Christmas done, tree down, presents away now what?

Our last few things we have to do before lifting our jacks. Tools need to be packed up, Polly has a list for cleaning before she leaves. Polly is planning to have us sleep in the trailer last night here so leaving clean sheets, and house clean for Ted & Cindy. I am doing same, thinking of how to put house back to how it was before we moved in. 

Not too much moved around, but want to have it best we can. I have some projects I made that will find a home for, and a few things I will use to pack the trailer with. 

A few hugs to say good bye to friends and family. We are both looking forward to traveling again. Polly said last night " Where will we hang the picture of Colton?" I'm not sure yet, but we will find a spot I'm sure 😃

Funny how when not in the trailer I forget exactly where stuff goes. Slides are in, and trailer is ready, so don't want to open it up again till the days warm a little. Been a very cold one this last few days. Happy we were in this house, and happy to be going back into our home. 

A couple more wooden projects complete, so packing up will be good, the cold prevented me from that along with Christmas. Today I will start, takes me a couple days to get all in order, looking like January 1 will be the go day for sure. Weather will warm up. We have our replacement house sitter for the last few days before Ted & Cindy arrive home. 

Some family and friends we didn't get to see this time around, maybe in the spring, if we return. We always have loose plans so we can take a different route, stay a little longer, or head east, south more or just stay put. I hear people say "This is how I roll" well I don't use this term, yet.

Often we are asked, where are you off to next? (Oh yeah, Medical insurance! I have to get that before we go!) This year we have a loose plan to head east if all the travel arrows line up, always wanted to spend a summer in eastern Canada. We loved Newfoundland, actually all the Maritimes. Quebec, Ontario, geez so big these provinces are. So much to see. 

Always wanted to see Virginia in the fall, see the Macy's Parade in November, and spend longer in the south east. Florida keys were a dream on our first trip, would love to spend time there looking around a little more, and all the south heading back toward the west. We also want to see the central states, Kansas', Colorado, New Mexico. I'm shaking my head as I write, is alot to take in, and that's why we like to leave the door open to changes in "Where next!" we just can't be sure, planning loose like this is what gives us possibilities, and that is how we like it. 

I laugh right now to myself, Polly has this saying I hear "I was thinking 🤔" lol 😆

When I hear this I laugh, and I always say "Really" 🤗 this is where possibilities come from, not just Polly, but from the thoughts we have as we go, like if we are going to be here why don't we! If we stop here we could? Hey, what's up there? That looks interesting, let's see! 

That's how we Roll 😃

We leave doors open, we are open to opportunities that come our way. We say "yes" often to invites, we love to explore our options. 

Retired with Options!

I like the sound of that. 

We are lucky to have friends, family, & fun where ever we go. 

Love our life!  Full of options 🤗❤️

I met a friend yesterday.

      Polly looking her beautiful self 🤗❤️

We went to the Casino by ourselves last night, was a dinner out, and Polly loves to gamble, so we decided we could fit this in on a Wednesday, as our schedule is getting very busy this next couple week's.

We walked in no greeter/vaxchecker at the door, so right up to the restaurant and got asked there for our id and vax proof. After that getting seated, the waitress asked would here be good? I said, how about over there, overlooking the Casino? Yes she said, and we started walking. As we passed a couple sitting also overlooking the Casino, I noticed was a friend I worked with with his wife. We stopped for a short time, well I did as the waitress seated Polly, and I yaked, well it had been a long time since I had seen him, and so much to say, but dinner was our goal, so I said I'd catch up later, come and see him at home. 

As we sat within 10 feet or 3 meters away, I kept turning around and saying a few things, till I finally had to order, and we heard them get their desert, they had ate already, (Seniors deal on the dinner before 5:30pm) then I said, will talk later. We ordered dinner and water for drinks, we both been off the booze awhile now. 

As my friend was leaving he came to the table for a quick goodbye, mask on, & shook my hand. He thanked me for not mentioning his name in this blog, as I had written about him before, Anonymous is his way. We are very good friend's, and will stop and see him before we leave in January. 

        Baby Grand piano in the restaurant

             for evening performances

Our dinner was good, not stellar, will go on a weekend next time, better meal then I think. We talked about a picture our friend Claudette had found and put on our FB timeline, was in 1998, and we both were smiling, so happy, skinny, and younger. We talked about how happy we still are and many good times we had then up to now, the fun times, the love we share, as well as a few intimate times that still make us laugh, even if we be not likely to try that now 😆😂😂

We finished dinner, desert was advertised as chocolate covered brownie, the waitress asked if we minded chocolate moose as they have no brownie's. Of course, both are great 👍 moose with whipped cream on top, was delicious. 

We sat and talked some more, was a very relaxed dinner, but I knew Polly was ready for the gambling, so bill please, (Polly paid this time) 😀 we take the slip to the casino and get our $5 added to our gambling cards, then Polly starts, while I go talk with my friend, as his wife won so after their dinner she was back at it.

We stood and talked for at least 1/2 hour before I had to sit down, Polly passed by, I didn't notice, was busy talking. Once we sat down I started to gamble, not very lucky, but we continued to talk, so much to say, it had been awhile. I don't know how long it was, and I moved a few times, Polly came by and showed me her winning tickets, but my friends wife got to the end of her winning, so they said goodbye and off they went home. 

I kept loosing, Polly lost some of her winnings. I finally got off the machine, not my night, and found Polly, ready I say, and yes she was, still had some of her winnings good for her. We had a good night out, and Polly always thanks me for this kind of night out, she loves the gambling. 

