tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53542527918817822832024-03-10T01:56:52.800-08:00PPR: Proper Park RatingAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-74570399389860435212013-04-22T22:49:00.002-07:002013-04-22T22:52:35.358-07:00Cypress Trails Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Woodgreen Dr and Woodley Dr.</span><br />
<br />
I have a confession: I didn't go to the last park until Easter. It was just so far up the hill and it was tiny and it was Cypress Trails Park, which means it was basically, just Cypress Falls Park and not even anything different from the rest of that forest. Right? Wrong!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg629aatPvQiV_tr-hv6ppfelZRIfNOX94XzjAzU5kf8pRvV85vKsrn-7ixnn6-79XwX9KM7qnDk1oty9XS5Wyo5R97yHbcgeFYpcMUl_qBxT2HM96XgFMH3wNZ0ZgnMPgNJYHqoNQ3hbE/s1600/100_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg629aatPvQiV_tr-hv6ppfelZRIfNOX94XzjAzU5kf8pRvV85vKsrn-7ixnn6-79XwX9KM7qnDk1oty9XS5Wyo5R97yHbcgeFYpcMUl_qBxT2HM96XgFMH3wNZ0ZgnMPgNJYHqoNQ3hbE/s320/100_1387.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only does Cypress Trails Park rock the district's most awesome park sign, it does it's own thing.<br />
<br />
I arrived at this park via the Cypress Falls trails, but not as directly as I'd hoped. I got lost and ended up wandering around the undeveloped British Properties roads for a while, before taking a trail I'd hoped would bring me to a real road. It did me one better.<br />
<br />
That trail opened up to a sunny clearing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkGl_Dlu0QbsochCP6Jbur_yWZ1exwUFXo4QzM2MPrAdsTaPAMcmniHKdV-Msqkct-sAaDE28mjNgBz589M6AlOHKysJGrboAeTgyBbd8Wme57dFqeRJl-bf6FixkRG2N32jL8oq4WD0/s1600/100_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkGl_Dlu0QbsochCP6Jbur_yWZ1exwUFXo4QzM2MPrAdsTaPAMcmniHKdV-Msqkct-sAaDE28mjNgBz589M6AlOHKysJGrboAeTgyBbd8Wme57dFqeRJl-bf6FixkRG2N32jL8oq4WD0/s320/100_1385.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I liked the light, so I stopped and took a picture.<br />
<br />
Then I noticed the playground in the background. I had arrived!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj26yrYbWeM5KfNJJAQlfYjJ3cHQaHIx-P-q-iiJ7EPl5G1pQJRucAv1zfNC2MyKv01Rx4dn7cv2D-68G20yi7WO1g2uOzt3dalQGFJSGvCupFPSfRZylsANQh1yXXh-wx9zXCLWC6rA/s1600/100_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj26yrYbWeM5KfNJJAQlfYjJ3cHQaHIx-P-q-iiJ7EPl5G1pQJRucAv1zfNC2MyKv01Rx4dn7cv2D-68G20yi7WO1g2uOzt3dalQGFJSGvCupFPSfRZylsANQh1yXXh-wx9zXCLWC6rA/s320/100_1386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the best picture that I got of the park, because there were many young kids (one of them is seen climbing on a ladder here) with their parents watching them closely, so I couldn't stay for long. I made the comment "I hate it when there are kids on playgrounds" and immediately felt awful. It means I can't play or take pictures properly, though. I'll just have to trust my observations of the kids' fun and you'll just have to trust me that this is a really excellent playground. <br />
<br />
There were actually multiple groups of kids there. I feel like this is how I should feel after discovering the newest, coolest underground dance club at the age of 20, but instead, I feel like I found something incredible with this park. <br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: playground, a lot of sun, benches for parental supervision<br />
Bad: at the very top of a huge hill, oddly popular<br />
7.5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-40747889031927664842012-11-16T15:43:00.001-08:002012-11-16T16:00:21.083-08:00Whytecliff Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at the very end of Marine Dr.</span><br />
<br />
Throughout the summer of my epic journey, people have been asking me if I'd found the perfect park yet. I told them I already knew which one it was, but I was saving it for last. I knew right from the beginning that, at least for me, Whytecliff Park is the perfect 10. Let me explain why.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuSIEVzajv7TSyWYO6jhK-EV5FvA07pYT1fpHd0g1e1Czl_1cNEegK782H11jJIHqz3jB6bry8agRRc8OJE_4RTCfdMzsqdodqaDpk-lnBsfER0IxA4Sv2_f8WREHVBwkjCjhoCxzGqE/s1600/100_1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuSIEVzajv7TSyWYO6jhK-EV5FvA07pYT1fpHd0g1e1Czl_1cNEegK782H11jJIHqz3jB6bry8agRRc8OJE_4RTCfdMzsqdodqaDpk-lnBsfER0IxA4Sv2_f8WREHVBwkjCjhoCxzGqE/s320/100_1062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At the very end of Marine Drive exists a park that has everything. Since it has everything (I'm serious about that, by the way), Whytecliff Park is really big. It's got a whole ton of grassy space that wouldn't be good for any formal sports because it's on a little bit of a slant, but is perfect for casual games of all sorts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnnOnV_ZtOk_7zfHud29qcx8GHI9J9RnqVYI7NMRI-pbQzODz3y4cotGxHfBGbe7Q_mUTZjm2Sx91Caqm5wQtff7hkdg97Hdlvf0L5yFsmKXVt8rq_DVzUrr9MTTjH_OytDywcch21ww/s1600/100_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnnOnV_ZtOk_7zfHud29qcx8GHI9J9RnqVYI7NMRI-pbQzODz3y4cotGxHfBGbe7Q_mUTZjm2Sx91Caqm5wQtff7hkdg97Hdlvf0L5yFsmKXVt8rq_DVzUrr9MTTjH_OytDywcch21ww/s320/100_1065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The grass is really nice and soft, and full of surprises. Despite wide open spaces, there's also a lot of big trees in Whytecliff Park. Some of them are climbable if you've got some skills in that area.<br />
<br />
Also pictured above is a picnic shelter. There's only two of these in all of West Vancouver (the other one is at <a href="http://northshoreparks.blogspot.ca/2012/06/john-lawson-park.html" target="_blank">John Lawson Park</a>), which is a shame because they're great for so many things. There's a barbeque and a bunch of tables under there, making it the ideal location to hold an evening party in the spring or summer. But it's also great for colder rainy days when you want to be out of the rain but still outside. I haven't actually done this yet, but I'd really like to bring a set of speakers here on a day when it's pouring rain and have a dance party on the tables. Basically, picnic shelter = party central.<br />
<br />
Of course, the perfect park would not be complete without a playground and kids playing on it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEY_Ww8HFYlxArBx_-ETh39n9iMBMdm-fCl1I4e66bbW1T4MB7hm1WZ4QxOpj3PN7kqM_H9HXxUNmqky2LyHC8kZLBlHST0IPW_KAXlQYW82CRd3OUo7ehLhJAy0uMOYALbQXWF7KkhJE/s1600/100_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEY_Ww8HFYlxArBx_-ETh39n9iMBMdm-fCl1I4e66bbW1T4MB7hm1WZ4QxOpj3PN7kqM_H9HXxUNmqky2LyHC8kZLBlHST0IPW_KAXlQYW82CRd3OUo7ehLhJAy0uMOYALbQXWF7KkhJE/s320/100_1066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture is terrible because it's far away and has a tree in the way, but you can still tell the playground exists. It's got a motorcycle rocker, a train, tall swings, and a big structure with slides, tic tac toe, bridges, and all that good stuff. It's not the best playground I've ever been to, but it's definitely up there. Besides, artificial play stuff isn't really the point of Whytecliff.<br />
<br />
