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Canada 2018
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Canada 2018

Celebrating 37 years married by discovering Vancouver and the Rockies plus Seattle & Vancouver Island. Read more
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  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Arriving at the museum

    Buffalo Nations Museum

    May 10, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Banff holds many treasures beyond the regular tourist routes. Proudly it hosts the site of Canada's original National Park, capturing for the future the flora, fauna and vistas.

    Banff contains an intentional heritage - it's a well planned resort town, created by the Canadian Pacific Railway; hosts' a world famous train - The Rocky Mountaineer; features the well-known Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

    The town also holds the Parks Canada head office known as Cascade Gardens.

    But a gem we discovered was a First Nations museum, an excellent interpretive centre telling both local and national stories. Presentations, AVs and well constructed displays showcased a history often misunderstood by 21st century dwellers.

    It is good to pause in our lives and remember a nation’s heritage, to get to know the stewards of the land. Canada is a harsh environment, but the stories of survival, management, creativity, resourcefulness, spirituality are both educational and inspiring. Worthy of a visit... take your time!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Voodoo chairs facing stunning Rundle Mountain
    Overlooking Fraser River in Tete Jaune Cache, BCCould you enjoy this view? Waterton National Park, AlbertaA more personal view - someone's front deck Cranbrook BCGreat for people watching at Pike Place Market, SeattleRustic seat for a crowd - Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC

    Red Chair Challenge

    May 9, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    What began as a bit of fun looking for red chairs in Banff National Park grew into it’s own adventure. Let’s see what unique chairs we can find and what intriguing places and views they might have! Thus the 'Red Chair Challenge'

    On Newfoundland’s west coast, Gros Morne National Park began a challenge for their visitors in 2015. Find 18 sets of double red chairs and share them with the world via Instagram. The challenge went viral.

    Thus we accepted a challenge in the various National Parks within the Rockies. We found a few, but began looking for other chairs set up to enjoy their unique views.

    Our aim was to stop, be present and then share the view. Here are a few of our wonderful moments. Imagine the views… and then… go and find your own!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    A grazing grizzly, still carrying his winter coat
    The local black bear... heading towards ShereeHummingbird, just arrived from Mexico for summerA beaver heading out for his nightly feeding [Fort Macleod]Marmot sunning itself on the open prairies.Elk sitting in the shade, still with its heaving winter coat

    'Bear' jam

    May 8, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    What’s the definition of a Canadian traffic jam?
    Cars rapidly pulling up and parking at weird angles on the Icefield Parkway. Let me explain…

    Seeing wildlife in the Canadian Rockies is a delight. It doesn't matter whether you're​ equipped with the expensive camera equipment or you're just using your mobile phone being so close is wonderful.

    With brake lights blaring up ahead, we knew something was happening, so we stopped. A black bear presented itself so Sheree had the privilege of getting within 5 metres, taking many shots.

    Only a few kilometres further on another jam happened. This time it was a grizzly. We were amazed to see such a creature so close. It was eating grass and so unaware of its observers.

    We also had the privilege of seeing many elk [deer], gorgeous hummingbirds, a wolf [sadly no photo], mountain goats, marmot, several beavers, many squirrels and others.

    We missed seeing bison, now living on a farm near Waterton. That’s for another trip. What a wonderful array of creatures in the wild!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Mt Robson revealing itself for a second time!
    The peace and tranquility of the Revelstoke river flatsWhat an amazing bird... the hummingbirdOnly metres away from a GRIZZLY... incredible!Encountering the mighty Columbia River near Trial, BCOur most precious gift... Juliette Rose... born May 20

    First evers

    May 7, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We were like kids in a chocolate shop, set free to sample the different shapes, sizes, colours and smells… and no parents watching! What freedom! What delight! Worry about tooth decay later!

    These are some of the 'first time evers' for both Sheree and I…
    walked upon a frozen lake
    came within metres of a grizzly bear in the wild
    came within metres to a black bear in the wild
    saw our very first hummingbird [small yet magnificent]
    drove an RV on the RH side of the road
    ate poutine [an eastern Canadian cheese and potato delicacy]
    gazing at the tallest mountain in the Rockies [rarely cloudless, ‘xept for us]
    seeing the largest river system on the west coast of Canada [Fraser River]
    walked to the top of a snow-covered mountain
    sat for an hour in a mountain valley… and listened to silence
    celebrated the arrival of our fourth grandchild [our Seattle bubba!]

