Vancouver, BC 9/26

Mr. Sandals & FC Loading up in Manning Park for the 4 hour ride. 

Landed in Vancouver. 

We are really off trail now. We are in one of those sleepless cities that hums all night and day and it doesn't matter if the sun goes down there are plenty of lights on. We and the Germans took the Greyhound at 10:00 this morning and arrived in the big city by 2:30. Buses stop a lot. It probably would have taken half the time by car. While FC and TC were snoozing or looking at the forests stream by Princess was planning how to get from the greyhound station to her hotel. She was off and running and knew where to go, almost like she had lived here for years. We all followed her, once again but after the first bus we went our separate ways. The bus went by a district of what appeared to be homeless, toothless people which affirmed that we were in a big city. Passing by China town FC realizes they look exactly the same as the ones she has seen in Toronto and San Fransisco. Unmistakeable open store fronts sprawling onto the sidewalks baring their wares to all. The signs were all in Chinese and certain foods unidentifiable.Our bus driver, a man with a foreign accent was yelling at an emaciated toothless women to hurry up and get off the bus. She had on spiked heels, was gumming a piece of beef and waiting for her companion to give her some money. It was a crazy moment. When TC and FC disembarked, FC's pack got in the way of someone walking his bike on the sidewalk and he swore at her. Re- entry was more of an all out assault on our defenseless nature babies. The smells, perfumes, colognes, bus and car exhaust played havoc on FC's nose which began running immediately. Having grown up in Toronto she was not shocked by any of this but it did not  create calmness and peace in her head or heart. Cities are all about people and their creations.  Any nature found in them seems a bit out of place and a passing thought by some saavy contractor trying to make his building more pleasing and attractive to potential buyers. Even leashed dogs walking down the streets with their owners looks insane. Birds are city birds landing on crumbs and outdoor patio tables scrounging for human left overs. FC saw a crow fly over her head with a large white bag in its beak. These creatures adapt but FC wonders about animal karma; is it better karma to be born in the Sierra or Vancouver? Cities move in and nature moves out. Crazy moves in and serenity moves out. So it goes. 

      We got to our hotel and of course needed to eat food. We travelled no further than downstairs to Moxie's Bar and Grill. The interior was chique and modern and so were the wait staff. Tight fitting, butt hugging sleek black skirts and  towering spiked heels appeared to be the uniform for the stunning young ladies. Talk about eye candy after seeing and smelling nothing but dirty hikers for 6 months. We were in the big city now, not small simple outback cowboy towns. This is where fashion rules and to our nature bumpkins it was better than watching TV. Jus t watching these beautiful people wiping and setting tables, balancing trays of food and being interested in you felt a bit naughty. 

        Along with the shiny glamour cities brings us DELICIOUS FOOD. Moxie's did not disappoint. The cheddar broccoli soup was perfect. TC did her favorite thing and mixed every flavor she could find: coconut something soup with a lettuce wrap of Asian ingredients. FC could not resist trying a hamburger that had the potential of being exceptional. Dessert was sticky toffee pudding! Cities can bring it in the food department.

        After being fed we headed over to the Fairmont Hotel on the pier to meet Lory and Janet, our new travelling mates. We walked. Imagine that! But walking in the city can be exhausting. Just trying to stay alive took up a large part of our attention.

     We finally met our friends Lory and Janet, our new travelling companions, at the Waterfront Fairmont where they surprised us with dual sets of T-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating our PCT hike. They were designed by Lory and custom made. These ladies never stop giving. We had a happy reunion and then we trekked back to our hotel, our eyelids half closed. Late nights are upon us. 

       This hotel was recommended to us by OG, a fellow PCT finisher. We saw them the next morning buying their coffee and pastries at Starbucks. We went down the street to a French Bakery and indulged in lots of butter and milk (lattes and croissants and pastries).some aspects of re-entry don't suck. After our breakfast of desserts we headed over to the Fairmont, our new home for a night. On the way, dressed once again with our backpacks on, we meet Teddy Rose dressed similarily. She will be heading to Seattle to meet with Glitter again. She doesn't have much of a plan. OG and his gang plan to rent a car and drive across the US to the east coast where they live. These 3 young gents will continue their adventure for awhile longer. Our adventure will also continue on the sea.

       We meet Princess and Mr. Sandals for our final dinner with them accompanied with Lory and Janet. We go to Gastown, the old part of Vancouver and enjoy a tasty meal at a restaurant recommended by the concierge. Our goodbyes to Princess and Mr. Sandals are short and sweet. None of us enjoy long wrenching goodbyes. We will keep in touch and meet again. The four of us made it together, along with Tortuga. The commraderie we shared helped us to finish with smiles on our faces and light hearts. We needed each other. 

     

Cityscape from Sandman. 

Puddin', OG, Cheeto at the Sandman Hotel. 

Our new custom T's designed by Lori. With the dates of our start & finish plus our trail name on sleeves. 

In the elevator selfie, with our packs still on. 

Our room at the Fairmont. 

Bathroom with TV in mirror. 

Our final celebratory dinner at Lillie Mays in Gastown. 

Breakfast in the Goldroom. 

Cityscape.