On our JWalks we have encountered many forms of the Inukshuk symbol.  Maybe it is just a rough pile of stones or, in some cases, a very well constructed (and balanced) monument. Having come across a giant Inukshuk facing the harbour we felt it was symbolic, in many way, of our travels. Originally used by the Inuits for navigation and communication the traditional meaning is “Someone was here” or “You are on the right path”. Many a time we have been on an unfamiliar/strange path which turned out to be the right path for us – a bit like our whole JWalking escapade really.

Vancouver Revisited

Another beautiful ferry crossing and we returned to Vancouver for just a few days before heading north. We had a few places we had seen once and wanted to visit again to do a bit more exploring. Plus we had heard that there was a massive firework taking place in the harbour. So here is a bit of a run down of Vancouver Revisited.

• The annual musical firework competition called the Celebration of  Light  Each year three countries are invited to “perform” on consecutive Saturdays.  This year it is Netherlands, Australia and the USA.  So as dusk fell we headed to English Bay and found a patch of grass to sit on amidst the thousands already there.  The Vancouver Fire Boat was doing a good warm up session for the crowd and this was followed by 30 minutes of amazing fireworks.  The most memorable track being, All you need is Love and massive heart shape fireworks exploding above our heads.   Vancouver Sun timelapse video of the Celebration of Light and the official Celebration of Light site.

• Stanley Park The first visit was a walk around the perimeter of the Park mostly along the sea wall. (Facto: it is supposed to be the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront walk.) We wanted to explore the inland trails a little so, along with our trusty map, we headed off.  It was a much more peaceful walk than the busy seawall cycle and foot path and we could see the cyclists and walkers below us at some points.  We headed for Beaver Lake which sadly may no longer be there within the next 50 years.  Some wise guys back in the 30s decided to beautify the lake by introducing water lilies to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Vancouver. These have now almost clogged up the lake and the ecosystem. Even the Beavers are struggling to build a lodge or two with all that flora going on.  

• Pokemon NO! As we headed out of the Park we thought there was a large coach party but on closer inspection it was your Pokemoners.  We have renamed them Pokemon NO and tend to say that whenever we spot a few or walk into a follower who cannot lift their eyes from their phone.

• Lynn Valley Park We had enjoyed a walk through the park and up the canyon when we were on Vancouver Part I but had failed to reach Rice Lake.  This is a man made lake used by loggers back in the early 1900s.  They stored the logs on the lake before sending them down a wooden flume/shute to the waterfront. One or two brace loggers liked the adrenaline rush of riding the shute down the canyon and probably never worked again! In more recent years the lake supplied a lot of the drinking water for Vancouver up until the 60s.  It was a beautiful lake (with no water lilies!) and the loop trail made the view from each angle very different.  I read every plaque I could, as usual but cannot tell you why it is called Rice Lake. Failed!!

• English Bay Our final evening stroll was along English Bay.  We had been a few days earlier for the fireworks but with a perfect sunset on the cards we headed back. Talk about make it harder to leave!

We have taken too many scenic photos of Vancouver Revisited to include any self indulgent ones of us.  I had to sneak this one in at the end though.  Sculpture to make you smile!! It’s aptly named A-maze-ing Laughter.

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