So Lockdown Part 2 is upon us... I'm not too worried as I know I'm super lucky to live in an area of outstanding beauty, with low rates of the virus and the ability to get out in the great outdoors whenever I like. But the coming month does also give me the time to sit and contemplate my next adventures.
I've finally taken the bold step to leave my nice steady job mid December (after procrastinating all summer due to the 'situation') for the next stage of vanlife... I'll be hitting the road full time and travelling around the UK and Europe over the next year (or so) in Buttercup; my trusty home on wheels, with the two smelly spaniels.
I just can't wait! After years of planning, reading travel guides, drooling over other people's adventures in their tiny homes on wheels and generally day dreaming far too much; I'll be off living the lifestyle I've secretly craved my whole life.
So, what's my plan I hear you ask? Well, according to my spreadsheet (yes I'm Monica reincarnated!), I plan to be heading up north in December (proper north, not just above Bristol!) for Christmas. But of course this is subject to Government restrictions in place at the time... if I can't head north, then Plan B will be just to mooch around Devon and enjoy all the beauty on my current doorstep. Then in January I plan to be pet sitting in the UK before heading to France to house sit in the Pyrenees for a month (I KNOW!!!); so bring on the snow, mountains and stunning scenery. My snowboard and fluffy winter boots are already on board!
But my biggest plan, and what I'm super stoked for, is my trip to Scandinavia next summer. It's one of those bucket list adventures I've dreamt about but never quite managed to make reality... I read the most amazing book earlier in the year 'Ribbons are for Fearlessness', do check it out. It's based on the true story of Catrina Davies, who sets off in a rickety van with nothing but a crazy plan and her cello! She travels the glorious country of Norway busking her way around to fund her goal to reach the midnight sun. It's so inspirational and I can sense a little of me in Catrina and her ambitions to just get on and live her life. She was all alone, apprehensive and had no idea what challenges she would face or how to deal with life day to day, but yet managed the most awe inspiring adventure, meeting amazing people on her journey and seeing sights that sound like they should only feature in a fairy tale.
So, this month I'll be continuing to read A LOT about Norway and planning my road trip... I know I definitely want to head north to experience the midnight sun and then hopefully, later in the summer/early autumn, the Northern Lights if I can time it right. Then there are too many mountains, beaches, beautiful colorful villages and fjords to visit... So, I need to decide which to prioritise; I can imagine you could spend years travelling this vast country and never experience all it has to offer. A big wish list experience, is to SUP or canoe a fjord with the dogs and wild camp on the shore line under the clear night skies; totally immersed in the beauty of nature.
I can feel my inner nomad getting super excited for the adventures and challenges to come but know I'll embrace every day and bask in the delights that both our country and further afield offers. It won't all be easy going, there are a lot of challenges when you live in a little tin box on wheels but that's all part of the adventure.
So stay tuned as I'll be writing all about my travels and experiences on the road. If you see me, give me a wave or come say hi. There will always be a warm welcome, dog hugs and coffee!
See you on the road...
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