We’ve had such a great time catching up with friends since we arrived in the US. At a certain point in Japan I started to really miss conversations that were longer and deeper than ‘hello, how are you and where are you from’. Didn’t miss home but just wanted a good old chat. According to Nick, I became very excited and overly talkative with ANYBODY who spoke good English… Nick is good company and all that but I’m sure you all understand that I need somebody sensible to talk to once in a while!!
First stop after Seattle was White Rock, a couple of kms north of the Canada border, visiting Kate and Reid who moved back a month ago after 4 years in Perth. We rented a car in Seattle for the 3 hour drive. Spending time with Kate and Reid and their kids was as much fun as it used to be in Perth and just what the doctor ordered (for both of us).
This house is a local attraction in White Rock!We spent the weekend with them at their Happy Place, a cabin on Bowyer Island just north of Vancouver. The best!
Kate with Vero, Copland and little Leon, ready for the adventure
Captain Mackie
And the passengers
Arriving… (the ferry in the background goes to larger islands nearby)We caught the last of the Summer weather and the island is tiny and completely unspoilt.
The cabin is on the hill (in the centre of this photo)
Great view from the deckI’m ashamed to say that I was the only one not to get in the water but it was freezing! Nick got severe brain freeze after his swim.
Vero is intrepid – always on the go
And these guys most definitely didn’t mind the cold waterAfter dropping the car back in Seattle we then flew to San Francisco to stay with Po Shu in Berkeley.
It was Nick’s first visit so we went for a long walk up and down the hills in SF but mostly it was just about spending time with Po Shu and a few other friends.
It’s just amazing how people can drive and park on these streets
The scene of many a car chase!
On the edge!
Coir tower which is one of my favourite spots
Alcatraz islandWith Po Shu and Jillian we went for a relaxed walk amongst the giant redwoods in Muir national forest, north of Berkeley (and also saw a few deer and a chipmunk).
It’s been a long time since we’ve cooked for friends so we had our first attempt at a gumbo – it came out well but we’ll still try to find an authentic Cajun gumbo on this trip.
Our last night in Berkeley with Simba, Felix, Katarina, Jillian and Po ShuNext up we’ll be road tripping it across part of the South West…
u guys have done so much! I think u might need a holiday from all that holidaying! miss you.
xx
Yes Rod 100% correct, we are on holiday now in Playa Mexico, sun, warm rain, beach and margaritas and everything at a fraction of the price paid back home. Having a nice time, hope you are too.
Cheers