A slight change in plan
From Anchorage to Rio in Orick, United States on Jun 03 '07
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It started almost as soon as we got off the Ferry in prince Rupert. Will, our truck driver and leader, announced that the plan was to visit Banff and Jasper National Parks, and Calgary, therefore we did not have time to visit Vancouver and Seattle. I was a little disappointed to say the least but bit the bullet and agreed that provided we could add San Francisco and Yosemite National Park instead it would be a barely acceptable trade off, but I would live with it.
That night we camped out in the way back of beyond in the pouring rain, so everybody was a bit cheesed off next morning. Will announced that after much consideration we would not be going to San Francisco or Yosemite either. Chad and I looked at each other, nodded, and announced we would be leaving the truck for a while.
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We were dropped off, in the rain, at 2pm Saturday 26 May in Prince George, Alaska. The truck pulled away, our seats were already taken.
I picked up a local newspaper, Budget Car Rentals were selling of a fleet of Rental cars. I called them. Unfortunately their cheapest car was $10000, about $9000 more than my budget. The guy gave me a no. to call and an English guy, Matt, originally from Hereford answered. 2 hours later we were back on the road in a $650 1992 Subaru Legacy with 300000 kms on the clock and a "bedroom" in the back (when the rear seats are pulled forward). We called "her" Prince George (PG). I was now skint and on a very tight budget ie. ZERO.
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Feeling pretty full of ourselves we headed South and went to Whistler, (the drive was beautiful and a bit scary), skied for a day, got drunk (in the Longhorn for those who know), and had a great time.
We drove to Vancouver and stayed overnight, treating PG to an oil change. Must admit Van. kinda passed me by. We drove around for a few hours on the Tuesday night but there were huge amounts of homeless people on the streets. We were obviously living in the lap of luxury so did not want to associate with them. We decided not to .
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On we drove to Seattle, but before we arrived we received an email from the truck. They had miraculously found time to double back and were going to spend 2 nights in Van. and 3 in Seattle. We were devastated, thought long and hard about driving back to Van., selling the car and re-joining the truck. Instead we said "sod it" and went to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in Seattle. Seattle was amazing, we stayed 3 days, met some great people, went to see Seattle Mariners beat Texas Rangers 9-7 at Baseball, attended an underground rave (I am so down with the kids), visited the original Starbucks (did you know they have them in America as well???) and paid $2 for happy hour beer with $1.95 burger and chips. Now you know me and happy, pigs and shit spring to mind.
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We decided to drive the whole length of Route 101, the Pacific Coast Highway, from Olympia to San Diego. We have been on the road 3 days sine then and I am writing this from a bar called Hawg Wild, all Harleys and "locals" everywhere. Pretty amazing place but then I am on my 5th pint of local 8.7 per cent proof ale.
So 'til the next time, folks
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