One highlight was a harbor cruise out through Indian Arm, which included a buffet lunch. It was a cloudy, misty day which added to the atmosphere of mystery. We went by all the huge cranes and industrial shipping, then out into the Arm where people have built beautiful houses inaccessible except by seaplane or boat. Of course, we all chose our favorites, even while acknowledging that we'd have trouble climbing up the cliff to get to the houses.
Only one shopping highlight in Vancouver: a visit to the Maiwa shops on Granville Island. So many beautiful handwoven fabrics and dye colors. All I needed was a can of whipped cream and I'd have eaten them right up.
On the way back to Portland we stopped in Tillamook Oregon to visit the famous cheese factory and a fiber exhibit at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center. The exhibit, "Life on the Left Edge," was curated by Larkin Van Horn and displayed work by the Whidbey Island Surface Design Association. Check it out: [email protected] The building is an old school auditorium, very evocative, where knitting, weaving and quilting groups meet. A lot of nice fiber for sale in addition to the exhibit (I bought yarn--as though I need wool in south Texas!) I did more handwork on "Luna y Tierra" on the trip, and it's almost finished.