Catherine - It has been two weeks since we purchased the motorhome.

The first week was on Vancouver Island working through Moho issues and learning to drive, plus family and friend visits to say good-bye. There were a few issues that got resolved at Arbutus RV. I am thankful that due to “sage wisdom” we knew we would need a week to get ourselves and the Moho sorted out. For future RVers, do not put kitty litter down the black or grey water. The former owners did this and basically created a concrete barrier which did not allow the grey water to drain.

Then off with the Mama to drop her at Aunt Linda’s and Uncle Bert’s in Keremeos before we headed to Kathryn’s family in Lacombe AB. Lots of socializing as there is lots of family there. One week later and we are finally officially off on our GAP year. Yes, GAP years are generally when you take a year between high school and university, but for us, it is between mid-life career and final stage career.

From Lacombe AB, via Lethbridge (more of Kathryn’s family – thanks Jamie and Jana) we entered Montana. There was an enormous wind storm for four days from Central Alberta to Southern Montana so driving was VERY challenging.

Awesome Moments

Working on identifying living in the now and how I plan to continue to do that
Wiener Roast in Goldstream
Good Bye Dinner at Mom’s house
Kathryn cancelling my Shaw account and losing 25 years of emails

Challenging Moments

The frozen dump station where all the poo didn’t go down and went all over our shoes
Thinking we only had a minute to dump the first time due to vague poo dumping instructions
Driving through the snow in Banff (I am not sure there are mountains there)
Kathryn cancelling my Shaw account and losing 25 years of emails

Lessons Learned

Fall is a beautiful time to drive through Manning Park
Don’t wear your good shoes while emptying the poo

Narnia - This hobo moho life, I mostly like it. Once in a while I get a bit sick. I think maybe I wear myself out and then need to have some alone time.

The leash thing isn’t so bad. I would prefer if it was longer but 5 meters is all I am allowed. I like to go under the Moho and get caught in the jacks and wheels. We have tried the backpack as well, but I need to figure out how to get comfortable inside it. So far the worst thing was when my Mom put me on the toilet paper holder at the campground while she went to the bathroom. That was too cold and awkward!

My mom’s bought me a coat. It’s embarrassing but great at the same time. Not super comfortable to walk in but warm so I am a little torn. The ground is super cold but I refuse to wear boots! I have to draw the line somewhere.

Kathryn - The first leg of our journey was one of mixed emotions. On one hand we were saying goodbye to all those people we love and on the other hand we were thrilled to be starting our year long adventure. As far as long goodbyes go, this one was pretty long. Two full weeks of hellos and goodbyes from well over a hundred of our family and friends. By the end of our time in Alberta I felt exhausted, I’m not sure I can keep up with this retirement lifestyle.

Family time in Alberta means freezing your bits off in ice rinks.