Uncovering my city

Like many people during these difficult times, I’ve been exploring my city from walking the streets in my neighbourhood to hiking places I’ve never been before. If you live on B.C.’s west coast it’s not news that shorter day light hours, cooler temperatures, and constant rain wear down your enthusiasm to be outdoors. As a safe guard, I’ve encouraged a friend to join me once a week to keep me motivated, and we’ve agreed rain or shine, we’ll hike.

the crunch

The Crunch is a hiking trail that goes from the base of Westwood Plateau up to Coquitlam’s Eagle Ridge Drive. It’s only just over two kilometres one way, but the walkway rises 280 metres — the equivalent of walking up an 80-storey building.

Deer diary

This is my second segment on animal encounters after being inspired by videos of animals entering human spaces since the lockdown.

Pitt-Addington Marsh

Pitt-Addington Marsh was by Pitt Lake. The signage of this Pitt Meadows location was poor and grasses bent over the narrow neglected path, but the day was perfect and the scenery spectacular.

What is this strange sport?

Before I moved to Canada, I had never heard of curling. What was this crazy sport that Canadians were fascinated with?

Just me by the sea — Campbell River

Vancouver Island’s Campbell River walkway was both a hiking and biking pathway following the coast where Quadra Island shimmered off shore.

A suspension bridge?

I heard someone say as I left the Elk Falls Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, that they wanted to see the bridge. Really? What drew me to the site was the name, Elk Falls. The suspension bridge was just an extra surprise.

By a frozen reservoir

With a change in weather from minus twenty to only minus four, North Glenmore Park was over run with hikers heading along Glenmore Reservoir. I stood for some time observing the usually sparkling stretch of water that was completely frozen.

First Nation Encounter

I was on my way to hike through Vancouver Island’s Elk Falls when I was greeted by singing and dancing. I’m not sure where this First Nation group were from, but their clothes were Haida Guai from the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Central Memorial Park

Heading to the library, I’ve ignored this park situated in the heart of Calgary’s SW. But recently I decided to investigate it’s corners.