PAT'S GAZETTE

AUGUST 31, 2003

We were up early this morning in preparation for our departure from Canada. We found the RV Park in Richmond comfortable and well suited to a Vancouver commute. The ferry to Vancouver Island was just 30 minutes from the park as well as the park provided quick access to downtown Vancouver. We ended up our visit in the area with a visit to Steveston Village, a marina restaurant complex where fisherman "hawk" their catch of the day from their boats on the wharf and restaurants prepare fresh seafood items (presumably fresh from the boats) for ones eating fare. It was a nice finale to our Canadian visit.

Saturday afternoon a London type bus arrived in the RV park that appeared to be a combination bus, sleeper and camper. It was home to an estimated 20 German tourists who have been touring Alaska and Canada for the last two months. A man and woman who are the apparent "guides" prepare the meals, keep things ship shape and look after things while their tourist guests are out and about seeing the sights. It was a rather neat approach to camping "communal style". We didn't talk to the inhabitants of the bus inasmuch as none seemed to speak our version of English and we couldn't speak their German. Nevertheless, they smiled and nodded friendly like so we felt accepted in spite of our language barriers. They seemed like a jolly lot in their late 60's - early 70's gray headed with a spring in their step and a smile on their face.

All in all we did not think that the Vancouver people that we met were as friendly as most of the Canadians that we encountered. We attributed this lack of cordiality (they weren't rude - just distant) to a more cosmopolitan populace and a significantly greater number of tourists who like us, were just trying to find their way around. Nevertheless, it was a most pleasant visit and we look forward to a return trip to this beautiful country.

Our next ordeal was clearing customs back into the U.S. We had forgotten our passports which we had been told was a recommended accompaniment . Terri expressed mail our passports to Monica for us to pick up before we left the States. We did not need them going into Canada but we thought that we might need them to speed our return. However, we met another American couple who had entered at another entry location and they had undergone a thorough inspection before they were granted entry. We just answered place of birth and purpose of visit and were waved on through As it turned out our reentry was complicated by Ken going into the wrong line as we entered the border station. Our reentry was somewhat confused between agriculture, immigration and customs so everything went as well as could be expected though there was a certain air of intolerance at the gate for our failure to properly read their posted CLEAR instructions. However, the man in customs was very nice in spite of some concern about the meat in the freezer that I had repackaged at home for quick meal preparation for two. He explained that in our best interests Customs is particularly concerned about meat coming in from Canada because of the "mad cow" problem. (Little did he know that he might be speaking to a "mad cow" if he confiscated our meat.) Luckily for him and us, he believed our story when we said we bought it in the States. Our "larder" was spared. As he talked and explained the guidelines, I could only think that we should not have eaten so many meals out, but alas - all was well. It is good that our "big brother" was looking after us.

Customs cleared we proceeded down the highway where Ken noted fishermen on the rivers and grew excited about the prospect of salmon fishing. All of my plans for Seattle and vicinity went out the window as he prepared to fish for the big ones. As it turned out he didn't catch anything in Seattle but his fishing urge was motivated.

Tuesday, September 2 - People to see and things to do, we departed our Tall Chief RV Park abode at 9:30 AM. After a brief stop for a telephone call, we departed Redmond for Ocean Shores near Ocean City, Washington where a cold wind welcomed us to the Coast. Ken had looked forward to our visit to this area because of its rugged coast and as we surveyed the landscape and drove along the beach, the breaking surf ignited our fantasies as to what the storms along this coast must be like. We then drove up the Coast to Pacific Beach where Ken found a fishing river. Another man was already in residence along the banks there so Ken joined him and threw his lines out in hopes of bringing in a big one. Alas, no such luck. However, as the two men pitched their line out and reeled it in a good sized salmon jumped not five feet from them as if thumbing its nose at them. So, at least they know there are fish there - whether or not Ken can go back tomorrow and catch one will be the subject of my next report. It is time for bed so will catch you up on our fishing luck tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 3- Ken spent the day alternating between fishing from the rocks and fishing the rivers. So far, no fish but he is a "happy camper". In the meantime, he messed up my travel schedule but alas, I am just a fellow traveler who goes where my master bids! DUH!

Thursday, September 4 - A drive around the bay to Westport where Ken checked out the deep sea fishing opportunities. He finally concluded that we should be on our way so we are prepared to depart ocean Shores in the morning with a stop in Vancouver Washington before going on to the Dells on the Columbia River in Oregon. This has been a very comfortable, private and nice park for rest and relaxation. Ken's back has chosen to be a little "off" today so he has been a little more cautious with his rambling around so alas, still no fish. A fishing trip from Westport would cost him $80 so that will buy a lot of fish in the market but it won't entertain "his nibs". Isn't that just the saddest story you ever heard?