Vancouver

We've got Miles in the van with us today – his band is staying in Seattle with their broken van, so he'll play solo.  Also, we decide not to risk getting Colin across the border today (long story for after the Toronto shows), so we leave him with a friend in Bellingham.

And then, paperwork all printed, passports in order, we head to the border.   Even with everything in order and no reason to worry, its hard not to worry when you're sitting in a huge building with fluorescent lights beaming down and you and the armed border crossing officers.

The show in Vancouver turns out to be the best show of the tour.  Justin and I switch off on bass, and we dig out some older songs and arrangements.  The Media Club reminds me so much of playing in the UK – a small, intimate club with lots of candles and an incredibly attentive audience.  We end the show by playing "End" completely acoustic in the middle of the room.  And our host Ingrid makes us an incredible meal.  For a place we've never played a show, it’s a total success.

As a result of all of this success, I am also incredibly hung over.  And in the middle of the night, someone scrawls "CANADA RULES" on our American-flag-bedecked spare tire cover.