Tag: Travel

One Year Later: Why We Switched to Public Mobile for RV Cellular Service

Reliable cellular service is critical for how we travel and live on the road. Between navigation, reservations, banking, staying in touch with family, and running our online work, our phones are not optional — they are infrastructure.

About a year ago, we made a significant change: we switched our cellular service from Rogers to Public Mobile. After twelve months of real-world use across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, here’s an honest breakdown of why we switched, what we’ve saved, and what you should know — good and bad — if you’re considering Public Mobile.

What We Were Using Before: Rogers

Prior to switching, we were on a Rogers Canada/US/Mexico plan that included:

  • Unlimited calling and texting
  • Coverage in Canada, the United States, and Mexico
  • 90GB of shared data between two phones

The Cost

  • Approximately $90 per phone
  • $180 per month total for two phones

While coverage was generally solid, the cost was high — especially considering how closely we monitor data usage and how often we’re moving.

Why We Started Looking for an Alternative

As full-time travelers, we’re always evaluating recurring expenses. Cellular service is one of the largest monthly costs for anyone living on the road.

We wanted:

  • Canada / US / Mexico coverage
  • Predictable monthly pricing
  • Enough data for daily use without constantly worrying about overages
  • A plan that made sense financially

That search led us to Public Mobile.

Our Current Setup: Public Mobile

We switched both phones to Public Mobile and selected identical plans for each device.

What We Get Now (Per Phone)

  • Unlimited calling
  • Unlimited texting
  • Canada / United States / Mexico coverage
  • 60GB of data per phone

The Cost

  • $39 per phone per month
  • $78 per month total for two phones

No contracts. No surprises.

The Savings: What Switching Really Changed

This is where the decision really justified itself.

Monthly Comparison (Two Phones)

  • Rogers: ~$180 / month
  • Public Mobile: $78 / month

Monthly Savings

  • $102 saved every month

Yearly Savings

  • $1,224 saved per year

That’s real money — enough to cover fuel, campground stays, maintenance, or travel experiences instead of disappearing into a phone bill.

Coverage & Performance After One Year

This is the most important question: does it actually work?

After a year of use:

The Good

  • Coverage has been solid in Canada and the United States
  • Mexico coverage has worked reliably for calling, texting, and data
  • Call quality has been clear
  • Data speeds have been perfectly usable for everyday tasks
  • No unexpected roaming charges

For normal phone use, navigation, messaging, email, and general browsing, we haven’t felt handicapped by the switch.

The Trade-Offs (What You Should Know)

Public Mobile isn’t perfect — and it’s important to understand what you’re giving up.

Potential Downsides

  • No in-store support (online/self-serve model)
  • Limited customer service options compared to major carriers
  • Data speeds may not match premium-tier plans in congested areas
  • No phone financing — bring your own device

For us, these trade-offs were acceptable. And the yearly savings will cover the expense of a phone upgrade. We value cost control and coverage more than premium add-ons or in-person support.

Why Public Mobile Works Well for RVers

For travelers and RVers, Public Mobile makes a lot of sense:

  • Predictable monthly cost
  • International coverage without complicated roaming plans
  • Enough data per phone to avoid constant monitoring
  • Easy budgeting for long-term travel

We pair this service with other connectivity solutions depending on where we’re parked, but as a primary phone service, it’s been reliable.

Final Thoughts: Would We Switch Again?

Yes — without hesitation.

After a year on Public Mobile, the service has proven reliable enough for our needs, and the cost savings alone make it worth it. We don’t feel like we downgraded — we feel like we stopped overpaying.

If you’re currently on a high-cost Canada/US/Mexico plan and don’t need premium extras, Public Mobile is absolutely worth considering.

As always, this isn’t sponsored — just a real-world review based on how we travel and live on the road.

Day 3040

Valley of Fire State Park: Nevada’s Fiery Landscape of Time, Stone, and History

Valley of Fire State Park, located just northeast of Las Vegas, is a place where geology, human history, and desert beauty converge. Famous for its blazing red sandstone formations and ancient rock art, the park is not only Nevada’s oldest state park but also one of its most visually striking natural treasures.

A Landscape Forged Over Millions of Years

The dramatic scenery of Valley of Fire began forming more than 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The park’s iconic red rock formations are composed primarily of Aztec Sandstone, created from vast sand dunes that once dominated the region. Over time, tectonic uplift, erosion, and mineral oxidation transformed these dunes into the towering fins, domes, and swirling rock patterns visible today.

When the sun rises or sets, the iron-rich sandstone ignites in brilliant shades of red, orange, and pink—earning the park its evocative name.

Ancient Peoples of the Valley

Long before becoming a state park, Valley of Fire was home to Native peoples for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in the area dating back over 10,000 years.

Between approximately 300 BCE and 1150 CE, early cultures including the Basketmaker peoples and Ancestral Puebloans left behind a remarkable legacy of petroglyphs—symbols and figures carved into the rock surfaces. These carvings depict animals, human forms, and abstract designs, offering insight into spiritual beliefs, daily life, and desert survival.

Later, the Southern Paiute people continued to use the land for seasonal travel, hunting, and gathering. Today, these rock art sites remain some of the park’s most important and protected features.

Early Exploration and the Origin of the Name

In the early 1900s, a primitive road was built through the area as part of the Arrowhead Trail, an early automobile route connecting Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. As travelers passed through the region, they were struck by how the rocks appeared to glow like flames in the desert sun.

During the 1920s, the name “Valley of Fire” was coined after an observer remarked that the sandstone formations looked as though they were burning at sunset.

Nevada’s First State Park

In 1931, the federal government transferred land to the State of Nevada for park development. Shortly afterward, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)—a New Deal program—played a major role in shaping the park.

From 1933 to 1942, CCC crews constructed:

  • Roads and scenic drives
  • Hiking trails
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • Stone shelters and cabins

Valley of Fire officially opened to the public in 1934, and in 1935 it became Nevada’s first official state park.

Recognition and Preservation

In 1968, Valley of Fire was designated a National Natural Landmark, recognizing its outstanding geological features and scientific importance. Over the decades, the park has expanded to more than 40,000 acres, ensuring the preservation of its landscapes and archaeological sites.

Strict conservation efforts protect fragile sandstone formations and irreplaceable petroglyphs, reminding visitors to admire without disturbing.

Valley of Fire Today

Today, Valley of Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s most visited outdoor destinations. Popular activities include:

  • Hiking iconic trails like Fire Wave, White Domes, and Mouse’s Tank
  • Exploring petroglyph sites such as Atlatl Rock
  • Photography, especially at sunrise and sunset
  • Camping under desert stars

A modern visitor center now provides interpretive exhibits that explain the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, helping visitors better understand the land they are exploring.

A Living Desert Legacy

Valley of Fire is more than a scenic stop—it is a living record of ancient oceans, shifting sands, indigenous cultures, and early conservation efforts. Whether you visit for a quick drive or an extended stay, the park offers a powerful reminder of the deep history written into the desert stone.

A few photos from the valley

Day 3035