As I was riding along on Monday morning I started to wonder how I was going to spend my day. After all, I would have the entire afternoon and evening ahead of me now! My plan was to drive from Winthrop through the North Cascades National Park and stay in Marblemount, about 88 miles away. Apparently there is phenomenal hiking in the park…but since I wasn’t so interested in solo hiking I wasn’t sure how I would spend my day. I started to think that I could actually make it to Vancouver in plenty of time instead…
The drive through the North Cascades was beautiful. Such different scenery compared to the southern route. 
There is actually a town within the park, Newhalem, that is owned by Seattle City Light. The only people who can live in this town must work for the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, or in local county, state or federal agencies. Interesting, eh?
Ultimately I decided to keep going toward Vancouver. The hotel I had booked had enough availability that I could arrive a night early and I got here just in time for dinner. Now where to go for dinner? It was a toss up between oysters at Joe Fortes, or some possible Iron Chef winner Rob Feenie cuisine at Cactus Club. Turns out that pints of Udder Ale are on special at the Cactus Club on Mondays, so that sealed the deal.
The place was packed, but I managed to snag an awesome table at the bar. Shortly after this arrived…
…a lady approached me to ask if I would mind sharing my table with herself and two other folks. They were teachers in town for a BC Teachers Federation conference and I wound up having a blast chatting with them all night. One of the ladies, her daughter is racing Ironman Canada this weekend, plus will be racing Clearwater in November. Turns out her daughter and I live just a few blocks apart. Weird coincidence!
So the moral of the story is that sometimes a change in plans is a good thing. You never know where it may lead you! For me, it was a terrific night at the Cactus Club, plus something fun on Tuesday morning…
very cool “happening” at dinner – those “small world” realizations are all too weird. glad your change of plans worked out extra well!
That scenery is incredible! Looking at all of your photos, I realize I have not seen nearly enough of Canada and the US!
Too cool about the chance encounter at dinner. Small world!
Momma always said, ‘life is like a box of chocolates’, not sure what she meant, crazy old woman……. Hope you made it back safe.
Sometimes, winging it IS the best plan. Looks like good times to me!
that is so cool!! glad you are having a blast on your trip. i’m getting homesick just reading and seeing your pics on facebook, haha.
small world indeed! Very cool! You’ve seen some amazing places, the pics are incredible!
Your photos are gorgeous! Sounds like such a fun trip! I took a trip alone out east once to New York. Met up with a friend for a few days who showed me around the city, then I rented a car and drove up to Maine for a few days by myself. It was so much fun!
Enjoy the rest of the trip!
I am in love with all your photos – such beautiful scenery!!! Enjoy the rest of your trip 🙂
sounds like a great time!
Wow I never knew Canada was so scenic.
Wow what scenery. I have been following your vacation of FB and it looks like an epic, fabulous trip!