FULLTIMEWANABE

As others have said look for comparable but ......... huge caveat in today's market place. We are finding everything we put out for sale second hand is selling exponentially higher than we ever dreamed possible. Last spring Kayaks, Bikes and other leisure items were selling for more than brand new on the used market due to shortages. Even mattresses, furniture and definitely all appliances have been selling for 80cents +/- what paid new for now used. Don't under price, you can always lower if zero interest. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought we'd own a 2019 brand new then Ram 1500 with now ultra low mileage and be offered at 3 years old 40% more than daughter paid for it!!! We are certainly in very unchartered waters since the Pandemic started.

What hasn't it taught me would take less time to write LOL. It has taught me that I was deep underneath a princess (read spoilt brat) waiting to come out before buying our first RV in the late 90's. It's taught me that I can't bear the thought of going anywhere of distance or to stay without our RV. I love my own bed - hate the thought of any other accommodations you don't know who's slept in there! Totally love, love, love the convenience especially now getting older of having my own spotlessly clean bathroom to shower in, toilet to you know what in, cold drinks and food on demand. Taught me I don't have to eat out (my preferred choice), if I don't want to having my own kitchen everywhere I go. Taught me I don't have to push myself the extra distance if I don't want to as long as a safe place to stop and rest/stay is close at hand which it always has been. All the above aside, the RV really has spoilt almost any and all other forms of travel we did, in prior years being herded at airports, disgusting at times housekeeping in hotels or noisy guests getting no sleep and so on and so forth. Apart from an odd cruise over the years, we avoid almost all forms of other travel like the plague since we first started RVing. Alas sometimes to visit a different country we can't take her with us sadly. RVing has taught me that with patience. and a ton of help from some awesome other RVers I can fix/maintain "almost" anything on the rig to keep us going or find a source that can. It's taught me that there's no right or wrong way to RV and any rig/means that works for you to enjoy your time camping/glamping or whatever is all that matters. It's taught me so much about so many people, places and things as we converse with fellow travellers and what an awesome helpful community RVers generally are. It's taught me especially in recent years, that technology may be the be all and end all for most folks nowadays, but for me being disconnected in the backwoods it's an amazing way to decompress, and reconnect with nature and ourselves outside of the hustle and bustle of every day life. Now of course to anyone that isn't truly into RVing and thinks it sounds great/looks great, and goes out and gets one they then find that the amount of repairs, maintenance and so on is too much or they find it a pain having to organise themselves to get away from busy work schedules/commitments or hate running out of water or emptying tanks and so on and so forth. Then they'll turn around and say RVing taught me "it's a lot of work, hassle and money and .......". RVers we think are the best for the most part and that odd 1 or 2% we just ignore. RVing has taught us more than a post could ever do justice to. Happy and safe travels everyone :)

We have driven through Yellowstone on numerous occasions with our 38ft MH, the last time being in July 2017. Personally we didn't feel it affected us much at all (but we don't sweat the small stuff typically), finding huge parking areas in various parts of the park. Yes for sure there are some areas where we couldn't access easily but were happy to park a little away and walk back to. The major attractions we personally had no issues visiting and seeing. Of course the past two plus years may be a different story with demand recently escalating. There are numerous boondocking areas outside of the park NFS land etc. There are at least 14 CGs in the Gallatin National Forest area within a 35 mile radius of the park roughly. Do a search on the map and NFS websites. Also: The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone flows through the Shoshone National Forest through the awesome Clarks Fork Canyon into BLM-administered public lands, located just inside the mouth of the canyon. Enjoy your time no matter how long you can spend in there. Some folks can only manage a day trip through it all and others a couple of weeks, but definitely worth the experience for even a taster

