Goodbye Vancouver

 Woke to a very chilly morning which was a bit of a shock after the mild weather we have had.  Thankfully the rain had passed through but we did have to use our jackets for the first time.

The friendly shuttle driver took us back to the airport and we were able to deposit our bags at left luggage, with the exception of our very small day packs.  Bought a day pass for the public transport system, which is fantastic, and caught the train into the city.  Always interesting watching people and everyday life when using trains and buses.

Our main aim was to hire bikes and cycle around Stanley Park, which we managed to achieve.  The bikes were great, comfortable and with plenty of power.  We cycled right around the park, along the waterfront, and enjoyed some of the early flowering shrubs.  Lots of life along the different wharves with plenty of ships anchored waiting to berth.  There were seaplanes coming and going but there always seemed to be a building in the way to prevent us watching them landing and taking off.

Our day pass also allowed us to catch the 'sea bus' across to the opposite side of the harbour.  There are two of them and they leave every 15 minutes - an amazing service.  We enjoyed getting a different perspective of the city.

With an hour to spare before we needed to return to the airport, we wandered some of the streets near the waterfront.  It was definitely an interesting part of the city and probably not where you would want to be after dark!  Found the Gaston Steam Clock (mainly because there were so many people standing around waiting for it to build up its head of steam every 4.5 minutes).  The clock has recently been refurbished as part of the regeneration of this part of the town.  Apparently it used to be called Skid Row and it's still easy to see why.

The train trip back to the airport was entertaining with a group of school kids, full of mischief and energy.  Can't imagine what they got up to once they were off the train.

We're now in that 'no man's land' of waiting for our boarding call - a little bit exciting but also a bit stressful.  Only one for flight until we can give Ella a hug!

Impressions of Canada:  lots and lots of trees, beautiful scenery, clean, friendly people, cyber trucks and no bears.