Monday 27 August 2012

Vancouver arrival and days 1 and 2


Connie


A full day was spent today on Vancouver Island … the home of the rich and richer.  This place is a mix of British architecture with provincial French landscapes, displaying colour from every corner.  It has multi bulbed lamp posts along the sidewalks with dining tables and chairs spilling over at every turn.  Chocolateers and bakeries line the streets, however the quality is unlike that of the beautiful streets of France! 

The Island also has one of the most extravagant flower gardens in the world … Butchert Gardens.  Truly a feast for the eyes, even a non-garden lover will be captured by the manicured gardens, water ponds, and sculptured Canadian wildlife throughout.  Part of the gardens were transformed from a disused quarry by an English couple when they settled on Vancouver Island over 100 years ago.  

Frank :-) :-)

Don't think we have mentioned our second day on the Rocky Mountaineer so a quick recap here before we move onto Vancouver.

The landscape changed a lot as we left the rockies and moved in towards Vancouver.  In some areas, it was almost desert like with little vegetation and dry fields.  We met a very nice couple on the train and spent most of our free time with them.  They have had many life experiences and we laughed through many a meal while sharing stories.

The Rocky Mountaineer train ride is certainly a very special one that cuts it's way though some very rugged and beautiful landscapes making it a unique experience most of which cannot be managed by motor vehicle access which adds to the character of the trip.

Recapping our arrival and day one in Vancouver, someone must have given them the hint that Connie and I were in town because they arranged to have the Olympic flame lit, a special concert and fireworks to seal it all off.  What a night. We were very appreciative of their welcoming activities although I didn't see the mayor and we didn't get our key to the city so need to follow up on that...

We started off our first full day with hiring bikes and spending a few hours in Stanley Park.  This is the equivalent of our New Farm Park but on some serious steroids.  The distance around the park is just on 10kms and is frequented by walker, runners, roller bladers, dogs and bike riders.  There is a seperate pathway for people and bikers.  Such a great system.
Inside the park are lakes, walking tracks, shops, a miniature railway and a first nation (aboriginal) dedication area.

After our energetic morning on the bikes we headed off to Gas Town for Sushi and then headed of toe Metroplex, the largest shopping centre in British Columbia.  Not as big as Chermside IMO but worth a bo peep.

Another late night finish before we got up early to do the ultimate Victoria (Vancouver Island) day trip including whale watching.  Now, Connie and I both get sea sick and we left our kwells behind in Brisbane so off to the pharmacy we went and purchased the Canadian equivalent.  Did they work, I hear you ask.  Yes, thank god…  We spotted two pods of whales, many seals and bald eagles.  A very successful trip and no hanging over the edge of the boat throwing up breakfast!

Here are the photos.  Lots of them today so enjoy.
















































2 comments:

  1. Great photos ..... particularly like the one with the seals popping out of the water!

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  2. Gardens look great. Any pics of the whales?

    ReplyDelete