Monday 6/14/10 ~ 10:10pm PT

Vancouver, BC ~ 59.1 degrees

Bon Nuit from Vancouver!!

Yawn, yawn!! It's been a long, drawn out day today but thankfully pleasant, peaceful & uneventful. We have to spend yet another night here in beautiful Vancouver in order to have some minor work done on the RV frige first thing in the morning (like I've said before, it's always "something" on a trip like this)

We are moving further north in our journey so the sky stays illuminated just a little longer each day. Currently, the sunlight is barely visible even up to about 10:15pm. All that will change when we get to Fairbanks in a couple weeks. There, it will never be completely dark each night ~ which is a little weird. Thank goodness we'll have had quite a bit of travel time so our bodies can "adjust" into that change gradually. You know, we have about 2500 more miles to go (+/-) to get to Fairbanks. From this point forward, we'll be booking it just to get there in time for the kids visits (can't wait to see them ~ hey Mere, Brad & Chase). Until then, gone will be the larger cities (or any size town for that matter), a variety of dining options or grocery stores, spas (still waiting on that visit to happen), and good paved roads (we will be in dire need of a good chiropractor & hot tub). Also, on this trip, we are foregoing the Inside Passage (since we have done that tour before). That will make the drive time seem even longer BUT...............it's all good!!

Totally random ~ back in California, Chip got up a small collection of firewood & put it on this rack thing we have on the back of the Jeep. Well, when going through the Canadian customs check at the border, they made us "give it up". Seems there is a concern with American bugs crossing over into their territory. Anyway, that just really struck me as funny because we have hauled that wood FOREVER it seems like only to have it confiscated. Chip asked the guards what they were going to do with the wood, "have a bon fire"?? Oh, brother. I did, however, try to lighten the mood by asking them for a picture for my travels BUT they declined. Hey, at least I did manage to get a chuckle out of them.

WOW!! We have had a BLAST here in Vancouver the past couple of days (yeah, I know ~ we're a little late for the Olympics). Yesterday, as we explored downtown, we kept having feelings of deja vu each time we'd turn a corner; the old memories just came flooding back. The last time 2 times we were here, we were either going-to or heading-home from Alaska. We have been warmly reminded as to why we are so fond of this city. An added bonus is that it seems even better than before. I'm sure the city "amped" it up a bit in preparation for the winter olympics (or was it because they knew we were coming to visit). Shout out to our former running mates while here in the city ~ Greg & Holly Henson from Blue Springs, MO (& congratulations on the new grandson)!!

Sunday morning, we did the waterfront self tour, then scooted over to the Granville Island Public Market (similar to Pike's Place in Seattle ~ a whole 'nother wonderful chapter) where we did a little window shopping & got a quick snack & refreshment at The Sandbar (why can't we have places like that back home!!). Then, off for a little more sightseeing & back down to the waterfront marina for more refreshments at Cardero's (another great establishment ~ met some great people). Last but not least, we couldn't close out the evening without heading to the Gaslamp district where we stopped in at The Steamworks (hi Janco ~ wonderful bartender!!). There, we met 2 wonderful guys from Cologne, Germany (hi Stephan). They were headed to northern Cali to check out the Redwood's so we shared some great travel stories.

What makes a city like Vancouver so interesting is that it's so international & so architecturally appealing & has just the perfect amount of British flair. Therefore, when you meet people, you share lots of stories about travel, business, history ~ whatever. You're never at a loss for conversation. I tell you, I feel like we have known the folks from yesterday FOREVER!! The locals have been so friendly & accomodating, too. And, of course, I got tons of pix.

The weather has been amazing while here, too (and we REALLY needed that). We rolled in late Saturday afternoon to brilliant blue skys, warm temps, low humidity & non-stop scenery!! The campground was off the Woodall's charts (to the good ~ by far, it's one of the best in all our travels over the years). It was like a postcard; very English & orderly & in the city limits (which is convenient for RVer's). Nicky really liked it, too.

Best wishes to all. Have a great week & I'll update you in a few days. Until then.........

Bon Nuit!!

Cathy, Chip & Nick