Packing is not included in the vacation package
The van is nearly packed. The roof container has been strapped into place and shook to see if it falls off. The tents and sleeping bags have been stuffed into their respective sacks, in an imitation of sausage-making. The stove is clean and the fuel is ready. Our portable kitchen has been washed and sorted and made ready for whatever number of meals we finally decide to prepare ourselves.
However, nothing about this portion of a vacation is included in the “pleasure part”. Rather, there is the stress and insecurity of “what will we forget this year?” We once left all the lights at home; setting up a tent in the dark phase of the moon is a challenge, given the rod A through sleeve B construction of tents in this the mobile century.
Even the number of travellers was not decided until after packing had started. Finally, the two adults will be kept in check by son #3 and the dog, who has had all stitches removed and is thus judged ready to travel. She even has her picture on the web, at getmehome.ca, should she miss our travelling bus at some stop. Heaven forbid!
We aren’t taking to the road today; tomorrow is always easier to plan for.
