Capucine

How Living In A RV Made Me Rich

Published on February 3, 2016November 11, 2023 by Capucine2 Comments

What do we truly need in life? Shelter, food, water, clothes, love, and safety. These are the fundamental biological needs of a human being. However, the modern world has added a troubling item to this list: money. Money has created a society driven more by desires than necessities, fostering consumerism, a relentless pursuit of wealth and power. But does money truly enrich our lives?

While most associate wealth with material abundance, overflowing bank accounts, and financial prosperity, I hold a different belief. True richness is not measured solely in monetary terms; it’s a quality of life. The mere act of being alive on this planet is a gift of immeasurable wealth, and money is but a fleeting illusion. In reality, money often leads to unethical and immoral behavior, diverting our attention from living a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Last summer, I made a significant change in my life by purchasing an RV. I had grown weary of paying exorbitant rent and perpetually struggling with financial matters. Little did I anticipate how profoundly it would transform my life. In fact, it made me richer. Here’s how:

I have time to appreciate the little things

I now have the time to enjoy life’s small pleasures. When I downsized my life to reside in a trailer, I experienced an overwhelming sense of relief. I parted ways with unnecessary possessions, retaining only the essentials. Simple activities like long hot showers, laundry, and TV have become luxurious indulgences. Grand dinner parties have given way to outdoor gatherings, and my extensive wardrobe has been replaced by a modest selection of clothing. The act of owning less has heightened my appreciation for what I possess. Everything beyond those essentials is a luxury. This lifestyle has taught me that I am content with what I have. It has deepened my appreciation for life’s intricate details, encouraging me to slow down, relish the scent of fresh air, and admire the beauty surrounding me. It has nurtured gratitude in my heart.

Downsizing hasn’t felt so good, considering all this immense and stunning backyard I get in return. Far from the city lights, I can see the sky so starry on clear nights. Would you stay in a 5-billion-star resort like this one?

I have the ability to live wherever I want

Living in a trailer allows me to lead a day-to-day existence, unburdened by mortgages or leases. I have the flexibility to hit the open road, select a new backyard, or anchor down for a while as I please. This freedom to move at will means I am not bound to any specific location and can live life on my own terms.

I hiked it, I flew above it, and now my home is parked beside it. Yet, I cannot express the feeling I get each time I admire nature performs around this pinnacle of volcanic rock. Couldn’t be more grateful to have the view of the mighty Black Tusk right from my window. Love this backyard!

I am debt free

Embracing minimalism has translated into more money in my pocket. Within a few months, I successfully paid off a long-standing travel debt that had lingered for years, a feat I couldn’t accomplish with steep rent expenses. Residing in a trailer has significantly reduced my living costs. Additionally, I drive a used car that I purchased outright, just like my trailer. By adopting a minimalist lifestyle, I’ve reduced my expenses to essentials like campground fees, cell phone, and car insurance. As a result, I now spend less than I earn and have managed to accrue savings that bring me closer to my dreams. The freedom of being debt-free and financially stable is truly liberating.

My shelter, my ride and my company. This is home, and I have all I need.

I choose experiences over possessions

With fewer possessions to maintain and the absence of a demanding, stress-inducing job solely for bill payment, I’ve gained the gift of more free time. This precious time allows me to be with the people I love, strengthen my bond with my dogs, embrace the outdoors, engage in creative pursuits, and wholeheartedly pursue my passions. With increased financial freedom and abundant free time, I’ve been able to travel more frequently, embark on adventures, and relish life to the fullest.

I own less, but I gain more

Owning fewer possessions has opened the door to a richer life. Living off the grid provides me with a chance to connect more closely with nature. Residing in a natural environment is not only renowned for reducing stress and enhancing happiness and physical well-being but also grants me a remarkable and extraordinary backyard that stretches out to the majestic Coast Mountains. While my dwelling may be a compact trailer, my backyard is an expanse of tranquility, inspiration, and grandeur.

