#campwagon

Calgary. The city couldn't be more contrast to what we left here a month ago. The white snow has been inhaled by the dry ground and exhaled into lush green. What will for the next hundred years be dubbed in all fables as 'The longest winter ever', has finally been laid to rest. Like a before and after transformation after losing 60 pounds, or new Tide Cold Water versus the brand unmentioned; the distinguishing stain over this great city has been lifted. I almost don't recognize it.

One month ago my wife and I sold most of our possessions, packed the remainders into an '85 Dodge Van and left winter in the rear view mirror. The return of Aslan happened somewhere between Banff and Revelstoke, for when we reached Vancouver it was full blown summer (or so it felt). Our van's first real test run was a complete success.

Canada on our own, married and vibrant and living in a van. Our adventure had begun and it was glorious. It was like sitting down with hot coffee and a window full of sunlight to start a thousand piece puzzle without looking at the cover. It was the dawn of our pilgrimage and when we reach the summit, we'll know our calling.

We're now one month in. Vancouver felt like a test run for the van, which she passed with flying colours (thanks to the aid of buddy, drummer, mechanic and handsome ginger soul: Brad Ross). There are a mountain of stories, each as big and beautiful as the ones that now separate us from that province, now hidden in the month of May. Over the next few weeks we'll do our best to bring them to you, but if I fail please ask me in person.

Our van, now a well and newly oiled machine was prepped, tested and clean. All that lacked was a name. She'd developed a personality of her own and has been such a gracious host, it's the least we could do. We've given her nicknames in the past, a group effort from Facebook friends: Brown Van 3000, Van Gogh, The Brown Sound, Van Bremnes, but nothing stuck. I remember having a great chat with Justin MacRae, in which he drew names from her brown and buttercream colours as well as her French Canadian heritage (purchased from Quebec). Maple Dip/Maple Cream. This stuck. We found ourselves weeks later mulling over these titles with Shaunielle Ross in Langley - "Mmm, why not just Maple!". We loved it! Brown tones, Canadian, symbolic, with references to her heritage. It's perfect. Maple (Dip). Thank you Justin MacRae and Shaunielle Ross! Your contributions will be immortalized in the story or our #vanlife. 

We now leave for Medicine Hat, Alberta! Thanks for checking in. Please keep us in your prayers. If you'd like to follow more closely in our coast to coast adventure, follow @Maple_TheVan on Instagram.