Good morning folks ( or perhaps it’s afternoon or evening, depending on where you are ) ! It’s been some time since our last update ( back in April this year ) when we crossed back into Canada from the US, thus completing our 61,000km Pan American odyssey. Seems like just yesterday, but much has happened since – where to begin ?
The first thing readers may notice is a much overdue update to our website – many thanks to Samantha for helping out with the revamp ! One of the things that needed changing was the front page – our truck camper barrelling down the Dempster highway trailing a cloud of dust just seemed a bit “old hat” . In its lieu we opted for what was ( and still is ) out favorite still image of the Pan American highway – Lois and I, sitting on our camp chairs with a bottle of Chilean red, contemplating life in the pristine whiteness of the Salar de Uyuni ( high in the Bolivian Altiplano). Simply heaven ! Indeed, folks have commented that it looks like we are in heaven ( a good omen perhaps – let’s hope we get there one day !! ).
Regular readers will recall that during our “Covid hiatus” (April 2020-October 2021), with the truck camper “parked” in Chile, we returned to Canada. During that time we purchased a Sprinter 4×4 and began the massive task of camperizing it. Quite honestly, had I known what an undertaking it would become I’d likely not have tackled it ( what is it they say about “fools rushing in…..” ? ). Suffice it to say a full year after purchasing the rig the conversion was still only half done and we left it in that state when we returned to Chile in November last year. Coming back to Canada this year then, we had a truck/camper to sell and an incomplete Sprinter 4×4 to finish- with a goal to do both by November so we could take a pass on the coming Canadian winter and be “travel ready” again.
Very good friends had expressed serious interest in the truck camper ( while we were still travelling with it in South America ) and shortly after our return to Kelowna a deal was struck – Sue and Darrell are now the happy new owners of our old rig ! A treat for them to get a combined truck and camper all set up ( and a vehicle they knew well ) while also a convenience to us since we did not have to split the unit up and find buyers for the component parts. We were pleased that the rig, which had served us so very well, had found a nice home – and it really was more a “home” than just a vehicle ( certainly to us ) since we had lived in full time it for 15 months.
Our old rig now sold, from May onwards we have worked more or less full time finishing the Sprinter build. Full time that is, with the exception of three major events this summer ( two unexpected and very sad, the other long planned and, fortunately, very happy ). While our daughter’s wedding on September 4 ( the “happy” event), was the highlight of our summer, my family was devastated to lose our 94 year old mother to a sudden stroke in late June. Lois and I were fortunate to get to Australia and to be able to see her before she passed but her death has left a gaping hole in our families lives. We miss her greatly and think of her every day. Our sadness, though intense, is tempered by the knowledge she lived a very long, healthy and happy life – we should all be so lucky.
Our return to Australia gave us a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with many of our family and friends, but also reminded us what a huge place it was, how rather superficially we had explored it and what a great place it would be to travel in a 4×4 Sprinter van. The plan then, was hatched – assuming we could get the van complete by early November, we’d ship the van to Australia in December and spend 2023 ( or most of it anyway ) travelling “Downunder”. We’d push Africa a little further out in the future ( for reasons I will explain later ).
Towards the end of October, as I was wrapping up the Sprinter conversion, Lois’s mum also took ill. Like my mum, she too had just turned 94 ( an amazing coincidence in itself ) and sadly, on November 10 she also passed. We were devastated to lose our last two parents in the same year but thankful they both had such long, rich ( and largely healthy ) lives.
I’ll close with the good news that, despite a rather eventful last 7 months as you can see, we did finish our van and on November 30 ( yes, we made the November deadline – just !! ) we set off for Australia with it. Not, I might add, on the most direct route, exactly, but one which ( hopefully ) will deliver our van to the “Land Downunder” by January 2023. Details to follow !
Till next week……
Love reading about your adventures Jeff! Life sure throws us curves to navigate sorry to hear you lost both moms.
Can’t wait to read the next chapter of the adventurers! I’m sure both your moms will be traveling with you in memories you will share along your way. Safe travels!!
Yes, we agree Tami, we know they are with us in spirit ! Hope all is well with you and that retirement is treating you well. You must be off somewhere hot right about now ?
Congratulations on making your deadline!
Looking forward to following
your adventures once again.
You two are pretty amazing! Love your photo. It does look like heaven.
It was wonderful to
connect with the family at Auntie Thelma’s Celebration of Life. Safe travels always!
Thanks Maryanne, and great to spend some time with you as well. Say hi to the girls for us !
Thanks Bonnie, hope all is well with you as well.Say hi to any of the old gang you see !
