Thank You for stopping bye 🙏. Make sure to check out the full "North Vancouver Island Adventure" Playlist by following the link below: ruclips.net/p/PLhrOoL8cBPo7qpwmE-KxY43Yyeo1HSDkp All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Beautiful Whale Clip ...isn't it so nice to have such a beautiful big back yard to play in Rain suit and good rubber boots is a must on the island lol I feel you in the tent department .... we had a jeep for many many years then went to trailers small and big ...now were in the Big Red Van we loved them all but all come with a price tag thats why when we camped with the jeep we pulled out the back seats and made that area our bed we were gonna do the tent on top of the jeep but didn't want to deal with the mold issues it came with. Awesome recap sending good vibes for your new goal. Mike N Sheila OV the North ✌
Thanks! Yeah, the whales were awesome. We really have to figure something out other than the tent. There are so many options, but the price tag has to be right as well. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Your channel is awesome! I can't wait to watch more and share with friends ❤ i have aspirations of becoming a tour guide for Campbell River, Strathcona Park, Georgia Straight and the North Island. Your videos inspire me!
Thank You😊! Glad we can provide a little bit of inspiration. Hope you follow through on your aspirations. Becoming a Tour Guide in that area sounds like an amazing idea to us. Keep us in the loop 😊 All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
You could get a small enclosed utility trailer. I've seen some converted to campers and they don't look too bad. It would probably require some suspension improvements to soften it up a little for the dirt roads. Used ones can be inexpensive, especially when compared to the traditional teardrop campers (which are probably the most expensive camper per sq/ft out there).
I enjoyed the recap. The rain would get to me as well. It's hard to deal with the ongoing dampness. Packing in the jeep ought to be hard, especially for these longer trips. Probably crammed in there like sardines.
Thank You! Everything was pretty organized in the Jeep in the beginning. With the heavy rain, we just started tossing everything in the back to get out as fast s possible😂. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
I have a jeep at was going to get a trailer and put 2" foam boards with foil on floor ceiling and walls , get a mini 2 pellet stove for heat =no electricity and a full hopper will heat for 20-24 hrs straight no loading and $ 8 for hardwood version 40 lbs .Change hubs on trailer to jeep hubs , so would have larger tires= higher ground clearance for 4 wheeling and same spare for trailer fits my vehicle and spare for vehicle fits trailer too =) I have more ideas if interested
Thank You for your suggestion! This is something that we have been pondering. We are comparing costs at the moment. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Ahhh fall on the North end of the island. The first two weeks in September are the best time to go camping. Most of the tourists are gone the the weather is perfect.
Thank You for watching! We actually went the week after Labor Day for exactly those reasons. However, it was still surprisingly busy. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
When you can't shower, a pot of hot water, a cloth, and a small bottle of dish soap will do just as well. A place to hide from the wind and you're all set! I like to do it in the truck with the heat blasting or in a tent.
Camper van is what you need. We have done camping an many ways. We still have our jumping jack tent trailer with our Jeep but we much prefer our camper van. Rain doesn’t matter with it. We actually passed you at the beginning of your trip and we were headed home to Calgary. We were in our Jeep and trailer for that trip because our van had broke down. Building a new van with more clearance to get further into the bush.
