Jamar McNeil’s First Family RV Trip: Diving & Discovery
My journey has brought me from my home town in Far Rockaway Queens, NY to cities across the United States, the Caribbean and now to Canada. Being a DJ, radio host, and producer, I’m no stranger to the concrete jungle. But amidst the hustle and bustle, I always make time to disconnect and experience the great outdoors. Scuba diving and snowboarding have been my personal escapes, my ways of staying connected to nature.
A FALL FAMILY ADVENTURE
RVing was a chance to explore the corners of Canada in a way I’d never experienced before. But it wasn’t just about the journey; it was about learning, spending time with my family, and making memories together that my son will always remember. So, this fall, my wife, our 4-year-old son, and myself set out on our first RV journey together over Thanksgiving weekend. My son couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, and this motorhome was like a magical house on wheels for him.
FIRST STOP: DIVING IN TOBERMORY
I’ve done dives in the Caribbean, across the East Coast, and the Pacific but now I’m starting to explore the underwater world of my new home here in Canada – and Tobermory is a bucket list trip for many in the scuba diving community. The shipwrecks and the water clarity were beyond words. This underwater world was everything I’d read and seen online, and I was already planning my return. However, what made our journey truly extraordinary was our immersion into Indigenous culture at Cape Croker Park, an experience that my family and I will deeply treasure. See below for more about our next stop.
Bannock over an open fire
Fresh maple syrup for our Bannock
STOP 2: INDIGENOUS LEARNING AT CAPE CROKER PARK
We had the privilege of being welcomed into the home of an Anishinaabe cultural guide during our stay at Cape Croker Park. As we sat together sipping tea and making Bannock, we listened to their stories and learned about their traditions and way of life. We had the privilege of learning about the history of Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker), Anishinaabek culture, and the history of their traditional territory on the Peninsula. We delved into the rich history of traditional tobacco and its significance within Indigenous culture, particularly in rituals, offerings, ceremonies, and prayers. Participating in the tobacco ceremony allowed us to express our gratitude and offer thanks to Mother Earth, and left us feeling a stronger connection to nature and the world around us. This stop was an educational journey that deepened my understanding and allowed us all to gain a richer perspective on Indigenous culture, and it was even more special to share this experience with my family. To top it all off, we got to enjoy our freshly made Bannock with fresh maple syrup from Cape Croker’s sugar bush.JOURNEY’S END: A RICHER CONNECTION
As I look back on our family’s first RV trip, it was an opportunity to connect with nature, Indigenous culture, and, most importantly, with each other. We got more than we could have ever imagined. And now, we can’t wait to hit the road again, to explore new places, create new memories, and share these experiences with our son. In the end, RVing is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the connections we make along the way. It’s a reminder that the world is a vast and beautiful place, waiting for us to explore, appreciate, and learn from.JAMAR’S PRO RV TIP
Being that this was my first RV trip, I was admittedly nervous at first. But our RV dealer provided us with all the information we needed to feel prepared before we set off. The rest of the experience was very intuitive and comfortable. The road taught us many things, and one crucial lesson was the importance of preparation. Thanks to our preparation, we were able to relax and take our time. Even emptying the tanks turned out to be simple and straightforward with some tips, and not nearly as stressful as I thought it might be.
