Summer is finally here, and with summer comes sunshine, warm air and the open road. For many people, summer is all about RVing and the adventures ahead. For RV enthusiasts that may have picked up a new puppy since their last trip, it is not uncommon to feel anxiety towards taking your new dog with you RVing. After all, puppies are delicate animals and the road can be difficult even for seasoned travelers. This should not discourage you from taking your puppy on your next RV trip, however, as it can be safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

When taking your puppy on an RV trip, it helps to have an idea of what you will be doing with the dog for fun, as dogs – especially puppies – can get extremely restless if not exercised on a regular basis throughout the day. Taking this into consideration, you may want to plan ahead and make a list of outdoor dog parks that run along your route, as this can be a great way to give your puppy his or her own little vacation. Touring dog parks can be great fun for both the dog and the family, and is completely free. It can also give you time to stretch and clear your head before heading back out on the road.

Another great way to help your dog let out some energy is to stop at rivers and streams along your route, as puppies love to swim. While you must use caution (IE skip the large lakes, always use a leash), allowing your dog to swim while under your control can be a great way to both occupy and tire out your puppy rather quickly, ensuring a restful ride in the RV.

Remember that your puppy is somewhat of a fragile animal, and most be shown significant, personalized care throughout the trip. Always make sure your dog has cold, fresh water at all times, as dehydration – especially in the summer – can jeopardize your dog’s health. Be sure to check for bugs and ticks if the dog runs through wooded areas during your trip to avoid bringing them into the RV. Also, be mindful of your puppy’s time in the sun – if it’s too hot, bring the dog inside. Finally, always make sure the dog gets exercise every two hours or so to prevent restlessness and over-excitement.

Article submitted by Victoria Knight from Pet-Super-Store in Victoria. Link below.

http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/dog-crates/

So far we haven’t seen any grizzly bears but as we head farther north we are bound to. The Yukon river is an incredible green that the Yukon River Quest paddlers tackled yesterday. 170 paddlers in 77 boats set off from here destined for Dawson City on their 750 km quest.
We’ll meet them there.

As a travel writer many opportunities have opened for me. I am so priviliged to have the best of both worlds: write and travel while making an income at the same time.
Watch for articles in Sun Cruisers RV magazine, Whispering Winds, RV Times and anything else I can find.

RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van is getting lots of exposure thanks to the sign on Boo’s front: Boo the Menopausal Van. We’ve been stopped at gas stations to sell books. Flag ladies just grin at us as do anyone standing on the streets.
We are having such fun exploring and learning so much about Canada’s early literally ground breaking history. This is the land of gold miners and the famous Alaska Highway.
If you want to follow us sign up at: http://mytripjournal.com/rvcanadawithboo

When we get to internet we’ll be updating. We are following our dreams all the way to Tuktoyaktuk July 12. We will be standing at the Beaufort Sea sharing our blackberry wine with someone just like we dreamed it would months ago. Hard work,determination and courage is all it takes.
Keep following your dreams and never give up.

July 19 in Carcross, Yukon:

July 11 will go down in our history as a very memorable day. It was the day we took a river boat tour up the McKenzie 180km to the Arctic Ocean.We did see two grizzlies on the river’s shore and got wonderful pictures. Our dream destination Tukotoyaktuk which sits at 69 degrees north. By then we’d already crossed the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees by travelling up the northernmost highway in North America, the Dempster. It is 760km of gravel and spectacular scenery.

But I digress that’s what got us to Inuvik, NWT where we hooked up with Up North Tours, Kyle and the guys who are so accomodating and knowledgeable.

In Tuk with our guide Boogie,we took our Powell River water and standing in the Arctic Ocean we poured it and refilled it to take back home. We hauled our bottle of blackberry wine all the way up there but never got a chance to share it so that had to wait till we were back in Dawson City.

I could hardly believe I was standing there in this totally differnt world of cold, no trees, sewer and water lines above ground, 24 hour sunlight, hunting whale and polar bears as a natural way to feed families, and pingos. What an eye opener!

We flew back to Inuvik over the pingos which are giant pyramids of permafrost pushing through the ground. In Inuvik we had a private tour of the famous Igloo Church built in a style that defied tradional building by putting down a foundation which isn’t done because of the permafrost.

The day was capped off when we attended the Great Northern Arts Festival cultural ceremonies. Watching the drum dancers, throat singers and whip artist demo made us feel like July 11 was a perfectly rounded day of really seeing and feeling the far north culture.

But now we are starting to backtrack from Whitehorse to Watson Lake, we are discovering yet more beauty. We’re currently in Carcross, Yukon and the smallest and most northern desert in the world. Majestic mountains and blue lakes abound.

