Day 3: Kelowna to Vancouver

I know I promised to update this yesterday, but I was more preoccupied with finding dinner so the blog lost out.

Anyway, yesterday was a pretty busy day...



First off, the morning brought a momentous occaision. After musing about it on and off for 6 years, I am now officially a citizen of the province of British Columbia. Its pretty exciting, although it may take me a while to get used to having BC plates.






Later in the morning we had a visit from our friend Erika and her mother Elizabeth. I hadn't seen Erika in a while, so it was nice to catch up with her and to meet her charming mother.









Anyway, it was time to hit the road enroute to a new addition to the trip, Vancouver!







Across the lake and over to Westbank enroute to the 97 Connector. The MP for Westbank and area is none other than the Honourable Stockwell Day.

I think he wants you to know that, too.








Retracing my steps back towards Merritt so I can get back on to my beloved Coquihalla.









The toll booth on the Coquihalla. They charge $10 to travel this highway... I'd pay a lot more, but i'm not complaining.






Now off the Coquihalla and onto Highway 1 coming through the Fraser Valley. For some reason, the Fraser Valley and the cities of Chilliwack and Abbotsford remind me very much of Red Deer. I think the major similarities are the overwhelming presence of rednecks and Christians.

I suspect the major difference, aside from geography, is the percentage of the population who smoke and/or grow pot.




About to cross the mighty Fraser River. I first crossed this river just past the BC/Alberta border on Saturday. From there it winds its way down through the mountains to the Lower Mainland. A few miles from here, she flows into the Georgia Strait and out into the ocean.






Nothing says "Welcome to Vancouver" like a trip down East Hastings.

For those who don't know, this would be Vancouver's infamous "downtown east side".






Finally arrived in Vancouver!

Total distance travelled today: 409km










Time for dinner and drinks with Mike and Matt. Mike, the Liberal, is the one drinking water.

Cheers!