Leaving Nor Cal in Early March

That sounds like it would work better, travelling and staying up there from May to September. This may not apply, but don't forget to look into transporting firearms/ammo through Canada if you are bringing anything with you. Info at this website...
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm
Click left hand column topic "Visitors / Non Residents" for the details.