June 2026 Canlife Correspondence -- Good Times, Gadgets, Go Far Solar Kits, and Giveaways!
Escapade -- A Wicked Good Time!
As I walked up to the microphone, I was sweating through my toes and wondering if I would remember any of the lyrics. I've played my guitar and sang for lots of folks, but it had been a LONG time in front of a crowd like this. I looked out across a packed house, from a real stage with a huge sound system and blinked into those bright lights. I was the first act to go, and other than the hasty cram sessions, I hadn't picked up my guitar in months. What was I doing? I leaned into the mic, blabbed some nonsense until I could hear my guitar from the monitor and I struck the first chord. No going back...
It's a curious thing for two people who chose to live in a tiny rolling home, happiest when they're on a deserted road, parked in a quiet place next to a bubbling brook for the night, to suddenly find themselves in a very large crowd of people who all love to do similar things. Wait, we like to be alone, but we also like to be together...separate but surrounded? Yes, this, AND also, this!
One of the great benefits of aging is the life experience that teaches us how two opposing things can (and often do) coexist harmoniously in ourselves and in nature. Young folks shaking their heads right now, you might be lucky enough to get it one day.
We've been members of the Escapees RV Club since 2019, and have contributed to their bi-monthly (now quarterly) magazine regularly since. We've been to a couple of smaller gatherings, but have never been in the right place at the right time to attend their annual gathering of members across the country at the BIG rally they call...ESCAPADE with 565 RVs and 1248 attendees. To all of you who we recently met and joined us for this almost monthly newsletter, it was great to meet you and an honor to have y'all on board!
We joined this year's event in western Maine, the foothills of the White Mountains, and it was indeed "Wicked Good." From our early arrival at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds to hooking up Hamlet and pulling out a week later, we felt like we were almost back in college. We made many new friends, polished up our presentations (thanks for the GREAT crowds!), rehearsed for a talent show, danced, kayaked, enjoyed some great entertainment...and of course, ate, drank and made merry!
Hamlet even got his 15 minutes of fame because it was his mug on the cover of THIS QUARTER'S Escapees magazine, which all attendees received a copy. Looking good, dude!
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One of the big challenges for any road-lifer is finding community. An event like Escapade helps us make new friends, and feel like we're part of something bigger than just our small itinerary. It's also an in-person experience, not an online community. I don't think we can overstate the fact that we humans NEED physical connection, even though we might also like to withdraw into our introverted shells. We also need inspiration, and the seminars, discussions, and conversations help us find new ways to go further in our RVs, to seek out more enjoyment from our rigs, or just to learn where our own personal limit is.
After the rally, our plan was to relax in "the valley," as the New Hampshire locals call it. But the White Mountains were calling! After just one lazy day, we answered their siren song -- hiked to vistas, sought out waterfalls, crossed streams, enjoy long range views, and even rode the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway all the way to the very top of New Hampshire -- the second highest peak of the Appalachians at 6,288 feet. The first, of course, is in our proverbial backyard -- Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet, located on Asheville, North Carolina's back porch.
It's been a great month full of good times, and now we feel like we need a nap... just like college, right?!
The Joy of Full-Time Traveling Friendships
“Don’t you ever get lonely out there on the road?” When people consider the full-time RV lifestyle, they often express their fears through the questions that they ask. We hear the concern in their voice as they imagine themselves pulling out of their driveway and away from connection. They’re afraid that they'll only occasionally see their best friends or family.
But there’s another way to look at it. Taking on the full-time RV life, you're not just driving away from old connections, you could actually be moving toward some truly amazing RV friendships. RV Trader Magazine asked us to share some of our best stories, so we reached out to our road buddies to help us pull this one together.
- Solar System Sizing Worksheet - Always FREE!
- 30 Minute Discovery Call - FREE!
- Just Have a Question? - $35 per half hour
- Basics for the Solar Beginner - $75 per hour
- Beyond the Basics - $100 per hour
- The Now What? Phase - $150 per hour
- The Works! - $200 per hour
Summer is upon us, which means fresh seasonal vegetables from the farmer’s market are in full swing! Many folks are focused on adding more protein to their meals, but is there a perfect balance between produce and protein that you can actually take on road? Well, we have a happy, high-protein answer for anyone looking for road-worthy recipes for RV salads.
Even though it’s one of the top ten most visited parks in the nation, Acadia National Park is not easy to get to. It’s not really on the way to anywhere else (...in the U.S.) and it’s not close to any interstate. It’s tiny when compared to the other 9 national parks on the Top 10 list. So, why do so many people have Acadia National Park -- all the way up in coastal Maine -- on their bucket list? It’s simple really...because it’s soooo worth it!
Thanks for reaching out and asking, y'all! YES...we are excited to be returning to Hershey, PA for our 6th year! We wouldn't miss it actually. We'll be presenting 2 different seminars each day during the 5-day show in the Champions Club Room on the main level of the Giant Center. Get your tickets online for this awesome show – hope to see you there!
Our 2026 Seminar Topics:
Exploring America's National Parks - We'll share tips, tricks, and resources for getting the most out of your visit to our national treasures, including when to go, how to choose which parks to visit, what to do there, where to camp, what to bring, how long to stay, and even how to volunteer. You’ll be ready to hit the road and start stamping your passport book!
Six Simple Strategies to Reduce RV Travel Costs - Many people think RVing is expensive, but it just depends on how you choose to do it. We've spent more than a decade learning how to make the most of full-time RV life without breaking the bank. From choosing an RV to where and how you camp and travel – there are many ways to make RVing more cost effective.
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