As we leave Polly reminds me of my saying we would look at some of the lights tonight, so we drive around for awhile up and down the streets enjoying the beauty of the decorations and lights. Ohh look at that, oww Look here, look there, I like that one, WOW 😳 that's beautiful 😍. Was a nice way to finish our evening, so relaxed we were as many were rushing around, as we slowly cruised along pulling over so others could hurry by. Hmm, I laugh to myself now thinking of this time. 

As I write Polly and I plan our afternoon, I ask what about lunch, do we have plans tonight? Wanna go to the Barclay? Oh sure why not Polly says. Then she informed me she had really dry legs now as she was rubbing in some skin cream, then she says " My legs are so dry I think I'm going to have to vacuum them!" She starts laughing and so do I sure hard to be crabby with such a card I married. 

Love Polly I do. 

Our Life is so good ❤️🤗

Where has the time gone?

We went to the Barclay yesterday for lunch and to play Keno & Pacific holdem poker, both drawn on an electric board that you watch as you have your lunch. After planning to go we got a message from friends Americo & Claudette they were coming to town to visit his Mom, Americo had got my chain saw running and wanted to know if I wanted him to bring it with him. So Yes of course, and maybe meet at the Barclay was my response, as we were going. 

So our afternoon was planned, we had been sticking close to home since moving to our new location at the beginning of November, but today was an outing. We needed propane, 1 tank was empty, and fuel as we were going to Courtenay next Friday, always I'm going to town for more than one reason. 

Once we get there and get seated Claudette text's and says she invited Charlie to come too, so another plus to our day. So we ordered our drinks, tea for Polly and water for me, we have been innocent re booze for a month now, and are getting used to it. The waitress was so darn nice, we had delt with her before, and the whole experience felt so comfortable. She checked out our vax cards, and picture 🖼️ ID, then took our order. There was only one other person there at the time. 

    rain in the pool looks nice from inside😊

Polly always first to get her ticket's, check out her #'s and watch the boards lol she just loves to gamble. After we ordered I get my tickets, and we yak. Then I over heard the one woman at the bar talking about something, and if you know me, I put my 2bits in lol. Then we yak back and forth about retirement, as her comment was about not retiring yet. She is happy doing her job, and not ready, yet all her finances are set, she's just waiting till she feels she's had enough. 

We had much to yak about, and this made the time it takes to get our meal go like a snap. Funny how it goes, you can just start a conversation with someone, (at least I can) and click, you don't know how, but just here we are taking about something and like we have known each other for years. Not sure how it happens, but I really like it. I guess it was the privacy of the bar, nobody but the bartender this woman Polly and I. 

Soon our meal was there and the conversation ended, and we ate as the bartender and the woman talked and Polly and I watched all the TV's and the game boards as we ate. "How's your burger?" Says Polly. "Good, how's your Soup?" I ask. "Good"  we finished, and here comes Americo & Claudette, timing is great 👍, then not long after comes Charlie. We are all together like years ago, just different. 

So much history between us all, some we talk about and some we skirt around, but was a fun time connecting again, with so much history as friends it was great. As the time closed out and our tickets didn't pay up, we all were going to leave and we talked about a game of cards, but no real commitment was made. 

Out in the parking lot now looking at the new to them van C&A just got,  we talked in the rain as I got the saw from Americo and Charlie got some wood finish from him, Charlie asks, "What are you guys doing right now?" "Come on over to my place and we all play cards"  Well that sounds good, and we say an hour and we go our way A&C go there's, and will meet at Charlie's in an hour. Now this sounds good♥️

So we get the propane and fuel at the co-op and take the tank back to our trailer, and of course me, I get tired, so in the chair I go, Polly turns on the tube, and 💤😴 I go out, a quick nap, and I'm ready to go lol. 

As we get into the truck I see Claudette just text and I respond, yes we on our way 😆 

We brought our poker chips, but Charlie had found his, and they were all setup when we got there, hmm lol I'm thinking now how fun it was just walking in and like in minutes we are playing and almost like going back in time, gawd it felt good🤗

We all talked about so much, and so many past things were brought up, some it felt like we were still there doing what we remembered. Cabin trips, fishing, times we had we laughed at, we are so darn lucky to have all these wonderful memories, and as we talked we all realized this. 

We skirted around the memories that may cause friction, and hit on all the fun and laugh, we laughed like we were still there, like the last 10, 15, 20, or 30 years hadn't happened. All the games of poker, all the drunken times and the funny times that came from it, the fishing, the people, the past like we were still there for that moment. 

As we talked and played cards we created another moment 😊, Thanks Claudette, and thanks Charlie, for taking the initiative to get this together time happening, was a fun time. 

As the game ended, I won, 😉 and Americo says, "Lucky Fuc!" Lol. He's right I am 🍀

A&C had to go home to his Mom's for dinner, it was after 7 pm, what a fast afternoon that was. Polly and I stayed and talked with Charlie, was good, he showed us his woodworking, some beautiful pieces, and we all talked about Covid and how it does, and has effected us all. We talked about family, friends, plans re holidays, Mexico, Yuma. We covered alot of ground, made no solid plans for the future though.

After about an hour or more we took to our coats, and we gave a hug, and as we were leaving Charlie said something about not being strangers. I don't think we will be. 

Was a very good day, almost perfect I'd say, almost darn perfect.

