_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Travel Advisory

 

[Update below]

I will be a little scarce around here for the next week or so. 

I have to drive to the middle of Canada with my son in order to repair and retrieve a vehicle.

So, I'm looking at about 2000 miles up, some repair work in the middle of Saskatchewan -- which we can hopefully complete ourselves (we're bringing parts and tools) and not have to haul the vehicle to a shop. And then 2000 miles back.  

We're going to be moving right along, hoping to beat the winter weather, so no stopping to smooze with readers unfortunately. 

I'm hauling along my cameras and other kit, hoping maybe I'll get a some photography opportunities. I'll try to post from the road, maybe a few pictures, but no promises. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go get a COVID test and get moving. 

See you on the road. 

[update]

We have returned from 4000 miles round trip and two weeks in Saskatchewan. 

While it was a good trip, we were unable to repair the RV ourselves. 

We were,  however, able to find a reputable mechanic and shop. We were able to move the RV to the shop without much trouble -- it runs, just not well. Mechanic thinks we're probably looking at a broken valve spring or a bent push rod and I agree. Problem is that all the shops in Regina are booked solid right now and we were lucky to even get on this guy's schedule. He can't even look at the problem for another week, and then it'll probably be at least two more weeks waiting on parts and then whatever time it takes for the repair. 

So...

We unloaded the remain items from the RV and put them in the SUV (we took my wife's 4-wheel drive SUV instead of my Mini, in case of snow and so we'd have more room if we had to do exactly this). Moved my daughter-in-law's kayak from the roof of the RV onto the SUV, and headed south. 

My son has a YouTube Channel, CKW Outdoors, where he provides a bit more detail and some video of our time in Saskatchewan. 


If you liked that video, remember to click "like" and maybe even subscribe to the channel. 

2000 miles from Regina to Milton, Florida is about 30 hours of driving down through flat, flat plains states. So we drove 12 hours per day, stopping for food and exercise breaks, and stopped each night at a decent hotel for dinner and good 8 hours of sleep. 

Three days later and we are home safe and sound. 

My son and daughter-in-law will fly back to Regina when the repairs are complete in a few weeks and repeat the drive. 

I've got some catching up to do and I'll be back in the saddle tomorrow. 

See you then. 


141 comments:

  1. Sounds like a Robert Pirsig trip of enlightement. May Phaedrus bring you good cheer on your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Have a safe trip, and good luck repairing the vehicle yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Safe travels Jim - enjoy 🇨🇦

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stay safe.
    Don't over do it on the poutine.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Safe travels to you and your son. Wishing you a successful trip, Jim!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Saskatchewan Prong horn Antelope. Middle of Saskatchewan something tells me it around Saskatoon.If I'm correct you should get a pic of you in front of the "STONE FRIGATE" the HMCS UNICORN home of the Navel Reserve unit during WW2 3,500 Navel officers and enlisted were trained there. If not then enjoy the views you can see Alaska from the middle of Saskatchewan , heck you can see everywhere from there it is flat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can watch your dog run away for three days.

      Delete
  7. That's a lot. Take care of you and yours, and don't worry about us. Pictures are a bonus, but not expected.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Safe travels and productive adventures

    ReplyDelete
  9. Have a good trip.

    I have visions of remote logging roads, wild country, and an old troop transport being claimed by the forest.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Safe travels, Jim.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Godspeed, safe travels, and good luck with the repairs!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Safe travels and if you need a place to rest on your way through St. Louis, yell.

    ReplyDelete
  13. All the best with the repairs. Take care out there.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Drive carefully. We'll be here when you get back.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Safe travels and good luck with the repairs.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Be well. Family first. Always. We'll miss your insight and snarky interactions, but will survive in the interim. Safe travels

    ReplyDelete
  17. Safe travels Jim!

    I drove through southern Saskatchewan once, on a trip with my Dad from NH to Homer AK. I remember being amazed at how incredibly flat it was.
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/oik32LcKYKJ4DvyJ6

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hope you have a safe and fruitful journey.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Safe travels Chief. See you on the flip side.

    ReplyDelete
  20. You will be missed, but best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Saskatchewan!
    Can't help but think about Corner Gas.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a44JX4wdC8

    ReplyDelete
  22. Be safe and enjoy the trip as much as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Well, when you end up in the middle of Saskatchewan, email me if you need any recommendations for places, a cup of coffee delivered while you work, etc!