One of the privilege of living off grid is to have an immense playground to ourselves.

Wealth is a matter of perspective. I genuinely hold the belief that money alone doesn’t determine our richness. True success goes beyond the confines of monetary wealth. In reality, happiness stands as the key to genuine success. When you learn to value life’s small pleasures, allocate time for self-care, treasure love, kindness, gratitude, and compassion, cultivate social bonds and family connections, live within your means, and embrace minimalism to live life to the fullest, I believe you unearth the genuine essence of existence.

Once you recognize that desire is distinct from necessity, you embark on an authentic way of living. Finding contentment and joy in what you have, I consider that the ultimate wealth one can attain.

In this very place, nestled within the wilderness, I have everything I need. This way of life brings me nearer to nature and to people, affords me more time to engage in my passions, concentrate on dreams and aspirations, and forge a connection with my inner self. For me, this is true wealth.

Celebrating Life

Published on January 22, 2016August 18, 2022 by Capucine3 Comments

I usually plan a road trip getaway for my birthday, discovering a new place with new faces. Although I am not the type of girl that craves attention on this occasion, but I do believe it is important to highlight the moment. For me, a simple adventure somewhere in nature with people I love is really all I need.

My day of birth is a special one in my life. Not because it is a time to celebrate, but it is to commemorate the day where I came out of my mother’s belly and breathed air for the first time. Life will always be the most special gift I could ever receive. To be thankful for such an event, I think it is necessary to take a moment to appreciate it.

Since my birthday falls right after the busy holiday season, it isn’t always easy to organize a trip away with friends. So this year, I decided to stay home, and instead embrace what is around me.

The morning of my birthday, we headed to the backcountry. The trailer park where I reside has a private access to the beautiful backcountry of Brandywine. So after breakfast, we strapped our boards on the snowmobile and sledded to the incredible Chocolate Bowl.

It was a blue bird day, no wind, and the weather was warm as the spring. Sledding in Whistler backcountry is always a treat. The terrain is so immense and pristine, so untrammeled and untouched.

Owning fewer possessions has opened the door to a richer life. Living off the grid provides me with a chance to connect more closely with nature. Residing in a natural environment is not only renowned for reducing stress and enhancing happiness and physical well-being but also grants me a remarkable and extraordinary backyard that stretches out to the majestic Coast Mountains. While my dwelling may be a compact trailer, my backyard is an expanse of tranquility, inspiration, and grandeur.

I got dropped off at the highest peaks and, my board then strapped to my feet, I chose my lines, descending and sliding, surfing and carving on fresh champagne powder.

I looked up the sky. A bird flew from above, and disappeared in the infinite distance.

I was alone in the winterness, immersing into a quintessential wilderness.

I felt alive. I felt free.

When we returned, I prepared a Cesear bar in the snow at the trailer park. I had friends coming over when the sun went down, and we gathered around the bonfire, warming up on a cold winter night of January.

I never ask for presents on any occasions. Yet, I received many bottles of bubbles, cheeses, pepperonis, books, and loafs of homemade cheese bread. My friend even made an ice cream cake, knowing my dislikeness for regular spongy cake. To see all my favourite people around me, spoiling me with thoughtful gestures and gifts, I couldn’t be more happy.

After eating ice cream cake we packed the sleds once more and headed to a cabin in the backcountry for the night. Nestled in the middle of the wilderness, we popped all the bottles of champagne and celebrated the night away in a winter wonderland.

I could have not asked for a better celebration of life. Thanks to my dear friends, the wilderness and our endless craving for adventure.

Cheers to life!

