Expectations, And Reality
You know those Memes that go around on the internet that show two side-by-side pics, one of which is “expectation” and the other “reality”? Well, this past week was kinda like that for us, thanks to good ‘ol Mother Nature.
We had plans, grand plans of flying off into the wilderness and exploring the big, wide world outside….
France: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Wheelingit crew. Our mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and post-confinement civilizations….
And then the rain came.
Oceans of it, pouring down in sheets of unending wetness, with nothing but grey skies above and muddy trails beneath. There was really not much to do but wait out the weather from home, the very place we’ve been confined to for the past 2 months. Oh well, at least we’re used to it?
But we did manage a few walks, in-between the raindrops, plus quite a bit of weeding (which is rather the norm this time of year) and rather importantly, a key birthday was celebrated, one that we weren’t sure we’d see just a few years ago. Expectation and reality sometimes go your way too.
Nothing Is Like It Was
So yes of course the big news this week was our new-found freedom of being able to go outside our 1 km quarantine circle, without any paperwork to justify it. And to be honest, it was a strange sensation.
Remember that feeling you used to get when you snuck out of the house at night as a teenager (not that I ever did anything like that….that my parents know of anyway…)? It was kinda like that. After weeks of having to carry ID and paperwork just to walk down the street it felt odd, and not-quite-legal to be able waltz out the door with nothing at all. Plus I kept looking out for police checks, and felt a tad jittery that I wasn’t carrying any justification on me.
The surprising thing is it didn’t feel natural, and that was something I hadn’t expected at all.
I guess that in my minds eye I had imagined that going out this week would feel normal, like it did before this whole lock-down madness began. And the truth is that it really didn’t. In some ways it makes sense. Things haven’t changed just because an arbitrary date has passed and a few restrictions have been lifted, so why should anything feel different? And yet in other ways, the whole thing makes no sense at all. Surely everything should feel freer now?
But it’s obvious when you go out…
Most of the French population wears masks now, something that would be unthinkable just a few months ago. This is a country where full-face coverings are illegal (the controversial “burka ban” law that was enacted in 2011). And yet now, face coverings have become the norm.
“Highly illogical” as Spock would say
And although most stores are open now, every place has strict new virus security measures in place.
For example, Paul went down to get a new battery for dad’s car this week (which went flat just around 2 months ago, go figure) and the local auto-supply shop had been completely re-vamped for the May 11th opening. Everyone was wearing face-masks, the checkout was behind Plexiglas and payment was conducted via “contact-less” credit card (a feature all French cards have these days).
Plus of course dad and I attended the local outdoor market, as we usually do, and it was really no different to the week before. The market was roped-off to a specific area of town with police at the entrance/exit, one-way foot traffic (no-one allowed to double back) and stalls spaced at least 10-20 feet apart. The only real change was that a few extra stalls had been added, specifically for hot food, but other than that it felt just like it did during confinement.
The reality is that nothing is like it was before, and likely won’t be for some time…
Maybe Summer Vacations Will Change Too?
The other big “reality check” going on in France at the moment are the upcoming summer vacays, and speculations on exactly what they will look like.
Right now everything tourist-related is still closed including restaurants, campgrounds, and hotels, but there’s hope that stuff will start opening during the next stage of “déconfinement” starting June 2nd. Borders may take a little while longer, but most of the EU is looking to ease up inter-border travel, at least between neighboring European nations by ~mid-June. So by the swing of summer most stuff should be accessible, assuming the virus numbers stay in check.
But folks are still super wary….
From the chatter that I’ve been seeing on my travel & RV forums, most people are saying they will stay closer to home this year, just in case things change yet again. So the French are declaring they will vacay in France, while Brits are saying they will stay home in UK, and so on. It’s across the board, and it’s almost a point of national pride.
Perhaps local tourism will be the big thing of 2020??
As for us we really have no idea what we’re going to do. We don’t relish the idea of packing into a French campground with the summer crowds, nor do we really want to RV in the heat (last summer got HOT here and although we have a rooftop AC in LMB, camping in the heat is still not our idea of fun). On the other hand, traveling cross borders is still a very big unknown.
In the meantime LMB is looking rather lost and lonely. I guess we’ll just have to wait and play it by ear?
We Are Celebrating Anyway
On the other side of the coin, the “good news story” of this past week was that my dear dad got a year older, or a year wiser as he likes to say.
When we came to France several years back, dad was just embarking on his third lifetime battle with cancer, and as you can imagine we weren’t at all sure how that would go. That was a loooong year, with lots of medical appointments, waiting, scans, waiting, scans and more waiting (isn’t waiting the worst, when it comes to the big C???), but like the powerhouse he is, he pulled through, yet again. Great doctors, incredible healthcare, good wine, local food and daily walks were apparently the magic combo that worked.
And so another was battle won, and another few years were put in the bank.
So on Friday we celebrated his day, complete with roasted duck breast (what else, in SW France?), pommes dauphinoise (basically layers of sliced potatoes baked with onion, garlic & cream…which you know is crazy good) and a home-made chocolate-base tiramisu. Here’s hoping next year will be just as sweet….
