Coopers Adventure East

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

A month ago, DH and I packed up our bags and took a long trip east!

 

Some background info for those of you unaware

Im an ecologist, and moved from England to Canada a few years ago. Ive been unable to get ecology work and so ended up working in a pet food store. DH was unable to get a marketing job once her graduated, so also worked in the pet food store (good for Cooper and the cats, not so great for us!).

I was planning on going to school part time and working full time, but lost my job. We were living in Vancouver which is super expensive. We were thinking we would never be able to get work, or buy a house, so we made the drastic decision to move to chilly Ontario where its cheaper and my inlaws live.

 

What happened

We sold most of our things - furniture, kitchen stuff, nick nacks etc. kept clothes, books, and pet stuff. Sent it off in a moving truck a week before we left with the expectation it would arrive a few days after us. Incidentally, it has been over a month and it still is not here

 

We pile the car up with "stuff". We have way more "stuff" and a smaller car than we though, so alot of it got left behind! We prioritized - dog, 3 cats, computers, games systems, tv, pet food, dog toys....

Cooper has to share the back seat with 2 cats in a kennel, and lots of other "stuff". Lego was in a soft carrier on the passengers knee! He loved it!

Cooper wasnt so sure, being stuck next to 2 cats that get car sick....

Really Mom?

"We arent too impressed either!"

 

Believe it or not, the animals did really well on the 3 day drive! Cooper slept most of the way, and the cats were semi-drugged up, and slept alot too. No vomit, no potty accidents, no crying!

 

We stopped for frequent breaks - to stretch legs, potty breaks, food breaks.... (for us and the animals). The animals didnt eat much but that was to be expected. We gave them all canned food so they would gets lots of moisture, as they didnt drink much water.

Cooper got LOTS of attention from people at the rest stops!!!!!

 

The scenery was amazing!

 

 

Leg 1 we left at 5 am and drove til 1 am, where we stopped at a friends (after being pulled over randomly by the police). He had pizza and beer for us! Cooper, Merry, Pippin and Lego met Tux and Tum-Tum

Cooper had a great run in the yard

Leg 2

We slept and slept and slept - leaving at 6pm the next day. We drove til 11.30 the next day! 

Hi Mom!

 

After we arrived at the inlaws, we went pretty much straight to bed. The next day we explored!

The inlaws live in the country - 30km from the nearest city (75,000 people) and 5km form the nearest village (600 people)

They have a beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cottage with 40 acres. The yard isnt fenced, so Cooper is on a long line, tied to a rope which is tied to the deck. She doesnt even notice it!

 

So.... after driving 4,000km in 2 legs, over 3 days, we arrived safely, and have now been here for a month. Its taken some adjusting to - not having our own space, but country living is amazing (apart from the limited internet and long drive into town!). The day after we arrived, Cooper was on her long line and i went to the car to get something. she jumps in and refuses to come out. she thought we were carrying on our journey!

 

oh and Cooper has a new play buddy Abbey (see next blog!)

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Wow! How exciting and what a long drive. Glad everyone survived!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Wow! What an adventure! Your pictures really tell the story well!  You guys are all amazing-2 legged and 4 legged!!  So many changes!!  I wish you all the BEST!

[Pat and Traveler]

What a trip!  That was a big change for you==and the animals.  Glad to hear that all is going well.  I'd be a basket case, and admire your pioneering spirit.. 

[Dori & Rua]

Wonderful post...enjoyed the pictures.  So glad the trip was uneventful.  Have they found the truck yet?

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow that is an adventure! Those are beautiful pictures! We miss you on DK & SD Hope it all works out for you and your family! Cooper is adorable and such a trooper!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you so much for blogging your journey.  We have all wondered how the travel went. I am sorry your things haven't arrived.  I hope they eventually will. Your in-laws home looks so cozy.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a great photo journal. The scenery is amazing!! You are all amazing to have survived this journey in what surely must be record time, the most cramped quarters and the sheer number of humans and animals in one small space. The cottage looks cozy and I already read the other blog for more of a happy story.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Yes what an adventure!  I would have been fine for 3 days in the car with the dog, cats and "stuff".....3 days in a car with my DH and all the stuff and animals?  I would have had to rehome my DH for sure :)

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Bruce girl - we are near Sault Ste Marie.

Allyson - I cannot fathom how people can leave their pets behind! 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

What beautiful scenery!  Love the pics of the animals in the car and they make my heart happy - you and DH have certainly had some harder times lately and for you to prioritize the way you have and take them on your new journey, is commendable. I wish all pet owners were like you!  Good luck settling in.