On the road by 8:15 am after a great stay at the Ramada. $89 total, including tax and a good continental breakfast. We would stay here again. We will drive for a bit to the Outlet malls where we will have a break and then onto our 5:15 pm reservation on the ferry to take us to Victoria. The kids are excited about going on a big boat and this means we get to see my grandfather tomorrow! Pulled over at a scenic view point and were fascinated to see a "watch for rattlesnakes" sign, instantly causing Cooper to transition to tiptoe walking which he does whenever there may be anything nasty lurking about. Very beautiful view and then we drove over a long bridge over non-troubled water on our way. Having revived ourselves with Subway sandwiches for lunch, after an hour and a half shopping trip to the North Bend outlet mall, we are heading to the ferry along a nice scenic route. Brooke and Cooper are having cookies while watching Monsters versus Aliens for the millionth time so far this trip :). I feel pleased with my purchases at Stride Rite, which in the mall near us run 50 - 75 dollars a pair and here they are 20 - 25 dollars a pair, plus it was buy one get one at 50 % off..... need I say more? We are about an hour from the ferry, having navigated ourselves through a large amount of traffic, and thought of Leslie upon seeing a giant billboard advertising BudLight with Lime. Brooke is reading some Dr. Seuss books to Cooper and we are both happy that they are getting along so well. Thank goodness I keep some Bath and Bodyworks antibacterial hand gel and baby wipes in the car as we may have just encountered the most vile backwoods germ infested dirt heap of a gas station ever and it's matching outhouse! Safely sanitized and back in the vehicle with my favorite rat (if I was to have one) Ratatouille to keep us contented for the final 67 km's to the ferry. In an effort to appease James, I must write of the new kichenaid mixmaster bowl with attached handle and new mixmaster paddle he secretly purchased for me at the outlet mall - I am thrilled to have both! James is keeping me entertained with his impersonations of certain family members laughs, which I have to say, is of high entertainment value ;). Back in our van awaiting exit from the ferry and to cross through customs as we enter BC. Met a great couple on the ferry from Sequim, Washington visiting Victoria for the first time. They took our address as, if they are true to their word, they will be mailing something small to Holly (see Holly.... we do think of you)! In case you need a hint....the ferry departed from Port Angeles, which is close to La Push and Forks. Stumped? Think of sharp teeth, blood, and big hairy dogs :). The ferry crossing was good with highlights of James receiving cell phone service from Rogers and meeting the above mentioned couple, and nevermind the amazing sights. Unfortunately, the crossing also highlighted how James will be unable to go on even a simple ride at Disney as revealed in the cold sweat and green gills he developed a full one minute after setting off. We are headed to the Super 8 and have conveniently forgotten to mention to the kids that they do not have a pool.