Stanley Park and watching lions

Stanley Park is a municipal area in the middle of Vancouver.  It is a huge area of both developed parkland, and original woodland.  I won't go into all the facts and figures about it, you can read about all that here, however it is around 1000 acres in area.

As far as I'm aware there is no formal residential development in the park, although there are a few places to eat, visitor centers etc. Surrounding much of the park is water, and much of this coast is fringed with beaches imaginatively named first, second, and third beach.  When I went there was a very hot spell, and the sand was being well used.  Be aware that there seems to be a liberal attitude to clothing so if nudity offends you then try to look at the horizon and enjoy the mountain vistas if you visit.  Vancouver is a city of cyclists, and although there often are separate paths for walkers, and bikers, it's as well to keep your wits about you.  Remember UK folks, it's drive on the right here!

Around Vancouver, and the parts of British Columbia I visited, there is a growing recognition of the aboriginal history of the area.  A lot of the place names are now displayed in English, and in some of the other local languages.  In Stanley Park there are some references to ancient legends and customs such as Siwash Rock, and the totem park

In addition there are more contemporary artworks such as the "Girl in a Wetsuit" statue.  You can of course enjoy a horse drawn carriage around the park.

One of the things my brother was keen for me to see was the spectacle of a Canadian Football game.  Now for the record this is not the same as American football, although there are similarities.  I can't pretend to know the rules, but here is a wiki break down of the game.  As you might imagine if you have seen either sport on the television this is an event full of razzmatazz. The local team, the BC Lions were up against Calgary.  With Canada being so huge I gather it is unusual for many of the away teams supporters to gather.  Consequently much of the stadium was bedecking in orange.

Local and national pride are much in evidence, from the entrance to of the team via large inflatable lions mouth, complete with a guard of honour by the energetic Felions cheerleaders, to the singing of the national anthem with massive flag, and recognition given to the emergency services.

 The game itself is a mixture of fast paced action, interspersed with many periods of stoppage.  Fortunately in these periods the crowd is still entertained with things like the Kiss Cam, games for fans to win prizes on the pitch, and of course the routines by the cheerleaders.  All in all it was an amazing experience, with the game often becoming an interesting sideshow to the rest of the action going on in the stadium.  Sadly the local team lost on this occasion, but for me it didn't really matter, what was important was being there, and seeing Canadians enjoy a sport they clearly love.

Every holiday needs a sunset photo

Ambleside Park affords views of the Lions Gate Bridge to one side,

 Stanley park in the center,  and the beginning of the rest of Canada to the other.

This was my first real close up glimpse of Vancouver, and was a lovely spot to start.  We visited in the evening to catch the sunset, and as it turns out the moon rise.  The beach here is well used for locals, and visitors alike.  Like much of the shoreline there are tree trunks littering the coast, remnants of the logging industry, bleached by the wind, sun and rain in equal measure. These trees provide places to sit, and ponder, to lie and shelter from the evening breeze, or even as a steady surface to rest your camera if you've forgotten your tripod.

From the waters edge fishermen cast their nets, hauling in dozens of little fish which I guess we might call Whitebait here in the UK.

 Vancouver is a place for outdoor pursuits, and the fading light did nothing to stop the water sports enthusiasts from taking advantage of the natural resources.

 They share the waterways with the worlds freight traffic which regularly sails to and from the city's dock. 

 Ambleside is a very pleasant place to spend the twilight hours, both bustling, and relaxing at the same time.

 When the sun has finally faded into the blue hour, you can see the moon rise over the water to welcome in the night.

Sound of Silence

I stood here, and heard nothing. No matter how much I strained to listen there was not a sound.  No birds, no breeze in the trees, even the grasshoppers that had accompanied us along the trail stopped their chirruping. There were no aeroplanes overhead, and the roads were too far away to intrude with the drone of engines. I cannot recall ever being in a place with such serenity.  At that moment there was perfect silence, and it was beautiful.

This is a small creek on Cypress mountain.  In the winter this is a bustling ski resort just outside of the city of Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada. My brother snowboards here, and my sister in law skis here. I'm told there is a very real community spirit in this resort.  Despite the perennial debate over which sport is more skillful, I can picture everyone coming together to enjoy the slopes, against backdrop of the seemingly endless forest covered mountains that surround this corner of the planet.  One day I may be able to witness it first hand, and perhaps take my chances on the learning slopes myself.

 Cypress Mountain was one of the venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics.  In the summer it's hillsides appear is criss crossed by the treeless ski runs that snake down the mountains to the resort center, however elsewhere in the park that surrounds them there are well protected conservation areas, and carefully placed trails that allow visitors to enjoy the environment without causing damage, or getting lost in the wilderness.

The road to Cypress Mountain affords a magnificent over the city of Vancouver. It's difficult to gauge from this stitched together panorama, but it really is a city among the trees. It is only when you get to the center of the most commercial district that you lose sight of them.