And The Sun Is Out Again
And then today, just this morning, the weather turned yet again. Like a flower bud springing open for the first time, the sun burst through the clouds and bathed the rolling hills in warm, beautiful light.
It was……spectacular!
We took the dog down to our local lake, something we haven’t done since confinement began back in mid-March and it was oh-so-deliciously nice. The lake was empty and the grass several feet tall (no-one’s been mowing), but it was bordered by thick beds of wildflowers and alive with ducks, frogs, and insects and the incredible song that they all make when they come together. A light breeze, warm rays, and the melody of nature all around us. What could be better?
It felt both freeing, and totally right.
So yes, lots of expectations this week and although not all were met, some good ones came to be, a key birthday was celebrated, and we did finally get to hike in some place other than our little 1 km circle. I call that a win.
I’m curious my dear blog readers, for your thoughts about this upcoming summer? Has the virus changed your plans? Are you staying local? Or traveling abroad? Do share in the comments below!
we are staying local for the coming year …it should be fun..and I am long forward to it… had to postponed the two trips I had planned and I am good with that…Sorry we are not coming over to your side of the the pond…but there is always next year…
Lots to see in your part of the country, so a “local” summer is not at all bad. Looking forward to hearing about it.
Nina
We have reservations at a state park at the Oregon coast in August….hoping that the parks will be open for camping by then. So glad we did our “drive the Alcan hwy to Alaska” last summer. That would not be happening this year. A lesson there…don’t put off the things you really want to do!
Yes indeed…don’t put off the things you want to do! So poignant right now. Paul was lucky enough to be able to walk the Camino de Santiago last year, which is completely closed (so far) this year. We were just talking about that the other day. He is SO glad he did it when he could. I do hope the coast opens up for you (SO miss the OR coast!!!!)
Nina
We live in texas , and had planned to make a long trip to the east coast skipping NYC and going upstate and into New England. Obviously not now.. We will do short trips in texas and maybe visit relatives in oklahoma if we travel at all. Sure have a bad case of hitch itch. We are in late 60’s so have to be super careful. Good travels to you.
It’s difficult to decide what’s right, or safe…isn’t it? I think staying local for now is probably a good call, and if things look up after summer there’s nothing to stop you taking a long road-trip at that time. I’m still hopeful we’ll all get to travel.
Nina
I had a trip 2000 miles in my Class B RV from CA to MN to see grandchildren in works, but decided to postpone that as I don’t want to get stuck somewhere. I may take a few local trips but not ready yet. Have lots to do on the house, still in delayed maintenance mode after caring for husband during his long (sadly he didn’t win) battle with cancer, so I’ll remain busy. I so enjoy your writing.
Oh I’m so, so sorry about your husband. My deepest condolences. I know what the cancer battle feels like, and I know oh-so many who have not made it. It’s a rotten disease. I do hope you get out there and travel again soon.
Nina
To go or not to go, that is the question. Well, we have decided to venture forth. We have “trashed” the first half of our summer plans and are now on plan, let me see, I believe plan C. Take heart, remain positive, do what you can, and enjoy the life you have to the fullest. What is ahead I’m not sure but we’re looking forward to whatever God has in store for us. Look forward to your future posts as to what transpires in your life.
I wish you all the best of luck & enjoyment to you in your Plan C (or Plan D, E, or whatever it becomes!)
Nina
Hi guys! Great to hear from you again. Congratulations on another birthday for your Dad….I know that your being there helped him and made this year special. It’s a different time for sure. Our state is opening up and plenty of people are defying the edicts of face masks and social distancing but we ARE NOT. I’ve finally ventured into the grocery store (Dave has been going) and it makes me feel more normal. Dave and I were just talking about our future plans (for the fall) and we have a plan A and a plan B (jello plans, eh?) A is definitely the preferred one which involves heading west and staying near good medical care areas until…… Plan B entails staying here (gasp) for the winter and heading out as soon as things thaw. For the summer, we’ll hunker down here and enjoy the lake and what it offers us. I keep telling myself that going with the flow is a good thing, not planning to far ahead is a good thing, right? yeah, right. p.s. your birthday dinner sounded wonderful!
Brrrr…winter in NY, that would make me gasp too. I really like your Western plan (of course, anything out West is always my preference). Here’s hoping you get to do it!
Nina
Our plans to go to Europe in June for a few weeks to reconnect with some friends and relations is out the window, and in the meanwhile, “Guys’ Weekend” which is usually around this time of the year, is temporarily on hold, waiting for the latest from the Provincial Government in terms of “lock-down” etc. The State of Emergency has been extended on into June, with the exception of certain businesses being allowed to open, but with curb side pick-up only. And by the time I write this, something else could have changed.
Gotta be like Gumby.
