Ten things - Across Canada Version

On a previous blog, I always did a "10 things" list after a trip of any magnitude. I thought it would be fun to continue the tradition with this blog. 

Ten things about travelling across Canada

1. Road signs that aid in where to go and how to get there, varies from province to province. Ontario gets a big fat F - no signs for road side turn offs or if there's a sign, it doesn't tell you how far it is or any real information. New Brunswick gets an A+.

2. New Brunswick also gets an A+ for the type of road side turn offs. There are gas stations, coffee houses, hotels and resturants a plenty. Again, Ontario gets an F for this.

3. Manitoba has the most roadkill I have ever seen. We saw everything from skunks, porcupines, deer and even a baby bear cub. The deer was bloated and stiff as if it had been there for days. GROSS Manitoba, just gross.

4. Road conditions very a lot, not only from province to province, but within the province. Worst roads, Montreal and Winnipeg tie - both are just garbage. Best road... New Brunswick or Eastern Quebec. Just beautiful.

5. Some of the most beautiful views are in Ontario. It is actually quite bearable that the speed limit is 90km there.

6. If you are travelling with a little kiddo, bring a potty. It was one of the most used items we brought with us and saved us from having to find gas stations in the most remote locations. 

7. Our cooler was also a godsend. We filled it up with stuff for sandwiches, yogurts, fruit, and beers. It was perfect for afternoon hunger satiation and for evening munchies and beers. Excellent for storing milk for Sally or coffee and water so we didn't get dehydrated.

8. Flexibility was key when travelling with kids. Some days we pushed it longer because the girls were sleeping. Other nights, we called it early because Ruby was loosing her noodle. We had to be realistic about what we asked of the kids and what we were willing to endure. 

9. The last leg of the trip always feels the longest. It felt like 7 days passed after we crossed the Nova Scotia border. In reality, it was only a 3 hour drive... felt like 7 days.

10. With kids in tow, bring lots of different things to keep them entertained. I had stickers, colouring books, activity books, figurines, games and shows downloaded on a phone. We never once heard "I'm bored".I tried to give Sally a new kind of activity each day and it worked like a charm. I even brought toys for Ruby and thank God I did, they worked in keeping her calm quite often.

Many people thought we were a bit crazy to tow our belongings across Canada with our 3 month old and 4.5 year old. Not only did we tow our belongings, but we did it in a way so we were still able to use the trailer to camp. We made some great memories, learned more about our kids and eachother and proved to ourselves that we could do just what we set out to do. 

Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a cake walk. There were tears, Ruby's mostly, some of Sallys and some of mine. There were frustrating parts, upsetting parts, stressful parts, but we forged ahead and tried to work as a team as best we could.

I feel like this is just the start. Onwards to living out more of our dreams and setting BHAG (big hairy audacious goals) and achieving all we can. But, for now... rest, relaxation, recuperation and some well deserved Schooners!!! Cheers.

(our view from our backyard)