Monday,
March 10th 2014
(Portland,
OR – Vancouver, BC: 349 miles)
It is possible that we had a travel fever or something
else happened or the universe was not happy with us but we had really
bad sleep (both of us). It was early and dark morning. We were pretty
much ready from the previous day (car loaded, only one luggage left
in the house) so it was easy to get ready. We said last goodbye to
our friend's children (6 and 2 years old) and our friends as well. It
was pretty funny and nice how those two boys were saying “bye”.
Our friends (A+L) promised that they will visit us when we are back
in Michigan. Within less than two miles we were on I-205 interstate
and started to head north. There was some traffic and we had few slow
downs (unpleasant). It started to rain. Also unpleasant. Pretty much
nothing really interesting, we already drove on this stretch of the
freeway few times so there was not much to discover. Rain was
following us across almost whole state of Washington. Few times it
got pretty heavy and it was kind of unpleasant to drive. Seattle
(from the freeway).
Rivers almost overflowing. Hills and mountains covered
with fog. Basically just crossing the state of Washington and heading
to Canada. Phone calls about internet service in Alaska (expensive).
J.'s phone calls to friends and family, before we are “off grid”
for a week in foreign country (Canada). Close to the border (30 miles
or so), the weather was improving and there was no rain. The line on
the border crossing was relatively short (8 cars in front of us) and
we were were done in no time. Surprisingly they did not want to check
our car (full of our stuff) and the main question was about weapons
and firearms. WELCOME TO CANADA.
Blue sky, fluffy clouds in the distance playing with the
mountain tops, and “wait for it” sun. It was an incredible change
compared to the state of Washington. Another 50 miles or so to
Vancouver. More and more traffic. Same pretty weather. Water.
Mountains. We arrived to our friend place close to the center of the
city. S. (our friend) was working as extra (?) on some movie set but
let us stay at her place and made arrangements for us to get in. All
good. After a while we took a longer walk through the city. It was
actually really nice, time to time breezy and colder but otherwise
nice. Many stores and restaurants (normal grocery stores included) so
it looked like a real city. A great view of the sound, big cargo
ships and the city. When we came back we went on the roof of the
building (7 stories) to have a look around. For couple hours we just
relaxed and did nothing before S. had some time off and met us for a
dinner and a cup of tea afterward. We had really great time, it was
just sad she did not have more time and she has to work next day. One
of the news, she played in this commercial:
Tuesday,
March 11th 2014
(Vancouver,
BC: 0 miles)
Slow and lazy day. We were planning on visiting with S.
so we did not make any plans for our short stay. It was pleasant to
enjoy relaxing and quiet morning with nothing to do. Somewhat cloudy
but we could see blue sky. We had some breakfast in the apartment and
then went out. Walked along the bay and continued along the False
Creek. Got sunny. People running, walking, biking. Nice day. We took
a ferry (small boat) across the False Creek to Granville Island. (We
visited it before.) Wondering around the market and other stores.
Before leaving we got fish and chips and were going to eat it
outside. As I was carrying the food I GOT ATTACKED BY VICIOUS
SEAGULL.
I felt it on my head and apparently he stole one french
fry. I am still psychologically suffering after such a horrible
attack. We had to retrieve back inside and eat there. Vancouver is
really nice city. After a while we continued and went to nearby food
stand called Go Fish. According to J. the best fish tacos ever. We
had some more great food and continued walking, cross the Burrard
bridge and got back to our part of town. More less just slow and
enjoyable walk back to apartment. J. felt a bit sick and tired. We
went whole day without a coffee (what a special day). We did some
reading and probably took a nap in the afternoon. Quick walk to the
grocery store in the evening. Unfortunately we heard from S. that she
would work late and could not meet with us. So sad. It was nice and
sunny day in Vancouver but we were sad we could not see S. Tomorrow
we start the last (and most interesting) part of our drive to
Anchorage, AK.
