As spring turned to summer with covid unfolding, Newfoundland homeowners, like us, were grouped with tourists and banned from entry, but there was an application process for an exemption. So, we applied and were fortunately approved with the provision that we self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.
Next, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick put a ban on as well. Subsequently, Quebec dropped theirs while Nova Scotia and New Brunswick put application processes in place that would allow us to drive through without staying. We applied and got approval for both leaving the way clear.
We were going to be leaving a very safe rural environment with no covid cases in Ontario and would end up in little Rose Blanche that hadn't had any cases either, however there was the travel in between. We would need to buy 2 tanks of gas, a few additional pee stops, one overnight lodging in Quebec, and an overnight ferry crossing. The best news was that masks were becoming popular, and that along with social distancing and an extreme hygiene plan gave us the confidence the trip could be done safely.
There were certainly a few what-ifs like, excessive delays at border checkpoints, the possibility of vehicle breakdown, problems with getting Katie-Lew re-operational and more. But, with weeks to go, we started to get ready for the trip with a possibility of bailing out at any time. Was travel during covid times going to be gutsy or stupid? We entertained both thoughts and we're sure you have thoughts on it too.
As it turned out, we made it. We were even fortunate to have minimal delays at border checkpoints. However there was one hitch upon arrival, only half of the our electrical panel would light up when we threw the main breaker on. You might remember, that was our 3rd fear. My electrical tester was buried in the middle of the loaded van, and the van was packed to the roof with self isolation supplies and Marlene's art inventory. An hour of unloading and 15 minutes of troubleshooting proved the breaker was ok and the problem was between the pole and the panel. That meant a call to Newfoundland Power. If the problem was a corroded meter base, it was our problem and we'd need an electrician, otherwise it was going to be their problem.
Just before lunch, the bucket truck showed up. They quickly determined the connection at the pole had failed over the winter; a reminder of the severe winter storms here on Parsons Point. The crew had it fixed by the time we finished lunch.
Was travelling to Katie-Lew during covid, gutsy or stupid? We'll need to wait for the return trip at Thanksgiving for the final answer.