2015 Challenge Accomplished: 20 Adventures In the PNW ✓

Published on January 16, 2016August 18, 2022 by Capucine4 Comments

In 2015, I chose not to travel overseas in order to save money and focus on other projects. It was a tough decision, since I have been travelling around the globe annually for the past 14 years. It was something I had to do, in order to financially get back on track and work on my future. But not travelling doesn’t mean not exploring. I am fortunate to live in an area that offers such an incredible playground. So at the beginning of the year, I challenged myself in doing at least 20 adventures around the beautiful Pacific North West.

#1. Snowboard trip to Red Mountain, Rossland.

#2. Winter canoeing on Green Lake.

#3. Nordic skiing nights at Callaghan Country.

#4. Fly over the Pemberton Icefield to the Meager Creek hotsprings aboard a helicopter.

#5. Hike the Sea-to-Sky trail from Whistler to Brandywine.

#6. Camping-canoe trip to Marble Canyon.

#7. Hike to Stawamus Chief to catch the last rays of sunset.

#8. Take a floatplane to Vancouver from Whistler.

#9. Play tourists and bicycle Vancouver’s famous seawall, and through Stanley Park.

#10. Surf trip to Tofino.

#11. Hike Joffre Lakes.

#12. Weekend escapes to Anderson Lake.

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#13. Ocean camping in the Gulf Islands.

#14. Family trip to Hornby Island.

#15. Pig roasting at a beach in the middle of a mountain to celebrate the end of the summer.

#16. Night canoeing under a full moon at Callaghan Lake.

#17. Hike the Skywalk trail up to Iceberg Lake.

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#18. Spend a night at a cabin in the backcountry.

#19. Night iceskating under the full moon at Joffre Lakes.

But the most amazing adventure of the year:

#20. I bought my first home (on wheels)! I am now living off the grid, a lifestyle I’ve always dreamt about.

It is important to pause once in a while and look what’s around us. We don’t always have to travel across the globe to explore new paths and be treated with incredible views. Beauties are within reach and waiting to be discovered. And sometimes, it is the people who tag along, our home buddies, furry friends or family that make the journey worth of all beauties.

I am excited for 2016. I am well-rested, projects in hand and ready to move mountains! I wish you all a safe journey to the new year, filled with new beginnings, new dreams and new adventures!

6 Ways To Give During The Holidays

Published on December 27, 2015August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

My favourite time of the year has arrived and I am so pleased to see fallen snow covering the grounds. I love the coziness of the season and the comfort I find in the little things it brings: Cozy sweaters, piping hot cocktails, fresh air, frosted flakes, and doggy cuddles. The shorter days of the winter solstice bring longer nights, and I love the magical and fairy scenes of the street lights flickering in the long evening hazes. Plus, there is nothing like inhaling breathes of fresh and crisp air while I play outside in the cold. And to come to my cozy trailer, and sit by the fireplace, sipping on mulled wine, while my burning red cheeks slowly warm up is a sincere treat. I feel so privileged that I am able to enjoy such a season, and so fortunate to have a roof over my head, food on the table, warm clothing, and loving people around me.

Not everyone is as fortunate as I am: Some will spend Christmas alone, some will be hungry, some will be cold. Some will be forgotten and will hope for the Holidays to disappear as fast as it arrived. Even though I cannot provide care and love for everyone in need, there are still a few things I can do to spread the Christmas cheer around me.

Donate clothing, households and goods

When I moved to my trailer, I realized how much clothing and random things I’ve accumulated and held on to with all those years. Stuff that I really didn’t need nor wear. So I packed up 3 large boxes and dropped them at a Salvation Army location in the city. Not only did it feel good to let go of things, but also felt great to be able to give a little hope to those in need. When you look for an organization to drop your goods, make sure they are 100% charity-based. Places such as Salvation Army, Red Cross and Amnesty International are worth the trust. Plus, clothing that isn’t used are recycled.

Donate to food bank

Pack up a bag of non-perishable food and drop it at your local food bank. Most grocery stores also provide boxes at the exit to donate items. In a resort town like Whistler where the cost of life is expensive, many new residents have trouble affording rent, transit, season pass, and food. Giving our neighbours a little bit of help, especially during the Holidays, will be surely appreciated.

