April-May '25 Canlife Correspondence: Summer Plans, Solar Panels, Strawberry Pancakes, & Stehekin!
We often tease that Canlife Correspondence is an Almost Monthly Newsletter. Sometimes we just have too much going on, too much to share, or are simply having too much fun to get it done by the end of the month -- and these past few weeks have been a combination of all 3! Between helping Shari's parents and old friends with projects, diving into Hamlet maintenance projects while in "dry dock," and hanging out with good friends in our old stomping grounds in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we've had a whole lot going on this past month. All of this to say, we finally sat down and got to writing. We hope you enjoy this April-May issue...
Stehekin: A Way Through
Several years ago we were balancing another transition in life. After finishing our seasonal work with the North Cascade Institute in Washington, we found ourselves nearly lost in the fog on a steep, winding, and exhausting hike up to Sahale Glacier in the North Cascades National Park. We were on day 5 of a 150-mile, 18-day backcountry journey across the North Cascades ecosystem using bikes, our feet, and finally sea kayaks. With our backpacks laden with several days worth of food, camping gear and heavy camera equipment, we felt very far away from figuring it all out.
The idea for our "Cascade Crossing" germinated during evening hang out sessions with our North Cascades Institute colleagues. There were a bunch of backcountry maps laying around, maybe some adult beverages in hand, and the conversation turned to the types of adventures that could be linked together if one had the time, energy, and inclination. We found ourselves with the time and the logistical support to start our bike-packing section from the North Cascades institute on the shores of Diablo Lake down to the town of Marblemount and then up the steep dirt roads to Cascade Pass. The pass would allow us to backpack into the heart of the park, eventually to the small community of Stehekin, a place that can only be reached by ferry or foot. In the Salish language, Stehekin means "the way through..." And it has been a part of Native American trading and travel routes for over 9,000 years. After a quick resupply and a shower in this tiny village, we got in our kayaks and paddled another 6 days to the town of Chelan on the shores of the glacially-carved lake of the same name.
While working at the institute, we met the editor for Adventures NW, a regional outdoor magazine. He mentioned that he loved freelance writers who could also provide great images. That idea stuck with us. We later pitched him the story idea for a featured article, to which he responded, "Great, submit something and we'll give it a look." Not only did he pick up our article, but Shari's stunning photo during a sunset paddle was selected for the cover. As you can imagine, we were absolutely over the moon! You can read the whole article here.
As previous academics, we were no strangers to writing, but this was our very first venture into paid adventure travel writing, and even though it wasn't much, it gave us the confidence to begin putting ourselves out there as freelance writers. Maybe this was something we could do along with speaking about our RV lifestyle at RV shows? Maybe we wouldn't have to rely on the seasonal work to keep us afloat? Maybe we could actually travel during the summertime, instead of guiding kayak trips and leading naturalist tours? That first article helped us figure out a new way through to our next phase of life on the road. Soon enough, we were writing for several publications every month...some technical, some lifestyle, and some just plain fun.
"Life is a funny thing, the minute you think
you've got everything figured out, something comes along
and turns it all upside down." ~Zahn Malik
Earth Day Ethics: An RV Guide to Leave No Trace
New to boondocking or off-grid camping? The freedom to live, work, and play in gorgeous natural places comes with an incredible, but simple, responsibility. Living and traveling in our RV for the past 12 and a half years has afforded us some incredible opportunities to spend weeks — even months — in some of the most beautiful, pristine, and remote areas of this continent. For those of us who crave both adventure and solitude, this is truly RVing nirvana!
Earth Day is always a great reminder that it’s not a burden so much as a joy. As full-timers, without the office or responsibilities of a house calling us back home, we can work, play, and live wherever we desire. Doing so, however, creates an awareness that extended stays in pristine places can have negative consequences on the environment for others and future generations to enjoy.
So, how can we balance a desire to be out there with our own sense of stewardship for it? Quite simply, we all must accept (and practice) our role as caretakers. Check out our article in RV Trader Magazine.
Renogy Solar Panels Designed to Fit Different Rigs & Lifestyles
There are about as many different types of solar panel styles and sizes available as there are styles of rigs out there, so it's important to choose what is best for your rig, your lifestyle, and your situation. New technology at the solar cell level has made panels more efficient, lighter weight, and smaller overall!
Renogy has designed N-Type Panels that are perfectly sized for Class B van roofs while Bi-Facial Panels are ideal for bigger rigs and can produce energy from both sides. Additionally, Renogy's new ShadowFlux Panel is able to keep producing energy when up to 30% is shaded; so if trees, power lines, or boat rigging is a challenge to your solar goals, this panel may be your best choice! Check out our blogs (and videos within them) to explore which panels are best for your situation, rig, and lifestyle.
