2010 vacation, part three

Thursday, August 19:

Today we did some of the parks around Vancouver. We left camp and crossed the border at Aldergrove. We started off at Lynn Canyon, which has a suspension bridge over the canyon. For those who know me, you know I’m not overly fond of heights to start with, and crossing this bridge was...interesting, shall we say. 

Once across the bridge, we hiked down to Twin Falls, which is pretty, then hiked back up to the car and went to lunch. This was at the Black Bear Pub, which was a pleasant find for us. We then proceeded to Lighthouse Park and hiked down to the lighthouse...and back. 

We decided we wanted to drive up Cypress Mountain. The view would normally be quite spectacular...but smoke from the fires up north and some overcast conditions made the view a little less than optimum. We also discovered that Cypress Mountain was taking down some of the Olympic stuff. We got what pictures we could, and then headed off to find a SkyTrain map. 

Our journey took us to Park Royale Mall off Burrard Street. There was a BCAA office there; we figured surely they’d have a map. No such luck. They recommended either the library or London Drugs. So we went into the mall, stopped at Murchie’s for tea, then headed down to London Drugs. 

No luck there. They recommended the library as well. 

We wandered back up the mall, stopped at Murchie’s and bought some tea to bring home (they have an excellent Earl Grey), and went into the Bay. I was looking to buy another shirt, but they didn’t have the size in the color I wanted. So I bought a few Olympic souvenirs and was signed up for their points card, and after some discussion of what sounded good, we headed to Surrey for dinner. 

Dinner was at Moxie’s Classic Grill. Deena and I had eaten in the one at Windsor and liked it, so this was actually a good choice. After dinner, we went to the concierge (This Moxie’s was located inside the Sandman Suites hotel) and asked for a SkyTrain map. 

No joy there...he recommended the library. 

We drove a bit more, found a train station, and I hopped out of the car. No maps there, either. 

At this point, it was approaching 9:00 PM, so we decided it was time to head back to camp. Back on the TC-1 over to Aldergrove, cross the border, and return to camp. Deena decided to try online for a map. 

The story of our trip: the wi-fi went down. (Actually, all along our trip, wi-fi was spotty at the very best, and non-existent a great deal of the time. Which may well have been A Good Thing.)


Pictures:
Lynn Canyon, Lighthouse Park, Cypress Mountain BC

Friday, August 20:

This morning we were not moving too fast. Took the bus/truck entrance into BC, stopped at the Visitor Info center at Surrey. Very nice, lots of information. 

No maps of the transit system. She didn’t recommend going to the library, at least. 

Driving into Vancouver proper, we started off at the Nitobi Memorial Japanese Garden at the University of BC. It’s really beautiful and serene, except for the trucks that drive past in the rear. 

Then came lunch. After a brief excursus in which we found that the Westward Ho restaurant was located in the local golf course (which leads to things like $15 CDN hamburgers), we ended up at a place called “The Diner.” 

Three words: Eat here. Now. Our server was one of the owners (we suspect) and it is the quaintest British pub. The food was good and plentiful, everyone was friendly and we left feeling like we were family.

Across the street was a Safeway, so we went in so Dan could purchase batteries. We also were able to purchase tickets for the SkyTrain...and they had maps as well. Much joy!

From there, we headed into downtown Vancouver. Parking at the Olympic Station on the Canada Line of the SkyTrain, we started walking, hoping to find the Olympic cauldron. 

We walked past the Plaza of Nations, which is somewhat disappointing because (A) all the flags of the various nations are gone, replaced with national, provincial, and city flags, as well as the flag of (B) the casino that now holds the property.  Stepping inside the casino and asking about the cauldron, they pointed us toward Chinatown. We had a walking tour planned through there anyway, so off we went. 

We walked through Chinatown, past the world’s thinnest building and other points of interest. Walked through the Gastown district, past the steam powered clock and the spot where they named the city. Stopped into a souvenir stand and asked about the Olympic cauldron. The guy behind the counter replied he didn’t have any for sale. 

We kept walking. We passed the Japadog stand, which had been featured on the Travel Channel. We kept walking toward Canada Place; we wanted to see what the cruise ship was blocking. Stopping in the RCMP Post store (where I purchased a postcard and a RCMP collar pin) I asked the whereabouts of the cauldron.

God bless the RCMP! 

They told us we were just a few blocks away. I told the gents behind the counter about the directions given us by the casino people, and one rolled his eyes and the other simply scowled. I suspect this is not a new issue.

Continuing the walk, we got to Canada Place and walked around that. Hiked might be a better term as it is rather good sized. (They park cruise ships there, after all.) We then hiked over to the cauldron. It’s not as large as I thought it would be, but you certainly can’t miss it. 

Finally, it was time to get on a train and sit for a few miles. We rode the Canada Line to the end quite literally; just past the Richmond station about 36.5 metres-- roughly 40 yards or so if that much--the track simply ends. Portland’s Tri-Met should use the signs in the station: “Way Out” instead of “exit.” (If you’ve been to Portland, you’ll understand. If you haven’t...there’s no way to explain it.) 