My husband and I love reading your blog. It’s wonderful that your dad has celebrated another birthday and that you are there with him. My aunt lives near Aix-en-Provence and is still not getting out much but enjoying walks and drives a little further afield. Scott and I live in Prince Edward Island with very few cases and no non-essential travel permitted on or off the island. Luckily it’s a beautiful place.. looks like we’ll be staying put for a while yet.
As usual your photos are gorgeous! I could almost feel the sun looking at the photo of when it finally came out. I’m in Portland Oregon and we have no sun now. We are still in lockdown in our county but am just planning to take a trip to the coast (it is open) the end of this week. As far as summer goes, there is no assurance that we will stay open, once we do. The United States is a mess. Certain states opened too soon, against CDC recommendations, and they are already having a resurgence of cases of the virus. So no plans here. I am holding onto a reservation that can be cancelled a few days before, for October in New Orleans, Louisiana. My plans for Venice and Poland this past April and May were obliterated and I’m still working on getting refunds for those flights. They just want to give vouchers, but who knows when it will be safe to do extended travel in Europe. The beauty of Portland and the spring blooms here is exceptional, so I’m trying to focus on the good. So pleased that your Father is doing well – Happy Birthday!
Ah yes, beautiful Portland. I was just reminiscing with Paul about the rose garden there the other day. Sorry your trips were canceled (and they’re being difficult about refunds…ugh!). And I do hope you get to go to New Orleans in Oct!
Nina
I can’t afford over the pond trips but I do vacations virtually via blogs. Most vays are in USA….I have so many places I haven’t been to. In fall I purchased a plane ticket to see my new great grandson….he will be six months old by then. I’m already practicing nursery songs to sing to him. He lives in Wasilla, Alaska. At 75 years, I don’t enjoy plane rides as I use to so I prefer road trips so I can stop often & camp where I want most of the time. Better to sleep in my own bed/cot. The area you live in in France is so beautiful from pictures. I followed a lady who slept in castles while traveling in France & I loved that virtual trip….I could almost taste the food. Happy birthday to your dad & many more.
Congratulations on your grandson!! Going to be quite the joy to see him, I’m sure.
Nina
Five of us were meant to be going across to France in early March for dinner in our favourite restaurant just across the Channel. We decided in late February to reschedule to 26 September. I remain hopeful!
Was talking with your bro today wishing him a happy birthday. Needless to say he was up to his eyeballs in dismantled motorbikes.
Yeah, I really hope everything opens up for fall. We’re hoping/planning to do some travel at that time too (fingers crossed!)
Nina
We were going to spend two weeks in Seattle in July to visit our son, but we canceled that. We have been visiting him at Christmas for two weeks for the last four years, but that may not happen either. We have never gone 6 months without seeing him-he is 27(he may enjoy that). We don’t feel safe about getting on a plane yet and we live near DC, driving isn’t an option. We have been going on lots of walks-6 miles a day at least, social distancing is relatively easy here. Husband gets to work from home-ending his 3 hour a day commute-yeah! He can do all his work online, so I am hoping he will be able to continue until a vaccine comes around. He has been using public transportation for years-which really makes me nervous right now.
Wow…3 hour a day commute. That took me back to my Silicon Valley days where Paul and I regularly commuted about that amount every day. I don’t miss that AT ALL! I’m glad your husband can avoid that, at least that’s an upside to all this.
Nina
Congratulations to your dad on another birthday and may he enjoy many more.
I have been solo full time for 5 years now and have decided that now is the time to settle back in Oregon.
I had hoped to do at least one more year of traveling and had a list of places to see.
Unfortunately with all that’s going on in the US and without quality leadership I don’t feel comfortable being halfway across the country if I get sick. I do have SkyMed insurance but…
I’m now in the process of buying a condo in a 55+ community and will be selling my LTV Serenity.
I still want to travel but am willing to wait things out.
In the meantime I will enjoy as always your postings and travel with you through some of your past US trips.
Stay safe and sane.
Geneva S.
I’m sorry your plans were cut short, but I totally understand the need for change. I’m not sure what we’d been doing right now if we were fulltimers. And what an adventure you’ve had….5 years solo….wow, I love that!!!. Hopefully this will simply be a good, new phase of your life, perhaps with a mix of home, social & travel once everything opens up again. BEST of luck w/ the change!!
Nina
Thank you, as always, for sharing things from your perspective. And belated happy birthday to your Dad!
We are booked beginning of June through beginning of September, Florida to Glacier NP, Yellowstone, and Tetons. We had to cancel the last two years and, as of now, we plan to do it.
What a WONDERFUL trip you have planned….from Florida to the Tetons. Some of our favorite country along there. Hope you have a fabulous time.
Nina
Congratulations (or as Google translate says: toutes nos félicitations) to your Dad for another birthday. I’m so happy he is doing well.
It looks like Jim and I will be in Tucson for the summer. We’re not happy about it, but the planned road trip to the east coast, up the coast into the NE and back through Ohio is on hold. Case counts are extremely inaccurate and getting sick on the road would be beyond bad. So, here we are and here we will be.
