Day 1 - Vancouver to Astoria
Yes, we are running a little late today - and in the rush flew right past our usual coffee stop in Fairhaven. Luckily Ristretto in Mt Vernon was more than qualified to meet the need.
Wonder if it can still spin the tunes?
World-Famous Russtown, founded in 1886 on the banks of the mighty I-5 River, which now flows underneath its namesake road in a culvert. The glacier-fed water from the I-5 River produced the distinctive garlicky-hydrocarbon flavour for which the now-defunct Rainier Brewery was renowned. The brewers originally wanted to call their beer Russier, but couldn't get a name licensing agreement from my parents, so they had to settle for using the more boring name of a nearby volcano instead.
What they really mean when they say they want to "twin" your local bridge.
In Montesano the locals strongly believe in total transparency.
A gooey strawberry oat bar from our favourite coffee place in Montessano provides afternoon sustenance as we keep the show on the road.
What happens when you can't find your true path.
Rush hour in Raymond - they're coming from every direction!
But what size was the pearl??
The South Bend daily ritual of walking the pet fish. All pet fish are required by local bylaw to be walked twice daily, and washed once per week.
Dismal Nitch is the least-used restroom in the entire United States. No-one knows why.
Crossing the Columbia must be done slowly.
2 snacks are better than one.
The picnic at the end of the Columbia.
The Cannery Pier Hotel - this year's first and last stop.
Absolute proof-positive dogs can't read.
all images and text on this website
copyright 2014
Russel Kwan and Wendy Kwan
Vancouver BC Canada