Yesterday, I took advantage of the hop-on-hop-off bus to remind myself of the geography of Vancouver. I slept well last night, and was up in good time for today’s trip to Whistler just over 75 miles away. I didn’t need anybody to suggest this excursion; I had it in mind to make the journey if I happened to be in Vancouver for more than just a day. A bus runs daily, at least twice in both directions, from almost opposite the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. For convenience, and out of curiosity, I tried breakfast in the Hotel, knowing from previous experience that value for money would not be forthcoming! I didn’t opt for the all you can eat buffet, but the light choices I made didn’t come to much less than the full works deal at $39 (Canadian) + tax + 15% gratuity. It’s a pity I didn’t take photos of where I had breakfast, in a part of the dining area decorated like a chess board. Annoyingly, on the trip that was cancelled due to covid, my travel agent had arranged a brilliant deal where breakfast was included at all the Fairmont Hotels. When eventually the trip I am on now was put together, room only was the only option except in Washington and New York, where breakfast is included.
Exactly on the dot of 10 o’clock this morning, the coach which I had boarded ten minutes or so earlier left from in front of the Hyatt Regency where I stayed three years ago. This is an alternative to the rather expensive organised conducted tours that are always available. However, it is “swings and roundabouts” in that if you opt for the cable rides to Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, that will add around $90 to the initial fare of $41 including tax. But, that is $90 very well spent. The first cable car takes one over 6,000 feet above sea level to Mt. Whistler. You then, whenever you wish take the Peak 2 Peak cable car to the equally spectacular Mt. Blackcomb, also in excess of 6,000 ft above sea level. If you have a head for heights, this is a must-do. The views are unsurpassable, but I do expect to be equally enamoured with the Grand Canyon in a week or so. I shall leave a few images of today, which was perfect in that we had no commentary in either direction on the coach. Peace, perfect peace!
An excellent day, one I had not really planned, except possibly on a “distant back-burner”. When I am so far from home, I kind of think it incumbent on me to attempt something definite and hopefully worthwhile. Every box was ticked today. A scenic bus journey to a well known and established resort town in a fairy-tale setting. And the cable car trips offered the finest views imaginable. It is with some regret that I leave Vancouver in indecent haste tomorrow, as I shall depart each city on my Round North America, (mainly U. S. A.) tour. There might be time to squeeze one final excursion in the morning, but I must be in good time for the Amtrak service to Seattle which because of the continuing effects of the pandemic….is a bus! Ironically, it’s far quicker by bus! Amtrak’s new Cascades trains will enter service in the winter. Just a bit of a note here; I paid for a first class rail ticket. The train was replaced by a bus. My refund after pointing out that I had a first class rail seat booked and paid for? I will leave you to guess!
Tonight, I enjoyed my favourite Thai Green curry in the super trendy and joyously noisy Cactus Club, just down the road from Hotel Vancouver. It’s a young vibrant professional clientele this place appears to seek to attract. The darkened booths may be set aside for ageing tourists! The attractive Vancouver-born waitress, Emily, had me lamenting my three score years and thirteen!
It’s 22.01 hrs. I enjoyed my Thai Green Curry and a spot of delicious Canadian ice cream with a decaff coffee. It’s a short walk to the Hotel Vancouver, and a long complicated procedure crossing the border into the United States!
Many thanks for reading, David, 22 04, awaiting the bill, The Cactus Club.
David's Cruise 