For a skier and ski instructor, its a time of waiting. Lookout Pass has received a couple of dustings, but nothing beyond a couple of inches, and it has all melted back.
So, what to do in the interim? Allow me to bring you up to speed on my life here in North Idaho, my activity level and overall health, and how I occupy my time until the snow falls…
Prepping my Camper for Winter
By now, after more than a dozen winters in the snow and cold, its a fairly simple routine. Apply the skirting is about all I have to do here in my Glacier Peak 5th wheel. I also “attacked” the roof with dicor – particularly along the edges. After all, water is a campers worst enemy!
Last winter, it never got colder than 12F. This compared to prior winters in the Intermountain states is relatively mild. North Idaho is not part of the Intermountain region. It is more appropriately designated as the inland Pacific Northwest.
North Idaho is significantly influenced by the Pacific Ocean. It is now during this second Autumn (soon to be Winter) season that I’m truly appreciating this.
In my video, I explain the influence of the Pacific here and compare it to where I grew up in New Jersey. I hope you find that part of the video interesting and informational.
Medicare for RV Travelers – An approach that works…
As a traveler, especially one who has had some heart issues and occasional skin cancer, I need access to the doctors of MY choice. I’ve found a program that is NOT medicare “advantage” that I personally use and HIGHLY recommend. I wrote an article recently that discusses Medicare and a Medigap Plan that IS affordable and works for RV Travelers.
My camper is continuing to show its age
My Outdoors RV Glacier Peak is now 9 years old. I noted in an earlier post some of the issues I’ve encountered, largely over the past 12 months. One more emerged recently – the Norcold refrigerator.
My fridge is a gas absorption type fridge. I detailed these a few years ago in this post. It is by all rights an outdated design for refrigerators – save for one aspect: they demand minimal power when boondocking (dry camping.) This STILL sets it in front of 12 volt DC compressor fridges.
Bottom line – it acted up, but seems ok now. Turns out it was a bad thermistor. I will make a post soon detailing what happened and how it was addressed.
Mid-Autumn Activities and Overall Health
I spend a lot of time outdoors, year-round. As the temperatures drop, I try to adapt to lower temperatures in order to continue the same activities I do in the summer.
I do add swimming at this time of year to the mix, but the nearest pool is in Coeur D’Alene (CDA) – about a 30 mile drive from here. At the current diesel prices, I can only justify that a couple of times each week. CDA is also home to some really good grocery stores – Fred Myers (Kroger), Natural Grocers and the Pilgrim Market.
So, before its “just too cold” to do it, I’m still paddling (kayaking) in the numerous local lakes here and bicycling. My campground is near the Coeur D’Alene trail – a paved rail to trail that connects the towns here of the Silver Valley.
Regarding my heart, I can paddle for over an hour, bike 10 miles and swim 500 yards non-stop. Sometimes I will do two of the three in the same day. I feel just fine while doing it and afterwards. So, for now, things are going well. I’m planning upon a new round of bloodwork in January or early February.
I just setup and activated Starlink! (It was EASY)
They have reduced the cost of equipment down to $149. and the 300gb service is $80/month… sounds like a deal to me! Even better – use this LINK and Starlink says you’ll save $100. on your order.
My Concierge RV Buying and Selling Service
At this time, I have 3 active clients (I rarely have more than 4 at any given time.) So, business is good. One of my clients is selling (a travel trailer in New Jersey.) It’s in good condition, priced aggressively and there are still no takers.
JD Power, the RV industries “blue book” just updated RV camper values on November 1st. To any current RV owner, the update was devastating – especially to any camper model 2025 or newer. Depreciation is always steep on new campers within the first two years, but their latest update sets a new meaning to the phrase “massive depreciation.”
I have two clients who are buyers, with both, we’re approaching the stage of choosing the right camper and making an offer. I negotiate for my clients after conferring with them. I plan to negotiate VERY aggressively!
If you’re in the market for a camper or would like to sell yours, feel free to call me to talk and you can decide if you see value in the service I offer. My service is detailed HERE. If you wish to call, I can be reached at 307 269 2546 (Pacific Time – for now!)
Upcoming Posts
I’m working on a visit to eastern Nevada, including Cathedral Gorge State Park (don’t miss this!) I will follow up that post with more explorations of Nevada.
I also have more to share about RV’s and RV life! Stay tuned for a post on what to look for when you check out a camper on a dealers lot.
I’m planning to do some walk-arounds in the small towns that comprise the Silver Valley. Kind of introducing you to the neighborhood!
In closing,
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