Originally Posted by AberystwythGirl

We are letting our small holding out (have found a tenant but they haven't signed yet!) just in case we really don't settle. My biggest problem is the organisation of everything - timing the horse transport with our flights, presumably hiring a car that will fit all 5 of us with luggage, a cat and a dog. Beginning to think we will need 2 vehicles and drive in convoy!

Also trying to get all our stuff clean - how do I get horse rugs clean when its so cold they are still wearing them - they should be out in the field with no clothes on by now and everything washed and packed!

Am having sleepless nights! You're right Mrs B we just have to try and stay calm, which is why its taken us so long to get to this stage. But I think from now on (the final 4-6 weeks) is going to be really stressful.

I have no idea where Red Deer is but will look it up on the map sometime.
Keep posting!

Originally Posted by Piff Poff

I'd advise staying away from the Ryders Ridge community in Sylvan Lake, the stench from the Herder's ranch can be somewhat overwhelming at times.

Originally Posted by Welsh Sparky

What are the best places and good places to live in Red Deer, and the ones to really avoid? My wife and I are 31 and we have a 5 year old son

Originally Posted by Theoldfields

I thought sorting out the dog was an added complexity but we've got it easy compared to you. The flights are booked for June 1st, Air Transat from manchester to Vancouver and then hire a car, and the dog is on the same flight so it sounds pretty simple when you write it down but somehow it doesn't feel simple when you're in the middle of organising it.

when we all get there we'll have to meet up for a few glasses of wine/beer/etc looking out over the lake and compare notes.

I hope the tenant signs up soon.

Excuse the silly question but what's a fifth wheel?

Originally Posted by Theoldfields

I thought sorting out the dog was an added complexity but we've got it easy compared to you. The flights are booked for June 1st, Air Transat from manchester to Vancouver and then hire a car, and the dog is on the same flight so it sounds pretty simple when you write it down but somehow it doesn't feel simple when you're in the middle of organising it.

when we all get there we'll have to meet up for a few glasses of wine/beer/etc looking out over the lake and compare notes.

I hope the tenant signs up soon.

Excuse the silly question but what's a fifth wheel?

Originally Posted by AberystwythGirl

I caused a total riot in our vets the other day getting the cat and dog pet passports - not easy to handle an excited dog on a lead and his best friend in a carry cage!

A 5th wheel is a type of caravan which has a raised part at the front which goes over a pick up truck and links into a large articulated hitch. Much more stable than our ball hitches (called bumper hitches in Canada).

We will also be flying into Vancouver hopefully with the cat and dog on the same flight but the horses will be flying into Calgary!

Will definately have to meet up for a drink and chat - will PM you our address & my husbands cell number.

Originally Posted by siouxie

Isn't that what I linked to? They are not known as caravans in Canada, they are called RV's - or "Recreational Vehicles"

Originally Posted by AberystwythGirl

So having read the links have you added to your list???

Originally Posted by Mad Jockette

I lived in Johnstone Park for a while, it was fine, I had no problems. The only thieves I saw were a pack of 4 coyotes one night raiding the bins in the back lane that I could see from my apartment.

There are some newer developed areas north of the river- Kentwood, Timberlands and Clearview(I think- it is off 67th / 30th). I have heard from colleagues and friends they are nice.

Once you are here you will be able to drive around and find what area you think you may like.

Originally Posted by AberystwythGirl

I was replying to someone who is British and still living in the UK hence the description Caravan. I think a 5th wheel would be considered more as a trailer than an RV, an RV having its own engine. But a trailer is bumper pull (or tow hitch in UK), 5th wheel has the articulated connection to a pick up truck and then of course there is also the swan neck similar to the 5th wheel but with a different connection. Your link actually called it a 5th wheel travel trailer.

We think Canada and UK speak the same language but there are a lot of differences and we are only just starting to learn.

Originally Posted by Piff Poff

General rule of thumb is south of the river, my daughter saw this question and she immediately said not Normandeau, she's 18. Wouldn't reccomend Highland Green, and again dd said not Glendale, she has lots of friends in these areas due to the catchment area for her Highschool (unfortunately) saying that johnstone is ok. For families theya re usually drawn to deer park, lancaster, vanier ridge and inglewood, lots of new homes, I personally prefer older subdivisions (having lived in lancaster and bower). Bower is lovely, also like rosedale, the older parts of deer park, anders and the subdivisions around those areas.

Hths