Heading Home to Nanaimo

July 19th-

We woke up early with much anticipation. We had arranged with Haz, the owner of the KOA, that we would leave our trailer and truck there at the campsite for 6 days while we headed home to Nanaimo for Sophie’s 7th birthday party and to visit with family. Myra was home for a few days so we could get to visit with her as we hadn’t seen her since the end of February.

We had phoned the previous night for a taxi to be at our campground at 8:00 am which is 25 km out of Winnipeg, and we were worried that they might not show. One thing that we have learned on this trip is to have faith in things turning out right! Sure enough there was our taxi waiting for us, actually 15 minutes early.

Our taxi driver was very talkative and explained a lot of things about Winnipeg on the drive in. We arrived in time to have breakfast, check through security and board the plane. We hadn’t checked in early so Bill and I weren’t sitting together, which made me feel a bit uneasy, but I hooked up to a movie and relaxed for the flight.

We arrived in Vancouver and had a two hour wait time. It felt wonderful to come back to B.C., traveling away certainly makes you realize what you have at home. Our flight left on time and we arrived in Nanaimo with Rina, Jeff, Allie and Sophie waiting for us with open arms and presents. It was great to see them, there were lots of hugs and a few happy tears.

We went to Rina and Jeff’s place to unwind and catch up on each other’s lives. Rina had a terrific supper awaiting for us and we had drinks and just enjoyed being together. There were lots of questions to answer and stories to tell about our trip. We were still on a high from our trip to Churchill!!! We opened the presents that the girls had for us. Allie had painted us a lovely picture of the polar bear and the belugas whale. It hangs in our trailer and we think of her every time we look at it. Sophie bought us a figurine of a momma polar bear and her baby. We cherish both!! Late to bed but that’s ok as we are all on holidays.

The next day was hectic as we had to run into Nanaimo to see Myra and to do some shopping before Sophie’s birthday party. Myra was leaving the next day so she is busy getting her house ready to rent. We had a great quick visit with her for a couple of hours. My sister Chers was arriving this morning so Jeff and Rina were kind enough to pick her up at the ferry. We made it back in time to dress in a tea party theme for the birthday party. The Puska clan arrived along with Ashley, Lyle and family (friends of Rina and Jeff. It was a wonderful day and Sophie enjoyed her special day. It was great to have everyone together in one place so we could visit easily. As the party wound down we headed to the pool and had pizza for dinner, visiting again till late in the evening.

The new two days were spent relaxing and visiting. It was great to catch up with Chers as I hadn’t got to see her before I left. On Sunday night we got together with our dear friends Wayne and Pat for dinner at Longwood Pub and then a game of Settlers of Catan at their place. As usual I lost, but it was great to visit with our friends.

On Monday night Chers treated us to a wonderful evening at Cuckoo, my favourite restaurant. It was wonderful to sit on the patio and take in the sights and sounds and visit.

Tuesday morning Chers left for home and Bill and I went into Nanaimo. We had coffee dates with our coffee groups. Bill met his group at “Cafe today” and helped celebrate Ron’s birthday. His whole gang was there.

I was lucky to catch up with all my aqua ladies(Phyllis, Barbara, Carol, Elaine, Jennie) at Jennie’s house, she made a wonderful tea time with fresh home made scones and tea. Thanks Jennie! We talked but I think I did most of the talking, answering questions and telling them antidotes about the trip.

We met up with Rina and Jeff for dinner at Saigon kitchen and then back to their place to pack for the trip back to the trailer and to continue our journey. Early to bed as Rina had to work in the morning. We had said goodbye to Allie and Sophie earlier in the day as they went to their dad’s place and we wouldn’t see them before we left.

We woke up early and said goodbye to Rina. Jeff drove us to the airport and again we were on the move. Our friends Wayne and Pat called us “the gypsies” and we are beginning to feel like that.

Our flights went smoothly without any delays and we arrived back in Winnipeg to the KOA to find all well with the trailer and truck. Headed to bed as we were both very tired. The journey continues……….