…and off we go

BMW  

This is our new home. Our new adventure. The beginning of something wonderful.

Last night we brought it home and started to pack our gear on to it.

Top case BMW 

This is the top case that we added to the 2003 BMW 2 1150 GS, (We are going to name, our BMW, Willow after many of you suggested it. Thanks for the great name!) The top case is our dressing room, bathroom, office, photo lab, kitchen, bedroom… you name it we got it in there.

It is 52 cm., or as they guy at the motorcycle shop said, "It holds 25 liters." 

You know how everyone in the world has a gift, a talent, a special trick up their sleeve. One of my gifts is I can tell without measuring if something is going to fit or not. For example when the man at the shop said the top case was 52 cm and could hold 25 liters. I knew exactly how much I could pack, and how much weight I could bring. Or at least I thought so…

2003 BMW R 1150 GS 

I thought 25 liters meant the weight I could bring, not the volume it could hold. That is also another gift I have: Dyslexia, I turn most things around.

Hence, I packed perfectly 25 liters, of our lives into a 52 cm top case.

But when French Husband went to lift it he said, "What do you have in here? Bricks?! The kitchen sink?"

So then he opened the top case (Chelsea and Sacha, will appreciate and can attest, that their Daddy loves to check, and recheck, and check again, over and over, every little detail, of everything we do. Which for me is a very good thing, even if it drives me bonkers.)

He pulled everything out.

He told me (the Queen of Packing) that I had packed too much!! I told him that he was a Drama King, that too much implied that I had an extra bag or something. I pointed to the top case and said, "Everything fits so it isn't too much."

When French Husband saw the neat little packet that I had made containing a small cutting board, knife, cork screw, small cups… he rolled his eyes and said, "You DID pack the kitchen!" Then when he saw the small, table cloth that I thought would be handy as a blanket to take a nap, or to sit on for a picnic, to dry ourselves after a swim… He said, "Corey your jacket is your table cloth, towel and ground cover." As soon as he said that I felt sorta sad imaging how my new jacket was going to look after this trip. "It is going to get so dirty!" in which he said, "Duh!"

Well dear friends, then he saw my SLR camera, it weighs a ton. He said you gotta take the smaller one. In which case I unpacked every little thing I could get rid of in order to take it… and I mean every little thing down to the bare essentials…. but I have my SLR camera, and I am going to be dirty and smelly because of it.

BMW RIMS

BMW Seat

This is my comfortable armchair in our small living room. Doesn't the motorcycle rim add a snazzy flair to the decor? Do you like my soft, silk pillow for my back? It is the perfect touch isn't it?

French Husband's favorite part of the bike is the motor, the engine, the body and soul of the bike. He has wanted this bike since he was a kid. He is a happy kid today!

BMW motor

Lock for a BMW 

This is the lock to our front door. Let me tell you it weighs a ton. There is also a massive chain, to attach and lock the back door too.

The beginning count

This is the beginning… the starting point! We are off, heading towards Italy. We hope to reach Milan this evening. 



Comments

57 responses to “…and off we go”

  1. Have a safe trip and come back with tones of souvenirs to tell

  2. Corey & FH (Yann)
    bon voyage ayez un voyage sûr et paisible
    Joanny
    the dowser daughter

  3. As I sit at our cabin terrace, smelling the thousands of roses, listening to my husband chopping woods and my daughter and her cousin still snoring sweetly, waiting for the cabin to fill up with dear friends, I’ll think of you and the adventure of your life.

  4. I will look forward to seeing those pictures taken with the SLR you managed to get into the top case, even if you will be smelly. And I would have thought the kitchen equipment you packed would have been perfect. Who would have known your jacket would be the tablecloth.
    Enjoy, laugh, and treasure the moments, but keep your mouth closed when you are moving – no bugs allowed.

  5. Kathleen

    i am on that bike with you!best wishes!

  6. BE safe and happy.

  7. Have a great safe trip
    Love you
    Jeanne

  8. Beverly

    What a great adventure.

