US/Canada 2018

Vancouver Island. 20th August, 2018 For over 20 years, I can remember my parents taking about the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. We spent a lovely morning there today after a coach and ferry ride. Vancouver Island is three hours away from Vancouver, so it’s not just a case of catching a ferry ‘across the harbour’.   Interestingly, the lifeboats on the ferry were from ‘Life Raft Systems Australia”, so it was good to feel safe with some Aussie know-how. The gardens are amazing, built on the site of a former limestone quarry. They have been there for over 100 years and have thrilled millions of people.   After lunch we drove to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia and also on Vancouver Island. Unfortunately smoke from bush fires further west in British Columbia and California have meant that visibility is quite poor - so no mountain views. We have heard that the further north we go, the clearer it is. As I write, we, along with 500 other...

Credit cards were invented in the US, but their technology here (or lack of it) means they have been left behind compared to Australia. Back home, we’re all used to PayWave (or its equivalent) to buy anything under $100. Over $100 and you use your PIN. Here in the US and Canada, the concept is unknown. Fifty percent of all transactions will see your card ‘swiped’ with a signature required. The other fifty percent will read the chip in your card, but then you still have to sign. This means unnecessary delays for all transactions and I’m sure a significant amount of paper work as all those signatures are collated and stored? When you do sign, there is no checking of your signature with the back of your card or your passport or ID.   However when you’re handed the portable EFTPOS machine to hit ‘OK’ for your transaction, you’re presented with three more options. (1) is to tip 15%, (2) is to tip 10% and (3) is no tip. It works out the percentage for you. Needless to...

Vancouver 19th August, 2018 Today we did a tour of local attractions around Vancouver, including Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It was pretty busy going across, but it was well worth it. Unfortunately, smoke from bushfires further east has made its way to Vancouver and so the air is unusually grey. We then went to Grouse Mountain which hosts a raptor show, lumberjack show and two bears, who because they were hand reared cannot be released. Once again the normal view of Vancouver was not to be seen. Lots of pics below.

Vancouver 19th August, 2018 On Saturday, we boarded the Rocky Mountain train at the Seattle train station. Earlier that day we had visited the Space Needle and then the Smith Tower observatory in Pioneer Square. The Space Needle was opened in 1962 and last year, they installed a rotating glass floor on the lower level. Took a while to get used to, but all the visitors seemed to love it. In 1914, Smith Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. For more than one hundred years, it has remained a cultural icon of the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views and spectacular architectural beauty. After lunch we boarded the train for Canada. The train ride was first-class with snacks, drinks and dinner on board in the dining room. We got into Vancouver about 9.30pm and with a quick trip through customs got to our hotel. Arriving at night meant it was hard to see the city - but today (Sunday) we go on ...

Bainbridge Island 17th August, 2018 Today we took the 35 minute ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. I made this trip four times over a couple of years back in 2007/8 to be part of an organising committee for a conference. I made some great friends and we spent today with Kn and Charlene Moy, who live on the island. We showed Janine around the town of Poulsbo, where the conference was held - brought back lots of happy memories. Then we visited Bloedel Reserve, an inspiring public garden, created by a family who worked in the timber industry. It was beautiful. We ate lunch in Winslow and then talked until it was time to catch the ferry back to Seattle. Tomorrow we're heading for the Space Needle (like Centrepoint, only shorter) and then we start our 11 day Rocky Mountains Tour by train from Seattle to Vancouver.

Seattle August 16th, 2018 Today we explored Seattle from 'bottom to top'. First off was a fascinating 90 minute tour of the old city of Seattle, which is now buried beneath street level. The tour is a 'humorous stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889.' Old streets and shops are still underground and it was fascinating to learn about the history of this North-West pioneer town. After the tour we went back to Pike Market Place and caught the famous 'fish-throwing'. A fish stall is known for the tradition of fishmongers throwing fish that customers have purchased, before they are wrapped. After nearing bankruptcy in 1986, the fish market owner and employees decided to become "world famous", changing their way of doing business by introducing their flying fish, games, and customer performances. Four years later, they were featured repeatedly in...

Seattle August 15th, 2018 Today we left Venice Beach, checked in our rental car and took the shuttle to the airport. Whilst we got to the airport a couple of hours early, we were told that LAX traffic can be horrific, so we didn't want to take the risk. We ordered two American Breakfasts at the airport and spent an enjoyable time watching the world go by. The check-in and security process was very smooth and their new bag scanner means you can leave everything in the bag. No need to take out laptops, phones, etc. That's what Australia needs. I have only visited Seattle in mid-season. I did four trips in 2007/08 as a member of a committee organising a conference. Today is was 32 degrees with smoke from the recent California bush fires very evident. We visited Pike Market today and planned out our next two days. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a great and our Rocky Mountains Tour leaves from here on Saturday.