The Biggest Blue Gnu Adventure Yet (fingers crossed)

There’s something about hitting the road in the Blue Gnu that makes the world feel wide open again.

We were genuinely delighted to be reunited with it after leaving it parked for more than a year, and finding it in almost mint condition thanks to my wonderful brother-in-law Peter, who had clearly taken excellent care of it while we were away.

What surprised us most this time was how little we were travelling with — especially knowing our entire bed is tucked away in the white bag. Somehow everything essential still fits, with just enough room left for the chaos.

After countless kilometres, border crossings, dinners we cook behind the gnu, and more “where are we sleeping tonight?” moments than we can count, we somehow still haven’t learned how to take a small trip.

So naturally, this one became our most ambitious road trip yet.

Before setting off, we had a wonderful time reconnecting with family. It was especially special to see my lovely cousin Katerina, who had travelled all the way from Australia, and to celebrate both her birthday and my niece Stephanie’s birthday on the same day — exactly ten years apart.

We were spoiled with incredible food made especially by my amazing sister Marina, and had just enough time to recover from jet lag before everything began again.

Then it was time to go.

Leaving the Albino Rhino at the airport came with its own small moment of humour — spotting a “don’t flush” alert just as we were taking off.

Our route began with the Rockies stretching out below us, followed by a warm stop in Calgary where we got to see our special Amanda and enjoy one of our favourite YYC firepits.

On the plane, we struck up a great chat with a fun seat mate, and somewhere between stories and turbulence we actually managed to get a bit of sleep.

Our first glimpses of the UK — including an unexpected shot of the offshore wind farms out at sea.

From there, the Piccadilly Line carried us into King’s Cross, where we couldn’t resist a photo of Platform 9¾ while half-awake and slightly delirious. Our onward train to Newark was delayed, which only added to the slow fade of jet lag creeping in.

There’s also a quiet mechanical milestone in this trip — our old, worn-out 5th gear had been replaced and upgraded. It feels strangely symbolic to be setting off again with something so essential now running smoothly.

We also had a beautiful moment tracing family history, visiting Ossington — where Cotty’s grand uncle Cyril Cottingham trained during WWII. The Comox airport is named after him, which made it feel unxpectedly close to home.

A short wander through Sherwood Forest followed, before arriving at Stephanie’s where we were treated to more delicious cakes and bubbles — the kind of welcome that instantly resets you.

And finally, the starting point: the Blue Gnu as we packed it up, full of anticipation, just before departure. The mileage sitting quietly as a reminder of how far there is still to go.

Now we’re off again — into the next stretch of this very ambitious, slightly chaotic, and completely beloved journey.