The flight between PHX and SEA was very nice, despite the non existing catering on US F and a 2.30h flight. Crew was some of the nicest I've experienced. I found the seat very comfortable and slept well for an hour.
Approach and arrival in SEA as scenic as I remember from my visit 18 months earlier.
Hello:
I would not be staying in SEA however. Rather, a scenic drive up north to Vancouver in order to tick of the 3 cities requirement for the Big Win. And what a pleasant drive it would be. I had reserved a full-size car with Hertz, knowing it could result in an upgrade to something premium. Bags out quickly again due to US F priority and I made my way to the Car Rental transfer bus.
Now, the new car rental terminal/facility at SEA is impressive. And with Hertz Gold, it's a true pleasure. As I switched on my phone after arrival, there was en email from Hertz stating where the car was, what car it was and to simply jump in and drive to check-out. Flawless.
Landing to rental, about 40 minutes total. And the upgrade had come through nicely; A pretty new Dodge Charger. These are some serious American wheels and I was surprised at the performance and build quality.
Okay, so it's not an M5, but perfectly adequate for the 150 mile drive on the I5.
First stop just around the corner from SEATAC; The Museum of Flight. I was invited there by Boeing back in 2012 for the G-STBF delivery but thought it would be a crime not to visit again as it was not a detour. And of course the shop which is heaven for airplane geeks with young children, both boys.
I've had better lunches...
After an hour or so at MOF I directed that car north for the pleasant drive to YVR.
Down Town SEA:
Border control to Canada was a breeze and took about 5 minutes. I was now back in Canada and specifically BC. We spent parts of our honeymoon 5 years earlier in Vancouver, so it was a special moment.
I had opted to stay outside central Vancouver for practical reasons and ended up the HIX in Riverport, Richmond. About 25 minutes drive to Down Town YVR. Considering the rate, which was like 87CAD, this hotel was excellent value for money. While the location is basically in the middle of nowhere, except for a large mall and sports recreation facility, for a pit stop one cannot complain. Got upgraded to a Suite of sorts due to Platinum status.
Bedroom:
View:
Seating area (there was also a kitchenette, and a good size bathroom).
For dinner I headed to the complex and found your typical Canadian American Sports bar with decent Wings and a burger. I am big fan of NHL which was on TV so this was one of those moments when you fully accept that life does not have to be complicated.
Okay, so breakfast was very HIX with limited options and mostly processed foods, but I survived after another good nights sleep. Time to drive to YVR.
The boot of a Dodge Charger:
Lively place:
Well, what a coincidence!
I suppose I'll never see this place again...
The wheels:
More wheels, YVR and SEA coming up. Thanks for looking.