          Thanks Cindy for the picture of

          Jennifer & her proud father Ted

Oh and not to forget our morning, I got up late after waking too early,  Cindy knocking on the door says "Did you know Jennifer is here?" "Yes I did and we be right over, just wanted to give you guy's time together first" so I get my coffee ☕ and Polly comes in a few minutes, and we get a real nice visit in with our neice Jennifer as she just finished her course for Home care working towards LPN. Was nice to catch up with her, and learn about what's been happening in her life. Nice hugs, and good to reconnect as has been awhile since we had talked. Love to see Jen happy with her success.

I'm thankful for all the great memories we have created. Moving forward in life we are going to create more I'm sure, but these one's we have already are so good to dwell on once in awhile, just to relish. 

Love our life I do🤗♥️

 

November rains can be fierce, pounding & wonderful all in the same moment.

          I wonder about this scene 

The third night at the house we will watch for friends as the spend some of there winter in Mexico. We have watched more TV than usual as the rain has kept us indoors. We have a bed in the house we could use, but decided to stay in the trailer till closer to when Ted & Cindy leave. 

Staying in a house again will be different, so much room, and everything is so big, and far away. I have to say the shower I had yesterday was the best I've had in my whole life, was like standing under a waterfall. 

Speaking about a waterfall, as I write here the rains are so strong on the trailer that it's noisy in a comfortable kinda way. Fireplace is going, coffee ☕ is made, I'm all snug in my chair, Polly is quietly sleeping. Life is so good in this moment. 

What will today bring, I started out on a walk yesterday, but that got rained out, next time I bring the umbrella. Was an unproductive kinda day, I looked at my tools, and thought about setting up, but the ambition left as the rain continued. 

       my first picture as I left the house

Picture #2 this squirrel came out to see what was up as I stopped to take a picture of the tree

#3 I remember when this much different

#4

     The things you see in the country 😆

I had a good look at Ted's shop yesterday, was a step back in time, so many memories in one place. I talked with him about it later, was interesting the stories there to tell. 

Today if the rain let's up a little we'll hang some plastic around the area I'll make my shop and start getting set-up to make something, not sure what will be first yet. I'm excited though as I have much to accomplish in the next couple months. 

I think I'll start with a piece of wood I've had for a year now, has a big knot in it, and looks like some kinda animal. That will be fun, a good start as will be artistic and push me outta the comfort of boards. 

I have this desire to set up a shop, yet I want to travel. So when we leave this time I have a few tools I'm taking for sure. My battery operated Brad nail gun, a saw of some kind, a palm sander Hmm🤔 I have to be aware not everyone in and RV park wants to hear the sounds of tools operating. Will pick my times, and be considerate, but I will create 😃

Actually I have some driftwood I brought from the beach this summer that needs to be used before we leave. I have ideas for them. Project #2 

And that's how my mind works, jumping from one idea to another, then the stuff I said I would do is mixed in as time goes on. Trailer improvements, and stuff I should do usually gets put on the list to work on once we are outta the trailer, this will be a perfect time to get these things done. Like making storage under the stairs for our shoes & slippers, that will be my first "I gotta do". 

I get a Snapchat from my son in Rainbow lake, Alberta. Is clear and cold today, snow in the forecast Friday. As a father you then go to,  he has to drive home that day!

5-10cm snow, then my mind goes to the thought of worry. Funny how my mind works. I let it go.

Still dark out, daylight savings ends Sunday, fall back to standard time again, the deep dark winter. I never really let the weather effect me, I keep my spirits up. Winter is a time I can alter by going south, and if I can't I do what I can during that time. Like last year, we managed just fine with the rules in place, this year will be different again, still some rules, but slowly change is happening. I'm looking forward to Christmas ⛄🎄 here this winter. The closeness with family and friends, the music, I did miss that couple days when we were South, but I did enjoy the pool on Christmas day 😃

Let's see how the next 2 months goes, I'm sure I'll blink and we will be traveling again soon. I feel Polly rolling around in bed, that's one thing about a trailer, you learn to feel what's going on by the trailer moving. 

I might have to go say "Hi"😉 and ask her if she wants a coffee ☕ 🤗 

Nope, she's still out, I'm going to watch a little utube now, get a plan for those huge pieces of red cedar I have, still not sure exactly what I will create from them. 

Enjoy the rains today, I will for sure. 

Love this life I do 🤗❤️

Yesterday we went to visit a friend❤️

       Gary's Restaurant car on the wall

Was a stormy day and after we said we would go we thought, hmm. But we went, the wind was blowing, the rain was pouring, the inside of our truck was warm and dry. Yes this was the right decision, as our friend reached out on messenger as most of our connections are, our phone numbers change every once in awhile. 

The drive was great, was nice to see the trees swaying, and leaves coming down, just a beauty day. Cameron lake was wind blown, but not crazy. When we arrived at the pub by the water the ocean was huge waves and wind and rain like crazy. Our friend was there already watching the water rage. We got a hug in then looking at the pub, Closed Monday sign was not expected. So off we go to another local restaurant Gary's for a bite. 

Vax and ID please was the first order of business. Once that was outta the way,

Coffee ☕ and a shrimp cuissant for me, Shrimp wrap for Polly, and a bowl of Soup for our friend.

We sat by the window looking out at the street, but didn't pay much attention as conversation was good, very good. Been awhile since we caught up, and much had changed. Lot's to talk about, past events, present decisions to be made, and future plans. So much of our lives were changing for many reasons. 

Was a beautiful day to meet and talk just the right day and best time. 🤗❤️ 

Time passes fast when it has been a few years since you met last. Before we knew it 2hour flipped by just like that. We had covered alot of ground, made loose plans for the future, listened, & talked our way through lunch, like the food wasn't even there. All on a rainy, windy, ugly kinda day.

