Visiting Vancouver, but NOT in Canada

My US road trip continues

There’s a very short version of why there is a Vancouver in Canada and one in the USA: both cities are named after George Vancouver, a British naval officer. In the US, Fort Vancouver was established by British Hudson's Bay Company in 1824 along the Columbia River.

I didn’t get to spend much time in Vancouver, but it stands out to me for a few reasons as a stop as I headed south in my US road trip.

But first, I have published a video blog from my journey getting to Vancouver from Seattle on an AMTRAK train. Watch it below:

My first big takeaway from Vancouver came was a result of the locals who I met: I had announced I’d be there, and a bunch of viewers from both Vancouver and across the river in Portland showed up.

My wife Teka and I had a fantastic time with the folks who showed up, many of them bearing gifts (including a fantastic handmade dream catcher!), as we chatted about life, Scotland, America and much more. I just want to take this moment to say thanks to them all for showing up (photo below).

Another amazing thing that happened in Vancouver is that we got to spend time with two relatives of mine, John and Pam, who live in the area. I call them uncle and aunt, but John is really my mum’s first cousin, which I suppose makes him my second cousin. In any case, I have fond memories of them visiting Scotland when I was a wee lad and was delighted to spend a day with them in and around their local area.

They took us a fabulous drive along the Columbia river and to get one of the most enormous ice creams I’d ever had - and I’d asked for the small one!

Lastly, they took me to a Pendleton woollen mill, a brand that sells top-quality shirts, blankets and more, to begin my transformation into western country boy. This is a long process that may also involve many visits to Texas western outfitters as well, but I am pleased with my initial foray.

Hope you enjoyed my latest video - there is so much more to share from my trip and I can’t wait to read your comments.

Slainte,

Shaun