – Flying home for Christmas was amazing…well except for Clint’s Christmas Colonoscopy 🤣. It all turned out well, and at least he got to prep before Christmas!
MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK – Packing up to leave our campsite at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, TX, we noticed the passenger side rear tire was flat. A quick pump to fill it up then limped it over to the tire repair shop…them Mexicans had it fixed wicked fast, and for only $20 – boom!
TEXAS SOMEWHERE??? CLOSE TO VAN HORN – Pushing the gas tank limits we trusted Destiny (aka our GPS – get it 😜), who led us astray and we almost ran out of gas 🤦. We made it to the nearest gas station with just under 10 km to empty left in the tank!
BIKE REPAIR – New brakes for Leanne’s bike in Austin, TX and a patch kit for Clint’s bike tire in Apache Junction, AZ; can’t be without our bikes!
LOWER GRAND CANYON – We were super stoked to explore the bottom of the Grand Canyon and it was amazing and super cool. Except for the flat tire we found just before we left. Good thing Clint packed that little air pump!! This was bad enough, now add in sandflies from hell! So….many….bites!!! Got the tire fixed in Williams the next day. As for the sandfly bites, those damn things lingered on for weeks.
FLAGSTAFF – While we thought we’d escape the snow, we awoke to a skiff of the white stuff on the day we were leaving Flagstaff…time to get outta dodge!
ANTELOPE CANYON – One of those strange things of being at the wrong place in time. Leaving Antelope Canyon, AZ, a box full of floor mats flew out of the back of a guy’s truck and came straight for us; hit the driver’s side front bumper and pushed the quarter panel back. The bastard didn’t even apologize 😠. No need for a body shop tho, a couple of screws loosened and a push back, Clint had it all fixed up at our next stop in Las Vegas.
TEHACHAPI – Well we certainly didn’t expect a bloody snowstorm on this trip. We encountered a wicked storm at the summit of the Tehachapi mountains and had to put the truck in four wheel drive to avoid sliding all over the place. Craaaaazzzzzyyy!
Even tho we endured all those things we were fortunate to have narrowly missed an airport shut down after Christmas in Atlanta, GA due to a snowstorm, a crazy snowstorm in Pensacola, FL; a nasty snow dump in both San Antonio & Houston, TX; tornados in both Tennessee & Mississippi; and triple digit temperatures in Death Valley, CA!!!🙆. We got da horse shoes up our asses!!!
“Time Don’t let it slip away Raise your drinking glass Here’s to yesterday”
We had a wonderfully warm travel day that took us across the border into Oregon. Our first night was a boondock night at the Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville. From there we headed further north and bunked down for 5 days at the Columbia River RV Resort. On day one we took a nice long, albeit rainy, bike ride along the Columbia river. The rest of the time in Portland was dedicated to visiting with family. We shared in some lovely visits, kid play time, rock painting, and had a wonderful time. Moving further north, after a 5 hour drive, we settled at the KOA in Leavenworth, a cute little Bavarian styled village in the cascade mountains – pretty cool place to visit. We stayed only a couple nights, chilled and toured around, and took in some “German” culture.
