Well, never thought the time would come, but now that it's nearly here things have started to happen real quick.

Following the last post the rush has been on to tie up the last of the small jobs on the truck. Fitting our shower (or our excuse for one), removing one of the spare wheels and bracing of the other due to concerns about the long term durability of the mounting. A myriad of other small jobs had to be done prior to several years on the road. As well as all the work involved in moving off our property and storing or giving away those things that one thinks one needs to be comfortable in a home that was designed to better suit a family than the two of us. Definitely a smaller abode next time.

Arranged with an agent to do the shipping and have paid them handsomely. All up it has cost approx $3800.00 to get the whole kit and caboodle to Vancouver, Canada, for them there out there who may attempt the same. But that does not include costs at the other end.

The experts at packing (their words on the phone), were not as confidence inspiring when it came time to do the real thing. After we were told in no uncertain terms that we should keep well away from the action because of the possibility of being creamed by feral forklift and truck drivers in the warehouse, we in fact ended up doing the loading of the truck ourselves under the expert eye of those assembled. After an initial attempt using the ramp provided, and Gael’s voice reaching the level of shrill on the panic meter, tyres were deflated for the final assault on the container opening. A wise move as it turned out as it was tight.

In future we will need to ask more questions! We were told that tie down straps are provided and they are, but they are the use once, cut, and throw in the bin type. No good to us as we need to be able to reuse them at other ports. The agent rep did however promise to 'rummage around out the back’ to find some ratchet type, reusable straps for us. We also assumed that the wheels would be ‘blocked’ with timber to stop any chance of fore and aft or lateral movement during transit, but this is not standard practice at this facility. Luckily we were promised that it would be done. Next time we ship, probably from Venezuela, what we learnt this time should stand us in good stead. Of course by then we will also be fluent speakers of Spanish. Holly Sheet, I dunna even speeka da Englees so good!

Anyway, the ship and our ‘truck in a box’ are now on the high seas and bound for Vancouver. Let’s hope there won’t be any nasty surprises when we open the doors in 29 day’s time.