It is now dinner time, and a great deal was found at a White Spot: a small salad, a White Spot burger, and homemade blueberry pie...$9.99 CDN. After that, down to The Bay where I purchased a blue shirt and an Olympic shirt as well, and got credited points for my purchase in Victoria. 

Back on the train, off at Olympic Station, and back in the car for the trip over to Richmond for the Richmond Night Market. 300 booths, 50 food vendors, and a capacity to hold some 15,000 bargain hunters. Deena got a nice Alpaca jacket/sweater thing for $60; I got three t-shirts for $10. 

Once the crowd got to be a bit much, and since there were lasers and uneven lighting which is not good when you’re light sensitive, we finally left. Heading down BC-99, our last stop in Canada was at the duty free store. A small purchase there to shed some Canadian paper currency (I don’t mind keeping change--I repatriated enough of it this trip--but having $10 CDN in paper was not really in my plans), we crossed at the Peace Arch crossing and back into the US for the final time this trip. We returned to camp about 11:30PM, tired but content and ready for bed.


Pictures:
Nitobi Memorial Japanese Garden, UBC
Vancouver, BC

Saturday, August 21:

They say that all good things must come to an end. 

Today was a travel day, as we finally had to head home. We got up, broke and cleared camp, and drove into Lynden for breakfast at Dutch Mothers. If you walk out from here hungry, it’s your own fault. Wandered around Lynden a bit, then into the car and south on the I-5. Stopped for a stretch at City Blocks in Tacoma (a major LEGO studio; Dan Parker makes his living with little toy bricks), and then dinner at Country Cousins in Centralia.  Took another stretch break at Fry’s Electronics (and got a slush from Sonic afterwards), then dropped Dan off at his place...

...and finally returned home ourselves. The cats were glad to see us, and after unloading the car and checking mail, we called it a trip and a night. 

On the one hand, I could have used one or two more days. On the other, it was about the right length to be gone. Lots of pleasant memories, and plenty of pictures to boot. Like 755 pictures. Perhaps digital cameras are too much of A Good Thing.

Enough for now.

2010 Vacation, part two

Tuesday, August 17:

This morning was the only morning we set an alarm. We had to- we needed to  board the ferry not later than 7:45ish, passports in hand. The ferry took us from Port Angeles to Victoria, BC. I haven’t been to Victoria since I was in high school. But I had been there, so I got to play tour guide today. 

Crossing the Straits of Juan de Fuca was quite the journey. The Straits were a little rough; and as this was a smaller craft (no cars, just people) we had quite a ride. Once in Victoria, however, we actually saw quite a bit.

We started off with a tour of the Parliament building. It’s rather nice as government buildings go. From there, a block or so over and a walkthrough of the Fairmont Empress hotel. It is lovely, and if you have the opportunity (and deep enough pockets) to do a high teas there, you really should. The Empress is also home to the Victoria Convention Center, which we walked through and then out to Douglas Street then back around to Government Street. 

We continued up Government to the site of the former Fort Victoria, part of which is now a wonderful little Irish pub called Irish Times. The special today was Irish stew with Rosemary dumplings and it was a winner. 

After lunch, we continued up Government street to Chinatown, then doubled back down Broad Street, stopping in a few interesting little shops and a Starbucks to cool off for a bit as it was getting quite warm) and then taking some time to check out the Bay Centre. 

The Bay Centre is anchored by The Bay, as in The Hudson’s Bay Company (“since 1670”), and I did some shopping there. It’s a cross between a Macy’s and a Kohl’s: A lot of high end stuff, and some clothes that those of us on a budget can afford. I bought a t-shirt. It doesn’t have anything on the front or back; I can wear it wherever and whenever I want. 

From the Bay Center, we walked over to Munro’s bookstore and Murchie’s Tea shop. Munro’s has a lot of good books; if you like books this is a must stop and explore. Murchie’s has some wonderful teas there, and a lot of very nice looking goodies. We decided that a gelato was in order, however, so we wandered back down Government street to a gelato place and enjoyed some of that as the day continued to get warmer and muggier. (It was only about 78 degrees F--I was quoted 26 C by a mall rep in The Bay Center--but it was also 60 percent humidity.) We all did a little more souvenir shopping, then wandered around the back of the Parliament building and took some pictures there. Wandered into the Queen’s printer’s, then over to Confederation Square to take some pictures. 

Something to drink was now in order, so we wandered into Jonathan’s restaurant in the Royal Scot hotel. After cooling down a bit, we walked down Quebec street and found the Harbour Towers--where I stayed last time I was here--and then finished the day by strolling around Laurel Point Park. 

Finally, though, we had to board the ferry to return us to the States. (A much smoother trip than this morning, I might add.) Once back, we dined at the Hiway 101 cafe in Sequim then returned to camp. 