    I hope you get across the border ok. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hope all goes smoothly. Safe travels. Good luck with the repairs.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please have a safe trip and enjoy the time away from FB/Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  26. precious and irreplaceable time with your son, lucky you. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Be safe, Jim. And as the Vulcans say,

    may your journey be without incident.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Possibly way off the mark here, no offense meant, but, referencing the vehicle, “They shoot horses don’t they?” 🤣

    ReplyDelete
  29. Safe journey! (Mind the Premier of Sakatchewan... he's kind of a .)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Safe travels. Enjoy the time with your son and I hope the repairs are successful.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Take pictures (as if you wouldn't!).

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sounds like a heck of an adventure! Hope it goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  33. May your repairs be successful, may you both stay safe on your travels.

    ReplyDelete
  34. A test when you get home is probably going to be more important. Our provincial government has profoundly botched their pandemic response (much like Florida, more like Texas) and the place is a writhing pit of viruses.

    On the up side, we've been getting some pretty amazing auroras lately.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Have receipts for those parts and be prepared to possibly pay GST on them.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I hope you get some great color viewing in. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  37. You with a camera in Canada is going to be fantastic. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  38. May your views be spectacular and your repairs be simple!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Keep your eye out for migratory birds! Maybe you can catch a few photos. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Maybe you can ge some great migratory bird shots. Of course most of ‘em end up passing through FL anyway, so maybe nothing new to you. Safe travels!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Saskatchewan is a covid hot bed, so tke care while you re there. Have a good trip.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Safe travels - tried to post that I could offer you a meal or treat in Faribault MN on I-35 - but didn't include contact info. darcie.boschee at gmail.com - please don't post that publicly, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  43. There's nothing like a road trip with a grown kid. Enjoy your time together. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Safe travels and good luck on your repairs.

    ReplyDelete
  45. That vehicle should thank you. Maybe your vehicle will cuss it out for having to drive so far just to rescue it. Unless the damaged vehicle is a space ship. Then there'd be a language barrier.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I concur, safe travels, and enjoy the trip with your son, I'm betting this is a rare treat, and the really important thing about it....have a wonderful time, it's been a few years since I went on a road trip, and I always loved them ....

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yes, safe travels as you traverse Trumpland...

    ReplyDelete
  48. Safe travels and good luck with the repairs!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime, repairs notwithstanding. Hope the two of you will have some good times together.

    ReplyDelete
  50. SAfe travels,
    and may the vehicle be less trouble than you anticipate ... <3

    ReplyDelete
  51. Best of luck with the vehicle repairs. Looking forward to some interesting road pix. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I just KNEW this was what was up! Because I've had to do the same thing. Not as far as Saskatchewan (I've driven through there tho'), but in the Rockies, or a few states away. Fair winds, sir! I'd warn you about those "seasonal" gas stations, but you already know all about them.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Not vaccinated or does Canada require the test regardless ?

    ReplyDelete
  54. If you are going to be anywhere near St. Louis, MO during daylight hours you should try to spend a little time at Missouri Botanical gardens. Photographer's paradise.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Goud luck with the vehicle repairs and we'll look forward to whatever photos you share upon your return.

    Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thanks for the update Jim. I hope all goes well for you and your son.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wishing you safe and uneventful travel. And some fine time alone on the road. You've been cooped up for a while.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was just thinking after 18 months in the bunker, you're overdue for an airing out

      Delete
  58. I hope your trip goes smoothly, the vehicle repairs even more smoothly, that the winter weather stays away and that you get the time to have some fun photographing whatever gets your interest.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Breathe deeply when you get there...enjoy the vista.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Safe travels. You may get some good Northern Light shots! Good luck with the whole adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Good luck! When you mentioned needing to take a part on Twitter I immediately thought "Good dad, helping his son!" My dad did such things although he never had to travel 2000 miles one way to do so. But I imagine he would have if he needed to. I miss that man. Glad you're there for for loved ones.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I hope the vehicle is a 1970 Chevelle four barrel! Travel well, road warriors.

    ReplyDelete
  63. It's going to chilly. Signed, an ex pat Canadian living in Mexico.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Four Winds and safe travels, Jim. Hope everything goes smoothly with the trip and the vehicle.

