VANCOUVER FROM THE AIR

IS IT A BOAT OR A PLANE?

VANCOUVER FROM THE AIR

PLAYING AT CO-PILOT

DRUMMERS AT SPANISH BANKS

SPOT THE BELLY DANCER

VIEW FROM ST. MARKS SUMMIT

Whilst cycling near Coal Harbour on Friday I had noted the Turbo Otter Seaplanes moored at the pontoons. I had never flown in a seaplane before, so I called in at the nearby offices of Harbour Air to collect a brochure. Next morning I booked a half hour flight which would take me over Vancouver and the surrounding area.

I arrived at the Harbour Air offices in good time. When I boarded the aircraft at 2.30pm, my lone traveller status worked in my favour as I was allocated the co-pilot's seat, which gave me the best views. The take off was really smooth, as was the landing, and I took photographs almost continuously during the flight. The whole experience was great fun.

Afterwards we drove to the house of Doug's niece Marcia and her husband Paul. They live quite close to Doug and Mary Margaret and were having a family barbeque to which I was invited. The food was excellent.

Next day we spent the morning planning the food for our camping trip to the Rocky Mountains which would take place later in the week. In the afternoon we bought the food and then went to look at a few parts of Vancouver that I hadn't yet visited.

First, we had a wander along Commercial Drive, a hip neighbourhood with a mix of ethnic shops and restaurants. Next we stopped to look around the stalls and listen to the music at the Latin Summer Festival held at Trout Lake Park.

Finally we went to Spanish Banks to listen to the beat of drums while the sun slowly set in the west. People brought their own drums with them to join in, and a couple of girls belly danced seductively to the hypnotic rhythm. Naturally I averted my eyes.

Even though I went to bed at a sensible time, Doug still needed to knock on my door to rouse me next morning. We needed to be away by 7.45am to join his walking group for a trek to St. Marks Summit to the north of Vancouver. It was cool and a bit misty, but we still got a good view from the top. We were out for about 6 hours.

The rest of the day was spent preparing for next morning's camping trip departure, which meant washing clothes, making repairs and packing food and gear.

After eating a lovely stir-fry supper, and before it became too dark, Doug took me for a walk around Lake Como which is located just a short distance from the house.