Weekend Snow

Not long after waking on Saturday morning, it began to snow. At first Bruce was skeptical, thinking it really wasn't snowing, however, eventually he conceded that, indeed, it was snowing, albeit not very much. Well, enough for me anyway; I just love watching it fall.

Neither rain, nor snow seems to keep the dragon boat teams from practicing.

Zarita suffered from the flu this past week, so Bruce wanted to visit her job to see how things were going. You know who went along for the ride. Before we went to West Vancouver, Bruce needed to pick up his computer from the office where I saw this in their lunchroom. Go Canada Go is the theme, and that they have done. To date they have 17 medals whereas the US has 10!

The job is along the waterfront adjacent to an area called Ambleside which seems fitting as there is a walkway running all along the water. While he went inside, I did just that, ambled along the water.

As you can see, the sky was a bit gloomy, however, I was not the only one ambling. People seem to take walks here in any kind of weather,  or at least that is my observation. The photo above is facing East with Stanley Park on the right hand side and the tall buildings of Burnaby in the far distance.  By now the snow had long gone, or at least alongside the water. The building below, now an art gallery, once housed the ferry station where, beginning in the early 1900's, ferry service across Burrard Inlet was offered.

The ferry was the only means of transportation between the mainland and West Vancouver, that is until the Guinness family came to town. This link gives you a little bit of the history of what is called The British Properties and how the Lionsgate bridge came to be. What is most astonishing, at least to me, is seeing the beginning of the little video when the men are clearing the land using axes and the like. What back breaking work that must have been!

So, I have shown you many views of the mountains from Stanley Park when they are shrouded in fog and now I know what it looks like up close. The new Earls is opening in the stacked building on the right.

With the mountain behind it, that is all cloud cover in the top half of the photo. A few weeks ago I picked up a brochure at the Vancouver Tourist office about Grouse Mountain, the favorite place for locals to ski. (During the 2010 Olympics, the Today Show did their broadcasts from there) Bruce came across it and suggested we go there after our visit to the job site as we were to be on the North Shore anyway. Perfect! I'm always up for an adventure. We never actually got there because we pulled off of Capilano Road into the parking lot of Capilano River Regional Park and never left. Oh my goodness was it beautiful!

Bruce was still in the car reporting to Zarita when I walked up a short set of steps to discover magic. Not knowing what to expect, I was seriously blown away by the view and this was just the start!

When a full on rainbow suddenly appeared, I actually called Bruce and told him to meet me ASAP, as I did not want to turn my back on the scene.

Even from this vantage point, we could hear the roar of dammed water, the Capilano River, which is the source of the drinking water in Vancouver. I used the term we because by now Bruce was with me, marveling at the mountains, the clouds, the rainbow...

Making our way to the dam, well it was a spectacular scene as well.

We began walking towards what looked like a path down to the water and while it wasn't quite as low as the level of the river, it was quite the hike for two old folks like us. There were ferns, waterfalls, downed giant trees,

and moss, moss, and more moss. Looking at this photograph of myself, I honestly hardly recognize this woman. Yikes!!

Although it was chilly, this was in the middle of the afternoon with the expected increase in temperature you would expect for that time of day.

The moss growing everywhere was simply astonishing to me, however, this is an urban rainforest, so I guess that it is to be expected.

We made it down to the viewing platform,

which is as far as we went, not having a map to guide us further. As you can imagine, the sound of the water was really something. There is a fish hatchery in sight from this platform, however, with intermittent rain and darkness fast approaching, we did not go there.

And now, to climb back up! There were some stairs however most of the time we walked on well maintained wide trails. Because I am such a slow walker, while Bruce answered a text from Steve, I got going up the hill, thus, Bruce is playing catch up.

I would point out that the trail marker on the right points you onto a trail leading to Ambleside Park! I can't imagine how you get there from where we were, but I don't question professionals. For the most part anyway. :)

Once home we took it very easy, watching the Olympics and staying warm inside as the temperature was dropping once again. Here's two pieces of good news--the days are getting significantly longer, and it SNOWED again overnight!

Not a ton where we are, but oh my goodness, when the sun came up, look at the beauty across the water!

How awesome is that? Not long after I took the above photo, I got a shower, dressed, and walked to Urban Fare to buy some pastries. We probably could have had toast, however,  it was a good excuse for me to get out with my camera. Walking past David Lamm Park, I had to be very careful on the icy sidewalk because I was not wearing my boots. I started to say, see I'm learning, but that would only be a half truth wouldn't it?

Someone getting creative in the park.

Don't ask me why I am drawn to empty swings because I have no answer to that question.

Safely home, this sight warmed my heart.

I was not wearing my serious boots because, a. I was ready for church, and b. I wrongly assumed all of the sidewalks would be salted. Neither of these two things happened. Much to my surprise, the Chinese New Year parade was on this very Sunday, beginning at 11. We went to that instead.

A more colorful experience than I can remember seeing for a very long time that deserves a post of its own, coming soon from my little space on the world wide web.

yours truly,

Gail

You've Had Your Snow

One has to wonder, had I visited Vancouver in December, rather than April, would I have been so keen to move here?

