Hanging out in the Big-V

For our last "urban day" of the vacation, we had an ambitious agenda. (Because why not? Who's tired? Not me! Brought to you by my newly adopted motto: "Just. Keep. Walking...") We kicked off the full day o'fun by revisiting Stanley Park, since we hadn't been able to get to everything we wanted to see the first time we went. We made our way to Lion's Gate Bridge, suspended over the waterway known as the First Narrows, connecting Vancouver and West Vancouver. (Cool side note: it was financed by Guinness...yes, THAT one. Just don't imbibe before driving across, okay?) There's a protected lane in either direction, away from the motor vehicles, for pedestrians or cyclists to use, which is how we found ourselves strolling along, peeking over the edge to see the boats below, and admiring--as always--the majestic mountains around the city.

Next, we wandered along shady paths through the forested portion of the park until we arrived at Beaver Lake...which appeared to consist mostly of lily pads, at this point. According to the informative signs, this is not an illusion; the lake is being reclaimed at a quicker-than-normal rate due to the introduction of those (admittedly lovely) flowers in 1937. While all lakes, evidently, disappear and return to soil eventually, this one might only have an estimated 50 more years before it's gone for good. (See? Nature AND education, a winning combo!)

From there, we headed for another...liquid attraction, if you will...the aquarium that sits inside the park. There we were able to enjoy some air conditioning and a break from the sun--although I probably shouldn't even mention that, because while it was noticeably warmer today than it has been on our trip...it topped out at about 84* (Fahrenheit! Jeez, imagine if that were Celsius? Yeah, we'd all be cooked...) so it actually felt delightful...especially knowing how freakin' hot it reportedly is in NC--and elsewhere on the East Coast--right now.

Anyway, we took in a wide array of exhibits, such as those dealing with local British Columbia sea life, the Tropics, the Amazon rainforest, and one specifically dedicated to frogs. We saw sea lions, a rescued dolphin, penguins, and otters. There were also sharks, anemones, coral, amphibians...and of course, lots of fishies (including those of the "jelly" and "star" variety).

Once we'd had our fill of the fascinating creatures who inhabit the ocean, we decided to use the last of our remaining energy for the day by sight-seeing in the downtown area once more. We didn't really have a firm objective--unless you count searching for souvenirs to commemorate our Canadian adventures. (Yep, sometimes we try to blend in...and other times we're just flat-out tourists, y'all...) This led to us meandering up and down some of the busier streets, looking at all the shops while we soaked up the Vancouver vibe. (Which honestly was kind of like US at the moment: busy, but not in a hurry...a lot going on, but in a relaxed way...if that makes any sense at all...)

Finally we'd had enough ambling for one day, and decided to head back to the car, and return to the condo for what has become our standard "dinner from Chez Safeway". (And can I just mention how much it cracks me up that we came all the way to the West Coast...of Canada...to encounter a supermarket we used to frequent...in Maryland? Is this an example of "small world"? Or just weird coincidence? Whatever, it gets us fed...fairly affordably. Well...I'm making an assumption, here, since who knows, with the conversion? Let's just pretend it's a cheap option, 'kay?)

So, even without hiking, we ended our...questing...with 25,000 steps and 10 miles covered today. As Derek kept pointing out with a snicker, "Just remember, this is our LIGHT day! Tomorrow we'll be back at it, working hard. So rest those legs!" Yeeeahhhh...with the expedition Husband has on tap for tomorrow, maybe I'd better go to bed NOW, and get started on that recovery. Gotta finish strong in the Great White North, right? Zzzzzz....