We are tossing all kinds of ideas around in our heads at the moment. Camper van is a bit out of budget range at the moment unfortunately. It would make the most sense, especially when you modify it to make it more capable on the backroads. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Cost is a huge factor for me .I am looking at used trailer , used materials and building overtime as funds permit .My finished trailer will have big skylight over bed to stargaze double pane acrylic for 4 season , be able to open and have screen and add natural light , but will most likely be 2 years out due to funds .I will also make insulation like a cushion for cold days for skylight.I also want to make a water collection system eventually and use pipes inside walls to not freeze , what ever suitable for drinking water PVC , ABS in zigzag pattern for storage of water.At bottom of pipe system make a sand and charcoal filter just high enough of floor to fill water containers no electricity needed gravity fed .I would put dams like 1/4" or 1/2" high pvc around perimeter of roof to catch rain and have a screened piece over hole that's removable to clean and not allow mosquitos or animals in and also have a little door to slide over screen when driving to not allow dust to enter or cold air.This would allow us not to have to purchase water often , save money, reduce caring water ect...I'd like to add an outside shower to the pipe system for showers and be able to extinguish fires.If the weather says it's going to rain, fill all containers with water , shower ect... I'd use the doggy shower system for cold days it's cheap and has a usb rechargeable pump , also has a foldable little base with high sides and drain plug ,Put some water in then boil some water either on pellet stove campfire , whatever add to other water for warm or hot shower on days to cold to swim or shower outside .But 2 dollar store shower curtains and mount a rod on the ceiling .When not in use, take the curtains down and fold up the doggy shower into a small plastic container after drying ..My fold down ramp would have 2 legs , so when folded down the same height as the floor .I would have square aluminum 3/4" or 1" and to make a portable frame over ramp with velcro on aluminum for tarp with velcro for roof incase of rain and screens with velcro incase of mosquitos and an extra screen for roof if not raining and star gazing priority .Put a couple fold up chairs on the ramp, and attachment piece for laguna table and enjoy drinks conversation and a nice breeze ..I'd have a tube attached to the side of the trailer for aluminum for when not using , abs with screw on cap keeps dry clean and light weight .I'd also have a plastic container on side of trailer for tarp and screens .For #2 I'd use a bucket with a toilet seat .and bag with kitty litter , coconut husk or pine shavings for those cold days , doesn't need water or black tank .For #1 use a bottle , for girls there is a plastic thing like funnel the hospital uses that's cheap ..You can get a free diaper genie on facebook to put #2's until you can dispose and keep jeanie attached outside trailer on fender away from entrance door .Simple bed or beds on frame with plywood with lots of holes to not get mold on hinges that fold up and latch to wall , inexpensive and simple to build , plus I'd leave sheets and blankets on mattress to not make every time I use .I'd have a thin plastic container under the bed against the wall for pillows ect.. I'd attach a hinged piece of framed plywood to the underside of the bed to use as a bench , and have cushions for the bench for back and bum for those cold or down poor rainy days .I'd mount the metal thing on the floor for laguna .table by bench for cards , hot chocolate , tea , to eat ect..I'd mount cargo nets on the wall near the pellet stove but not too close to use to dry stuff and as storage .They are light and when not full don't stick out and take up space.Use usb fans with articulating arms to circulate air .Use very little energy and can point anywhere needed .I would get a used fan that runs off heat for the pellet stove with no power needed .I would vent out the wall at top instead of ceiling for cooking purposes on the cold and down poor rainy days. For cooking outside I'd have a plastic table attached to the wall of the trailer with 2 legs that clip to the wall of the trailer , light weight and legs that clip to wall you don't have to worry about uneven ground or muddy , hopefully by a window so stuff can be passed out instead of walking in and out of the door to get stuff .If you get rattling from table put velcro on table , legs and trailer or foam weather stripping, this goes for anything that rattles or vibrates I cannot stand rattling sounds or vibration while driving .I would vent the pellet stove out the wall instead of the ceiling for a couple of reasons 1-.I like to make as few holes in the ceiling as possible 2-Easy to take spark arrestor and pipe off and screw cap on for travelling rather than climbing up to roof .Mini 2 pellet stove small and light , can be removed from trailer when not needed for more space in trailer .in the summer months .I'd put some cedar in the trailer for something , ceiling or wall piece to keep bugs away .My favorite natural mosquito and bug spray is 3 cups of water , 1/2 cup of vodka , 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract , 10 drops of clove oil , 10 drops of lemon oil , 10 drops of lavender oil .shake and.spray on your skin and bugs don't wanna bite or hang to close to you , plus it smells awesome .Power station charging by lighter is aprox 95 watts , if you get dc to dc charger to power station you can change alternator charging to 24 volt after battery on vehicle and charge at aprox 550 watts only good if power station can handle 24 volt dc charging or higher , some go to 60 volt dc capability , which this will work .Must use 10 ga wire , if you go 12 ga less watts , 14 ga even less wattage ect..so if it took 5 1/2 hrs of driving to charge fully from empty , now takes 1 hr of driving .When sitting by campfire my bum would start getting cold after a while and I would no longer enjoy as long until I remember I bought a piece of foam for sitting on when I would go ice fishing at a sporting goods store that radiates heat.Best socks for heat are heat holders .A luxury item I have is a steam tent aprox $ 150 takes very little water 120 volt , but is heavenly after a hike or if your damp and cold .Another luxury item I have is a massage and heat seat for vehicle that plugs into cigarette lighter , I got it used on facebook for $ 10 .On a long drive or if you got drenched packing up , well worth having .
