Our countdown has reached zero which means “Happy 50th birthday Nettie” and the official start of “Wrinkly Ramblers”. Now I am the first to point out that we presently find ourselves in a position we had not actually envisaged over ten years ago when we started playing with the idea of retiring early and travelling. So much has happened in the last 12 months, never mind the last ten years. Nobody could have predicted how the world would have changed over such a relatively short period of time.
We have fond memories of Tay and often find ourselves smiling as we reminisce about some of his personality traits and habits and obviously we love Treacle with all our hearts and although we know she’s old and quite possibly not got much time left, she is the main reason we bought and built our campervan – something we had already considered and rejected. Having Treacle with us to start our journey is amazing but does alter the dynamic slightly. It’s going to be challenging to start vanlife with her but we’re looking forward to the extra cuddles and snuggles.
November 9, 2022 was pinned as the day we set sail so to speak but even the best laid plans rarely go without a hitch or two and life regularly throws a curved ball into the mix. The result of all this is that we will be starting WR/D (Wrinkly Ramblers+Dog) as soon as practically possible, Ultimately our plans have not changed and we’re really looking forward to what the future holds but patience is a virtue so people say.
Initially we will restrict our movements to the UK while Treacle is with us however there are plenty of places to see and experience here at home which we have never had the time to do – strange how “life” always seems to get in the way of living! We still have the option of taking the van to Europe with Treacle if we feel the need but it’s currently not on our to-do list.
We do have lots of family members scattered across the country who we can visit if they’ll have us, and the van will provide many options for camping out so we’re pretty sure we’ll be keeping busy as soon as we actually set off travelling.
Expect a huge fanfare post when all the waiting is over and we finally get on our way. We’ve got plenty of farewell drinks to organise before then though 😉
Annette
Thank you for the Birthday wishes Babes.
I’m really looking forward to spending quality time with you and Treacle on WRD and so excited about making new memories with you on WR and fulfilling some of our dreams 💗
Carlos
It may not seem it for you guys but for us this is certainly whizzing around super fast!
Steven Booth
Don’t forget to come see us in NZ !
Stephen Howarth
Absolutely mate, looking forward to it. We have planned it as part of an NZ + AU trip as Nettie’s sister and brother-in-law live in Australia. Have you any idea on how long a boat journey takes from NZ to AU as we’re trying to limit air travel as much as possible (obviously we’ll need to fly to NZ)) and prefer to travel sloooow?
Ruth and John
Hi Guys Good to hear how things are progressing, keep the news coming.
Don’t forget to come to London and see us before you go.
Lots of love Auntie Ruth and Uncle John x x
Stephen Howarth
You’ll likely be sick of seeing us when we start travelling as London will be our central hub for jumping in and out of mainland Europe 🙂
Andy
On the cusp!!