    So often it’s not till you stop that you realise how special these moments have been. For our firsts we are thankful. And we share them with you… not to boast… but to encourage you to take the blessings in front of you and celebrate your socks off!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Our gorgeous meal and setting
    The mighty Mt Robson1Overlooking the mighty Fraser1Mt Robson @ 3945mThe mighty Fraser in its element... high spring!

    Tete Jaune allure... it's magic

    May 5, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Have you heard of 'compassion fatigue'? Well Sheree and I have coined mountain fatigue” - a new phenomenon coined from the tiredness we felt from too many peaks. We’ve experienced it before in New Zealand. There is so much awe and wonder in the Rockies.

    We needed a break so we headed west, crossed the Alberta BC border, and entered Fraser River territory again. Despite escaping the main mountains we saw the Rockies' tallest Mt Robson @ 3945m.

    Our blessings continued when we discovered a newly opened RV Park right on the banks of the Fraser. Afternoon sunshine caressed cafe guests sitting on the deck. Green grass, well-maintained grounds, picnic tables, all backdropped by snow-capped mountains.... we're staying here!

    The next day was Canadian heaven, springtime in the Rockies. It was hard to imagine snow everywhere only a month ago. Leaves were budding on the trees, grass growing, hummingbirds had buzzing around, Canadian geese squawking from the river, and the silence was the foundation of all this activity.

    As I sit and write this the sun is shining after zero overnight. Stark white mountain peaks contrast the buds, birds are singing, geese are honking, a train’s whistle blows and the ever-present sound of moving water creates a Sunday morning. Peace reigns!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    1Looking down upon Jasper and the Athabasca River
    On top of Whistler Mountain above Jasper... ALIVE!!!1This red chair was discovered after an hour's climb. Worth it!1Enjoying the views and fresh air at 2,200 metres1The romance of view... a couple visiting from Medicine Hat1Our camp site at Jasper... surrounded by fir trees

    Jasper... Queenstown on steroids

    May 5, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    With a name like Jasper, you'd expect something special for this town. It didn't disappoint! We arrived in the town after travelling along the Icefield Parkway, a 230km trek from Lake Louise.

    Whistlers Campground was our resting spot. This park, 5 mins out of Jasper, is run by National Parks and set amongst tall fir trees next to Whistlers Peak. It is huge taking 10 mins thru to our spot. You park next to your picnic table, hook up electricity and toilets are walking distance.

    Overnight temps were bearable. I rose early, before 6 am, and went for my 5k walk, saw my first elk. We went up Whistlers Peak on the Air Tram, from 1200m to 2200m, with clouds scudding past, briefly interrupting our views. Vistas of Jasper, Pyramid Peak and many other mountains.

    I decided to do the 45-min. trek to the top of the mountain, still peppered with snow and ice, but with enough rocks and dry path to make walking possible. Discovered another red chair.

    Next we visited Maligne Canyon, only metres wide but carved by water over the years. We went past an empty Medicine Lake finally found frozen Maligne Lake. Our day was complete after discovering two red chairs... we just sat and enjoyed the serenity!    Read more

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    The dead fir trees mixed in with the alive onesSpotting my first elk in the wild... just waking up!1Love the subtly of colours... Athabasca river rocks1The Athabasca River

    A morning snapshot

    May 5, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    It's a delight to sit in our Canadian campsite [Whistlers in Jasper] and listen to the morning sounds. Kids waking up, birds squawking, train whilstling in the distance, but the overall volume is of 'no sound'. Silence. It can be so deafening at times, but in a luscious way.

    I look out from my picnic table and see a ranger vehicle, bear-resisting rubbish bins, several RVs, tents and 5th wheelers amongst plenty of fir trees. Some trees are dead but most are a mid-green colour. There is grass in various states of repair after a long winter from late November. Now everything is straining for the warmth and energy of summer.

    Today's walk was exhilarating, showcasing my first two elk seen in the wild. I walked on one of many paths created by Parks Canada, seeing the fast flowing Athabasca River. It just amazes me the volume of water flowing so strongly and so far from the coast. Water is abundant supply!

