At the end of August we flew by Air Canada to Vancouver. After a 10 hour flight we landed at Vancouver. Canada is 8 hours behind UK time so our time clocks needed to get adjusted. In 1997 the exchange rate was 2.23 Canadian dollars to the pound. In 2001 the exchange rate is 2.2295 Canadian dollars to the pound, very little change.

We stayed overnight at The Ramada. Not a hotel we were impressed with as there was no porter available and room service doesn't open until 5pm. Luckily we are only here for one night.

Our Cruise ship Windward was looking splendid, as she was dressed overall. We had to go through immigration prior to boarding. We have to do this as our first stop on our cruise will be on American territory.

Our Cruise Ship 'Windward'

As with all cruises we have the life boat drill at our boat station before we set sail. It was very hot in our bright orange life jackets. We sailed out of Vancouver harbour to the strains of 'North to Alaska' playing on the ships sound system. We sailed under Lions Gate Bridge in the late afternoon.

Lifeboat drill We sailed under Lions Gate Bride in the late afternoon

e-mail goldenmaggot@talk21.com