“Hold onto memories, Hold onto every moment”
Distrubed
Here we come Oregon!An adult bevy at the Seven Feathers CasinoWe have different ideas of fun 😜Our sweet camping spot at Columbia River RV Park, OregonAnd a welcome rainbow!!Crossed this bad boy to get a glimpse of Washington State That’s a long-assed bridgeNo statue is safe when I’m aroundA 22 km. slightly chilly ride……on the Waterfront Renaissance TrailWell now that’s not very nice 😜Made it to the end of the trailDammit…got caught in the Portland rain!🤣🤣🤣Got to watch the kidlets for a night ❤️Rosie is happy to be outsideSnuggles with Jasper I bet you do!Movie night!!!A next day family walk at Powell Butte Nature ParkAnd a pit stop at Level BeerZoom in on #12 😂Last day with the famjam – rock painting!The results are awesome!Oh Felix 🤣Off to our last state!!Lovely snow-capped mountains along the driveA special toast on April 1 to 3 years since Clint’s retirement 🤯Our views from our campsiteWelcome to a little bit of GermanyThe dancers came out and played music – coolI get the opportunity wherever I go 😜Touristy, but cute villageYes I asked random strangers to fill the gaps!Like a German styled BanffFancy Gingerbread housesSticker street artA Post Office and a Saloon…genius!Our first pub stop……and a quick pinball game of courseBathroom humor, and…fact!All buildings and trees are strung with lightsAnother pub stopIt was chicken & spinach…and so much mustard 😋A German Selfie 😂Ok, last pub stop!Even the goats aren’t safeThe Wenatchee River
After our Alien encounter at Area 51, we headed straight to Death Valley. Very well named as it is one of the hottest places in the world during summer & is quite barren. Thankfully we had lovely temps albeit a bit windy. We boondocked at a place called “The Pads” which used to be an RV park, but now just the cement pads are left. Still, incredibly peaceful and totally off-grid…it was glorious! Took in some easy hikes and saw some cool rock formations. Making our way towards the west coast we encountered some beautiful scenery and an unexpected snow storm near Tehachapi. Stayed a couple nights in Bakersfield to plan the last leg of our journey, then off to Lodi for a night at Harmony Wynelands, a Harvest Host. We swung into Napa Valley along our way, cuz…why wouldn’t you – it’s wine country. Hung out on St. Patrick’s Day downtown Napa in our greenest clothes we own (spoiler alert – it was rider gear 🤣) and found a pub for some green beer…of course! Carried on and spent a night at the Home Depot parking lot in Ukiah. Off to Trinidad for a few nights to take in the Redwood Forest (heads up…lots of tree pics below 👇; we couldn’t help ourselves; the redwoods are absolutely amazing). We would highly recommend a visit to the forest; an adventure you will love! Moving further north to Crescent City for a few nights at the Redwood RV Resort, more glorious nature and great forest & ocean hikes. It was spectacular!
“So take the photographs and still frames in your mind, Hang it on the shelf in good health and good times” Greenday
Welcome to California!#peacefulThe lowest point in North AmericaThat’s the Sea Level sign – 282 feet upLooked like an ice fishing hole – except it was 26°Very unique salt flat The wind was nuts!Next up!You can walk under, not overStill pretty neat#coolOk, let’s go!Various colors due to minerals in the rocksPastel pinkA pit stop at Death Valley Inn – an oasis in the desert!Oh, a tunnel you say? Yes please!Just a kid in a tunnel!Last stop – Zabriskie PointLooked like sand dunesMy world is amazing!I think he’s lost 😜Farewell Death Valley, you have your beauty!Ok wait, what? Both of these are in California 🤯!What the??? At the summit in TehachapiCaught the blood moon on March 13Enjoying happy hour at our RV park in Bakersfield!Our Harvest Host, Harmony Wynelands in LodiSupporting our Harvest HostThe organ inside & the pipes behind the door!Off to Napa Valley for a few hoursThe only kind of quilting I like!Riverfront Promenade A man by a fishNot sure he was pleased by my gesture 😜Mosaic ArtI love palm trees!Two kids hanging on a bridgeOh yes, definitely green beers on St. Patrick’s Day!Leaving NapaA drive down the Avenue of Giants, south of TrinidadSunroof pic of the canopySide road corn cob photo op 🤣First hike of the dayHoly shitballs these trees are huge Doing