The HamFam's Great Adventure

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Introduction

Karen's Disclaimer: If you notice any errors in the mechanics or grammar of this journal, assume they are Stu's fault.

It has been a long time in the planning, but our big trip is almost here. About four years ago, when the kids were younger and more demanding, we had "one of those days" and decided to apply for a salary deferral plan at work. We originally thought that we would take a year off and work overseas. Then we decided that we didn't really want to work; we wanted to have a holiday. We can't take a whole year off to play, so we shortened it to half a year.

About last January we started trying to plan the details. Many people suggested using trains to get around Europe, but the thought of dragging the kids through train stations and trying to find accommodations, sometimes late at night, was a little daunting for us. By talking to friends and through this site, we decided to camp instead. We like camping and it will allow us flexibility in plans so we think this will work really well for us. As a result we have only a general sense of the countries we will visit. With our travel guide and recommendations en route we will plan as we go. We plan to camp in Europe for three months, and then return home to Saskatchewan, Canada for three weeks. The next leg of the journey is to Central America for 52 days. We are also really fortunate to have acquaintances living in Amsterdam. They have graciously offered to arrange for sleeping bags for us and are planning to help us to get the van stocked with camping supplies and sundry. As you can imagine there have been many details to take care of over the last several weeks. Every time you cross off an item on the list you add 3 more. One way or the other we leave for Amsterdam in a couple of days! Wish us luck!

Kyla says: We leave on July 14, 2001. And all my friends have been trying to see me. I have been very busy.

Tessa says: This is going to be an adventure.

FAQ

Q. Are you talking the kids? A. Yes
Q. Both of them? A. Yes
Q. You must be getting excited? A. Yes, to the point of nausea.
Q. How are you affording this? A. We don't know.
Q. Can I come with you? A. There will be four of us in a Volkswagon van 
     for three months. I don't think you really want to join us.

Cheers, eh!

Come back soon, the the travel journal entries start any day now!