We headed out of Everett (Seattle) to cross the border to the north.
We checked out the dos and don'ts of driving into Canada and what might or might not be permitted. We were relieved that each one of us would be permitted up to 20 kilograms of animal fat or suet -- each! Likewise, we could each take in up to
10 dead finfish that are not eviscerated
4 crustaceans with head on shell on
3 kilograms of molluscs
without having to obtain a special permit.
We filled up the car before crossing the border. And since we are heading into Canada, we don't want just any old gas, we want "Super Gas". Or maybe it was just named that because it's next door to Taco Bell...
It's good to know that the dispensing of toilet seat covers in Washington is being handled by professionals. Some things just don't need to be left to amateurs.
And apparently it's legal in Washington, too. I just saw a sign for "Marijuana Retail".
We have a bit of a wait at the border. We are prepared: passports, birth certificates, driver's licenses, DNA samples all ready.
Believe it or not, they let us in! A quick look at our passports, a few questions about where we were going and for how long and we were good to go. We were slightly disappointed that we were not queried about our transport of animal fat or crustaceans.
We missed a turn and had to stop for directions and restrooms. Ranjeet, at the local Esso station, was very helpful with directions and exceedingly clean restrooms.
We finally located the Sea to Sky Highway and set out in search of beautiful scenery, interesting sights and food! Following the signs but finding only a grocery store with no exceptional view of anything other than the parking lot, we asked for directions to a nice place to eat with a great view. Wow! The Beach House in Dundarave was fantastic and the view was unbelievable. There was even a wedding going on while we were there. Palm trees in Canada! Who knew???
The sea to sky highway was spectacular. There were unbelievable mountains, mountains with snow, rocky cliffs, a rain storm, evergreens, a waterfall, palm trees, waterfalls, the beach, and more!
One of our stops along the drive was at the Shannon Falls Provincial Park.
The drive back was even more spectacular.
After our fabulous drive on the Sea to Sky highway, we made our way back into Vancouver and promptly got lost. We were attempting to locate a souvenir shop but somehow got turned around and found ourselves in uncharted (for us) territory. We stopped for a break and asked for directions. Lizzie and I bought snacks and I used myb$5 and $10 Canadian bills to pay for them. I spotted something else to purchase, but only had Canadian coins left with which to pay. Since I had no idea what coin was what I just held them out to the cashier and told him to take whatever he needed to pay for the item!
We had a little trouble getting back into the U.S. Why was that, you ask? Customs violations? Immigration issues? Problem passports? Nooooo. Nothing like that.....
Back out into the city, we knew which road we needed and would spot it from time to time, but kept losing it. We finally broke down and turned our cellular data back on to find out way out!
Woo hoo! We made it back into the country!! The border guy joked with us, making comments about our names, photos and/or what we bought while across the border. Made our night!
U-turns: 1st Canadian; 1secret ; 1 around the stop sign ;
Tunnels: 3
Canadian cemeteries: 1
Arrests: 0
International data charges: $150. I wish I was kidding.
Hours lost in Vancouver: 2
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