Monday was a holiday here, Family Day, so while Bruce worked from home in the morning, I took off for Queen Elizabeth park because it was a beautiful day. I'm monitoring all of the gardens these days, watching for signs of Spring. At any rate, it was chilly, but lovely, so no staying indoors for me!

Since I was there, I decided to visit the birds in the conservatory, and heck, get a little Florida as a bonus. The plants and trees are what you will find in most yards back home, but to folks here, they are exotic. What was I thinking? I should have known it would be filled with families enjoying the holiday. Alas, I focused, no pun intended, on trying to get a good shot of the Lady Amherst Pheasant, mostly to no avail because it runs around like mad.

Perhaps another day.

As we've discussed before QEP is the highest point in the city of Vancouver, affording sweeping views of the city from many vantage points.

Before leaving to go to the park, Bruce said "let's go to Granville Island for lunch" and who says no to that on a pretty day? Loads of other folks felt the same way, and honestly, who could blame them? Nearly three years ago, during my short visit,  I went to Granville Island and was so impressed with, well, everything. Something about our visit on Monday got me to thinking about that time,  maybe because the day was quite similar.

I still think to myself that never in a million years did I dream that we would one day come here to live! BTW---that busker was terrific. As you can see by the way he is dressed that it was still quite chilly, but when you are sun-starved, the temperature is irrelevant. We were even treated to a beautiful sunset that same night.

Some days I go out walking because I have errands to run, whereas some days I go out just to see what I can see. A lovely pink camellia, just like we have at home. Or maybe not just like ours as I've learned that there are way more types than, it seems, anyone can count.

Here's something else entirely new to me. As I walked along the seawall one day, I believe the day they had the water shut off in our building, I saw sprouts, (a poor description, but I don't know what other term to use) busting through the grassy hillside. Mystified, I've since learned from Matt that they are crocuses. So, just as those folks who visit the conservatory think the plant life is exotic, so too, do I feel that way here!

Of course now I am obsessed with seeing the blooms, only just having returned from a walk to check on them. Baby it was cold out there, more so than I was dressed for because I'd been inside sewing all day, and it is as warm as toast in here. You may find it hard to believe, but the heat has come on only twice all winter because it never seems to get cold inside.

Which brings me to my title. In my last post I mentioned the possibility for snow, however,  I was not holding my breath as I've seen that little snow icon before only to have it disappear just as quickly as it appeared. Still, I told Bruce that perhaps it will snow tonight, to which he replied, "probably not."
"Honey, I want more!" Being the loving husband that he is, he answered back, "you've had your snow." Spoil sport!!!

 I'm here to tell you that my wish came true! When we woke up the first thing Bruce did was look outdoors and said, "yup, it snowed."

Ha ha! I could not wait until real daylight before taking a picture of the snow on the other side of the water! Because I knew it would probably not hang around, after Bruce left for work I got dressed lickety split to head to the park, where I felt pretty confidant I could find snow. Before going too far though, here's the flower bed at the park below the condo. Yes, indeed, those are bulbs coming up amongst the snow.

From the looks of this car, the snow was heavier than it first appeared, probably because it turned to rain and melted on the ground? Listen to me, acting like I understand winter!

One mission was to return to the snowdrops for a photograph of them in, well, snow, of course. I know, I'm pretty crazy, but then again, with a blog called Camera Crazy, what would one expect? I cut through a few streets in the West End and this sign in an apartment window made me happy.

Canada is, geographically, such a huge country with so few people it is crazy. Did you realize that nearly 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the United States border? In the months leading up to the Olympics, the message board in the elevator runs sports stories and so many of them involved the Olympic athletes. As I type this the Canadians have won 13 medals and I can tell you this makes them very proud. As it should be, right?

Mission accomplished.

It has only been in the last two weeks that I've found the area of the park that I visited as a tourist and I'm delighted I finally did because that is where I saw scads and scads of flowering bulbs that slayed me. You can bet I'll be there a ridiculous amount of time, soaking it all in. This sad daffodil!

I have no idea how many Canadian Geese make Vancouver their home; what I can tell you is the number is probably in the thousands. Writing this blog helps me to learn new things, and I hope, every now and again, there is something linked that might interest you. This article from the Vancouver Sun explains the goose problem. Wow!

As I mentioned, it rained after snowing and the sky was dim for most of my walk, only breaking up after a few hours. Enough though so that I could see the freshly fallen snow on the North Shore mountains where they were meant to receive up to 8 inches overnight.

Instead of walking on the seawall to make my way home, I began taking trails through the park, finally finding Beaver Lake, not pictured because, well, if you are from Florida, this lake is what you might call "a poor excuse for a lake." I suspect walking in the forest has not been on my agenda more often because I don't know my way around and fear that I'll get lost. That's a pity because the trees are magnificent.

Perhaps when it is closer to summer, after I'm done chasing flowers, that I can study the map and see more of the interior of the park. Just before leaving I was rewarded with a little light show.