Of course everyone of us has to assess our own individual situations, and the risks versus rewards of any and all medications we take. I am checked regularly for Glaucoma and status of my cataracts. Being diabetic many years ago (circa 10/15), my GP had me start taking one low dose aspirin daily. After a recent bladder tumour removal and having to stop taking prior to the op for bleeding concerns, I read up on the risks/side affects of resuming aspirin. Spoke to my GP, who said "if you haven't had a heart attack absolutely stop taking it the risk of bleeding/ulcers etc is higher than not taking it". I stopped the end of January this year, and was annoyed that he hadn't been astute enough to tell me a lot of years prior on this new information. I started instead for the heart related issues taking 100% pure Pomegranate 5ozs daily over a year ago, and continue to do so. (Read up the benefits on Pom Juice!). FYI: Research indicates Low dose aspirin is only effective for those who have had a previous heart attack or stroke. Older adults who take aspirin daily have a higher risk of bruising and a small risk of bleeding into the stomach or the brain. Plus, aspirin can interact negatively with other medications, including over-the-counter options. As we always say, to each our own in making decisions on our bodies but one thing I've learnt over this past handful of years: whatever I am told by my GP or otherwise, I owe it to myself to cross reference and research on benefits versus risks at every juncture and not take at face value or their word alone. Safe travels.

I (not hubby), always got a flu shot due to being diabetic most years until my last one in 2018, so I am far from an anti-vaxer. Got really sick with COVID in October 2019 (they said wasn't out then but now say from revisiting our chest x-rays and blood oxygen level monitoring done for months following -it was!), again in early March we contracted and were deemed long haulers - 12 weeks (till felt back to some normality in ourselves) & last time was 8 weeks into May 2020. By choice and because of our prior exposures we didn't want to be vaccinated at all, but in October and November 2021 we were basically held to ransom in one form or another by the government to be vaccinated which we reluctantly did. Unless it impacts our living life, or we don't have a choice, we do not intend to have any further boosters. We respect everyone choosing to be vaccinated or not and absolutely would never judge their personal reasons why. Unlike the vast majority in our towns that are mask free, don't social distance any more or sanitize since they removed all COVID mandates. Some businesses still mandate masking themselves, but irrespective we still personally chose to mask, sanitize and socially distance. We avoid any form of gatherings we realistically can and are always on our guard when out in public. Rightly or wrongly we still feel there's a big wave to come again, and are watching our numbers (inc deaths and hospitalisations) on the rise again sadly. FWIW: Because so many now are doing home testing, it's hard to know true positivity rates but what they are reporting is definitely on the rise again unfortunately. In addition we all are having neighbours, friends and work colleagues testing positive at home in volumes lately. Almost all reporting mild symptoms for the most part but .......

Seriously that's exactly what we've been discussing after looking at the weird weather fronts we've been witnessing the past few years. Trouble is we RV because I hate every aspect of flying - from being herded like cattle to get onto a cramped less seat space plane to lost luggage and not having my own bed and amenities close to hand like in an RV. In addition with today's main issue in the world, we're also not comfortable being enclosed with lots of others spreading lurgies! It's a doozie to find the right balance and timing eh?

We have driven back and forth across the Transcanada 5 or 6 times. Our last trip in 2019 (took 4 months), we commented how bad condition the road surfaces were compared to back in the 90's and early 2000's. Even moreso on the "rock". This last trip we finally made it all the way across to the last two provinces we hadn't visited namely Newfoundland & Labrador. It all depends on your interests but for us we target stops around Lakes for fishing and Kayaking, odd casino nights, Provincial and National Parks, Farmers Markets, small neat architecture towns with a neat bakery, and don't tend to find it that boring. Qu'appelle Valley as mentioned is pretty neat and many don't venture off the TC to experience it. It does pay you to weave North and South on and off the TC to see other attractions. Google is your friend for provincial "must see and do's" and if you have specific interests google them to. It's surprising just how many hidden gems there are. Bygone years, pioneer villages, The Mint. Moosejaw Al Capone history of the tunnels is definitely worth a good couple days stop. Take your time, don't rush it in 3 or 4 days like many do and you'll for sure enjoy exploring along your route. Happy Travels. FTW. PS: BC has awesome waterfalls and white water rafting on the Kicking Horse. Check out the Fraser Valley, Shuswap (Houseboat Capital), Mt Robson, as well as the more known Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper. Yoho National Parks. The latter NP's you could spend 3 weeks in and not see much at all of what they have to offer. Salmon runs in August are awesome to explore and walk boardwalks along their returning rivers and holding pools = strong chance seeing bears feasting.

