thethePete
Explorer
After Fort Rodd Hill, we took a drive past the parliament buildings, which were gorgeous. We would like to take the tour next time we go across. No pictures since we didn't really stop. Just around the corner was Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway (you'd think it would be "Kilometer Zero" but I guess that doesn't roll off the tongue as nice), and less than 300 yards away was the (former) world's tallest totem pole. The new record holder is located in a more remote native community further north.
Terry Fox, a Canadian hero.
Pictures don't do it justice. It's like, holy-crap-tall.
With our deadline approaching and traffic being what it is, we decided to start making our way to the ferry. A wise decision, we got there early enough to be one of the first cars in line (first on, first off); and we didn't have to wait an unreasonable amount of time. Just long enough to let the dogs stretch their legs and take a small wander around the terminal.
The final leg of the trip was upon us. And what a beautiful home stretch. The ferry ride was spectacularly scenic as it wound its way through very narrow passages between the islands before opening into the strait. With a stunning sunset casting its final light on us and Mt. Baker in the distance, we were pulling up to the dock before we knew it.
Quite the marel of engineering, really.
Mt. Baker glowing in the distance.
Our route
So much room for activities. This is not what you would call "open sea"
Good bye for now... We'll be back.
The drive home was short and easy, and just like that another trip was in the books. Certainly the best one I can recall. I always enjoy getting out, but this trip was particularly great for a whole host of reasons.
Now the debrief:
Camping: This tent sucks. I've had it for a few years and purchased it slightly impulsively when looking for a larger tent to use for vehicle camping. It's nice that it is tall enough for me to stand in portions, but the addition is not free-standing, and the tension placed on the zipper for entry has caused it to fail with greater frequency. Time to get something better. Free-standing would be nice, but just something more sturdy. I'm also seriously contemplating the idea of a platform and drawer system for my box with a cap. It would be a bit cozy with the animals as well, but we would all fit, since it's about the size of the mattress we use anyway. Either way, a new/larger vehicle is pretty much a requirement by next winter we plan on expanding the family.
Speaking of the mattress; I know air mattresses suck in the winter, but this was reinforced on this trip. We had a blanket under us wich cut some of the chill, but it was still not pleasant. It had been my intention to get this mattress, but I wasn't able to find one in time for the trip. It would have cured our woes for sure and made the camping experience much more enjoyable. The heater did a great job of keeping the chill off in the tent, but the conductive heat loss through the mattress made for cold hips for Rachel and I. Annie had an extra sleeping bag she was in and she slept snug and warm the whole time. The poor sleep quality was a major driving factor for the hotel rooms.
The truck. Part of the issue is that when I transfered my stereo over from my old car, I simply threw my sub box behind the driver's seat and was done with it. It's huge and kind of in the way, it essentially takes up half the back of the truck. We use it as a shelf, but that's about it. I have plans for a new one that will turn it into a flat platform only a few inches above the floor. This means Gabby can sit on that side securely, Annie can move back into her spot in the back seat, and everyone has room and comfort. The reality is I need something with 4 doors, but that's my own ongoing dilemma that I can sort out sometime over the next year or so.
Other than that, everything performed flawlessly. Truck got decent mileage, stove and heater worked great, everyone had a great time, and we made it home without incident. Sure this was a bit more of a road trip than a real "adventure" but everything is an adventure if you make it one
Terry Fox, a Canadian hero.
Pictures don't do it justice. It's like, holy-crap-tall.
With our deadline approaching and traffic being what it is, we decided to start making our way to the ferry. A wise decision, we got there early enough to be one of the first cars in line (first on, first off); and we didn't have to wait an unreasonable amount of time. Just long enough to let the dogs stretch their legs and take a small wander around the terminal.
The final leg of the trip was upon us. And what a beautiful home stretch. The ferry ride was spectacularly scenic as it wound its way through very narrow passages between the islands before opening into the strait. With a stunning sunset casting its final light on us and Mt. Baker in the distance, we were pulling up to the dock before we knew it.
Quite the marel of engineering, really.
Mt. Baker glowing in the distance.
Our route
So much room for activities. This is not what you would call "open sea"
Good bye for now... We'll be back.
The drive home was short and easy, and just like that another trip was in the books. Certainly the best one I can recall. I always enjoy getting out, but this trip was particularly great for a whole host of reasons.
Now the debrief:
Camping: This tent sucks. I've had it for a few years and purchased it slightly impulsively when looking for a larger tent to use for vehicle camping. It's nice that it is tall enough for me to stand in portions, but the addition is not free-standing, and the tension placed on the zipper for entry has caused it to fail with greater frequency. Time to get something better. Free-standing would be nice, but just something more sturdy. I'm also seriously contemplating the idea of a platform and drawer system for my box with a cap. It would be a bit cozy with the animals as well, but we would all fit, since it's about the size of the mattress we use anyway. Either way, a new/larger vehicle is pretty much a requirement by next winter we plan on expanding the family.
Speaking of the mattress; I know air mattresses suck in the winter, but this was reinforced on this trip. We had a blanket under us wich cut some of the chill, but it was still not pleasant. It had been my intention to get this mattress, but I wasn't able to find one in time for the trip. It would have cured our woes for sure and made the camping experience much more enjoyable. The heater did a great job of keeping the chill off in the tent, but the conductive heat loss through the mattress made for cold hips for Rachel and I. Annie had an extra sleeping bag she was in and she slept snug and warm the whole time. The poor sleep quality was a major driving factor for the hotel rooms.
The truck. Part of the issue is that when I transfered my stereo over from my old car, I simply threw my sub box behind the driver's seat and was done with it. It's huge and kind of in the way, it essentially takes up half the back of the truck. We use it as a shelf, but that's about it. I have plans for a new one that will turn it into a flat platform only a few inches above the floor. This means Gabby can sit on that side securely, Annie can move back into her spot in the back seat, and everyone has room and comfort. The reality is I need something with 4 doors, but that's my own ongoing dilemma that I can sort out sometime over the next year or so.
Other than that, everything performed flawlessly. Truck got decent mileage, stove and heater worked great, everyone had a great time, and we made it home without incident. Sure this was a bit more of a road trip than a real "adventure" but everything is an adventure if you make it one