The point of WhyteCLIFF Park is the CLIFFS! You're probably wondering where they are at this point. Here they are:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqpG91CPcfSgYU8Bg2bdgJtzgi2kt0yQz_tiqkPCs7b_pjb9qURXlxPM3qALXOBhAg0ZpSdN4FPyOpJj2QBex5rpA0z4kTehYSbVIccSSlBSCx6EDq5CvNK_L34J2eGjg5X8GHYWM8Hs/s1600/100_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqpG91CPcfSgYU8Bg2bdgJtzgi2kt0yQz_tiqkPCs7b_pjb9qURXlxPM3qALXOBhAg0ZpSdN4FPyOpJj2QBex5rpA0z4kTehYSbVIccSSlBSCx6EDq5CvNK_L34J2eGjg5X8GHYWM8Hs/s320/100_1076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The cliffs are nice and rugged, just like a Howe Sound shoreline should be. They're full of crevices to explore. I still find new things even after all these years of visiting. Despite all the chaos of the rocks, there's actually benches all over the cliffs. This is my favorite one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRYHk7geZHQN1l61bC7NhVV0THPBHIL7ybG2Y7tFQ39G5oSMhAiR2pnISFi9W4NdZjpIm0XFFKXOmfu75pEf6AE80w3gsfNq3o8KklR9tEA0p2CNdruwRNfbDew1HYHfe-OJw6HhKaBk/s1600/100_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRYHk7geZHQN1l61bC7NhVV0THPBHIL7ybG2Y7tFQ39G5oSMhAiR2pnISFi9W4NdZjpIm0XFFKXOmfu75pEf6AE80w3gsfNq3o8KklR9tEA0p2CNdruwRNfbDew1HYHfe-OJw6HhKaBk/s320/100_1081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's one of the most ridiculously placed benches. You actually can't reach it safely without maintaining three points of contact. And obviously, it faces one of the many incredible views from the cliffs. This one is of Whyte Island and Passage Island. Other views feature Bowen Island's marina as well. <br />
<br />
In between two cliffs, there's a spot that is known locally as "couple's beach".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJRBQfHEkasWe2YqtPBfuSxNz-yJrYIMaQfC4hYnbFZrm3vfBdNlIG9jT34t6b-jK2ofo9kHIJeI7djwagQubl4RAKlnykvPxT2CucUA2lhWRlFTpjWO16YrErIWVC7AIsUi4rUNCKHM/s1600/100_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJRBQfHEkasWe2YqtPBfuSxNz-yJrYIMaQfC4hYnbFZrm3vfBdNlIG9jT34t6b-jK2ofo9kHIJeI7djwagQubl4RAKlnykvPxT2CucUA2lhWRlFTpjWO16YrErIWVC7AIsUi4rUNCKHM/s320/100_1086.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's hidden and the perfect size for two. If you ever happen to be trying to impress a hopeless romantic, then take them here. They'll love it. This park has always reminded me of something out of a movie set in the 50's where teenagers drive around in convertibles and go on dates. <br />
<br />
Fun fact: Whytecliff is something out of a movie. A few things have been filmed here, including Scooby Doo. They built the haunted mansion up on the cliffs.<br />
<br />
If you were thinking that couple's beach is a little small for your tastes, don't you worry. Just one more cliff over is Whyte Bay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykpgp9Gg8tyGdQBZPUmuMV-9KJTnN6ZbKAGLb-G_IvRTrMTPJt_PC2QmI0ZujsLH-DjAJuC4ZqX8US4XtCZDQ8_5oIWKE-LGUlOWdHgaMOp-_dfAe954xyMCLo0x9-OCSizo5OSFBBe8/s1600/100_1096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykpgp9Gg8tyGdQBZPUmuMV-9KJTnN6ZbKAGLb-G_IvRTrMTPJt_PC2QmI0ZujsLH-DjAJuC4ZqX8US4XtCZDQ8_5oIWKE-LGUlOWdHgaMOp-_dfAe954xyMCLo0x9-OCSizo5OSFBBe8/s320/100_1096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Hey look, sand! Unfortunately, the sand doesn't go too much further down the beach, but it's a great swimming spot nonetheless. I've swam here many times and actually enjoyed it. That's a lot coming from me. I hate swimming.<br />
<br />
Because I hate swimming, I have never tried scuba diving, but everyone says that Whytecliff Park is one of the best dive spots in North America. It's Canada's first marine protected area. It even has its own tank at the Vancouver Aquarium. The Day I went to take pictures, there must have been a hundred people in scuba gear around. A lot of them were there taking lessons. The sheltered bay is great for beginners. <br />
<br />
Whyte Bay is also a great one for collecting beach glass, particularly at lower tides. The tiny pebbles that are underwater in the picture are perfect for grinding down broken glass. <br />
<br />
Another great thing about low tide at Whytecliff is the opportunity it provides to explore Whyte Island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKplMT9x8eBLY06dalWMFlSrNVCltOobYnKzYBr20V0HfFV_YyfEP3gSwu01O4NcXVfEpK_VMVl9Rt_TKfpkGBoERUqsmsebQ3hEsKwdmszbMWuTRNVJLD2IF54jyeRG2uQ4Y1Sf8X2Is/s1600/100_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKplMT9x8eBLY06dalWMFlSrNVCltOobYnKzYBr20V0HfFV_YyfEP3gSwu01O4NcXVfEpK_VMVl9Rt_TKfpkGBoERUqsmsebQ3hEsKwdmszbMWuTRNVJLD2IF54jyeRG2uQ4Y1Sf8X2Is/s320/100_1095.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When the tide is low, it exposes a land bridge all the way out to that island. I won't tell you much about the island, but I will say that it's worth exploring. Make sure you <a href="http://www.windfinder.com/tide/west_vancouver" target="_blank">check the tides</a> when planning your visit.<br />
<br />
Whytecliff park also has a tennis court,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTy4-Kha-U1DMGbpglU5awK2xh5lifa9oVJ1qRNb6EpdBNJ-CEeKGK30QPUv55OTgn5kbdw7EKqRP54be5upP0w80Vw7i5RTewiN_Y7HIWtix801JRs90sLQcW6Qn7aHVSkFLCUg8diE/s1600/100_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTy4-Kha-U1DMGbpglU5awK2xh5lifa9oVJ1qRNb6EpdBNJ-CEeKGK30QPUv55OTgn5kbdw7EKqRP54be5upP0w80Vw7i5RTewiN_Y7HIWtix801JRs90sLQcW6Qn7aHVSkFLCUg8diE/s320/100_1067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
decently clean washrooms that stay open until 10pm during the summer,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEa8EeL9oyWFDVftopraf9aWFSwjOxHdOcKEUZV1TkMDuzYuCndhP1iWhz1Ekf5VHXvOHNZEdy3v9Gxo9iO5xQMKTJV6RwLnILuemJYPtxfeH58s2T_L_-tFyeNB85QjbRMLMdCDp4i0/s1600/100_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEa8EeL9oyWFDVftopraf9aWFSwjOxHdOcKEUZV1TkMDuzYuCndhP1iWhz1Ekf5VHXvOHNZEdy3v9Gxo9iO5xQMKTJV6RwLnILuemJYPtxfeH58s2T_L_-tFyeNB85QjbRMLMdCDp4i0/s320/100_1068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and a cafe!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0KXxPcbCxGlXrdf07r3B7NhB0Fak7ShB0oiwxr3UHPbGJxVE3GcDe3mw3JD36OhwU9nVJdxF-b3xRPCRYP3NfVxLsUy96HH59svVathUJD47PXc4XtSTFK9QTCleTT5ESP9xfJPifJ0/s1600/100_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0KXxPcbCxGlXrdf07r3B7NhB0Fak7ShB0oiwxr3UHPbGJxVE3GcDe3mw3JD36OhwU9nVJdxF-b3xRPCRYP3NfVxLsUy96HH59svVathUJD47PXc4XtSTFK9QTCleTT5ESP9xfJPifJ0/s320/100_1099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The cafe is closed for the winter, but the food is fantastic when it's available during the summer, and they even have live music on the patio occasionally. <br />
<br />
Until just recently, I thought that the one thing Whytecliff Park was missing was trails. But at the beginning of this past summer, I discovered a whole new section that I never knew existed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCllE4y_Mtmi-c-Lvd76zX4WUGkEXbK_Mt2_jSinLbKLV8tzLV27K-U-EypLIt-kqtf-8k10v9fdb2Re7iiD6PV-QiKvIinEDxPM-jMoxaZ6hIDSIyy0EejEF-ospJNI2wiTQqfE8tvDs/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCllE4y_Mtmi-c-Lvd76zX4WUGkEXbK_Mt2_jSinLbKLV8tzLV27K-U-EypLIt-kqtf-8k10v9fdb2Re7iiD6PV-QiKvIinEDxPM-jMoxaZ6hIDSIyy0EejEF-ospJNI2wiTQqfE8tvDs/s320/Picture+8.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The part that I never knew about was the giant area across the street from the main part. As you can see, it has a series of trails running through it. There's trailheads at the end of Hycroft Road and the park's overflow parking lot. I discovered them by accident when I was walking with my little brother half an hour before we had to be home for dinner. I came back the very next day to finish exploring the area.<br />
