- Hunkering down in Chicago
- Chicago to Spokane
- Spokane to Seattle
- Seattle to 150 Mile House
The Empire Builder pulled into the Seattle train station a good 6 hours late. Our connect bus to Vancouver had long gone. The bus was provided by AMTRAK – the American train people – so we weren’t stranded. All included in our ticket. We lined up at the ticket counter to see what they had planned for us. We were standing behind Eve – a lady on the same mission. Eve was using a walking frame so not able to move quickly – we decided to stick together! Eve noticed on the departure board that a bus was leaving for Vancouver in about 10 mins so I ran off to find the bus and talk to the driver. He promised to wait for us. Reg and Eve collected our bags from the carousel. We discovered that we had to collect our new bus tickets from the ticket office so headed back there – begging to be allowed to the front of the line. With our revised tickets in hand we ran ahead with Eve’s bag – she followed the best she could. All was well – we settled Eve into her seat and sat back to enjoy the journey!
The bus trip to Vancouver was uneventful. Crossing the border was much more complicated than we remembered – everyone was removed from the bus, all our luggage was unloaded, and we filed through customs. The bus was searched and driven through the checkpoint. Then we were all loaded back on again. We arrived in Vancouver around 8:30 pm so in good time to find our booked backpackers and get an early night. The backpackers was interesting – lets just say it was on the opposite end of the scale from Palmer House – our accommodation in Chicago. It stank of cigarette smoke and was pretty run down. But the bed was comfortable and the sheets clean – always a bonus! And very close to the bus station for us to catch the early bus to Williams Lake.
We were up early and at the bus station in good time for our 6:30am bus. But the weather was still taking its toll – more delays. We eventually hit the road – passed some amazing frozen vineyards just north of Vancouver. Lots to see on the way – beautiful Fraser River and Gorge – lots of mountains covered with Douglas Fir trees – branches bent, laden with snow. We were transferred onto another bus at Cache Creek – our bus driver had driven his limit of hours so stopped there for a break. We also had another change of drivers further up the track. Interesting day – lots of starting and stopping – seems to have been a bit of a theme! We arrived at Williams Lake to be greeted by our house sit homeowner Ray and driven back to 150 Mile House. Wonderful log cabin for us to stay in – cute dog Maggie to take for walks.
Love to everyone
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in 150 Mile House, Cariboo, Canada, House Sits, USA
Happy New Year to you both! Looks like Eve had an encounter with angels on her journey – what a blessing you were! Keep warm and be blessed on your adventure. We miss you here! xx
We were glad we were around to help – would have been difficult for her otherwise! Happy New Year in return – miss you all xxx
Clean sheets is definitely a bonus, and sadly not one I was party to at the rather expensive home rental we had over Christmas. You would think they could have at least managed that! Williams Lake looks beautiful. Many years ago I stayed near Kelowna where my distant family have a cabin – the scenery was unbelievable.
Very sad about the lack of clean sheets at your home rental! This area is beautiful. We live right out in the countryside – 1/2 hour drive from Williams Lake, just off of Horsefly Rd. Yet to venture far but it will happen.