Saturday to Thursday, April 28 to May 3, 2018 (Peace Arch RV Park, Surrey, BC)

As predicted, the rain set in shortly after we got up Saturday morning...and it rained all day! It wasn't a heavy downpour, just constant rain. Consequently it was a very laid back day. It was actually good because I didn't feel guilty about sitting behind the laptop for most of the day writing our blog post update for last week.

Today marks one month since we arrived here at Peace Arch RV Park, so I did get out for a quick walk up to the office to pay our electricity bill, closing out monthly account...and pay for the remaining 6 nights we are here. Our electricity bill for the month was $107.60...so we paid $570/month for our site, plus electricity $107.60, for a total of $677.60 or $22.59/night. For the last 6 nights, however, we switch to their daily rate @ $50.40/night...their weekly rate is "pay for 6 nights and get the 7th free", so if we needed to stay for another night, it would be free. However, Fort Camping opens Friday (May 4), and we have reservations there...so we will be moving there.

One thing I forgot to mention in my last post is that we both cleaned out a bunch of clothes from our cupboards, drawers and closet...so that got rid of a little weight and a lot of clutter. There is a bin here to donate old clothing, so that made it easy to dispose of.

While I was putting the final touches on the blog post, Steve took care of another item on his "to do" list....finally cleaning/painting some spots on the ceiling. Throughout the trailer the ceiling has marks here and there probably from the build process. Steve decided to do a test first by doing touch ups in the bedroom in case the colour didn't match.

Sunday morning I was awake super early...it was 4:30 when I got up to go to the bathroom and then I couldn't get back to sleep. So about an hour later, after laying there listening to Steve snore, the birds start chirping...and the pitter-patter of rain on the roof, I decided to just get up and put the coffee on.

Needless to say, we had a very lazy start to the day...but then got our resistance exercises over with. By the time we had breakfast and cleaned up, the rain had stopped so we got out for our daily walk around the campground. We are really looking forward to moving over to Fort Camping where we have access to trails and more options for walking.

Yesterdays paint test was a match so Steve did a little more maintenance on the ceiling...mimicking 
"Michelangelo's 16th chapel" by touching up spots with a little paint.

Late afternoon, a little sun actually peaked out enticing Steve to set our chairs up outside so we could enjoy it. I brought out my crocheting while he was on his iPad...so much to see and do as he continues to research our trip to the maritimes.

When the sun moved back behind the clouds, Steve headed inside and I went for another walk around the campground.

Monday morning...and more rain! Geez...the blue sky and sunshine we enjoyed last week was just a teaser and is now a distant memory. By noon it had subsided though...just in time for us to head out to do a little grocery shopping at Real Canadian Super Store. I don't often shop there...it's a huge store with so many choices. I think the only time I'll return is when I don't have Steve sitting out in the truck waiting.

Tuesday...and another lazy start to the day. When we were finally showered, dressed and ready to "face the day", we went out for our daily walk around the campground.

Mid afternoon, Ray and Deb popped by for a visit while their house was being shown. The number of showings are increasing...hope it sells soon! We sat outside enjoying some sunshine...so nice after the rain we've been having. Always great to see them...looking forward to our outing tomorrow!

We woke up to clear blue sky and sunshine Wednesday morning...a perfect day for a trip to Queen Elizabeth Park with Deb and Ray! We were picked up at 9:00 and headed into Vancouver.

Traffic was good and we sailed right into the city, arriving at the park about a half hour later. We wanted to get there early before it got busy...particularly before the tour buses arrived.

Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver’s horticultural jewel, is a major draw for floral display enthusiasts and view-seekers, and as a popular backdrop for wedding photos. At 152 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore.

The 52-hectare park is home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore, and diverse recreational offerings such as tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt. The park is also the perfect setting for fine dining at Seasons in the Park, a picnic or stargazing!

The creek drops to the gardens below...

 In the beginning, Queen Elizabeth Park was a city landmark known affectionately as Little Mountain as its summit was just over 152 m (500 ft) above sea level. Its surface had been scarred at the turn of the century when it was quarried for its rock, used to build Vancouver's first roadways.

 The once massive excavation is now home to specimen trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals selected for their foliage, form and flower. A stream and cascading waterfall add cool comfort and variety to the artfully contrived landscape.

The bridge in the distance...

Bloedel Conservatory in the distance...

 Looking up at the bridge we crossed upon entering the park...

After wandering through the gardens of the Large Quarry, we went into the Bloedel Conservatory...
Bloedel Conservatory is a domed lush paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park atop the City of Vancouver’s highest point. More than 120 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within its temperature-controlled environment.


It was so hot and humid inside! It reminded me of Hawaii!

 Partridges...

 You are able to wander among over 200 colourful, free-flying birds...

 You will find red, blue and dwarf Macaws, African parrots, exotic Finches and Chinese pheasants at Bloedel.

Fig tree...

Love the hairdo...

 Bananas!

 The fabulous Dancing Waters fountain is located adjacent to Bloedel Conservatory and is attractive both day and night. It is comprised of 70 jets of water using 85,000 litres of recirculating water.

 Be sure to see Photo Session, a bronze figurative sculpture of a man photographing three people, by J. Seward Johnson, Junior. This was a gift to the park from the artist in 1984.

The park's most famous sculpture is Knife Edge-Two Piece by internationally renowned British sculptor Henry Moore. Located on the plaza to the east of Bloedel Conservatory, it was donated to the Park Board by Prentice Bloedel. The bronze sculpture is one of three copies; the others can be found in front of the Houses of Parliament in London, England, and at the Rockefeller Estate in New York.

 Spectacular views of the city and mountains....

 In 1974, the park's last major development in the original plan was undertaken in the form of a new restaurant, perched over the north quarry garden. This was called the Quarry House (now called Seasons in the Park) and, though owned by the Park Board, is leased to an independent operator.

On our way back to the car, we passed the Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club. Queen Elizabeth Park offers not only beautiful gardens and conservatory, but also many other activities...including Pitch and Putt, Tennis, Roller Hockey, Basket Ball, Disc Golf, as well as a dog off-leash area.

As we neared the roadway we passed several of these signs...

After a couple of hours walking the park, we were back at the car...next decision...where shall we go for lunch? We threw around a couple of ideas...and then headed out to Ladner, Sharkey's Seafood Bar and Grille is a great spot on the Fraser River.

We managed to get a table on the waterfront deck...

After a delicious lunch, we wandered down to the dock...

Another fabulous day...thanks for inviting us, Deb and Ray!

Thursday was a busy day as we got ready to move out to Fort Langley tomorrow. Steve was outside taking care of the outside stuff...while I was inside cleaning out the bathroom cupboards...nothing to do with packing up, I guess, but something that was on my "to do list". I did put away all of our pictures in prep for travelling though.

Around 2:00 we were both all done so decided to get out for one final walk around the campground. Spring has sprung around here and many of the plants, shrubs and trees are in full bloom...

 Palm trees aren't native here but can survive in southern BC...

And that finishes up our 5 weeks at Peace Arch RV Park. One thing we won't miss here is the occasional stench from all the surrounding blueberry farms that have been spraying liquefied manure. Next time we have blueberries we'll be thinking that's some tasty s*#t! LOL! We will move out to Fort Camping, Brae Island Regional Park tomorrow...when it finally opens after maintenance. We understand a lot of trees have been taken down...it will be interesting to see the changes!