The Best and the Worst

Our SOWER project this winter has been opposite of the norm. Instead of warm, dry weather, we experienced cool, rainy weather. It was a challenge to pack, not knowing if we were to see an early Spring, or a late Winter.

What were the best things we packed for two months on Vancouver Island?

1. Our own duvets. These have been the best all-time bed coverings. We love the way they drape over us as we snuggle down in bed. By the way, I say 'duvets' in the plural because in Europe we got used to each having our own.
   
2. Raincoats! Who knew that a Vancouver Island winter could best be described as 'showers!'
3. My three favourite Ecuadorian wool sweaters were perfect to layer under my raincoat, one at a time, that is, or to wear separately. Why three? Just for variety.
4. Long underwear/leggings. Perfect for layering under warm pants for bird-watching when cold winds blew off the ocean.
5. My bicycle. It was fun to ride around the camp to go back and forth from the laundry room, or to check out the shoreline.
   
   
   
6. Space heater. Our little heater was Terry's lifeline, sort of like sitting by a fireplace.
   
   
   
7. Books. We brought a stack of books each, and then bought more at two library book sales.
   
   
   
8. The laptop computer. Of course! The WiFi wasn't always steady, but we were connected to the world when there weren't a lot of people around. Plus, I used it a lot to continue writing up our family's story.

What were some of the least useful things we packed?

1. Terry's bicycle. I thought we might go biking together, but it didn't happen. It was easier to grab T's bike off the porch for a quick trip to the laundry, being lighter, but I had to remember to wear a backpack to carry the laundry.
2. Our bulky SOWER binders. These contained songs and other information a group leader is supposed to have, but our 'group' ended up not coming. The other couple had a medical issue, so chose not to come.
3. Summer clothes. Just in case there was a really warm day. Ha!
4. Bathing suit. Just in case someone asked me to go swimming somewhere.
5. Insulated lunch bag. Any picnics we had did not need insulating, and besides, we ate in the car. Any groceries brought home from the store didn't need insulating either.
   
   
   

When we pack to go home next week, there will be a few more things to add to the pile. Why is it that we always seem to collect more stuff?

We felt at home at Nanoose Bay, that's the main thing.