The early worm 🪱 gets used as bait! Only fishermen and donut makers should ever be up at this time. Our Lift driver Said was right on time at 5:30 a.m. We arrived at Vancouver Central Pacific Train Station and was standing in line from 5:45 to 6:20 before being herded to US Customs. We were asked several questions like, Where are you coming from? Where are you going? Are you bringing anything into the country? Not the “Your lucky we didn’t pull you out of your car and throw you to the ground!” Speech! I’ll never forget that.

A much better experience than Sault Ste Marie. We are seated on the train and are enjoying the rocking ride. The graffiti is truly scintillating, and if it’s where they can get to it, they sprayed on it! There was maybe four or five miles between Vancouver and Seattle that didn’t have some form of stationary or rolling canvasses. At one point I thought there were some deer that had been tagged. Yeppers just sayin’…

Breakfast on the train! Cup of joe and a weird breakfast burrito. Dang black beans don’t go in a breakfast burrito! Anywho, we sat back for the ride. We made several stops between Vancouver and Seattle. We let out a silent yippee when we actually crossed back into the United States! It just feels good.

We made it to Seattle right on time. It took us a while to get our luggage and then we headed out onto the street pulling and pushing our suitcases. Up an elevator crossed the street then we met a pay before you enter gadget. Next, round the corner and I asked a police officer for directions. Down the elevator and we waited on a platform. 6 minutes and the Rail train arrived. Cramp trying to hold onto suitcases that roll while suddenly speeding up and slowing down. Not so bueno!

We checked our bags. Went through security and this time Heather didn’t poke the bear trying to single me out for a probing. We had lunch and moseyed down to our gate. Our plane was parked where we had to use some outside ramps to board but all was well. We love Alaskan Airlines!

Another landing and picking up yet another rental car. Yeah, it’s a Nissan! That’s what we drive at home so we should know where the buttons are.

We had dinner plans with Ava Lewin a first cousin once removed. Dinner was at a bustling restaurant called Sidewinders. Very good food which explains why they were so busy. It was a great time getting caught up with her and about family. We probably went a little overboard on our travel adventure stories. Ava impressed us with her career choice, her travel experiences, and dedication in enjoying an active lifestyle. Her location to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife can only add to her quality of life. Thank you for spending time with us. We will pass on your hugs to all the family in Alabama next weekend.

We are so tired! We called our hotel and explained our change of plans for tonight. We informed them we would be there in the morning. We booked a nice hotel here in Bozeman Montana. I don’t think we will have any problem falling asleep 💤

“I have seen the Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, and the Yellowstone… but here is a grander sight than any of them.” – Walt Whitman

His belief that a shared human moment holds more depth and spiritual reality than any grand canyon or mountain peak.