NWP 6. 4am. Really?

19 & 20-Aug-24 Vancouver

Time for a little excursion into the mountains. Car hired. Subaru Ascent SUV is less car more tank. Could invade Russia in this. Not really Putin. Just joking.

Hour’s drive to the Sea to Sky Cable Car. For amazing views for lunch overlooking snow capped mountains and a lake made turquoise with glacial deposits. The wonders of modern technology at the top of a mountain 3,000ft up allow me to dial into my village theatre group’s committee meeting. I being Treasurer. Feigning a modicum of interest in village activities thousands of miles away for an hour as I admire the view. It being 8pm UK time. Lunchtime here.

Further foray just north of Squamish to the Watershed Grill on the Squamish River. Photos below. Virgin River fans will recognise it as Jack’s Bar.

The area is known as Eagle Run. River is a breeding ground for salmon. Eagles love nothing better than fresh salmon plucked out of the river. Four soar overhead. Impressive sight as they float on the thermals.

The drive back to Vancouver should take about 90 minutes. But. This doesn’t take account of rush hour traffic. Or accidents. Queue for the Lions Gate Bridge. And queue. Don’t do queues. Divert away and back on to Highway 1 to drive over the Ironworkers Bridge on the eastern side of Vancouver. Because that will be quicker. Won’t it.

Well it would have been. Were it not for another accident. And rush hour traffic.

Eventually drive through the dock area east of Downtown. Jeez. Another side to Vancouver.

Things don’t improve turning on to East Hastings Street leading to the city centre.

Jeez.

Hundreds of homeless camped out on the street both sides. Some in tents. Some in dens. Some so spaced out on drugs acting all statue like in weird poses. Some just comatose looking dead on the pavements.

It’s like driving through a scene of some dystopian Zombie Apocalypse film.

Ensure car doors are locked.

In complete contrast, a couple of hours later find myself having dinner in one of Vancouver’s finest restaurants (Five Sails) enjoying a foie gras custard amuse bouche, scallops with an nduja emulsion and herb crusted halibut plus a few rather nice glasses of white wine.

With the most amazing view of the harbour and Grouse Mountain. Oh yes. Rather be here than spaced out on East Hastings Street. This is why I work.

Waiter is from Yorkshire. Tha knows.

A person, we’ll call it Deirdre, in a silver sequined jacket, short skirt and heels is shown to the table just in front and to the side of where I am. Well made up with lipstick, powder and paint.

Judging by the gruff voice, Deirdre could have been a Derek in a former life.

Looks over to me. Smiles. And says hello. In a seductive manner.

Oh bloody hell.

Spend the rest of the meal cowering behind a convenient column between us.

Tuesday is the final day in Vancouver. And possibly the last of the blog if there is no internet in remote Arctic waters. What’s that I hear. Hooray is it?

Have to change hotel from the Pan Pacific with amazing views (have I mentioned the amazing views before) to the Hyatt Regency. Why. You may ask. Well. The Hyatt Regency is the holding hotel for the Hurtigruten.

Given an information pack. And confirmation of departure time tomorrow morning.

Wait for it.

Those who know me know I don’t do mornings.

Departure at 4AM!!!

What the?!?

Jeez.

Someone will be a grumpy little ogre in the morning.

Oh wait.

That’ll be me!