    This part of the country, the Jasper region, sits at just over 1000 metres in elevation, with the surrounding mountains rising up over to almost 3000 metres, providing snow-covered vistas all around. The air is fresh, the temperature is above zero [about 8 degrees right now]

    Peace reigns in this moment!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Freezing it out on Athabasca Glacier
    2Frozen Petyo Lake13A real live grizzly bear eating grass1Athabasca falls... incredibly powerful and shaped!3Lots of straight highway with mountain backdrops!

    Icefield Parkway... beyond WOW!

    May 4, 2018 in Canada

    Words can hardly express the ‘WOW’ factor of this 230km trek. Travelling north, and then south three days later, we found ourselves amazed, speechless, exhilarated and finally exhausted.

    Frozen lakes became common, starting with Lake Louise. It wasn't perfect blue skies, pristine waters, green grass and red canoes. Oh no, there was more than a metre of snow in places, with ice rinks still noticeable on the lake’s surface and heavy skies in the background.

    Heading north saw increasing snow, with our highest point just over 2000m. On the return trip a detour saw me walk in snow for twenty minutes to get a view of the famous Peyto Lake!

    Flowing water has led to amazing rock formations and waterfalls - Mistaya Canyon, Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls - all highlighting the incredible force of water over time. Photos don’t really show its true power and dynamic.

    Athabasca Glacier was amazin - it's deeper than the Eiffel Tower is tall. We ventured through some snow to a viewpoint. With a strong glacial breeze, it gave us an inkling of its uniqueness!

    On our return journey gloriously clear skies were enjoyed. We were blessed with wildlife - black bear, grizzly bear, large horned sheep, elk, deer... to name a few. Q. What's a traffic jam along the Parkway? People photographing wildlife. Parkway... you are beyond WOW!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Lake Louise still shrouded in mist and ice
    Lower Joffre lake - our first ever frozen lake!Stunning Maligne Lake still a frozen emblem of winterLoving the freezing conditions... feeling ALIVE!Emerald Lake beginning to reveal its colour thru the iceNormally brilliant blue Peyto still covered in white [ice]

    Oh no... it's frozen!

    May 3, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    Ever walked on water? Maybe when you’ve been chased by a shark in the surf. But besides Jesus 2000 years ago it’s not common. So the intrigue of ambling across a frozen lake was enticing to say the least.

    Both of us ventured a little on the ice seeing the water below. Most lakes in the Rockies were beginning to melt, but spring was still early and night time temps held the water solid for now.

    We had the privilege of accidentally discovering Lower Joffre Lake, [See Accidental Discovery] With low cloud, plenty of snow on 300m trail to the lake and then tall trees surrounding this little gem of water above the snow line.

    Once into the Rockies frozen lakes became common. We enjoyed seeing a stunningly white Emerald Lake, the famous Lake Louise, the well hidden but majestic Maligne Lake, and of course my favourite, the normally deep blue Peyto Lake - still frozen and it's early May!

    What an honour to see these majestic bodies of water! And then to imagine paddling a red canoe across their crystal clear waters in a few week’s time. That’s for another trip!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Revelstoke Bakery & Cafe... great place
    RV style... stopping where & when you desire!Poutine - traditional Canadian winter's delightAn awesome chicken dinner @ The Local, Victoria BCMy best coffee... discovered on our final day!Our Royal afternoon tea @ Fairmont Banff Springs

    Foodies on the road

    May 3, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    We can't deny that part of our travel experience involves food. Why? We are intrigued with the tastes, colours, origins, ambience that combine to make the eating experience. Add the unique settings and you enter a world of intrigue and magic delight.

    Rather than work through a long list of great moments, let me share a few.

    Cafe/bakery in Revelstoke - a cafe filled with cakes and pastries plus the best coffee in town

    Eating in the RV - It's a privilege to prepare a meal anywhere you choose whilst travelling

    Poutine - a famous Eastern Canadian delicacy - chips, melted cheese, gravy & chives

    Great meal @ The Local - for our last dinner on Canadian soil a pub meal @ The Local

    The Best Coffee - an unexpected moments, after 2hrs walking. Made by old Asian guy

    Our 37th anniversary afternoon tea - May 2018 royal wedding food at Fairmont Banff Springs

    Delighted!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    One of 3 bridges across the ColumbiaBehind us the mighty Columbia RiverA delightful perspective and backdropIconic domes & art deco building of the main streetThe symbol for the town... the grizzly!

