My Big Move to Vancouver, WA!

If you've been following my adventures over the past year, you know it’s been a wild ride. After wrapping up my time at WSU in Pullman, WA, I decided to take a leap and move to British Columbia. For eight amazing months, I called BC my home, and let me tell you, it was an experience like no other. I was in the heart of nature, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine waters. Whether it was hiking through the ancient rainforests, skiing down the powdery slopes of Mount Washington, or exploring the quaint little farmers markets where the locals sold fresh produce and homemade jams, every day felt like a new adventure. I even got to try my hand at snowboarding, which was a lot harder than it looked (and involved more than a few wipeouts), but by the end, I was cruising down the slopes like a pro.

But all good things must come to an end, and as a U.S. citizen, my stay in Canada was limited. Eight months flew by in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it, it was time to pack up and head back to the States. The decision to move to Vancouver, WA, was bittersweet. On one hand, I was sad to leave behind the breathtaking beauty of BC, but on the other, I was excited about what this new chapter would bring.

The journey itself was an adventure. Imagine this: I packed up my car with all my belongings, loaded up on coffee, and set out on a 13-hour road trip that took me from the coastal beauty of British Columbia to the vibrant greenery of Washington State. The first leg of the trip was a two-hour ferry ride across the waters of BC. As the ferry glided across the calm, blue waters, I stood on the deck, soaking in the last views of the rugged coastline, with its dense forests and rocky shores. The morning mist clung to the tops of the trees, and the air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and saltwater. It was a peaceful and almost surreal experience, knowing that this was my final goodbye to a place that had become so special to me.

Once the ferry docked, it was time to hit the road. The drive through British Columbia was nothing short of spectacular. The winding roads took me through dense forests, where towering Douglas firs and cedar trees lined the way, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. Every now and then, the trees would part, revealing breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. It felt like driving through a postcard, and I couldn’t help but stop a few times to snap some photos and just take it all in.

As I crossed the border into the U.S., the landscape started to change. The lush greenery of BC gradually gave way to the drier, sun-soaked terrain of Washington. The fields, once vibrant with life, were now a golden brown, baked by the summer sun. The traffic was relentless, with cars bumper to bumper and the occasional accident slowing things down even more. At one point, I found myself stuck in dead-stop traffic for what felt like hours, the heat rising in waves off the asphalt. But despite the frustration, there was something oddly calming about the journey. Maybe it was the knowledge that I was on the cusp of a new adventure, or maybe it was just the soothing rhythm of the road beneath my tires.

As I got closer to Vancouver, WA, the scenery started to shift again. The dry fields gave way to the lush, green landscape that the Pacific Northwest is famous for. The air was cooler, and the trees were taller, their leaves a vibrant green that almost seemed to glow in the late afternoon sun. Driving into Vancouver was like stepping into a different world. The city itself is nestled between the Columbia River and the sprawling forests of the region, giving it a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. The streets were lined with tall, leafy trees, and flower boxes overflowed with colorful blooms, adding a touch of charm to the city’s neighborhoods.

One of the things that surprised me most about Vancouver, WA, was how different it was from the image I had in my mind. If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ve probably heard about the homelessness and crime that have been plaguing Portland and its surrounding areas. I was fully expecting to be greeted by tent cities and rundown neighborhoods. But as I drove through the streets of Vancouver, I was pleasantly surprised. The city was alive with vibrant energy—families out for walks, kids playing in the parks, and the smell of fresh coffee wafting from the local cafes. The neighborhoods were charming, with flower-covered terraces, quaint shops, and a strong sense of community. It was nothing like what I had expected, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Of course, I haven’t ventured into downtown Portland yet, and I’m not sure I will anytime soon, but so far, Vancouver has been a pleasant surprise. There’s something about this city that just feels right, like it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.

When I finally arrived at my new apartment, I was exhausted but excited to start this new chapter. My new place is cozy—definitely smaller than the Canadian house and my two-bedroom apartment in Pullman—but it’s perfect for me, my boyfriend, and Apollo. One of the first things I did was start unpacking the boxes of furniture that had been delivered. Let me tell you, assembling a three-sectional couch is no joke! It took three attempts to figure out which pieces went where, and by the time I got it right, I was ready to throw in the towel. But it was all worth it when I finally saw it come together. The couch is perfect for cozy movie nights and lounging after a long day.

Next up was the new king-sized bed, which was a bit easier to put together, thankfully! I went all out with the bedding, opting for the cutest waffle-textured duvet set that I’ve ever seen. It’s my first time having a king-sized bed, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. With my boyfriend and Apollo sharing the bed, it’s nice to finally have enough space for everyone to sprawl out without feeling cramped. And honestly, I think my boyfriend is even more thrilled about it than I am—especially since I tend to radiate heat like a furnace when I sleep!

Right now, the apartment is still a work in progress. We’ve got the basics—a couch, a flat-screen TV that’s currently sitting on the floor because I need to find the perfect TV stand, and our big bed. But even though it’s not fully furnished yet, it already feels like home. There’s something about the process of decorating and making a space your own that’s so satisfying. I’ve been spending my days exploring the area, checking out local shops, and even hitting up the farmers market where I picked up some fresh produce and homemade goodies (stay tuned for a post about that soon!).

Moving to Vancouver, WA, marks the start of an exciting new chapter in my life. I’m eager to explore everything this beautiful area has to offer—from the scenic hiking trails to the local food scene, and everything in between. So, buckle up, because there’s a lot more to come as I settle into my new home and continue this adventure. And who knows? Maybe this move will lead to even bigger and better things. Only time will tell!

Xo,

Cha