British Columbia Travels

Stanley Park and Vancouver Aquarium

2010-06-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

No, we're not back in Bali or Maui.....we spent the morning at the Vancouver Aquarium,a beautiful home to many of the world's unique and special marine creatures. On a cloudy and cold mid June morning (people are calling it June-uary) the aquarium seemed like the obvious place to be, and although we are not big on aquariums (or zoos), we were pleasantly surprised at the modern facility. We enjoyed the 4D BBC "Shallow Seas" movie, where we not only wore 3 D glasses, but also were prodded, sprayed with mist, and had shots of air blown on our face and feet, giving us a virtual reality experience. My sister and I yelped and laughed our way through it!

Cute stingray!Beautiful Beluga Whale

The gardens in Stanley Park are so beautiful at this time of year. The rose garden, especially, was in full bloom and we took the time to "smell the roses." Even the guys were comparing notes on which flowers smelt nicer!

View from Prospect Point looking out over English bay at a lone sailboat.

The Lions Gate Bridge, famous Vancouver Icon. Also the place my older brother's Engineering Collegues somehow managed to suspend a Volkswagon Beetle from back in the 70's!

Loss Lagoon, at the edge of Vancouver city.

I have to finish this post with this tree I spotted in Stanley Park. My sister said it looked like a Picasso painting of a face, which I like. These "eyes" are not carved into the bark; they are a natural part of the tree, as we saw them on several of the same type of tree.

Bears at Whistler Mountain!

2010-06-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while riding the gondola back down the mountain, we saw 2 black bears galloping down the slope and off into the bush, then this morning, as I sat reading my book in front of the picture window, I saw something move and as I looked up, there was a large black bear just below the front yard where we're staying! He was munching on grass and after 10 minutes, he meandered down the private road in front of several cabins. Later on, we walked on the path down to the Village for lunch, and surprise, surprise: another bear, eating in the grassy area next to the path, totally unconcerned with passerby's.

Whistler Mountain Sightseeing

2010-06-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Whistler Express Chair lift takes you up to the Peak to Peak Gondola, which is an incredible engineering feat connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. There was still a lot of snow on the mountains. Beautiful scenery, fresh mountain air and an exhilarating ride across the valley.Peak to Peak Gondola If you have a fear of heights, you might catch a few butterflies on this one!

Whistler Mountain

2010-06-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

I love Whistler. I've been coming here since I was about 14 and have so many great memories of this place: skiing holidays with family, hiking and walking along mountain trails, seeing bears, riding the gondola and chairlifts (sometimes at 20 below zero, freezing my but off; other times at 30 degrees Celsius, with views to die for), drinking hot coffee or soup at an outdoor cafe in the Village, sitting around a fire after a long day on the slopes, walking around the golf course (not actually golfing, which I hate!) So many fun times. Relaxing times. Invigorated by the mountain air, the purity of Nature, and the resort atmosphere of this quaint place just 1 1/2 hours north of Vancouver. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way about Whistler. Tony's daughter spent 2 years here; now his son, Timothy has been here 2 years, working and enjoying the lifestyle that Whistler is famous for. I've heard that during ski season about 1/3 of the staff are Australians. As you wander around the Village, it becomes quite evident that people from all parts of the world come here to see what all the fuss is about. And of course with the Winter Olympics just finished, Whistler, no doubt, will attract many more curious travelers. I for one, will be back!

Celebrating Timothy's Birthday at Sushi Station! Delicious food!The Olympic Mascots!

Spring has sprung!

Yesterday, as Tony walked 20 metres down the road to dispose of our garbage in the bear proof shed, he suddenly saw something move out of the corner of his eye and as he turned to look, he came eye to eye with a black bear! The bear was within a few feet, but there was no fear on either side. Both knew instinctively that there was no threat. Tony came back to the cabin and was so excited. All he wanted was his camera and to tell me "There's a bear out there!" Of course, by the time we returned, the bear was moving on. It seems there are a lot more bears lower down on the mountain slopes this spring because there's still snow covering their usual feeding areas. So, maybe, we'll be lucky enough to see some more of these woolly creatures.

The bear that got away!

Comox, the Ferry to Powell River, and Skookumchuck Rapids!

2010-06-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

After the cold and wet conditions at Telegraph Cove, we drove down the highway to Comox and stayed our last night at a small provincial park right on the ocean, near the Ferry Terminal. The sun came out and as we walked along the rocky shoreline, we talked about our 2 weeks on Vancouver Island. The highlight for both of us was Tofino and the bush walks in the wilderness areas there. Of course another highlight for me was catching up with my girlfriend, Terri, talking the hours away, like only women can! She took us out on Friday night to a local coffee shop/used book shop in Oak Bay (Victoria) and we sat drinking peppermint tea and watched local guitar players and other performers in an open mic concert.