We have had the same challenge for many years now. Back 30+ years ago more things were made local not overseas, less technology so it was a "new purse", "wallet", favourite perfume that lasted all year+ as only used on special occasions going out, slippers, cardigan/sweater, jewellery item and so on and so forth. Didn't seem years ago we could just "buy" at will when we wanted it as seem the case in todays age. So Christmas was always something to look forward to what we had coming. Now there appears to be an over abundance of stuff an individual has and being able to source from overseas cheaper and Amazon and the likes on online, no one waits for Christmas we've found anyway. We are even struggling with what to get our 31 year old daughter, never mind her for us. Most years for us it's slippers, socks, jigsaws, new game, new pjs, clothing items, perfume/aftershave (albeit lasts till it's rancid most of the time!), any odd small items we can think of for the house/RV that needs replacing, and we deliberately don't buy until after Christmas if needed then. I also pick up things I see when we travel throughout the year, often forgetting some I've hidden by the time Christmas comes and sometimes saving when found to another following Christmas. LOL. Time with our family is our No 1 priority, and anything that's had effort put into it (handmade cards, gifts), means more to us than any store bought in a hurry last minute item just for the sake of having something to give. FWIW: We also put away $20 per week each in a teapot from Jan 1st for 50 weeks so we have a lump sum and can decide what to do with it 2 weeks prior to the big day. Sometimes there's a chunk left over and we can put towards a trip for one or other of us.

Thanks for the insights and looking forward to many others 😉 The goal is for us all to slowly move away from such hands on trading/management moving forwards and scenarios or thoughts help for future discussion options. As we say everyone is different in their risk and needs tolerance but with same ultimate goal moving into retirement. Like you Barb, we concur that Vanguard funds with low MER's have been an overall excellent place to park some of our funds. Randy for sure the average of the S&P500 over the years (a bit lower since 1957 at 8%) being an average since I believe 1926 IIRC? of 10% and again all of us have a good percentage on and off in a mimic index. (Memory not as good as it once was so dates may be a little skewed here!) Because we use pretty widely placed Trailing Stop losses, during major pullbacks we've been stopped out and generally re-entered on a Fish hook turn back. Challenge always has been with the S&P in wondering after it's been on a tear for a long time, when the next correction might occur before a re-entry and for how long!! Now where's that crystal ball So 1 year and 2 years expenses of cash access available is your comfort levels Kirk and Randy. We had been tossing around varying from 1 year to 5 years in case of a correction lasting longer (again different comfort levels for individuals). Again we want to be more hands off on a preferable set it and forget it with just observing intermittently throughout the year, albeit a couple of us won't be able to help ourselves checking our portfolio's daily I'm sure LOL. Of course we are all cognisant of what can happen in the market and as we get older we have less years to ride out long term corrections. Remember Oct 19th 1987? The more recent 11 year bull market (2008 to early 202) that everyone kept saying after just 2 years it wouldn't last but went on for over a decade. March 2020 where oil was negative, yet look now. Remember the discussions here of the 2008 era and what occurred following that. Then when everyone was excited about the price at the pumps from September 2014 dropping below $1/litre here, and I said be careful what you wish for being in an energy province. It was like a falling knife (in the 80cents) until we went negative in Spring 2020 (over 5 half years!), and now look what's happened on the turn much much faster and up to over $1.40/litre. These are all things that are playing on our minds collectively and some are thinking go all to cash and risk the erosion of inflation. Now that's what our parents did in the days of double digit interest rates which who knows if we'll ever see again in our life times. I have to admit I for one envisioned decades ago that we'd try and build our retirement accounts and by "Freedom 55" put it all into a savings account giving us 8% to 10% safe return or a ladder system on payouts. Alas that's not the same era we find ourselves in today. Hence why I thought I'd ask here what a "hypothetical you" at 58/65 would do into day's market. So Thank You to all those that have kindly commented thus far, it's really appreciated. FTW.