<br />
What I discovered was a series of narrow trails<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (that you're allowed to let your dogs off-leash on)</span> with the occasional bench off to the side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0qEUxZERtyyhi_AWHQqVl03Mu6kjNiKcKQKs3uvDXM8Hhfdi0mjPPvhWaI1n2NLZvFYYef-K3qIqcjRY3y9friBFVWxtfelVqiwNFBEjUUvGgMf5sIsid7sIWRj14VOZavjpkVGGVzM/s1600/100_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0qEUxZERtyyhi_AWHQqVl03Mu6kjNiKcKQKs3uvDXM8Hhfdi0mjPPvhWaI1n2NLZvFYYef-K3qIqcjRY3y9friBFVWxtfelVqiwNFBEjUUvGgMf5sIsid7sIWRj14VOZavjpkVGGVzM/s320/100_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of those benches happens to feature one of my all-time favorite bench quotes:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost." -Henry James</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Peter Blutenhuis, lover of the sea & this park</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The only problem I have with these trails is that they don't lead to any views. The benches were probably originally placed facing views, but the trees have since grown taller and blocked them out. But how much can trees really upset anyone? Besides, what the trails do lead to is the main part of Whytecliff Park: my favorite place in the whole world. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>PPR</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Good: fields, picnic shelter, climbing trees for skilled climbers, playground, cliffs, well-placed benches, spectacular views, swimming beach, beach glass, scuba diving, island, tennis courts, washrooms, cafe, trails, teeming with adventure </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bad: I'm not allowed to live there</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10/10</div>
Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-75482371421702645652012-11-16T15:43:00.000-08:002012-11-16T15:43:24.980-08:00Batchelor Bay Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Access via stairs off of Marine Dr.</span><br />
<br />
To me, Batchelor Bay Park is mostly just the shortcut to Whytecliff. When I think of Batchelor Bay Park, I think of stairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj13Bj6EWrkRMAEgnEmtERdzwN1pc028AdchtMS3wf-UG93g1AUKVE_yZX4pOP4XORh2mNR9EBsXnH1961x0vAfwgsq4riN1bOamuKdO9sXLYzYuQLicKDP-ISRgM1zgTRTckSfzA0Knk/s1600/100_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj13Bj6EWrkRMAEgnEmtERdzwN1pc028AdchtMS3wf-UG93g1AUKVE_yZX4pOP4XORh2mNR9EBsXnH1961x0vAfwgsq4riN1bOamuKdO9sXLYzYuQLicKDP-ISRgM1zgTRTckSfzA0Knk/s320/100_1106.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And stairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVISj9zJzJlEl_8mKJYZtnF_J2SRD0RYWcpi80wP11Z05CwclDJBRdHDGd81TwfseuJc7XiZWs-chGjkghV7z_CJp-NCqQnMg2YZiJaKVJAvxWOM0L_XTimja4FrCJzh-cr9y1GZYfZq8/s1600/100_1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVISj9zJzJlEl_8mKJYZtnF_J2SRD0RYWcpi80wP11Z05CwclDJBRdHDGd81TwfseuJc7XiZWs-chGjkghV7z_CJp-NCqQnMg2YZiJaKVJAvxWOM0L_XTimja4FrCJzh-cr9y1GZYfZq8/s320/100_1117.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And more stairs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TbFV_59lZSu-tS3QEd3v_NvPcIi1zam58eGcp8E1uhoGtVhTKMM0RqqiaZVYj4rnGjJf3zzIzNyy3Ra_vuTaDPhQ7p9gXJEwUXoz3JOnjLN33uCBPQ8z3BT6RMv8gyrmc577ItM16yw/s1600/100_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TbFV_59lZSu-tS3QEd3v_NvPcIi1zam58eGcp8E1uhoGtVhTKMM0RqqiaZVYj4rnGjJf3zzIzNyy3Ra_vuTaDPhQ7p9gXJEwUXoz3JOnjLN33uCBPQ8z3BT6RMv8gyrmc577ItM16yw/s320/100_1119.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And those aren't even all the stairs. It is important to note that if you walk down the stairs to get to Batchelor Bay, you will have to walk back up them.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I usually just walk straight through Batchelor Bay without stopping on my way to Whytecliff Park, but I guess it could be nice to stop and spend some time there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSPA6OV3k3xGjoFrCSsS-VM3P1VtR-en_Fu3zNGMxB6oFefCNLIu9cXdDpJt1dnWaXv-TKNgYKcgg_b6bpvk86uAUjxJQYRVSk_iZKQtuhAaMqV27k_iH5esT-NzyuOUS5zLmq2s6Gxc/s1600/100_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSPA6OV3k3xGjoFrCSsS-VM3P1VtR-en_Fu3zNGMxB6oFefCNLIu9cXdDpJt1dnWaXv-TKNgYKcgg_b6bpvk86uAUjxJQYRVSk_iZKQtuhAaMqV27k_iH5esT-NzyuOUS5zLmq2s6Gxc/s320/100_1109.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It is really pretty. What I couldn't capture on camera was the remarkable semi-circular-ness of the bay. It's quite a spot. People keep their boats here for a good reason.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b8MjbbuoTx_N9wVNI5HH-GTxrn6JrNgmvsWsPNzIL3rWVH16ejFUSAk4Y_rO8hN2QHHlk5WQuqmIfWAgjoyjy8VdUjnFTvyYRq0_YTy6YYEoIWEYVtPqpMmX98RBejwLfC4lD9pVqjs/s1600/100_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b8MjbbuoTx_N9wVNI5HH-GTxrn6JrNgmvsWsPNzIL3rWVH16ejFUSAk4Y_rO8hN2QHHlk5WQuqmIfWAgjoyjy8VdUjnFTvyYRq0_YTy6YYEoIWEYVtPqpMmX98RBejwLfC4lD9pVqjs/s320/100_1107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Around the Horseshoe Bay area, the question that always gets asked when you're hanging out with friends is "Which beach should we go to tonight?" Batchelor Bay doesn't usually end up being the choice, but maybe it should be from time to time.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: boats!, view, semi-circle<br />
Bad: stairs, not many places to sit, it's right beside a gated community which kind of puts an aura of lame over everything<br />
6/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-18085436423183675952012-10-25T18:35:00.001-07:002012-11-14T21:52:18.106-08:00Garrow Bay Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Access via Marine Dr > Wellington Ave > Imperial Ave.</span><br />
<br />
I like to think that I am this park's local. It's only a few blocks from my house, and I've been going there as often as possible ever since I discovered it about a year ago. It took me so long to find it because the way there looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryt4eVDkQ-7vYl-pVjzYKD-MnnbEK15afiOJNSCose7uop4NtLeL0Im9Tuhnik-30QrJB2YEm59krJyDPVqDrPXjwRFOfYRTAWWBBrYUc380HETT-RzOnjLPo8cSB5nYUvWAoDTOVdu8/s1600/100_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryt4eVDkQ-7vYl-pVjzYKD-MnnbEK15afiOJNSCose7uop4NtLeL0Im9Tuhnik-30QrJB2YEm59krJyDPVqDrPXjwRFOfYRTAWWBBrYUc380HETT-RzOnjLPo8cSB5nYUvWAoDTOVdu8/s320/100_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It looks an awful lot like someone's driveway, and it is someone's driveway, but it's also the way to Garrow Bay Park.<br />
<br />
After a set of stairs through a tunnel of rose bushes, the park opens up to a grassy area. In the spring, there's two geese who live there. They've got an adorable life partner vibe going on, and they return every year to walk around slowly and eat things. <br />
<br />
