So…what goes into the makings of taking a FULL YEAR off you might ask?
Well…here are a few of the bazillion things that needed to be in place and things we needed to do or have done, in order for us to be able to set out on this grand adventure.
“One for the money…”
Money: I am fortunate to work at a place where I can choose to pay into what’s called a “Pre-Paid Leave of Absence.” It means I received a reduced salary for the last four years, because a portion of my income was collected during those 4 years, and then will be dispensed to me as my salary for the fifth year while I’m away. I recognize more and more how privileged I am to work at a place that offers this and many other financial benefits. Which reminds me! Take a minute to look through your workplace policies or talk to your HR person…maybe you have this option too!
“Two for the show…”
Show…AKA the VAN!: My husband is a super talented guy and has been working very hard over the last 10 months to design, build and create a beautiful and very functional space to live in. I enjoyed helping him with minor tasks like sanding and painting, but he really did most of the actual construction. We worked together to problem-solve through lots of issues that arose during the build (neither of us had done anything like this before!) so now more than ever, with the van complete, the space really feels like ours. I have done most of the “soft” features like cushions, pillows, curtains and window coverings, but I should give a shout out to my mom who made some beautiful pillow covers, and my grandma (Yes! I still have a grandma and she’s incredible!!) who crocheted a blanket for us. Overall, we each had input and offered ideas and suggestions to every aspect and stage of the build, so all of the features are unique and add to the individual design we had hoped for.
“Three to get ready…”
Getting Ready: Ok. I could go on and on about this part. The “getting ready” has been happening for the past 4 years, but mostly over the past year to year and a half. We have had to make sure everything from wills and life insurance to our cell phone packages (travelling to another country!) are up to date and accurate. We have spent HOURS organizing our home and making sure to schedule health appointments in a timely and helpful manner as we get ready to leave.
I have had on-going conversations with my rheumatologist as we have had to schedule my appointments with him close to when I leave and also around the times when I’ll be back in Ontario. I’ve taken the last year to “acclimate” to a different delivery method of my medication, which will make it easier to travel with, but have had to make sure to acquire large enough quantities of several medications to get me through certain portions of my travels.
To prepare for the many, many miles we hope to do on the trail, the focus of my exercise regime has shifted away from cardio and more toward flexibility and balance, as injury prevention is my biggest objective – my cardio is already pretty decent #triathlontraining, but yes, I’m still maintaining that as well. We have been adding longer and longer walks in our trail shoes (except when it snows…hello…isn’t it spring!?!?) to toughen up our feet…yes…callouses are indeed a hiker’s friend LOL, and making sure we have tape and blister kits in our backpacks.
The fridge in our van has a large freezer which will be well stocked with icepacks (no explanation required!) and we have designed a great console that will double as a portable footrest. Having a comfortable bed was a must-have for me, and we have certainly acquired such! We have a queen bed, lots of pillows and warm, cozy blankets for the rest we will certainly require and hiking and exploring this beautiful continent!
“…and four to go!”
We deliberated over our start date for quite a while as there were a number of logistical and “adulty-type” things to consider like taxes and benefits etc. (ya, ya the boring bits of life) that in the end, made it make the most sense to pick a start date of April 1st. Oh, and my husband thought it would be funny on April 1st to tell people we’re leaving for a year, like it was an “April Fool’s joke,” but in reality it wasn’t…ya…he’s “that” kind of funny LOL
We will be visiting family and friends as we make our way to our first destination…but more on that another day!
I truly cannot wait to share this year with you. I know there will be some tough days ahead but knowing I am being cheered on by all of you will make the bitter days more sweet.
If you have any questions about our year or our travels, send them my way!
Carrie
person with rheumatoid arthritis