Exploring Canada by vehicle – what I’ve wanted to do for years and now I am living that reality!
There are some awesome things about living on the road with your partner, and some challenges. You can’t escape tough times (inconveniences, problems to solve, feeling off) no matter if you are on the road or in your comfortable home. I’ll share my experience here, but before we get into it, I wanted to reflect on the human tendency to avert ourselves from unpleasant situations and grasp toward pleasurable situations. With these types of cravings (for more or for different), one never accepts the present moment as it is. A different mindset would be to just notice and observe (without attachment) as all experiences come and go. Imagine how we would feel if we did more of this – less reactivity for sure. Ever since learning about this concept in a mindfulness meditation course, I’ve been noticing it within myself at times.
The challenges:
-> So many decisions to make
With the large amount of unfamiliar ground that we are covering, we make a lot of decisions in a day. We must plan to ensure our basic needs are met and to see and do what we want in that area. Generally, we plan so that things go smoothly without backtracking. Sometimes though, even with planning and coordinating, unforeseen issues pop up leading to frustrations or less time for relaxing. We experienced this a few times in Moncton, New Brunswick.
-> Exposed to the elements
Wind, downpours of rain, thunderstorms, swarms of mosquitos (while you’re cooking even!), intense heat… we’ve experienced it and slept in it!
-> No washroom on board
Well you can imagine what this means. A wee crouch when there is no one around, Tim Hortons and the like, or public washrooms. Actually, this isn’t too bothersome for us. Except when you have to go REALLY bad and have to hold it…
-> Finding water fill ups
We have 29L of water storage plus 2.5L in water bottles. When that gets low, we look for free/ public water fill ups. This was easy in Quebec but a lot harder in New Brunswick and PEI. In Moncton, the only place we could find for water was the Superstore Garden Center! If we absolutely need water and there is nothing available, then we have to buy water from the store which I strongly dislike doing. Not only because we should all be reducing our plastic use but also because I believe that water is a right and should be free to the public!
-> Finding your park up for the night, each night
Yup! We have apps that help us with this and some spots are better than others. Actually, this isn’t really a challenge… I find it super fun! Especially when its light out until 2200h.
-> Spending 24/7 with each other
Okay, spending all day everyday with anyone would lead to little tiffs and mild irritability. Luckily, we only feel this way occasionally and we work through it quickly, coming back to our deep love for each other. Ultimately, we are both stoked to be doing this and want to enjoy it with each other.
-> Small space management
There are certain items we have packed that are only accessible when other bins or items move out of the way. This is only frustrating when its raining outside, muddy, or extremely hot. Today, we (Aidan) installed a rear cargo carrier so our storage capabilities and organization should improve.
-> Finding recycling and compost
Not an issue at all in Quebec. Huge challenge in New Brunswick. There is very limited recycling opportunties and even less compost opportunities. This leads to us often “wish-cycling” (putting things in the recycling in hopes it will actually be recycled, but it very well might not for a variety of reasons). And yes, we keep a compost bag in the van! It’s one of the best things you can do for a positive environmental impact.
-> Saying goodbye to people and places
We’ve met some people that I would have loved to keep chatting with and getting to know. Places that we could’ve spent more time… but on we must go to be back in Hamilton by October!
Well these tough moments are really just moments. They seem to go away as fast as they arrived. Maybe that’s because of how quick our lives are moving or because I’m good at moving on. Maybe both!
The awesome parts…
-> Everything you need
There is no better way of traveling then having everything you need (and most things you could want) with you at all times.
-> You never know when…
…you’ll meet someone cool or learn something or discover something. It could be just down that road!
-> A lot of time outside
What a comparison to the many moments I have spent sitting at my desk at work in a climate controlled building, just wishing I could go outside to hangout or do an activity.
Spending all or most of my time outside, I definitely feel more relaxed and happy (though this could also be because I am no longer working a stressful job). Regardless, I am hoping my attunement to nature and the environment will continue to grow. I would love to interpret nature’s cues to know when rain or storm are coming for example).
-> Experiencing natural beauty everyday
We did this to see Canada’s natural beauty! I am continually surprised at the varied landscape: dense forests, many waterfalls, striking coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, meadows and marshes, mud flats, strong waves, long tide distances, old rock formations, red rock, red sand…
-> Seeing other ways of living
Based on the community, environment, culture… Taking the time to note the similarities amongst the differences.
–>Freedom!
We are playing the long game. We deal with a few inconveniences and struggles for the long term benefit of experiencing Canada’s people and places at our own pace. I am so grateful for this experience.
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