Birdman and Steiny93 really appreciate your taking the time to reply alas, I was hoping for this to be a generic exercise for a discussion and eye opener on what different things folks do for what reasons. We are very conscious and aware of risk tolerance and needed income or having to cut our cloth to suit our pocket (managing on less than we'd like to, in order to stretch $'s out), but think it would make a great discussion to see what folks would do today with a potential 30 to 45 years ahead of them. To that end as an individual based on being 65 years yourself with a 58 year old spouse today, lump sum of hypothetically say $1m or $2m or whatever amount you state. What accounts would you use, what would you hold in those accounts and in what percentages, and if kind enough to share your why's and reasonings in doing so 😊 Out of our group gathering (over 15 years meeting up quarterly/monthly), we are all at a little different stage on the amount but all are over 7 figures ($1.2m to $3.6m). Clearly some will have more income than others due to higher CPP contributions or length of time in Canada for OAS, and amount of lump sum to invest but....... Today at aged 65 with a spouse around 58 years old what would you do with a lump sum to make it last and why if you'd be so kind to share your thoughts in that regards. 1) What percentage of say your $1 million dollars would you have in a cash account earning less than half percent in today's age? Why this amount? 2) What type of equities or otherwise would you hold in what percentages and in what type of accounts and your reasonings on that? 3) If retaining real estate for ongoing income (all but 2 couples have sold our revenues now) what type, why and how do you feel about the ongoing management of this real estate, considering travel would be a big part of your retirement? 4) If you intend to be more hands on with your investments than more of a set it and forget it as what we have been doing mixed somewhat over the years, would you be buying Aristocrat Dividend type stocks for income, Dogs of the Dow, hold S&P500 index/ETF and if so which one, or just accept a return that doesn't keep up with inflation and draw down quicker/less amount such as cash account or bonds, GICs, CDs etc? Like I said initially this is purely a thought provoking exercise as to how we all think differently based on if we were 65/58 retiring today with a smallish only government pension/benefits, and a 7 figure lump sum as to what we as an individual would do today right now. Looking forward to all those that are kind enough to share their thoughts walking in these shoes hypothetically in today's climate. FTW.

Really enjoyed reading your recent topics and responses from others, on investing Kirk you started at various ages over 70, and know there are a lot of escapee members here that have a sound amount of investment experience either self directed or through using financial advisors. To that end if you can imagine you are just retiring fully today in current market conditions at age 65 & 58, and you have a lump sum to invest of in excess of 7 figures, what would you do today with that money to secure your future as safely as possible. We are a group of 5 couples that meet up monthly and have been self directing using the Canadian Couch Potato approach, odd individual stocks, baskets of ETFs and Indexes etc. Lately we are discussing what are best options less hands on, and I thought it would be good to get your experienced input as what you would do if it were you in today's situation planning for the future 30+/- years ahead. In other words you have trodden the path we are about to take for the highlight of our twilight so to speak. Assume being the eldest you will receive around $500 OAS (Old Age Security), not classified as taxable income - clawback occurs between income of $72,000 to $118,000. If there is no other earned income/investment returns source, that person would get GIS of around $900/month and possible Seniors Benefit of $400. All per month amounts. When she hits 65, combined per couple, it would total with all benefits around $2600ish +/- per month. There is an allowance for her at 60 but if she claims it they reduce it off his basically. Some have CPP (Canada Pension Plan), but that is classified as income whereas previous mentioned benefits aren't income taxable benefits in their own right. In Canada we have access to a TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account) per person with up to $81,500 allowable contributions by Jan 2022 = any profits/interest made within this can be withdrawn tax free and not counted as income as current rules now. Therefore wouldn't affect entitlements to OAS, GIS or Seniors Benefits if eligible. Any withdrawal amounts can be reinvested the following year or onwards, just not in the same year of withdrawal. The RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings accounts) have nominal amounts in them of under $20K each for all but one couple. They have to be converted to RRIFs (Registered Retirement Investment Funds) by age 71 with a set withdrawal amount annually afterwards. Of course everyone has varying degrees of risk and so on and so forth but what would you invest in if it were you today in late 50's/mid 60's, in which type of account and what percentages of the lump sum? ie; 10% or higher in cash? 80% in S&P500 index or feel it too high today to risk correction being older? Bulk in Dividend Stocks and if so Aristocrat Dividends or others or what mix of equities? None of us are into mutual funds with high MER's so would love to have some feedback on indexes, ETFs or otherwise with low MER's. Thanks to all that share what they would do based on being late 50's to mid 60's retiring today, so when we get together again end December we can discuss amongst ourselves and have ideas on moving forwards for 2022. FTW

