ALASKA BOUND

VANCOUVER, BC

1 AUGUST 2014

Today is Sandra’s 72nd birthday.  Mine is on the 9th, eight days from now, which is why we chose these dates to take this journey.  We are celebrating our very existence, blessings, health and joy of living.

We are headed for the Capilano Bridge and Park today.  After a leisurely breakfast we walk the two blocks to catch the free shuttle bus taking us there.  Our driver is full of interesting information as we wend out way through downtown.  The old Hudson Bay building that once housed the Hudson Bay Company now houses small boutique shops.  The Canadian Pacific Railroad built many upscale hotels across Canada to accommodate its passengers back in the 1800’s.  The one here is for sale and is a fabulous example of the architecture of the time.

On the way to North Vancouver she explains the history of the breath taking natural park we are driving through.  It is second in size only to the Golden Gate park in San Francisco making it the second largest natural park on the North American Continent.

The Capilano Bridge Park has a long and famous

Suspension Bridge

suspension bridge allowing for the crossing of the gorge over the river and forest below.  It swings and sways as you walk across.  The more people on the bridge, the more the swing and sway.  

Tongue & Teeth

Bared Teeth Peeking Out Through Trees

  I love totems and  this park boasts the largest private collection.  Some peek out of the trees, others tower over me as I walk along

Towering Totems

while others glare at me from under furrowed brows with tongues thrust out through bared teeth.

Sandra and I decide to take the Cliff Walk before attacking the suspension bridge.  The Cliff Walk is a series of stairs and platforms

Stairs To Platform

hanging out from the cliff over the river and forest below - FAR below.  One of the platforms jutting out into space has a glass floor.  A man approaches as I stand on the platform and taps his heavy motorcycle boot on the glass before

Platform In Air

On One Of The Platforms

stepping out onto what appears to be open space.  Goes to show how different we all are.  I will step out onto a glass platform soaring off into space with not a qualm, but I’m a nervous wreck on a motorcycle!!!

Next the suspension bridge.  The views are spectacular and I love the thrill of the swing and sway as we cross.  At the other end of the bridge we find a Treetops Walk that takes you, through another set of steps and platforms, up and around the 1300 year old Douglas Fir trees dotting the   surrounding forest.  Hugging one of those babies really gives me a sense of ancient energy.

Back across the bridge for some shopping in the

Shopping!!!

Trading Post.  Sandra and I both find some light weight flannel pj bottoms. I also equip myself with an alpaca scarf and a metal water bottle with a native design of the bear.

After a delicious lunch at the Bridge Restaurant we head back to our condo to relax before going out to Bishops for Sandra’s birthday dinner.  But first a stop in a wine shop for some Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) for the celebration drink.

Bishops did not disappoint.  The food, atmosphere and service was to die for.  Sandra declared it was her best birthday ever.  

Tomorrow we leave for Alaska and our driving adventure on the Kenai peninsula.

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Sara/Grandma Syrup

More Pictures At Capilano:

Ancient Standing Stones

Waterfall