Homeless, finally

It became official at 12:01 PM on December 1st 2015: we became homeless.  The 'For Sale' sign had gone up in April, and after we'd had one deal fall through in August and given the slowness of the economy right now we'd resigned ourselves to settling in for the winter.  Of course that was probably the best thing to do, because as soon as we did that we managed to get an offer that stuck.

What didn't get given away or hauled to the dump got stowed away in a 6' x 12' Gypsy Wagon, and we moved a bed and a few things into Kathy's house near Ardrossan.  We'll stay there until after Christmas helping out with some things, and then hopefully get south for a couple of months.  Back up in the spring, probably using Ardrossan as a base and helping Kathy out with some more maintenance stuff.  And having LOTS of garage sales, as we didn't get a chance before the final move-out.

So now we just have to see how long it will take for me to remember my new mailing address... it took me about 12 years before I could get the Lamont street address right without looking it up.  And also see how long it takes Kathy to stop cooking with cheese... 

Gabriella

After being our travelling companion for almost 13 years, we had to put Gabriella down on Nov 14th.  She had been battling arthritis for about 5 years and was getting worse each year so we knew she didn't have very long left.  She had what we believe was a stroke in the afternoon, and after several hours she had not regained control of her right legs so we decided that this was the time.  Fortunately there was an emergency vet in Edmonton, and she was out of pain by 9 PM that evening.  Having been with us for many, many adventures she will most definitely be missed.

Winnipeg Sept 13 - 25

We made the trek out to Winnipeg with Kathy, for the Celebration of Life for Cliff Sept 19th. ll went well and the event was well attended.  We parked in Judy and Al's driveway and they were wonderful hosts.  Sorry no pics as they were in the batch that got corrupted.

Overnighted at Radisson SK (52.46858, -107.40197) and Foxwarren MB (50.51948, -101.15503) on the way down and Indian Head SK (50.53061, -103.65788) and Maidstone SK (53.08671, -109.27701) on the way back.  Had a little transmission trouble on the way there, but limped down and back.  Wound up putting in a rebuilt transmission when we got back, so good to go again for a few more miles I hope.

Open Creek Dam

Back home for a few days - long enough to cut the grass and do some chores, then off to Open Creek Dam (52.65450, -114.70686) for the weekend camping with Stan, Glenda, Denise, and Brodie.  Kathy and Ellie came with us, as well.

Another new hammock for the Hammock-lady! Notice her hand? 

Of course I had to test it too.  

By the end of the summer I had lots of help with meal prep. 

 

A couple of nice clear cold springs in the campground, and one was right beside us as luck would have it!  Bonus! 

Fraser Lake / Fort St James

Settled into the family campground at 24 for about a month, with a short camping trip up to Ft. St. James with Jack and Kathy and Kathy, and a couple quick runs back to Alberta with the Jeep to pick up and drop off Wendy's sister Kathy and her dog Ellie.  Mo, Christina, Bella, and Emir came back out with us the second time and spent a week or so.  Chris, Kelly, and Chase came out a couple weekends (must suck to have to work and only get away on weekends), and we had mom moved into the house for the duration.  Lots of yardwork but lots of fun too.

Some people need a cell signal wherever they go.  Can you hear me NOW?

Lac la Hache

For a couple nights.  51.85845, -121.63477

Allison Lake

From Castlegar we headed east past Osoyoos and then north, spending a couple nights at Allison Lake (49.68105, -120.60240).  I've accidentally lost all my photos from Castlegar to Christmas (oops) so from here on just a few borrowed ones.

Rest in Peace Huw

Sadly, the reason for the Castlegar trip was to attend the Celebration of Life for Huw George, who I went to school with.  Like Cliff, Huw passed away much too early in life and will be missed by many.

Castlegar

Rainy, rainy trip down along the lake, and we wound up motoring through to Castlegar after not finding any campsites to our liking along the way.  Kootenay River Kampground (49.31485, -117.63497) was a gem, so we booked in for a week.

I love these shots. Makes the motorhome seem supernatural.  

Campground is just to the right of the pillar.  A few people were catching; I hooked a couple trout but didn't get any to shore.  Nice spot though.  

Along the road to Deer Park.  

Wendy's early birthday present.  Looks like she hasn't quite relaxed yet.  

Shelter Bay

After a stopover in Golden to visit Alyssa, off to Shelter Bay (50.637643, -117.924987) for a couple days.  Got the boat in the water, Wendy caught a nice (and tasty!) trout on a Wooly Bugger, and we got caught in a sudden squall that soaked us and forced us to leave the boat down shore a bit and walk back.  Great fun though, after we were warm and dry again.  And had that tasty trout in our bellies.

Harlech Recreation Area, Crescent Falls, Bighorn Reservoir

On the road for the summer, bound for Castlegar and Fraser Lake.  First stop at Harlech (52.50187, -115.91402) for a couple days to explore the Nordegg area.

About as close as she'd get to the edge.  Smart Gabby.

My kind of country.  (-:

Rest in Peace Cliff

July 1st was a sad day, as my brother-in-law and good friend Cliff passed away much too young.  He will be missed by many.

Bedroom Renovations

Now that the house renos are pretty much done, time to turn attention to our hopefully new home.  The bedroom windows and back wall had a little water seepage, which messed with the panelling.  Time to fibreglass over the cracks and strip down and rebuild the bedroom inside.  A little time lapse from the 3 weeks or so the project went on:

No pics of the outside repairs as they look pretty bad.  I suppose I won't be taking that up as my next career... 

Mid week fishing

You know, a person could get to like mid-week fishing trips.  This is Touchwood Lake after the May 24 long weekend.  Had fun with a few little Jacks on the fly.  They were quite fond of my "red and silver tinsel streamer on a jig hook with a stinger added" creation stripped through the weeds.  Also the gold and silver version.

So long Cavalier!

No need for so many vehicles anymore, so the Cavalier went off to help the Kidney Car Fund.

Camping with the Safiehs

A little spring camping trip to Wabamun Lake.