- N-Type Panels: Great for Smaller Vans
- ShadowFlux Panels: Awesome for Partial Shade Conditions
- Bi-Facial Panels: Produce Energy from Both Sides
Use our Solar System Sizing Worksheet to determine your energy needs. And, use our link
-AND- promo code CANLIFE at checkout to save a bundle on Renogy components!
Harvest Hosts Route Planner Makes RV Road Trippin' Even MORE Fun!
The Harvest Hosts route planner has helped us find fun, quiet, and safe overnight stays along our journey through the Carolinas this winter and spring! From gorgeous vineyards to friendly town visitor centers and farmers markets to beautiful wild horse sanctuaries, we've stayed overnight at a wide range of fun and fascinating places around the southeast.
Every single host has been incredibly welcoming -- giving us tours and encouraging us to make ourselves at home and enjoy their property. Hutch even got to play an impromptu solo gig at Castello Barone Vineyards & Winery on a Saturday afternoon! Some Hosts offer multi-night stays, same day requests, and electrical/water hook-ups.
With our link and code CANLIFE20, first-year members can get 20% off -- whether you choose the Classic, Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome, or get the All Access pass! Each membership comes with different benefits, perks, and options. Explore which membership option is best for you...and join before summer travel season to get the very best deal!
Recipe of the Month: Strawberry Dark Chocolate Walnut Protein Packed Pancakes
It's strawberry season! These sweet red and delicious fruits are hitting the shelves in markets across the U.S. Growing up in southern California, Shari remembers rolling down the car windows to let the sweet smells from the fields upon fields of strawberries waft in as she drove by.
We love brunch! And, this month we offer a family favorite that is a twist on standard pancakes. It is much higher in protein, lower in sugars, incredibly fluffy and delicious...and can easily be made gluten-free! We make up a few packages of the dry mixture at a time so we always have pancake mix ready for a spontaneous brunch.
Escapees Membership
The OG of RV Clubs is now offering 20% off an annual membership with our link and CANLIFE20 promo code ($40 per year)! Your membership is chock full of resources, tips and advice, bucket list trips, member campgrounds and discounts, inspirational "members only" magazine, remote jobs, exciting gatherings and community events, and so much more. An Escapees membership is worth it's weight in gold for part-time, full-time, and any time RVers alike! Makes a great gift, too.
P.S. We wrote a 7-part series for Escapees on RV Solar 101 -- breaking down the details of every component for newbies. An Escapees membership will give you access to all of those archived articles, and open up a whole new world of RV fun and learning!
We've got BIG travel plans for Summer 2025!
In summer 2022, we ventured as far northwest as we could take an RV. During that trip, Hamlet added British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Alaska to his map. THIS summer, Hamlet is heading to the other side of the continent to the Maritime Provinces of northeastern Canada!
While we enjoyed a short trip in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in 2019 (and loved every minute of it!), we have not yet made it to Newfoundland, Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. We are excited to share with you some stunning scenery, off-grid camping and boondocking options, what to do and see in Parks Canada, and insights about traveling in this very remote part of Canada. Join us on Instagram or Facebook as we traverse some new and unchartered territories! P.S. For those whom we typically see at America's Largest RV Show...we'll be there in mid-September!
Our America's National Park Series Just Keeps Growing!
Ever wonder where each of America's 63 National Parks are located? Each month, we add another special national treasure to our blog series. This month we added Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert of California! Each blog offers information about some of our favorite activities to do in each park, as well as some tips and seasonal weather advice when visiting each of America's National Parks. Grab your favorite bevy and start planning your next RV road trip!
Thanks to y'all, our National Park Resources page keeps getting even better. We add helpful new resources regularly to help you plan an epic road trip to experience America's national treasures -- including the free NPS app! Always let us know if you have a resource we should add, or if something isn't there that you'd like to see on this resource page.
State Mottos: North Carolina
This one's been in my wheelhouse for a long time as it was on the letterhead when we worked at Appalachian State -- serving as a source of pride for those who cared to know what it actually meant. "To be rather than to seem" reminded us "not to pretend to be something that you're not" or perhaps even more aspirational, "strive to be who you want to be, rather than just fronting." Lord knows there are a lot of people walking around outdoor adventure towns wearing expensive outdoor clothing that will never see use outside of the concrete jungle.
I think everyone who tries to do new things can struggle with imposter syndrome. That little voice inside your head can cause you to second guess yourself, to doubt, and to feel in over your head. It may even stop you from trying something new or something you've always dreamed of doing. But, when trying to seek a new way through, remember what Niels Bohr tells us, “An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.”
And with that, we leave you with some parting shots from Congaree National Park in South Carolina...
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