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Report 1953: Vancouver/Vancouver Island/Seattle July/August 2011

By Panda from UK, Summer 2011

Page 12 of 12: Day 12 A Last Day Bonus

Woke to a very misty morning and made our final trip in the US up the I-5N to the border. We had been warned about the awful queues that could be expected. Not that Sunday morning – it only took 10 minutes and it would have been even shorter if the moped driver in front had not kept stalling and falling off. We therefore found ourselves on the Canadian side hours much too early to go to the airport.

Luckily a tourist information point came into view on the side of the highway and I went in to ask advice. The two young girls manning the desk were delighted to have a real live project on which to use their training and they suggested (with map and annotations) a visit to Steveston Village, the next exit off the highway, as there was a maritime festival on there.

It was an excellent suggestion and an easy drive to the charming little seaport town. The only drawback was that it is a popular Sunday destination and car parking was at a premium. We eventually found the last space in a car park and joined the longest line I have ever seen for a ticket machine – partially explained by the intermittent malfunction of the machine itself.

We reached the waterside through the Sunday Farmer’s Market (buying delicious fresh lemonade on the way) and strolled around to the sound of a live band. We dodged the crowds around the Irish Dancing display – very accomplished performances, but it was bizarre to see Irish Dancers in sunglasses. Fishing boats were doing a roaring trade selling fish from the back of the boats.

We returned to the Farmer’s Market and bought sticks of freshly grilled scallops followed by cinnamon buns for dessert. To walk off the cake, we headed for Garry Point Park, where families were picnicking and playing and we could sit and enjoy the view of the boats coming into the small harbour. A perfect solution for our unexpected extra few hours and by following the back road directions given to us by the information kiosk girls, we arrived quickly at Vancouver Airport. The best airport lounge view I have ever seen? Vancouver, no contest.

Resources

Bishop Victorian Hotel

Boeing Factory Tour

Museum of Flight

Oswego Hotel

Spokes Bike Rental, Vancouver

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Europe Cell Phones	Long Distance Cards	Luggage, etc.	Travel Insurance	Classifieds

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Report 1953: Vancouver/Vancouver Island/Seattle July/August 2011

Page 12 of 12: Day 12 A Last Day Bonus

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