Tuesday August 15 – Vancouver

The group breakfasted early then spent the morning sightseeing. First we went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, where all but a few went over the bridge (137m long and 70m high, built originally in 1889, then replaced with a sturdier version). A guide told us all about the trees in the area, including a Douglas fir that is more than a 1000 years old (as shown by a core sample). We walked along a tree-top walk, made up of suspension bridges attached by girdles to solid Douglas firs. We also did the cliff walk, a suspended walkway out from the cliff above the canyon. It was a lovely area.

slug - about 5 inches long

From there we went for photos of the city at Prospect Point.

We drove through Stanley Park, a lovely big green space enjoyed by many. We passed a waterpark which is loved by children and were delighted to see the ‘dryer’, a hut-like construction that parents can walk their children through to dry them off after being in the waterpark! An extra-big air-blower. Such a good idea! We then stopped in to see the totem poles.

statues of laughing people - much loved!

Vancouver's version of the The Little Mermaid - this one is in a wetsuit and flippers

logs make seats on the beach

Inukshuck, Alaskan figure - been here for decades

trees with bags of water around them

art deco bridge

We went to Granville Island to wander through markets and have lunch.

concrete silos

concrete mixers painted as vegetables and fruit

kids' entrance to the kids' market

dress-up costumes galore!

Then we went sightseeing through parts of the city – Chinatown and Gastown.

corner where homeless people seem to congregate. Police station nearby

Royal Canadian Mounties have their own shop

Olympic torch (Winter Olympics) - still used from time to time

our hotel

We rested mid-afternoon, after buying another (smaller) case to house all our purchases. Dinner was a buffet for two Scenic groups. It was very nice food and it was nice to decide ourselves how much went on our plates.