David's Diary: Monday, October 22, 2001

Goodbye To The Espace

On July 10, 2001 we picked up our Renault Espace Van with ten kilometers on the odometer. More than three months later we say goodbye to our constant companion. After having driven 10,661 kilometers in just over three months it is now time to turn in our van and start the next phase of our adventure.

Having a vehicle has been great. It has taken us through France, Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland and not given us any problems. It has also allowed us to buy the things we need for Dragonsinger. But once we turn in the van our entire existence changes. What was once a simple trip to the store, now becomes an adventure. It will be good for us to walk more as we pursue our everyday activities, but daily chores will take more time. Shopping will become a challenge as we figure out how to get groceries for five people from the store, which are often three or four kilometers away, to the boat.

But not having a vehicle is an important step in our year away. As boaters know, part of what slows you down when cruising is the lack of easy land transportation. We will have to use our creative and physical energies to solve our land-based transportation problems or we'll just have to move Dragonsinger to shore-side activities that are easier to accomplish. No matter what, today marks the start of new challenges for all of us.