  9. have the most amazing time x

  10. Brave you! Have a marvelous time! You will love the freedom and the feeling of flight once you get used to it. Can’t wait to read your reports! Bon Voyage.

  11. Ana Jacas

    I have waved you off and am now waiting for the updates. Bon Voyage mes amis.
    love
    Ana

  12. I can hear “Born to Be Wild” playing in the background as you guys zip off into adventure…
    “Get your motor runnin’
    Head out on the highway,
    Lookin’ for adventure and
    Whatever comes your way…
    BORN TO BE WILD!”

  13. bon voyage!!!!
    and god speed! 😉
    xx

  14. Hi Corey, I thought just the same as Evelyn..
    “Born to be Wild”..how adventurous…take care and have a WILD time 🙂

  15. Have a fun & fabulous trip!!!
    Oops almost forgot a safe trip!

  16. Corey, you bring new meaning the saying,”you are a good sport!” Have a wonderful trip, your pictures and all the freedom will be well worth the packing sacrifices you made.

  17. What an adventure! Have fun!

  18. Julie Ann Evins

    Be safe honey. Was laptop on your list – hoping for daily bulletins. Jx

  19. Corey and Yann … you have a beautiful home there. What a nice looking bike. Wishing you the good winds for a good ride. ENJOY!

  20. Have fun, be safe, take lots of pictures.

  21. the great thing about looking at photos over the internet is that we dont have to deal with how smelly you are…. 🙂 have a fabulous time!

  22. Corey and Yann ~
    May the road rise up to meet you
    May the wind always be at your back
    May the sun shine warm upon your face
    And rains fall soft upon your fields
    And until we meet again
    May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
    ~ Old Irish Blessing
    Safe travels – Caren

  23. Corey, you are just so brave….and adventuresome! Like I said, thought this was a joke at first, but should’ve known despite all those ‘tongue in cheek’ posts, YOU were serious!! Be safe dear friends – take care – have a rollicking good time on that magnificent Willow machine……thrilled you were able to get the SLR in and picnic gear. You know they have paper panties now – just throw ’em away LOL!
    Meanwhile, we arrived in SF yesterday (cold!!). Will get in touch with your mom tomorrow and hopefully see her Monday in Willows.
    Bon Voyage – love Mary & Bob.

  24. Diogenes

    Wow! You did it! I’m so excited for you.
    And thanks for taking your SLR camera. Can’t wait to see what you’re up to.

  25. Marilyn

    I am SO glad the camera made the final cut! I can’t wait to see all the wonderful pictures you’ll take along the way.
    Have a wonderful trip!!!
    Marilyn (in Dallas)

  26. Bon Voyage.. have fun, but above all be safe..

  27. God Speed! Have a great, safe and wonderful trip!!

  28. Oh Sweetie! I can see you will have many many adventures…! Love and kisses…
    Ulla

  29. Bon Voyage! Willow will be a joy for you both and all the packing woes will be forgotten once you have the wind blowing in your face and the sun on your back.

  30. Yes! I’m sooo glad you’re taking the SLR camera. I just love your photos! It is sadh you had to give up something!
    Your life seems so exotic(note to self: and european, duh!). It brings a bright spark to mine here in dusty central valley california!

  31. Lizbeth

    Bon Voyage!

  32. Have a beautiful time, you lovebirds!!! =)

  33. christine

    I’m a little jealous! I can’t wait for the stories and pictures to post!
    Have a safe ride.

  34. May God be with you and enjoy your trip and each other. Come back with lots of stories to tell us.
    love and hugs

  35. Margaret Hernandez

    I’m so excited for you two!! Have a safe trip and come back with lots of stories to tell 🙂

  36. Enjoy the ride girl! And, you can always send all of your great finds home so dont worry about repacking them… I love the portable picnic-sounds just like me.

  37. Mike Knowles

    As the life-long motorcyclist who puts plastic bags over his boots (to don overpants), I find your enthusiasm for this new lifestyle wonderfully infectious.
    I, too, ride a BMW, albeit a slightly older model than yours (1982 R100) which has been my companion for 25 years.
    Enjoy!

