Civilization Ho!

Vancouver is a Big City, and Coal Harbour Marina (they spell stuff funny up here in Canada) is Right Downtown, so we had to come in under the Lion's Gate Bridge. Technically this bridge is called the First Narrows Bridge (and yes there's a Second Narrows Bridge--there's also a First Beach, and a Second Beach, and a Third Beach--what's up with that?) and it where all the cruise ships go in and out, as well as lots of commercal shipping. Just inside is where all the floatplanes take off and land--you have to stay out of their way. And did I mention the shoal, or the strong current under the bridge? We came in with a pile driver next to the marina shaking our teeth out, dodging float planes Coming Right For Us!!! and trying to miss all the thin spots in the water.

No big city marina is complete without a Megayacht (and the de rigeur helipad--helicopters today are what limos were in the 50s: the way you Know somebody is Somebody).

At least I got to walk six blocks to Hon's House of Noodles, where I got my Chinese Food fix. Can't do that at Elliott Bay Marina.