Diary published weekly since 2001
RV FIRES
A day does not go by that I do not hear about another RV fire – either they are reported on a Google RV Alert that I receive every day OR from a first hand report I relay below. (Google Alerts are newspaper RV stories from around North America so the situations are not abundant, but one is too many).
Some fires are from leaking fluids and others are as a result of flat tires or a few from tires/brakes that need changing. An RV friend Lorne plus other friends Trudy and Rod relayed a story about a Fifth Wheel that caught fire in their park in southwestern Ontario.
How it Happened?
The people left their RV to go for supper and on return, their 2-year old unit was engulfed in flames. First suspect was from suspicious causes, but after a thorough inspection, the fire marshal determined that the lead crystal decoration hanging in their window – with the help of the sun – set fire to their ‘scotch-guarded’ rug.
I have heard of this happening in the past and a warning is even in the Tips Section of my book and e-books but I had never heard of it up close and personal. RVers, please become fire conscious in your travels. Book an annual propane check and reinforce that your smoke detectors plus CO and propane monitors are working. If these devices need batteries, why not change them during spring/fall time changes?
Thankfully the insurance replaced their Fifth and the park residents held a ‘fund-raiser pot-luck’ – they are heading south for the winter. This story had a happy ending but become fire aware and ensure you make regular maintenance appointments.
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PROMOS for Week of 06 October Issue 40
Diary published weekly since 2001
BUYING NEW OR PRE-LOVED RV’S?
It is the time for the fall RV shows - many RVers will buy a new or pre-owned RV. The RVEducation 101.Com website is loaded with mega information. Click Here and follow their numerous links to many subjects including RV Books, RV E-Books plus reading or receiving their fantastic progressive monthly newsletter is a must.
Mark also has a comprehensive NEW Print Book INSIDER'S GUIDE TO BUYING AN RV. All prospective buyers should read this publication - it is also available as a DVD. Approx $15-$16.00. Read great overviews of many TECH QUESTIONS.
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Another GREAT BOOK FOR NEW BUYERS Those buying a ‘Used or Pre-loved RV’ should not do so without a copy of THE DUMMIES GUIDE BY LES DOLL. Les is an award winning & working RV Tech. He shares numerous advice and pictures as to what to look for in this comprehensive e-book. Cost $27.00 Take a look. Travel safe.
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INSURANCES FOR MEXICO & FOR YOUR NEW OR PRESENT RV.
Is a trip to Mexico in the plans this winter? Many companies sell MEXICAN INSURANCE but one top rated Cdn Friendly site and Internatioal Friendly site Call 1-866-367-5053 . Be sure to check them out before you decide on what company to insure with.
If you are CANADIAN RVer with either a NEW unit or one you have had for awhile, be sure to access the very fair RV Insurance rates at Wayfarer Insurance ARE the Canadian RV Specialists. (1-800-461-0318)
AMERICAN RVers should go to RV WebLink Page - Scroll down to click on the Insurance websites – a variety open up. It is imperative to shop around when buying Insurance and you are probably better to insure only with a company that is familiar to RVs rather than with you home or car insurer.
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NEWS of our 'Life on the Move' for 06 October Issue 40
Diary published weekly since 2001
Hi All: What a pretty time of year in the central north USA and Canada. Hope your area is as beautiful. The leaves are beginning to change and so far our weather has been sunny, warm and so very pleasant. However I also heard that Whistler BC is enjoying early snow – great news for skiers. No matter where you are located, we hope each of you can get away to enjoy some relaxing outstanding Fall Camping or at the very least spend the holiday weekend with family and friends.
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TIDBITS OF INFO
THANKSGIVING IN CANADA dates back to the time of Martin Frobisher, an English explorer – he was attempting to find a northern passage to the Orient. Along the way he established a settlement in Canada. So in 1578, he hosted a formal ceremony in what is now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to give thanks for surviving the long journey.
