Do you like Trains? Do you like Bridges? Do you like hats?

You do? Well thats lucky as we’ll be having lots of train/bridge/hat news over the next few weeks.

Train number 1:

Seattle to Vancouver. This isn’t like jumping on the 07:02 from Oldfield Park…….we were allocated our seats by a man in a big hat, another man (small hat) checked our passports, yet another “checked” (yes really) our suitcases in and then got some of his burly friends to load them onto the train. We were loaded in groups, no pushing/shoving/running for a seat…..

On board “Carter” (another man with a big hat) told us the train was “over booked, as they liked passengers so much” and we should therefore expect it to be full. The Amercian definition of a packed train, slightly different to the UK version.  Everyone had a seat, and could also go and sit in the free space in the “Panorama viewing car”. That said Freight trains have priority over here so it takes ages to get anywhere! Our bags were waiting for us when we arrived at Vancouver (they must have gone in a car or on a bicycle) and then a nice lady (no hat) at customs told the kids they were very lucky to be on the trip and they should thank their parents.

Train number 2:

Once in Vancouver we were greeted by a lady with a shopping trolley/carrying a skate board (cycling helmet hat) shouting at a lady security guard. Another security guard (a man) was hiding around he corner. What a coward! Boo, hiss. Anyway we brushed past them and headed for the Sky Train (yes really, it’s a train in the sky! [they’ll be investing in a Monorail next]).

This train was driven by an invisible driver (invisible hat too), and delivered us to the suburb of Burnaby, which Barnaby rather likes….

Today (Monday) we visited the Capalino Suspension bridge. This is 140 metres across, 230 feet up. Wobbles a bit. Jude was very brave (she doesn’t like heights), but was wearing her “I am very brave” hat today. There were also various tree/cliff walkways and a gift shop where we tried on some natty hats.