The actual bay part of Garrow Bay is pretty nice. After going down the stairs, you can get there by turning left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250yThYnvzUV0suCmW7TnA_aN6S_HIkG1yTSNeqScpVuoVbLyIBwqYOwgXz0NCTG9kKfutpSHi5s0UeUano0fN30K5LpsZrXaAfOHLVkq4QRFnTROaWhqAiLEINNs5Sti8m332VsvdLU/s1600/100_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250yThYnvzUV0suCmW7TnA_aN6S_HIkG1yTSNeqScpVuoVbLyIBwqYOwgXz0NCTG9kKfutpSHi5s0UeUano0fN30K5LpsZrXaAfOHLVkq4QRFnTROaWhqAiLEINNs5Sti8m332VsvdLU/s320/100_1036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The rocks are an awkward size and shape for walking or sitting on. Besides, they're usually underwater; I visited Garrow Bay at a very low tide. But the sharp rocks are good for catching logs and keeping them in place. As you can see in the picture, there's several rows of logs to walk and sit on.<br />
<br />
If you can find a good pair of water shoes to protect your feet, Garrow Bay would be a good place for swimming, although the beach is a little lame and the depth drops quickly (I wouldn't recommend this spot for anyone who isn't a strong swimmer). That's because there's a diving raft!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdujOjIoL5OphWF4xV0kegB8HKaIJUvkEskR5JpbXAXbW6tHq6rVR8GuVLGgnr-4CT9aCvVPR0vQKlUrs3-1XTLleskYNr2cj28-PW7JkuHSTMUgKzH71Pzro1gNmbmegkL_eq-fvwgY/s1600/100_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdujOjIoL5OphWF4xV0kegB8HKaIJUvkEskR5JpbXAXbW6tHq6rVR8GuVLGgnr-4CT9aCvVPR0vQKlUrs3-1XTLleskYNr2cj28-PW7JkuHSTMUgKzH71Pzro1gNmbmegkL_eq-fvwgY/s320/100_1035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There aren't many diving rafts in West Vancouver. In fact, Garrow Bay Park is the only park in the municipality with one. Even though the beach is hard on the feet, it's worth it. Diving rafts are a lot of fun if you do them right. <br />
<br />
That stuff is great, but my favorite part of the park is the other half.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQzX6knry-D8kSDAXEDX7wTrm5Iv2a-Ivx6o1Yqfnme-hNzrP6cxBwqkeN9kJImMNZSJcEpW2lTQAcJOjZdpyWBS0c9_Y5FRVWWFKcyCENNh62FsxOHcO_e0S9Tv9Vv78n5hO6ZYseeA/s1600/100_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQzX6knry-D8kSDAXEDX7wTrm5Iv2a-Ivx6o1Yqfnme-hNzrP6cxBwqkeN9kJImMNZSJcEpW2lTQAcJOjZdpyWBS0c9_Y5FRVWWFKcyCENNh62FsxOHcO_e0S9Tv9Vv78n5hO6ZYseeA/s320/100_1033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That bench is probably my favorite bench in the entire world. It's got a nice quote on it, but I once spent half an hour disagreeing with it one time that I went there alone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBfAKo1ExcP9qQE98L1jp-3K0-PRKGOoZlTJpvcttscbhk0aBtk59oGIbFadsr0RNqAJPG3OEoBrjg45jODhV0w_OP1Za6LUyvvNvaoURwrhMIUyw6TT0NvEsVbN9XDnTOOE-3myyAl0/s1600/100_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBfAKo1ExcP9qQE98L1jp-3K0-PRKGOoZlTJpvcttscbhk0aBtk59oGIbFadsr0RNqAJPG3OEoBrjg45jODhV0w_OP1Za6LUyvvNvaoURwrhMIUyw6TT0NvEsVbN9XDnTOOE-3myyAl0/s320/100_1038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cole disagrees with my disagreement, but I think that if you define yourself as a hunter or a sailor, then your home is the hills or the sea.<br />
<br />
But that's not why I like this bench. I like this bench because it has one of the most interesting, beautiful and dynamic views on all of the North Shore.<br />
<br />
While sitting on this bench over the past year, I've seen all sorts of boats pass by: everything from kayaks to sailboats to ferries. It faces west, so it's perfect for watching sunsets. And then there's the islands... Bowen Island (the big one), Passage Island (the small one), Bird Islet (the really small one with the red light on it), and Whyte Islet (the main attraction).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP5w1FXY31JtZ4m2-t1HuLLHhNs5XKW_SvZtUmekYn0L2Cfh9TWnXCmXhcQWFfr0WRyqbja1Ji7olqlk2Yk16YFlXo0HACpTgQf6BViqih4MK2kdcfn1gD07CnnZ_shS3iUzwqX_8q3Y/s1600/100_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP5w1FXY31JtZ4m2-t1HuLLHhNs5XKW_SvZtUmekYn0L2Cfh9TWnXCmXhcQWFfr0WRyqbja1Ji7olqlk2Yk16YFlXo0HACpTgQf6BViqih4MK2kdcfn1gD07CnnZ_shS3iUzwqX_8q3Y/s320/100_1034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you've ever been to Whytecliff Park, you're probably familiar with Whyte Islet. It's that awesome rock that's accessible during low tide and super fun to explore. My favorite bench at Garrow Bay Park provides the perfect side view of it. I've always thought the islet looked like a giant sea turtle. On sunny afternoons, you can usually see people climbing on the turtle's back. Unfortunately, there weren't any people the day I took pictures. That's probably because I took the pictures on a dreary Wednesday morning in October.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: diving raft, view, bench, resident geese<br />
Bad: rocky beach, at the bottom of a steep hill<br />
8.5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-17655981644219338052012-10-18T21:19:00.001-07:002012-11-14T21:43:21.815-08:00Douglas Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Royal Ave and Douglas St.</span><br />
<br />
Douglas Park is what the kids living in Horseshoe Bay refer to as "the tennis courts".<br />
<br />
"I'll meet you by the tennis courts."<br />
<br />
"I live on Douglas street... Yeah, the one with the tennis courts."<br />
<br />
"Wanna hang out at the tennis courts?"<br />
"Haha, no!" <br />
<br />
When I was first designing my park routes, I thought I'd skip Douglas Park because it was so insignificant. We walk by it and reference to it without ever actually looking at it. But in the end I decided to keep it on the list, because I did say I was going to "all the parks".<br />
<br />
And it turns out that Douglas Park doesn't even have a tennis court.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OA-WFavBJ3qumC9L8JsaA3GCjACZyN6alRXKs5VIJGJdkjnyCzuScKQuBO25pJfzXxt43AqSxzl93rV3_4FBgv0HsVzwAZrRNx9acM_-MoOPnuRO6EXmo0_OGgq7AUlJaNCQ1w6UwkA/s1600/100_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OA-WFavBJ3qumC9L8JsaA3GCjACZyN6alRXKs5VIJGJdkjnyCzuScKQuBO25pJfzXxt43AqSxzl93rV3_4FBgv0HsVzwAZrRNx9acM_-MoOPnuRO6EXmo0_OGgq7AUlJaNCQ1w6UwkA/s320/100_1012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Who knew that there was just a basketball/hockey court in the chain-link cage? Not I. <br />
<br />
It turns out that there was a lot about Douglas Park that I hadn't realized. There's even a second half to the park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDJXBKIBr41B5RbAskJBjSs5LllpcGu7RIRhyepQbNQet6PbQTQlJGuc8OFZTk0UJ_gjgFVsijq0nOjbdmzrqre6v7A0AAI5DiVm5TAobkQhm7le7nQM_CH9RzBuY2USGO7gT1Ugtpc4/s1600/100_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDJXBKIBr41B5RbAskJBjSs5LllpcGu7RIRhyepQbNQet6PbQTQlJGuc8OFZTk0UJ_gjgFVsijq0nOjbdmzrqre6v7A0AAI5DiVm5TAobkQhm7le7nQM_CH9RzBuY2USGO7gT1Ugtpc4/s320/100_1015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a classic park-ish area with grass, trees and a picnic bench. Douglas Park is not too shabby from this angle.<br />
<br />
And check this out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxGX5gv0pVfi9AQKy1nGASOHfRm4rzgWp7u21UqLsUhPtCMMyYx6DjJm8AGgJ9I4SsyfvxvJbZAVAPBI8EN-YAW1I1OFnRaUM1Zz25nmw1HePMM75NCu68urLYVVDk7S1AltF4eo-FO0/s1600/100_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxGX5gv0pVfi9AQKy1nGASOHfRm4rzgWp7u21UqLsUhPtCMMyYx6DjJm8AGgJ9I4SsyfvxvJbZAVAPBI8EN-YAW1I1OFnRaUM1Zz25nmw1HePMM75NCu68urLYVVDk7S1AltF4eo-FO0/s320/100_1018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's pretty much impossible to tell from the picture, but there's actually three different types of edible berry bushes growing on this big old stump: salmon berries, huckleberries and blackberries. Come in June for the salmon berries, July for huckleberries and August for the blackberries.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: twice as big as I thought it was, good amount of shade from the trees, picnic bench, berries, basketball/hockey court<br />
