Day 1 - Our Alaska Adventure Begins

Another adventure begins.  My sis and I are headed "North to Alaska" today - finally!  Actually, we are headed for Vancouver, BC, Canada, which is the first stop on our adventure.  Carol and I have been planning this trip, and counting the days, for almost a year.  We saved, we researched, we scheduled, we agonized over what to pack, we talked to everyone we know who's ever been to Alaska, we over-thought every detail, and we've been ready to leave for nearly a week now.  We both packed early, and weighed and re-weighed our suitcases just to be sure we were under the 50 lb. max allowed by the airlines. And we are ready!!!!!

So this morning we were up very early, before the sun even. John dropped me at Carol's house, where we waited impatiently for our shuttle to pick us up and take us to LAX for our flight.  Everything went well, we got to the airport in plenty of time, and then the flight was actually an hour late in leaving.  But finally, we landed in Vancouver, BC, where our adventure begins.  Going through customs was very easy, and Carol was very excited to get the very first stamp in her brand-new, pristine passport.

Welcome to Canada

Vancouver, BC

The hotel is actually located inside the airport, very convenient, and soon we were checked into our absolutely gorgeous room . . .

Two comfy cozy queen-sized beds

And a bathroom that felt more like a spa.

The view from our room over-looked the airport and the Canada Line Train . . .

Vancouver Airport & Canada Line Train

We were eager to have a look around, so we headed to the train and took it to Yale Center where we dined on yummy fish and chips.  Then we hopped back on the train and on to Canada Place to check  out the waterfront . .

Canada Place 

Here we are on the waterfront, with Vancouver in the background

It's such a pretty place to walk.

Gorgeous flower baskets hang from all the light standards

Another view

We enjoyed watching the pontoon planes taking off and landing

Check out all the containers headed to who knows where

Another view of the boardwalk

And from the other side

We enjoyed some ice cream (gotta have ice cream on vacation!) and then took the train back to our hotel to relax and anticipate all the fun and excitement to come.  Stay tuned . . . .