All the best you two on your travels.
Thanks Spencer
And it begins! I’ve got my popcorn and comfortable chair… Bring on the episodes!
Ha ha, we’ll do our best ! That JB Weld is holding strong !
Let the party begin!
Well, once we get our vehicle back safely in Australia anyway ! Lol
I’m so sorry to hear your mom passed away so suddenly Lois. We are looking forward to following your journey down under. We are in the Netherlands at the moment spending some time with my mother who’s health is declining as well. Safe travels to you both 😘
Hi Petra,
Thanks for the note and glad you are spending what time you can with your mom. It’s precious time indeed. We decided to leave the AC unit at our house so I boxed it all up and put it in my den. Once we get the other one in Oz we will let you know so the one in a Canada will be yours if you like..!
My heart hurts for you both for the loss of your mothers.
Gorgeous wedding photo. Jackie is a very beautiful bride.
Looking forward to sharing your down under adventures virtually. My son, daughter-in-law and my two grandsons moved to Australia a year ago July (broke my heart), but we may be visiting them sometime in 2023, so will be eagerly watching for your weekly posts.
Thanks Maureen !
I find it very interesting to watch and see all the different people and all places that you have visited and wish you all the best in your new journey and van
Thanks Bill, and yes, meeting new people and seeing new places is indeed a lot of fun !
Good luck on your new journey. I am glad to see you guys living your dream and sharing it with everyone.
Thanks Gary, and Lois says hi and to say hi to all at the office !
That is so awesome! Bon voyage and I hope we can catch up to you somewhere in the world one day.
We definitely will Bryan !
Hi Jeff and Lois, So sorry to hear of both of your losses of both your Moms! Jackie will always hold dear her memories of having her only grandmother at her wedding. I wish you all the best in your new adventures and please travel safe so we can all see you back in Kelowna again!
Lyle
Hi Lyle,
Thanks for the note re our moms. Jackie was indeed thrilled she made it.
All going well, after we deliver the van to the port we will be back in Kelowna for 2-3 weeks over Christmas before flying to Oz. I won’t be working on the van out front of course but ring our doorbell when you drive by and say hi !
Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to see pictures of Jackie’s wedding and sorry to hear about your two mothers. All the best down under.
I’m so glad we saw your mum at Jackie’s wedding jn September. Pleased you are off jn another adventure. We look forward to your updates. Safe travels our friends.
Hi Penny ( and Charlie ),
Yes we were all so happy ( especially for Jackie ) that she hung with us for that magical day. She had a great innings as we say in cricket !
Hi Jeff, im sorry to hear about both of your mom’s loss. I wish you guys a wonderful experience in Australia. Ill be following closely. Say hello to lois.
Thanks Victor, and we keep an eye on your Instagram as well. You seem to be really enjoying life back in California. All the best and say hi to Carl and Renee if you guys are still in touch. We may actually make a quick detour to NZ on the way down to Oz, not sure where they are ?
What an awesome update! To say I am living my travel bug vicariously through you two is an understatement. Absolutely LOVE the wedding picture with your mom and your daughter. I will have truly lived a charmed life if I can be the elder in a picture like that. Three cheers to you mom. Looking forward to hearing all your adventures!
Gary, so nice to hear from you, hope all is well in Calgary ! Thanks for the kind words re our moms, we miss them very much but know they both had full, rich and very long lives. I don’t think we can ask for more at the end of the day.
Have fun in Australia ! Have you considered visiting south asia ? I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Thailand & really enjoy it. Lots to see. The only downside is they drive on the left. I only ride motorcycles there so not too hard to get used to.
Hi Larry,
Yes we have travelled quite extensive there on several occasions in the past. We have not determined a route back to Canada after Oz but via Asia is an option. I’d love to !
Looking forward to reading the updates! Love the new decals on the van, spotted it around town a few times recently, looks great!
Daryl, great to hear from you. You should have grabbed me for a coffee when you saw me ( perhaps when we get back …?) ! It was an awful lot of work getting it all done but worth it in the end. Looking forward to Oz…..
I’m so very sorry to hear of yours and Lois’ loss.
I look forward to hearing of your experience “down under”. Great job on making your November deadline 😀
Take care
Thanks Tonia, we have lots to do just to get there !
Beautiful pictures of the wedding!! Let’s see some completed van pics!!
Coming ……..next blog !
Great to hear you are back to your travels. Looking forward to hearing of your experiences.
Sorry to hear of the loss of both your Mom’s. Hold your memories tight.
Travel safe
Joy
Thanks Joy, and hi to all at MP…!