So, today is our last day in Vancouver and we are already sad to be leaving.  The last few days have been jam-packed. 

The four of us went to Whistler one day.  Its one of those places one wants to see, but once you have there is no need to go back.  Its one huge shopping mall with grand (expensive) hotels and eateries as the main attractions.  At this time of year there is no skiing of course, but they use the hills for mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing.  Many of the chairlifts are still going but we didn’t go up.  It was 37 C the day we went there so we left a lot of sweat and a little cash.  The road up is vastly improved - not quite as hair-raising - but still very scenic.  We took a picnic.

Another great day involved heading out of town to Langley and Abbotsford.  We went to Fort Langley - a historic site - a lucked in to a re-enactment weekend.  There were lots of costumed folk cooking outdoors, shooting flintlock muskets, making things and generally making the walk around the fort great fun. Had lunch in the village.  Fort Langley has preserved much of the good stuff of days gone by and is now full of interesting shops and restaurants.  Lovely after the big city hustle and bustle.  Looked at some more motorhomes and were once again wowed by the variety and prices here compared to home.  Then we rounded out the day by going to the Abbotsford Agri-Fair, Exhibition and Rodeo. Highlights were the Rodeo and a lumberjack show. Ohh, and the pulled pork on a bun.  Yummy.

It was a lovely spot, especially sitting in the bleachers for the rodeo.  A backdrop of snow capped mountains and a rising moon were much appreciated.  Tendrils of grey smoke drifting across the sky were stark reminders of the numerous forest fires that are still raging here.  Heard on the news that there are 700 fires burning today in BC.  It is so sad to think of the lovely green forests being burned

On Sunday we drove through the West End early enough to beat the Gay Pride Parade which was 2 ½ hours long this year, and to get a parking space relatively close to the False Creek Ferry, fondly known as “bobber boats” which take up to 12 across to Granville Island Market.  Jack felt quite smug about beating the crowds.  By the time we shopped, strolled and ate lunch the parade was over and we made it back through to Lion’s Gate Bridge.  Put the grub away and scooted up the mountain to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge.

This was the scene of a great failure for me.  I was determined to cross the bridge but just couldn’t do it.  When there are just a few people on it, it sways both sideways and up and down.  This day it was packed.  Solid people, one lane going over, one coming back.  So no stopping.  What fun is there in that?  

Anyway I got out about 15 feet and could feel my knee starting to grind.  Rather painful experience.  I knew if I kept going I would be hobbling about for days to come so I had to turn around.  Jack and C&R kept going to walk the trails & walkways between suspended tree houses and such.  I was very disappointed and a little embarrassed. Word quickly spread that I had hurt my knee and next thing I knew the staff wanted to call paramedics and stuff.  I convinced them I was fine, but had to spend the time sitting sipping frozen lemonade with my leg up and an ice pack on it.  On the way home we visited the base of Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Reservoir where I did gimp on some of the trails. Couldn't bear to sit in the car like Russ and let the other two enjoy the fantastic view without me

Yesterday we, and a couple of hundred thousand other people, went to Stanley Park for a horse pulled wagon ride around the park and a visit to the aquarium.  Met the kids afterwards at Vera’s Burger Shack for supper.  This long weekend is apparently one of the busiest in Vancouver.  I believe it!

Returned the rental car this am and are packing up to head to Victoria tomorrow.  Temperatures are a little better now so hope that continues.  We have booked into a campgrounds on Victria’s inner harbour for our next stop.

 More next time

Julie - Remember if you want to get in touch email us at julie@seacroftpei.com

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