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL our USA friends. Absolutely we all have a tremendous amount to be grateful for in the big scheme of things 👍 Stay safe, eat lots of turkey and hope you turned back the scales 10lbs last night 🤣. FTW.

We never use bleach on the awning personally! Generally our awning we've always ensured it is totally dry before stowing away, and if not as soon as we can unroll it to dry thoroughly asap after parked up and we've never had issues in over 23 years on two separate units. However, daughter's boyfriend would roll away damp and forget to unroll once home from camp to dry it out and it was disgustingly green and black. When he had it at ours a few months ago. I did a two part clean to it. Unrolled then sprayed with a baking soda water mixture (gotta love baking soda!) and rolled it back up to overnight stowed. Unrolled next day and sprayed again with a vinegar and water mix and started gentle brushing with long handled brush. Then rinsed with shower head on hose. Got soaking wet in the process and on the severe impacted edges used step ladder and hand did with a sponge/scourer. Bottom line he was going to replace it but when saw it arriving at their next camping location, couldn't believe how great it looked. With immense thanks from him, he was told he has to ensure it is totally dry before stowing and if not, as soon as practical when parked again roll it out and let it get bone dry before storing long term.

We're planning to give it some time as well to let the initial frenzy die down. Might be interesting how many think the same way and not be as bad as our initial thoughts maybe???? From what we're reading, looks like there's some changes afoot between now and Spring here as well. We're waiting to see what the CDC advisories end up regarding whether as indicated couple of days ago they are now suggesting PCR testing to enter via land borders to USA. The thoughts are to keep it in line with airline travel rulings they said. As always time and of course today, the virus will tell. Saw Ford stating that all COVID restrictions will be gone from Ontario by March. That's a pretty strong conviction when dealing with such a still unknown, and they are now talking of 4th boosters for immunocompromised folks, but ........ Looking forward to reading all the reports of the first folks heading south in a couple weeks time.

We also stayed Liberty RV Park, not a great place but location wise felt couldn't be beat. Nice walk around the water nearby and the kitschy coffee shops/stores and like Denny caught the Path minutes walk away into the heart of NYC. You can also catch a ferry from the RV. Good pair of walking shoes we did 3 days of 7 miles, 9+ miles and 8 miles walking. Tired YES, Memorable, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES! Did Central Park, Times Square (awesome singer stages everywhere when we were there) Catching free ferry to get close up view of Liberty Statue, Slapped the bulls butt, did Little Italy, shed buckets of tears in the Chapel near the Twin Towers, walked over Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island and so very much more. Finished up in Long Island in the RV afterwards. Boston we overnighted 2 nights in a carpark without event, and caught an Uber into the heart and back again. Worked perfectly for us and again walked miles and miles around Boston main attractions, including one Casino night. To each their own but this worked best for us and "if" we can we'd do it all again the same way as before.