 What a gift we had that day. ❤️

We parted outside with a hug, and off we went on our seperate journey's just a little more prepared as we now are on this journey with a friend, a friend that knows what's up. A friend that you know is on your journey, as you are on there's. Reconnecting gives us that comfort to move forward knowing you have people that care along with you as you move through this life. 

We were on our way home when I asked Polly, "Wanna go look at the water?" "Yes" she says, and after a few turns we drive close to the water and what a change, water was calmer, no wind. Like we had talked the weather into calming lol. 

The turnarounds took us to Judge's row a little known street by the water, was nice to drive slow and look at what I remembered from my youth. Just a beautiful place. The subdivision at the end of the street was a football field when I was younger, now full of huge houses, all with there own place by the beach across the road. 

I have the memory of walking across that field years ago, that will stay the same 😉

Never know what a day will bring if you go with what comes to you. Thanks to our friends for all we get and give. I'm thankful always for our friends, always 😊❤️

The rains are here for awhile, enjoy the sounds inside our dry, warm home. 

Love this life I do 🤗❤️

Are you going South?

          Our view today is sunny ☀️

One of the most asked questions I have been asked lately "Are you going South now the boarder's opening up?". Along with "Where are you going to go?"

Yes we are going south, but will wait till January as we have a house to watch over here in Port Alberni while our friends go south. This will give them peace of mind, and us a chance to see how the boarder opening goes. A little time to have the crazy get outta the way, so when we do go the rules in play will be just a little more organized. 

I think the first of the people that go may be in for a long lineup's, with mixed up boarder control officers. The way this  passport is being created as the boarder opens makes me happy to stay put till things get better. 

Our plan will be to make our way towards Yuma, by way of Palm Springs and to Indo at Indian waters, we have friends we want to see there. Then a couple weeks in Yuma.

Talking with our friends recently, I believe we will head to Mexico again, San Carlos was a good place to spend our time together in early 2020, so will try that again. We did love the beach, and looking at the water, dolfins, sandy beach. Just love that kinda beauty ⛱️

Just messaged or friends, yup all reserved already, so lucky Rock is looking out for us. He has it booked, and we are ready to go, just a couple more months to go.

Wile we stay at our friends I'm going to do a few things to the trailer that Polly wants, improvements that need time to get just right, and while we are out of it will be the best time to do them. Nothing big, just some comfort alterations. 

So, Yes we are going south. 

Now for my morning walk, looking just beautiful out today❤️🤗

Loving our life as we plan ahead. 

Mexico here we come 😁🏖️

Thanksgiving weekend lasted 2 weekends

It started early, and ended late this year, as we didn't have the regular kinda Thanksgiving dinner as family is still kinda separated. Vax, non vax, in town, outta town, also some other stuff. Our families, like many others have challenges when it comes to all getting together. 

When Polly's Mom "Memere" was alive we all gathered at her house at times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthday's.

Dinners were an event, everyone brought something so there was many different flavors, we all dressed up, so that was exciting too, we were working so was a rush to get there and organize the families each trying to get everyone we could to show up. The more the merrier was Memere's way. 

Cards, always cards after dinner, cards sometimes just a few games of crib would keep Memere happy, but most of the time poker, Texas Holdum was the game of choice. A few times so many players we weren't sure if we had enough cards to play 😂😆 Always fun that lasted late, and the last one at the table was Memere, saying aww, comon, 1 more game 😀 you guys.

As Memere aged and we took the rein's organizing the day, things started to change. A few wouldn't show up, then some would be late, and the day would kinda change. Memere though, always a smile happy to have who came to be there and spend time together. 

I remember one year two of the families, us and another, and our kids went to the cabin to celebrate Thanksgiving, Memere was not happy about that, and she let us know 😠😆

This year was very different, we had 3 small dinner's that was great, but different in that we didn't all get together in one place. Funny how things changed, and how fast it seems it happened. 

7:00 am now and just starting to get light out, and thankful we had time with family, & friends even if was in small groups. 

Next year we will have to start earlier, so we can get to everyone's place for a "Hi how are ya!" Thanks to everyone for the Mmm 😋 good cooking, and the fun visiting. Was a great Thanksgiving ❤️

 Remembrance day ceremonies next, a solmen time we always observe.

 Christmas day, we are staying home for this year, let the boarders clear up, and get the rules figured out, well travel in January this winter. 

Life on the road is also different this year, but travel we will. Mexico is in our sight's as we make plans for our winter. 

Life is a changing, just like the season's. 

Loving our Life ❤️🤗

 

Friend's are just so great 🤗 gotta hug em.

We return after our summer trip north to the fall weather and visits with friends we have not seen for months, some it has been a year or more. When we meet again a hug, (something we have all been told, educated, not to do) we do it like we have been without a hug forever. Hug's are one of the things we have been lacking with all the cautionary behavior we have been asked, told, forced to believe we had to do without. I'm so happy we can now hug without guilt, or feeling like it is wrong. 

Over the last month we have been hugging friends and family as we meet and greeting with so much gusto, never appreciated a hug as much as now. I remember a line from a song by Louis Armstrong that said, I see friends shaking hands Saying "how do you do" There really saying"I love you" this I believe we say and feel this with a hug. 

Coming to Crofton now I realized it has been 2 years since we were here last. We started our adventures here just before we retired, after we sold our house in Ladysmith and we're committed to our home on wheels, and travel being our new retirement dream. 

Fall of 2019 was our last time here. We did have friendships we gained here, and one couple still live here, although the park has sold this last year, it's much the same, like coming home. The location is great for catching up with friends we have not visited with since that time.

