I could have happily traveled for weeks or months more but given the uncertainty of the pandemic and the likelihood of the second wave already underway it seemed best to take a pause. Bob had a list of modifications he wanted to work on for the van as well as working on his images, his website and creating this blog. I had the fortunate flexibility of going back to work earlier than planned and saving some work-leave for a trip next spring. We hope to get another chance at spending June 2021 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Our house was rented so we could not go straight home. We were very fortunate to have a few options of places to stay until we could move home. We really liked the idea of not going back to the city for as long as possible – I was working remotely so had no need to be in the city. We were overdue for things like dental appointments and new eyeglasses but that could wait a little longer.
We took advantage of our family cottage being vacant for most of the fall and headed there. It was a rare opportunity to spend an entire fall in Muskoka watching the incremental colour change of the trees everyday and enjoying the quiet lake after Labour Day. Just like my city work-routine, we took afternoon walks most days. The van became my office. The plan was to stay as long as the weather allowed as it is not winterized, and pipes will freeze. I was so happy to hear the long-range fall forecast was for an extended mild fall. Also being at the cottage meant we were around to supervise the work on the verandah to replace those beams destroyed by carpenter ants.
We had talked about doing some short trips from the cottage, but we quickly adapted to hermit life and didn’t go anywhere for days on end. After several days of Bob running up to the van to grab some clothing or various things, I suggested he unpack and put things in drawers and closets – it was such a habit to live out of the van!
I eased back into work painlessly- if I had had to go to the office, I’m sure it would have been a much more difficult transition. I was keen to find out how my colleagues were doing and what the long-range plans for tourism recovery post-covid would be. I’m hoping the new priorities of daily life have an influence on the future of travel and that people will travel more conscientiously.
After several weeks at the cottage, frost was threatening our non- insulated pipes so we had to turn off the water and close up . As sad as I was to be leaving, it was nice to be in the city for walks with my buddies whom I had not seen in many months; and nice to wake up in a warm house with family for company. And it won’t be long until we are moved back into our house and we’ll start thinking the next chapter of our Magical Mystery Tour. We plan to keep travelling in the van for long stretches for years to come so stay tuned for updates!
Mike and Bob rode their motorcycles one day north of the cottage on roads devoid of traffic with the fall colours ablaze. We all went back the next day by car to photograph this kaleidoscope of colour.
Scenes from our cottage dock or on the water.
So nice to read about your travels, I feel like I am along for the ride!