    ReplyDelete
  65. If you don't know them already, better learn the words to "Oh, Canada!" Helps with border crossings, according to That 70s Show.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Safe travels, and good luck with your repair efforts!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Good luck with the weather, and I hope that you have an enclosed space to work in. I've done some outside work in the general area (Manitoba instead of Saskatchewan) this time of the year, and if stuff's coming down out of the Arctic it is no fun to be working with tools outside.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Travel well and safe. Road trips with wrenches can make for epic memories.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Travel safe. Hope your mission is successful! Will await your next entry on this blog

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hey Jim, if you need some assistance while in Saskatchewan, depending on where your son broke down, I'm in Regina and willing to help out. dthelen(at)ssiwi(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I believe there's a Colorado low pressure system in your way, you might need snow tires.

    ReplyDelete
  72. There may be some snow or rain tonight in the Saskatoon area (middle SK) and Thursday but Friday and toward the weekend 50s, 60s up to 68 and sunny! (just so you know)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hope you have good music and good tires. Come back safe.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Fair weather and safe roads.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Safe travels, Jim. Hope it’s up and back without further complications. And maybe a chance for few good shots as well.

    ReplyDelete
  76. If you are in Saskatchewan or Alberta be very careful. Covid is raging through these two provinces dur to inept premiers.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Drive safely and enjoy a quality road trip with your son! :)

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'm in the middle of Saskatchewan. According to the forecast, the first bit of winter weather will pass before you get here. Fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Just got back from North Western Montana, is chilly in the mornings. I hope you guys get clear skies and warmer weather.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Safe journey. Extra good luck fixing a vehicle on the road.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hey, I used to live in the middle of Saskatchewan, a hundred miles north of North Battleford. That's back and beyond the middle of nowhere. Have fun and thank God it's not February.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hey, I used to live in the middle of Saskatchewan, a hundred miles north of North Battleford. That's back and beyond the middle of nowhere. Have fun and thank God it's not February.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Just saw where Biden relaxed border control at the Canada and Mexico borders - only requires proof of vaccination now.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Drive safely and take your time. We’ll hold the fort down for you. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  85. Saskatchewan currently has the highest Covid rate per capita in Canada. But our population is spread out so you can avoid us if need be. Hopefully the weirdness create by Covid won't affect Sask hospitality or helpfulness if you need it. If you're stuck... (we're useless at vehicle repair but do have shelter). Keep that camera ready - the aurora are really active right now. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Safe travels and may the vehicle repair go smoothly

    ReplyDelete
  87. Safe travels and may the vehicle repair go smoothly

    ReplyDelete
  88. Have a safe trip up and back with your son.
    Hope all goes well with the vehicle.
    Also, I hope your son spots some fishy looking water during the trip for a possible future fly fishing trip.
    Lastly, stay away from that Horny Goat Weed. The last guy who took some of that stuff ended up with 13 bastard children in Nebraska. ;-)
    Safe travels Jim.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Best of luck (skills) and safe journey for you and your son, Jim.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hope the weather stays clement and the idiots far away from you and your son.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Fair winds and following....tailwinds? Be safe.

    ReplyDelete
  92. You may not be fluent in Yiddish, so I'm gonna take a chance with the airlock & tell you the word is "shmooze". (I'm also posting anonymously because witness protection has a waiting list.)

    ReplyDelete
  93. Don't forget the WD40 & duct tape, Chief. And props to all the Bastard Children offering help long the way!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I used to live southeast of Regina. Than a few years in Saskatoon. Sounds like you're around there.


    If you're in Regina, uh....
    .
    .
    .
    You'll be in Regina.

    I literally have nothing else to say.

    Other than my old province seems to have a bigger covid issue than the rest of Canada.

    Good luck with the repairs, eh? Hopefully you have a good time.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Glad you had a safe trip. Too bad about the RV.
    I know what a pain that can be.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Always amazed me how easy it is in that part of the world to just hop on a car and drive 3000 KM to anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I will not make a joke about push rods bent in Regina.
    Because that would be bad pun in poor taste.
    So I won't.

    ReplyDelete
  98. "2000 miles from Regina to Milton, Florida is about 30 hours of driving down through flat, flat plains states". So driving _to_ Florida is much like driving _in_ Florida?
    Sorry, I was compelled. Glad that things are working out.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Drive all the way from Florida to Saskatchewan to fix a broken down RV? Man, you are a good friend.

    ReplyDelete

Comments on this blog are moderated. Each will be reviewed before being allowed to post. This may take a while. I don't allow personal attacks, trolling, or obnoxious stupidity. If you post anonymously and hide behind an IP blocker, I'm a lot more likely to consider you a troll. Be sure to read the commenting rules before you start typing. Really.