Southern France is so lovely, it’s a good place to be.
Summer in Tuscon…talk about heat!! I sure understand why you’re not thrilled with that idea. I sure hope things open up again in a safe & controlled way, for everyone’s sake.
Nina
Thankful for your blog entry as it is interesting to hear how things are going in another country – plus I’ve been a follower for years and it’s like hearing from a friend. 🙂 Happy that you were able to celebrate another year with your dad – -and I bet it was interesting spending this quarantine time with him, as well. As far as it goes in my world: luckily I moved to the Smokies last April, downsizing from 2 homes and and RV to one home and an RV. I have been able to sequester here and yet get out and into the woods a lot. Spring has been magnificent. I dreamt of becoming a naturalist and this forced time at home is giving me time to explore and learn more about the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians. Love that part of this ‘gig’. Sadly, the much anticipated Grand Canyon hike and summer out west in the RV was tabled for this year, as was a lengthy non-RV trip to Hawaii. These mountains have so many nooks and crannies to explore, I believe the RV will come in handy for short trips in the surrounding area. It feels reckless to venture too far away from home at this point. Things feel crazy to me right now with no organized or well executed plan for reopening safely and people not taking this seriously, still calling it ‘a flu’ or a ‘hoax’ designed to take down this presidency. (insert eye roll here) And, I’m of the age where it makes sense to take a little more precaution. So, ultimately, small trips closer to home for the next little bit – probably until a vaccine or at least proven treatment method. Thanks for asking – it’s interesting to read that most folks are staying closer to home. (at least so far). Stay safe! Your photos are delightful…. I still hope to get over to that part of the world some day!
Oh, the Rockies…what a fabulous place to be. We really never got to explore them too much. We did a single trip back at the beginning of our RV travels, and always planned to go back, but just never got around to it. I’m so glad you’re in such a pretty place right now.
And yes, I’m with you on those short trips. We are planning the same. We may be young (and probably fine), but we live with dad and we have to stay safe & think proactively. Wish all this was easier…
Nina
I’m glad you are all doing well. It’s good to hear how things are progressing over there. And, as always, your photos lift my mood.
We are now old so we stay pretty close to home all the time now. The exception is Dave’s operation of friends’ model railroads where 10-30 people gather several times a month in one basement or another to run trains as if they were full-sized railroads. That has all been on hold. One is trying to reopen but didn’t get enough people willing to risk it this month. We are playing that one month by month. I’m hoping medical facilities reopen in time for my annual physical in July as I’m hoping to have some minor surgery this fall. Our dentist is reopening; they’ve always worn masks, gloves and eye protection so they are just adding face shields. Dave has an appointment to go yet this month. I hope that goes well.
And I hope you all continue to do well.
Lovely to hear from you Linda. Hopefully it’ll all open up so you can get all those appointments done. I do fear for folk with on-going medical issues that have had to navigate these times. Not easy at all.
Nina
Thank you for keeping us up with what is going on across the pond. I really enjoy your blog. We downsized from a class C to a sweet B (Winnebago Travato) last year. We had planned a cross country trip from AZ to the east coast and Canadian Maritimes for this summer. Needless to say that is on hold for the foreseeable future. Plan to do some local touring as things start to open up here. Really beautiful in the White Mountains of AZ, but sadly in the hotspots of Navajo and Apache Counties. Tourism is big there and the decrease in visitation will take a serious toll on the economy in this area.
What a sweet new ride you have! Hope you do get out for trips around your area. And yes, I really worry about all the places that rely on tourism both in US and here. It’s going to be really tough.
Nina
My genealogical jaunt from Southern California to New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Connecticut in my small RV (with stop in Utah for my 60th high school reunion) will not happen this summer. Sigh. So I planted a container garden on my deck instead and will enjoy tomatoes, lettuce, peas n lots of salads this summer. Luckily, the Internet has a great deal of genealogical material and I can always work on my photo projects. I’ll also study ahead for my 2nd year law school classes in August……. So many books, so little time!! For pure pleasure, I’ll read your posts and travel around France with you!!!! Stay healthy, everyone.
Sorry to hear your genealogical jaunt is on hold, but I sure do understand. What a wonderful hobby/project to do though! Best of luck w/ 2nd year law classes!!
Nina
Happy Birthday, Happy Spring, Happy loosening confinement.
Yesterday I would have been returning from a trip to the Galapagos. Next week we would have ventured out from California to Moab for an RV/Jeeping trip and 2 months of travel but -Poof- that gone as well. Summers we prefer at home to hear lots of live music and -Poof- gone too.
We hoped for October in Spain for a 30th wedding anniversary-Poof!
In an optimistic spirit we’ve booked camping October for California Central Coast (a mere 5 hours from home). WE’ll see if that can happen. Fingers crossed for the state to allow camping throughout California this summer.
Thanks for your updates and enjoy each other well.
Oh geez, what a bunch of travel you’ve had to cancel…Galapagos (WOW…always wanted to go), Moab, Spain…ugh! I do hope things calm down so travel can open up properly for fall. We’re banking on that too.
