DAY 1 - OCTOBER 10, 2025 - DITTO 2024 BACKPACK EXCEPT THIS TIME SOUTH AMERICA

2024 DITTO

Here we are, back in October – but 2025.  Crazy.  Looks like this will be a DITTO post from the same time last year – only a different location.

I’m sitting on a flight right now to Easter Island, Chile – South America. 

I spent my second summer at Grand Palms RV Resort by Grand Beach in Manitoba.  This year, I knew more what I was doing, but had a heavier pressure.  We have been bringing our park to the next level and it’s looking great. 

My dad took a very bad fall at the end of last season and it has forever changed him.  It is difficult to watch the toughest guy you have ever met, now challenged with great pain even to walk.  For this reason, and others – we have decided to sell our RV park.  This includes many more meetings and calls, which adds to the already very busy days. 

I do not remember a time in my life I was this exhausted.  My body feels fatigued for sure.  I think my brain worked overtime which caused me to not take care of myself in any way at all the past 6 months ..  I feel completely depleted as a result.  When I backpacked Asia last year, I felt 25 yrs old and strong.  Today I feel 75 yrs old and worn out.  Just really tired.  I am chasing that feeling I had in Asia for sure. 

After 4 days back in Kelowna to see my kids, I am off to backpack South America until Christmas.  Admittedly, I am feeling a little more cautious than I was last year for Asia.  The continent is massive, and every country is huge.  The deadly bugs are a slight concern.  Danger on the streets.  All of the above make this trip a little more daunting than Asia was last year. 

With a hope and a prayer, I intend to be back at home for Christmas this year. 

I am bringing my kids down to different legs of this trip as well, stay tuned. 

Here is my loose agenda:

SA 2025

October 10      Depart Kelowna

11                    Chile

19                    Argentina

26                    Uruguay

31                    Paraguay

November 6    Brazil

15                    Colombia

17                    Bolivia

20                    Peru

26                    Ecuador

28                    Colombia

December 1    Panama

3                     Guatemala

6                     Belize

12                    Honduras       

16                    Mexico City

20                    Home – Kelowna

Here’s hoping that I won’t have to work too much while traveling.  That I will remember how to blog and be efficient with it.  That I will be capable of living in the moment.  That my health holds out until I am back home.  That my kids will be ok without me, again.  And many more things that are on my prayer list. 

Please join me if you wish – I would feel honoured to have you follow if you like – as I trek through most of the continent.  No checked luggage, one medium backpack, and one small backpack.  I got up at 3:30am today – and by the time I arrive at my first bed it will be tomorrow around 2pm.  Almost 36 hours – 4 flights – and layovers.  I might sleep for the first 12 hours after I arrive – haha. 

I will blog again as last year, at every new city.  May it inspire someone who may wish to do the same – and see that it is possible. 

Sending love, wish me luck, here I gooooooo….   Jen    xo