Traveling with PH: Angele's Family Adventures Across Canada - Blog 4/6

Blog 4/6 - Getting there

Guillaume and I love road-tripping! Ever since we met in 2001, we have frequently hit the road in search of adventure.  And I have to highlight the fact that I am a passenger princess and Guillaume is the most generous and patient driver. 

We also seek variety in how we travel. Whenever possible in everyday life,  we take different roads to and from a destination. We even keep a paper map taped to the wall so we can choose another route when heading out on a new adventure.  We believe that there is always something to see and appreciate, and we want to experience it all!

Let's ride the rails!

When the idea of a bucket list vacation was first introduced,  my son William proposed his dream: to ride the Canadian train from Vancouver to Toronto, for 5 days and 4 nights. Coincidentally,  I even asked fellow PHers their opinions on this trip at the last PHA Conference!

And so we started to wonder how this would be possible. There are four of us, all about 6 feet tall ... so sitting in a chair for 5 days is out of the question!! Then there's me, who needs specific spaces: to mix medication,  to store supplies,  to refrigerate cassettes, and to rest and sleep comfortably. 

Let the research begin!! The Via Rail website was full of great information and answered most of my questions regarding accessibility accommodations. 

- Extra baggage allowances for medical supplies? Yes!

- Access to a refrigerator for medication storage? Yes!

- Ability to access a bed at all times? Yes!

... and all at a reduced price, thanks to Easter Seals!! (as explained in previous blog).

There are various ways to travel by train: a seat, a berth (bunk in a hallway), a room for 1 with a single bed and toilet, a room for 2 with single bunk beds, chairs by the window and toilet,  or a suite with queen-size bed that becomes a large sofa and full washroom.

In our case,  we are traveling with two teens, and we want to be near each other...and to have them sleep on the top bunks! So, we opted for two 2-bed rooms, side by side, and Via Rail suggested removing the partition between the rooms to create a larger family room.  Fantastic idea!! One of the lower bunks will remain open so that I can lie down and rest whenever I need to.

Another advantage of booking a room is the food! Three meals a day are provided in the dining room, and the options and accommodations are extensive.  In my case, salt is to be avoided, so I will speak to the room attendant when embarking,  who will ensure that the chefs are aware. The same is true for other dietary needs, including those like my son's, who needs a little extra care when putting together a plate. Just ask - they want you to be well-fed and content during your journey!

We were also very pleased with the help offered at the terminal. It starts with curbside assistance,  with a wheelchair and luggage cart available. In the terminal,  there are lounges where you can sit comfortably and enjoy a hot beverage and a snack.  When it's time to board,  a ramp is placed at the top of the stairs so that you can easily climb into your train car.

There is another great advantage with Via Rail: the ability to stop at another station during the trip. We wanted to see Jasper for a few days, and this is absolutely possible by scheduling a break in our journey. So we will travel from Vancouver to Jasper, stay in Jasper for four days, and then travel from Jasper to Toronto. There is no additional charge, and it is easy to schedule!!

About scheduling... the earlier, the better, for two reasons: availability and price.  The Canadian train is a popular travel option,  especially during the summer months,  and rooms sell out quickly. And the price rises as travel time nears. I booked in January for a trip in July,  and the price was higher than if I had booked in December. Important note: to benefit from the Easter Seals discount,  you must call the ticket office and book by phone. 

Another way to cross the country?

We knew we wanted to see Canada by rail. But how do we gain another perspective? Of course,  we had a long list of criteria! And so, we chose to embark on another road trip- and to do so in an RV!

There are various rental companies throughout Canada,  and we chose CanaDream.  There are lots of different models available, depending on your size requirements.  We chose a 24 foot camper with enclosed vehicle and no bump outs, since we were camping in parks near bears.

Our primary mode of transportation also doubles as our house. We always have a space to rest, eat,  and work.  More on this in the next blog!

One thing that I could not plan for was the weather.  We see it all during our trip, from rain and hail to heat waves and cloudless skies. Temperatures have varied between 6 degrees and 42 degrees.  We have been unable to stay outdoors for long periods of time, and the RV has provided a great reprieve from the elements.  One evening in Drumheller,  Alberta,  I found myself unable to cool off and the air was so hot and dense, so I laid in the RV with the air conditioning on and rested.

Rest is a requirement.

OK... so let's be real... no one wants to rest during a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, right? Time goes by so quickly,  you're only in a location for a day or two,  and there is so much to see and do.

And I have PAH. Rest is essential. A non-negotiable. Spoonfuls of energy are sporadic and sometimes empty.  Side effects from all the medications kick my butt and spot my skin like a leopard.

As I write this, my family is at the beach.  We have been driving all day,  and most of that time I was asleep in the bed. It's my 20th wedding anniversary, and I was able to scrounge up just enough energy to celebrate for a few minutes with my love before crawling back into bed.

This is not the first rest. It will not be the last. I just keep telling myself that I am here, living this dream, one minute at a time.