Queen Elizabeth Park

Yesterday I went to Queen Elizabeth park to go to the Bloedel Conservatory. And, of course, I had to get a few outdoor shots. I didn't have a lot of time to really wander the Park but I still took a bit of time and got a few good shots.

The Park has a great view of Vancouver, of course.


It's positioned up high, as you can see, so you overlook the city and the mountains. And since it's on a hill, the park itself is very pretty to look down over.


The flowers have been blooming for a while now so it's colourful too!


I loved the colours of these tiny little flowers.


And you just can't go wrong with some tulips.


Now, one of the features outside the Conservatory (which you can see in the background of this picture, of course) is a sculpture called "Photo Session" that was done in 1984. And it's kind of exactly what it sounds like. One character - presumably the father - taking a very touristy picture...


...of what is, presumably, his family. At least I hope so. I'd hate to think he's taking pictures of other random statues.

The piece is amusing for a number of reasons. The clothes that they're wearing is just one. The fact that I remember my parents taking similar pics of all of us on assorted trips is another.

But the part of the piece that really makes me smile? Is the camera that the Dad is using to take his picture.

Behold! The classic Kodak Instamatic X-35!

Why do you ask, does this amuse me so? Well, my very first camera was....


...the Kodak Instamatic X-15. Now, maybe I should be jealous his is a model or three above mine but I did get it as my first camera. Back in the 70s. And he had his in 1984. So I'm not jealous.

I do, however, find it amusing that I still have my old Instamatic tucked away. And I just had to get it out and take a picture of it to prove to you all that this was once the extent of my camera equipment.

Ah, the memories. The square pictures with the rounded corners. The film cartridge - no self winding required! The square flash that went on top and had four sides. It rotated with every shot taken and a flash would burn out. When you went through all four, you popped it out, tossed it, and put in a new one.

I'd say forgive me, I was young. But truth is? I loved that camera! And got a whole lot of mileage out of it.

When I have some time alone, I often take my camera and go out. Today I decided to go to the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park.

I did take quite a few flower shots but honestly, I was drawn to the birds that live loose in the dome most of all.

Cheeky little buggers. The parrots were very cooperative. The other birds? Not so much.

Anyway...

This is the Conservatory and the fountain that's up top.

The dome opened in 1969 and it's interesting looking at the archival footage because you can't see the trees within when it first opened.

They're taller now, of course.

Inside there are four biomes. Two rainforest, one subtropical and one desert. I'll be honest though, the desert area is very small. The rainforest has taken over!

And I did take a few flower pics.

But really, I was trying to catch the birds.

As previously mentioned the parrots were easy.

The others were harder to catch. Some were so hard I can't even post the pictures here. Too blurry or too much foliage in the way. But I did manage to get some of the more difficult ones.

This one? I must have stalked him around the dome twice and taken about 15 pics before I finally got one decent one.

This fellow was shy, tucked into his own little space.

But the hands down hardest one? This guy. He stayed in one area easily enough but he was chasing three other birds and he moves like a chicken, only much faster. It took me forever - and about 25 attempts - to get a few good ones. Or a couple good ones and a couple decent ones.


It's like a jungle in there, literally. Very warm and very humid. So I did sit on a bench and take a little time to just relax.

It's lovely in there, it really is. But I have to admit, going back outside into the cooler air with that nice breeze?

Bliss.

Tourists in our Own Backyard - Squamish

Yesterday was my birthday so we decided to do our next family outing trip to celebrate. So we decided to head out of town again on an hour and a half (or a bit less) drive out to Squamish.

The Sea to Sky is a lovely highway. Especially after all the work that was done on it for the Olympics. Prior to the upgrades, it could be a bit nerve wracking. Now it's much more enjoyable.

It runs along the eastern edge of Howe Sound.


So you're looking out over the water and mountains pretty much the whole way up to Squamish.


Our first stop was Shannon Falls, just outside of Squamish. Ridiculously easy to find - right off the highway - and a short walk up to the viewpoint. Absolutely beautiful and well worth seeing.




There's no pool at the base of the falls, it widens out into Shannon Creek and tumbles along over logs, rocks, and any other obstruction that thinks to slow it down.




There are a few old growth trees in the park. We spent some time running around on the grass and exploring. The monster man was especially interested in the big old tree you could walk right through.

well, that he could walk right through. No way was I making that trip.


And, of course, there were flowers in bloom everywhere. The colour of these ones really caught my eye.


We had to stop and marvel at the Stawamus Chief. It attracts climbers from all over, apparently, and offers fantastic views of Howe Sound from the top.

I'm sure that's true. Lord knows it's impressive enough. But I won't be seeing those impressive views for myself. I will admire the Chief from way down here.



