We have been back home 3 weeks already and have been gradually getting back into our old routine. The first week was mainly spent cleaning and moving out of the little trailer and back into the Montana. Before filling the cupboards, I washed them...so not only was there a lot of cleaning in the little trailer, lots in the big one too! Of course, I also made numerous shopping trips to replenish the pantry and fridge.
Our first full day back (Thursday, Mar. 27), we were extremely busy! While de-winterizing yesterday, Steve found a leak in the shower drain. After removing and inspecting the HepvO Waste Valve Steve found that the internal membrane was torn and the seals had dried out, so he was off to the RV store.
With the Montana locked up all winter with no dehumidifier running, all 11 window sills had mold growing on them. So after fixing the shower waste valve, Steve tackled that job! While he was doing his repair work and window cleaning, I was cleaning cupboards and gradually moving stuff over from the little trailer.
Just before 4:00, we headed over to Earl and Allison's for dinner. So wonderful seeing and catching up with them! They even suggested we bring laundry over to do while visiting...thanks, so much...greatly appreciated!
After wonderful dinner, it was time to bring out Rummikub...always lots of fun!
As we got settled back into the Montana, there were umpteen million pictures for Steve to edit...and blog updates to write! We got a good start on that work on the rainy days we had...i.e. inside days.
Steve washed the little trailer...and once it dried up outside, I gave the inside a good cleaning...
We even managed to start our usual morning walks along the Airpark/Riverwalk pathway. Tides out...
This was an afternoon walk, for a change. Tides in...
Friday (Apr. 4) morning we took a walk from the campground down to the river...it's very high right now...
After being away for so long what does that usually mean...appointments! We have an "in person" doctor's appointment this Tuesday and since our family doctor is in Vancouver, we decided to go over on Saturday (Apr. 5) and visit with Chris, Angela and Isaac.
Boarding the 12:45 sailing from the Duke Point Ferry Terminal (just south of Nanaimo)...
Sunday (Apr. 6) afternoon Angela and I made a grave mistake...we went to Costco! My fault, really, because I am the one that wanted to go. It was so absolutely packed, I couldn't believe it! I don't think I have been in the middle of so many people since leaving Rogers Place after the Eagles concert! It was also pouring outside, so that may have contributed to the mayhem.
While we were out, the guys played Jenga...
That evening Steve and I were on our own for dinner as Chris, Angela and Isaac had prior dinner arrangements. So we decided to drive up to John B Neighbour Pub...a short distance away and a very popular spot. Great food and a huge beer and spirits menu! With an all day Happy Hour the place was packed for a Sunday, and the loud tropical music made us feel like we were on vacation in Mexico!
Monday (Apr. 7) was a chill day for Steve and I. Chris works from home now, so we saw Angela and Isaac off to school and then Chris disappeared upstairs to his office. I spent most of the day behind the laptop at the kitchen table...attempting to get our blog updates written. So fun reliving our wonderful week in Palm Springs with the kids!
Our doctor's appointments were on Tuesday (Apr. 8) at 11:30/11:45. We were finished and back in the car by 12:10...lots of time to get out to the ferry terminal for the 3:45 sailing. This time we decided to take the ferry from the Horseshoe Bay Terminal, just north of Vancouver, over to the Departure Bay Terminal in Nanaimo. We had debated stopping for lunch before heading out there but decided not to bother. We have no idea what the traffic would be like and we didn't want to miss that ferry because the next one wouldn't be until 6:15.
There happened to be a 1:00 sailing that we had no hope of catching...but we arrived at the terminal just before 1:00 while they were still loading and we basically drove right on! Now had we been trying for that ferry, there is no hope in hell that we would make it...but luck was with us today. Maybe making up for missing the ferry by 4 vehicles on our way home from being down south, LOL!
The view out the window...as we leave Horseshoe Bay...
Friday (Apr. 11) morning we were up and out early...taking the little trailer into Courtenay RV Specialists. Steve had noticed a bit of delamination at the back, just above the bumper where the shower is. The exterior sealant seemed okay so he moved inside to the bathroom. He removed the plate that the shower taps are mounted on to have a look behind for a leak but was unable to move it more than an inch so couldn't get a visual look. We decided it would be best to have the experts check it out. It is supposed to be ready for pickup early next week...sure hope it does not involve a big bill!
Finally, we have some sunshine and blue sky for the next couple of days...much nicer for our morning walks! If we had been further up the path we would have had to duck to avoid this plane landing at the Courtenay Airpark. 😂
Dragon Boat practice?...
We had Earl and Allison over for dinner Saturday (Apr. 12)...always great catching up with them.
The highlight of Sunday (Apr. 13) was walking up to our favourite brewery...The Gladstone! Our first time since returning...
It warmed considerably on Tuesday (Apr. 15) and the forecast is for even warmer temps and sunshine over the next few days. We received a phone call that our little trailer was ready for pick up, so after my haircut appointment in the afternoon, we headed over to get it. We were afraid of what the bill was going to be but were pleasantly surprised to find it wasn't that bad. They suspect rain has found a way in from a small crack in the outdoor shower compartment at the back of the trailer, and re-caulked it. Steve is a little skeptical that that is the source as it's located in a sealed door. Oh well, time will tell.
After bringing it back here to the RV Park to dump the tanks (we had planned on doing that before taking it into Courtenay RV Specialists but it was early in the morning), we took it back out to the storage place. Thank goodness it had dried out in there because apparently it was the wettest and muddiest winter they have had!
Wednesday (Apr. 16) morning we decided to go to Nymph Falls Nature Park for our morning walk...our first time since we've been back. Such a beautiful park...
The dam is open for the Spring snow melt until the 18th so the Puntledge River is running high...
Now through the obstacle course...
Tomorrow we are heading down island to Victoria (well, North Saanich) for the Easter weekend to visit Rob, Angie and the boys. We haven't seen them in person since the end of last August! Looking forward to seeing and spending time with them!
