After saying our goodbyes to Bruce's mom and brother we set off from Penticton for Vancouver using the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3). In the past we have driven out on the Coquihalla Highway but thought this would be a nice change. The Crowsnest highway is not a divided highway but has lots of passing lanes and today we had a couple of long stops where some of the rock faces were being cut back to minimise rock falls onto the highway.

The trip was picturesque, when it wasn’t pouring down with rain and/or foggy. It was an uneventful drive although we did see one deer crossing the road. No bears this time.

We had organised to call in on a friend (Bev) in New Westminster on the way however due to a mix up in communications she was not able to meet up with us.

Upon arrival in Vancouver we checked into the hotel to find that we had made an error booking our accommodation – had booked it for June not July! Must have been a "senior moment". Anyway they had more rooms and did give us the internet rate which was good. Just as well that we had only booked one night.

Next morning we checked out and walked over to Granville Island. We have spent a bit of money here in the past but not on this trip. As it was, our luggage weight was marginal and we were taking as much as we could as cabin baggage without looking like it was difficult to carry. It was a lovely day and we had a good look around the shops, had some lunch and just enjoyed the area – a good relaxing time and some exercise before our looooong flight back to Auckland.

On the way to airport we took a deviation through the suburb (Dunbar) where Bruce used to live. It had not changed too much and, being relatively close to the city, was now a very expensive area to live. Dropping off the rental we then had a few hours to wait before leaving at 2030.