Vancouver - Day 1 - Girls & Boys drive to Seattle

Tuesday 28th May 2013
Peter & Geoff up 5.45am very early this morning as they had to take the hire car we have had for 3 weeks since we arrived in San Fransisco back to Seattle. They left here at 6.30am, after negotiating some traffic jams, USA Border crossing and the detour around the Bridge collapse on the I5 they arrived in Seattle at 9.50am. Dropped the car off and then went to the Railway Station to organised bus tickets for the return trip to Vancouver. Geoff then realised he had left his sunglasses (fit ons for his prescription glasses) in the car so they got a Taxis back to the hire car drop off to collect them. Another lucky save on sunglasses.

Collapsed I5 Bridge

They then enjoyed lunch of Chowder, Fish & chips on the Waterfront at Ivar's Fish Bar. Back to the Railway Station bus departed at 1.50pm with a total of 8 passengers on board. Another detour due to I5 Bridge collapse and border crossing back into Canada arriving back to Vancouver at 5.30pm. Following some info the girls had sent them earlier in the day they caught the SkyTrail back to the downtown area arriving back at the apartment at 6.30pm.

In contrast to the Boys early rising the girls had a sleepin. Debbie was awake and up at 8am and Betty about 9am. The weather here is raining and cool. Following breakfast and a slow start we finally left the apartment at 11am armed with rain jackets and brollies we headed to the Canada Place waterfront - Visitor Info Centre (VIC).  Main one is under renovation so had to find the replacement in the Convention Centre foyer. Decided to  purchase a 2 day pass for the Trolley street car Hop-on Hop-off as the rain seems to have set in and they are a covered Trolley/Tram style bus unlike the Big Bus which is open, to have a look around Vancouver. We shared a lovely plate of  Chinese Noodles, Veggies and Chicken in the food court for lunch, then headed to the bus stop to catch the 1.45pm Trolley. The Trolley has 2 circuits the Red & Blue line. We chose the Blue line as the Red line will take us to Stanley Park and will do that tomorrow with the boys. The commentary is live which is nice and very informative. Deb decided we should get off at Granville Island and visit the Markets (as the boys probably won't want to do that tomorrow). Still raining so brollies up and off we go across the bridge to find the Public markets. Interesting place to look around although much smaller than I expected. Lots of fresh meat and veggies. Interested to look at the prices compared to what we pay. Prime Rib $32.98 per pound which is about $66 per kilo. Bargains around on Strawberries 2 extra large punnets for $4. We resisted the fudge shop but did find a gourmet cake shop and had to try the Pecan Caramel Slice and it was yummo! That was our treat for today. Headed back to catch the bus stood in the rain for 20 mins when the Trolley arrived not enough room for us - just missed out so we had to wait in the rain for yet another 20 mins for the next one. Lucky we stayed at the front of the line as we got on that time.

Entrance to Granville Island

Stuart's Cake Shop - Granville Island Market

Rode it all the way back to Canada Place. Weather has cleared so a chance to take some photo's. Seaplane's take off from near here so watched a couple take off. Walked back to our apartment then down the road to investigate a place for dinner.

Seaplane

Canada Place - Cruise ship Terminal 

1288 W Georgia Street - Our Apartment block 3405 on the 34th Floor - (36  top floor)

Glass sculpture in fountain near our car park 

Arrived back at the room to find that Betty's key would not open the door so back down 34 floors to the Lobby to check it out. Lucky they had loos on the first floor we could use while we waited. The boys arrived back just as we finished in the loos. Key sorted and back up to our room. Quick round of photo's from the windows and balcony while the rain has stopped and the sky is clear. The off to dinner tonight we had dinner at the White Spot as we have 50% discount vouchers, Yep you kids would be pleased with us using discount vouchers. It is about 5-6 blocks down the road. Nice food and really good prices,  Deb & Peter Roast Turkey, Betty Halibut (Fish) & Chips and Geoff Chicken Pot Pie. Fine when we left Debbie took brolly just in case - lucky it was needed on the way home, the rain had started again. Back to our room at 8.50pm. Peter & Geoff tired so early nights for them. Yep time for me to head to bed also as it is almost midnight here once again.

Late afternoon view from Dinning Window

Dusk view from Dinning Window

Night  view from Dinning Window