Bad: no tennis court, very tiny<br />
6/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-81174446308145570292012-10-18T20:43:00.002-07:002012-11-14T21:43:01.894-08:00Horseshoe Bay Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Bay St and Royal Ave.</span><br />
<br />
As the centerpiece of Horseshoe Bay village, this park is integral to the community. Every resident knows the famous propeller fountain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnrP62Tn7Fb6V1Gd1XrG_Em_EjDrI_CmdASDMarR1rk20pAdmRUnp86o5oEjlddcrfKduQitywFldCGcmiANDmkK-f3dGvR8DrPCjNm5hqs0sUpTNyNvUl0pC9qLxWkgKj4ignSqHx1k/s1600/100_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnrP62Tn7Fb6V1Gd1XrG_Em_EjDrI_CmdASDMarR1rk20pAdmRUnp86o5oEjlddcrfKduQitywFldCGcmiANDmkK-f3dGvR8DrPCjNm5hqs0sUpTNyNvUl0pC9qLxWkgKj4ignSqHx1k/s320/100_1019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But this park is important to locals and visitors alike. It's the perfect place to exhaust your kids and kill some time while you're waiting for the ferry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5x9UledwBYVzUsucUwNW_J8N_X3qdhJcZR9ZdnbEOy8oRRs0bSovUAdfzVA95vIvUGpY5273n4IX0LK2pbI-P0yez1p6rHtL-hvyUxF2I998t93BBElzCZXVzhUvYS0MT_ARaYBOWgI/s1600/100_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5x9UledwBYVzUsucUwNW_J8N_X3qdhJcZR9ZdnbEOy8oRRs0bSovUAdfzVA95vIvUGpY5273n4IX0LK2pbI-P0yez1p6rHtL-hvyUxF2I998t93BBElzCZXVzhUvYS0MT_ARaYBOWgI/s320/100_1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Behind the ferry terminal and Swells Marina, there is a fantastic view of Bowyer Island. You'd never know it on the day I took pictures if it weren't for the public binoculars. Trust me, there is something to look at with them.<br />
<br />
There's a very nice place to look at this rumored view too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_ARcOpq2vHEw-O4mtYM9GQIgE8RcWA266Sz2tqEY5WYY0OYh2DyX-NlnDKw0qo0z7jwBw7ZkACayYijEQ5POWfdNamr7Rg3DpPGRYO57rU0zae28upWmUU17O5NG2mr-XFm9m4oh8Cc/s1600/100_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_ARcOpq2vHEw-O4mtYM9GQIgE8RcWA266Sz2tqEY5WYY0OYh2DyX-NlnDKw0qo0z7jwBw7ZkACayYijEQ5POWfdNamr7Rg3DpPGRYO57rU0zae28upWmUU17O5NG2mr-XFm9m4oh8Cc/s320/100_1027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Besides the average park benches, Horseshoe Bay Park has these exceptionally comfortable and attractive chairs. <br />
<br />
But if you're not the type to sit back and watch things happen, there's a place you can go to get closer. You can see a pier heading out into the water in the background on the left of the picture above. There's a floating water taxi dock at the end of it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjNymGT9OB0AdkUnkaYeS53QSdKsrGUpHKb03QhMGY5rCKcGJluz99k8VSnuWIutS5WUpezoBLyyQbJx9Bo4SQC7spisfCkEPMHU040POkrv4OPQRM1pK8NPXmgNysXoQxJaYceEGmrE/s1600/100_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjNymGT9OB0AdkUnkaYeS53QSdKsrGUpHKb03QhMGY5rCKcGJluz99k8VSnuWIutS5WUpezoBLyyQbJx9Bo4SQC7spisfCkEPMHU040POkrv4OPQRM1pK8NPXmgNysXoQxJaYceEGmrE/s320/100_1029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The coast guard keeps a boat there. That's exciting. You're welcome to go down and loiter there. <br />
<br />
But I mentioned something about tired kids and I haven't come back to that yet. When I was a kid, the playground at this park was one of my favorites. That playground has since been replaced, but in essence, it's still the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwHp5G7dzOnT3fc6vU-IQDbCs8UCBRyi_CQTA9O2Au3zWE-qqZq7Df9jsv0X7NrsnFfyLb9QEtwpPsmySOyt4B_b-VebI791i-qSnSbrbsshcviE5mP6h7XCzbGoHS_UZ1f61AZTxj0k/s1600/100_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwHp5G7dzOnT3fc6vU-IQDbCs8UCBRyi_CQTA9O2Au3zWE-qqZq7Df9jsv0X7NrsnFfyLb9QEtwpPsmySOyt4B_b-VebI791i-qSnSbrbsshcviE5mP6h7XCzbGoHS_UZ1f61AZTxj0k/s320/100_1024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's still got a teeter-totter, swings, a pirate ship, and an awesome slide (the slide was the best). They've also added some of those spinny bucket things that are always really fun. It's a solid playground.<br />
<br />
If man made structures don't satisfy your needs to climb on things, there's a whole row of EasyClimb Trees (trademark: Nina King) in the southwest corner . <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUUvfSf72duc-xWptqFoz9mCdZwwIR7krOP0PQYZos63m9k6MOITefD2xNIWTpkSHBBm0rExlul3QaTlu4Xn61Pt36b-Nivteq2SkU-YKlheZFGUc6UKkH3EXb7wR1IQ5-BAlfniMqwY/s1600/100_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUUvfSf72duc-xWptqFoz9mCdZwwIR7krOP0PQYZos63m9k6MOITefD2xNIWTpkSHBBm0rExlul3QaTlu4Xn61Pt36b-Nivteq2SkU-YKlheZFGUc6UKkH3EXb7wR1IQ5-BAlfniMqwY/s320/100_1030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And it wouldn't be Horseshoe Bay Park without the whale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ov2f5WL3zY0bQwbctQH6c541KgiuSuvV1Rv-07W8CLC5fR4gfIwhI-XxWm2F4qvKfaBD3_gICY3tLckBbYGzs4U9I8iBfa8ZdZ9ZX3eI4TNGFCL0BQMoZTpl5HczG0vKGf-_YK-0gKM/s1600/100_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ov2f5WL3zY0bQwbctQH6c541KgiuSuvV1Rv-07W8CLC5fR4gfIwhI-XxWm2F4qvKfaBD3_gICY3tLckBbYGzs4U9I8iBfa8ZdZ9ZX3eI4TNGFCL0BQMoZTpl5HczG0vKGf-_YK-0gKM/s320/100_1026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He's looking pretty normal these days, but this guy's had many paint jobs over the years. He's been an orca, a work of first nation's style art, and even nemo! In the summer, you can step on buttons to make him shoot water out of his blow hole.<br />
<br />
That pretty much makes up for this park's biggest shortcoming. Although Horseshoe Bay Park is waterfront, it is not a beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRJaKp7Am4QKrbACMfv78Tbj7-bqxtUYxAmQQEojUzF8-9MDVKOEXvFpE2RDEaKJpjt49hn7h0uGxAaFCZu0sRPmJmhlLuFBxkbZD1jqyiSNRK5zJd8ov8quxsCYUeJ7xFNBcUMHQqWg/s1600/100_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRJaKp7Am4QKrbACMfv78Tbj7-bqxtUYxAmQQEojUzF8-9MDVKOEXvFpE2RDEaKJpjt49hn7h0uGxAaFCZu0sRPmJmhlLuFBxkbZD1jqyiSNRK5zJd8ov8quxsCYUeJ7xFNBcUMHQqWg/s320/100_1023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There's a little bit of sand to walk on at low tide, but Horseshoe Bay spends most of its time underwater, putting a damper on any exploring. If you're not the type to let a little bit of water ruin your fun, I suggest you let it when you're at Horseshoe Bay. I was once paid $10 to jump off the water taxi dock, and I really wish I hadn't done it. Thanks to the ferries, private yachts and rental boats, Horseshoe Bay has some of the most disgusting water I've ever seen. It's full of engine oil and sewage. Don't touch it!<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: place to wait for the ferry, view, nice seats, water taxi dock, playground, easyclimb trees, whale, washrooms<br />
Bad: it's a little dirty, no beach, absolutely no swimming<br />
7.5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-62854740122201049362012-10-16T19:04:00.001-07:002012-11-14T21:42:18.661-08:00Tantalus Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Nelson Ave and Marine Dr.</span><br />
<br />