    Stoked in Revel

    May 2, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    How would I describe Revelstoke, BC? Think Queenstown [NZ], Beechworth [Victoria], Obberamagau [Bavaria] then add charm, pride, setting and really friendly people and you've got 'the Stoke'. In winter a skiiing / snowboarding mecca; in summer a mountain bike paradise.

    We arrived Tuesday, and just the entrance alone was enough to say we had to stay. With six main mountains well over 2000 metres surrounding the town and the mighty Columbia River flowing through the centre, the setting is spectacular.

    Snow was on all the mountain tops, but only a month ago the whole area was struggling with the heaviest falls in the valley ever - one to two metres deep everywhere! A lovely walk across the deep blue river saw us finish our day. The sun disappeared behind one of the mountains at 6:30pm but still light well after 9pm.

    After breakfast we walked into town and found the mandatory coffee shop, enjoying a decent 'flat white'. The town has many 'art deco' buildings so the cameras were busy. Then Sheree wandered around the shops and I hired a bike to enjoy the delights of the trails along the river.

    Our dinner under our tree at the RV park was delghtful, enjoying the quietness, the stillness and the freshness on offer. We were 'stoked'!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    The Last Spike being driven in November, 1885
    Sheree driving it in even furtherTrying to be the hero... missed... OUCH!!!Rocky Mountaineer arriving with another load of visitorsCan you imagine stepping off the train to this view? BANFFAnother freight train making its way besides the Fraser River

    How the west was won!

    May 1, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    When you’re on a four lane freeway driving through the Rockies it's hard to imagine a time before modern transportation. The indigenous people understood the climate, landscape and migration of Western Canada. The prairies to the east were vastly different to the mountainous west. Navigating the Rockies meant mountains, river crossings and massive winter snows.

    Along came the ‘white fella’ and the resources were quickly taken/'stolen' and consumed for profit. Transport became a critical factor in building a new economy. First, foot and horse, then stagecoach, and eventually paddle steamer.

    But a mid-1800's Gold Rush saw rail as the best transport option. Fast forward to 1885 and Craigellachie, right in the middle of the Rockies, became the site for driving The Last Spike, where east joined west. The frontier was open for trade.

    Paddle steamers, horse, stagecoach and foot transport quickly lessened as rail became the dominant transport mode. Durng our sojourn we were never far from a train whistle, these behemoths taking up to 10 minutes before they'd finally passed-by.    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Hope - chainsaw carving capital
    The flowing Coquihalla RiverOur campsiteThe main town parkBlue Moose coffee and sconeOthello tunnels no longer used by the railway

    Hope... full moments

    April 30, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    When you visit the town of Hope you expect something special. This town is familiar with fame, various big movies have been shot in the area [Sylvester Stallone and one of the Rambo series]. I expected to see a familiar face or two, but to no avail.

    Our stay overnight was wonderful, the second night in our RV. Quirky little park, but it suited our purpose of visiting the Othello Tunnels, old train tunnels dug in the push for rail running east to west. We walked alongside the Coquihalla River, joining the much larger Fraser River.

    Hope's other claim to fame, CHAINSAW CARVING. Many unique carvings littered the centre of town. With no shortage of logs, artists with chainsaws [not a common tool of creativity], created eagles, tigers, moose and even a hairy mountain man [Sheree suggesting that would be me after living in the Canadian wilderness for a month or so]

    Our main discovery was the Blue Moose - the produce a coffee to die for! It was a fascinating study in the locals - people proud of their little patch, surrounded by snow and tree covered mountains, Highway 1 and the mighty Fraser River flowing through its midst. A pleasant time... a place worth we will visit again!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Looking down into Hell's GateThe mighty Fraser River valley heading to VancouverIncredibly powerful dynamics of water and mountainVery comfortable chairs

    Fraser Valley flaunt

    April 29, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    The Fraser River originates near the Rockies' tallest mountains, Mt Robson. But today was about following a section of the Fraser, from Lillooet in the north to Hope in the South, including the towns of Lytton, Boston Bar and the famous Hell’s Gate.

