Vancouver

Well we finally made it up to Vancouver, about a two hour drive from Marysville. Going across the border was uneventful in both directions, fortunately! On the way back across we passed by the car ports which were full of cars, where unfortunates were unloading their cars and custom agents were pawing through the stuff. The metropolitan population of Vancouver is 2,524,113 making it the largest metropolitan area in western Canada. Driving through the downtown you notice the density and activity. Just tons of construction is in progress, both new and restorative. We assumed it was due to the coming Winter Olympics which metropolitan Vancouver is hosting in 2010. We headed to the Gastown area. A restored skid row section which has been turned into refreshing mix of old and new for tourists and residents alike. We enjoyed a couple of hours wandering and eating.

Steam Clock

The steam clock in Gastown looks like it might be from Alice in Wonderland with the steam pouring out from the top and on the quarter hours it sounds like the "tea party"!

Although the clock appears to be an old 19th-century antique, it was actually built in 1977 as a tourist attraction. Here is a link to a Youtube video of the clock "chiming".

A view down the street in Gastown

After Gastown we took Ty to Stanley Park.

Ty was anxious to see the Totem Poles

The Sign Says "Stay Out"

Ty can't read or like a typical cat just ignores the sign. He enjoyed getting out into the fresh air. We picked a beautiful day, the air was cool but the sun was out and warm. I noticed the sun dosen't get very high in the sky this time of year up here.

We arrived back too late to get any pictures of the Horizon as Bob had gone home and the doors were closed. Dave was still in his office and I confirmed that he does have a check from the insurance company. So we will be ready to roll as soon as the MH is finished.