PLANES: While our most recent trip wasn't quite that unplanned, it was still an adventure, none the less. We decided we wanted to begin our vacation in Seattle and head north from there, into Canada. We wanted to go to some places we had never been before. Now while this doesn't sound all THAT adventuresome, we decided part of the fun would be to not rent a car upon our arrival to Seattle. We wanted to shake it up a bit by finding other transportation. Not that big of a deal while in Seattle. It's a very walkable city. But we didn't stay in Seattle long. So the adventure was ON!
After strolling to a nearby park in Seattle, Scott and I took a "selfie" by The Puget Sound.
We didn't go see the space needle this trip. We have seen it in our previous two trips to Seattle. But you could see it from our hotel.
Our absolute FAVORITE place to stay when we are in Seattle, The Edgewater Hotel. It's built right over the water on Pier 67. Our room was overlooking the water, so lots of lovely views of the city and The Puget Sound.
Yes, these pictures were all taken from our room!
We love sleeping with the windows open when we stay at The Edgewater. This little guy liked perching right outside our room in front of our balcony.
TRAINS: The next leg of the trip was Vancouver, B.C. How would we get there? We decided to take the train. An easy 4 hour ride from Seattle.
This is another "selfie" of us in the dining car of the train. Our first time traveling by way of Amtrak. We loved it!
Vancouver, B.C. is lovely. We stayed in Yaletown, which is part of the downtown area. It sits on the water between the English Bay, False Creek and Coal Harbour. We found the people to be very friendly and proud of their city. We also found Vancouver to be BIG! So it made walking places a bit of a challenge. But the local bus system is super easy to use, and will get you within a block or two of most anywhere you would want to be.
For a rainy day activity, we went to the Public Market located on Granville Island. It's an indoor market that is loaded with booths of fresh produce as well as many local crafters. We hopped on a water taxi which took us across False Creek to the small island of Granville. Doesn't our water taxi driver look friendly? Waving as he pulled away. Vancouver may have been big, but the people had a small town warmth about them and were so hospitable.
One thing we discovered in Vancouver, restaurants serving breakfast ironically opened later in the morning. We, still being on Eastern Standard Time, had a hard time waiting until 9 AM for breakfast. We found a really neat grocery store that had a little deli in it that served breakfast, so that was our go-to breakfast place while we were there.
What better way to eat breakfast then a picnic by the harbor.
BC Place Stadium home of the Vancouver hockey team. It also housed some of the 2010 winter Olympic ice competitions.
Science World's beautiful reflection in the waters of False Creek.
AUTOMOBILES: After being in Vancouver for a couple days, the cloudy weather was predicted to clear up, so we decided we wanted to take advantage of the blue skies and head further north to Whistler Mountain. We rented a car to take the two hour drive to the mountain.
We crossed the Lion's Gate Bridge as we left the city.
On the way up to Whistler, we came upon Savannah Falls in Squamish, B.C.
After a BEAUTIFUL two hour drive, we arrived at Whistler Mountain.
The ski village at Whistler Mountain.
The lodge where we stayed.
The view from our room.
Day two at Whistler, we got on the Gondola and rode it up the mountain. Now, we were there in September, so it was the off season. But my hubby and I aren't skiers anyway. We were just there for the views. But one thing we didn't realize, the gondola did not take us to the top of Whistler Mountain. We had to go on a two hour hike from where the gondola dropped us off to get to the peak. (and a two hour hike back!) But it was worth it. The views were AMAZING!!!
This is Blackcomb Peak. Also referred to as "Black Tooth", elevation 8,000 feet.
One of the glaciers we saw on our way up.
It truly was a worshipful experience. Seeing the majesty of these mountains, and knowing our God, the creator of the universe spoke them into existence.
This picture cracks me up. Doesn't everyone take a 2 hour hike to the peak of a mountain wearing a necklace or a starched shirt? Like I said, the hike was a bit unexpected. But part of the adventure, right?
Sadly, the next day we had to leave Whistler. We took the scenic route back to Vancouver. But more excitement awaited us there, because our next destination on this endeavor would be Victoria, B.C. And how we would get there was even more of an undertaking. We got on a BUS in Vancouver, where it drove us on to a FERRY that took us across the Straights of San Fucca to Vancouver Island. We then rode the BUS off the ferry, through the Island until we reached the city of Victoria. I have to give it to Canada. They have a pretty creative transportation system to navigate the land and water the way they do. Pretty impressive, I must say!
Victoria's Inner Harbor
Parliament Building
In the background you can see the Empress Hotel. Also named after Queen Victoria, who was not only the Queen of England in her reign, but the Empress of India.
So what good would an adventure be without a 3 hour motorized RAFT ride back out into the Straights of San Fucca (flying 80 MPH, I might add) looking for killer whales? The good thing about it was, Scott was not the one driving the boat! (Oh, did I just say that? Oops!)
These are more my speed. Harbor Seals. Aren't they cute?
After an amazing 9 days on this adventurous trip, it was time to leave Canada to head home.
Back to the lists. Back to the structure. Back to the busy we call our life. But even though it's great to have an adventure every once in awhile, I find it always true when we return that THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