The weather was a bit touch and go. Mostly grey skies for the day with some off and on rain but, honestly, it wasn't that bad at all. We had lunch at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewery and checked where the Heritage Railway is. No pictures from there on this trip. We'll be taking those pics in June. Because we'll be taking the monster there to see Thomas the Train.

So, a leisurely drive back with a brief stop in Horseshoe Bay...


And a great day all round. A wonderful family trip and a great birthday for me.

Another ducky visit...

For whatever reasons in his little two year old mind, the monster is fascinated with ducks. Actually, I guess it's not all that great of a mystery. They're something out of the norm in his little world. They quack. They waddle. They have cool colours.

Ducks are awesome, to him.

Of course, none of them have ever nipped him with their beaks either but hey, here's hoping we don't have that happen.

Either way, if we ever want an activity that he'll love and will be fun for all, we get some duck food and we head for the bird sanctuary. We have yet to make it into the sanctuary. We nver make it past the parking lot and the duck pond there.

One day, I will make it all the way into the sanctuary. But last weekend? It was just about the ducks.

The last time we went to see the ducks, he was a bit overwhelmed by the swarm of ducks that came waddling our way. He was still fascinated with them... as long as I was holding him. Which made pictures a little awkward (but I still got some) as well as feeding the ducks. But this time we had Daddy with us. Problem solved.

Except that this time he was done with being overwhelmed. He was fascinated and fearless! The ducks didn't really want anything to do with him and headed off as he came to check them out.


But it's okay, we had the solution for that problem. Enter big bag of duck food - $1.99 at our local pet store making this a cheap outing.

And believe me, the food comes out, those ducks stop running away and start running to you.

Surprisingly, the monster doesn't chase the ducks. He's not running after them, scaring them. He walks to them. And when he gets close, he crouches down like he's examining them. Showing him he's their friend or something. Then, when they waddle away, he gets up and walks after them again, giggling. again, no chasing and scaring.

Again, not that it matters. Because we came prepared.


They're wily opportunists, those ducks. As soon as the food is out, they're more than happy to cluster about and visit with you. The monster was laughing as he watched them all scrabble about for the little pellets of food.


There are a lot of ducks at the sanctuary. I mean, a lot. A whole lot. And the vibrant colours are pretty.


I can't tell you how funny it was to watch him throwing food for them, laughing as they clustered about his feet, looking for more more more.


But, as it always happens, the food eventually runs out. And after a little more ducky visiting, it's time to take off.


But don't worry, ducks. We'll be back another day. With another bag of duck food!

Tourists in our Own Backyard - Othello Tunnels

Dave and I decided a while ago that we should start doing family outings. Go to interesting places just to get out and enjoy the nice days and do some family things together.

So on April 10th, we decided to drive an hour and half out to the Coquihalla Canyon Park where five tunnels, mostly rough rock faces, make up the Othello Tunnels. These five tunnels used to be part of the Kettle Valley Railway, cut through the rock back a hundred years ago or so. Parts of the movie First Blood were filmed down in this Canyon.

You start with the first tunnel - they suggest you bring a flashlight as it is dim within the two longer tunnels. Naturally we didn't. But we survived. Did hit a couple of puddles though. It's a relatively straight line through the rock. For the first three tunnels at least. It was easy to see all the way down through the first three.

The dripping water in the tunnel is more than a little disconcerting. It all feels so solid. So permanent. And yet you know there are a host of tiny cracks and fissures for the water to make its way through. And it's long. And dark. A flashlight really would have helped. Oh well.

You come out of the first tunnel and look up. Way up. At a sheer face of rock that the tunnel is cut through.


Then, off to the right there's a low stone wall - and yes, we had a very good grip on our monster man - and you look way down, to the river at the bottom of the canyon.



It's loud. Incredibly loud. The water thunders over the rocks and rapids of the tight canyon and the sound echoes up to you and beyond you, amplified by the rock walls that surround you.

The second tunnel is short and rough, leading to a bridge beyond that carries you over the river as it winds its way through the canyon on on to the third tunnel.


I have no idea what the 49.5 on the far side of the second tunnel means. I just liked how it looked on the rock.

The view before you enter the third tunnel is as breathtaking as any other part of the canyon.


Most of the five tunnels are rough hewn. Worn from the passage of time but otherwise one can believe they look much as they must have looked the day they finished cleaning up the rubble. The two exceptions to this are the third and the fifth tunnel. Each of these tunnels has one end that's 'finished'.


There's another bridge as you come out of the third tunnel, crossing over into the fourth tunnel, which is half hidden in the greenery.


The view down from that bridge is just awesome.


Dave had me laughing as we entered this one. He just had to say "The way is shut. It was made by those who are Dead. And the Dead keep it." Ah yes, Lord of the Rings quotes. You know you're a geek when...


And finally, my favourite picture of the day. A wonderful day out as a family. I can't wait for the next one. And I'll be sure to post the pictures from whatever outing we choose a little quicker next time.