Great re-cap of your trip. Your reflections and thoughts on planning, gear etc. is right on track. Each adventure is another learning experience. Perhaps that's why some give up or buy the mobile mini house with all the comforts. However, there's a cost on that also. We are going through the same exercise. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and insights. Look forward to what lies ahead. Travel safe.
Thank You! It seems that every time we go out, especially on extended trips, we learn something new, or find something to improve on. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Northern Vancouver Island is def not an easy place to be in the winter, especially now with the bigger winds that have hit more often in the past few years.
Nice recap of your vacation. Too bad you had to cut it a little short but it sounds like you made the right decision. I agree, that first site was amazing. 👌
Thank You, Daryl! We think so, too. We had another spot that we really wanted to go to, but that will have to wait 🙂. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Loved the small series guys it was very enjoyable to watch. I can't wait to do a trip to the coast myself, I just have to find the time in series to go. Great recap and God Bless you both.😎👍
Agree, great concept to wrap up with! Plus looking ahead! Touched allot of interesting conclusions. The wolves, only about 450 on the Island in specific areas, so hard to encounter, let alone get to hear them, more elusive than the loon it just hits you as I'm out there. I have had 4 different encounteres with them but the time we did not see them was the best, a little south of your encounter, tidal river mouth, had hiked up river at low tide on muddy banks when the bush on the opposite shore just lit up, adults and pups, all taking turns howling. We wandered up to a log and sat down looking 50m across the river, they were right there by the river, could not see them. We listened for twenty minutes, it was getting old but still a natual wonder so my buddy whispers wondering what would happen if we howled back, he does a lousy wolf and they just stopped, never caught trace of them the rest of the stay. That sound will stick with you! Area reaserch, it is a whole layer most miss to understanding an area. Some posters might not want to give out that much info inregards to identifying their location, but the other end is those who produce a whole series on the NI and get placenames incorrect, just called any animal they saw what they thought it was, grizzly to reindeer, while sitting in a lawn chair within sight of a remote historical site (quarry for legislature building) marked on the map? There has to be some middle ground here, but I like to know a bit about how we got here. You mentioned the settlement at Cape Scott, it is very interesting, for me how fast this experiment in settlement fell appart. When I hiked it in my 20s it seemed like ancient history to see bits of an atempt to tame rain forest, but then got a reality check on a bus at the same age with a guy in his ninties that said he opperated the boat that took the first building suppies in and the last person out on his boat. The birth and death of a community within one guys working life. Lastly, I dont like to tell folks how to spend their money, I have held my breath and you have not asked, lol, but it seems we have arrived at the same conclusion so I feel safe, lol. Rain......truck tents. Two personal traits make this option just not work for me, I hate set up and pack up in the rain, and I have this ability to look at a product the first time and be able to detail its weekest point, what your life will look like operating it in all kinds of expected conditions. Folks just dont appreciate my superpower and label it a Debbie Downer. However after decades of working and camping, backpack to family RV, in the rain, some things work and some just dont. When it comes to rain protection new technology - bad, old methods - good. As a kid on the Island we laughed at the old guys in their rain gear and Standfields, little did we know, rubber and wool. As tech took off you could see many advancements were made towards what I will call the breathable material movement, works great in many situations, outside air 100% humidity and its done. These options for outside space attached to the vehicle, same material, BC has trees so you can attach industrial tarps up pretty quick. So this tent on a truck thing with all the attachments was 100% not an option for me, and by most reviews I was correct. At 69 my objectives have gotten down to driving is fine, any weather, park, stand or move to more comfortable seating, relax, suit up if bad weather, rubber boots and all...then open the door, move slow, no need to build up sweat, set up tarp and chairs, everything else is set up to function in the rv. Limits include...do I want headroom to stand at cost of access to tight spots, 4X4 option big cost, aluminum will leak, even hardshell trailers will shake apart on back roads and are hard to access remote spots. My needs led me to the now classic ubuild van converstion, which did the trick, made it fit my needs, sounds like the spot you are in? Camp on.