Nina
Hello Nina!
Thanks for asking about our plans. We were scheduled for the BIG East Coast tour. Along with volunteer projects in ME and NY. As the virus got going we had travelled from our domicile state of Nevada and made to Texas, bedded down there and rode out 45 days. During that time, we had to make our decision to either plow ahead to upstate New York, with all of our planned camping cancelled (we prefer State Parks, ACOE and National Parks and most of our carefully made reservations were cancelled in early May). So, with a lot of questions on how to get there, and with NY still having the virus grow, and the unknown, we cancelled. We gave up on the journey based on all of the above and one more thing: my sister lives alone in big house on a large lot on a lake. We have mooched in her driveway before. She was super lonely and dying for us to come stay with her as long as possible. We jumped at it and are more than 1/2 way there. I have to say the ACOE campgrounds and National Parks are still a huge question mark, and right now, most State Parks that we have seen on our travels are for state residents only. Private RV parks are the sweet ticket, and KOA (which is typically not our choice), have come through. And, if I ever had to do a long road trip without an RV, the KOA cabins are really nice, and cheaper than many hotel/motel options. I am a big KOA supporter now!
We are also thinking about creating a place to call home. Our domicile in Reno is just that, only because we have family there and it is a good place to hunker down and stay and see family. But, it is not a place we would chose to live for the long term. It’s possible Washington may be the place we buy our future home. Who knows. I have been advised and will take the advice not to have this virus drive such an important decision!
There you have it, and thank you once again for your blog. I love to read it every time. So sorry the rain dashed your travel plans!!
Gosh, you’ve had to make some big decisions. I’m sure it was tough to give up that big East Coast Tour, especially with volunteering planned (!), but I’m so glad you’ve got a safe haven with your sister. I honestly think we’d be hunkering down too if we were still fulltiming. Like you, state parks/COE are our jam (private parks less so) so with all the state facilities closed we’d be hard pressed to continue.
Hope you get some quality time with sis, and get to go back on the road soon!
Nina
Many more birthday wishes for your Da!
Unfortunately the trip to Maui that we surprised my mom with was cancelled (we’re supposed to be there right now!) … she had never been there, but she has underlying respiratory issues, and she made the decision to postpone.
As for RVing, we are in “wait & see” mode. We weren’t planning on going far anyways because I’m a hand-craft vendor, but many festivals are being cancelled. Hopefully some of the venues in Northern California in mid July onwards will be good to go … we like to take a few extra days after the event to explore. Fingers crosssed!
Oh, what a bummer you couldn’t visit your mom, but I certainly understand the decision. Hope that you get to attend the festivals later this summer. Things are opening up now, so with a bit of luck it will all go well (fingers and paws crossed for you).
Nina
We were planning on selling our diesel pusher and buying a nimble van to take to different week-long classes. Luckily I was procrastinating on what to take so I hadn’t made any reservations yet. It’s very strange not being able to make plans for *anything*.
Not being able to plan *anything* is what gets me too. I’m a planner by nature so I’ve usually got at least 4-5 different ideas going. Now, I just can’t do it. It’s a very, very strange new world we live in.
Nina
I’m glad things are easing up for you and that your father is doing so well.
As for me, I had just arrived on my first stop of my two-month spring trip, meeting up with friends near New Orleans. We had dinner and laid out a plan for socially distanced activities for the next day. The next morning, we were awakened by park workers telling us that they were going to use the park for staging emergency response. We had to be out by 1:00!
So, I headed home, where I have stayed ever since.
I canceled my summer job that involves traveling around collecting wheat samples, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. My late summer trip to Nova Scotia is probably canceled. I may try visiting family about 400 miles away, if the data supports the risk.
In the meanwhile, I am gardening. That was on my “Someday” list.
I guess it’s Someday…
Welcome to the gardening crowd….I’m with you there! Pretty soon you’ll be baking too. What is this world coming to….?
Nina
We live in Florida. Now planning a short 4-6 day trip around Florida, concentrating on Harvest Host locations. How about a distillery that grows it’s own sugar cane, and makes Caribbean class rum? In July we’re heading to GA for Grandson’s HS graduation, only slightly delayed, and we may venture into Alabama, towards Mobile, a trip we had planned for our anniversary and his graduation in May. Towards fall, we may head up towards Savannah, then Coastal NC to visit friends, depending on conditions.
I hope you can get out yourselves.
Harvest Hosts is a great way to get out, without the crowds. We have something similar here that we’ve thought about for a future trip. Enjoy your FL tour!
Nina
Hi Nina
Look forward to your blog every week. You live a beautiful place. The pictures are so nice. Thanks for always giving a complete view of your perspective.
Happy Birthday to your Dad. Hey Polly is looking good.
We had plans to travel East to visit grands and great grands, but with the U.S. in such a mess, ya can’t trust what the gov. tells you anymore and husband’s immune system could never take on this virus so we have canceled those plans. Fortunately we live in Colorado and have lots to see here IF the numbers don’t go up.