Darryl&Rita/NotEven. Just curious for the return back into Canada as Canadian Citizens/Permanent residents where you might be crossing and where you intend to get your PCR tests done. Personally I'm finding it really odd that the US accepts us as is where is with double vax and we can't get back into our own country without jumping through hoops on PCR/Arrivecan and whatever else might get dreamed up by next Spring? Thanks for sharing.

Not full time but lots of extended trips of several weeks and several months over the years. In almost a quarter century with two engine replacements and a handful of other more minor but needing towing breakdowns, each and every time we've been able to stay in our Rig. In fact two places gave us a courtesy vehicle to go around in and on the last engine replacement 2018, after a week staying in Great Falls at repair facility we ended up as snow started to fly driving back to Alberta in their vehicle for 3 weeks and then returning when complete to carry on our modified then trip. I do believe that there are more restrictions than there were many years ago about being able to stay on site in your RV but for the most part, I'm sure you'll find many, more than willing to try to accommodate you where possible, especially smaller independent businesses. Have RV? Have emergency fund? Have trip budget? = get out there, enjoy and face trouble as and only, when it comes head on to you. Over the years we've found whatever curve balls life throws at us we find a work around some how some way. Frustrated at times? Yes, but it all works out ironically in the big scheme of things. Happy Travels and create a ton of memories.

Thanks Chad we've been missing you guys too. We will all be waiting with baited breath on what the protocols/rules are regarding crossing back and forth, supposedly due to announce on Wednesday. Wonder how many extra hoops beside VAX proof might be required!! By the way, Happy, Happy Retirement I have been reading. Savour every second of it my friend.

Just announced here on our news channels about half hour ago that the US is opening up the land borders early November with full details to follow by Wednesday. I bet there'll be a huge migration south from all the pent up frustration of many we've been experiencing here. Be interesting to hear how much and how good full medical coverage is going to be on travel insurance especially COVID coverage that would be adequate "if" needed. Great news for so many folks, but waiting with baited breath on the restrictions that will be applied regarding any testing etc. Happy, safe and warm travels to all. FTW.

Hey Kirk, I sure feel for you and Pam and the dilemma you find yourselves in, especially when we've had more time on this side of the dirt than is possible going forwards. Alas, we are all in the same boat and there for sure will be no way to predict when this pandemic may turn into being endemic. Heck we've got folks double vaccinated that have contracted the Delta Variant in ICU here now, and yet the solution seems to be a 3rd dose of what's not worked to fight it, that many are struggling to comprehend logically. With regards to more mutations like the Delta Variant, look how antibiotics resistance reacted with changes over time and the issues caused and addressed for many many years now. Consider that the last guy interviewed here in Canada (I think it was 2008 before he died), told of how it was almost 6 years before he recalls as a young child being able to go about as a "new" normal following the Spanish flu. There was no vaccine and we are still dealing with it somewhat today. Whatever life throws at us we find a way to deal with it, and if it's Lemons we'll make some Lemonade. Everyone of us has "personal" choices to make regarding our own bodies and our own risk factors in all this, and absolutely no one can tell anybody they should do this or that or throw caution to the wind. I was very sick in my Twenties to the point I'd be passed out in a heap often, going white as a sheet that folks noticed and their commentary scared me more, and after months it got to the stage where I said "I need to hurry up living or hurry up dying cos I can't do both". Harsh but it was the kick up my butt I needed to give myself and stop wallowing in self pity. I've gone on to live a most tremendous life full of the best memories and experiences I could have ever wished for with zero regrets and lots of learning from mistakes of course. With a different attitude it could have been a whole different story. As a family, and yes some are vaccinated and some are not and we respect their reasonings on both counts with zero bullying, we have just carried on as much as normal being very aware of avoiding any dense type gatherings, masking except when out walking alone in our own bubble, sanitising immediately after contact from touching anything whatsoever outside the home, and definitely keeping a tremendous distance or turning away when others try to crowd out our personal space (generally for us 10 to 12ft please!). With masks on and turning away from the person we love, we do still hug tight those we know are as astute as we are being. Is there a risk? Absolutely! Again we had to make the decision to hurry up living as best we can for now or hurry up dying. I would say to any and all folks during this very long season we are finding ourselves in, do what feels right for you. Assess what impact to your life enjoyment doing a said thing or not would have on you or loved ones that surround you and matter to you. We have to learn to live with this for the long foreseeable future unfortunately. Alas as with all opinions, everyone has one or more and some are more forthright in their beliefs without concern or understanding for recipients that might be on the other side of the fence. Now Kirk, you and Pam go and enjoy the "Highlight of your Twilight". Health as priority no 1, time's the next most precious commodity any of us have and can never be replaced. Time to wrap up here and head out in the RV now for 4 days fishing and kayaking, for our last trip before winterising likely. We've sure missed the good ole USA haunts we normally enjoy but we are darned we're going to lose another year like we did 2020. Safe and happy travels to everyone, keep making memories even if they aren't quite what you'd hoped for. FTW.