 We met Chris & Barb yesterday when they came for a visit, we had a yak on the telephone, video chat but has been a long time since we got close. Hug's all around.🤗🤗🤗🤗 Was just great. We got the trailer tour outa the way right away, then got down to to good ole fun BS'ing about so much. Them that are not with us anymore, those that have made changes, what changes we have had in health, how our kids and grandkids are doing. Just so much, as it's been so long. 

I asked them to look like they love each other 🤗❤️.    They both LoL 😆

A couple beer, Polly always brings a snack, we all sat in the sun, then shade and just forgot about all the can't do this and shouldn't do that for awhile. We just talked & enjoyed each other like we used to. Was such a very good visit. 

This was one of many we have had since returning to the island, started in Qualicum Bay with family and friends, then as we traveled to Cluxewe, we met people we had not seen for 2 years, and friends we traveled with. Also met new friends there. Now in Crofton we traveled to Victoria, got to visit with friends there and check up on there lives, and share ours. Hug's were given and received. This is something I'm so happy for 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Normal, I believe we are all looking for what was just normal behavior to return. Our world has been turned upside down, inside out, we need to get our shit together and enjoy our lives, as we all know, life is not forever. Polly & I have been continuing our travels best we can, and at the moment we can we will travel south to USA & Mexico with our home behind us, looking for warmth and new campsite's & new sights to see. 

Will we hug those we haven't seen for years now, dam right we will, life is just too short to not express our love for friends as we go. I say "it's our last hara, so enjoy" 

Life is good here with hugs, love, and sunshine ☀️🌞

 Love this life 🤗♥️

Perspective

Every day I wake, think for a short time, stretch, and get up. Sometimes getting up is easy, sometimes it's got some pain involved. Almost always I'm recharged, and looking forward to what's next. 

I believe I'm an optimistic person, looking for the best in people and circumstances. Not every day is full of bliss, but most are happy, interesting, with new experiences, meeting new friends as I travel through, along, in this life. 

What I'm looking for I find in the smallest ways sometimes, like a beautiful stone on the beach, a moment with a friend, a chance meeting of someone new to me, the opportunity to pet another friendly dog. 

Seems kinda small moments, but all are important to make up my day. 

Some days have important things I have to get done, appointment, moving, repairs, improvement, meetings, empty the tank 🙂😆. Today I wake with little to do. It rained all night, and windy to start, but no rain now. A walk is in order, but I decided to write first, see if it calms a little more. 

The bluejay, actually a Stellar's Jay is squalkingas I write, just love to hear the birds in the morning. When we are close to trees or bushes often the birds are near too. Here at Cluxewe we have many birds, Eagles, geese, docks, loons, plovers,

crows, ravens, as well as the small birds in the bushes peeping around all the time. I know of wrens, but many others here I don't lookup the names. 

Makes for a beautiful place to spend time. Fishing is what many people come here to do, I like to watch, and eat fish, not so much a fisher anymore. Funny how life changes. 

A Robin on the fence as I write, many birds come to the fence as we look out the window. I like this, the neighbors feed the birds, and we get to watch them. Good all around. 

Now for the walk, I've waited long enough. Polly brought me another coffee ☕, so off I go. Nothing earth shattering today, just some thoughts on me. My perspective is just as written, and my day is clear. A little wet I'm sure, but clear perspective. 

Loving life here at Cluxewe 🤗♥️

To tell a story, every day we write one, some just put it in print.

I wake early most every day. Partly that's how my body works, and partly I'm excited to see the new day. Today was one of the stellar wakeups. I felt bright, no pain to speak of, I have a plan for the day with clear goals. I laid for just a moment to think about the sounds I heard. Quiet except the sound of a car that went over the bridge. 

Up I get with gusto, I look at the clock on the microwave, 5:30. Yea, it's time, a pee, and face wash next look out the door, is the moon and stars still shining. Ahh the little bit of red sky has started, morning alright. 

Coffee ☕ is next, I make a pot then slip on my untied shoes and out I go to take a good look, oops the phone, always need my camera to capture the moment. 

I walk towards the light from the electrical shed built this last year, it's changed the ambiance. Also gave light when walking around early.  The moment was great, one I had to capture in all it's early morning glory. 

I walk along working with the light, loving the sounds, the eagle's crying out already, the turns peeping, the seals sound like a rabid dog, making the sounds that scare me. 

I walk along the grass staying off the gravel looking towards the water all the way, just wanting that just right shot. Listening all the way. A car goes by, an eagle or two cry, then that growl, and snort comes again. I keep shooting, but that sound does sound like an animal close. 

I backup a little, and keep shooting. I find the waited views, and the narrowest. I'm totally in the moment. Just loving the sky, the stars, the light available to capture this beauty. 

I make my way back to the trailer, shooting all the way finding more as I go. I get back and take a walk on the rocks behind the trailer for some river shots, I shake my head, such a beautiful place this is. Such a beautiful morning. I'm so lucky to have an internal clock that says"Get up Brent, the day is breaking" 

Even as I write this I hear the eagle crying out, and the clock tick tick Thanks Julie, and a car go over the bridge. Such a warm feeling, mind you I did turn on the furnace a but. 😊

Today I depend on my grandson to help me. We need a ride after dropping off the truck at the transmission shop in Naniamo, to Polly's Dr appointment in Chemainus, then back to Qualicum Jayden was "sure I can do that." 

Nice to hear that quick answer, no hesitation. I don't ask easy, I depend on myself to take care of my needs, but this time I asked him. 

