Improvements 2025

Our biggest trip in 2025 was a few months in Canada during late summer-fall. We weren't sure what the bug situation would be so the first thing we put in was the screen door on the slider.

Even though the bugs weren't bad, there were still a few spots we were glad to have it. It's easy to unroll and roll back up. Also coming in and out is easy- maybe too easy for the dogs!

We also expected some of our travels would be windy (and were right about this) and sleeping upstairs in our tent isn't peaceful in strong winds. We brainstormed ways to make our downstairs bed bigger. This has also gone through a few interations (see improvements 2022). Long story short, we had to move the outlets for our first platform bed idea and remembered all the space behind the walls. So we framed in and carpeted two openings and gained 2.5 inches on each side- making our new bed measurement 6'x4' (compared to 5'7"x4')- much better! Our cushions fit the new space mostly because our walls curve in right around where our cushions end. And with a little added plant based latex foam, it filled in perfectly! Finally we like the downstairs bed and sleep very comfortably there. But we will always opt for the tent in good weather- no question.

We also put in a lounge bar in the back. This has made it nice for evening tv before bed if we feel like it.

The versatility of this space is important to us. Here it is back to a table and with the outlets now usable. Rambo's getting a little work in over morning coffee.

Speaking of work:

We're still using starlink and it's been the best option for traveling while working. But there are still times we lose signal (driving under trees) or have a weak one (cloud cover).

Our peplink router's e-sim plans became available recently. Sean set up a fail-over system so that when we lose connection with starlink, we pick up an available cell signal in the area* (with the help of our antenna and booster) which then is directed to our router and keeps the interent on. This service costs $99 for one year/30 gigs (whichever comes first) and that's one reason it's a back-up for us. Expensive!!

*This is a North American and EU service so any major cell carrier in these places works.

We also got a VPN for added security and to be able to watch some of the tv shows we like while in Canada.

On the outside, this year was the year we decided to let go of the arms for our shower curtain set-up. We've used our shower curtain less than a handful of times and the arms collect grime and make us less aero-dynamic (negligible but still..).

We can still hose the dogs, our feet, and set up the shower- just no curtain. We thought the curtain was such a great idea too! And it was good- just not neccessary. RIP

Our awning situation still isn't easy but here's our current awning- reimagined again this year. We bought new poles and a tarp. We connect the tarp with carabiners to our tent hooks. Along with stakes and rope, it's a pretty strong awning and packs down small.

But it's not quick to set up. It is little quicker to take down. It works. We rarely use it though. We're still thinking about better, quicker solutions- so far they don't fit the budget with other upgrades we think are more important. Speaking of...

...It's 2026 as I type this and we have a list of improvements, plans, and excitment for travel and living outdoors more than in.