Like with everyone,,,it’s a wait & see.
Take care and stay well.
Hope it all stays safe & under control in CO for you (such a lovely State).
Nina
Los Angeles is still largely shut down. I’d settle for just being around humans, but that is a ways off.
Hi Nina! Sadly due to COVID 19, we had to cancel our yearly camping pilgrimage to Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina. We always go camp there for two or more weeks in the summer and hook up with young friends of ours who own their Charter Service. I have a compromised immune system, so we’ve been quarantined here on our farm since March. Traveling out of state isn’t going to happen for us this year. With the predicted spike of the virus again in the fall, we decided to wait till next year to see how things play out. We might take a couple of short camping trips in state if we feel its possible to social distance from other campers. Again, a lot depends on the number of active cases here in Kentucky. With that being said, our daughters and their families (who live on adjoining farms) decided to go back in our woods and make a family campground of our own. The grandkids are very excited! Especially Levi, our little adventurer! He is the one I’ve homeschooled for two years. We use the Forest School methods and he is thriving! I have always believed children learn best out in nature in an unstructured setting, and love teaching him this way. Granny’s Forest Homeschool is perfect for him. Plus I’m a retired elementary teacher, so he gets the best of both worlds in regards to education. I may end up with more grandkids in Granny’s Forest School next year. It’s still uncertain if Kentucky schools will be able to start back in the fall. Stay safe in France!
Ah, Hunting Island State Park! I have such lovely memories of that place! It’s a shame you had to cancel, but it only makes sense. It’s lovely that your family is doing a “forest camp” instead. What a wonderful idea!
Nina
My flight to Holland to see my family in June was just cancelled. I’m hoping for Fall now, which doesn’t look too promising at the moment, but things are changing every day so I keep my fingers crossed. Fortunately I’d be flying from a (still) considered to be ‘safe’ state (Idaho) but that might also change of course. I think that’s what’s getting me the most, the uncertainty …
According to what I read here in EU, international borders should be open by July, so hopefully fall is still on the schedule for you. Of course it all depends on the numbers & how the virus progresses.
Nina
Happy belated birthday to your dad! Nice to have something to celebrate. As my friend says, “any day above ground is a good day” and I now have a better appreciation of that. COVID is teaching us new lessons.
We are really looking forward to your blog updates as we have a river boat waiting for our return in the Netherlands and not sure how possible that will be. Our news is not very worldly here and we are unsure of how much of Europe is opening up. We (with great hope) are planning on heading back there in August to bring her down to France to store for the winter. To date we have cancelled 2 trips, just squeaking in one this year to dive the Great Barrier Reef prior to the closure of all things. The general consensus is that travel, both domestic & international (hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.,) will be complicated for some time so getting another RV seems to be the best course of action for any sort of escape. Rooting for you and living vicariously!
It’s a slow, slow re-opening here in Europe. As of current info, only certain borders will open and that will start ~mid-June, but only between EU countries. There will be “travel bubbles” where certain citizens can travel freely to certain other countries (for example, Germany’s borders to France, Austria and Switzerland will be fully open on 15th June), while those coming from outside the “bubble” will continue to have restrictions. In July, more openings are expected, but we don’t know all the details yet.
In Netherlands, from what I’ve read museums, restaurants and cafes will re-open June 1st, while campsites and holiday parks will re-open later, on July 1. So, again, July is kind of the “key month” for tourism, assuming all goes to plan.
I’ll write more about all these openings on the blog, as we get out ourselves. Hope your fall plan works out!!
Nina
Happy birthday to your Dad, Nina! 🙂
Very beautiful pictures! Aren’t we lucky to be surrounded by all this beauty!! You are such a good photographer!!!
Between the official restrictions still in place and the self-imposed limitations on activities I think it will be quite a long time before people return to anything like normal. In our case, we cancelled our delightful summer plans to visit the Great Lakes and upper Midwest and will remain in Florida (where we were in March) all year. It’s just too big of a risk. We don’t want to be trapped somewhere if a new flareup causes closures again. We don’t want to expose ourselves to this serious disease and deal with serious illness on the road. And of course we don’t want to be part of the problem by unwittingly becoming a vector for transmission. Here’s hoping that decades of living in Florida pre-RVing has made us capable of handling the summer heat and humidity!
Totally agree with everything you’ve said. It’s the very reason we decided to stay put back in March (and still stay put now). I really, really hope we get to a stage where we at least understand this virus better, and are able to test and open up in a safer way.
Nina
We *were* originally going to have our wedding celebration mid-July with people flying in from three different continents, but obviously we realized that wasn’t going to happen some time ago and rescheduled for summer 2021. My husband is disappointed because we were going to show off our new life in the USA to his friends and family, but a big wedding is just about the worst thing you can plan on right now (we got legally married last fall, so wanted a celebration where people could attend who missed it, so it makes no sense to just have a reduced numbers one). Likewise, no honeymoon planned, let alone to Brazil which was our first choice.
