From Seattle to Vancouver

The morning came quickly and Dale was up and showered and heading to breakfast! I quickly showered and got ready. I'm not a breakfast person, I drink a protein drink every morning but without that option, I had limited choices. Before I realized it, I had missed a call. Our driver was here!!!! I was checking out while Dale took our bags out. I wasn't expecting the vehicle they sent, but it was AWESOME (of course no photos, sorry). They sent a Cadillac Escalade! Our driver was very nice and helpful, had bottles of water waiting for us. He pointed out points of interest on our short ride to the train station. We could have taken a taxi as traffic was almost non existent at that hour, but I didn't want to chance it. We NEEDED to be at the train station early to ensure we had left side of train seats. I've taken Amtrak several times now but never where seats were assigned; basically, you got on the train and found a seat.

We arrived at the train station about 6:15 I believe and headed right into the the seat assignment line. Immediately we met Nicole and her son Ari. We've been 'talking' to Nicole via facebook and were so very happy we ran into her at that point. This was a bitter sweet trip for them as Nicole's hubby Josh had been tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident just a short time before the trip. Nicole thought of cancelling but we were so glad she did not. While standing in line we were informed we needed to take our bags to the 'checked baggage' area. Oh great, we had good spots in line. Oh well, we lugged them over and sent them on their way. This was new to me too as I've always had to lug my bags on the train and find somewhere to 'stow' them. With the checked bags (they had to be under 50 pounds, thankful I packed well) and no liquids or meds (uh oh, I'm sure there were some in there but too late now) permitted in checked bags. We then got in line to get our seat assignments. We just stood around waiting. Dale took a walk to a near by Starbucks as it was time for some coffee. I have finally found something I can drink at Starbucks and was glad to have a nice cup of coffee. Soon they opened the seat assignment window and started taking all the business class passengers first (now I know why). After checking all them in, they finally started with us (the low paying passengers). We got our turn and asked for left side of train seats. Nicole and Ari were right behind us so they too were given seats right behind us. 

After a short wait, it was time to board our train!!! More excitement, we are now on our way to Vancouver! This was a very relaxing trip and I would definitely recommend it to anyone that needed to get from Seattle to Vancouver. Tickets weren't bad (cheaper than the rental car) and we got to enjoy the views and talk with our new friends along the way. While checking in on the free wi-fi, we found others from our group were also on the train so we set about to say hello! It was great to 'meet' people you've been talking to for the past few months (or more than a year for those of us that booked opening day).

After a quick four hour trip we were in Vancouver and getting out bags to go through customs. It was a painless process and didn't take to long. We found our way out of the train station to the taxi area and very quickly had a taxi to our hotel. Those who haven't been to Vancouver take note, MOST taxis are TINY!!! The two of us and our luggage took the entire vehicle with one of our carry on bags being stored in the front passenger seat. In no time we were at our hotel! I changed hotels a couple times in the quick time I decided we were going to go this route. I was very pleased with my choice. We stayed at the Best Western Downtown Vancouver on Drake Street. The hotel was beautiful! I posted a review in Tripadvisor. 

It was too early to check in so we dropped our bags (they are kept in a locked area until we returned). I checked the computer in the lobby for the closest shuttle stop as we were meeting up with friends at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver. It was only a couple blocks from our hotel so we double checked which direction we needed to head out. As we walked down the one block it definitely felt like we were in a "city" as there were some people who appeared to be homeless and a shelter along that block. We stopped in a Subway for a quick lunch before getting the free shuttle the park offers. The shuttle picked up right in front of a Best Western two blocks from ours. In no time the shuttle arrived (it is clearly marked for the Capilano Park vs the other 'free' hotel or paid hop on and off shuttles/buses). Once on board the driver mentioned that he was having issues and we'd be picking up another shuttle at the next stop. Ok, no biggie we thought; but we arrived at the next stop and the shuttle wasn't there yet so we sat for a few. We had to drive around the block once and then the new shuttle arrived and we were off to the park. At the next stop who gets on our bus but Nicole and Ari!!! I was so glad to see them and to get to spend some more time with them.

We arrived at Capilano Park and shortly after entering the park ran into our friends Ginny & Shanea (hadn't seen them in two years) and as we went around the corner we saw Kim & Adam (hadn't seen in about 18 months)! We introduced Nicole & Ari to everyone and then started to make our way through the park.

Upon entering the park you can decide to go across that suspension bridge or walk around on this side of the bridge. We all opted for the bridge. About 1/2 way across we find out that Ginny is afraid of heights and we are REALLY high up!!!

This was the bridge we crossed!  Once we got across though there was a lot of exploring to do! We enjoyed all the views and places to climb. There was an Jr. Adventure activity that Ari did with Nicole. We all enjoyed the different walkways and views.  

After enjoying this side of the park it was back across the suspension bridge to the side we entered on.  There we enjoyed some yummy ice cream (and coffee for others) before we headed to the CliffWalks!

After a wonderful day with friends it was time to head back to our hotel (and check in). When returning to the exit area you are directed to the correct shuttle for your hotel drop off (but they sent Nicole & Ari on the wrong one). Our shuttle driver on the way back was a riot, we swear he was a Jersey or NY driver, lol. We said goodbye to our friends and that we'd see them in the morning at the port because TOMORROW WE WERE GETTING ON THE WONDER!!!!

Dale & I took a slightly different walk back to our hotel from the shuttle stop and found the next block to be much nicer and several places we could stop for a coffee or snack. We arrived back at our hotel and checked in (very quickly), gathered our luggage and off to our room. We had a corner room with a nice view from windows on both walls. The room was very nice and comfortable. 

We checked out the hotel and decided it was time to get a bite to eat. There is a restaurant right in the lobby so we decided to eat there. It was a very good meal, decent price and great service. After dinner we decided to walk to Starbucks a couple blocks away but found they had closed already so it was Tim Hortons for some coffee. We checked in with home on the free wifi and people watched for a little before heading back to our hotel. We were a bit blow away at the availability of 'medical marijuana' in both Seattle and Vancouver. This medical dispensary was just a block from our hotel.

We went up to the rooftop to check out the fitness are and deck and enjoyed the views.

Time to hit the hay since we have a cruise to catch in the morning!