This year’s Edmonton’s Capital EX, July 17-26, features an adventure-filled and star-studded line-up of attractions and musical performances. It promises to live up to its slogan: Edmonton’s Biggest Summer Celebration.

The 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy runs from July 24-26 at Northlands. With cars reaching speeds of more than 200mph, this three-day event promises to deliver heart-pounding, exhilarating and fast paced entertainment.

For more information on Edmonton and all events, click here.

In a series about ‘Families living off the grid,’ Momlogic.com caught up with the Streett family in Sequim, Wash.

Robert and Josslyn Streett, both in their early 40s, loaded their two sons, Robby (8) and Sawyer (6), in their 36-foot 2008 Titanium fifth-wheel and hit the road for 14 months. They homeschooled their children while crisscrossing the USA in search of their ideal place to live.

Committing to the journey was an up-and-down process.

“We felt the only reason NOT to do the trip was fear,” said Josslyn, “and we did not want to miss out on a fabulous adventure due to fear. So, we decided to go for it. It was scary, yes, very scary at times. But, we also have huge faith that we will be taken care of by a higher power, and we put our trust in that belief.”  Read lots more here.

The family documented their 14-month journey on their travel blog: “ RV Gypsies … that’s us“

Photos: Top: Robert, Josslyn, Robby (8), and Sawyer (6) Streett. Bottom: 2008 Titanium fifth-wheel trailer, made by Glendale RV out of Ontario, Canada. Pulled  by a 2008 Ford, one ton, F-350 Lariat, dual rear wheel, diesel. Both truck and trailer are up for sale. For information e-mail the Streetts at info@rvgypsies.us.

From MotorHome magazine:

“To calculate your motorhome’s available capacity for towing, subtract the fully loaded weight (passengers and cargo) of the coach from its rated GCWR (gross combined weight rating). Then weigh the dinghy (with full fuel) and see if that is less than the amount you just calculated. If you are using a dolly to tow, weigh the dinghy and the dolly together.”

RV Safety & Education Foundation provides extensive information on weighing and determining load capacity.  

“The chassis manufacturer establishes weight ratings and limitations based on the major components of the system — the engine, transmission, brakes, axles, tires and frame. These components are designed to accommodate a particular weight, and if they are overloaded, their life expectancy diminishes rapidly.”

Most RVers, especially when camping for extended periods of time, pay close attention to their water, power and fuel consumption.

The Green Book provides hundreds of suggestions to change your habits to improve the Earth’s environment, and even save money in the process.

“The Green Book: The everyday guide to saving the planet one simple step at a time.” By Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen. 2007, 204 pages. (Suggested retail price is $12.95. Get it through RV Bookstore for $7.77)

Be an RV Care-A-Vanner team leader
According to a recent e-mail from Habitat for Humanity:

Team leaders, who serve as a liaison between the team and the affiliate, perform a critical organizing role on RV Care-A-Vanner builds.

They act as a single point of contact for the affiliate and the team, passing along information as appropriate. This often includes forwarding logistics details to participants—such as information about camping facilities, meal arrangements, the directions to campgrounds and build sites, locations of laundry facilities, grocery stores, churches, mail delivery and more—and answering questions.  

Many of Habitat’s scheduled builds (listed below) still do not yet have team leaders. If you would like to volunteer as a team leader, any of the following upcoming builds can use your coordinating skills. Please call 1-800-422-4828, ext. 7534 or 229-410-7534 if you are willing to help in this way.

Camper Blue Book Value is a Web site to visit when looking for general advice about the value of used RVs, with links to other sites.

On a recent posting about Coleman camping trailers, the following checklist was provided when shopping for a used unit:

• What is the condition of the awning fabric of the camper
• What is the condition of the tires of the camper
• What is the condition of the hitch, electrical system, and plumbing of the camper
• What is the overall condition of the body and frame, doors, and cabinets of the camper
• What is the condition of the flooring of the camper
• Is there any rust or evidence of water leaks
• Does the owner have the clear title to transfer the camper
• What is the condition of the mattresses and cushions
• What is the condition of the heater, AC, water heater, stove, sink
• Is there an awning attachment - if so the condition

Read the complete article here.

Also check out Russ and Tina DeMais’ informative article “Pop-Trailer ‘Canvas’ Care.”

Final day in Kelowna, British Columbia, attending the 12th annual RV Owners Lifestyle Seminars. It’s a toss up this morning between a seminar on ’solar panels’ and ‘water quality’ … 

Then it’s a slow drive back to Spokane, passing through 260 miles of beautiful countryside.

It will be interesting at the border. This will be my first time re-entering the U.S.A. since the new passport (or equivalent travel document) requirement went into effect on June 1, 2009. Check out Homeland Security for the full skinny.

Photo: Nick Koudis/Getty Images. Source: About.com

Father’s Day in Kelowna, British Columbia, attending the 12th annual RV Owners Lifestyle Seminars. Went to the seminars on ‘dry camping and boondocking’ and then ‘Best 10 minute tips from Trailer Life.’ Both were packed with extremely useful information. 

In the afternoon I went downtown where there were thousands and thousands of people headed to Waterfront Park on the shore of Lake Okanagan for the annual Father’s Day Car Show and Shine. Hundreds of vintage and classic cars crowded the park and surrounding streets.

Then there were the R & R bands, craft booths, ice cream cones … and amazing BBQ beef dogs for only $2 Canadian (about $1.76 US). Part of the celebration was the 3rd annual ”Smoke on the Water International BBQ Festival” … fun afternoon.

These folks can really throw a party.

For an extensive photo gallery go to Show and Shine 2009.
Photo: My favorite classic was this Coca Cola delivery van towing a custom mini-trailer. Rachael Kimola/Castanet.net

 During my brief stay in Kelowna, it is easy to understand why British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is a favorite destination for bait and fly fishing.

Such incredible natural beauty and abundance of freshwater lakes.

According to Tourism Kelowna there are more than 200 lakes in the area, each with an assortment of residents, among them: Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Whitefish, Burbot and Carp. 

I’ll be in Kelowna for a couple more days, attending the 12th annual RV Owners Lifestyle Seminars. In fact, today I’m giving a writing workshop on how to “Begin to capture your life story.”

Photo Credit: Tourism Kelowna

I’m off today to the 12th annual RV Owners Lifestyle Seminars on the Okanagan College campus in Kelowna, British Columbia. It runs through Monday, June 22, 2009.

Among the many technical workshops on tap, I’ll be leading a lifestyle seminar on “Begin to Capture Your Life Story” on Saturday, June 20.

According to Wikipedia … Kelowna (May 16, 2006 census population 106,707, metropolitan population of 165,596) is on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia,Canada. Its name derives from a native term for “grizzly bear“. 

Check here for RV campgrounds in the Kelowna area.
Photo: Camping in Kelowna. Credit: Tourism Kelowna - Don Weixl TOTA