yoga poses by treesA man by giant tree rootsTwo kids playing in a forestWell now, this is interesting 🤔I seriously couldn’t help myselfDo trees have balls?Being silly in a tree The Immortal TreeA side trip to climb the Girdled TreeNext up, the Rockefeller Loop TrailIf a tree falls in the forest……does anybody hear?Hahaha…vagina trees 😂A girl, hanging out on a bridgeThe magnitude is incredible reallyEnded the day with some bevies & pizza in FerndaleDay 2 was a beach exploring daySome crazy Canadian photo bombed my selfie!Fresh water meets the oceanFound us a trailViews from the trailLook out at the topTaking it all in!Memorial honouring those lost at seaCool pier selfiesOur views on the way to Crescent CityDay 1: A short, rainy drive for more hikingNewton B. Scenic ParkwayA wet hike down the Karl Knapp Trail I tried climbing 😂…going under is easier!Fun in the treesSuper lush, but oh so wet!Bridges are always cool!The Corkscrew TreeThe Big Tree: 286′ tall & 74.5′ circumference 😳An elk antler lodged in a tree…crazy! 😯A narrow, winding road to get to the 8.4 km Fern Falls HikeTree roots growing along the fallen treeUnder and over we goFunky tree roots & fungiI made it up this slippery slopeSelfie by a river!Must be flexible for this terrainOver trees, through trees & over bridges!Ah…a nice photo by awesome waterfalls ❤️Beautiful sunshine on The Grove of the Titans TrailSilly kids doing silly thingsAlways tickle the nuts… always 😂Next day: a narrow, winding road to the Leiffer Loop & Ellsworth TrailYikes…getting a little wet amongst some big-ass treesJust a girl playing in some giant treesWalking thru some trees pondering lifeTaking a forest selfieNext up: Walked a very small portion of the trailJust down to Enderts BeachStunning viewsA dude chillin on some rocksEnjoying the ocean wavesSearching for ocean thingys in the tide poolsSea Anemone & an Ochre Sea StarA ‘Farewell to the Redwood Forest’ bonfire, bevies & BBQThe power of Mother Nature – be kind to it!
We got outta dodge (a.k.a. northern Arizona) just in time as the weather was turning to shit. A long day’s drive through wind, rain & snow (albeit some lovely mountainous scenery) and a quick dip into Utah, brought us to the Las Vegas RV resort where we bunked down for a week. We went kayaking down the Colorado River to Emerald Cave on day 1. The paddle to it was a bit crazy with some wind, so we definitely got in our workout! The cave was slightly underwhelming, but it turned out to be a great day in glorious sunshine, so all was not lost. We took the local bus (cuz we’re cheap like that, but also you get to see a lot on a local bus route) to downtown Fremont Street. Hung out, lost $10 gambling, and took in a bit of the Tony Marques Band concert. Clint had some cheap beer, while I decided it would be a good idea to give my kidneys up for a gin & tonic 😆 (note to future self, ask the price before they pour)! Had some grub and headed off to the Strip for a bit of a walk around and an evening show at the Luxor. It was short & sweet and warm!
“The story’s yours, go write it, tomorrow’s undecided”
Josh Groban
A quick dip into Utah on the way!
Snowy mountains near Kanab, Utah
Here we come Vegas!Wicked rain clouds just outside of VegasChillaxin’ at the RV ResortOur first stop!Cuz who wouldn’t want to stop here!Pimped out golf cartHorny Mike’s pride!The Count’s wheels😆Very uniquely madeSeriously cool place😎Day 2 out for a windy but warm paddle down Colorado RiverAqua waters were so coolEmerald CaveVery smallOne of our happy placesAnd a pit stop on the way back to VegasThe incredible Hoover DamCompleted in 1935Walking on the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial BridgeThe bridge spans from Nevada to Arizona Oh, and a Lamborghini, cuz…cool!On our way back to Vegas from the Hoover DamOff to walk the famous streetThe shit people do for money!Having some fun with the locals 🤣Enjoying the music & some bevysThis bad boy cost $20 USD 😳 ($29.00 CDN 😭)…At least it was yummy!Always like the nice bums!Display of old slot machines – 1960sIt really is something to see Over to the Strip we go!Paris Las Vegas – just cuz it was cool Oh dear!! 🙈Of course we saw a tittie show – duh!The famous spot near Amargosa ValleyWith a brothel attached of course 😂I got the two for one deal!
The Funner's Travelling Shenanigans 