Today was the second and final driving day, taking us to the start point in Vancouver. We actually got loaded back up and rolling before 9, which was very pleasing.

It was raining for most of the day, although never very hard. Much of the drive was less scenic than yesterday, although with moments of niceness.

Although we tried to avoid it, we did stop for gas. Oregon’s no-self-service rule weirds me out. We stopped, didn’t see an attendant, I waited a bit, and wondered if I didn’t understand all the nuances. I got out and started opening the gas cap, when the attendant ran out from the store to help me. Ruth asked why he was doing the gas, but I couldn’t come up with a convincing explanation. Yup, still weird.

Ruth’s friend Grace moved to Seattle a few months ago, so we stopped to visit for a bit. While Ruth played, Anne, Max, and I got a tour of their new digs. Pretty spiffy. When it was time to go, Ruth told Grace that maybe we could visit again the next time we got for a Big Bike Ride. I’m not sure we’ll be doing this particular tour again soon.

Things started getting scenic again as we approached the Canadian border. It keeps getting more real that we’re actually doing this ride. The border agent asked us some questions about the tour. I’m not sure how much she was asking in her official capacity, and how much she was just curious. In any case, we got through without an issue.

The kids did well in the car. Max would randomly find a toy dinosaur and walk it around the carseat, growling. Ruth spent a lot of the day coloring. We didn’t get any calls for an emergency potty stop. Whining was kept to a minimum.

When we got to the hotel, we parked a bit away so Anne could check in and scout it out. She came back a bit later with Gramma. They took the bikes of the roof so the van could go in the underground lot, and we unloaded.

Now, time for dinner, bedtime for the kids, and prep for tomorrow. Exciting!