Category: Travel

January 2026

Hello Everyone,

As we wrap up January, you’ll find us at El Dorado Ranch in the Baja of Mexico. This month has been shaped by relaxation and time for reflection, reminding us once again how quickly time moves when you live life on the road. By the middle of next month, we will have been in Mexico for 90 days, and although we have struggled a bit with the social scene, which is sometimes difficult to fit this nomadic lifestyle into a world of “sticks & bricks”, we have met some very interesting people. We have enjoyed the low humidity of the desert with the luxury of a sandy beach, we have enjoyed the amenities, as well as proximity of markets and supplies. We have not made any commitment for next winter but we have not ruled it out either

LOOKING AHEAD:

Key Dates:

  • Mid-February will have us crossing the international border back into the United States

Plans & Highlights:

  • Some much-needed Amazon orders & a Costco visit to restock
  • Finding a quiet boondocking spot in the LTVA at Imperial Dam
  • Visiting with friends in Southwest Arizona

Bucket List Items:

  • Explore the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
  • Explore the Mitty Lake Wildlife Area

BLOG POSTS THIS MONTH:

Travel & Destinations:

  • El Dorado Ranch – an overview of the history behind this development  ►read more
  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Arizona’s best kept secret of desert beauty  ►read more
  • Valley of Fire – Nevada’s first state park a world away from Las Vegas  ►read more
  • Mexican Postal Service – an overview ►read more
  • Border crossing 2026 – updated process ►read more

RV Tech & Gear:

  • SeeLeveL Tank Monitor – A look at how tanks should be monitored (and its Canadian)  ►read more
  • Solar For Dummies – Re-published from December 2019  ►read more

Lifestyle & Reflections:

  • IPTV Streaming – Not for everyone but an amazing service for travelers  ►read more
  • Public Mobility – How we saved over a thousand dollars and sacrificed nothing  ►read more

THIS MONTH IN PHOTOS:

LESSONS FROM THE ROAD

After 8+ Years of Full-Time RV Living

This month’s takeaway:

Full-Time RV living is an amazing adventure or series of adventures. If you remember that this a “Lifestyle not an extended Vacation” take your time and be flexible with your schedule.

UPDATES & PROJECTS

Rig Update:

After an extensive search for a replacement torque rod, the original has been re-welded and re-installed until a new one can be obtained once, we are back in civilization. I have spent most of my working life in the “service” industry and was appalled by the arrogance and price gouging that I experienced from some sources. I know we drive and live in a 28-year-old coach, but that is the choice we have made, and it burns me to know some people are being so mistreated. While under Thunder there are several items that need to be addressed like a leaking left rear axle seal (it was replaced on Vancouver Island in 2022) and our leaking water tank and 28 years indicate I need some repair work in the basement floor, as well as regular service work like oil & filter. So, I’m looking for a lot or driveway back in Ontario where I can make some of these repairs this summer, if anyone knows of a spot please reach out.

Systems / Solar / Connectivity:

As I look back over last year’s numbers it has become apparent that we cannot yet boondock without supplementing our power with a generator, I’m creating a blog to explain why and what we need to do to survive off grid. It will bore some, but it will explain our issues in detail and offer some solutions as well as talk about things like winter sunshine and daylight hour compared to “solar hour” plus options and opinions for someone looking to add solar. Also I will be publishing a Solar Blog Series that will address some of the mystery in great detail and depth.

Blog & Creative:

Those of you who have been following our blog for an extended period of time will know that last year was not a good year for our blog, call it burn out, lazy or just tired I was close to stepping away from the blog, but not  being a quitter I decided to ask for help and while friends were supportive they were too kind. So I feed all 500+ blogs into an AI program and asked for a critique and constructive help, and the results were both comforting an eye opener as well. For over a month now I have been creating my blogs in my word processer and then loading the file into the AI app and have been pleased with the newer, cleaner and readable style reducing some of my rambling. On Facebook I have started a photo a day project and so far I have been able to find something to capture and present, we will see if I can make it to day 365.

