It Wasn't Meant To Be

This time ....

Memories of Yesterday Evening
Wed May 19th

They say moving is one of the top five emotional demands in life.  We can attest to that; more so if you add an international dimension, uncertainty over residential status and the cost of moving internationally.  My former BBC Recruitment colleagues will understand this.  

We have withdrawn our offer and paused our search.  The vendors asked for a delay and in hindsight it worked for us.  We love the place and want to stay, but things don't always work out as you expect or plan; so we will remain in the rental market for a while longer.

The upside here is the relaxed way of life, stunning scenery, friendly locals, amazing trails and opportunity.  We wish we'd done it 30 years ago, but glad we have done it now.  Relaxed is great, but permanent holiday isn't.  

The downside of being a 'visitor' is not being able to work, open a bank account, get a Canadian credit card; in many ways being forced to be on holiday with no local status.  I feel some local 'volunteering' on the horizon.  After 40 years of 'work',  a purpose in life is important.  It remains a current challenge, despite the delights of being here... we're not ready to retire!

We may pause our purchase until early August, when we know if a longer-term visitor extension is possible or our super-visa is approved.  Now we are here, the idea of leaving every six months for a couple of weeks for say, a USA or UK visit before returning on another six month visitor passport stamp doesn't feel as easy as we thought it might. We knew this was an experiment, sometimes you have to tweak the plan to fit the outcomes.  Sometimes you just don't know until you try it.   The Permanent Resident sponsorship invitations for 2021 have not yet been published .... 'more on this as we get it', as they say in newsrooms. 

Nick spent the day here, which was great, returning to Van for his weekly vertical run up Grouse Mountain. In winter it's head torches, crampons, poles and ...... well, hard work!

For those curious about what we were looking at (and we know you are!) here it is.  From a 300 year old country house with high maintenance and no views, to a 3 year old one with vaulted ceilings, no maintenance and great views over the mountains and water, the Sechelt Inlet.  Hey ho.


We heard from our host for the next month today, who sent us a picture of a bobcat sunning itself on a rock in the garden.  Some new and different photo opportunities await.  Before then, we are meeting our friends on Friday for a dog walk, a glass of local cider and some boy talk about boats, fishing, workshops and similar stuff!

Throughout all this, the wildlife continues to delight.  Late yesterday the Bald Eagle swopped on the Otter having supper on the local rocks to help finish the course - but sadly disappointed by the Otter's alert departure! .  

Jack continues to delight. He has taken to the trails and forests, the beach, walks around town and seems quite chilled.  Not sure what he will do with Bobcats ...... or bigger!   Canadians clearly don't see too many spaniels as most think he's 'adorable'.  If only they knew!

The Sunshine Coast likes to promote itself, even down to the pedestrian crossings!

Sunshine coast - sunshine pedestrian crossing




Love the beach dad









Comments

  1. BobMay 20, 2021 at 5:50 AM

    They say, everything happens for the best - not sure who "they" are but as you say heh, ho. Maybe August will bring some movement, thought not sure I understand all the foybles of residential status...... Bruv

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MikeT67MMay 20, 2021 at 7:48 PM

      We're chilled. I shall look forward to explaining foibles of resident status over a glass of wine when you come out!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Frustrations of Canadian Immigration Services

Image
And other things  Sat June 1st The pause in blogs was due to Immigration Canada announcing at the beginning of May that a further draw would be made from the remaining pool of the 2020 Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Parent and Grandparent sponsored Permanent Residency.    Friday was the last day and again we did not get through.  The fifth year running.  I suspect that later in the year they will invite a new round of EOI's which probably means we will be a small fish back in a very large pool.  On the grand scale of all suffering and instability in the world, it is insignificant  (I keep telling myself),  but it is hugely, bloody frustrating.  Our tenure continues under the Super Visa scheme, which runs until our passports expire in 5 and 8 years time respectively. Other news ...  on Sunday 27th w e went to a wedding reception. It is the first time I have worn a jacket in over three years.  My boarding pass from our Air Can...
Read more

Trans Canada Trial Run

Image
Cronks Go Camping Earl's Cove RV Campground Greetings from a sunny Earl’s Cove at the northern end of BC’s Sunshine Coast. Almost the most northerly part unless you get the ferry across to Powell River.   We’re on a "shake-down" trip with the new 25' RV (caravan to the Brits), checking out how it all works, which buttons to press to turn on lights, heating (still haven’t worked out the hot air system yet) etc etc.  So far we’re still talking to one another crammed into a 200 sq ft shoe box, but it’s early days :-)   Earl’s Cove has the ferry terminal for Saltery Bay/Powell River and, close to Egmont, a small hamlet at the top of the trail that takes you past Brown Lake to the Skookumchuck rapids.  Egmont is worth a visit as the views across the top of the Sechelt Inlet are lovely.  We first came to Back Eddy’s pub and restaurant during our initial 6 weeks living at this end of the Coast in 2021.  It’s the kind of place where you want to leap into ...
Read more

End of week 1

Image
Not the Start Expected  Sunday June 8th Begbie Mtn, Revelstoke, from the dyke walk Seven days in and over 1200 km into our 20,000 km expedition.   I was going to start with the first two challenges of the trip.  That would be a distraction and disingenuous given the stunning scenery and landscapes we have enjoyed to Revelstoke, and the journey since our 4 night stay in Manning Park.  Man ning Park. was a beautiful setting.  Loads of walks, mountains, lakes and creeks and the new Skyview RV park had moder n well maintained washroom facilities and was only at 10% capacity.  The alpine trails were still closed due to snow, but lower levels were open.  We hiked around Lightning Lake (9km) and a number of other trails and would certainly go back.  Revelstoke, our second stop, is now running a close second as a place to live after the Sunshine Coast.  We would have stayed longer.  The campground was spotless with new, well designed and fi...
Read more