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having checked in, we take a walk on Burrard
Street towards the touristy bits. |
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This is where Jeans conference is to take
place; Vancouver's magnificent Convention and Exhibition Centre. |
| It has a clearly defined nautical theme
which fits in well with the constant bustle of maritime activity for which
Vancouver is famous. |
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Just around the corner is Gastown, once in
danger of being swept away in the interest of modernisation, now restored
or being restored in the interest of showing what 'old' Vancouver looked
like!
This is the famous steam clock. |
 |
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the plaque tells you all about it. |
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It hoots on the quarter and can be heard
several blocks away, believe me. |
|
Nearby is a tourist shop with a
difference, genuine hand carved masks and even totem poles can be bought
for a song.
Well, Mastercard or VISA actually. |
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Dusk is falling and its time
for two tired people to head for their bed. |
 |
| Sunday morning dawned cool but bright. We decided to
continue our look around the city. Wheels might be easier than legs. |
Day 2
|
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First, we rent wheels from 'Spokes'. Fergus Macbeth joins
us for a day's intensive exploration. Well, a quiet roll around the cities
cycle tracks. |
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Still cloudy, but brightening up. This is a
temporary blip in what has been a very hot and dry summer for British
Columbia. Hence the problem with forest fires. |
|
We start our circumnavigation around
downtown Vancouver, along with hundreds of other cyclists, joggers and
skateboarders.
|
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It reminded me of Central Park New York for
the dedication to leisure and fitness of its inhabitants. |
|
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The Lions Gate bridge connects with North and
West Vancouver over Burrard Inlet. The residents on the far side enjoy the
largest per capita income in Canada. |
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|
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This shows the layout of Stanley Park; the
largest city park in Canada.
|
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Not just a park, it also has the remnants
of a rain forest and some pretty fine eating places.
Jean by one of the giant (by European
standards) trees.
|
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Fancy pruning this one, Jean? |
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Onward and downward... |
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...to Beaver Lake. Beavers were last
spotted here almost 100 years ago, but it is very pretty.
|
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The cycle way continues around the perimeter
of the city. |
 |
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We cross through Gastown and Chinatown and
continue along False Creek, where some trials are taking place for Dragon
boat racing.
|
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|
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This resident has his own boating plans on
a somewhat smaller scale.
|
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In between Burrard and Granville Bridge lies
Granville Island which is an eclectic mix of Markets, boats and shops
selling nautical and artistic tackle. |
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