Tony built another perfect fire and we roasted hotdogs and listened to the birds as the sun gave way to dusk and our bed beckoned us. Another fulfilling day of travel, exploring new places, discovering new things about ourselves, pondering what tomorrow might bring.

From Comox, we hopped on a ferry that took us across to Powell River on the Sunshine Coast of BC. We weren't too interested in Powell River, so we headed along the highway south to another ferry terminal and 40 minutes later we found ourselves in Egmont at a small private campground (Strongwater), another campfire, a stir fry veggie and rice dinner and views to snow capped mountains with eagles soaring through the wind. We had heard about these special rapids at Egmont, called the Skookumchuck Rapids.

We read that it was best to go at the turn of the tides, so we got up early and made the hour long trek through an amazing fern filled forest to the rocky lookout point just in time for the 8:30 tide change. The rapids were running and it was quite a site, but an added treat was watching a tug boat trying to pull a huge load of logs against the tide! Another tug boat arrived and went to the back of his load and pushed it while the other guy pulled. They hardly moved, inch by inch and I wondered if they would ever reach their destination.

Whale Watching at Telegraph Cove, Northern Vancouver Island

2010-06-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Freezing cold and rainy, but we still enjoyed the sea breeze, the eagles, sea lions, seals, dolphins and one Minke Whale!

Telegraph Cove

Sea Kelp

All things Canadian!

2010-05-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Mapleleaf

The famous acrobatic Snowbirds

Bears

Logging trucks

Totem Poles

Holly

Moose (Okay, so we didn't see any live ones, but you get the idea!)

And names that make Australians shudder!

The serenity of Deep Bay, South of Courtenay

2010-05-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

The view from our campsite! What a magical place this was! We saw otters, seals off in the distance, and woke up in the morning to a scene of about 30 bald headed eagles, all perched on the outgoing tide, waiting for a fish for breakfast.

River Otter having a feed onshore at Deep Bay

2010-05-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm done! Off for another fish!

Hotdogs on the fire!

2010-05-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Boy, am I ever re-living a lot of childhood memories here on the island. Roasting marshmellows and hotdogs over a roaring fire was one of my very favourite things to do as a kid. BTW it's a "vege" hotdog! Tony had the real thing.

Long Beach, West Coast Vancouver Island

2010-05-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Contemplating Life, Long Beach Style

Kids don't feel the cold

Nature's Bonsai!

2010-05-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Tofino, West Coast of Vancouver Island

2010-05-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in a quaint little Tofino coffee shop listening to Van Morrison on local radio (what a great station!Al the old classics). After a rainy morning, we now have sunshine and as I sit here pondering life, I realize it truly is the simple pleasures in life that bring the most satisfaction: a latte made with love by a hippie singing along with the music (obviously loving his job and life in general), eating the best piece of banana bread with huge chunks of chocolate chips, looking out the open door to the fuchsia rhododendron, feeling the cool breeze meet the warmth of the central heating and feeling so grateful for everything! The last 2 days have been spent hiking in the beachside forests amongst huge fir trees, something I could never get enough of! Hope you enjoy the photos.....

The rugged bushland and waterways of Vancouver Island

2010-05-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Can't help myself. I am a tree lover!

Baby Tree-Huggers!

How this Arbutus Tree grows out of the rocks is beyond me, but it sure makes a beautiful Artistic palate.

Hello to this tree stump "Elemental"

Artists and beautiful landscapes

2010-05-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Chemanis, an artistan town known for its giant murals.

Looks like a bird (owl) taking off in flight.

Is that a crocodile on this half-fallen over fir tree?!

Off the Beaten Track, Vancouver Island

2010-05-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

South West Coast from Victoria to Port Renfrew: Rugged coastline, gushing rivers, giant trees.....

More around Victoria

2010-05-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Young native deer in a bush near Victoria. We also had 2 cross the road as we were driving. Such a cute site!

Victoria lies on a peninsula; one side is the harbour and this is what greets you on the other side! Snow-capped mountains (USA) seemingly dropping into the ocean. It was freezing cold, with a strong wind blowing. Some crazy Canadian is out sailing!

First Nations peoples are well respected; their totem poles are seen all around the Island.

Victoria, B.C.

2010-05-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Empress Hotel

Within Victoria harbour are these great houseboats, 5 minute walk from downtown, costing from $200K to 1.5 million

Parliament Buildings with a Totem Pole in front

A seal in the harbour!

Reunion with my old friend Terri, the artist

2010-05-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Terri's art is colourful, bold and expressive, just like her life!

Lulu, Terri's cat, is the subject of many great paintings. Check out the self portrait on the wall and the intuitive painting "Women Dancing" below.