  38. You are such a brave lady, Corey!
    I’m glad your wonderful camera made the cut and look forward to following your travels.
    Bonne journey!

  39. Corey and Yann-have a safe adventure!

  40. So excited for you–have fun!!! Think how FUN it will be to get all grubby! 🙂

  41. Ariane Cagle

    What an adventure! You’re more adventurous than me. The packing part made me laugh. I totally understand where you were coming from. Men… they are just that…men and don’t understand our needs or reasoning. Have a safe trip and I can’t wait to see the photos (the small camera…the shock…what was he thinking…LOL).

  42. Buona sera Corey e FH!
    Speri che la vostra estremità posteriore abbia sopravvissuto al viaggio.
    Sogni dolci.
    (Good evening Corey and FH! Hope your rear ends have survived the journey. Sweet dreams.)

  43. When my first husband asked me if I liked to camp, I said, “Of course, if your idea of camping is a room at the Awahnee.” (Being a former California girl you will know the reference.) My dear, this jaunt of yours is my idea of the vacation from hell and I doubt that even accompanied by that darling French husband of yours (or a reasonable facsimile) would change my mind.

  44. Take those corners gently.

  45. How exciting! boy are you going to have a lot to blog about!

  46. Oh Corey!!!
    I feel sooooooo honored that you chose the name that I suggested!!! I checked your blog all day to see what name you chose!!!
    Thanks and have a fab trip! I am so jealous!
    ~Jennifer

  47. Willow! The perfect name. Your father is cheering you on. Can’t wait to see your trip reports.

  48. HooRoo, Toodaloo, Seeyalater … in other words have a bonza time Corey. xo

  49. Have a fantastic and safe journey!

  50. from one bikie moll to another.. wishing you safe travels and an absolutely fantastic time!! I love, love going on the back with ‘dutch husband’ and I am the Queen of packing.. I have learned.. but I always manage to take a skirt and some dancing shoes… travel safely dear Corey!xo

  51. Oh Corey what a fun adventure awaits you both and Willow too!!LOL
    Alison

  52. Corey,
    I am a few days late in following your adventure but I can’t wait to catch up to you. Don’t go too fast or I won’t be able to follow! Be safe and have fun!

  53. How exciting! Good luck to you both!

  54. Carolynn

    I just discovered your blog. When I saw the town Willows, I almost fell out of my chair! First of all, beautiful blog, lyrical and descriptive of a small town that is historic and hidden, like I mean, no one, knows about it.
    To me, summertime in willows was summertime in a California that is long gone. My aunt and uncle and other assorted relatives lived there in the 50’s and 60’s. I grew up in Marysville. Since my family didn’t have vacation $ that included visits to exotic places, my mom would put me on the Greyhound bus and send me off for an extended visit with all the relatives that ranged from marysville, chico, willows and red bluff. Both sides of the family grew up in the wonderful sacramento valley. My Uncle Ralph (Ralph Clarke) owned the only pharmacy in town. My cousin, Loal, Patrick and I would roam the town and countryside all summer long. I remember the wind! And, of course, the heat. No air conditioning then. But everyone knew to draw the blinds and plant trees around the house.
    I’m not going to go on and on about this. I just thought I’d do like a one word list, that to me was summer in Willows.
    irrigation canals and swiming (naughty!)
    driving to the root beer drive in at night (sorry, can’t remember the name)
    the drag races outside of town
    the wonderful movie theatre
    the town swiming pool
    nectarine ice cream
    my cousin’s room decorated in Elvis Presley
    the demolition derby place on the outskirts of town (by the new #5 freeway now)
    going to the blue gum inn for really special occasions
    my aunts colonial furniture
    Thats it for now, thanks for the memories
    Carolynn

  55. I hope you’re having fun…
    It all sounds so Care Free!
    Enjoy!

  56. When you come back I want to know what you managed to store in the little bag on the bike! We had two saddle bags and one on the tank…..all of them full at the most!

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