I may be a little biased since Tantalus Park is the closest park to my house, but I don't really like it. I've tried to enjoy myself there because it's so convenient, but it's honestly a bit depressing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kOuo0iM9Brc2r2axXPDK9K2X2jAr02dvNbrSkmwk0toxk5iHbLiDR9Nk7aZKx3evwnpcFSEtPF8-IsGTZELfD1GXsI_dIFzSlv4kPhwR36WUoUAezkc9iXzL1wZYwex1Y0ERVkOTZxY/s1600/100_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kOuo0iM9Brc2r2axXPDK9K2X2jAr02dvNbrSkmwk0toxk5iHbLiDR9Nk7aZKx3evwnpcFSEtPF8-IsGTZELfD1GXsI_dIFzSlv4kPhwR36WUoUAezkc9iXzL1wZYwex1Y0ERVkOTZxY/s320/100_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There's only swings for babies, the slide is two feet tall, and they didn't even bother to paint the train. Oh well, at least there's a playground. I bet you could impress an 18 month old with it.<br />
<br />
The rest of the park that isn't covered in rotting leaves consists of a flat grass field cut into the steep slope up from Horseshoe Bay. It looks like it would be good for sports if it weren't so small and if the ground wasn't soggy most of the year. It has got a picnic bench, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4ML81GyHdhZYAdnNgJDGOMX9JmjAp9HXh8CzblKr0bqVRF4wrIxoa04tRYwPVAisHfwxIBVahFMng0pDbx82WYcDW0NxGJrHnivE0TBwcQD2w37_eWTeyRaltt8hPULip7FztusVoGo/s1600/100_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4ML81GyHdhZYAdnNgJDGOMX9JmjAp9HXh8CzblKr0bqVRF4wrIxoa04tRYwPVAisHfwxIBVahFMng0pDbx82WYcDW0NxGJrHnivE0TBwcQD2w37_eWTeyRaltt8hPULip7FztusVoGo/s320/100_1011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The bench moves around a lot. Although I've never seen people moving it, I've never seen it in the same place twice either. It's a lost cause if you ask me, though. The field is surrounded by trees and steep slopes on all four sides. The best place for it would probably be dead center, but it's usually in one of the corners. <br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: playground equipment, picnic bench, flat ground in a hilly area<br />
Bad: playground equipment is lame, squishy field, not much light<br />
5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-44290938189153667952012-10-10T13:15:00.001-07:002012-11-14T21:41:43.263-08:00Larson Bay Park [PPR: Local's Perspective]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Access via trail from Orchill Rd or Gleneagles Dr.</span><br />
<br />
When I was younger, my family used to refer to Larson Bay Park as "our beach". Despite my long history with this park, I've never actually been in the main entrance before. The main entrance looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmDNg2YUf0gmNPWSbZNYQh4co8_Bdsqzi0H0byXH9qGZeLDqr-xGG2PjCoMq4U9F3pqgGGzUaE-ufjct2ccCc5IZ1zZ_SOudNLWHBFAUg2Ku_LUHhidm9A-LSHfd23Rg24WAVPKgL6xs/s1600/100_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmDNg2YUf0gmNPWSbZNYQh4co8_Bdsqzi0H0byXH9qGZeLDqr-xGG2PjCoMq4U9F3pqgGGzUaE-ufjct2ccCc5IZ1zZ_SOudNLWHBFAUg2Ku_LUHhidm9A-LSHfd23Rg24WAVPKgL6xs/s320/100_0969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For those of you wondering what that little shack is, it's a toilet. Not an outhouse, a real toilet...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOCyZZ5T1vBa2Y_i9ZMbJsYGwS3sclzJ1V7uJJ4Gq-k8dwJBP2i_Kc6vLQvleg_wunTDPeU8BgcVoyFXvUxFHcw9Z9Y2AJUEIeKWZR2LluSgDv6Y22gPCTEtgaqDc8dFhzLyiuaNOzOc/s1600/100_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOCyZZ5T1vBa2Y_i9ZMbJsYGwS3sclzJ1V7uJJ4Gq-k8dwJBP2i_Kc6vLQvleg_wunTDPeU8BgcVoyFXvUxFHcw9Z9Y2AJUEIeKWZR2LluSgDv6Y22gPCTEtgaqDc8dFhzLyiuaNOzOc/s320/100_0973.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
What the heck is plumbing doing out here? It's surprisingly clean, too.<br />
<br />
Another surprise at the main entrance is this tennis court that isn't marked on the map.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI-0XW2g4ymfmP8EGYihvABz0VIQ3izeutte5Qn7pk_gwZWmG61EHUWX3d0AWvUlktwcWW_BP-Flf9SF0-5omx5f4Y-UMXba2haEV_4VCvMu-jMBxZ_HzE0lrGhN73IWZtZc33TNok-U/s1600/100_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI-0XW2g4ymfmP8EGYihvABz0VIQ3izeutte5Qn7pk_gwZWmG61EHUWX3d0AWvUlktwcWW_BP-Flf9SF0-5omx5f4Y-UMXba2haEV_4VCvMu-jMBxZ_HzE0lrGhN73IWZtZc33TNok-U/s320/100_0970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, it's got a big crack in the middle of it. That makes sense, though. This ground in this whole area is downright soggy half the year. Another thing that this tennis court would like to remind you about this area:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV3i0XhCDHTCvD_1RTC3LxXMYJJVcIBSRSKHeKlXy9yrxgC6mgF6QGGLd8IvbZqjgq-u6jS6BlnVSBMEQ-pj1GdjDDiJiNrZPNdde16om-eRj3IYygBJuWGcoMup9LKbYeVwj9LQyXJQ/s1600/100_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV3i0XhCDHTCvD_1RTC3LxXMYJJVcIBSRSKHeKlXy9yrxgC6mgF6QGGLd8IvbZqjgq-u6jS6BlnVSBMEQ-pj1GdjDDiJiNrZPNdde16om-eRj3IYygBJuWGcoMup9LKbYeVwj9LQyXJQ/s320/100_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know why, but the "positively" makes me laugh.<br />
<br />
The way down to the beach from this entrance is incredibly steep. Not just "gee, I sure am out of shape" steep, but "ow, my ankles are not meant to bend like this" steep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyJZsSmmRPvKM21wYQN5Urj5pKz5d9bzZrq_u7w5owdJlOOt1kClQNwJH78PLL5tUJJ2NhVfNf0Il1Uo8bavZW7dJh_b9rB3wOx9PisZGkNBwSyWjgcsGUuko-cJ37xmd-ps1-F4Xhrs/s1600/100_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyJZsSmmRPvKM21wYQN5Urj5pKz5d9bzZrq_u7w5owdJlOOt1kClQNwJH78PLL5tUJJ2NhVfNf0Il1Uo8bavZW7dJh_b9rB3wOx9PisZGkNBwSyWjgcsGUuko-cJ37xmd-ps1-F4Xhrs/s320/100_0981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Slopes are always hard to capture on camera. They never look as steep as they actually are. The other entrance is not nearly as ridiculous. I'm going to keep on taking that one (It's a trail off of Orchill Rd.)<br />
<br />
And now... finally... Larson Bay:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCziMSHVR6hMLCagX-AGu0Sf778psLUvQSiW3KboSo-V9Hu5fDMP1fBPwyiNRYSS_Sc516T9PAVJ6TpvGEhHnf8BPhv_5na2p2-c6BlyPhHggst3qnOr5CnOtOGvgVTBzrKY6UmE1mL10/s1600/100_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCziMSHVR6hMLCagX-AGu0Sf778psLUvQSiW3KboSo-V9Hu5fDMP1fBPwyiNRYSS_Sc516T9PAVJ6TpvGEhHnf8BPhv_5na2p2-c6BlyPhHggst3qnOr5CnOtOGvgVTBzrKY6UmE1mL10/s320/100_0997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically, this place is gorgeous and it has a gorgeous view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yCiexFSJxmh2RvWFoVCzBSSbimTXjbZ5QAGeSw5ZAAshY_LtRBA506LOhBc7WCCJ8uw-edx9dGU_9Zb5lwsZ4TvZNIuTD3djK3kI_UfXr_gpwBoD-QlB5Oqm_mlOjs4WYpNSK6zD6uw/s1600/100_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yCiexFSJxmh2RvWFoVCzBSSbimTXjbZ5QAGeSw5ZAAshY_LtRBA506LOhBc7WCCJ8uw-edx9dGU_9Zb5lwsZ4TvZNIuTD3djK3kI_UfXr_gpwBoD-QlB5Oqm_mlOjs4WYpNSK6zD6uw/s320/100_1004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From left to right, that's Passage Island, Bowen Island and Kettle Point in the very edge of the foreground. On clear days like this one, you can also see Vancouver Island way in the background. And don't worry, of course there are logs to sit on and look at this from.<br />
<br />