That's my story today, not a earth shattering story, but mine for this day.

Everyday we have a story. What's yours today, what is your passion, what moves you off the couch, or outta bed. Connect with that, and your day like mine becomes exciting. 😃😉

We moved to a new site yesterday, a new view, and new perspective.

Love this life I do. ♥️

Going to publish this and go for another walk before we have to leave. 

When we have a mechanical problem, what then?

Getting onto Vancouver island was easy, a little later than would want, but home at  last it felt good. We caught the tsawwassen ferry, was so nice to smell the ocean again. A wait at the terminal was good, had dinner and relaxed waiting for the boat. Seems like a long ride 2 hours but went by fast. We drove off with a few speedsters passing everyone, we just took it easy behind a truck. Once we got to Ault Rd, we turned knowing that Costco would allow us to make an overnight as our campsite reservation was for the next day. 

Just as we made our second to last stop the truck did something different, it was surging while I had my foot on the brake, a d sounded kinda loud, and slightly reved up. I made another stop, and then into Costco for the night. 

I didn't know what was wrong, or if it would make it to our site next day. So that night was a on again off again sleep. Worry about the truck played heavy on my mind. Polly's too. We did get a few zzz s in but not great. 

Next morning at 6:30 after I finally got to sleep, Polly wakes and says "It's light out Brent!" So even though we didn't have to leave till 8:30, we drove to Qualicum Bay Native Campground about 45min away.

All seemed to work good, shifted good, had lots of power, was like nothing wrong till I slowed down, then would be pushing at an idle with the brake on.

So I talked about it with others till later Sunday night, and we all had our thoughts on what it was. So . Monday I call the mechanic I thought could check it out, he was busy, cc all me tomorrow, ok I say and wait. Tomorrow comes and I call again, he says us busy but bring it up Will check it out. 

So I drive early to Port Alberni and George checks it, says his diagnosis machine won't pickup anything, so recommend I go to another guy. 

Off I go to another guy and have home check it out. I get to his shop and hear him talking with a woman about an employee that quit, and the problems he has and that he's burned out. 

After the Finnish I tell him my story, and he grabs his diagnosis machine and come to the truck and plugs it in. Can't get a reading so he takes it for a drive to see if he can get a reading and see what's going on. 

He comes back after about 5-10 minutes and says converter is buggered, so I ask a few questions, like when can you do it? when will you Finnish? What will it cost. I get no good answers, jus vegg answers, and no way would he give a Finnish date. 

All of this bothered me, so I called back the next day at 5 pm after he said he would talk to his guys and see if they would work Monday, and call me back. He didn't call so I called. he started with I have to talk with my guys, and as we are on the phone the one guy answers"I'll work Monday. Then the second pipes up I'll work too. Now I'm like hmm 🤔.

The guy then says I'm like 13/4 sure we can do it Monday. 😆 I'm thinking not Good, all the time feeling not good about this. Not professional, just kinda sloppy business. So I kind nail him into Monday morning bring it in. Then he says all my hoists are busy, so will have to do it on the pit. 

I agreed to wait till Monday, but needed a Finnish time, he wouldn't give it. 

After an evening of thinking about this I called in the morning to a business in Naniamo, and got a start date Tomorrow Friday, and Finnish next week sure. That's what I wanted, didn't need to know the price, I'll ask tomorrow. But I got service. 

Good reliable organized service. I feel much better now. I call the guy back, and to an answering machine it goes and cancel my appointment. 

That feels better, I arrange a ride with my grandson, will bring it there tomorrow morning 8:30 am. 

Will it all work out? I think so, I feel confident in this business and the way Tony at Alberni Automatic transmission in Naniamo talked to me about what I would need. Looking forward to our trip north to Cluxewe now, just a bit of later than we had planned. 

Travel day again, looking forward to our trip back to Vancouver island.

  A very quick pick after last night's dinner

Headless Polly & Jack. Got Wendy though

I know I have been busy when I look at the pictures I took yesterday and 1 picture, at the end of the day. Hmm. LoL was a fun day finishing off the gazebo here at Jack & Wendy's, just purfect. No pressure just gitter done.

 Jack and I have developed a great friendship, with a few curses as we go. The rains came to and end just about the time my energy came to me so out I go, and Jack's having a butt in the garage. We yak a bit, then to the job at hand. A panel at a time and before ya know it we have a finished roof on the gazebo. We now have to go get the hold down bolts, so off to home Depot. 

Any trip to town with Jack is interesting to me, so much knowledge he has about the oil industry. He had told me a few times before about what he did to reclaim oil out of tanks that was gummed up. I never really understood till yesterday. Oil has wax in it! Hmm, now I got the explanation so I understand better what he did, dissolve the wax in the tanks back into a usable product. 

Every trip to town I learn just a little more. Sometimes about the tanks that are laying around that are not used as much anymore, and the passing by a building that is the friend I met yesterday, it's his business. The building there that was this, and this one was and now is this. Such knowledge. 

This trip up to Grande Prairie has been just wonderful. Something to do, a gazebo to put together, people to see and hug, family to connect with again. A new baby in our lives. Gee, I don't know how life could get any better. 

Full I say, our lives are full as we travel from place to place, a visit here a visit there. I'm shaking my head as I peck on this screen, how freaking lucky we are to have a life so free. Seeing places we have not ever been to before, and seeing just a little clearer places and people we have seen before. 

Thanks Jack & Wendy for the hospitality, was another fun stay.  

 Chris & Ciara, was very nice to spend time with you. So nice🤗❤️ know we will be back again all going well next summer. 