Donate to your local shelter

Dogs and cats also need love during the Holidays. Anything from toys, food, treats, even items for employees will be great gifts to give to your local shelter. And of course, a donation of money is always much needed and appreciated.

Give away food gift certificates to homeless

I’ve always wanted to give a little something to the homeless in the streets. We don’t have any here in Whistler, but there are way too many in the city. So last time I was there, I bought a few $10 Tim Horton gift cards that I offered to the ones I met. This way they can go for a nice hot meal in a warm place, use the facilities and have a little treat. Everyone deserve a little piece of care, love and happiness.

Donate a jacket

Living in a country like Canada, winters can be frigid, with freezing temperatures, snow and rain. Not all of us are fortunate enough to have the proper gear to survive the season. Instead of selling your old jacket, why not giving it to someone that truly needs it? There are many organizations that collect jackets and warm clothes and distribute them to people in need.

Donate your time

Donating your time is one of the best gifts anyone can ask for. Whether it is at the hospital, or at your local animal shelter, or with the homeless, the seniors, or the children, or even Christmas caroling with the church, volunteering is sure to bring warm gooey feelings all around.

What will you do this season to spread the Holiday cheer?

Morning Sweetness

Published on November 27, 2015August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

Winter solstice is still a couple of weeks away, but the days are already colder and snow covers the grounds here in the mountains of Whistler. It was such a nice day today, and such an enjoyable morning walk with the pups. I love how I can just open the door of my trailer and walk the trails through the forest. And the views are simply stunning.

La Crémaillère: First Day At the New Home

Published on November 21, 2015August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

We are pretty excited about our new purchase: a home on wheels.

An old gondola for storage space.

Cracking the first of many bottle of sparkling.

Cheering to my new setting.

Loving my new backyard.

And the views are to die for.

Much better than TV.

Getting cozy.

Friendly neighbourhood. And again, can’t beat the view.

The sun painted the mountains of a stunning alpenglow.

And left the sky with a blood moon.

Not bad for a first day at our new home.

Preparing for a Winter in a Trailer: Winterizing the RV

Published on November 13, 2015August 17, 2022 by Capucine2 Comments

Owning a RV is in all a project and adventure. As newbies of the RV culture, there is so much to learn, especially with winter around the corner. Depending on how El Nino will affect our region this season, it is prudent to expect lots of heavy snowfall. Plus, we are sitting on an edge, offering pristine views of the mountains, but also exposed to cold wind swirls. To have our RV ready for winter, there are a few things we need to do.

Skirting

Building a skirt to the bottom of the RV will break the wind from cooling the underside of the trailer and can help to keep the rig warm. You can purchase a skirt if your trailer didn’t come with one, or you can build one. We wrapped the bottom of the trailer with foam boards to create an insulation. Then we secured them with plywood. We heard that keeping a space heater works wonderfully as well, to keep the bottom of the trailer warm as well as to prevent the tanks, pipes and hoses to freeze. When snow comes, we will tuck the skirt bottom with snow to give it an igloo effect. Now we just have to watch for rodents!

Roofing

We haven’t quite decided what we will do with the roof. As we aren’t staying at one place permanently, we can’t built a shelter on top of our flat roof to allow the snow to slide off. We also heard that tarps are a no-no. However, we will make sure that we keep shoveling the snow carefully and hope for the best!

Water Hose and Sewer Pipes

We wrapped the water hose and pipes with thick blankets. We heard that heating pads and 40-watt bulbs work well. We will also put an electric heater under the trailer to create heat flow and protect tanks and pipes from freezing.

Windows

We placed shrink film on the insides of the windows to help eliminate cold drafts and reduce condensation.

