Around Vancouver

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I've had the most wonderful tour guides who have been taking us to all the best spots around Vancouver. Check out the Map below to see the spots we've been to which might make sense when reading this blog entry. Although if it still doesnt make sense then too bad, keep trying.
Went on a little trip to Lynn's Canyon which was totally stunning, only minutes away from North Vancouver and you are in the wilderness, the lungs of the city. Stunning suspension bridge over fresh icey cold water, mossy branches, squelchy steps between the neatly maintained boardwalks. Then to West Vancouver to watch the sunset. Crescent Beach is just steps away from where we are staying, ideal for the morning constitution and to enjoy another drop of fresh seaside air. Popped over for a day trip to Bowen Island (again, check the map to see where it is). Cammack Boys day up in Whistler ziptrekking see photos in gallery A attached (if I manage to work out how to do it).
Over to Vancouver Island, about a 2hr journey on the Ferry. Butcharts Gardens were stunning and like visiting a piece on England in Canada. All the cherry blossoms are out and the daffodils too. It looked fantastic and having a bit of rain only made it more beautiful and pleasantly crowd free.
Down to Victoria to see Liams Cousin Catherine and Neil for Thai food and a great nights sleep, was either the bed or Al's Oban, not quite sure. For Liam's birthday, we went for a Coffee tasting session at Discovery Coffee in Victoria with Sam Jones, must be a welsh connection there, who was really brilliant and superbly attentive and informative. We left a little skittish as one might after several cups of coffee and no breakfast, and headed over to Ucluelet (check the map to see where it is). Vickie (Liam's Aunt) had found a wonderful spot overlooking a secluded bay beyond which the sun set later that evening. Had a quick skinny dip although I had wished it wasnt so skinny because the water was FREEEEEZZZing. Pretty invigorating despite the aroma of seaweed which just doesn't work for me I'm afraid. Managed to bake a birthdaycake...a carrotless birthdaycake which, thanks to Vickie, was iced and sparkled. Packed up a lunch and beached ourselves on the huge driftwood logs on Long Beach (about 10km long) near Tofino(see map). Went up to the Tofino town and caught a river taxi (thanks to wheeling dealing Liam) for $40 over to Meir's Island. About 15-20 years ago, the Canadian government wanted this island to log. Thanks to the local first nation inhabitants, it was saved from logging and the ancient cedars were preserved. We had a mindblowingly peaceful visit to this place and left feeling thankful and in awe of nature's capacity to silently inspire.

So the next few days will be up in Kamloops and Banff then off to Merritt for a vippassana meditation course.....Next blog in May!


http://www.travelblog.org/gmaps/map_11a.html

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Photos

Oh Canada....
On the ferry to Bowen Island, just north of Vancouver

Kennedy Lake, Van Island
This is Kennedy Lake on Vancouver Island and we have so many perfect pics of this lake it was so beautiful.

This is a BIG tree....spot the people in the foreground?
Meres Island has been protected from Logging by local First Nation people, hoorah! this one is called the Hanging Garden Tree, it has has a circumference of 20 meters and is estimated to be over 2,000 years old! OMG

Ucluelet Beach
West Cost of Vancouver Island, this is one of the many trees washed up by huge storms. Stunning place. Al, Liam's uncle in the distance.

Two little dickie birds sitting in a tree..
This is on Vancouver Island, thanks for timers on digital cameras.

Comments

[Jesse]

Awesome pics and great writing!

[Jill]

Tempting
You'd better be careful! With all these glorious photos and graphic descriptions, Dad and I will be packing our bags and joining you. Glad you gave poor old UK a boost with your daffodils and blossom memories. Have fun!

[David]

Come on guys. Get it together, no Blog entry in May at all! I may have to subscribe to another Blogpaper! Have fun!