June 2023 Canlife Correspondence, Our Almost Monthly Newsletter

"I'm sure I don't know, darling...luck favors the prepared." 
~Edna Mode, The Incredibles

Sometimes you just get lucky.  Like when Shari asked me to marry her over 24 years ago.  She says she was only sort of kidding in the moment, but I liked the suggestion so much we doubled down, and well, here we are.  While traveling along the stunning coast of British Columbia, Canada, known as the "Sunshine Coast" because of its location in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island that has peaks over 7,000 ft, we have certainly felt extremely lucky to be here.  But things just got even better...    

All the ferry sailings from Port Hardy, on the northern tip of Vancouver island, to Prince Rupert along the world famous "Inside Passage" were already booked until August.  We don't make reservations very far out because, well, you know that's just not our style.  Reservations tend to get in the way of being able to pivot quickly.

Last Sunday morning, Shari threw up a "Hail Mary" and put us on the waitlist for sailings throughout the next two weeks.  We figured that we could hang around this beautiful coastline, paddle, eat ice cream, whatever, while we waited for a chance to go.  Who knows how many RVs there might be on that list anyway?  On Monday night, about 36 hours later, we got a call from BC Ferries saying they had an opening for Thursday!  We'd planned on exploring the Sunshine Coast of BC a few days longer, but opportunity knocked and we had to answer.  We sail in the morning at 7:30am and are writing this newsletter while camped out for the night in line at the ferry terminal!  

Stay tuned for some images from this next phase of our summer adventure.  We'll be cruising through some parts of BC that we were unable to fit in on our way to and from Alaska last summer, as well as a "bucket list" expedition to Haida Gwaii. From Prince Rupert, we'll be taking the famed Yellowhead Highway eastward to Alberta to revisit some of our favorite National Parks (Jasper and Banff) as well as explore a few lesser known parks in the Canadian Rockies before coming back into the US through Montana by early September.  Lots to see and do between now and then!  

In Front of the Mic - Renogy Day 2023 Livestream Event!  

If you've been around here long enough, you've probably heard us mention Renogy Solar, like a few times.  These great folks invited us down for their celebration event of the 13th anniversary of their founding.  We flew down from Seattle to Ontario, CA to participate.  This event was a way to highlight some great new products and giveaway a ton of prizes!  In addition to being their poster children for RV solar and helping them give away over $25K during the event, 5 of our lucky followers won a Renogy 200 Power Station.  Whoop whoop!  In case you want to check out the video of the livestream, scroll to 1:07:05 to see our segment.   

Renogy is offering BIG SALES all summer long!  Now is the time to dive into solar and save a ton. Be sure to use our link and promo code "CANLIFE" for additional savings.

Recipe of the Month - Happy Camper Cake

Last month we celebrated Hamlet's 65th birthday!  This is what two childless, pet-less, middle-aged people do for the vintage homes they give names to and treat like a member of the family.  Does your house have a name?  We didn't think so. We returned to the Mt Saint Helen's Vintage Camper Rally in Centralia, Washington this month to share stories about our 5 month trip to/from Alaska last year. To make the day even more festive, we baked a scratch-made Happy Camper Cake (without an oven) to celebrate!  

Blog of the Month - 2023 Canlife Camping Gear Issue

In case you missed the extra email that you received this month, our annual camping issue is out!  We've got all kinds of gear advice with links to BIG SAVINGS for our followers.  What innovative camping gear do you use that you can't live without?  Let us know...we may give it a try!

Video of the Month - RV Solar Panel Installation Step-by-Step

For many folks diving into the research on solar power, installation of panels is often where they start.  We just finished editing this 5 episode series that we completed with our friends, Erin & Jeremiah.  We coached them through this very straight-forward installation of 2 x 200W solar panels on their roof and a 200W foldable solar suitcase that they can put out when they are parked in the shade. Needless to say, they rocked it!

Parting Shot - Sunrise Over Mount Rainier, Washington from the plane on the way to Renogy Day! 

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