Vashon Island

---

As promised, my artists impression (using the medium of 'Paint') of Vashon Island. Just like being there eh?

Hello again. Writing this one from the nice t'internet cafe in downtown seattle. Have spent the night over on the Vashon Island Youth Hostel, which was about as far away from Pender Lodge in terms of hostels as it is possible to get. The Vashon Island is an old ranch with wagons and teepees you can sleep in. We were in the barn, which was huge with multi layer beds, winner.

Travelling down from Vancouver yesterday was fine on the super vibrating greyhound bus (it was hard to read it was shaking so much) and as it was raining hard the whole way we were quite relieved to be travelling. Although we did get a bit of hastle when crossing the border, it took ages and they asked us loads of questions. Including the classic "Where did you meet?"

However Vashon Island, was as with all the Pacific North West, full of people almost falling over themselves to be helpful. When we were on the local bus after the ferry the whole bus was chatting to us, recommending places to go and asking about our trip. It couldn't be further removed from the Tube!

We had to walk the two miles to the hostel, which feels quite far when its up hill and with kit! But it was a nice walk as Vashon Island is really rural and chilled out. Still, we were pretty tired on arrival after another mamouth walk. The hostel itself had free bikes to ride into town ("Don't worry about locks, no one every steals anything" said Jake the hostel guy"). However the bikes had no breaks or gears which made cycling down (yeh) and the up (Boo) the massive hill the hostel is one pretty exciting.

Today we've made some pancakes and coffee while listening to Workingman's Dead on the ranch (thoes who know the album will appreciate the winner status of that act) I felt truely part of the American dream, man. Now we're exploring Seattle (how Kurt go so unhappy living in such a lovely town I don't know. He should have lived in Hull, then he'd know). Tomorrow a bit of kyaking around Vashon and then off to stay with the Quakers (who seem like a really nice, and understanding of my random phone calls kind of bunch)

See you all later

John

---

Photos

Vashon Island
Vashon Island had a slight air of unreality to it

Comments

[Bubby]

artist
fantastic picture john my five year olds could give you tips!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Topper Fichstanton (Knight of the Tweed Realm)]

Urban Handclaps, State Side YEEEEEEAH!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (accompanied by gentlemanly hip hop hand gestures) How's my little Johnniepops then eh hmmmmm eh hmmmmmm he hmmmm goochy gooochy goooochy goooo? (accompanied by me tickling you under your chin like your some kind of cat) Glad you boys have made it over there ok and sounds like your having an amazing time, particularly with crazy people who like continuous exercise and stuff. LOVED the customs official who asked how long you chaps were together HA HA HA HAAAAAAA! Speaking of CHAPS dear boy, I've just got to tell you about the 'Chap Olympics' (as in the infamous journal 'Chap') which took place yesterday. Check out www.bbc.co.uk/news and look for the photos, or straight to the source at www.thechap.net/olympics.htm Particularly fabulous is the lighting of the Olympiad briar pipe ("stuffed with navy shag") and the hurling of the cucumber sandwich laden discus. Bliss. Keep on having fun my lovelies! Stay urban, stay fresh.... Topper