We’re moving west.
We sold our house, bought a new one (almost – still working out those bank details), packed everything we own into a moving van, stuffed the car so full we wondered how both children would fit in it, and we’re off. From the largest city in Canada to a tiny town on Vancouver Island. I was telling a friend that we’re going from a city to a town where our house will be on septic and possibly a well – and he helpfully pointed out that we do, indeed, have indoor plumbing!
This has been my dream since I left Victoria, over 20 years ago to go to school. I knew that I would be away for a while, but had no idea how long. Or that I would be returning with a wife and 2 children, after having fallen in love with the big city. But it’s my chance to go home, and my wife and 2 children love me enough to embrace this adventure. It’s my dream job – working 3/4 time in a church and 1/4 time in a camp. It’s my home – between where I went to high school and where I went to University. It’s exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Like all the best adventures.
We are driving across the country – taking a few days to have a family holiday. And we have decided to make a little running challenge. Run in all 5 provinces from Ontario to BC.
I started in Blind River, Ontario. The best part of the run was being able to jump into Lake Huron afterward.
Sounds very grand and ambitious – but since I’ve been running my slow little shuffle only every so often, it will be 3-4 km for me, more for Beth who actually has kept it up. It’s kind of fun, but it will also be a good stress relief. We’re driving 4,588km.
And I have declared there shall be no videos in the car.
We’ve downloaded some audio books for the girls. Friends have been arriving with books and crafts and very thoughtful packages of activities the girls can do in the car. Everyone is very worried that we won’t survive without plugging in, but these 2 lively little girls have travelled to Grandma’s since they were very small, have driven all around England and Scotland with us last summer, are creative and engaging and we’re all used to the last hour of the drive all being completely squirrley. At least this time, there are no roundabouts and we drive on the correct side of the road!
But a run at each stop is a very good way to stay sane. And it’s fun to have a little challenge – although one that doesn’t involve shoes. If my math is right, if I run twice in Ontario (it’s that big) and once in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC, then I will run 15-20 km. Out of 4,588. Well, at least it something.
We’ve done the first Ontario run, the next will hopefully be in Thunder Bay – because it does take several days to cross Ontario!
Wish us luck.
revmummy 