Sea to Sky Highway

If you head north out of the city of Vancouver towards the ski resort of Whistler, you are likely to travel along the world famous Sea to Sky Highway.  Since we have a car, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see a bit of the drive. 

Despite the clouds, the views were spectacular, and it was very difficult to capture the beautiful scenery in a photo - I know these do not do it justice: 

A short drive out of the city, a few traffic jams and $80 later, we came to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a suspension bridge high up in the rainforest.

 

I am keeping my poncho as a souvenir. 

It wasn't until we left the tourist trap that we stumbled across a short hike up a mountain next to Petgill Lake, near the town of Squamish. The sun eventually came out to make the climb all the more worth it.

After a tiring day out we decided to end our last day in Vancouver by trying out "Vancouver's Best Cheesecake". 

I regret nothing...

Exploring Vancouver

A morning walk across Burrard Bridge:

We knew that the weather was going to get cold and rainy later in the week, so we decided to take the plunge and cycle around Stanley Park while we had the chance. After a pretty wobbly start, we soon became tandem experts! 

Later on in the afternoon, we joined the trip organised by the hostel to Third Beach, to watch the sunset and experience the drum circle, made up of a wide range of local participants.

Despite the clouds, the view was beautiful, and I even paddled in the ocean.

It was a great end to a very long and tiring first day - I won't forget that view. 

Arrival in Vancouver

The journey up to Vancouver was simple enough, despite quite a long queue at border control, with the drive up from Seattle only taking a couple of hours.

After promising we had no firearms, food or plants, we were in! 

We checked into the hostel and made the most of the sunshine to explore the city.

Exciting thought: I have never been this far away from home on my own before! Loving it.

Day One-Downtown Seattle

The original Starbucks... 

"Very" French...

Pike's Place Market

I have found heaven! 

Here goes...

Leaving home.

Follow my travels on Instagram too: sophyk23 

The end of the beginning

So final exams and graduation came and went, my time at university is officially over. Although I have only been a graduate for a grand total of 13 days, it's been enough time for me to reflect and think about future plans. One thing's for sure, I am excited! Although admittedly, I am a little nervous about moving to a new city in September. 

After spending the past week with my family in Menorca, I realised that I shouldn't worry too much, and I am now very excited to start the next chapter of my life.

Menorca has always been a special place for me, spending every summer of my life there has had its effect: it now feels like going home, and I know I will continue to come back and see this sunset for many years to come.

Te echaré de menos...

But for now, I'm embarking on a new adventure! Tomorrow I am flying to the US to FINALLY be reunited with JJ. While I was hidden away in the library for the last few months, she has been busy planning an amazing trip for us, and I cannot wait to experience all that Seattle and Vancouver have to offer! Watch this space.