To think we left on December 6th to avoid freezing cold temperatures, nose numbing winds and snow of any type... and here we are... still here. Hmrph. But, that being said, it hasn't been all bad. Believe it or not we actually had a very nice ICBC woman handling the trailer file and have already settled for a fair price on the 'write off'. The truck remains a mystery for now as the companies who do estimates are all chocker-block full. Ricky's estimate will have to wait until we return and the repairs will follow thereafter.
We have spent some of our time working on various trailer-related projects... like, mounting spice racks and a wine-glass rack... both essentials for 'life on board'. There's also the 'bow box' , an aluminum fixture now mounted over the forward frame and providing some much needed storage. There have been other other fix-ups as well and, by and large, Lucy is starting to feel like 'home' (at least as much as 14 feet of floor space can). Good thing we're sailors and used to living in small spaces. Unfortunately our new awning hasn't arrived and so we'll be using the old one still attached to the trailer. We'll see how that goes but it may not be very pretty. Stay tuned on that one.
What remains now is to finish packing the truck and stowing our clothes and other sundries into the trailer. The plan has us slipping in time to catch the 1015 Duke Point ferry on Friday morning (providing there is still one operational)... and then, we'll be off and running. The route is simple; Duke Point to the mainland and then to the border. South on the hwy to just north of Seattle where we'll stop for the night. The next morning we'll have an early start and skirt Seattle proper and then continue south on Hwy I 5. The rest of our route will be the same one we've used many times. At least we know the way and where we like to stop. I can tell you that we'll rest more once we've made it down the hill and past Longview, WA... wonder if our skid marks will be noticeable at the side of the highway (at Mile Post 41/1).
For now... we are well and starting to get a little excited about leaving the snow and cold behind for a couple months. We've got our golf clubs and pickleball paddles packed and are looking forward to doing some hiking as well.
Hope all is well with each of you and 2024 is off to a good start for you and your family. Be good to yourselves and remember to say hello to a complete stranger from time to time. It's good for the soul.
Until I write again... CJ