Pictures:
Victoria, BC

Wednesday, August 18:

Today was a travel day, so not too much exciting stuff. We packed up camp and said goodbye to Port Angeles. It was time to leave the land where “Twilight” was set and move our base of operations to Lynden, WA. After a stop at Fort Worden State Park, some wandering around Port Townsend, and lunch at the Bayview, we boarded a much larger ferry than the one we rode yesterday over to Victoria, and headed over toward Keystone. A leisurely drive across Whidbey Island, and finally hitting the I-5 North. 

Today also marked the easiest boarder crossing I think I have ever had. No questions, nobody bugging me for a passport...just walked across the border. And back. And over again to take some pictures, then back again. And nobody stopping me and playing 20 questions. 

You can do it yourself at Peace Arch Park. There is this little island of relative calm where you can park just short of the border, and walk around and cross the international border. (In all fairness, though, you can’t get too far before you hit customs. I recommend you have your passport on you just in case.) Washington State maintains Peace Arch State Park on the US side, and BC maintains Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side. It is this lovely little chunk of calm in the middle of a lot of traffic. I did have one good laugh there: in the Peace Arch itself, there is a set of gates with the wording “May these gates never be closed.” 

I don’t think you’ll have to worry too much about that...they’re bolted to the inside of the arch. 

After wrapping up there, it was off to the Lynden, WA. KOA to unpack and set up camp. A drive through Lynden was next on the list, then dinner was at Jake’s BBQ. There is some good steak here and you should take advantage of it. 


Pictures:
Peace Arch Park

Enough for now. 

2010 Vacation, part one

Over the next few days, I’m going to post our vacation itinerary online. Pictures will be up toward the end of the week, and I’ll link each day as appropriate. 

Friday, August 13:

We took off today, for parts north. It was hot, we got the car packed and hoped we had everything. Picked up Dan, and headed north. Had dinner at Marinepolis Sushiland, picked up a few things at Whole Foods, and stopped for the night at the Quality Inn in the Longview area. 

You were looking for something exciting here?

Saturday, August 14:

No rushing today: Got up, had breakfast, reloaded the car, and headed toward Port Angeles. Stopped so I could stretch at Cabela’s, and enjoyed lunch at the Ram brewpub and restaurant. Got a recommendation on a place to eat in Port Angeles called the Okasan. Sounds intriguing. 

After a leisurely drive north--a drive where Deena drove and I napped--we arrive at the Port Angeles/Sequim KOA, unpacked a bit as we are here for a few days, then headed into town to get the lay of the land. Took some pictures from the port area, then headed back to camp to get dinner and s’mores going. We also enjoyed the ice cream social the camp put on.

Sunday, August 15:

Olympic National Park is a very pretty place, and not really for the weak of knees. You have to hike anyplace worth seeing...but that hike is worth every minute of the trip. I highly recommend if you come here with a full water bottle, a sturdy pair of hiking boots (preferably well broken in), and appropriate hiking socks. I don’t think waltzing around in your tennis shoes or flip-flops is a wise idea. I also recommend good hiking clothes, as there are a number of microclimates in the park.

Today we “conquered” Hurricane Hill and Sol Duc Falls. Sol Duc Falls is a relatively easy hike at .8 miles each way, and has some pretty scenery. It’s a bit out from Port Angeles--about half an hour--but really should not be missed.

Hurricane Hill is another story. 1.6 miles each way, and it’s a steep climb in parts. Don’t be in a hurry unless you are in prime shape...and on this hike, “round” does not qualify as a shape. We ran into an 89 year old woman, hiking and taking her time doing it. She made, I am sure. We did too. Allow 90 minutes each way; if you’re in a hurry this is not a hike you want to undertake. Also in summer, do it in the morning...less crowded, less bugs, and cooler temps work in your favor. We did Hurricane Hill first, had lunch, then went on to Sol Duc Falls. Lunch was out of the cooler, and dinner was at a place called the Bushwhacker. There’s a nice place to eat. We did the all you can eat salad bar--they had homemade chicken gumbo and clam chowder on the bar as well as homemade bread. 


Pictures: 
Hurricane Hill
Sol Duc Falls

Monday, August 16:

Today we went for a hike in the Hoh Rainforest. This is more like an hour or so out of Port Angeles. Got there, had lunch out of the cooler, and proceeded to hike 3.3 miles into the rainforest, along the Hoh River trail. 

Note: rainforest does not equal cool/damp. It was another hot day, and there are bugs here, too. Everything I have said about hiking gear goes double here. Don’t let the sign fool you: The elevation looks like it only rises about fifty feet over 3.3 miles. 

The sign lies. What it doesn’t tell you is that there is a lot of upping and downing, especially near the riverbank. You have been duly warned. 

We were in search of one square inch of silence. Rather than explaining it myself, I’ll simply link to it and let you read about it: http://onesquareinch.org/. We found the spot, and found the rock, but did not find the jar of thoughts. 

We made it back out, and went into town for dinner. We had dinner at Okasan. There is some really good food here, and the waitstaff is as honest as the day is long. Go there and eat, if you like good Asian cuisine. Don’t let the exterior fool you; it may look like a dump but it really isn’t. 

We returned to camp, and partook of the hot tub this evening. It was much needed!


Pictures:
Hoh Rainforest

Enough for now.