    If you want to see the amazing power of water, do this drive. Incredible mountains and agriculture on each side, farms eeking out an existence on each side on any available flat section. This drive offers spectacular cliffs, great ingenuity and the resilience of the locals.

    It was a tad long and rough at times for Sheree, but well worth the several hundred kms of detour. The bonus was seeing our first deer in the wild. We finally made our camp site right on dark, ready to call it a day.

    It's really hard to capture the essence of the river but here are some highlights… Enjoy the pics!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    2The cheeky Sheree
    1A contemplative BrucePlenty of snowSnow and melting ice12

    An accidental discovery

    April 29, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    An absolute highlight of our trip so far was the accident discovery of Lower Joffre Lake. We’d been climbing a range in the RV for at least 20 minutes, taking us into snow region, but with low hanging cloud it was hard to make out what was around. Then this sign indicated a lake was nearby and with the car park half full we decided to stop and take a peek.

    Well, to our absolute delight, a fifteen minute walk through snow covered ground led us to a lake covered in snow and ice. It was like we’d entered a winter wonderland, a magic place we’d dreamed of many times. The spring melt had only just started at Joffre Lake and so both of us got to walk [very gingerly] out onto the ice. What a privilege! The silence was profound and extremely magnetic… could have stayed there for hours!

    Then the road descended rapidly, the sky cleared and we entered a much dryer part of the country, with very tall mountains, plunging cliffs and powerful rivers flowing in the valleys, resulting in our eventual arrival at Lillooet, a First Nations town in the middle of BC.

    Now onto our Fraser River experience!    Read more

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    Rain, snow and ice and then sunshine

    April 29, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    Camping overnight at Squamish was Plan C, but we would not have discovered Shannon Falls in full spring grandeu. The rain, or better called drizzle, did not stop all night and continued for much of the day.

    Our first stop was the world-famed ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, made even more famous by hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. They had just received another 13 cms of snow overnight on the peaks so their was some activity on the slopes, as well as a band weekend bringing thousands of teens.

    It was good to be around snow, the shops, the people, the energy of this place. Met various Aussies… so good to hear that familiar accent. Our trek took us a little further north through Pemberton and then west towards Lillooet where we began our run down the Fraser River.    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Our transport & accomodation 21 days
    Sheree excited about her new homeLoving the early spring coloursOne of many RVs waiting...Wet spring in Delta, Vancouver

    Our RVing begins

    April 28, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    After months of planning, working and saving our exploration of the Rockies begins. Our first day was raining... we're OK with that! The morning started slowly, pack up done, breakfast completed and a taxi ride to the outskirts of Vancouver where the RV was waiting.

    For the nerds... it’s a Ford F-350, a small V8, 5-berth vehicle, 7m long, 3m wide and 3.7m high. Comes with A/c, heater, generator, separate shower & toilet, full fridge and microwave and plenty of bits and pieces for eager campers.

    It took us several hours to do the prep but finally we were on the road and immediately got lost. With the marriage still in tact we re-navigated our way to our very first Walmart to buy stuff.

    With rain dripping and clouds descending we eventually found our way onto Highway 1, heading west to the ocean, then north to Squamish for our first night camping. We were greeted by an loud and overflowing Shannon Falls, right next to a cloud covered Sea to Sky Gondola.

    We set up camp, saw the falls and then settled into the RV. It’s fresh outside, still raining, but what a delightful day its been. We are loving our new Merrell shoes, extreme comfort. Now for a good night’s sleep with rain tinkling on our roof!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Seating and eating area1Stunning tulipsSome Californian fruitSalmon chasing their tails1Affaghato gelato with almonds... MMM

    Granville Island Public Market

    April 27, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Imagine the scene - tall buildings in the background and a bridge overhead, an old industrial site transformed into a magnificent eclectic array of shops, stalls and artisan expressions.

    Today was overflowing with sunshine. It felt like a cold Brisbane winter’s day. People sitting and enjoying their delights, soaking up the gammas or walking around the many options on display or sale. In the background sailing boat were gliding past, industrial noises from the adjacent concrete works reminded me of this sites history - 100 years of industry.

    Sheree was people watching. Me, writing and, you guessed it, she is now off and wandering around the stalls savouring the details on offer.

    A relaxed afternoon shared together. We are ready to collect our RV, leave the city behind and begin exploring the mountains and countryside and smaller communities.

