The VANCOUVER maneuver...

... or taking CANADA by storm, eh?


click on any picture to enlarge

actually, it was only raining lightly when we left home on the morning of July 22nd, and the sky began to clear as we made our way up North. We decided to take it at a leisurely pace, and on the advice of my friend Chuck (he's a Nut) we took a slight detour on the scenic CHUCKANUT DRIVE, before making a border crossing in Blaine, WA.

Vancouver is Canada's gateway to the Pacific Rim, and a very nice city-- but the real gem is Stanley Park. The park, named for Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley, is 1,000 acres BIG. (the only park larger in N. America is Central Park, NY) Originally home to Musqueam and Squamish First Nations people, Stanley Park has evolved into an oasis of recreation; it is one great big garden! There are huge evergreens, flower gardens, horse-drawn carriages, a swimming pool, and of course, Canadian geese. (just to name a few) There is a 5.5 mile perimeter walking/skating/bicycling path along the seawall that affords great views, too.

Rashell and I had a great time exploring Stanley Park, as you can see. For only $6.00 CAD (for all-day parking) it's a cheapskate's paradise !

The TOTEM Poles,we were pleased to discover, are not things to be worshipped, but they are meant to tell a story. Some of them, like this one-- did double-duty, by supporting the roof beam!

(special note: there are two totem poles in Steinbrueck Park!!)