We started writing this blog August 2008. You can reach our previous entries by using SEARCH IT (at the top of the reading screen) and entering any town or city name or subject. It will return as many results as relevant.
Additionally, you can see our website and older journal (pre-wordpress) at http://dreamstreamr.com
Thanks,
dreamstreamrs
Really have enjoyed looking at your site. We live in Alberta Canada and even though I could see us living a similar lifestyle, I hesitate. What kind of backup bank account would one require for this lifestyle? I guess we could probably live out the winters in Arizona. Just thinking about purchasing another Airstream and was looking at a ccd 22′ but may have to rethink that.Would appreciate your thoughts.
Neil,
Stay in Sherwood Park, it’s lovely and we have so many Albertans here already — just kidding. Most of the men I play tennis with are from Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver and a great bunch all of them. So yes, you should definitely try a stay here soon and don’t hesistate. Today is a cool one, only 70 degrees so far because the clouds have shaded us half this day. Forecast all this week has been 75 degrees, very very nice. No bugs, no rain, no wind, just great living.
We average approx $45k annually for all direct and indirect expenses over the past three years. Gasoline is higher in traveling months, site rental is higher in winter months. Groceries are consistent throughout the year.
We have no experience with Canadian bank accounts but had no fun trying to cash a Canadian account check in America — although currencies were par, the bank would have charged us six percent (6%) even with us depositing, rather than cashing, the check. The check is still in Canada. When we’re in Canada, we charge everything to our Visa account and pay the foreign transaction fee. Our investment account is generous to repay us our ATM fees, even in Canada, so we are able to withdraw cash if we need. I’ll ask our Canadian friends here how they arrange this for their winter’s stays and let you know.
Oh yeah, we’re talking about Airstreams? Two opinions on this — skip the Airstream and simply take a commercial flight here for two months of winter. Gives you a look at whether Arizona is so nice or not. You could rent a park model for $1,500 or $2,000 (USD) per month and get hooked on this climate. Or, buy an Airstream, tow it here, and rent a pad for under $800/month including electric and water. But a 22, in our opinion, is a bit small for two adults and might lack one really nice amenity for even one adult — the sofa. At least, out 22 lacked the sofa.
As I write this Deb is stretched out on the corner bed, recovering from a couple of hours tennis this afternoon. I’m sitting on the sofa enjoying unearned relaxation. An hour ago, I was napping on this sofa and sleeping great.
Other arguments re the 22 —
it is a little less expensive than the 25
the 25 is easier to back into spaces
the 25 has far more storage
the 22 (CCD) has the greatest galley of any Airstream
the 25 has a six (6) cubic foot refrigerator, or 2X the 22 fridge
the 22′s bed, high in the front, commands a great view from pillow
the 25′s bed might be quieter, sitting at the trailer’s rear
the 22 has no exterior storage compartment, the 25 has two
the 25 has a pair of bona fide pantries (one high, one low), the 22 has none
the 25 has two wardrobes, the 22 has one
the 25 has a skylight and two vista views, our 22 had none of these
the 22 has either a microwave or a gas oven, the 25 has both
they’re both Airstreams, so really nice for living in
The longest we stayed in our CCD 22 was ten (10) days. The expedition presented no challenges, but was at the extreme of our groceries. And, the holding tanks are rather spare on the 22, compared to a 39 gallon fresh water, 39 gallon rinse water, and 19 gallon black water tank.
Email me directly if other questions, I’ll be glad to discuss with you.
Best Regards,
Jim