Meet the Crew
Right. Let me introduce myself properly.
My name is Harvey. I am a 25-year-old motorhome of considerable character and, some would say, distinguished good looks. I joined this family last summer, made the run to Winnipeg without complaint, met everyone, charmed them all, and apparently proved myself sufficiently. Because now we are doing the whole country.
I love my family, my crew. They christened me Harvey. Harvey the RV. Now I’m Harvey the blogger. Imagine that.
So let me introduce you to the crew I am doing it with.
The Skipper has wanted to cross this country her whole life. When her own children were young, it didn’t happen. Life had other plans. But now she is doing it all again, and she knows the years won’t wait. So off they go… two people in their 60s, one eight-year-old, one open road.
For the love of Canada. For the love of a little boy who is growing too fast.
The Dutchman may have had some thoughts about this plan initially. There was a period of what I would describe as diplomatic eye-rolling. And then, as tends to happen with good ideas and persistent Skippers, he came around. Fully. Quietly. In that way he has.
She is Cruise Director, Master of the Galley, Quartermaster, and Director of Operations. She charted this course, and a few spreadsheets besides. She’ll have the map open on her phone, though she may need to climb to the crow’s nest for the signal.
The heart of this adventure is hers. The rest of us are just lucky to be along for the ride.
The Dutchman. Ahhhh… now here’s a legend! Do you know the one about the Flying Dutchman, doomed to sail the seas forever, captained by a man too stubborn to quit and too skilled to sink? I find this relatable. Our Dutchman is positioned at the helm with paper maps and unshakeable calm.
Also serving as Pilot, Chief Engineer, Master of Mechanical Things, and Bilge Rat on an as-needed basis. He drives. He fixes. He keeps this whole operation moving.
He has been quietly requesting danger pay since somewhere around week one. Request still under review.
The First Mate is that young fella in the back who’ll start asking questions somewhere around Sicamous and I don’t expect he’ll stop. Armed with binoculars, camera, and paper maps, he also serves as Lookout, Signal Officer, Deck Swabber, and Galley Hand/Scullion (Dishes Division). He is small, fast, and has the very best seat on the ship.
He sleeps in the crow’s nest.
We’ll be crossing the True North, strong and free, knowing full well that things will happen along the way. Some of them will be weather. Some will be mosquitoes or other large wildlife. Some of them will be the Skipper’s fault, though she won’t necessarily see it that way.
I’m okay with that. We are a family. This is what families do.
Welcome aboard.
Well dearest readers, that’s it for me today, thanks for reading.
Love, Harvey
