Who is going via Seattle?

[judyo]

Read my latest REW blog post to see what I've been going through trying to decide whether to attend this year or not. I have read every post on the "Who's Going" thread. I can't remember who's taking what route.

The only way I'd really care to go would be how I went last year, via Seattle and taking the ferry to Victoria and renting a car there. Flying to Vancouver would be twice the price and to me paying double to do something I hate (I hate flying) doesn't make sense.

I'll go back through the thread again and take notes this time but if you're flying through Seattle and have room to share the rental car please let me know. I wouldn't mind going sooner and leaving later and taking in the sights if someone is planning on doing that.

Feel free to call me direct at 708-536-8200 or send a PM.

[Eric Blackwell]

Hey Judy O...

I will be going through Seattle, but not sure when...Southwest and I have not yet come to a mutual understanding as to price and time schedule ;-)...I may well be going with the other guys from L-ville, but in case I arrive early or late from them, keep me in mind.

best as always;

Eric

[Adam Robinson Sarasota]

Judy,
I am interested.
I will be arriving in Seattle on Tuesday evening. I am flexible on return, but I do want to go over to Vancouver for a day.
I agree that taking the ferry & then renting a car in Victoria would be easier than renting a car & taking it across the border.
I will give you a call tomorrow.
Adam

[judyo]

Hey Adam,

I wouldn't mind traveling early (last year I went the day before and left the day after - seemed rushed). However, I only know how to take the ferry straight to Victoria from Seattle. Not sure about going to Vancouver.

Just thinking quickly, once you were settled in Nanaimo you could then take one of the Vancouver ferries back and forth, although I'm not sure if that would be a day trip or an overnight stay in Vancouver (depends on ferry times).

I really wanted to visit Victoria which is where the Seattle ferry drops passengers off at. Victoria is about 1 1/2 hours away from Nanaimo. I don't like driving (especially distances in places I'm not familiar with), so that's why I'd want to share a car.

I'm not trying to change your plans, but it seems like a Vancouver visit entails an entire day (Wednesday maybe) and depends on the ferry schedules.

Last year, I flew into Seattle in the morning and waited about an hour for Mike Brown to arrive. We took a cab to the ferry but it was early enough to have lunch at a restaurant close-by. Took the ferry which is around a 3 hour ride. All in all, we arrived in Victoria around 6:00p.m. or so and it was too late to rent from Enterprise (where I get a discount).

When we arrived in Nanaimo, we met others at The Keg which is near REW headquarters and we ordered dinner. All in all, it's a whole day of travel.

[Brian Mc]

I read your blog post Judy, have you done anything about getting a passport? We wanted to go again but weren't sure we could. Now MaryAnn definitely can't go and I wasn't going to try but still kind of want to.

Haven't done anything about a pp. I am swamped too and really shouldn't go but I hate to miss out, I learned so much last time and had a great time too.

[judyo]

Hey Brian,

I'm going to work on the passport this week. You can do a lot of it online and print it out - in fact I had it all filled out from last year but never went forward. I have to get one for my France trip so it's got to be done.

I will go as long as I can find someone to share a car with. I have to speak to Adam that posted and/or Eric. If I can't buddy up with someone for the ride from Victoria to Nanaimo I probably won't go because I just don't want to make the 1 1/2 hour drive myself. I'm such a baby!

I think it was a straight drive but my memory is fuzzy because Mike Brown was driving and we were talking and looking at the scenery and I didn't pay attention. I do remember that my portable Tom Tom GPS didn't work for the area.

I need to order my plane tickets as they were priced reasonably. I'll probably stay at the Hojo - want to get a little closer this time. I was wondering if MaryAnn and you were going to make it. I'll miss you guys!

[Adam Robinson Sarasota]

Judy,
I just left you a VM.
I will be arriving in Seattle on Tues. night.

Amtrack has a train that leaves Seattle at 7:30 am and gets into Vancouver at 11:30 am.
From Vancouver there are several options for either ferry service or float plane to Nanaimo.
The train to Vancouvermis $47 and it is supposed to be a very scenic trip.
(http://Amtrack.com)
Adam