8 days without a shower ? And I thought I had the record ! After 3 days it's " The Mennen Speed Stick" shower 😵💫 Great overview of your trip. Cheers Les
Glad You enjoyed the videos. We had talked about testing the shower before leaving, but somehow completely forgot about it. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
It's the most likely route for us to go. Those things come with a pretty steep price tag, though. Not heard of inTech before, but will have to check it out. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
@@backroadjournals inTech are the first ones heard about a number of years ago. They seem to be one of the best makers out there. Yes, the prices are steep, but the product is pretty great! Their base model looks pretty good and is a bit more manageable.
Awesome guys, the north island is a tough spot for sure. I’ve been up there many many times and always wanted to move there. But it takes a special person to be able to take the isolation and the rains. Cheers!
Guys! Watching this from North Vancouver Island where it has been raining (surprise!) for the last several weeks. Just so you know, that beautiful lake ‘of ours’ where you camped at with your friends, the water level is now about five feet higher because of the rain. You camped across from where we are building our cabin. Next time you are in the area, let me know (contact on my channel page), would love to meet you. Can’t offer a shower, but a dry and warm cabin could do? 😉 Great experience, love watching your trips through this beautiful land! ❤️👋
That is crazy to think about! Thank You for extending the invite, and we will certainly be in touch. We just subbed to your channel and will have to check it out once we are back (we are just about out the door for another camping trip) All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
@ Sounds good, and thanks for the sub! I just passed @outlandharry van on the highway a couple of hours ago on my way back from paradise. How weird is that? I guess the island is a small world after all!
Many of us make the same mistakes. It is hard to deal with so much rain. Can’t put out the solar panels in the pouring rain. I’m also guilty of not testing a new piece of equipment and having it not work on a trip, only to find out I was doing something wrong. Oh well. Had a great time anyway. Enjoyed the videos.
Thank You! Glad you enjoyed the videos. The rain just got too much with no end in sight. We talked about testing the shower before our trip, but completely forgot about it. Just another lesson learned. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Winter is not the season to vacation on Van Isle. It will rain, which is normal. Go south to Arizona! Van Isle is for spring, summer and early fall. We've had 4 months stretches without a drop of rain some years. We get a drought every summer, which is nice. But it is never hot. Also: PLEASE FIX YOUR AUDIO. I am only getting sound in the left ear.
Thank you for the heads up on the audio. We did not notice while editing, but willl have to look at it for sure. We actually live on the Island and have been for decades and are very familiar with the climate and weather. It's just always a matter of when we are able to go on extended trips. This time it happened to be early September. All the best and thank you for watching, Michelle and Holger 🙂
Everyone should leave this dingy damp place after about October . Four months of sunshine isn’t enough for a human . We need vitamin D . Why anyone lives on this hell hole island between November and April is beyond me . Mexico for the win !!😂💀🫵
Having lived in Mexico for 5, and Southern Spain for 4 years, we absolutely agree on the Vitamin D. Hopefully we'll be as lucky/fortunate as you one day and will be able to afford 4 months down south. In the meantime, Vancouver Island is still the warmest place in Canada during the Fall/Winter months. All the best, Michelle and Holger 🙏
Thank You for stopping bye 🙏. Make sure to check out the full "North Vancouver Island Adventure" Playlist by following the link below:
ruclips.net/p/PLhrOoL8cBPo7qpwmE-KxY43Yyeo1HSDkp
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Beautiful Whale Clip ...isn't it so nice to have such a beautiful big back yard to play in
Rain suit and good rubber boots is a must on the island lol
I feel you in the tent department .... we had a jeep for many many years then went to trailers small and big ...now were in the Big Red Van we loved them all but all come with a price tag thats why when we camped with the jeep we pulled out the back seats and made that area our bed we were gonna do the tent on top of the jeep but didn't want to deal with the mold issues it came with.
Awesome recap sending good vibes for your new goal.
Mike N Sheila OV the North ✌
Thanks! Yeah, the whales were awesome.
We really have to figure something out other than the tent. There are so many options, but the price tag has to be right as well.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Your channel is awesome! I can't wait to watch more and share with friends ❤ i have aspirations of becoming a tour guide for Campbell River, Strathcona Park, Georgia Straight and the North Island. Your videos inspire me!
Thank You😊! Glad we can provide a little bit of inspiration.
