Still in Vancouver... and quite frankly it's wetter than Sheffield! Am combatting the rain by starting a scuba diving course tomorrow so that being wet won't matter (hah! beat that rain clouds!). Some of you might think that this is a slightly insane activity for the middle of winter in cold water, but apparently it's the best time of year to dive here as the visibility is 40m! I'll let you know if this is true or just some wild scam to get money out of innocent ...

Hi! I'm in Vancouver now enjoying the rain, but having a good time. Just signed up to do my PADI scuba course here next week. Yes, it'll be cold, but some of the best diving in the world apparently so it should be fun! Am staying with an old school friend of my Dad's in Kitslano near UBC. Vancouver is an amazing city with the most awesome mountains for a backdrop! You can ski after work in the evenings here!!!

Hey! I've been up said space needle and admired the amazing view of Puget Sound from the top... Seattle's a great city, lots of fun, lots of shops and mountains very close by... I'm either off to Vancouver or snowboarding at Mount Baker tomorrow! \ Hx

Hey Everyone, I\'m in Portland, Oregon and enjoying some rare dry, sunny weather. it\'s really mellow here and quite a small place so not much to do. I\'m off to Seattle tomorrow on another train journey. HOpefully it won\'t be 3hours late this time! Hannahx