And we're off!!!!! Well, we're a couple of days late on our departure (we had hoped to leave on Wednesday), but we left this AM without too much trouble. We had a wonderful breakfast cooked for us, compliments of Lucia and Derek, which was just what we needed to help us start our cross country journey.....Thanks guys! It was raining cats and dogs most of the way, until we came over the summit of the first pass and then we descended into Sunshine Valley...litterally! It was 20 degrees and desert; from rain forest to desert in 4 hours...who knew? We saw a couple of little "gophers" but with very bright breasts (sort of like robins...orangey/yellowey)...if anyone knows what these rodents are, let us know! David thinks they're side hill gougers, but it was too hard to tell if their legs were longer on one side??? hee!hee! They were simply perched on the guardrail on the VERY steep and winding road. Anyway, we were told that tomorrow is MUCH steeper and more winding than today, so we're hoping to get an early start. We're currently in Osoyoos and it's beautiful (in a rugged, tumleweed, home on the range, kind of way). Unfortunately I don't have any photos to post tonight, but I wanted to let you all know that we're "en route" and we made it through the first day and we're still speaking to each other! Charlie is doing well; he just went to sleep though (it's 9:30pm) because I think he's not really sure where he is and wants Mommy. I'm sure he'll get used to car seats and hotel rooms....if not, we're putting him on a plane in Schooner's old pet carrier....just kidding!

Schooner has arrived in NB safe and sound and is LOVING his new bed on Mom's and Dad's pillows....ooops!

Hope you all have a good weekend and we'll keep you posted!