Hope you follow through on your aspirations. Becoming a Tour Guide in that area sounds like an amazing idea to us.
Keep us in the loop 😊
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
You could get a small enclosed utility trailer. I've seen some converted to campers and they don't look too bad. It would probably require some suspension improvements to soften it up a little for the dirt roads. Used ones can be inexpensive, especially when compared to the traditional teardrop campers (which are probably the most expensive camper per sq/ft out there).
I enjoyed the recap. The rain would get to me as well. It's hard to deal with the ongoing dampness. Packing in the jeep ought to be hard, especially for these longer trips. Probably crammed in there like sardines.
Thank You! Everything was pretty organized in the Jeep in the beginning. With the heavy rain, we just started tossing everything in the back to get out as fast s possible😂.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Great spot for filming your wrap-up. So lucky to have that in your back yard. Thanks for the videos.
Thank You! Glad you enjoyed the videos🙂.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
I have a jeep at was going to get a trailer and put 2" foam boards with foil on floor ceiling and walls , get a mini 2 pellet stove for heat =no electricity and a full hopper will heat for 20-24 hrs straight no loading and $ 8 for hardwood version 40 lbs .Change hubs on trailer to jeep hubs , so would have larger tires= higher ground clearance for 4 wheeling and same spare for trailer fits my vehicle and spare for vehicle fits trailer too =) I have more ideas if interested
Thank You for your suggestion! This is something that we have been pondering. We are comparing costs at the moment.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Ahhh fall on the North end of the island. The first two weeks in September are the best time to go camping. Most of the tourists are gone the the weather is perfect.
Thank You for watching! We actually went the week after Labor Day for exactly those reasons. However, it was still surprisingly busy.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Great way to start the day watching your adventures !
Thank You! Gad you enjoyed the video 🙂.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
When you can't shower, a pot of hot water, a cloth, and a small bottle of dish soap will do just as well. A place to hide from the wind and you're all set! I like to do it in the truck with the heat blasting or in a tent.
Camper van is what you need. We have done camping an many ways. We still have our jumping jack tent trailer with our Jeep but we much prefer our camper van. Rain doesn’t matter with it.
We actually passed you at the beginning of your trip and we were headed home to Calgary. We were in our Jeep and trailer for that trip because our van had broke down. Building a new van with more clearance to get further into the bush.
We are tossing all kinds of ideas around in our heads at the moment. Camper van is a bit out of budget range at the moment unfortunately. It would make the most sense, especially when you modify it to make it more capable on the backroads.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Enjoyed watching your trip recap. You really had some wonderful highlights like seeing the whales.
Thank You! Glad you enjoyed the video.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Cost is a huge factor for me .I am looking at used trailer , used materials and building overtime as funds permit .My finished trailer will have big skylight over bed to stargaze double pane acrylic for 4 season , be able to open and have screen and add natural light , but will most likely be 2 years out due to funds .I will also make insulation like a cushion for cold days for skylight.I also want to make a water collection system eventually and use pipes inside walls to not freeze , what ever suitable for drinking water PVC , ABS in zigzag pattern for storage of water.At bottom of pipe system make a sand and charcoal filter just high enough of floor to fill water containers no electricity needed gravity fed .I would put dams like 1/4" or 1/2" high pvc around perimeter of roof to catch rain and have a screened piece over hole that's removable to clean and not allow mosquitos or animals in and also have a little door to slide over screen when driving to not allow dust to enter or cold air.This would allow us not to have to purchase water often , save money, reduce caring water ect...I'd like to add an outside shower to the pipe system for showers and be able to extinguish fires.If the weather says it's going to rain, fill all containers with water , shower ect... I'd use the doggy shower system for cold days it's cheap and has a usb rechargeable pump , also has a foldable little base with high sides and drain plug ,Put some water in then boil some water either on pellet stove campfire , whatever add to other water for warm or hot shower on days to cold to swim or shower outside .But 2 dollar store shower curtains and mount a rod on the ceiling .When not in use, take the curtains down and fold up the doggy shower into a small plastic container after drying ..My fold down ramp would have 2 legs , so when folded down the same height as the