Goodbye Kodiak (Long May You Run)

The last night with the Kodiak had come. Our buyer confirmed after I shared the results of the inspection that they would go ahead with the purchase the next day. So this was it.

We found a place in Calgary along the Bow River, which we also camped aside in Lake Louise just a couple weeks prior (though it felt like months ago). It was a public parking area that people used to access the riverside for walking, cycling and to use the park across a nearby bridge.

It made for a good compromise between having a semblance of nature and remaining within the city for the final handoff the next day.

We arrived around 5pm and took advantage of the the remaining sunlight to go for a riverside walk. 

We also crossed the bridge and went down by the river so Kenting could get one last water sample.

Then I went for a jog and picked up a few beers to enjoy our final night in our roamer, listening to some tunes and doing some packing. A pretty standard evening made special because it was the last.

Kenting didn't know what to make of the news...

... But eventually settled in as he usually does. As did we. 

I'm glad we got to spend one more night with it instead of handing it off after the inspection and finding some hotel. 

The next morning Kenting and I went for our last walk, part of the final morning routine with the vehicle. And then we drove on to finish our final tasks before the hand-off.

That night, though, I thought about the inspection earlier, and felt proud of the Kodiak. I had absolutely no hand in the quality of its condition, but was pleased that the results reflected what we knew and experienced the entire trip: it was a reliable vehicle that not only got us to where we were going smoothly, but also protected us from the elements along the way and provided us with comfort and pleasure. It was a truly wonderful road companion.  

It made the trip. Long may it run.