You know what Barb if you can make any rhyme or reason out of absolutely anything the governments around the world have done during this pandemic you are a better person than the rest of us my USA friend!🤗 Right from the get-go at local level, national level, border levels and even our old country the UK of decades ago, we've all shaken our heads as they give this guideline, that guideline, this rule, that rule and now under our "open for summer" it seems like we've thrown caution to the wind way too quick up here, and our numbers are worse than they were when we were on mandated masks, social distancing signage, lockdowns and so on. There's few hand sanitizers around any more and the stand here 6m distance stickers are gone, plastic dividers have gone, yet we are worse and deaths of vaccinated folks. Now the government has said they are going to pay for the funerals of those that were double vaccinated that have died. Can't fathom any of it out anymore, so we are just taking our own precautions still as individuals, best we can. Irrespective of it all, what can us minions do in this historical time we all find ourselves in . After the fiasco of last winter up here for those Snowbirding RVer's that couldn't cross to the USA as they normally would, surely our country can set up something in the more (still at times pretty cold) temperate climate areas regions to accommodate and cover dumping etc. Everyone thought I was nuts, when I said in early 2020 be prepared for it to go into 2024 for the most part, and then it won't be over. Glad our southern cousins are able to have more freedom of movement again at least. As they say, "see you on the other side"

We stayed Liberty Harbour 4 nights, and for pure accessibility to explore NYC we would stay there again in a heartbeat. Only worth sleeping at the CG and being out all day, as it's not an area you would want to hang around your site at all day for sure. We did enjoy one evening walking along the waterfront and around the immediate area however. It's far from what you would deem "nice RV Park", it's very tightly packed, elec at site, dump station not FHU's, dusty gravel set up and at time we stayed was extortionately high on price, but it's all about location, supply and demand, and they are so very convenient to access into NYC. We also stayed many other RV locations around the state as well NJ, upon completing directly being in the big apple. We walked an average 9 miles per day x 3 days exploring as much as we could, but Day 1, we hated the place, by Day 3 we were so in love with NYC it was a total 360 Deg about turn for us and definitely a "don't judge a book by the cover" place. Enjoy! If we can one day we would love to go back, and do it all over again.

Thanks Vern and Jay. Well as much as I've kind of enjoyed the challenge doing a lot of stuff ourselves, at that juncture of pulling off hubs and replacing bearings it's going into a shop. I know it's probably silly but I absolutely categorically would not feel safe in jacking her up myself and I don't have jacks anyway for that purpose (I fear heights as well now I'm older and suffered vertigo badly a couple years back). Appreciate the comments that have been well and truly noted so I guess I'll be trying to source a chassis shop soon. Thanks, appreciate it as always.