Reminiscing about old times.....we had plenty of good laughs!

Saanichton Bay Driftwood

2010-05-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Relaxing on a bed of driftwood......

Tree Pose amongst the trees!

Vancouver Island Journey Begins!

2010-05-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Off to Vancouver Island on the Ferry! One and a half hours of beautiful scenery sailing through the various Gulf Islands.

Home for the next 3 weeks! We've decided to call her Sheba (as in Queen of Sheba). Our van in NZ was Sherpy and this one is a bit more "up market."

Herons and Otters!

2010-05-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Our first day on Vancouver Island and we spotted 2 otters swimming along the Bay near the RV Park! We felt so privileged to see these once almost extinct mammals from the Weasel family. Then, as we walked back to the Park through some wetlands, we were treated by several Giant Heron's.

Family gatherings!

2010-05-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Dad relaxing in his favourite chair watching the Vancouver Canucks losing in the semi finals!

Brother John (R) and Justin watching the hockey game.

Sister Carol and Jerry (Hb) with son Nathan arriving for dinner.

We met up with Dad's 2 sisters for lunch. Aunty Sonja is 92 and Aunty Laila 88; Dad is the baby at 84.

Vancouver on a sunny May day!

2010-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Springtime with the ducklings!

2010-05-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Bunzen Lake Trail

2010-05-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Buntzen Lake is one of my favourite spots in the Lower Mainland. As kids we spent many hot summer afternoons swimming in the lake, lazing on the shore with friends, exploring through the bush surrounding the lake. My sister and her husband, Jerry and Tony and I walked the length of the lake, which took us an hour each way. Feeling invigorated and famished, we ended up at the Cornerstone Coffee Shop for a delicious lunch of their organic sandwiches and coffee.

Buntzen Lake is a perfect place to relax with a fishing line.

Can you see the face peering out at you from this rock?!

Yoga in the centre of a beautiful fir tree!

Serenity Plus!

Mosses hanging from fir trees in this enchanted forest!

Beavers!

2010-05-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here's the female beaver at the lake across the street from Dad's apartment complex. She was happily munching on leaves and was unperturbed by all the onlookers, obviously very comfortable with human contact. When we arrived at 8pm, her partner was swimming across the lake and didn't return while we were there. As dusk set in, she turned and swam back to her lodge, carrying a huge branch of green leaves. We followed and watched as she approached her lodge and dove under the water and disappeared.

Beavers are incredible engineers! I read somewhere that if their lodge is destroyed, the busy little beavers don't waste time grieving or lamenting their loss (as us humans are prone to do), but get straight back to work and rebuild their home in lightening speed. They have been seen dragging huge trees through the forest into the lake. Such determination and intention can teach us a lesson about going for what we want and not giving up no matter what the obstacles might be. Beavers know what they are here to do. It's quite simple really: they build a home, eat and collect leaves for the winter. Imagine if we all knew what our purpose was and we just focused on it as we forged forward with determination, not letting anything get in our way. How good would that be?!

Home Sweet Home!

2010-05-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Arrived to a beautiful blue sky with a few clouds hovering around Grouse and Seymour Mountains and immediately felt that familiarity that only happens when one returns "home." Vancouver never disappoints with it's incredible skyline of mountains, the high rises, the fir trees and various waterways. It is a truly beautiful city.

It took me a full week to overcome jet lag this time around. Maybe my body is telling me to "give the time traveling a break!" Crossing the dateline does indeed play havic with one's internal timeline.
This morning Tony and I ventured out to explore the area near my Dad's place and found an amazing trail along the Coquitlam River, only a 10 minute walk from the apartment. We followed the trail as it meandered along the gushing river, feeling so energetic from the negative ions. The trees, mosses, birds, squirrels and fresh crisp air just added to our sense of invigoration as we explored like 2 little kids. After an hour and a bit, the Cornerstone Coffee Shop beckoned....boy, does a hot latte ever taste great after the cold morning walk!

Last year when I visited, we walked around the lake opposite Dad's place and watched the beavers in the early evening as they swam and dove into the icy lake. Last night I decided to take a walk and see if they were around this year. Amazingly, this same couple have made a brand new "home" extending about 5 feet out of the water on the lake's edge. Covered in sticks, logs and mud, it keeps the beaver pair out of danger from eagles and other predators. As I walked around the lake, there they were: right there on the edge in shallow water, munching on a branch of leaves.....I stood nearby watching them, giggling like a kid, as they each gnawed their way through the entire branch, bark and all! I didn't realize beavers ate leaves. I thought fish made up their main diet. So, there you go. Hopefully, we can catch them with the camera tonight!
Ah, it's good being home!!