The Life of a Digital Nomad: Revisiting Bowen Island

Last month I returned to my beloved winter housesit.

When I finished my 3-month sit on Bowen Island in early April, I committed to going back for a week or two in August. It was comforting to have somewhat of a sense of direction, something on my calendar, whilst not having any other plans.

Murren Views

It got confirmed as two weeks long, shortly after my July Swiss housesit was confirmed. The timing was perfect. On August 1, the Swiss national day, my friend Gen and I explored the region of Interlaken, a big detour on our way to Chamonix. We were totally charmed by the village of Murren, and felt like we were on a European vacation together. One day of adventures can really feel like a real long getaway sometimes.

Chamonix made sense as a nice destination for our last night as we were flying out of Lyon on Aug 2. With an overnight stop in Montreal, I made it back to BC on Aug 3. Just in time for a quick stop in Squamish before starting my housesit on Aug 4. A bit of a whirlwind! It was nice to settle into what felt like home, for two whole weeks.

Marvin in his home

I loved the house, the property and Marvin the cat in the winter. And I loved it all even more in summer. Marvin and I got beautiful weather and enjoyed the abundant garden, and I connected back with my community here.

It was a mix of beach days, walks to the cove, picking fresh peaches from the tree and the most delicious grapes from the vine, and getting through some rewarding challenges at work. It felt like I had entered a completely new movie or storybook, just as magical as my time in Switzerland had been, only quite different.

To top is off, I was offered a paid housesit for 10 days at the end of the month... an offer worth changing my plans for. I accepted, which meant staying the whole month on Bowen (squeezing in a couple trips to Squamish to see a friend who was visiting, and to make the usual rounds at my storage).

Side Trips

A lot of people assume I get paid for housesitting. But in fact, all housesits booked through Trusted Housesitters are free for all parties. Both the housesitters and the hosts (home/pet owners) pay a membership fee, and then it's a free exchange. A home in exchange for looking after the garden, house, pets... Generally, it is very fair and everyone is happy. But it is even better to get paid, of course. Especially if there's a lot of work involved.

This second housesit was on the opposite side of the island, giving me a taste of a new (to me) neighbourhood. The dog was low maintenance and the garden ended up being pretty easy too, seeing as it rained throughout my stay. I was only too happy to enjoy yet another garden's harvest!

In short, August felt like having a second summer. I made the most of my time close to friends, and I made the most of the free time that my part-time work schedule allowed me... because September is bringing in more work for me! This is something I have been manifesting, and can now celebrate. 🥳

Latest Housesit with Skip

August 30, I left Bowen, knowing I'd be back again in October, and headed to Squamish. I had a lot to prepare ahead of the next chapter. Putting the hardtop back on the Jeep. Reorganizing my storage to squeeze in the soft top behind all my belongings. Packing up everything I might need for living out of a camper, and considering the cooling temperatures. Checking that all was in order with the Jeep. Stocking up on groceries that are easier to find in cities... All the final errands before hitting the road.

August 31, I left Squamish and drove North on the 99. I ended the month in Lac La Hache, where there was an easy drive-in campsite. My first stop on a slow and short (to me) roadtrip, having three days to travel the 900 kms to beautiful Bella Coola!