We are back on the Pacific Coast Rd as we enter Washington and our big objective was to take Billy Thunder to the beach- not a road or parking lot next to the beach, but right on the beach- the longest driveable beach in the world. I assume that you're supposed to drive at a substantially reduced rate, but DH (where the 'D' stands for Daytona 500) had beach goers and seagulls scattering as she plowed through a number of sand castles while doing a number of high speed donuts in the sand. Much of the beach seemed to be set aside for the vehicles and most of the vehicles were 4x4's but every now and again we'd see some poor soul who didn't seem to understand the limitations of a rear-wheel drive family sedan in beach sand. Presumably the local tow truck operator is a big supporter of long beach drives.

Long Beach was also home to the world's largest frying pan- when we talked to people before setting out on this roadtrip, I had used the largest frying pan as an example of the kinds of exciting adventures we were in for (while DH rolled her eyes). As it turns out I probably shouldn't have done that because it really wasn't all that big, and it wasn't even a real frying pan. I wonder if anyone else has ever built up a frying pan to the point where it couldn't possibly deliver against expectations??

I'm not sure it was factual but Billy seemed to have a little extra pep after his frolic in the sand. It was our last stop along the coast and it was time to cut across the state as we looked to re-enter The Great White North at the Osoyoos border crossing. Not coincidently, the closer we got to our first cup of Tim Hortons coffee in months, the faster DH was driving. It was no longer a question of whether or not she'd get out of the car for the latest in a long line of oddball roadside attractions- there would be no more stopping until her first Tim Hortons Double/Double coffee and a Cinnamon-Raisin, toasted bagel (with butter) had been properly celebrated.

I’m hoping the Canadian Border Guards are as understanding of her pressing coffee infatuation as I am.