Saturday, June 30, 2012

Hot Long Weekend

It's the Canada Day Long Weekend
once again.

Tomorrow our town will be hosting 
it's annual Canada Day Parade



As with most community parades
there will be 
horses
seniors
flags



And kids on bikes.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
I think we might need to find a different spot on the route
as each years pictures
look much
like the
year before


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Home Again

All great adventures must come to a close.
After a brief delay in Vancouver
Hannah and I arrived home very early Friday morning.

I'm still feeling a little punch drunk from the time change
and two weeks of constant movement,

but I still wanted to share these last three images from
Gabriola Island


The beach at Sandwell Provincial Park


Shells on a long, Drumbeg Provincial Park


This most lovely dedication of a bench, obviously for
a couple who admired the peace, view and calm of this place
as much as they loved each other.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Vancouver in the rain

It seems to rain in Vancouver.

hahaha

I got the guided tour to some of the more
interesting locations by my personal guide
Adam.













Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Green Green Vancouver


My tour guide (a.k.a. my son Adam)
took me for a tour of the Gastown area of Vancouver.
I have many pictures of the city but I was very
impressed with this community urban garden.



The garden is in what appears to be a former parking lot or perhaps a 
building lot that was demolished


Three cheers for Hastings

Monday, June 11, 2012

On the Road Again

Travels from Victoria B.C. to Vancouver.

As you can see, it was a perfect day for the crossing
I saw seals and a whale.

I hope the return is as eventful










Saturday, June 9, 2012

Beach Cruising on Gabriola Island








Cruising around Descanso Bay Regional Park


Still no whales or sea lions.

I've got my eyes pealed, and I'm ready

But, in the meantime
Check out the beach here at Descanso Bay.
Right out of a BC Tourism ad.




I love love love tidal pools.
This one (they all do) has lots of tiny crabs and fish.
the water in them is very warm. 
No sea stars yet.




Friday, June 8, 2012

Exploring the beaches on Gabriola Island




pathway to the public access



north shore looking towards Nanaimo




I thought this looked like a skull




North shore facing east



What water can do to rock.  Amazing



Ferry heading to Vancouver




Thursday, June 7, 2012

Half the fun is getting there


Gabriola Island is a 20 minute ferry ride
from Nanaimo.

Part of the fun is the getting there.

As you can imagine, you can't take pictures and drive at the same time.

I did well and got to the dock 25 minutes 
before the ferry departed.



Once you have your post in line, people get out of there cars
and visit with neighbours
walk there dogs
or rush across the street to London Drugs
and pick up last minute items


I ended up at the front on the ferry and watched the big BC Ferry heading to Vancouver 
cross my path.
I managed to drive off the boat and not run over anyone's toes
or end up in the harbour.

I tried to act like and islander, but I'm
not sure I was able to pull off that act.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Sights and wanderings


In Ontario, we see to do battle with colour.
Oh yes, it can be achieved it you are prepared to ensure
your pots and gardens get enough water, 
not so much sun that they shrivel.
Beds need to be prepared and cared for.
not in Victoria.
These icelandic poppies where growing in mass, in the lawn, just were they grew


These just grew in some space in the rock




along a driveway, next to a wooden fence


Along the sidewalk


Along the roof of the porch


Under a veranda


garden pots and wind chimes


And,  It seem that VW van never rust 
or go out of style.

these are only two of many I've seen.
Sadly, these two didn't have Kayak racks.

There are alot of paddlers in BC