We had no idea what RETIREMENT? would look like for us so let’s keep on working.
BUT our friends kept leaving and going on their retirement travels until so many were retired that we couldn’t keep track of who was going where and when they would return. When we did see, talk, email, Skype them they were seeing a world that we wanted to explore.
These thoughts must have been circulating sub consciously until August 2012 when we were in Alberta and Saskatchewan visiting family and friends. As usual we were on a very time limited schedule. How could Ralph and Linda afford to travel and not be restricted? Retirement could be full time RVing. Yes, let's sell our townhouse and hit the road!
That would take a big commitment on our part but we had done it before. In 1978 while living in Canmore AB we signed on with CUSO to move to Papua New Guinea for 2 years. We sold our mobile home and furniture then put personal “stuff” into storage. Dave was 4 and Kari 16 months when we flew to the other side of the world. We have never regretted the move or the experiences.
September 2012 we started with a garage sale and continued getting rid of “stuff”. We were both ready to let go of most of our possessions.
We updated and staged the townhouse and listed it January 2013 and accepted an offer a week later. April 1st (no fooling) we moved into a rented apartment. That would be our next downsizing as we researched the RV lifestyle.
From 1974 until we moved to Surrey in 1999 we had always camped with a small trailer. We knew we needed a bigger unit but what would that look like. Ralph always had a BIG dream about owning a camperized bus but we had not won any lottery. Reality check. With over 4 decades in the bus industry Ralph can repair and drive a bus but my vision would not allow me to drive a large vehicle. I wanted to be able to drive a vehicle in case of an emergency. That eliminated a pickup and fifth wheel so we started exploring motorhomes with a towed vehicle. What length, age, manufacturer, price would work for us?
You are an inspiration! Way to go!
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