This beach is also a beach glass jackpot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4kpYrMsSkhQVTU3r8XdS91n902KG7A-ixh4TDHYlAhfFdjV5XhEPFK9Q24vOZwFZG-WrPCxb1QcnxFBHkQ4NqkNtqyBW-oOwFX0GAYUZk0eE00A4zZe4mFtqMALLrHO7qr9s1EoYNaI/s1600/100_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4kpYrMsSkhQVTU3r8XdS91n902KG7A-ixh4TDHYlAhfFdjV5XhEPFK9Q24vOZwFZG-WrPCxb1QcnxFBHkQ4NqkNtqyBW-oOwFX0GAYUZk0eE00A4zZe4mFtqMALLrHO7qr9s1EoYNaI/s320/100_0998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's because it's a great place to drink beer and smash the bottles. Get excited if that's your thing, but don't let it scare you off if it's not. This is a perfectly acceptable place without any drunken teenagers until after dark. During the day, it's just a treasure chest of pretty coloured glass.<br />
<br />
Finally, one thing that Larson Bay has that's always really cool is a fort. It's been a work in progress for longer than I've been visiting and a combined effort of probably dozens of children who never see each other collecting scraps of wood and making an old root ball into a home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4M7bNJhoOQHmb7lVzkzbqfevWwaInJojBFxy2LAJKqb54QYdyVyY7Mg3QEUcBSXBufM-UajSlMUtNdtHOnViInxmSJeP2hhniYZM7Puv4MEzINoLJvCioF22h0IjampuumT2SlGxNs4/s1600/100_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4M7bNJhoOQHmb7lVzkzbqfevWwaInJojBFxy2LAJKqb54QYdyVyY7Mg3QEUcBSXBufM-UajSlMUtNdtHOnViInxmSJeP2hhniYZM7Puv4MEzINoLJvCioF22h0IjampuumT2SlGxNs4/s320/100_0996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how a beach like this can bring people together without them even knowing it. This isn't a very popular beach, but it's not completely empty either. People visit it for solitude, but they leave with friends that they've never spoken to. A smile from a stranger in a place like this means something special.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: view, plumbing, fort, beach glass, generally really pretty<br />
Bad: so much ground water, too many barnacles for swimming, cracked tennis court<br />
7/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-46002665527455464532012-10-10T12:05:00.004-07:002012-11-14T21:40:54.282-08:00Tall Trees Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Access via Gleneagles Pl.</span><br />
<br />
I hadn't actually been to Tall Trees Park before this summer. I simply just didn't know it was there. It's a beach park, but the beach itself doesn't seem to have a name. It's sheltered behind Batchelor Point, and it faces Passage Island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8e_GpoKKI4tNPBO8seldU1fB9qqOBbOsmiOU_s58WDurFTFwCet6OmK8ws5oQtX34t714c3Fzbuvyg3HMpUlL8qtFSE0cZvdLzeRFJwD4fwvRWdGrG-QB6qu8Z0UGfwY6UmG1AX0Kxc/s1600/100_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8e_GpoKKI4tNPBO8seldU1fB9qqOBbOsmiOU_s58WDurFTFwCet6OmK8ws5oQtX34t714c3Fzbuvyg3HMpUlL8qtFSE0cZvdLzeRFJwD4fwvRWdGrG-QB6qu8Z0UGfwY6UmG1AX0Kxc/s320/100_0965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'd say the main attraction of this beach is its tidal pools. Of course, you'll have to make sure that you're there at low tide to see them, but the effort of checking a tide chart is worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjYXpaM95DyRVSd1Uoxb4CsJt3ozBsD5-c0U5pMSa4whL2qSL-954EUZAmRHfsDFmQAFZxyOaQUPOhUVWx8gq_IuOr3mbP31ncN6nVk-kO-ITJvCu44jNGbNw15hI0j7PSJQ-nuz3ZJ8/s1600/100_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjYXpaM95DyRVSd1Uoxb4CsJt3ozBsD5-c0U5pMSa4whL2qSL-954EUZAmRHfsDFmQAFZxyOaQUPOhUVWx8gq_IuOr3mbP31ncN6nVk-kO-ITJvCu44jNGbNw15hI0j7PSJQ-nuz3ZJ8/s320/100_0968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The ragged rock formations on this shore are perfect for catching fresh ocean water and fresh life with every high tide. These aren't your standard smelly spray zone pools. These ones have clear water, crabs and fish.<br />
<br />
Tall Trees Park, although it doesn't actually have any tall trees, does feature this tree:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPGLaaZBXQZ8CEZAyCtiw5M7qd_Ru0nGf-9Ei0kO0Yv0g1xgmqGTEwBoYGL8rp-8MB-PW_qlJmsT1tPvVdvz24G4ziBQw6qgyNKXOGoomNyGDl1tmdSpSRV8ZKgASpt04cmI0vv7CpUQ/s1600/100_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPGLaaZBXQZ8CEZAyCtiw5M7qd_Ru0nGf-9Ei0kO0Yv0g1xgmqGTEwBoYGL8rp-8MB-PW_qlJmsT1tPvVdvz24G4ziBQw6qgyNKXOGoomNyGDl1tmdSpSRV8ZKgASpt04cmI0vv7CpUQ/s320/100_0964.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's hiding in a corner, but if you can find it, you can climb it.<br />
<br />
But Tall Trees Park is also good for doing nothing. You don't have to be in the mood to scale trees of jagged rocks to enjoy a visit to this park. Although the natural landscape would make that difficult, this convenient concrete slab makes it possible to have a picnic bench here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qRdJ_TDM5GC-mrxYVcGpZQTIb6aLBxwlJSrbqbmHv6q8LvQQlK1iewHHGRW2WvhoS5h81fkm-jJZG265t_kNF3fEw3DdTOJ1-irUD9DzYjqYPavjtxuiW-3s2m41lktRijs5v4IwKgk/s1600/100_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qRdJ_TDM5GC-mrxYVcGpZQTIb6aLBxwlJSrbqbmHv6q8LvQQlK1iewHHGRW2WvhoS5h81fkm-jJZG265t_kNF3fEw3DdTOJ1-irUD9DzYjqYPavjtxuiW-3s2m41lktRijs5v4IwKgk/s320/100_0962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, this is one of the locations that's being taken over by the Japanese Knotweed. The regular bench is already covered in the stuff, but the picnic bench has held out so far. Let's hope it stays that way. Picnic benches are too cool for invasive species.<br />
<br />
I can tell that this park doesn't get a lot of visitors because of this dog:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EgpDgx4YaEDxbBg_Dgr7OtP_E1BBwBWsUSoe78rn1_dR6hGTElAi8TLi_-AtH2ujEAkeQwpZyts3AlOnizPnNHFyIH7i-G3TYEQ4ppQSLGhh7afRzt4G6Eo1exUdbj1F3Ra7_HLIcgs/s1600/100_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EgpDgx4YaEDxbBg_Dgr7OtP_E1BBwBWsUSoe78rn1_dR6hGTElAi8TLi_-AtH2ujEAkeQwpZyts3AlOnizPnNHFyIH7i-G3TYEQ4ppQSLGhh7afRzt4G6Eo1exUdbj1F3Ra7_HLIcgs/s320/100_0967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She came running down the stairs and started growling at me. The owners said they'd never seen anyone there before and so the dog thought that she owned Tall Trees Park. So just be aware that when you visit Tall Trees Park, that it's not actually public. Please respect the dog's property by having an awesome time here.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: view, picnic bench, tidal pools, climbing tree<br />
Bad: Japanese knotweed, too rocky for swimming, owned by dogs, no tall trees<br />
6/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-58299080004057211082012-10-03T19:00:00.001-07:002012-11-14T21:39:55.473-08:00Nelson Canyon Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Access via <i>The Seaview Trail</i></span><br />
<br />
At the Eagle Harbour end of the Seaview trail, where there's that big chain link fence and the railway tunnel, there is a narrow path heading up a steep slope. That path is the entrance to Nelson Canyon Park.<br />
<br />
Nelson Canyon does, in fact feature a canyon. Nelson Creek flows through the park at an elevation much lower than the elevation you will be standing at. While it is possible to get down there, I haven't personally attempted this feat in many years. It's best just to look down at it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ieJjY8CgGYqAThqo_KSNQ4bMJAeWDh4yu3YMHAcIYoLFHWViO8mR1HXehDqWqRNAbJKZnPxksb5jb2UFpl63VDbx2jUc4wz-XJToOo_KYTKhFL6eTmaEVrctngnP88uX1E9OpBitKYU/s1600/100_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ieJjY8CgGYqAThqo_KSNQ4bMJAeWDh4yu3YMHAcIYoLFHWViO8mR1HXehDqWqRNAbJKZnPxksb5jb2UFpl63VDbx2jUc4wz-XJToOo_KYTKhFL6eTmaEVrctngnP88uX1E9OpBitKYU/s320/100_0815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course there are fancy bench and guardrail setups for doing this like the one above, but there's better views if you keep walking up that hill. I know it's painful, but it's worth it. This is the view:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV31dsj5Wn9CiyDqSOGGgDy984JKnjtIQ3nn6bobDhB626GPeAA5VA8vZZAJbI0EYKjSlGObu_2l1XVD1RvH_CC-GUhSkKNry-Qjvfj6lB3WghrIM9PlTlZGGXvrHw68F0DWHDuXKWso/s1600/100_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV31dsj5Wn9CiyDqSOGGgDy984JKnjtIQ3nn6bobDhB626GPeAA5VA8vZZAJbI0EYKjSlGObu_2l1XVD1RvH_CC-GUhSkKNry-Qjvfj6lB3WghrIM9PlTlZGGXvrHw68F0DWHDuXKWso/s320/100_0822.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
