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.