Grouse Mountain

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Phil woke us up early again to go into town with him. Big day today, our plans were to go up Grouse Mountain (gondola) and cross the Capilano suspension bridge - massive test for my fear of heights. There had been showers overnight and it was a little overcast when we got to the city. We caught the seabus across to Vancouver North, which was pretty cool. The clouds had cleared so we decided to do Grouse Mountain first. Our bus driver was a bit gruff and crazy, she drove fast and was looking at photos as she drove - she got us there though. On arrival we could hear wolves howling which was exciting.
We paid to go on the gondola, and I thought the guy had ripped me off. I was going by the advertised cost, but I didn't take into account tax. System doesn't make sense, and even gets worse when you have to tip people (but that's another story!). Anyway, in the gondola I made sure I was in the middle, and I was the only one hanging on to the straps attached to the roof. I got to the top fairly unscathed, and the views were just breathtaking. The sun made some of the photos difficult, and it was also hard to focus the camera on the distant mountains which looked amazing. The video camera also came out, but I think my commentary definitely needs some work.
At the top a guy approached us about going on a free tour around the mountain in these seats behind a snow plow/tractor. We obviously took it up and a guide sat with us pointing out different things around the mountain. Her name was Clare, and she was from Brisbane! There was cloud to the east and Mt Baker looked awesome poking well out of the clouds. Tried to get some photos, but the glare/distance was a bit tough.
After the little tour we went for a walk following these ladies who were wearing snowshoes. Beck was a bit wary of the snow/ice, and the skiiers/snowboarders coming down from the top, but when we got on to a hiking trail we were right. After a while the trail got steep as we approached the top, and Beck wasn't that keen on continuing. I managed to talk her into trying and after a bit of effort we got there, and it was well worth it. The views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains were amazing - the brochure claims you are only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, a slight exaggeration I think, but impressive all the same.
I think we actually got a photo of Mt Baker coming out of the clouds as well. We weren't allowed back down on the chairlift, so we hiked back the way we came being careful in the steep sections. Beck was rapt that she went to the top which was cool. We really wanted to see the animals at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife (wolves and bears), but the bears were hibernating and the wolves could be heard and not seen. We had to settle for watching a movie on the two orphaned grizzly bears - it was really good. At this time we headed back on the gondola and towards home as we had seen everything we could and it was getting on. I wasn't that disappointed to miss out on the suspension bridge!

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Comments

[Rohan]

Those are some great photos mate. Good to hear you conquered some of your fear of heights, although I think you probably didn't push the issue too much with the suspension bridge!

[coups]

impressed
great story and photos, well done guys. were u warm enough? been warm here but who cares, your os and we're not. bumped into your folks bec down at blair last w/end and had a quick chat. they are both looking well. take care

[coups]

south park
do the canadians look like terrence and phillip?

[Simon Piperesco]

cold strawberies
Great to see that the two of you are having such a great time. It has made for some very interesting reading. I must say that it looks very cold. I think I would find it quite difficult to grow strawberies in that part of the world. Look forward to sharing some finer details about the demise of that nice methodist man in Fiji. Keep up the entertaining Entries. Simon

[Noely]

great photos
Dan and Bec, What tremendous times and photos. Dan I am sorry you have inherited my fear of heights, but as with me we just grit our teeth hold our breath and do it, all beit begrudgingly. Well done Bec, you made it to the top, a real achievement. These will always be fantastic memories for you both and you will look back with fondness. Noely and Mum.