Counting Down

In 60 days we’ll be leaving on this big adventure.  60 days!  Absolutely nothing that involves packing up your life, planning to live on the road, abroad, as a family of four is easy.  It’s not supposed to be easy.  If it was, then everyone would be doing it.  I’ve had several “oh shit this is really happening” moments lately.  Most are with a positive and excited attitude.  However, there are an increasing amount of panic and stress moments. I try to remember that somehow it will all get done.  I’m also trying to remember that it’s still summer and that means tons of outside fun with the kids.  It will all get done.  Somehow it always does, and it’s just part of the journey.

So where are we in terms of what we’ve planned, done or purchased, and what do we still need to do?

What we’ve done:

• Purchased our van and drove it across Canada to home
• Fixed up the house and put it up for sale. It did not sell.  No problem, we have a Plan B, we’ve secured some good friends as renters.
• Sold a billion things (including our old camping gear)
• Bought a billion things (including our new camping gear)
• Purchased all vehicle modifications, including: front & rear bumpers, tires, shocks, lift kit, driving lights, and rearview camera.
• Installed all above parts
• Bought a drone and learning how to use it
• Booked one way flight to Santiago, leaving October 4, 2017
• Registered kids for homeschool
• Received dozens of vaccinations
• Renewed our passports
• Met with our financial advisor
• Learning Spanish

What we need to do:

• Complete final van modifications
• Sell 2 cars (find storage for 1)
• Get travel insurance.  Looking at going with Worldnomads or Dog Tag.
• Attend final doctor and dentist appointments
• Complete our Wills
• Figure out if we want/need a satellite communication device
• Build an epic first aid kit
• Purchase last-minute clothing and gear requirements/splurges
• Book and pay for vehicle shipping to Chile
• Drive El Cóndor to Vancouver for shipping to Chile
• Purchase flights to Easter Island
• Book Airbnb for Santiago and Easter Island
• Pack up personal items in house for storage
• Move out of our house (Hello Grandma!)
• Quit job (Adiós suckers!)

It’s still a large list with some big items to do, but things are starting to get crossed off.  The van ships in a little over a month and that is our current priority.  Get it finished, get it packed, and get it shipped.  The other items will slowly get crossed off throughout the next six weeks.  Then it will all be worth it.

MJ