Stanley Park, Vancouver

Looking towards Lion Gate Bridge. Early morning fog.

 

Siwash Rock - 32million year old sea stack

After an early start, we caught the train to Vancouver (about a 75min trip), then an electric trolley-bus to Stanley Park.  We followed the waterfront walkway, then explored some of the pathways through the forest. The park is 405 hectares and almost entirely surrounded by water - Vancouver Harbour and English Bay.
Walking around the sea wall lets you see outriggers, people fishing/running/cycling, North Vancouver, mountains, autumn colour, the imposing rock face, float planes and tugs.

Sunlight through the canopy along one of the trails.

Logs (tree trunks) washed up on the beach

John - unsure of which path to take!

Just like Copenhagen, only 'Girl in a Wetsuit'

The local wildlife - black squirrel, wood duck and beaver lodge (below)

There are a number of totem poles in the park. This unpainted one was carved by the man standing next to John. It honours his mother, the last of the First Nation people who were born and raised on the land where Stanley Park is today.



One area of Vancouver is called Gastown and was the original settlement. According to history it was named after a Yorkshire steamboat captain and barkeep called 'Gassy' Jack Deighton who arrived in 1867 to open the area's first saloon. The area went from booming port to the Skid Row of Vancouver in the Depression, but now hosts businesses, restaurants, galleries, film and art studios. Sadly many homeless people are just around the corner. It also maintains the original gas street lights and this wonderful steam clock. We were lucky enough to be there as it signalled the hour with a whistle and a release  of steam from each of its whistles -  surprisingly melodic.

We walked lots of kilometres today, but also saw many interesting things.  On the way home in the train, we managed to take this photo of the timber floating in the river, waiting to be hauled to the sawmill/woodchip mill.  As they still float logs downstream, that would explain the large number washed up along the river banks and seashores.

This will be our final posting for this holiday blog as we head home in a couple of days.  We are hoping to have another drive in Chris' MGB to lovely Fort Langley area, then have time to pack and let John mentally prepare for the long flight home.  We all know how much he loves planes!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our blog and maybe learning more about this wonderful country.  We've certainly enjoyed selecting the photos and discussing appropriate text. Cheers until our next holiday adventure.