    Vancouver, you’ve left a wonderful memory in our hearts!    Read more

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    Morning ride

    April 27, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Having hired a bike overnight I had the privilege of doing a ride along the beach beside Burrard Inlet. Views of ships, calm waters, joggers, walkers and cyclists with the mandatory snow covered mountains as a backdrop. What a way to go!!Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    1Delightful blossoms
    1The peace of here is wonderful1Sitting for a moment

    Sending peace and love

    April 27, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Just sitting and listening and decided to send some love and peace your way today. It’s another perfect day in Vancouver, our last full day and I’m making the most of this 24hr bike hire.

    Blessings

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Already for cycling

    Stanley Park Ride

    April 26, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Day three started late, finding both of us sitting in bed for over an hour at 1am, not able to sleep. So we slept in and got to breakfast well after 10am. Then given the fact that it was day three of clear skies we decided to hire bikes and tackle the ride around Stanley Park, Vancouver's notable entry point by water.

    Vancouvians were out walking, jogging, blading, skateboarding, cycling, sunbaking... even swimming... anything to soak up the gamma rays missed over their long cold winter. We kept telling them we just brought Brisbane weather with us. It was 22 degrees, a typical winter's day in the Sunshine State.

    Sheree and I stopped plenty of times, massaged some butt, took lots of photos and generally enjoyed the moments. We celebrated going under Lion's Gate Bridge, the greeter of many cruise liners over the years.

    These Canadians love the sun. They love being outdoors and seem to naturally relax. We fit right in. Our muscles, on the other hand, are going to take some time to get over the rude shock of cycling for three hours.

    An afternoon well spent!    Read more

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    Capilano Swing Bridge

    April 25, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    One of the iconic attractions of Vancouver is a mere 20 minutes bus ride from Canada Place. When you arrive city disappears as you step out of the bus.

    A creek running from the mountains has cut through granite over centuries and created a narrow gorge. Late 1800s saw the first swing bridge and now it has become a favourite place for visitors. Lots of nationalities... we counted over 10 different languages!

    This was our first hints of the ‘wild’ of Canada with tall fir trees, thick moss cover, lovely ponds, clear flowing water and fresh mountain air.

    Across the creek was a winding pathway, a treetop adventure and wonderful hints of the forest. We were even visited by a cheeky little squirrel, intent on stealing any tidbits. We discovered BEAVER BALLS [mini pancakes with maple syrup]... you just had to try them!

    A delightful afternoon!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    3Canada Place with mountains behind
    Gastown lights & Vanouver needleGastown clockPiece of pizza $2 each MMM1Loving the tulips!!!

    First evening in Vancouver

    April 25, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    With the sun setting not much before 9pm the twilight time is delightful, especially with mild temperatures [16 degrees] We wandered downtown, got some pizza, enjoyed the flowers and celebrated seeing TULIPS. WOW!!!

    Noted were the casualness of the dressing, the cross-section of cultures and languages, the large amount of homeless. Then as we got more downtown Vancouver moved to a normal city CBD. Canada place was iconic, the site of EXPO 86 [two years prior to the Brisbane equivalent] The view across the harbour to the surrounding mountains was inspiring. Can't wait to drive into the magic mountains and the Rockies!

    Ended up walking into the historical sector of Vancouver, known as Gastown - a photographer's paradise. Loved the experience, seeing the famed gas clock and getting to meet 'Gassy Jack'. Let your imagination run wild as to how his name developed! Dining at 'The Old Spaghetti Factory' was wonderful and then the long trek back to our unit, via an electric bus. Our first day in Canada has finished and we are ready to sleep.    Read more

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    Spring flowers

    April 25, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Out on an early morning walk and I've been blessed with some awesome colour. It's the close of the cherry blossom festival here in Vancouver, and the third day of sunshine has matured all those early spring flowers. They are just a delight.... and I had to share them with you.

    ENJOY!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    The flight map when landing
    1We're on Canadian soil and smilingFlight details

    Vancouver arrival

    April 24, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    So excited... it’s our first time in Canada. Coming in over Vancouver Island and then landing. Temp is 14 degrees... very mild!!
    Snow on the mountains all around... YEHH!!

    The essential coffee to get our land legs again!Read more

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