floor .I would have square aluminum 3/4" or 1" and to make a portable frame over ramp with velcro on aluminum for tarp with velcro for roof incase of rain and screens with velcro incase of mosquitos and an extra screen for roof if not raining and star gazing priority .Put a couple fold up chairs on the ramp, and attachment piece for laguna table and enjoy drinks conversation and a nice breeze ..I'd have a tube attached to the side of the trailer for aluminum for when not using , abs with screw on cap keeps dry clean and light weight .I'd also have a plastic container on side of trailer for tarp and screens .For #2 I'd use a bucket with a toilet seat .and bag with kitty litter , coconut husk or pine shavings for those cold days , doesn't need water or black tank .For #1 use a bottle , for girls there is a plastic thing like funnel the hospital uses that's cheap ..You can get a free diaper genie on facebook to put #2's until you can dispose and keep jeanie attached outside trailer on fender away from entrance door .Simple bed or beds on frame with plywood with lots of holes to not get mold on hinges that fold up and latch to wall , inexpensive and simple to build , plus I'd leave sheets and blankets on mattress to not make every time I use .I'd have a thin plastic container under the bed against the wall for pillows ect.. I'd attach a hinged piece of framed plywood to the underside of the bed to use as a bench , and have cushions for the bench for back and bum for those cold or down poor rainy days .I'd mount the metal thing on the floor for laguna .table by bench for cards , hot chocolate , tea , to eat ect..I'd mount cargo nets on the wall near the pellet stove but not too close to use to dry stuff and as storage .They are light and when not full don't stick out and take up space.Use usb fans with articulating arms to circulate air .Use very little energy and can point anywhere needed .I would get a used fan that runs off heat for the pellet stove with no power needed .I would vent out the wall at top instead of ceiling for cooking purposes on the cold and down poor rainy days. For cooking outside I'd have a plastic table attached to the wall of the trailer with 2 legs that clip to the wall of the trailer , light weight and legs that clip to wall you don't have to worry about uneven ground or muddy , hopefully by a window so stuff can be passed out instead of walking in and out of the door to get stuff .If you get rattling from table put velcro on table , legs and trailer or foam weather stripping, this goes for anything that rattles or vibrates I cannot stand rattling sounds or vibration while driving .I would vent the pellet stove out the wall instead of the ceiling for a couple of reasons 1-.I like to make as few holes in the ceiling as possible 2-Easy to take spark arrestor and pipe off and screw cap on for travelling rather than climbing up to roof .Mini 2 pellet stove small and light , can be removed from trailer when not needed for more space in trailer .in the summer months .I'd put some cedar in the trailer for something , ceiling or wall piece to keep bugs away .My favorite natural mosquito and bug spray is 3 cups of water , 1/2 cup of vodka , 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract , 10 drops of clove oil , 10 drops of lemon oil , 10 drops of lavender oil .shake and.spray on your skin and bugs don't wanna bite or hang to close to you , plus it smells awesome .Power station charging by lighter is aprox 95 watts , if you get dc to dc charger to power station you can change alternator charging to 24 volt after battery on vehicle and charge at aprox 550 watts only good if power station can handle 24 volt dc charging or higher , some go to 60 volt dc capability , which this will work .Must use 10 ga wire , if you go 12 ga less watts , 14 ga even less wattage ect..so if it took 5 1/2 hrs of driving to charge fully from empty , now takes 1 hr of driving .When sitting by campfire my bum would start getting cold after a while and I would no longer enjoy as long until I remember I bought a piece of foam for sitting on when I would go ice fishing at a sporting goods store that radiates heat.Best socks for heat are heat holders .A luxury item I have is a steam tent aprox $ 150 takes very little water 120 volt , but is heavenly after a hike or if your damp and cold .Another luxury item I have is a massage and heat seat for vehicle that plugs into cigarette lighter , I got it used on facebook for $ 10 .On a long drive or if you got drenched packing up , well worth having .
Great re-cap of your trip. Your reflections and thoughts on planning, gear etc. is right on track. Each adventure is another learning experience. Perhaps that's why some give up or buy the mobile mini house with all the comforts. However, there's a cost on that also. We are going through the same exercise. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and insights. Look forward to what lies ahead. Travel safe.
Thank You! It seems that every time we go out, especially on extended trips, we learn something new, or find something to improve on.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Northern Vancouver Island is def not an easy place to be in the winter, especially now with the bigger winds that have hit more often in the past few years.
