Well, I’m back from beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, after a week packed full of sightseeing, being “Author Judy” and walking. A lot. My trip started with an early morning 5-hour flight from Toronto to Vancouver, which had me getting up at 3 a.m. EST. Thankfully the flight was on time and, thanks to B.C. being 3 hours behind Toronto, I arrived shortly after 9 a.m. From there I took the Skytrain Canada Line to Vancouver City Centre, a 3-block walk to the hotel (hey, it was $9 vs. a $40 cab fare). The hotel (the Hyatt Regency on Burrard Street) was super accommodating and allowed me to check in extra early. That gave me plenty of time to get walking to the seawall and Stanley Park.
It was while walking along the seawall that I literally bumped into Laurie and Fran (well, technically Laurie bumped into me while taking a photo of the water/mountains). Turned out they were from California and part of the organizing team for Left Coast Crime and we quickly bonded, spending the day and many miles together (including a stop to the Running Room where I bought socks and Fran bought a pair of Asics).
Tuesday morning came early and I was off to Victoria on a 12 1/2 hour bus and ferry tour led by Landsea Tours (they are wonderful). On the bus I met Jan (a reader/fan), and authors Susan C. Shea and Laura Benedict…finding Laura’s latest book at the Ferry bookstore was super fun. In Victoria, we visited Butchart Gardens before heading downtown to explore Chinatown, the B.C. parliament buildings, the waterfront and more.
Wednesday was Whistler, which served as the ski area for the  2010 Olympics — clear skies and mountains, with skiers everywhere enjoying spring conditions and great weather. I took the gondola and the Peak to Peak tour and managed to get over my fear of heights (well, I was in an enclosed car but it was on a cable). Once back in the village, it was time for a 15-minute walk to the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre.
Thursday the conference started in earnest, with a visit to the bookseller (Cross Genre Books, who were fabulous), Author Speed Dating from 9 a.m to 11 a.m., where paired with author Vicki Delany we each recited our 2-minute spiel to 130+ readers spread across 18 tables. A quick stop to the Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) table, and I was off to my first panel — Researching the Perfect Crime, led by moderator Patricia Dusenbury, and joined by fellow panelists Vince Keenan (Renee Patrick) and Ann Parker. Two shifts at the CWC table, a super welcome reception with toastmaster Cathy Ace, and I was more than ready for an early night. 
Friday morning 7 a.m. took me to the Debut Authors Breakfast where I jotted down the titles of some new books by first-time authors and enjoyed some bacon and scrambled eggs — I never eat bacon except for conferences…I know it’s not health food but gotta say I love it). I took in some panels, another two shifts at the CWC table, and managed to get in a bit of Vancouver sightseeing before joining 28 CWC members for dinner and drinks at the Mosaic restaurant.
Saturday a.m. and time to meet my fellow Sisters in Crime Guppies for breakfast. Took in a couple of panels and then went to the “M is for Memories” panel dedicated to the late, great Sue Grafton. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as her daughter, Jamie, talked about her mom, followed by others who shared their memories. Mascara fixed, I got ready for my moderator duties for the Amateur Sleuth panel at 2:45 with fellow authors Liz Osborne, Cindy Sample, Nancy Tingley, and Ana Manwaring. Survived that and prepared to attend the Awards Banquet, where I had an absolute blast as you can see by the photo.
Sunday morning, two more panels, and then off to see more sights: Granville Island, Kitsilano, Gastown and more — I figure I walked about 10 miles (16k) — all in, and had the dubious distinction of being offered “mushrooms” by a young guy on the Granville Street Bridge. I don’t think he was talking about the kind you put in stir fries.
Monday morning came all too soon…though my flight was cancelled and rebooked at some point in the wee hours of night. On the upside, my rebooked flight was late enough that I could take the Skytrain vs. cab again so all was not lost. Finally back home, I was met with a sleeping husband and a very exuberant Gibbs. Good to know someone missed me 🙂 
What’s next? Well, Left Coast Crime San Diego 2020, of course. But there’s lots going on between now and then. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.
Great to meet you Judy and looking forward to seeing you in San Diego.
Hi Fran, Already signed up and VERY excited about Tucson!
WOW! You sure packed it full of sightseeing and conference stuff. It sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Hope to see you in San Diego, Sis!
Sounds like you had a ball, Judy. I was in Vancouver for a few days last June, my second visit to the city. I wish I’d gone back for this conference. Maybe I’ll go to San Diego next year.
Hi Marilyn, I really liked Vancouver but I also really liked LCC as a conference. hope you can do San Diego.
Hi Judy,
Wow! What a fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing. I’m sorry I didn’t know you were extending your stay as I would have suggested more time on Vancouver Island where I live. I loved the conference too, especially the breakfast with fellow Guppies.
I’m really glad you didn’t take the mushrooms from the guy on the bridge:)
all the best,
Jo-Ann
Hi Jo-Ann, I basically ran out of time — the Victoria trip was 12 1/2 hours — I would have had to stay overnight to see more of the island and wanted to see Whistler. Great weather, so lucky.
Wow, Judy! Sounds like you had a ball sightseeing and attending LCC. I’d love to attend the conference next year in San Diego!
I really liked the conference Karen. Hope you do San Diego it would be great to see you again.
Wow, Judy! Sounds like you had a ball sightseeing and attending LCC. I’m amazed you weren’t exhausted! I’d love to attend the conference next year.
It was so great to see you, even if we were ships passing in the night. We have to spend more time together in San Diego. I’m so glad you’ll be there!!
Love your photos. I wish I could have spent more time being a sightseer. Well, they’ll just have to host another LCC in Vancouver!
Good to see you too Ellen — we’ll have a drink in San Diego!
It sounds like you made the very most of that trip! New sights, new friends, and excellent panels!
I did indeed Vicki! It was a blast.