Harvest Host Hiccups: Craft Beer, Wind, and Tow Vehicle Woes

Paws

We use BringFido.ca to help us find great dog-friendly places to eat, drink, and play
HarvestHosts also lets you specify “dog friendly” when you are looking for a stay somewhere
4th Meridian loves dogs so much that they have patrons who bring treats in case there are dogs

Breathe

We have to learn to check the wind before we leave
Can’t back up the RV with the dolly attached
Sometimes the car won’t just back down off the dolly as it’s supposed to
CAA can take up to 3 hours
Sometimes German engineering gets tainted by Canadian lack of maintenance

Pay it forward

4th Meridian Brewing is run by spectacular humans who (through Harvest Hosts) hosted us for two nights, welcomed our chi’s and boosted the car so we could hit the road. If you are in Lloydminster, please stop by and tell them we sent you!
CAA, you didn’t make it but I know that you would have and we appreciate having you in our pocket.

Hey there, fellow travelers!

We’re back with another chapter of our RV escapades. Our journey took us to our very first “Harvest Host” stop, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of craft beer, wind-induced delays, and unexpected adventures. So grab a cold drink and settle in for our latest road trip tale!

Arrival at 4th Meridian Craft Beer Brewery

Our first Harvest Host stop was at 4th Meridian Craft Beer Brewery in Lloydminster, Alberta. If you haven’t heard of Harvest Hosts, it’s a membership-based program where RVers can stay overnight in the parking lots of breweries, wineries, farms, and other cool places. It’s like having VIP access to some of the best spots around, and we were super excited to try it out.

We arrived a little later than planned due to some fierce headwinds that felt like they were trying to steer us off course. I had to jump right into my online counseling work as soon as we got there—because apparently, counseling doesn’t take a vacation just because you’re on the road. John, ever the trooper, decided to be our brave representative and head into the brewery to sample their offerings.

John’s Beer Adventure

John walked into 4th Meridian Craft Beer Brewery with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. The brewery’s atmosphere was fantastic, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. John enjoyed a few pints and chatted with the owner, who turned out to be as much a craft beer aficionado as John. The brewery had a great selection of brews, and John made sure to sample as many as he could in the name of research (or so he says).

Staying an Extra Night

The brewery was so great that we decided to stay an extra night. The folks at 4th Meridian were more than accommodating, and we spent the evening enjoying good beer, great conversation, and some well-deserved relaxation. The chihuahuas, meanwhile, enjoyed the company of the brewery’s friendly staff and even managed to snag a few treats.

The Great Departure Debacle

Leaving on the third day turned out to be quite the adventure. We had parked a bit too far into the lot, and the combination of tight space and a car dolly attached at the back made backing out a nightmare. After several attempts and some creative maneuvering, we realized we were stuck. The situation was made even more complicated by the fact that our tow vehicle, which we needed to drop off the dolly, decided it was a good time to play dead.

We called for reinforcements, and the 4th Meridian team came to the rescue. With their help, we managed to boost the tow vehicle and get everything turned around, literally.

We eventually got on the road, slightly behind schedule but in good spirits. Our first Harvest Host experience was unforgettable, filled with good beer, great company, and a few valuable lessons in RV maneuvering.

We’re now heading to our next destination, eager to see what new adventures await us. Stay tuned for more tales from the road, and remember, sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected hiccups.

Until next time, cheers to new experiences and the joys of RV life!