Now on to travel south, I was not sure which route to take, smoke always in my thoughts. Yesterday I get a message from Polly's cousin Kiesha, we are just 7 hrs south of you why don't you stop in, there is a campground here in Red deer. Well at first I thought maybe, then after a bit of looking around, and a talk with Polly, we make the decision to go to Red deer and have a visit there, we have time, we have not seen Kiesha and her sister Shauna, for a few years, Shauna has a baby we have not met, so yep good decision. Also never stayed in that area before. 

So today is early leaving and onward we go, down another road, a different route, different sights. Just what we love, New views, looking out the front window, and the sides as we travel is something to look forward to every chance we get. 

Love this life we do. 🤗🤗❤️❤️😁

Communication while we travel.

I've wrote about this before and likely will again. There are many different ways to communicate while traveling, cell phone, with internet and cell calling, WiFi using many services, Messenger is our most used choice, but Snapchat is another that our grandchildren use, and it works good. You can message, call or video chat on both.

The key to all this is having cell towers that you can connect to. We learned that the Northwest Tell outfit in the Yukon has a monopoly on service, they let have others that "Piggy back" on there service, but if like us we have connection through ATT to Rogers, then our service doesn't get piggy backed to Northwest Tell.

I found this out by going to a Telus dealer in Whitehorse, and asking the questions. The woman there told me that northwest charges by the gigabyte, not like we are used to south. So no free wifi at restaurants, or pubs, only a few places you can get it, government offices, like information centers, and a few others associated with them. For us this was odd, at the RV park we got a slip for 1 gig a day. Had to go online and register for your free limited WiFi. At least we had some.

Traveling on the Stewart Cassiar highway we have not had a signal now for 3 days.

We realize how hooked we are on cell coverage as we travel now, when Polly say's to me "Google it," and we both laugh. We did alot of laughing yesterday, as we traveled and joked back and forth, singing stupid lyrics, and just being sill with each other. Was a fun day. Who needs the internet? 😊

We do like the connection, but can exist till we get closer to cell towers. For now I write here in my phone, and save for the days we have the service, and take the time to post.

Love this off the grid kinda travel. 🤗♥️

Alaska highway onto the Stewart Cassiar highway

Today's drive from our pullout on the side of the road after we got onto the Stewart Cassiar highway to Totoga lake.

We drove into Boya Lake campground on the way, stopped and took a few pics,

but was way to early in the day to stay, also had no more gas for our generator, and we wanted to try this off the grid camping as we traveled through this area, highway 37 Stewart Cassiar.

We stopped at the Dease river first Nation fuels and no fuel Closed due to COVID-19, residents only. Hmm 🤔 I thought we were opening up in BC, we continue.

Next stop Dease Lake store, gast station. We fill up the truck with deisel, gas can too, while Polly gets a few things for dinner. Dease Lake is the center of this area, and much going on here, we just passed through though.

On we go looking for that just right stop. We looked at a few pullouts, rest stops and none  were just right. Till we got here. What a beautiful place. Mountains all around, and yet after we get the jacks down and slides out. I gas up the generator, pull the cord once, vroom. Thanks again Jo & Lorne Hilmo for this great genset.

I push the satellite 📡 button and after a few rounds, we have connection. Voila, we get to watch Judge Dredd with Sylvester Stallone. 😆

And look out the window over this big lake at these beautiful mountains. Can life get better 😉

I make us a drink, and we watch a few minutes of the show, cheers Polly says, and we clink glasses. Not long after Polly is busy cooking the pork chops she bought while at Dease Lake.

I take a few pictures, and walk around a bit, such a nice place to stay the night.

                  Heart rock on a log

As we eat dinner I see a loon paddle by, looking for his dinner. I say to Polly, I'm sure we will hear them tomorrow morning. 🤗

A big dump truck pulls in, he's camped here too, in the trees, a worker at the lake. Nice.

Rains happing now, on and off all day. Hope tomorrow brings some dry weather. 

OOff to Stewart 😁♥️

Our trip to Dawson City was great! On our way South now, Whitehorse, Watson lake then down the Stewart-Cassiar Highway.

           Great view of Dawson City 

Our trip to Dawson City was great!

Early morning at Twin lakes, I've made coffee & had my first sip. Mmm good, now some word's.

As I woke this morning I heard the loons early calm cry, that's what I've missed.

I opened the blind, it's light but not as light as would be when sunny. I feel the moist cool air come in the window. Ahh, nice, really good sleep, never heard a thing. I now hear the fridge propane burner working, good it's still on, success, well for now. 

Want a great feeling after our somewhat tense trip from Dawson city south. Smoke was building as we headed south, no fire, just more smoke.

Highway was construction for 2 hrs

then bumpity bump, humpity hump, and swerving missing the potholes and hitting the brakes kinda road. The last hour or so from Carcross was much more relaxed to Twin Lakes.

After parking in our chosen site and setting up, Polly set out the slides, and set up her insde the trailer, always something that moved. I ask Polly "how's it look?" She says "not much this time, all good".  So she gets working right away on dinner. 

I got the fridge working after a few more fuses (I should have listened to Dave and had the trailer place look at it before leaving Whitehorse) the generator hooked up, satellite 📡 dish up and TV working. Well one of the TV's.  The one in living room no signal for some reason, so do a check inside wires, and will attack the outside wires when back in Whitehorse.

Outside setup, now for a beer, I ask how long before dinner, Polly says 11/2 hrs. Ok I'm going for a walkabout. Down the trails I go, looking for what's here. I see the lake, but I'm aways from it, I see some wooden tenting platforms

on the bank in the trees, that's different. I keep working my way along the trail till I get to the beach/boat launch.