Condensation

Cooking, washing, showering or even just breathing create condensation. We haven’t had any issue with it yet, but it is something to be aware of, especially living with 2 adults and 2 dogs. When cooking, we always use the stove fan and open up the roof vent. It would be the same thing for showering however, we chose to shower at the campground facilities instead (their showers are amazing!). We might get a dehumidifier for the winter, depending on the level of condensation.

Heat

We chose to use electric heaters to keep the place warm. Electric heaters don’t create moisture and warm up the place pretty quick. We have an electric fireplace that we use when we are here, and at night and during the day we leave an electric oil heater on. Depending how cold it gets this winter, we will try not to use the propane furnace too much as it will get expensive and is bad for moisture. Be sure to read and follow all your heaters warnings and rules. Also get a carbon monoxide detector. Stay warm but mostly be safe!

We are excited to spend a winter in our new home on wheels. Even though it is quite some preparation to get ready for the cold months and still lots to learn, we cannot wait to wake up to nature, wearing its white and sparkly robe, and go for hikes, snowshoe, nordic ski and sled right off our door steps!

RV Budgeting: Cost and Expenses

Published on November 5, 2015August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

RV living seems like a good way to save money while living in a natural setting. While saving a chunk of money on rent and bills monthly, and with the possibility of re-selling the home at an equivalent price, there are costs and expenses to be aware of before purchasing a mobile home.

Cost:

-Trailer: ( $5,000)

Our budget was on average $4,000. We knew we wanted a trailer with slide-out, 25ft+, and in a decent shape (no mold, no leaks). After several weeks of research, we realized that we had to raise up our budget a bit in order to get something closer to what we needed. We found our home on wheels on Craigslist. After driving a couple hours to see it, we realized that pictures aren’t always accurate and sometimes it is a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” kinda deal. The trailer was listed at $5,500 and we managed to get it at $5,000.

Expenses:

-Insurances and Transfer Fees: ($150)

Insurances always depend what kind of vehicle you have and what you need. Insuring a trailer for a year is normally very cheap.

-Towing: ($350)

Since we are parking our trailer at the same location for a few months, we didn’t feel the urge on installing a fifth wheel itch on the truck. Instead, we hired someone from Craigslist that charged a flat rate to tow our fifth wheel to our town (200km). It was cheaper than buying and installing the hitch, and it was done professionally and safely.

-Repairs ($225 so far)

You never know what to truly expect when you purchase a used recreational vehicle. So be ready for the unexpected!

Floor: wood laminate on Craigslist: $75
Fix leaks (yeah, there were leaks!): plastic cement+ tools: $50
Replacing fridge: $100

-Making It Home: ($400)

Coffee table: $25
Closet and shoe organizers: $40
Fluffy blankets, and pillow cases: $20
2 Electric heaters: $135
Electric fireplace: $150
2×4 for deck and stairs: 30

-Propane tanks: ($16/mth)

We have 2 propane tanks. They seem to cost about $16 each to fill up where we live. We estimate that we will use one a month for cooking and water heating. As we have full hookups, we will try to solely heat with electric heaters to save on propane.

-Winterizing

My partner works construction so he has leftover material and gets good deals. He got sheets of plywood that we put around the trailer, as well as foam panels to insulate. We still need to cover the pipes and protect the roof. To be continued…

Total: $6,000

In all, so far, we spent just over $6,000 for our new home. We are realizing that owning and living in an RV during the winter months could become an expensive lifestyle. We already spent over $1,000 just to make it ready to move in and we haven’t put a roof on it for the winter yet. That might be the next thing to be put on our list. This is all new and exciting and we are always aware of possible complication. Life in a RV will definitely be quite an adventure!

Stay tuned!

Considering the RV Life: Is This For You?

Published on November 5, 2015August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

I am a home owner. A home on wheels owner. That feels good to say. Plus, I don’t owe any mortgage and I don’t pay someone else’s mortgage. It might not be luxurious like a home with multiple bedrooms, a nice jetted tub or double car garage. I also don’t own the land. But it has a functional kitchen, a cozy living room, a comfy bedroom, a shower and a flush-able toilet. And, I get to choose my backyard and my view whenever I want. What else do I need, really?