As you now know, I got to experience a tiny snow fall, and allegedly there is more to come. As in tonight!!

Wish me luck,

Gail

We've Had a Change in the Weather

I would not blame you for one minute if, while reading my entries lately, you thought to yourself, "Gail, can it really be as wet as you claim? Surely, there must be some level of exaggerating going on?" Indeed friends, I was not, and here's the proof of that. It was hard to even remember what things look like with sunshine. Really. Now, however, in spite of it getting colder, we've had some sun.

As a matter of fact, it was so bright, it almost hurt your eyes, however, that is what sunglasses are for isn't it? Mine had not been out of my backpack in probably two months! The link not only tells you that this was the fourth rainiest January on record, but it mentions that there are signs of spring which I can substantiate beginning with the photo below. The cutest little baby irises!

Doing a few errands, late last week, when I saw the mountains at the end of the street for the first time in ages, well, I just had to take a walk. Come along with me okay?

Look closely and you will see the sails at Canada Place. All those who've left on an Alaskan cruise from Vancouver will recognize them instantly. The minute the sky turns blue, people are out in droves and that includes your favorite blogger.

Walking down Howe Street, I was wondering what the hot pink dome on the Vancouver Art Gallery was all about.

The free ice skating rink continues to be open for a few more weeks,  all part of Robson Square which is a Provincial landmark in Vancouver.  So, here's why the dome has a pink covering, and yes, people are out loving the sunshine.

I don't know what will happen to the current art gallery when the new one is built a few blocks away.

With the bright light, I could sure see the Starling's true colors.

This bulldog! My shadow!!!

No doubt when we return to Orlando, once this adventure is over, I will be cursing the intensity of the sun, but for now, I'm going to appreciate it every chance I get. On the Georgia Street side of the gallery, this white sculpture was just built during the renovation on the plaza. I adore all these colors together; inspiration for a new quilt perhaps?

Continuing down Howe,  I went to the water for a clear glimpse of the mountains. In the middle of the water is one of the Sea Buses like we took a few weeks ago.

Steve was in town for the annual Earl's Town Hall meetings so we met up with him for dinner. Here is the man responsible for the Peck's Grand Adventure!

He looks like a nice guy doesn't he? That he is. He sent the sweetest card to Bruce that we received once we returned home from our "adventure" in Seattle.

Should you be wondering, the temperature has been mostly in the low 40's for all of January, both day and night. It was a shame that it was the coldest part of the winter when Matt and Tom were here! That said, the last few nights it has been freezing, or near freezing again. There is even talk of snow which most people hope is not true. I would not be amongst them.

Craig, from church, asked me how I was holding up with the weather and mentioned that report of record rainfall. Nice. He also spoke about the signs of spring and his first year in Vancouver. He described the season as "intoxicating!" What have we got in store for us? Apparently flowers and more flowers courtesy of all that rainfall! I can barely wait!

As you've discovered I love going to Stanley Park, especially now that things are changing rapidly. The herons have not taken over their colony yet, but it sure will be neat when they do. Thanks to Tom, I now know that these early little darlings are called Snow Drops, and they are starting to appear in great clusters throughout the park.

Also, by now. you've figured out how much I love seeing the mountains from every angle I can. Because the day was mostly clear, I discovered that if I am on a little hill by Lost Lagoon I can see their beautiful snow caps.

Here's another one of my favorite views which had been hard to come by for quite some time. Note all of the people having a stroll in the dry weather.

The silhouette of mountains is West Vancouver. Bruce and I watched something on the Weather channel recently about weather related disasters, one of which was the cargo ship that sunk off of Jacksonville Beach. I probably will think of that every time I look at the plethora of cargo ships in English Bay.

That day there was a small sunset which cast bright rays towards the East, lighting up the buildings and turning the sky a deep shade of blue.

Has anyone else been watching the Winter Olympics? Having now been on a mountain top, I have even more of an appreciation of what those daring athletes do! I will say it is strange watching them in another country with other broadcasters. Canadians seem to do a good job at many things, however, their sports broadcasting leaves a little to be desired.

Oblivious to the date, as I generally am, a scene I saw walking home took me by surprise. Although I'd read that the giant ring sculpture was a popular place for Vancouverites to propose, I'd yet to see it for myself. I was walking along the seawall, with my head bobbing to and fro. Why yes,
it does appear to be an engagement going on.

On further inspection, there is no doubt at all.

Only after seeing this happening in Robson Square on Sunday afternoon did I realize that, but of course, it is nearly Valentine's Day!

There was a huge line up of people waiting to be married and now I understand more about it and you can too if you click on this link. Perhaps not for everyone, but super cool nonetheless.

Speaking of marriage, how about the fact that we will be heading to Orlando two weeks from tomorrow for Bill and Fallon's wedding? I keep track of the weather there and I'm thinking I'm going to be very warm if it doesn't cool back down soon. That is one thing that has been just fine by me, cooler weather, although I would not be saying as much had we moved to say, Calgary where there have been new records set as to snowfall. 

I don't want that kind of snow but a little more might be nice.....

yours truly,

Gail