It’s been a nice week and a bit since I’ve gotten home from Idaho. The trip ended up costing me far more than I expected, that’s for sure. Gas in Idaho was pretty well what we pay in Alberta, then add on 35% or so for exchange, it was ridiculously expensive. I totaled up my gas expenses, to and from Idaho, towing my small trailer and I spent over $1500 on fuel alone.

Food at restaurants was just as expensive as here then add exchange on top of that, not a cheap night out to eat. Oh well, I’ve often heard that money spent on travelling is never money wasted and I’d tend to agree, I had a fantastic time and a great trip. I guess I just wasn’t expecting it to be quite as expensive as it was.

Work has been crazy busy this entire month with various things breaking with my client driving up phone calls and tickets coming in. We’ve had some people off, using up their PTO before the end of the year, so that strains the rest of the agents. We are keeping our heads above water, just above.

This past weekend was the first weekend since I moved that I did not have any plans at all, and it was so nice. On Saturday, I woke up at 5 or so and let Hera out and went back to bed, I didn’t wake up again until after 8am, that’s amazing for me.

We went out to the other campground that I was thinking of moving to and paid for the month, I was then told some news that I hadn’t been told about. The first person that I spoke to a few weeks ago either out and out lied to me, or did not know how to do her job. I was told that I would have full hookups all winter, ok great – that wasn’t true at all, water and sewer are turned off November 1. I wasn’t told about the fee for the dogs, $2 per dog, per day – I asked if that included them picking up the dog poop, of course not. I was also not told that I’d be connected to a power meter in the winter and I’d have to pay separately for power. So, for about $400 more than where I currently am (not including power), I’d get what, paved roads?

The washroom facilities were about the same as here. The laundry room isn’t as nice, less machines for sure, although they have front loaders, but I can go into Airdrie if I needed one. The location also isn’t as convenient as here, I’m close to everything here and there I’m not close to much.

So, I told them I’d think about it, although looking back, I’m unsure what I had to think about. Why would I want to pay upwards of $600 more a month, all-in, compared to here and basically get paved roads. Well, turns out I wouldn’t.

After the dogs and I went for a walk with friends and their dog on Sunday morning, we headed back out to the campground and I got a refund. I did make sure that I could keep my spot here first and yes, no problem. So, we’ll be staying here this winter.

I’m looking into a water and wastewater service for the winter they’ll come and empty my tanks and fill fresh water weekly. I’ll still shower in the facilities here, that’ll save on water for sure, essentially I’ll use it for washing dishes and brushing my teeth. I’m loving it out here, camping every night. Winter will be interesting, but I’m looking forward to it.

Next week, I leave for Ontario for a week and am looking forward to the trip. It’s been 2 years since I’ve been back, so it’s definitely time for a visit.