Everyday we meet new people, learn more history, inspire and be inspired. This has been a journey of rediscovery of what is really important to Dave and I: keep it simple and enjoy each other without distractions and stress. Once again, as we did in our two previous adventures we are rekindling the depth of our love for each other and this great land we live in…and life in general.

Teslin, Watson Lake, Liard Hot Springs and Yellowknife lie ahead and yet to unveil their beauty to us so stay tuned.

Vehicle:
• Checked over and tune up done. Brakes and tires checked, correct pressure and replaced if necessary.
•  Carry spare tire and spare tire for RV. “Tire in a can” for emergency repairs.
•  Roll of heater hose and clamps, oils, fuses, electrical tape, duct tape, tools, voltage meter jerry can with gas.
•  Is there a manual for either the vehicle or the RV? Bring it
•  RV Insurance not just vehicle insurance, and have confirmation that you are covered. One tow could pay back the fee.  Don’t find out on the road like we did that we weren’t covered. BCAA is good to deal with and you can order maps and accommodation guide books ahead
RV:
• Check: water tank, black and grey water tanks,
• Electrical connections checked. All running lights and brake lights. Batteries cleaned and tested.
• Propane connections checked and fridge, stove, and furnace.
• Roll out awning, spray metal moving parts with WD40. Roof check for cracking or leaks.
• Tires inflated to proper pressure (listed on side of tire). Inspect for cracks. Replace if tread is down to 1/16”. Check brakes.
• Clean solar panels.
• Extension cord with 15-30 amp adapter plug, TV connection cable
• Pressure reducer connector for water hose. Hose that is long enough for hard to reach hook-ups.
• Pack extra sewer hose, or use a 20’ hose. Check for splits.
• Spray bottle of bleach water or can of spray Clorox to disinfect water hoses. Don’t assume others only use potable water hoses for water.
• Boards for leveling

Medical:
• Get medical check-up before leaving; let your doctor know where you’re going, and get prescriptions renewed.
• Stock up on prescriptions. Keep an empty pill bottle for all the information. Pharmacies in Ontario and Quebec won’t refill out-of-province prescriptions except at hospitals or clinics.
• Pack your medicine cabinet: cold and allergy remedies, vitamins, aloe vera jell for burns (keep it in the fridge), pain killers, contact lens rinse if contact wearer, mosquito repellant, besides carrying a good first-aid kit in the vehicle.
• Confirm that your medical insurance covers you out of province; if not get some.
• Copy of glass’s or contact prescription
• Pet medical: up-to-date shots and papers.

General Packing:
• Stock up as dry good, pet supplies or toiletry sales come along. Ex: toothpaste, hair dye, shampoo, lens rinse
• Put a batch of wine on?
• Copies of RV Times, RV West or RV Lifestyles in a binder for valuable travel and repair tips.
• For list of sani-dumps go to: www.sanidumps.com
• Travel log or journal. You’ll forget the little details when you get home and wish you remembered the name of a place etc.
• Don’t over pack clothes but even if its summer pack cool weather clothes and footwear.
• Battery chargers for cameras and cell phone.

Home Notes and Stuff:
• House and plant sitter. If away more than a couple weeks home insurance may not be valid if home is left untended. Check with insurance company.
• Wills up to date, executor has copy and knows where you’re going. Family has their contact information and written instructions if you should die while away.
• Let credit card companies know you are travelling or for security reasons they may decline charges.
• Who will check the mail or send it on for you?
• Home computer backed up and files stored out of the house.
• If no one is staying in your home, unplug computer and other equipment, shut off hot water heater. Turn down home thermostat low enough it will only come on if it gets cold.
• Photo-copy Passport and all important cards: credit cards, driver’s license, social security, medical, insurance. Keep one copy with you and leave one copy in your safety deposit box or with family.
• Traveling with a lap top, activate WIFI unless you’re using another method of connecting to the internet.

Utility plans changed:
• Cable: ex: Shaw will reduce all aspects of cable except internet for app. $1.98 a month and re-hook up fee when you’re back home
• Home phone: ex: TELUS reduce the bundle to lower charges
• Cell phone: Make sure you have the best long distance plan, most minutes. Install SKYPE (www.skype.com ) in computer for free computer to computer calling or very cheap calls to land lines.
• All utility payments online or automatic bank withdrawal.

Staying in touch:
• Create a blog(www.blogger.com)  or Yahoo( www.yahoo.com)  site to post messages and pictures to. Invite family and friends to sign up so they can keep up with your travels.
• Take address book. Leave rough itinerary with family in case something happens and they know where you are.
• Online address’s and passwords to important web sites or newsletters.