Oh, Canada!

It has felt like spring this past week! Wondering around Seattle I was comfortable in a light jacket and at one point short sleeves! Such a refreshing feel and a glimmer of hope that warmer weather is approaching. Winter does not last forever!!! With these glorious sunny blue skied days I ventured up to Bellingham to hang out with my parents for a few nights. I arrived Thursday night and am heading back to Seattle today. I convinced them we should go on an adventure Friday! So off to Canada we went!

Friday morning the weather was looking a bit gray, but we were amped up and ready to go explore so we headed north. About 20 minutes later we were in Canada. ha. I guess they really do live close to the boarder. Vancouver BC was our goal for the day and about 40 minutes later we were there. We tossed the idea of a big hike since the weather was less than stellar. Feeling a bit rain shy, we drove through downtown, china town, and the gas works district. Stopping now and then, but mostly just sight seeing from inside the energy efficient Prius. Our main goal was to explore Stanley Park. This park is the 3rd largest urban park in NORTH AMERICA! It is on a peninsula with views of downtown and the whole city.

Armed with our raincoats and map we started at the first parking lot and explored. There is a marvelous path right along the water the entire circumference of the park; perfect for walking and biking. We wondered out to the lighthouse first, it is on the edge of a huge ship canal. Watching the big boats and little tug boats is fun. There is also a point called Hallelujah point where the salvation army used to sing songs and from downtown Vancouver they could hear the clear singing of "hallelujah, hallelujah." Impressive Totem Poles stand majestically in this same area. The detail is incredible!

 Totem Poles!

 My parents have become huge birders in the last 2 months....I don't know what species this duck is, but they can! :)

 Canada flag at Prospect Point

Next off we explored the forest interior and walked around Beaver Lake. The rain stopped and the sun was trying to shine so we were enthused and  ready to go!  We explored prospect point, the big beaches on the ocean side of the peninsula, and walked out to see Siwash Rock. 

 Siwash Rock

According to Indian legend Siwash Rock stands 50 feet tall separated from the coast because of a young mans unselfishness. The hero's story is better told here, 

http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/news/library/faq/faq_sirk.htm

 Canadian Convention Center

This post is going to be cut short because today's adventures are begging me to begin! The trip back across the boarder took a bit longer. Dinner was enjoyed at a thai restaurant in Blaine overlooking the bay. We finished our day of exploring by driving through Birch Bay as the sun was starting to set. This is truly beautiful country up here in the northwest. I feel so lucky to call the pacific northwest my new home and I can't wait to keep exploring it!