Thanks Ray and Darryl. Much appreciated. So I'm just looking for a 1/2 inch ratchet or breaker bar when trying to source. Thanks, as apparently the star screwdriver I keep being told is a Phillips LOL, so thought I'd ask on what the technical name is for these square end types So when I do get that drain plug removed on the rear diff, that also has a magnet to catch those shavings just like the fill on the front hubs = thanks good to know and of course I'll clean it and see very little metal bits hopefully! For sure happy to leave it drain overnight as well Ray. Once again as always so very very much appreciate your guidance, tolerance and advices here. PS: Just in case you want another chuckle, and no I was never blonde. When I measure stuff it's 3 and 6 digits (I struggle whether to use 16ths or 8ths) I know the right terminology nowadays, I just have this fixation in my head it's digits - can see quarters and halves of the inch and verbate them, but everything else is 'X' inches and 'X' digits. Drives my hubby cuckoo as I measure a lot of wood, but it works for me just like the star screwdriver. Now where did I put my monkey wrench?

Well in the spirit of moving forwards on maintenance issues on our gal, we finally (waited for a break in the weeks of fire and heat wave we endured lately!!) yesterday got around to our first change out of the Front wet hub oil. We've always checked the levels and it's never changed or needed topping up by us personally (250,000kms). When we did drain it yesterday it was very dark brownish/black, so we are guessing we did the right thing! There was only a couple visual metal shavings on one and none evident on the other so that is good for knowing the bearings are OK I'm guessing? Was surprised how little oil drained out (and we left it draining for a good couple hours), compared to how much it felt we put back in of fresh golden GL5 85W 90 = again waited for it to settle and kept topping up over a good hour half/two hours again. Checked this morning and doesn't appear to have gone any lower. Surprised us that more went in than came out? Curious why not being mechanically inclined if you can explain, considering the level in glass remained same as we refilled to? Now to the "forgotten oil change" - went under to the banjo/pumpkin to check the diff but we don't have a "bit" that will fit and not sure what name is so I can look see if can get set on line. The fill hole needs a square end about a half inch on tape measuring wise and I'd like to try and source some varying sizes just in case smaller or larger, at a reasonable price for how often we'd use them. Maybe Amazon? Can someone tell me what the name is of this bit (I'm sure my ignorance will generate some giggles here!). I've been told generally to leave diff oil well alone but after 18 years and looking at condition of the front oil we drained, we're thinking we should drain it (sealed banjo with a plug at the very bottom and a fill on the front of banjo near top. I know on our own might not be able to drain every bit from side to side, but am thinking it can't hurt to get most old out and fresh in???? Value any comments from you guys on this? My initial thought was to book it into somewhere that can elevate to drain better side to side but more I've watched YouTube and read I'm thinking we should try to do it ourselves and know it's been done as best as we can. Boy is it a tight fit under there! We aren't sure how much of the GL5 85W 90 we need for a refill on the diff if anyone can share? I read for a F53 it is about 4.5 quarts but ours is a Workhorse W22 so not sure if anyone can share so I order the right amount (not available locally believe it or not we've found). So doesn't appear from first look see yesterday that I have to remove any bolts like some folks do to remove cover and also replace with a gasket. Just looks like one complete banjo piece with the two drain/fill plugs. Thanks as always for your input/feedback folks. I have to say to any of you ladies and even some gentlefolk out there that might have considered it but been abstaining from trying to do some of the maintenance, fluid changes, and repairs on your rigs, that whilst it's not always a walk in the park, with help from forums like this, there's just something so self satisfying knowing it has been done and often better than if you'd taken it into a shop. Just saying for what it's worth, and as a side benefit, you do save a ton of moolah in the process for the most part to spend on "enjoying the journeys". Safe travels everyone, we're willing it to rain here so bad here right now before we start feeding hay/silage two months prematurely! FTW.