I have managed to put together a short video of our home this month. ►see video

PS: The upcoming Solar Blog Series will be separated by travel blogs and equipment reviews ten solar blogs in a row would even be too much for me. ☺

Miss Laurie’s Artwork:

Her talent never fails to amaze me, whether it in acrylic paint or watercolor and now she is experimenting with pencil drawings. So, this month between pickleball, seashells, swimming, or corn hole, spending time in the coach painting has not been a priority, here are her creations.

Mister Sam’s Photo of the Month:

Thank you for following along and being part of our journey.

See you down the road,

Laurie & Brian

The Buchanan’s Rolling Down the Road

www.thebuchanansrollingdowntheroad.com

Day 3045

Canadian Travelers: How to Cross into the U.S. in Your Motorhome (First Quarter 2026 Update)

Introduction

Planning a road trip from Canada to the United States in your motorhome? Whether you’re heading south for a winter escape or a long adventure, crossing the border requires preparation. In 2026, new rules and compliance measures have changed the experience for Canadian travelers. Here’s your complete guide to ensure a smooth journey.

1. Required Documents for Travelers

Every person in your motorhome must have proper identification. Missing paperwork can lead to delays or denied entry.

• Canadian Passport: Valid for the entire duration of your stay.

• NEXUS Card: Speeds up processing at designated lanes but does not exempt you from new biometric rules.

• Driver’s License: For driving in the U.S.

• Consent Letter for Minors: If traveling with children and one parent is absent.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical coverage.

2. Vehicle Documentation

• Registration and Proof of Ownership: For your motorhome and any towed vehicles.

• Insurance: U.S.-valid coverage. Mexican insurance ends at the U.S. border.

• Rental Agreement: If renting an RV, include written permission to cross into the U.S.

3. Pet Requirements

Bringing your cat? Here’s what you need:

• Health Certificate: Not federally required but recommended.

• Rabies Vaccination Proof: Some states require it.

• Secure Carrier: For inspection at the border.

4. Recent Changes for 2026

• Biometric Photo Collection: All non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians, are photographed at entry and exit. No age exemptions—children and seniors included.

• Device Screening: Expect possible inspections of phones and laptops.

• Extended Stay Registration: If staying over 30 days, you may need to register electronically with USCIS (Form G-325R). Some travelers are asked to obtain Form I-94 at the border (fee: $30 USD, fingerprinting, photo).

Some clarification: if not issued an I-94 at the time of crossing the border and this can be checked on line at U.S. customs and border protection if not on file one week after crossing a G-325R should be completed if you will exceed 30 days in the States here is where your register for that USCIS for information and registration. I hope that helps clear some of the mud. So cross the border as normal then check for an I-94 if none there then complete the G-325R.

5. Food Restrictions at the Border

Declare all food items. Failure to declare can result in fines up to $1,000. Here’s what you need to know:

Prohibited Items

• Meat and Meat Products: Fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, or canned (including pork, beef, poultry).

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Most are banned due to pest risks (e.g., avocados, mangoes, citrus, tomatoes).

• Raw Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, soft cheeses.

• Eggs and Raw Egg Products.

Allowed Items

• Commercially Packaged & Processed Foods: Canned goods, sealed jars, baked goods, candies, condiments.

• Dried Goods: Beans, nuts, dried fruits (like raisins).

• Powdered Milk and Hard Cheeses: Shelf-stable only.

6. Quick Tips for a Smooth Crossing

• Cross at an official port of entry during daylight hours.

• Keep passports, NEXUS cards, and vehicle documents handy.

• Remove prohibited items before approaching the border.

• Be ready for biometric photo and possible device screening.

• Declare everything—especially food and pets.

Conclusion

Crossing into the U.S. in your motorhome as a Canadian traveler is straightforward if you prepare. With new biometric rules and compliance requirements, planning ahead is essential. Follow this guide, and your adventure will start stress-free.

This was the process when I prepared to cross from Mexico to the United States of America the last week of January 2026, please check at your time of crossing as the present administration has made numerous changes.

Day 3037