2020 Georgetown TX to Campbell River BC, Canada

Georgetown TX to Campbell River BC – 2366 miles

Day 1 - Georgetown TX to Cuba NM – 765 miles

Due to Covid 19, we opted to drive the 2366 miles from our home in Georgetown Texas to Campbell River BC Canada, where our boat was docked for the winter. We felt we were in control and safer even though this was a long trip.

We elected to drive the less travelled route, hoping that we could limit our exposure to the virus.  Armed with our masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and spray, we departed home at 5am. We carried picnic lunches in our cooler, planning to stop and eat in outdoor picnic areas or inside the car.

We spent our first night at Chaco Lodge, a B&B in Cuba New Mexico, a remote town away from any virus hot spots. Our accommodation was out of town and we were the only guests in the two- apartment complex.

After checking in, we learned that the only dine-in restaurant open was El Bruno’s. They had just opened with restrictions. Seating was socially-distanced and all employees were masked and wearing gloves. Once seated with an adult beverage, our comfort level increased and we were treated to a delicious Mexican meal, surpassing all expectations.

Our long 12.5hour drive, followed by a great meal left us happy to enjoy some wine in the backyard of our accommodation. 

The setting sun and rising full moon was quite spectacular. Cuba New Mexico is at an elevation of almost seven thousand feet. 

Exhausted, we enjoyed a good nights sleep in the cool, high plain, mountain air.

Breakfast was included with our lodging, normally served at the Chaco Grill but since there was no dine-in, we had a great breakfast burrito and coffee in the car.

Day 2 – Cuba NM to Burley ID – 699 miles

Another long day of travel, taking us through the northwest corner of New Mexico, southwest corner of Colorado, Utah and into Idaho. We opted to overnight at the Hampton Inn in Burley. The hotel was spotless and all employees were wearing masks.

Outside of the hotel staff wearing masks, it seemed as though it was business as usual. No masks or social distancing. We ate at a steakhouse and requested outdoor dining, but once we saw the completely full patio, we opted to dine inside, which was empty. Our server told us that they wore masks for the first couple of days they were open but then their boss said not to bother …… scary!

Breakfast was available at the hotel but no self serve, it was served to your table. Hotel occupancy was less than 50%, making social distancing compliant.

Day 3 – Burley ID to Burlington WA – 719 miles

We have certainly seen some beautiful, ever changing scenery but these long travel days are starting to get old!

Washington was a mix of caution and compliance in the larger communities close to Seattle,  and absolutely no precautions or masks in the rural areas such as Yakima, which has a high number of confirmed Covid cases. Although we researched and did not stop for any reason in places with high infections, it was scary to see the complacency of so many people.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Burlington for 2 nights. Again, the employees followed protocol and wore masks. Housekeeping service was not available for stays less than 4 day, which was fine with us. Each day a bag was left outside the room, replenishing towels and toiletries. It was comforting to know that once you entered your room, it became your safe place. Breakfast was limited and guests were required to eat in their rooms. All public areas were closed off.

Restaurants were not open for dine-in, take out only. Five Guys Burgers and an Asian restaurant were across the street from the hotel so we patronized both for dinners, dining in our room.

Day 4 - Provisioning in Burlington WA

After a good nights sleep, we headed out to Costco and Trader Joe’s for non-perishable groceries required for our 14 day quarantine time once we cross the Canadian border. I am pleased to report that both Costco and Trader Joe’s in Washington state were exercising precautions and permitting entry only if wearing a mask. Costco was handing out masks to anyone arriving without one. Both stores were controlling the number of shoppers in the store at any one time.

Day 5 - Canada Here We Come

Another early start. We wanted to arrive at the border by 8am and had an hour drive to get there. Having no idea how long the process would take, we wanted to allow plenty of time if needed at the border and still be able to make our ferry reservation at 12:45.

The border remains closed to all but Canadian citizens and essential travel. We were fine entering with our Canadian passports. Once we satisfied Canada Customs and British Columbia Department of Health that we had a self-sufficient, safe quarantine plan that kept us isolated from others, we were granted entry but required to comply with a mandatory 14 day quarantine. We were requested to remain in our vehicle during transit and use drive through windows for food. If we required fuel or bathroom breaks we were to wear a mask and social distance. 

After clearing Customs, we made our way to the Tawassen ferry. We were early and able to change our reservation for an earlier crossing. Due to Covid, passengers were requested to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the 2 hour crossing to Nanaimo. After disembarking from the ferry, we had an uneventful 1.5 hour drive to the marina in Campbell River.

We were thankful that the dock hands greeted us with carts and transported our groceries and belongings from the car to the boat. Perishables were put in the fridge, a light dinner and some wine followed before another good nights sleep. Unpacking will wait until tomorrow.