The final stages of leaving my beloved Skagit Valley are being ticked off the list. Eight months is a long time to be absent so looking into the mists of the future are necessary. Realized several disasters were pending if not taken care of: such as expired driver's license, expired credit card, property and income taxes due. Changes of phone numbers and e-mail addresses - all items on a list that spring forth in the middle of the night when I wake up with a start. A pad of paper and pencil next to the bed allows me to fall back asleep knowing that they'll be there in the morning.
The basic shakedown cruises are completed. The RV is nearing completion for the tour. The Jetta has a nose job - folding tow hitch - so it can tag along behind the Winnebago Outlook.
Attention to detail and being attentive helps in the process. Dragging the poor Jetta eight miles with the parking brake on has prompted me to write and post a check off list on the dashboard so it doesn't happen again. I'm thankful that the little car wasn't in gear! Leaving with the side door open is also a reminder to check everything before you put the monster into "Drive".
During the first shakedown cruise Hannah (Number 2 daughter) and I swung past Dakota Creek Shipyard to have our picture taken in front of the largest boat built there in Anacortes.
The second shakedown cruise took Bob and me to Keystone Ferry campground on Admiralty Inlet with the Olympic Mountains hanging out above the water. Bob (who I sailed around Vancouver Island last year with) is going to accompany me at the start of my sojourn. He'll be in the front seats from La Conner down to San Diego then over to Tucson before he flies back to Fidalgo Island.