I meet the woman we camped by in Dawson city, Mary Lou, we had talked about meeting here before we left Dawson. Her hubby was taking a nap. She had been in the water already. We talked awhile, then I'm off to get my swim shorts and a towel, and back I go for a swim.  Ahhh so nice this cool, clean, clear lake  was just what I wanted. Was 80°f out, and sweaty hot today.

Gord got up and we yaked, he was coming in for a swim too, and their dog Scout, a golden retriever was after stick's, on top of the water, and when no one threw a stick, she would dive for sticks that lay on the bottom. Was a nice end of the day 😃 Cool swim, a beer, and a good yak.

Before dinner, we had thunder to start, wind, then rain in the evening, made for a nice cool breeze after a warm day. Watched a movie we had on our PVR, Insurgence. Was an interesting show. Beed after, another good day.

Waking early here means hunt for the Malita  coffee maker & a pot to boil water in. When moving things around Polly sometimes puts things where I just don't think of. As we travel, things placed in cupboards up high, tend to want to fall out onto to the floor. Polly has condensed things lower, I ask her as she's awake, "Where's the coffee pot?" Polly gets up, I move one last pan in the cupboard, yep there it is hidden behind the wok. Back to bed she goes 😴💤

Polly & I talked about our trip on our way here yesterday, what we saw, what we really will remember about it.

We'll always remember the closed signs on the side of the road, kinda erie in away. Campsites, stores, gas stations, motels, native communities, many signs, metal oil drums in the driveways, ribbon across, ropes, many kinds of blockages, all with a sign.

Closed for the season.
Closed for good.
Campsite Closed!

So many we kinda got used to it. Covid related, I'm sure, I asked a few small gas stations and campsites that were still open, how's it going. The response was always same, "Not good." Followed by "Just me and the wife/husband working it now, just not enough business. Closed the campsite, or won't turn on the water, so electric, but no water, cost too much to turn it on, and dry it out for winter again, just not worth turning on the water. Laundry closed down, same just not worth starting it up, not enough people."

We won't forget that.

The beauty of the drive was great, but neither of us will forget the highway.

The City of Dawson was just what we hoped for, just not many people, which gave us lots of room to move around, and only a couple linesups. Diamond tooth Gertie's,

 

and the Parks Canada registering for tours. They have many very good tours, and many places our parks own here, 27 buildings in Dawson I was told by one parks tour guide. They also own the Dredge, and Bear Creek community. That is another thing I'll never forget, how much government $$$ is spent here keeping this city going. Would be a whole different thing if the government wasn't here supplying money to keep the place alive.

We loved Dawson city, was much to see, a week was enough though. We went to the tours of the Dredge, the Grand Palace Theater, Polly missed a few due to a sore back, but she is ok now.

Polly's fall in the Creek while gold panning is a memory we'll be laughing at for awhile. That night we went to Diamond tooth Gertie's for the can can show, that was fun, and met Michael in the lineup, then he sat with us through the show. We got to know him well in a short time. Then after the 3 of us went searching for the sour toe drink at the Downtown hotel, outside we met 4 friends that Michael knew from before, and all 7 of us went in for a sour toe shot.

 

The friendships we made that night we'll never forget.

The Gold Rush campground we stayed in was in just the right place to visit the town,

walking all around town and just a couple block's from the Dawson City/Parks Canada info center & the Northwest Territories info center. Everything was close.

The dirt roads, and the boardwalks, that I'll not forget.

The warm days that turned into hot days before we left Dawson.

I learned not to park the trailer with the fridge side of the trailer facing the sun, that I'll not forget.

The ferry ride to the otherside of the Yukon river, and the Yukon campsite there, and paddlewheel graveyard.

Then the trip up the Top of the World highway, that was a beautiful trip.

Road was gravel mostly, but very good shape. Scenery was great, from the treed hills and valleys to the tundra at the top of the hills, and the one huge moose we saw. Also the game camera above the locked gate at the unmaned boarder crossing.

Our government is watching us, always!

The good advice we got from other travelers, not to go up the Dempster hwy, as was in rough shape, and scenery was similar to the top of the world hwy.

Our plan was to do the Dempster on Sunday, but my back was sore from the top of the world drive, so along with the advice we got cancelled that plan. I went to the campsite office and asked the woman if I could get a refund if we left a day early, expecting a policy that wouldn't allow it. But a quick yes, and she credited me the one day. I was happy with this and told her. She said she "Would gladly return your canceled day amount. Were only here because you of you.
I won't forget that either.

On our last day we wandered the town a little, trying to stay in the shade, it was smoking hot. We stopped in the jeweler's store to show them how good Polly's necklace looked on, and just shop a little more, but didn't buy. The man remembered me, said Hi. I took the time to watch him while Polly shopped.

Then we made our way to Sourdough Joe's fish & Chip restaurant for what we had been told was very good salmon and chip dinner, good for 2 to split. Well it was excellent, we won't forget that.

We met a couple that were riding motorcycles from Vancouver area, he was from Australia, and they had a friend join them as we talked. They had just drove up the Dempster hwy, and loved it. Still we were happy with our decision not to. 

We have a mindful of very good memories of our trip up to Dawson City. I'm sure glad we went. Will we go back? I'm not sure, we did want to see Alaska, but maybe by cruise ship now, who knows. Was a good visit here. Will always remember the farthest north we have been, so far 😁

Now for the Stewart/Cassiar highway.

Such a great life we're living. Love this Life ❤️🤗 😁