This event is widely considered to be the first Canadian Thanksgiving, and the original Thanksgiving event to occur in North America. Although First Nations People gave official Thanksgiving during autumn gatherings. According to Wikipedia it was held every year but the date and purpose for giving Thanks changed. In Jan 31st 1957 the Cdn Parliament declared an official holiday to be held annually on the 2nd Monday in October.
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A bit about COLUMBUS DAY – this holiday is in celebration of Christopher Columbus’s arrival to the Americas during his first voyage in 1492. Big celebrations for 300th and 400th anniversary were held in New York and in other areas during the early 1900’s but it was not until 1937 that it became an official holiday – thanks to the Knights of Columbus and President Roosevelt. Read more history about Columbus Day.
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CDN MILITARY PENSION CLAWBACK
Several weeks ago I requested all Cdn Military and their friends and family sign the petition to stop the very unfair ‘Clawback’ of our pensions when we retirees reach age 65. They hope to reach 1 million signatures and they still need the support of everyone. If you have not already signed it please go here to support our cause.
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OUR NEW ‘HOME’
This busy and interesting week began when we moved to BRAEMER VALLEY RV PARK see pictures on each page) 14 km north of Woodstock on highway 59. - (1-519-452-2977). What a neat place in the country but still so close to the city of Woodstock. There are only 77 sites in this 55+ park – most are park model permanent units – but they also have 15 spacious RV sites. Best part is their regular rates are only $15.00 per night – 3 way hook-up. Water is Reverse Osmosis. Everyone is sooooo very friendly, plus the clubhouse w/exercise room, relaxing lounge plus billiard table and the pool are very hospitable and inviting. Pretty wooded hills surround the park but not enough to block our two Dishes (TV and Internet).
We are here till 17 October this fall and we plan to spend the season here next year as well. (Season rate is a low $1495.00 – tax included). Very laid back place and we think we are going to really like it here.
NOTE: Before we left our previous park close to London, I had the chance to talk to the owner of that campground while paying our final bill. At least now he knows what an unethical person he is. Hopefully he will never rent another site out to someone else while the contracted owner is away.
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MORE MEDICAL STUFF
I only relay these issues because no matter how young you are when you start to enjoy life on the road – we all get older. John had both cataracts successfully removed over the last two years but over the winter his left eye began to get a bit fuzzy. Last Monday he visited an eye surgeon/specialist at London Victoria hospital. After a barrage of tests they discovered he has a layer growing on his Retina. Apparently it is not uncommon and there is no apparent cause except for ‘birthdays’. Solution – and only if John wants to pursue it – he will go in for an operation next May 5th. The Dr will surgically remove the excess layer and it should take 4-6 weeks to heal. He could probably drive within a few weeks.
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ERRANDS – A NECESSARY EVIL – YUK!
It seems there are always errands to run so besides getting set-up, become accustomed to our new surroundings, meeting our neighbours, plus picking up our winter supply of drugs, John used this week to polish the coach – looks great and I scrubbed our inlaid rugs with Oxy-clean and a water hose on the picnic table. It is just all part of our preparation for our southern departure on the 17th. It is unbelievable that the climate is so warm this late in October. Tomorrow (Sunday) we will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner here in the LUXOR complete with turkey and all the trimmings for niece Sandi and son Jacob from London. We never entertained in our last park because it cost $3.00 per person to stop for a visit. Unfortunately many parks charge visitors and I do not like it much. I love my friends but I would hate to pay $6.00 just to visit someone – that is why we eat in restaurants so much. However since this place has no gate fee, we may entertain much more next summer. What a big difference between parks – Braemer Valley is economical as well as a pleasant very friendly place to camp.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Before we go we do plan to attend the Toronto RV Show at the Congress Centre on Friday. If you also plan to be there we may be able to touch base. It feels good to be getting ready to depart for a winter in the sun. Hopefully this year we will stay in the south till mid April. We expect to stay overnight at the Flying J in London on the night of the 17th. Anyone in the area? ... why not join us for dinner. Drop us an email so we can watch for you. Take care everyone. Travel safe P&J
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