Saturday, September 16, 2006

Back from Vacation


Well, we have been back from vacation for several days now, so I believe that it is time to share some pictures with you. We had a great time and would love to go to Vancouver again someday. It was absolutely beautiful while we were there. I took to warm of clothes, thinking that it was going to be a little chilly. Not at all the case. 70 to 80 degree's all 3 days.

This is one shot of the Vancouver skyline. We were on an island looking back across the bay. This island is a big park called Stanley Park. Their is a seawall walk that runs the entire circumference of the island used for walking, bicycling and rollerblading. I don't know how long it is, but would guess close to 10 miles or so. The Vancouver aquarium is also on this island. My favorite exhibit was the Beluga Whales. What beautiful creatures. I did think they were larger than they are. We watched the "Beluga Show". Very interesting how the trainers communitcate with these great creatures by handsignals and whistles. Very Cool!


We took the "Skytrain" that first night around the perimeter of the city to see the lights. You get on the train underground, like a subway, then it shoots up out of the ground and circles around the city. It is part of the public transportation system, so was only $2.25 to ride. The loop took about an hour and was a wonderful way to see the city. I didn't take any pictures from it. It goes much to fast for the speed of my tiny camera.
The next day we got up and took the "Seabus", another part of the public transportation system, across the bay to North Vancouver. We went to the Capliano Suspension Bridges. This is a bridge that is suspended by cables 250 feet above the canyon floor. It sways as you walk across and makes you feel like you've had a bit to much to drink. We watched many people turn around when they started across, because it is a bit scary. Anyone afraid of heights could not do it.
When you get across the big bridge, you have a whole other world waiting for you. They have built smaller suspension bridges up in the old growth trees. Cedar, Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce. You walk on these bridges, way up in the trees, from one tree to another. It is really incredible. The first brige was built in the 1930's, made of rope and hemp. I don't think I would have walked on those earlier versions!


We did and say so much in our short time there that I've tried to pick some of the highlights to share with you. This last picture is of twighlight descending on the city. Such a pretty place it is. So much to see and do. We definately acted like tourists, the camera in my hand at all times.

May you all be blessed with some time away...

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't keep up with your blog's as fast as I should since you got the camera!
I love to see the pictures & hear about what you guy's are doing.
I realy liked the picture of Shilo
with her drivers licence! Go girl!
Those bridges do look a little skary! If you fell Riff would swing thru the trees like Tarzan to save you!

Barb said...

Wow Paula. Beautiful photos. A couple of them look like a rain forrest to me. Yeah, I know the trees and plants are different, but my goodness, it all looks so lush.

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I'm so glad. Makes me want to go on vacation. Sigh.....

monique said...

What a beautiful photo's!It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation.

kansasrose said...

Those are great pictures! I didn't realize Vancouver is such a large city. Everything is so GREEN! Isn't it nice to get away for a while in a new place and relax? Glad you had a good time.

Paula said...

It was a wonderful trip. Our forests here in the Pacific Northwest ARE actually rain forests, just the coastal kind instead of tropical. They are lush and beautiful.

Paula said...

Selena,
I did think of you when we went through Seattle. Next time, I'll have to tell you in advance. How fun would that be?! We had to stop at the market there for several hours on the way home, of course. It's always so much fun.