Day #29 - Hello Canada!

The Peace Arch at the Canadian/US border
(grabbed off the internet, since it was dark
when we saw it!)

Today we left the seaside town of, er, Seaside where we had spent a charming evening enjoying the sunset and another bubble maker, and headed north.

Our destination was Vancouver in Canada which meant a long drive. 332 miles in fact. Google told us this would be a seven hour drive. In reality, with stops, roadworks and general traffic congestion, we ended up being on the road for about 10 hours. Now anyone who knows me will tell you that I only usually drive for two hours at a time and three is about my limit. So this journey did test me especially since I was doing all the driving! But I am getting ahead of myself. 

Before we set off, we took a bit of a detour and headed from Seaside to Cannon Beach. This is a spectacular stretch of coast as you can see with these amazing stacks, the tallest is 72m and has a cave system within it. We just enjoyed the view from the hilltop since we didn't have time to explore more. The Goonies finale was filmed here (the bit where they all emerge from the cave and the pirate ship sails away). Another section of the film was also shot here. The hilltop from where we observed the coast was where the film people built the Fratelli's hideaway. It is no longer there, but there is a plaque to commemorate its existence!

Where the Fratelli's hideout was built.

Time to hit the road, and to be honest, there is not much else to say! We stopped off at various petrol stations and fast food places along the way to refuel both the car and ourselves, but the views weren't that great (apart from the initial drive along the Oregon coast). One highlight was James finally got to eat in Taco Bell, so he was a happy man! This is mainly because he took me to one in Cheltenham once which was probably the worst meal we had out together. So we were wanting Taco Bell to redeem itself - which it did!

As we left Astoria, we had to cross Astoria-Megler Bridge. This is one tall and long bridge! As we both don't care for heights, this was going to make for interesting driving! 

We did wave at Seattle as we drove through it (we return there next week). 

Seattle from the freeway.

We crossed into Canada without a hitch and drove into Vancouver. Satnav delivered us to our hotel perfectly which is located in the downtown area of the city. This hotel is the poshest one we have stayed in to date which caused us some amusement upon arrival. Let me explain.

The hotel has valet parking and the attendants naturally were very courteous and friendly when we arrived. However, they couldn't really hide their bemusement when we stumbled out of the car, complete with all the debris ten hours in the car brings! Plus we weren't exactly dressed like the other guests having travelled in our standard t shirts and shorts. This was in contrast to the driver of the Ferrari that pulled out of the hotel when we arrived! We were definitely not in Comfort Inn territory anymore!

Our room is stunning. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, but what they won't tell you is that the bathroom floor has underfloor heating! So luxurious! Notice the cute slippers beside the bed - nice touch. 

After getting settled, we had a mooch about the hotel to find the gym and swimming pool. We are here for three night and we plan on using all the facilities! We then headed out into town to see what Vancouver nightlife had to offer. 

Our first impressions of the city were really positive. Canada is known for its friendliness and the city didn't disappoint. 

How's this for a beautifully illuminated church? Notice the belltower on the right. 

We ended up in a gay bar (well you would, wouldn't you?) and met some lovely people before heading to a club for a boogie where we met some more lovely people, including a go-go dancer doing his thing in a shower cubicle! And I think that's where I need to leave today's installment!

Don't bother zooming in - I've blurred it out! haha