Terri and Peter's RV Adventures

One of the gifts and challenges of travel is overcoming fear of the unknown or a resistance to trying new things. It’s easier to give in to the status quo or inertia. But then, you never know what you’re missing when you say “no” or “not today.” I know that some people have less energy than others and some people are more motivated or driven to try new things. There’s also the opposite of this, commonly known as “FOMO” or the fear of missing out. I guess my parents (the forever travelers who taught me how to travel from the time I was ten months old on), invented FOMO. My dad especially had incredible energy and always was a “go, go, go” man. And I guess I followed in his footsteps.

The good news is I see and do a lot and try to make the most of wherever I am. The downside is I don’t sit and read as much as I would like. Today, I was honestly ready to move on to Quebec City to give us another day there. Peter really wanted to stay put and relax (what’s that?). I agreed and after we took the infamous hike of the gorge which started right outside our campsite, I was thinking of how to entertain myself (and Lily), when a guy drives up in his New Brunswick Power truck, stops, and lets me know that he’s looking for kayakers as they will be doing a water release at the dam after last night’s rain. When I said that Lily would love to get into that water, he gave me “turn left, turn right, past the trucks….” type of directions to get down to a calmer pool of water where she could “walk right in” and swim.

I tried to mentally hold onto those directions and after lunch, she and I took off. I meandered and in the process saw quite a bit of Grand Falls and the surrounding farmland, beautiful homes, a historic church and other regular neighborhoods plus the big box store side of town.

Eventually, I took a deep breath, followed the water (as the guy in Bouchetouc told me the other day) and the next thing you know, it all came together and I found this calmer spot of water where the locals go. Lily had a blast swimming and I felt triumphant. I explored an area I would have missed and Peter got his down time.

The campground was almost empty all day and then around 4 pm, they all descended. The level of closeness between sites is really kind of ridiculous but everyone is gracious and considerate. I can tell you what the two families on either side of us are having for dinner and if I understood French, I could tell you their life stories as the adjacent camping families get to know one another. Peter’s commented on how congenial campers are. Everyone wants to help, they’re curious, and open to new conversations, meeting and learning from one another.

Tomorrow, we’re heading to Quebec City and it’s supposed to rain most of the day. The rain last night was steady but gave way to a beautifully sunny day. Let’s hope the same happens tomorrow. Here’s to saying “yes”!