Its Monsoon Season here on Van Isle. Bring your rain coat and extra dry socks. 😅
Finally got a chance to go camping this weekend up in that area. Found lots of cool places…yeah, rain.
Good to hear that you are back out 👍! So much to explore up there.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Cool way to recap the adventure, thanks for the video!
I eagerly await your next adventure.
Cheers!
Thank You! Glad you enjoyed the video, we had to wrap it up somehow after ending the trip so sudden.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Nice recap of your vacation. Too bad you had to cut it a little short but it sounds like you made the right decision. I agree, that first site was amazing. 👌
Thank You, Daryl! We think so, too. We had another spot that we really wanted to go to, but that will have to wait 🙂.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Popping into the Lake is invigorating though!
What a great series guys we really enjoyed it!
Beautiful way to end your journey!
Now we gotta go pack up our wet tent 😂😂
Cheers
Walt & Joanne
Thanks guys! Hope you got the tent dry🙂.
See You soon.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Loved the small series guys it was very enjoyable to watch. I can't wait to do a trip to the coast myself, I just have to find the time in series to go. Great recap and God Bless you both.😎👍
Thank You🙂! Glad You enjoyed the series. We certainly had fun on the trip, as well as sharing it.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Agree, great concept to wrap up with! Plus looking ahead! Touched allot of interesting conclusions. The wolves, only about 450 on the Island in specific areas, so hard to encounter, let alone get to hear them, more elusive than the loon it just hits you as I'm out there. I have had 4 different encounteres with them but the time we did not see them was the best, a little south of your encounter, tidal river mouth, had hiked up river at low tide on muddy banks when the bush on the opposite shore just lit up, adults and pups, all taking turns howling. We wandered up to a log and sat down looking 50m across the river, they were right there by the river, could not see them. We listened for twenty minutes, it was getting old but still a natual wonder so my buddy whispers wondering what would happen if we howled back, he does a lousy wolf and they just stopped, never caught trace of them the rest of the stay. That sound will stick with you! Area reaserch, it is a whole layer most miss to understanding an area. Some posters might not want to give out that much info inregards to identifying their location, but the other end is those who produce a whole series on the NI and get placenames incorrect, just called any animal they saw what they thought it was, grizzly to reindeer, while sitting in a lawn chair within sight of a remote historical site (quarry for legislature building) marked on the map? There has to be some middle ground here, but I like to know a bit about how we got here. You mentioned the settlement at Cape Scott, it is very interesting, for me how fast this experiment in settlement fell appart. When I hiked it in my 20s it seemed like ancient history to see bits of an atempt to tame rain forest, but then got a reality check on a bus at the same age with a guy in his ninties that said he opperated the boat that took the first building suppies in and the last person out on his boat. The birth and death of a community within one guys working life. Lastly, I dont like to tell folks how to spend their money, I have held my breath and you have not asked, lol, but it seems we have arrived at the same conclusion so I feel safe, lol. Rain......truck tents. Two personal traits make this option just not work for me, I hate set up and pack up in the rain, and I have this ability to look at a product the first time and be able to detail its weekest point, what your life will look like operating it in all kinds of expected conditions. Folks just dont appreciate my superpower and label it a Debbie Downer. However after decades of working and camping, backpack to family RV, in the rain, some things work and some just dont. When it comes to rain protection new technology - bad, old methods - good. As a kid on the Island we laughed at the old guys in their rain gear and Standfields, little did we know, rubber and wool. As tech took off you could see many advancements were made towards what I will call the breathable material movement, works great in many situations, outside air 100% humidity and its done. These options for outside space attached to the vehicle, same material, BC has trees so you can attach industrial tarps up pretty quick. So this tent on a truck thing with all the attachments was 100% not an option for me, and by most reviews I was correct. At 69 my objectives have gotten down to driving is fine, any weather, park, stand or move to more comfortable seating, relax, suit up if bad weather, rubber boots and all...then open the door, move slow, no need to build up sweat, set up tarp and chairs, everything else is set up to function in the rv. Limits include...do I want headroom to stand at cost of access to tight spots, 4X4 option big cost, aluminum will leak, even hardshell trailers will shake apart on back roads and are hard to access remote spots. My needs led me to the now classic ubuild van converstion, which did the trick, made it fit my needs, sounds like the spot you are in? Camp on.
