Canadian Maritimes Yurt Delivery Tour – Part 3
This is Part Two of a 3-part series on our Maritimes Yurt Delivery Tour
Saturday, December 5th
This morning offered a short meditation session and spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy. I love my yurt trucker life!
The border crossing between New Brunswick and Maine was empty, and the young US officer asked me to show him where to stamp the unusual set of transit papers. Everyone is always super nice here.
Maine is as wild as it is beautiful, even under the rain. Rain that quickly transformed into snow. After a short shower at a truck stop (I did not forget about the parrot’s advice), the ground is completely covered, and the driving conditions quickly deteriorated. However, I couldn’t stop as tomorrow’s customer could only get help for that date.
It was 8pm by the time I finally got close to my destination in Vermont. Luckily, I found an open Scottish restaurant that served a fabulous haggis. It’s now the end of the day and I’ve almost 6 inches of wet snow on the bumper!
Sunday, December 6th
This morning I am woken by a strong wind shaking the truck; not good news when you have to set up a large yurt.
I prayed that the customer’s platform would not be raised above ground. Setting up a Mongolian ger is not difficult, especially with some experience, but wind, rain, cold, and height can drastically complicate matters.
The roads in Vermont are very narrow and hilly (with up to 13% slope) to begin with, and I quickly found out that they’re also snowy. Luckily, they did a good job with plowing, but it’s still stressful when driving a near empty tractor trailer.
I managed to park on a side road in the forest – a big thank you to the Groovy truck for being so cooperative!
We began unloading onto a pick-up truck with Bruce, the client’s brother, who had just gotten back from a wild party night and had managed to break his truck’s back window. This first trip revealed our worst fear: the platform they built is a circular eagle’s nest, 8 to 10 feet off the ground… and with no catwalk around the perimeter!
Due to the wind and small team, we ended up staying for 2 days. I guess it’s human nature to be optimistic and believe things will be in order by the time Groovy Yurts comes; or a compliment to our superpowers. My mistake for not having asked a picture of the substructure prior to arrival.
Carl, the owner, built a catwalk, while Julie herded the dogs and helped with folding the massive felt pieces. Bruce on the other hand, went off to snooze after the second and last pick-up load.
We finally got started after poor Carl received a heavy, 7-wall yurt door to the head while he was kneeling to finish his platform rim. Our troubles did not end there. We had just managed to get the entire structure, as well as the roof felts set up when I decided to go help install the wall felts on the catwalk.
My 260lb frame was just a bit too much weight and kRaAaaAak… all 3 of us fly to the ground, 8’ below. Amazingly, nobody is hurt, and while the repairs are being made, we begin installing the house wrap (which of course proves to be a bit too short that day and is difficult to install in the high winds).
The temperature had just dropped to around 0F (-18 C) by the time we finally managed to install the outer cover and circling ropes in the dark and called it a day. I was so grateful that night for an invitation to the pub, as each beer had the distinct taste of a 3rd half-time at rugby. Everyone certainly slept well.
Monday, December 7th
Carl and Julie made it back from upstate New York where they had dropped-off Bruce. We successfully finished the yurt before noon with no wind and plenty of satisfaction.
Afterwards, I drove towards New York state, but not without first sponsoring Vermont DOT with some speeding in the sunshine. I was guilty, but the officer proved to be a gentleman and eased up on the verdict. We crossed the Hudson River and stopped at a Petrol station for the night (and maybe a cheeseburger too).
Tomorrow’s customer insists that breakfast and lunch will be provided, but I politely decline the first meal – it’s just too much (but very thoughtful).
Tuesday, December 8th
While on the road, I missed a turn, which also happened to be a disguised Google Map error that would have forced me to back-up a few miles with the trailer (everything truly happens for a reason)!
Upon arrival, Aaron welcomes me to the Saranac Veterinary Clinic and I park the truck next to a beautifully made substructure. Heaven! However, closer inspection revealed that the substructure is not quite finished (really?!). This ends up being a silver lining as frees up time to get to know our customers/hosts!
This place is a little gem, inhabited by the kindest of people. Hanna and her daughter are both vets and run this clinic. Hanna seems to also be an amazing cook and when I see the breakfast plate come out on the job site, I cannot refuse my own. Without a doubt, this is the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time!
While we set up the future waiting room/office, people continuously pour in to pick-up pets, bring birthday cakes for one of the workers, or even just to say hi. This place exudes good values and kindness. Aaron, the builder, had thought of everything prior to our arrival and not a single detail was forgotten. The entire day was pure pleasure, including the departure feast shared in the clinic before heading home. Thank you for your kindness and warm welcome, your patients and customers are lucky to have you.
We top off the day with more good news: home is only an hour and a half away (customs included). It’s time to get back to a sedentary routine, something that can take a few days to get used to again. Yurt trucking can be tough, but it’s an absolutely groovy lifestyle! Thanks for following along.
Until next time,
Yves
