We loved everything about our False Creek condo. We had hosted the owners at our home in the city this summer, while we were still enjoying the lake. On top of all the amenities, sunrise was a wonderfully reflective experience.

D was hard at work that day, but the view made things more pleasant for him.

The pathway along False Creek is an excellent place for a stroll. At the eastern end of the “creek” (it’s really an inlet not a creek) is a geodesic dome that houses Science World. We walked there on D’s lunch hour.

On the southern shore of False Creek is Granville Island Market. It is Vancouver’s public market and meeting place. We browsed the market stalls, cafes and unique souvenir spots. We also spied a couple of their artisans in their shops and studios. We had arrived by water taxi. We bought fixins to have my great nephew and his partner over for supper the next day.

Above are a couple of twilight shots and then we enjoyed Happy Hour on our balcony. Check out that view behind me!

Kath’s quote: “You know that you are in love when the two of you can go grocery shopping together”. -Woody Harrelson

Love never fails.

Our view on the way to Vancouver from Whistler.

We stopped for brunch at the Crabapple Cafe in Brackendale. Fabulous food!

We were down the road from the Watershed Grill that doubles for Jack’s Bar in Virgin River. You may recognize the pics above from the opening credits of Virgin River.

We made another scenic stop. Now I know the stretch of highway where all the Subaru commercials are shot!

We appreciated the beautiful red Japanese maples in downtown Vancouver.

We spotted this peculiarly shaped skyrise.

We were immediately smitten by our home exchange condo on False Creek. The first thing I did was pull out a lawn chair and sit on a grassy noll in front of our condo building. I enjoyed watching the passer byers as much as I enjoyed the warmth of the sun.

Kath’s quote: “May the warmth of the sun, and God’s promise that it shall rise again tomorrow, brighten your darkest night.” -authour unknown

Love never fails.

Nancy who drives the route to Whistler quite often, stopped at the Shannon Falls for us to enjoy. It was a lovely break in the drive and so beautiful.

We stayed at a great condo.

The annual flowers were still flourishing.

A tour around the Whistler townsite.

D and I at the Winter Olympic site.

There was a 50 km run between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains that stopped and started at the Olympic site.

We three having warm up drinks at La Bocca.

That evening we had a casual dinner at a Conde Nast and Michelin star place called Nita Lake Resort.

Kath’s quote: “A restaurant should remove you from the mundane burdens of everyday life and transport you to another world.” – Danny Meyer

Love never fails.

Crescent Beach was a more urban scene for us (as compared to Pender). We enjoyed the shops and cafes.

This was my view from bed.

On D’s lunch hour, we walked the beach path

and home via Nancy’s street. This garage was at ground level but the house was way up high. Imagine carrying groceries….

When we arrived home it was time for reading and tea. True story: I intended to read my Kobo but I had a nap outside instead.

That evening we had Happy Hour apps for our dinner at the Cactus Club. I had never been to a Cactus Club. I liked it a lot, it was full of men. Pictured above is a fried chicken slider.

Truffle fries – yum. (We have started making them since we got home).

And shrimp crunch rolls!

The next day we had a great morning walk at Blackie Spit Trail then along Crescent Beach. The 150 acres of land was purchased in 1871 by Scotsman, Walter Blackie, New Westminster’s first blacksmith. Blackie, who paid $50 for it, became the first European resident of the area, which became known as ‘Blackie’s Spit.

The homes reminded me of our honeymoon in Cape Cod.

It rained later that day, so we spent a cozy final afternoon in our Air BnB

and then had dinner at Nancy’s beautiful home. We were off to Whistler in the morning!

Kath’s quote: “You can have more than one home. You can carry your roots with you, and decide where they grow“. Henning Mankell

Love never fails.

There was another sunrise reflection to the north that morning.

This was my view from bed.

D and I in our orange shirts as it was national indigenous reconciliation day. We packed our shirts before we left Winnipeg so that we could remember and reflect on the struggles of our indigenous citizens.

We briefly stopped at the other house. In every new room in which I step, I select what would be my favourite chair and view. This was the one from the second house.

Since it was a holiday, D didn’t have to work and accompanied Nance and I for the day.

Our first stop was a picturesque hike to Smugglers Cove.

The history of Smugglers Cove is a fascinating tale.

The many coves and vistas, look a bit the same when you are trying to caption photos.

In this neighbourhood the homes were built up high for a view of the ocean.

That afternoon we toured through Secret Cove, Rockwater and the Francis Peninsula. At Bakers Beach we found Nancy’s house across the cove. At least we thought we did.

We shopped for supplies at Madeira Park. Back at Nancy’s there was a whale sighting in the vicinity. But unfortunately, it was not visible to us.

We sat down to another delicious supper with D at the barbeque (and then were drawn into watching the Vice President debate).

Kath’s quote: “You can’t buy happiness” Okay, explain travel then…

Love never fails.