Vancouver <3

 

Woo Vancouverrrr. I love it. Love it apparently enough to neglect my blog writing for a good week or so, whoops. I crossed the border Sep 10th on my way to Surrey to then take light rail into downtown but, as no surprise, the plans changed. Phoned my friend Zoe whom I traveled a bit with in Cambodia and Thailand, and found out she lived only a couple miles from the border so easy enough, that is where I headed. Was welcomed into her family’s home with open arms, fed very well and provided a nights rest (called my hostel to adjust the booking).

Took a smooth and easy bus and train combination from Langley to Downtown, the train being the new Canada Line just completed 2 weeks ago, its pretty swanky (although it has the most drab boring cars I’ve ever been in). Checked into the Samesun hostel on Granville in the heart of the entertainment district. Was the largest hostel I’d ever stayed at and a bit overwhelming. Three floors of tightly packed 4 person dorms, a common area with kitchen and a downstairs bar/restaurant. Stashed my things and bike and walked the bustling downtown stopping for bahn mi (Viatnamese sandwich) and gelatto. The variety of food in the city is superb.

Met back up with Zoe that night for what I had been warned was going to a country bar; not exactly my cup of tea but..eh, why not. The bar was fairly accurate to my mental projections of such a place which was humorous in and of itself. I had forgotten my credit card on tab after leaving so we went back to retrieve it 15 minutes before closing. Now I knew the bar previously as hosting some pretty sleezy characters but good god the type that sticks around to last call will want to make you sit and consider your life then laugh your ass off. All in all, it was a good time, I will say that.

Checked out early from the hostel, it just wasn’t my style, way too impersonal. Got in contact with a Warmshowers host, Naomi, whom I had corresponded with and laid out plans to meet for breakfast. She was hosting two German travelers through Couchsurfing so they tagged along as well. Naomi let us in on one of the jumping local breakfast joints and we stuffed ourselves with eggs and pancakes. We formed a posse for the day and made plans to go bike the park. Naomi led me along the seawall path past Jericho Beach. Despite the crowds on the paths, its a fantastic route to ride a bike for fun. The beaches were packed too! (People and dogs as well which was a bit surprising to someone whos used to canine bans). A bit strange to see a swimming pool beachside but they seem to enjoy it here: (HUGE pool too)

 

All four of us biked the Stanley Park loop, another fantastic leisurely and scenic ride. It was fairly funny rounding one of the first bends towards the Lions Gate Bridge: I had sailed on a cruise through this area years prior and didn’t remember much but one flash of the giant yellow mound of stockpiled sulfur and memories flooded back. Not the most romantic of sights a chemical pile but hey, I remember it.

I ended up crashing at Naomi’s despite the guest bedroom being occupied by the Couchsurfers; a meager slice of floor space is all I need thanks to my trusty sleeping pad.

Couchsurfers and I woke up early to tackle “The Grouse Grind”, a steep 2 mile ascent up Grouse Mountain, the closest mountain to the north. Nearly 3000 manmade stairs and ledges and 2800ft elevation gain. A challenge for sure. Its not a particularly scenic or peaceful hike more than it is a killer workout but was fun anyway. Its the kind of thing that if I lived here Id go back every so often to try to beat my time We made it up in an hour and seven minutes, twenty three minutes faster than the average so Im’ pleased with that

 

Pretty view down to the city; can get a very good idea to how Vancouver is situated. To get back down a gondola is provided (that also serves to ferry those up which don’t wish to undergo The Grind).

Stayed with Naomi an additional two nights checking out Main St and Commercial, doing an extensive bit of walking and biking. The bike routes are phenomenal here! Really forefront type city planning. Its a real pleasure to stand on 10th and watch the bikes roll on by, makes me happy

I’ve unfortunately injured my achilles tendon somehow, most likely from biking and changing my saddle position. I’ve been taking it easy (generally) and trying to rest it up. Been seeing some improvement the last few days and I hope in a few more it will be 100% again. Once healed up I am on my way north to do some ferry riding, camping and island hopping! Here’s hoping the declining weather cooperates!

16.Sep.09 West Coast Tour