I love Vancouver!

The swaying Capilano suspension bridge
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So, we managed to catch the 8:00 ferry, which was amazing considering the only person in the group who appears to like early mornings is Patrice and even she hadn't packed! Arrived in Vancouver, grabbed some food and for a change some beers, and headed straight off to meet Mike's friend Miles, who was our host for the night. We met him at the waterfront where he'd organized the hire of speedboats. After some quick instructions, we were off. The views from the water were incredible and for the first time all holiday, me and Patrice were persuaded into bikinis and even managed to change on the boat! Despite the goose bumps, the weather was gorgeous and this day definitely rates as one of the highlights of the trip so far! The thrill of driving a speed boat, and racing with the others, all surrounded by the most beautiful scenery is almost indescribable! We stopped the boats in the middle of the ocean and went for a dip - the water was cold to say the least, but there was an amazing sense of freedom from swimming surrounded by mountains and trees! Had a sunbathe on the boat and then headed back for fuel and to return the boats. Great day was had by all! Got back, got ready and headed out to the launch of a new fashion label in town. Spent the evening at that Party and then onto a club, where we met Krysta ( a friend of Miles). She invited us to stay at her house the following night and we graciously accepted. The next day, we went for food, then headed over to krysta's. She lives in West Vancouver in the most gorgeous house with balconies overlooking the water and the spectacular Vancouver skyline. We dropped off our stuff and then headed off to watch the redbull flutag thing where people design vehicles that they believe will fly and jump off the end of a pier - very entertaining. We then visited the capilano bridge - the longest suspension bridge in the world -much to Rick's disappointment!

Redbull flutag
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We stopped for food for another barbecue and then spent the evening with Krysta's family who are lovely! Several pool games later, the boys resorted to a game of less skill -Yahtzee, and this lasted into the early hours of the next morning! An amazing time was had by all, and although we saw very little of Vancouver on land, I remember it well from last time and it still remains one of my favourite cities. Talking of favourites - next stop, Whistler!!!

For more photos of Vancouver:

Chilling on the boat
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/miketong/sets/72157594247599491/

For video footage of our speedboat experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDtNGVQ2udw