We left Vancouver this morning at 8 AM, made one last pit-stop in a Petro-Canada gas station and spent all our Canadian money on canadian candy bars. I saved a toony for memento sake, because those are actually pretty cool coins. But then we headed toward the US border. Woo!
We had wondered if we were going to get in trouble for our various fruits throughout the 4, 12-passenger vans, but decided to see what happened. Well, we got to the border, and we all had to pile out of the vans, leave all our possessions, and wait out the inspection. We took up the entire processing queue, so after a while one of the attendants asked us to stand against the wall so the other travelers could get processed. As usual, such a large group attracts the attention of everyone around us, so we made some small talk with the (safer-looking) people waiting for their inspection as well. One family had been there for an hour, so ... we were kind of worried.
But alas, we only had to wait about 15 minutes. They gave us a little public schpeal about which fruits and vegetables are not allowed across the border, gave us a wave, and we were on our way. Back into the country!
It was an interesting feeling, to be back on homeland soil. Canada doesn't look any different, and the people don't really act different (except I did notice they are WAY more pedestrian friendly. They have huge street signs signaling a public crosswalk, and if you get within two feet of that crosswalk, all the cars stop well in advance. It was pretty impressive, I have to say. New Yorkers (or Utah drivers, for that matter) could learn a thing or two in that department.), but there is something about being home that is so satisfying. It is nice to know I belong somewhere.
We drove Highway 2 through beautiful Washington forests and countryside. I actually fell in love with the drive, because it was very similar to the I-70 drive through the Rocky Mountains, but more lush and closer to the road. The forest just towers over the road and you feel so minute in these majestic forests ... absolutely beautiful. I could live in there.
We didn't stop in Leavenworth, which I kind of regret now, because it was the craziest little place I've ever passed through. The entire place is a Bavarian village, and all the buildings, font, and colors were the same germanesque theme. Even the Safeway sign was in the same font as the town. It was crazy.
Wenatchee feels like a smaller version of Aurora, so it has been nice to be here for the afternoon. I think we all were pretty tired of the clothes we have been wearing for the last month, because as soon as we dropped our luggage, a good chunk of us headed to the Target just across the street. I got myself a cheap bathing suit and some shorts to go with, and courtesy $6 from Target for a mistake they made 3 Christmases ago, it was even cheaper. Hooray!
A quick jump into the pool, a discounted meal at the Denny's because we were staying at the hotel, and a relaxing evening collaging has made a wonderful stay here in the supposed Apple Capital of the Nation. Or something like that. :)
and you would think that because I have great internet, I'd be able to upload pictures. But, yet again... no cigar. I promise, a huge upload will happen as soon as I can stand it.
Word of the day: ruth \ROOTH\, noun; 1. Compassion or pity for another. 2. Sorrow or misgivings about one's own mideeds or flaws.
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