So… we are in New Hampshire, and now our summer plans involve *maybe* getting out to do a camping trip in Vermont. But otherwise I look forward to working through my hiking list, as we have many great hikes in this state, and reading list because the library officially “opened” today for curbside pickup where you call an order and they’ll have it outside for you. (Which yes, been reading ebooks, but I am somehow happier knowing the library is “open!”) We had been hoping to make it up to Canada this summer at least, and may still do that in August/Sept if possible, but there’s a good chance that won’t happen for awhile yet.
It’s strange because after many years abroad I think this will be the first one where I don’t leave the USA. But if I learned anything from living abroad, it’s to appreciate where you are and there’s more “local” tourism where you are than people ever consider! And this quarantine frankly makes one count their blessings far more than you otherwise would- we can actually go out and hike on the weekends and are getting haircuts on Thursday, and that puts us leagues ahead of many other people, so really can’t complain.
Oh I’m so sorry your wedding plans were delayed. That sure must have a been a blow! But I completely agree w/ everything you’ve said about local tourism. So often we travel far & wide, and never see what’s in our own back yard. This is a good time to do that. I hope your plans for fall travels work out (they sound fabulous).
Nina
Staying put tight now. But like you the new normal is distressing. Masks, no hugs, social distancing and no end in sight. So happy for your Dad and you, great news. God Bless And keep you and yours. My family are all well, thank the good Lord. Enjoyed your post and your pictures are gorgeous. Karen
Very happy to hear your whole family is safe & healthy. The “no end in sight” is really the toughest part in all this. So hard to plan anything…at all.
Nina
First off Polly looks amazing! Great pics as always.
Congratulations to your dad on another year wiser and even better that he has you there to celebrate.
As for our summer plans we are back in the Black Hills of South Dakota workamping. This area has no stay at home in place and we have been fairly busy. It is definitely going to be an interesting summer.
Lots of phone inquiries if we are open. I believe people are spending too much time listening to the media ILO acting like responsible adults.
Keep up the good work and enjoy your freedom, stay safe.
Oh the Black Hills of SD!! What an amazing spot to spend summer!!! One day we will get back there.
I wish you the best with all your plans!
Nina
I really enjoy your blog and hearing how things are going for your family – Happy Birthday to Dad!!
We are fine here in Minnesota, weather is good, plants/trees are blooming and the lake is ready to be enjoyed! We are “staycationing” this summer – went to Italy last October before all of this craziness began – so glad we did that trip – it was amazing. My brother’s family was going to go there in March but had to cancel…they can’t even talk about how disappointed they are since that was to be the one big trip for this year. Their daughter graduates from high school this year (along with my sister’s daughter). The girls are bummed to be missing out on high school spring rites of passage like prom, graduation ceremonies, spring sports with friends, etc. One the plus side, my brother and sister are enjoying having their daughters actually be home for a change, usually they never see them. The girls are excited to “hopefully” begin college in the fall, too 🙂
Can’t wait to get back to some sort of normal, but I don’t know what that would even look like at this point. My husband used to travel a lot for his job, so he is actually enjoying this quarantine if you can believe it!!
Keep up the good work, love your pictures and way of life,
Kim
Definitely interesting reading about everyone’s response to your question about future plans. Not as delightful as this blog post, however, you know how much I love your writing and your photos. That one of the sun over the green hills just was amazing, and reminded me a bit of the beautiful Palouse country in Eastern Washington, except there are no Pyrenees mountains as a backdrop. As far as plans go…staying low and staying local I guess. We have reservations for a beach stay near Gold Beach in June, if the campground is open again by then. Our March reservation was cancelled and a refund refused when they closed, so we will take advantage of it. Not really happy about it because the June fee is almost twice what we reserved in March, but it is a newish kind of place so we will try to support them and the state parks probably won’t be open by then. You know how much we love the coast state parks.
We also plan to visit my daughter and her husband next weekend north of Eugene. She has been working from home and has been basically quarantined for a very long time, as we have, so pretty sure it will be good. We will be careful, of course. Opening here in Oregon is interesting, with lots of rules, some following some not, lots of protests even though we are much less shut down than nearby California.
Then in a couple of weeks we are heading east to 395 and then a bit farther east into Hart Mountain country, planning on boondocking at a place we enjoyed several years ago, not in BLM land, not official, a beside the road kind of thing, but we loved it. Hoping that works out and that the site is still as lovely as it was back then.
Other plans include playing cards with my friend Maryruth at her house for the first time in months. She is extremely careful, COPD and diabetes, so we haven’t connected in person at all since early March. As others have said, thanks for asking and for sharing this with everyone.
