The Empress

We finally got our room at 3:30 p.m. and yes, I did end up dozing on the sofa while I waited. What could I do? I had to get up at 4:30 this morning and I'd just eaten a rather large lunch. It was inevitable.

Our room is in the original section of the hotel (which is 100 years old this year), but it has been refurbished Fairmont style. I stayed at the Empress some 20 years ago when I was in college, and I suspect we were in the old section then also, pre-renovation.

Here's something I remember from my stay at the Empress three years ago, and it's still true now—the beds are heavenly. (I believe that "heavenly beds" may be a Westin hotel trademark, and if so, change that to celestial.) I definitely need to get a new mattress at home. This called for another two hour nap. (Well, an hour curled up in the corner of a couch is not that refreshing!)

When I finally dragged myself off the cloud-like bed, I headed down for a quick visit to the race expo—conveniently located at the conference center attached to the hotel—to pick up my race number and have a look around. I may go back tomorrow (possibly for more shopping).

So as a result of my shopping at the race expo, I have now changed my outfit for the run from the green Nike number (which I had Fed-exed to my office last week) to hot pink New Balance, with RVM logos. Right now I have a long-sleeved lightweight shirt with a pretty light shell to cover. I think that should be okay even for a cool morning but I may possibly reconsider and get something a little warmer tomorrow. I can't seem to make up my mind. I think I am mentally scarred because I was so chilly on the ferry this morning, but that can't possibly compare to running so I just have to put it out of my mind!

Our room has a nice view of the harbor. Here is what we get to look at during daylight hours (you can also see part of the hotel building)....

And at night.