RV Journeys

Our first impressions

It’s the unexpected surprises that make the most memorable moments

by Calvin Boraas and Louise Brenders

Our six-month RV trip began in February with a three- to four-day marathon drive to get away from the frozen North in our still winterized fifth wheel. Once we reached San Francisco, the pace relaxed and we started to have a lot of fun.

Making Memories: Louise, Alexander, Erik and Calvin have been to several top attractions in the U.S. on their RV journey—including The Midway—San Diego’s Aircraft Carrier Museum. —photo courtesy Calvin Boraas and Louise Brenders

After two months, we have seen and experienced many unforgettable things—some planned, most not. Quite often it’s the stuff you did not expect that broadens your mind and becomes the most memorable. These are things like driving a 35-foot fifth wheel over the San Francisco Bridge; enjoying the beauty of the Coronado Hotel on Coronado Island in San Diego; viewing the dramatic change in scenery while driving from San Diego to Tucson, Arizona, in one day; learning how long ago the Spanish had been building missions seemingly all over southern California and Arizona; getting close enough to see just how darn big those horns really are on Texas longhorn cattle; discovering that the piles of dirt in the yards at Poche Plantation RV Park in Convent, Louisiana (on the banks of the Mississippi), were made by crawfish; going on the beautiful and bustling River Walk one level below the streets of downtown San Antonio; and the shock of seeing so many homeless still living in so many tents under the freeway in New Orleans—a hangover, still, from Hurricane Katrina.

As they say, timing is everything. How many times have you arrived somewhere only to find that you just missed the town’s largest event—it seems to happen a lot. We were fortunate, however, to arrive in Hollywood during the Academy Awards; we got to tour the Oscar museum and hold a real Oscar. Erik and Alexander were totally impressed to stand in the footsteps of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from Pirates of the Caribbean at the world-famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

In San Antonio, we happened upon the city’s annual re-enactment of the attack by Santa Anna on the Alamo. Seeing the central characters dressed in period costumes and hearing the guns roar and cannons explode made for a memorable visit.

An advantage to travelling at this time of year is the lack of lineups practically everywhere we go—including RV parks, theme parks, landmarks and points of interest. The only downside is that not all attractions are completely open.

The pleasures of the drive

We enjoy our drives, both hauling the fifth wheel and on day trips in the truck. The size and number of rest stops in the U.S. is impressive; many times they have been a welcome sight. Also impressive is the courteous manner of most drivers.

We have pleasantly discovered that the people you meet in RV parks are very outgoing, supportive and helpful. At the KOA in Petaluma, California, a young family beside us delayed their dinner plans by two hours so they could put together a travel plan for us to use early the next day. The itinerary included visits to both living and petrified giant redwood trees. They also shared their knowledge of the California coast with details about beaches and rugged, scenic viewpoints.

At one viewpoint, we spoke with Ken, a paraglider who was standing on a high cliff waiting for the right wind to lift him away. After a short conversation, the wind came up and suddenly, quietly, he was gone—gliding high along the coast, much to the amazement of Alexander and Erik.

From there we wound our way through Bodega Bay, where Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s movie The Birds was filmed. The church, school and other locations were easily identifiable—thanks to a generous RV neighbour who provided helpful information.

Right now we’re in Florida and we’re still on track. There have been no major incidents, though we are missing friends and familiar surroundings in Calgary. So far, we’ve driven 11,000 kilometres and our equipment is performing very well.

We are looking forward to spending two months exploring the East Coast. Anyone wishing to make contact can e-mail us .