Thank you so much for your uplifting, informative, and humorous messages. will look forward to new installments. Am new to RVing, and your messages are such a refreshing change from “heyguyswhatsup”. I think that is all one word, at least it sounds that way from the U.S. based crowd. When the situation allows, will head up the coast from LA with the kayak. Believe I am suitably prepared with my Senior Pass, discount membership and on line camper maps. Not knowing how to cook could be a problem. Travel is not new; eighteen years in garden spots such as Saudi, Siberia, Northern Alberta, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. When on R&R usually headed for Europe. Remember going into Peter Justesen in Copenhagen from the USSR to order supplies; never saw a Carlsberg I didn’t like. Most recently a three week trip to Brittany where we chartered a small modern barge for one week and motored around the canals at six knots. Starting to get the itch again and want to go to the Dordogne as a result of reading the Martin Walker novels. I envy you being in Europe, and guess I will have to do with laying in some more Cote du Rhone. All the best to you and your family.
Glen Moulder…you should check into the Oregon State Parks Disabled Vet Access Pass. Free camping for 10 out of 30 days in state parks and some county parks also honor it. You must have a VA rating to be eligible, but a rating of 0 (zero) is acceptable.
Thanks Tami, Will check out the Oregon Pass. The CA version is $195 per year with no camping, does anyone buy this? Not much chance of a physical disabled pass, very active and 4.0 pickleball player; mental might be a chance, there has been talk.
Glen
I’m with you on the mental side, Glen LOL. I believe both OR & WA offer special vet passes, but only if you have a service-connected disability. I’ve never looked into the CA pass. If it doesn’t include camping, I’m not clear there’s a huge benefit to it.
Nina
A trip up the West coast sounds absolutely divine!! And your canal trip in Europe sounds like it was quite lovely too (it’s something we’ve been thinking about trying for a while). You’ve certainly lived a well-traveled life, in far-flung places, and I’m sure you’ve had some tough times through all that.
I wish you the best of luck w/ your summer plans.
Nina
As you are very smart and quite worldly, what are your thoughts on the way Sweden addresses this situation. What did they do both right, and wrong. They seemed to take an approach worth looking at. What would you have advised for most countries. I feel comforted that there are reasonable and knowledgeable people like yourself and opinions I appreciate.
MV Gal
So much I could say about the Swedish situation (I have family living there too right now). I guess the easiest way to boil it down is as follows: they asked their citizens to social distance (which the Swedish, for the most part respected, something not all countries or nationalities would), but they didn’t shut down the economy or enforce lockdowns.
The result? They’ve had 4 times more deaths (per population) than Denmark, 10 times more deaths (per population) than Norway and yet their economy has been hit just as hard as their neighbors (it did not do any better). Here is an article on their economic situation:
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/coronavirus-sweden-economy-to-contract-as-severely-as-the-rest-of-europe.html
So, was it worth it? If their economy had done well, I might have a different perspective, but given the current numbers I personally do not believe it was worth it. In the end I guess only time will tell.
Nina
Thanks for your reply. Many factors; elderly/unwell % in populations, healthcare approach and ACTUAL cases. We will never know the actual toll as incorrect or under reporting by some with an agenda other than true and helpful information or non autopsied at home deaths.
Maybe when we get past round 2 (second wave) we will have a better picture of which approach is smarter. Silly me! When has doing the smart thing been the driving factor? I, perhaps, should have done some things differently.
Too bad it wasn’t you that found those gold bars in your attic in France. Who knows?
Happy birthday to your Dad! The scenery in your area of France looks amazing!
We have moved on past Las Vegas and Sparks Nevada to Boise. My kids and grandkids live here, so it is wonderful to see them again. It’s been a bit of a culture shock to see the difference between Nevada and Idaho. Idaho has one of the lowest Covid-19 rates, and the Boise area is expected to bounce back rather quickly. The culture shock comes from seeing few people wearing masks and so many people out and about! A lot of places opened up on the 16th, with more scheduled for the 19th. Restaurants have indoor dining if they can follow the social distancing rules. I think I’ll pass on that for now. I even have a haircut appointment for this weekend! Yay!
Most of our time is still spent social distancing however. Lots of walks, indoor MH time, projects, etc. We are planning to move on to Oregon on the 29th of May. All of our state park reservations were cancelled, which is a bummer, but we made other arrangements.
Best wishes to your and your family.
Bonsoir Nina,
A quick note on “barging in France”. If you and others are thinking about this, please do not be intimidated by a lack of boating experience. If you can pilot an RV you can pilot one of these things. You are limited to 6 knts max, and you are not in open water; so you are not going to hurt anything. You are given optional float plans by the boat company, but you decide where you want to go, dock, what you want to eat, all that; so long as you return to base on time [we had ours for 1 week]. The lock masters are super friendly and helpful, and you will go through a bunch of locks. We chartered a new boat “Horizon 1”; 11mtrs+ by 4 mtrs+, even had wifi. Could have kept 4 easily but the 2 of us were able to handle it; as to necessary skill level, I have a lot of boat experience, my partner had none. As you are limited by boat and canal speed limits to 6 knts, you never are that far from home base, so if you get into trouble, they will come [and did] fix the boat. Neat to cruise under old bridges with the “N”.