Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 5, 6 and 7, 2016 (Fort Camping, Brae Island Regional Park, Fort Langley, BC)

Thursday morning we were packed and ready to go by 9:30. Jim and Barb had rearranged things in their truck and camper so that we could ride in the truck with them...thanks guys! They followed us to the car rental agency where we dropped the car off...and then we headed to the ferry to catch the 11:00 a.m. sailing. It was a beautiful day for a ferry ride!

Active Pass...passing a ferry heading to the Island...

About to exit Active Pass...

We disembarked at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Jim and Barb dropped us off at our truck...and followed us out to Fort Langley. While they got settled into their site across from us, I unpacked our suitcase and Steve re-set up stuff outside that he had put away while we were gone.

Steve and I were sitting outside relaxing in the shade when we decided to get out for a walk...besides, we hadn't walked the trail to the end of the island yet. The trail to Tavistock Point is a lovely trail and took us 20 minutes, at a fast pace, to reach. Scenic views of the river and both shorelines...

Some incredible properties along the Fort Langley side of the river...






Private plane...haven't seen that here before...

After an invigorating 40 minute walk (and a big glass of water), it was time to relax and enjoy happy hour with Jim and Barb...

Friday morning, Steve and I headed out to the Abbotsford Airport...about a 25 minute drive...to pick up another car rental. At least this National Rental Agency was a pleasant experience. A smaller vehicle is definitely a must for touring the Greater Vancouver area! Once back at the park, Jim and Barb were ready to head off into "the big city".

It was just before noon when we stopped at a stop light and noticed a brew pub that looked interesting. There happened to be a parking spot on the street out front...so we decided to stop there for lunch (I figured it was meant to be...finding a parking spot is usually quite a challenge in Vancouver!). We enjoyed a great brew and lunch at the Steel Toad Brewery and Dining Hall...in a very cool restored heritage building.

Barb and I shared their pizza special (can't remember all the ingredients but it included spinach, artichokes and blue cheese on a thin crust...yum!) while Jim had a burger and Steve a Pulled Pork Sandwich...all very tasty!

After lunch, our first sightseeing stop was at the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics - Olympic Village. It has been transformed into a trendy waterfront area,..
Located in Southeast False Creek, the Olympic Village was built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, to house athletes and Olympic officials coming from across the world. After the Olympics, the Olympic accommodation became residential housing. The development aligns with the City's goals, addressing environmental, economic, and social issues. The Olympic Village is a mixed-use community, with approximately 1,100 residential units, area parks, and a growing number of retail and service outlets.


Our next stop was at Granville Island...another very trendy area of Vancouver.
From Industry to Artistry
Talk about a transformation. In the late 1970s, Granville Island began to change. From a declining 37-acre industrial wasteland in Vancouver's False Creek, to one of the most successful urban redevelopments in North America.

A huge public market...

After wandering around Granville Island, we hopped back in the car and headed towards Stanley Park...which included driving through downtown Vancouver on a Friday afternoon...yikes!

Designated a national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver. Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium.

We managed to get a view of the three cruise ships in port at Canada Place...

We stopped at a Stanley Park Landmark...The Hollow Tree...
The Stanley Park Hollow Tree, a 700- to 800-year-old Western Red Cedar tree stump, has a special place in the memories of many Vancouverites and is one of the most well-known and photographed landmarks in the park. Historic photographs show people, cars, and even an elephant posing inside the tree's large cavity. It was badly damaged by the severe windstorm in December 2006 and was slated for removal due to safety concerns. However, in 2009 concerned citizens formed the Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society and stepped forward with a plan to stabilize the tree in a project funded entirely by private donations. Following a public ceremony in October 2011, the restored Hollow Tree began a new chapter in its long history in Stanley Park.

After following the circle drive around Stanley Park, we drove past English Bay Beach and through Vancouver's West End...then it was time to make our way back out to Fort Langley. Of course, the traffic was crazy! But we made it, and were back home by 4:30. Wow...a great day but Steve was exhausted driving in all that traffic! It just reaffirmed that we don't like, nor care for, big cities!

Saturday morning, Barb and I headed into Langley...in pursuit of a pedicure. We wandered around the Willowbrook Mall checking out a few stores and nail salons. Not really satisfied with what we found there, I pulled out my cell and found that there was a 'ProfessioNail' shop not too far away, so that's where we ended up. They were able to take us right away and we spent the next hour or so sitting side-by-side, chatting while having our feet and lower legs pampered! Awesome...Happy Mother's Day to us!

After a couple of stops to pick up a few groceries and things, we headed home...what a great morning/early afternoon, Barb! Thanks for sharing your time with me...it was great to have some "girl time"!

While we were gone, I don't think Steve did much...other than wash and dry the morning dishes! Looks like Jim, on the other hand, was busy working on the roof of his camper...

Just after 2:30 we all walked into Fort Langley...a pretty busy little town this Saturday afternoon! We walked along the streets, doing a little window shopping...and showing Jim and Barb the artsy little town. There was a Spring Market at the Community Hall. Many shows and movies are also shot in the area...

We attempted to have an ice cream cone but there was a long line-up at one place and by the time we got to another place, we looked at each other and decided to just carry on to the Fort Pub and have beer instead.

We enjoyed the next couple of hours drinking beer, chatting...and eventually ordering a bunch of appetizers for dinner...

Then we figured it was time to wander back across the bridge...and home. This old car was parked outside the pub...looks like a restoration is underway...

Once home, we said goodnight to Jim and Barb and retreated to our trailer...settling in for another evening relaxing in front of the TV. The campground is full this weekend...it is a very popular park! The chances of a cancellation allowing us to stay through the May long weekend are very slim...