Owning and living in a trailer is something I always considered doing. We had a truck camper a few years ago that we used for camping on rainy weekends and in the chill autumn days. Then we traded it for a 24′ trailer that ended up staying in the backyard for a whole summer until we traded it for a boat. At the time, we weren’t ready to live out of our town, further from our social lives. But years went by, and we grew up as the town developed, and after the series of past events, we decided it was the time to invest into a home.

So the idea of living in a trailer came back to mind. We saw immediately the BENEFITS of the RV life:

Not dealing with landlords Finding a place to rent in town for 2 adults, 2 dogs, 2 vehicles, and big toys isn’t easy at all. While the majority of accommodation aren’t pet friendly, only a few have parking for more than one vehicle. As for the toys, better find a place to store them. There was no way we could sign up for another year of steep rent and strict restrictions. We chose to stay at a RV Park/campground for the winter months. There are no restrictions on pets, parking, or toys. We go day per day, and have the freedom to leave whenever we want.

Save money on rent and bills The daily rate includes full hook-ups (hydro + running water) and wi-fi Internet. There are laundry facilities and hot showers on site. Staying at a RV Park will allow us to save around $1,000 on rent and bills monthly.

Personal ownership Owning a home without owing a mortgage is absolutely amazing. With $5,000 we managed to find a trailer that suited our needs. With a little bit of TLC and making it ready for the colder months, we are excited to turn this vehicle into a cozy home. And after the winter, we have the freedom to travel, or stay, or re-sell it, hopefully, at a similar price.

Having the freedom to wake up in the setting that you want To wake up into nature, in a safe refuge tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the resort is refreshing and grounding. Whether you choose to live on the road, or stay at a same place for a period of time, the advantage of RV living is to have the possibility to choose your backyard.

RV living seems like an attractive lifestyle. But before stepping into anything serious, there are a few THINGS TO PUT INTO CONSIDERATION:

Can you live the compact life? Depending on what size and type of trailer you choose, it is most likely to be slightly smaller than your previous accommodation. Getting used to a smaller space is something to think about, especially if there is more than you living in. As for us, we left a 300sq ft bachelor to move into a 280sq ft trailer. We should be fine.

Can you get rid of things you don’t need? Downsizing, downsizing, downsizing. I’ve been downsizing every time I’ve been moving, but this time is crucial for this new lifestyle. I had to get rid of things I didn’t need, or haven’t used in the past year. I donated TONS of clothing to my local women’s shelter and gave stuff to friends. As much as it was hard to give away certain items, it felt good and refreshing to own little, living off the essentials.

Are you a fixer-upper, or have a friend that is? Having a trailer is like having a car: if you buy new, less work you’ll have to put in it right away. If you buy used, there are always things that need to be fixed. Either way, regular care and maintenance is needed. When we purchased our trailer, we had to fix the leaks on the roof, rip the moldy carpet, put a new floor, and now we have to winterize it and possibly build a roof for the winter. Luckily, my partner is very handy and that helps a lot. A community at a RV Park is usually very tight, and everybody will most likely be happy to help out.

Are you ok with living further from town, but closer to nature? RV parks are most likely to be nestled in a natural surrounding. It is a return to the basics, living off-grid, away from the hustle and bustle. You might trade the cable TV to a good book, the gym for a walk in nature, and the nightclub to a bonfire with neighbours. I guess I was always meant for this!

Are you willing to acclimatize to a smaller space in order to have an incredible backyard? Are you willing to own less to be able to live more? Are you a fixer upper and are looking to save money on rent, own your home and stop paying for someone else’s mortgage? Are you looking for an adventuresome lifestyle, away from the crowds, and closer to nature? Then look no further. RV living is just what you need.