8 days without a shower ? And I thought I had the record ! After 3 days it's " The Mennen Speed Stick" shower 😵💫 Great overview of your trip. Cheers Les
Yeah, that was a bit much, really should have tested the shower before leaving 😂.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Another wonderful video. Thank you so much.
Thank You! Glad you enjoyed the video🙂.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Maybe do a pre trip test of your equipment too. Really enjoy your videos of this trip!
Glad You enjoyed the videos. We had talked about testing the shower before leaving, but somehow completely forgot about it.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Maybe you'll need to get an inTech Adventure Trailer. They are pretty cool😃
Looks like a good trip up there. Even with the rain😁
It's the most likely route for us to go. Those things come with a pretty steep price tag, though. Not heard of inTech before, but will have to check it out.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
@@backroadjournals inTech are the first ones heard about a number of years ago. They seem to be one of the best makers out there.
Yes, the prices are steep, but the product is pretty great!
Their base model looks pretty good and is a bit more manageable.
Awesome guys, the north island is a tough spot for sure. I’ve been up there many many times and always wanted to move there. But it takes a special person to be able to take the isolation and the rains. Cheers!
It is so beautiful up there, such a wild place and we cannot wait to go back.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Maybe a little teardrop trailer would work for you, I love mine!
That is something that we are looking into, for sure.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
We sleep in our Jeep Cherokee, but I know the struggle of packing up wet gear and limited space.
Packing up is a hassle already, but even worse when everything is soaking wet.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Guys! Watching this from North Vancouver Island where it has been raining (surprise!) for the last several weeks. Just so you know, that beautiful lake ‘of ours’ where you camped at with your friends, the water level is now about five feet higher because of the rain. You camped across from where we are building our cabin. Next time you are in the area, let me know (contact on my channel page), would love to meet you. Can’t offer a shower, but a dry and warm cabin could do? 😉
Great experience, love watching your trips through this beautiful land!
❤️👋
That is crazy to think about!
Thank You for extending the invite, and we will certainly be in touch. We just subbed to your channel and will have to check it out once we are back (we are just about out the door for another camping trip)
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
@ Sounds good, and thanks for the sub! I just passed @outlandharry van on the highway a couple of hours ago on my way back from paradise. How weird is that? I guess the island is a small world after all!
Great idea for a vid guys
Thank You, Brent🙂!
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
I worked in Coal Harbour in 1970. Highest paid job I've ever had. Ya it rains
Many of us make the same mistakes. It is hard to deal with so much rain. Can’t put out the solar panels in the pouring rain. I’m also guilty of not testing a new piece of equipment and having it not work on a trip, only to find out I was doing something wrong. Oh well. Had a great time anyway. Enjoyed the videos.
Thank You! Glad you enjoyed the videos. The rain just got too much with no end in sight. We talked about testing the shower before our trip, but completely forgot about it. Just another lesson learned.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
I have an 8 letter word for you: Umbrella!!😂
That's actually funny, but an umbrella would have been completely useless in the conditions we were in.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
North Van Island they measure rain by the foot not the inch or mm. :)
No kidding 😂. We did live in Ukee and Tofino for about 15 years and they do the same thing there.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏
Winter is not the season to vacation on Van Isle. It will rain, which is normal. Go south to Arizona! Van Isle is for spring, summer and early fall. We've had 4 months stretches without a drop of rain some years. We get a drought every summer, which is nice. But it is never hot. Also: PLEASE FIX YOUR AUDIO. I am only getting sound in the left ear.
Thank you for the heads up on the audio. We did not notice while editing, but willl have to look at it for sure.
We actually live on the Island and have been for decades and are very familiar with the climate and weather. It's just always a matter of when we are able to go on extended trips. This time it happened to be early September.
All the best and thank you for watching,
Michelle and Holger 🙂
Everyone should leave this dingy damp place after about October . Four months of sunshine isn’t enough for a human . We need vitamin D . Why anyone lives on this hell hole island between November and April is beyond me . Mexico for the win !!😂💀🫵
Having lived in Mexico for 5, and Southern Spain for 4 years, we absolutely agree on the Vitamin D.
Hopefully we'll be as lucky/fortunate as you one day and will be able to afford 4 months down south.
In the meantime, Vancouver Island is still the warmest place in Canada during the Fall/Winter months.
All the best,
Michelle and Holger 🙏