RVing. The Feel of the Open Road

RVing in Canada

As a tribute to Canada’s 150^th celebration, we would like to share with you our article that was published last year by the National Federation of Federal Retirees.  I can’t think of a better way to explore our great country and meet our friendly people than in an RV.

Ah! The Feel of the Open Road

The freedom to stay or the freedom to go, the freedom to explore or the freedom to move on — I’m talking motorhomes, not motorcycles. I fell in love with RVing almost 30 years ago when our walkabout in Australia turned into a “ride about” in New Zealand.

You see, a few months earlier, in what was both a very brave decision and a complete leap of faith, my wife and I sold our house and set out with our two young daughters to explore the Pacific Rim. En route, we stayed in a condo in Hawaii and a resort in Fiji. In Australia, we camped or stayed in caravan parks, hostels and the occasional hotel, but it wasn’t until we scored a motorhome in Auckland that I finally felt that I had a home away from home.

The cry “Allons!” — a single word that translates as “Let’s go!” — opens many of the stanzas in Walt Whitman’s poem Song of the Open Road. His story celebrates the out-of-doors, and the road in particular, as a place where people can come together in a meaningful way — where status matters less and the experience matters more. I believe that is also the mantra of the folks we have met who take off in their RVs to see friends and return to familiar places or, alternatively, satisfy their wanderlust.

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7 Tips for Travelling Solo

7 Tips for Travelling Solo – by Jane Finn

On a recent trip to the East Coast, I found myself at loose ends while Dave attended a conference, so I hopped in the car and headed out on my own to explore PEI and then the Cabot Trail. Some people I met thought I was very ‘brave,’ I didn’t think so, and others said how much they wish they could do the same. Let me assure you that with a little planning and the right attitude; anyone can have a great time, travelling the road, solo.

Unplug and enjoy the solitude

Walk the beach, hike a trail, climb a lighthouse or stop at a lookout and take a picture. When you’re solo, you can appreciate the beauty of your surroundings and stay as long as it takes to feel relaxed and at peace with yourself.

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Four on the Shore – Golf in Yarmouth Nova Scotia

Four on the Shore … Plus More! Yarmouth, NS Canada by Dave Finn

Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores are located at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia, stretching north along the world famous Bay of Fundy in Clare County to East Pubnico and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. For centuries the sea has been the mainstay of this economy and continues to influence all aspects of life here including the golf. Blessed with the longest golf season on the Atlantic Coast this region, believe it or not, has one of the best climates in Canada due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream. The area is also rich in heritage, culture and community spirit that begs to be explored after a round or two.

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Golf RVing the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton NS

Born to be Wild – Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia Canada by Dave Finn

Cape Breton NS – Even if you don’t remember the 60’s***, you’ll probably recognize the riff and some of the lyrics to the song “Born to be Wild” by legendary Canadian rock band, Steppenwolf.  This timeless classic soundtrack was made famous in Peter Fonda’s “Easy Rider” and continues to encourage us in movies trailers, TV shows and advertising to want to hit that open road once more. 

Get your motor runnin’…Head out on the highway…Lookin’ for adventure…And whatever comes our way…Born to be wild…

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