All About Vancouver

Well, I thought it was time that we all had an educational update on Vancouver, WA.

Vancouver is named after Captain George Vancouver, a British sailor, and was first explored by non-Native Americans in 1792. It is located next to the Columbia River, which separates Oregon and Washington. There are quite a few historical facts (great for those who like Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy) that Vancouver holds for this area:

- The first sawmill in the Pacific Northwest
- The oldest living apple tree in the Pacific Northwest
- Ulysses S. Grant served at the Vancouver Barracks
- World’s largest spruce lumber mill for airplane construction during World War I

Simply facinating isn't it? :-) It is also the birthplace of my former landlord.

Now some of you may ask, which came first: Vancouver, WA or Vancouver, BC, Canada? I am happy to announce that Vancouver, WA became a city 30 years before the Canadian one! There are very interesting towns surrounding Vancouver, such as Minnehaha (a personal favorite). It is within two hours of Mt. Saint Helens and Mt. Hood (in fact on a clear day, you can see Mt. St. Helens from my apartment, when I have another clear day I will take a picture).

Summer is from July - September, the rest of the year is grey and rainy. I am experiencing my third grey day, but it is kind of nice.

In the next week or so, I will be getting some furniture so that means...new photos of the apartment will be posted soon! I have actually hung pictures and such, which makes the place feel quite homey. My job is not going so well (just one week in), I will be giving notice this week and am actively pursuing another job for a property management company. I am unable to serve my current employer as much as is needed and it is unfair to both of us to continue working there.

I hope everyone is well and I miss everyone in Virginia and promise I will be home for a visit in early 2009!