Reviewing the Situation

• Once upon a time when I was pondering a decision that might have been easily made by others a dear friend said to me, “It must be hell going through life as an analyst.” I consider that a compliment of the highest order!

• Consistent with that characterization, my trip planning process about ‘what comes next’ started with creating an array of spreadsheets, worksheets, and action plans that consolidate carefully researched data from the weather channel, websites, maps, and guidebooks, advice from family, friends and fellow travelers, and, most importantly, the wealth of dreams that whirl and swirl in the cauldron of my mind.

• I put on my rosy red thinking cap and after giving due consideration to pros, cons and cost/benefit analyses, I broadened, narrowed and redirected the options and finally distilled all of the foregoing into a sensible, practical and logical decision: With my mind on my driving, my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road ahead … I will leave Golden Village next week, homeward bound to spend a month in Victoria before hitting the road again for my tour of western Canada.

• With the dregs of this unseasonal winter continuing to torment the US and Canada, the 10-day weather forecast for most destinations on my wanna-go-there list is snow, rain, sleet, sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and/or possible flooding . That, combined with the killer exchange rate between the Canadian loonie and the US greenback, made it easy to conclude that I do not want to drive a thousand miles through deserts, mountains and flatlands just for the sake of saying I did it.

• For those unfamiliar with the rules, Canada’s medicare only allows a citizen to spend 6 out of 12 consecutive months outside the country. By returning to Canada before my must-cross-the-border deadline, I will essentially have time-in-the-bank for a further jaunt back into the US before my journey ends in September.

• To date, my trip has been a dream fulfilled. Fully decompressed from the stress and pressure of the workplace, I have travelled to exciting places, connected with kindred spirits, searched my soul, and even made friends with dogs. Having made the decision to return to Victoria, even for a few weeks, I am now excited about getting on the road.