Picture this: Muskoka, Canada. The land of shimmering snow-covered pines, frozen lakes, and temperatures so cold that your eyelashes might just freeze together. Now add an RV, a determined (albeit slightly naïve) adventurer – me – and the magic of the Winnerwell stove. Sounds like a recipe for disaster? Maybe. But let me share how I turned a frosty challenge into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
A Frosty Reality Check
When I decided to spend the winter in Muskoka, parked in an RV, I envisioned a cozy, picturesque escape. Think twinkling fairy lights, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, and tranquil nights by the fire. Reality? The first night hit -20°C, and I learned that my RV’s insulation was about as useful as a paper umbrella in a blizzard.
By morning, I was bundled in every sweater I owned, wrapped in two sleeping bags, and seriously contemplating hibernation. Frost on the windows? Beautiful. Frost on the inside of the windows? Less charming. I needed a solution, and fast.
Enter the Winnerwell Stove
Cue the hero of this story: the Winnerwell stove. I stumbled upon it while frantically Googling “How to not freeze to death in an RV.” Installing this wood-burning marvel in my RV was a game-changer. Yes, it took some creative maneuvering to make it fit, but once I got it running, the difference was night and day.
The stove’s warmth wrapped my little space in a cozy glow, turning it from an icebox into a snug haven. The crackling wood provided an ambiance straight out of a winter wonderland postcard. Bonus: I got really good at chopping firewood. Who knew swinging an axe could be so satisfying?
Learning Curve: The Good, the Bad, and the Smoky
Not everything went smoothly, of course. There was the time I stuffed the stove too full and turned my RV into a sauna. Or the morning I forgot to open the flue, leading to a smoke-filled wake-up call. Pro tip: wood stoves have instructions for a reason. Follow them.
Mistakes aside, I got the hang of it. Keeping the fire going overnight became a ritual, and I even developed a favorite type of wood for burning (birch burns beautifully, FYI). The stove didn’t just heat my RV; it taught me patience, persistence, and how to laugh at my own mishaps.
Embracing the Outdoors (and Indoors)
Living in Muskoka’s winter wonderland had its perks. Every morning, I woke up to breathtaking views of frosty trees and serene, snow-blanketed landscapes. Wildlife occasionally stopped by to say hello, and the stars at night? Absolutely magical.
Of course, not everything was idyllic. Walking to the nearest bathroom in sub-zero temperatures was an adventure in itself. But honestly, the combination of outdoor beauty and indoor coziness made every icy trek worth it.
Lessons from Life at -20°C
Surviving a Muskoka winter in an RV taught me more than just fire-starting skills. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding joy in small victories. Whether it was the first morning I didn’t wake up freezing or the simple pleasure of sipping tea by a warm fire, every moment felt like a win.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Would I recommend it to others? Only if you’re up for an adventure that will push your limits and reward you with unforgettable memories. Oh, and invest in a Winnerwell stove. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
Muskoka in the winter is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a season I’ll cherish forever. If you’re considering a similar escapade, remember: pack extra firewood, read your stove’s manual, and don’t forget to appreciate the beauty around you. Life in an RV at -20°C isn’t easy, but with the right mindset (and the right stove), it’s nothing short of magical.
