Off We Go !

Our last night in Portland was good. Real good. 

I only had one short-lived regret this morning as we were walking through the hall on our way to International Flight Number 1 (PDX--->YVR). It seemed to be missing from last night's festivities, but it was for the best. But I will admit I would have joined in heartily if anyone had started singing John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" at Valentines last night. But only if someone had led animal crackers in a sensual safari across my abdomen directly following the serenade. 

Alas and alack ...

A somber ride to the airport this morning gave way to reality beginning to hit. Passports and pamplemousse ! A quick jaunt took us north across the border and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to place us in THE 'Couve, Canuckland. Nothing says Canada like clean floors and duty-free shoppin ! One travel accessory making an distinct appearance : medical masks. Quite a number of airport passersby are sporting them, in several different models. The CommonCough, the WhoopingWhopper, and my personal favorite, the mysterious Masqck. My phlegmy cough gets me some looks, but I don't hear the signature beats of a witch hunt yet, so I think I'll make it. 

IFN2 is bound to take off within a few hours for the hop across the pond. Hopefully it all goes swimmingly. Ah, poor word choice but here's to passing the Pacific !