Happy in B.C.

In the past 10 days, we have settled into a small community just south of Duncan. At first, we were parked in our friends' driveway; yesterday we moved into a beautiful campground. We plan to stay put for a few weeks.
 
The Daughter and Her Boyfriend flew back to Calgary a week ago. It was Daughter's first flight - and when she mentioned that to the agent checking them in, they were given a free upgrade. They got home safely, and Daughter enjoyed flying.
 
This part of Vancouver Island is gorgeous. The Trans-Canada highway is close, but we're in a rural area with winding roads and lovely scenery. Our friends - where we parked for a few days - are in a mobile home park (the park is only a 7 minute drive from the campground, btw); but even there, nature is nearby. In fact, Kirk went for a walk one morning at dawn and saw a young black bear feasting on wild blackberries. (No animals or humans were harmed - the bear ran away as soon as he spotted Kirk.) We've also seen lots of deer around. So many that going barefoot is a bad idea - there's deer poop everywhere.
 
We'd love to post lots and lots of pictures, but ... we're having camera issues. At the moment, our only functioning cameras are the ones in our cell phones - they work, but its just not the same.
So, that's about it for now.

Introducing the newlyweds.

Just a quick update today. Last Saturday, August 3, we attended a family wedding. Our niece (on Kirk's side) married her sweetheart. Allow me to introduce the newlyweds - Janet and Ian. Also seen are two of the bridesmaids and the bride's brother.

Westward Trek

After a whirlwind of hectic, sometimes rather frantic activity - sorting, packing, cleaning, etc. - we pulled out of Calgary on July 29 in the late afternoon. We would have preferred an earlier start, but Daughter had to work that day. Just west of Revelstoke, we found a pull-out and stopped for the night. That's the beauty of a motorhome - we can camp where we like. The next morning, we hit the road early ... The Daughter and Her Boyfriend weren't too impressed by having to get up at 4 AM, but they survived. That's how Kirk travels - he likes to get on the highway early in the morning when there's little traffic. Also, we still had a long way to go.

Our trip was quiet and uneventful. It was also very comfortable. This motorhome, which we have named The Underprise - is fabulous for traveling. But then, that's exactly what it was designed for.

The only "complication" on our westward trek was stopping in Victoria to pick up the van, but even that was relatively easy. Kirk's buddy, who had looked after the van, suggested we meet up at a mall that happens to be close to the highway to Nanaimo and also near his home. The plan worked well, and we were soon driving up-island to Nanaimo. I drove the van, and Daughter's Boyfriend kept me company. Daughter herself rode in the motorhome with Kirk.

The two 'kids' are not camping people; they had a hotel room on the edge of downtown Nanaimo. Their hotel is also near the park where Kirk's niece was married on August 3. It was a lovely wedding; the bride and her groom are obviously very much in love. And, they have a wide circle of friends and family who love them both dearly. We couldn't be happier for them. A picture of the newlyweds will be posted soon.

The campground where Kirk and I are staying has surprised us. We've stayed here before, more than once. But, on those other occasions, we were in a tent in a different part of the park. The surprise was that there are hiking trails on the perimeter of the campground. We walked a short one a few days ago. Here are a few pictures from the trail.

The Van Heads West

Just a quick update today. We've never been as busy as in the last few days - and that's going to continue until we get settled in out at the coast.

Kirk left at 2:15 this morning, to take the van out to Victoria. His buddy has arranged to park the van until we all get out there in about 2 weeks. Kirk called me at 2 this afternoon and said he's in Hope ... he's thinking that's as far as he wants to go today. He'll get a motel room for the night, and complete the drive in the morning. Knowing him, he'll be on the road again by 2 tomorrow morning and be in plenty of time for the first ferry.

Kirk took this picture of the Kicking Horse Pass this morning. And, yes, he was pulled over and parked to take the photo and to send it to me. He doesn't play with his phone while driving. LOL

I've just been thinking - Kirk and I have both moved before, more than once. But, all of that was before we met. This time around, we're moving together. And, that's a good thing.

Step by step

Step by step, little by little ... our plan is moving forward. Yesterday, we completed the purchase of the motorhome; we get to bring her home on Saturday, July 6. In the meantime, our new home-on-wheels will be in the shop, getting prepped for us*. On Saturday, we will be given an in-depth orientation. Bumper to bumper and roof to tires - we'll be shown all the features and taught how to operate all the bells and whistles. After that, she's ours!

So, three more sleeps until we bring our new 'baby' home. During that time, we'll begin to get ready for our move. Of course, once she's here, packing for the move will mean putting what we need into The Underprise.

Yes, we named the motorhome. It was Kirk's idea, but I like it. Her name is:

USS Underprise - NCC 1701 - FU

More photos can be seen here: http://s13.photobucket.com/user/library_lady61/library/Motorhome

*this doesn't mean there's anything wrong with her. It's the policy of the dealership that all the units they sell be checked out in the shop before the new owners drive them off the lot. The shop folks just make sure that everything is in top-notch condition and ready for use.

Welcome Aboard the USS Underprise

Welcome to our new blog, all about our new adventures. Come with us as we explore B.C. in general and Vancouver Island in particular. Comments are always welcome.