That creek sure is a long way down. Here's another view from the exact same spot: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg9bIE3kw8_tVvw4TXxpNyc5lhLC03Uj-hCc5-ACKfqU6gqEtGR5V4hk0XKdokfz9gcsgMt5Ealq9-MJvaQR4dlIzhhuYcqHfcm6eMT1tiBJBzfAJRT5sKqCggJrCM3DEaGXa12qoLv8/s1600/100_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg9bIE3kw8_tVvw4TXxpNyc5lhLC03Uj-hCc5-ACKfqU6gqEtGR5V4hk0XKdokfz9gcsgMt5Ealq9-MJvaQR4dlIzhhuYcqHfcm6eMT1tiBJBzfAJRT5sKqCggJrCM3DEaGXa12qoLv8/s320/100_0823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's what the pictures are taken from:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea1h-6NxzXddK6dk-dmRxJ0vEOtgGPCjXMSMDIrdJOd3RIBoqjZf8u3cm5eG4Qc0oJ2FwkPQXDP8xMvQbKeJr33TvynT_T_zCL-BFVlXULccJ3noCsBqC7FI6QN2S3NySUNUJHai__Rs/s1600/100_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea1h-6NxzXddK6dk-dmRxJ0vEOtgGPCjXMSMDIrdJOd3RIBoqjZf8u3cm5eG4Qc0oJ2FwkPQXDP8xMvQbKeJr33TvynT_T_zCL-BFVlXULccJ3noCsBqC7FI6QN2S3NySUNUJHai__Rs/s320/100_0820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the old highway bridge. It's really cool. Feels very apocalyptic... in a good way. I'd call this a West Vancouver must-see.<br />
<br />
There's also some cool graffiti underneath the bridge that's worth checking out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYRzVTFZmPxxex5BnzgLis719_UOFkNWj3oCjk4bVv83eXPkWPeqdc7IoXump8s_86hRL5wDPsYO5f7uevI2Ns24Hq0Zy-lZE61RPCsCkWaOthJe0yaeJm0NHX5-4dOECk7fYDrP_-3I/s1600/100_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYRzVTFZmPxxex5BnzgLis719_UOFkNWj3oCjk4bVv83eXPkWPeqdc7IoXump8s_86hRL5wDPsYO5f7uevI2Ns24Hq0Zy-lZE61RPCsCkWaOthJe0yaeJm0NHX5-4dOECk7fYDrP_-3I/s320/100_0742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But the real reason you'd go to Nelson Canyon Park isn't technically a part of the park, but the entire way there is. If you follow the bridge to your right when you emerge from the path, turn left when you get to the end, and follow the access road up the hill for a while, you will come to another trail head. If you follow that trail for a little over an hour, you will arrive at Whyte Lake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG7XjLAm5gm3A9fzvZjs6ku4bof177RuxA8-00Kxl_1gAWP3iTuoB1UTPYVbc7kvnuZm7flbMONKeWgtjvWLHHkY_rqa5XKk85vK-ZlDGE58Z4KLQdquHO3UrtVZCzCzzQvb8uzVRYbI/s1600/100_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG7XjLAm5gm3A9fzvZjs6ku4bof177RuxA8-00Kxl_1gAWP3iTuoB1UTPYVbc7kvnuZm7flbMONKeWgtjvWLHHkY_rqa5XKk85vK-ZlDGE58Z4KLQdquHO3UrtVZCzCzzQvb8uzVRYbI/s320/100_0749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Whyte Lake is a very tiny lake. You could swim to the other side in less than 5 minutes. However, that short swim would be exceptionally pleasant. After the long hike to get there, you're more than ready to jump in the water. And this water is the perfect temperature: cool, but not cold.<br />
<br />
There's no beach to speak of, but that's no problem with the dock that the city has been kind enough to provide and the awesome raft made of scrap wood and dead trees that's got an old sign for a paddle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYAQGGAJAYYt21zrSQHdWVGE1PcgwUdgtyVbMXAvLpPhfbQKy-h0fDLud3Nqo-TP95lm4noat_lQbPY93fjZWcNXgX0m51o8ND-dAfbd5wa3Rdd3o27duuMSqUBjSflNciDQS35hBY9c/s1600/100_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYAQGGAJAYYt21zrSQHdWVGE1PcgwUdgtyVbMXAvLpPhfbQKy-h0fDLud3Nqo-TP95lm4noat_lQbPY93fjZWcNXgX0m51o8ND-dAfbd5wa3Rdd3o27duuMSqUBjSflNciDQS35hBY9c/s320/100_0753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The only downside is that it's a very small amount of space, so it's usually very crowded. Three groups of people and it's packed. With all the dogs running around, it gets straight-up chaotic. But practically everyone who goes there is friendly. So come here if you're friendly and stay home if you're not. Do your part and please don't ruin the vibes.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: abandoned highway bridge, cool graffiti, they didn't lie about the canyon, it's how you get to Whyte Lake<br />
Bad: there's not much actually interesting in the vast majority of the park, that first hill is seriously steep, the lake can be quite crowded<br />
7/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-85482131457115329862012-09-25T21:41:00.000-07:002012-09-25T21:41:55.673-07:00Horseshoe Bay Area Route [aka: Allie's Domain]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwidtGojmGJhNn27lk1IU5pncio5gpMDk-pHpoDc35spU3zsqDlliOmxY9gxS8Ocp_O7wW86poyePFtXltQ8lzIREnYPB1Yh30vf6AuHX6OMuiQqtKaF9Y_Kp2IB7tMHZr8qrAl8tIo80/s1600/Night+Trip+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwidtGojmGJhNn27lk1IU5pncio5gpMDk-pHpoDc35spU3zsqDlliOmxY9gxS8Ocp_O7wW86poyePFtXltQ8lzIREnYPB1Yh30vf6AuHX6OMuiQqtKaF9Y_Kp2IB7tMHZr8qrAl8tIo80/s320/Night+Trip+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nelson Canyon, Tall Trees, Larson Bay, Tantalus, Douglas, Horseshoe Bay, Garrow Bay, Bachelor Bay & Whytecliff: Explored thoroughly and loved well. These are the ones that you can walk to from Allie's house.Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-67799485311143988712012-09-25T21:37:00.000-07:002012-11-14T21:38:52.411-08:00Hugo Ray Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located on 3rd St, just above the highway.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvCqT2BwwQy_0UUeJjvZC3jE4ypHaHSFM35iIVcOU7-m2bCiD40r7BeQnocHYAtJA-desT_tgkNg1NitGngYmBi3-XaPviwITCa0vlj9PI89e9jF3kxlex9NJlwUgLFdvFjdviPzfIhQ/s1600/100_0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvCqT2BwwQy_0UUeJjvZC3jE4ypHaHSFM35iIVcOU7-m2bCiD40r7BeQnocHYAtJA-desT_tgkNg1NitGngYmBi3-XaPviwITCa0vlj9PI89e9jF3kxlex9NJlwUgLFdvFjdviPzfIhQ/s320/100_0952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first saw Hugo Ray Park, I thought it looked rather boring. I took a closer look and realized that the building in the distance had a sign on it that read "North Shore Cricket Club". I was right, Hugo Ray Park is boring.<br />
<br />
...but the grass is nice and there's plenty of parking:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSthHD_qXwWnLSoVTWfF706bCFIsvD0HDTHyOUgmOTc7FWeGgkiJM1-KXFupT_-dioC3XbYpsukr6o32IQizLvyzGm6XTGQ8Fdy9HiLk6H0BNxqOL6A4WIYqM-BeXta4TUEHtKMtsWzY/s1600/100_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSthHD_qXwWnLSoVTWfF706bCFIsvD0HDTHyOUgmOTc7FWeGgkiJM1-KXFupT_-dioC3XbYpsukr6o32IQizLvyzGm6XTGQ8Fdy9HiLk6H0BNxqOL6A4WIYqM-BeXta4TUEHtKMtsWzY/s320/100_0953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you like cricket, I suppose this is a lovely place.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: nice grass, plenty of parking, cricket<br />
Bad: next to a cemetery, cricket<br />
If you love cricket: 10/10 <br />
If you don't like cricket: 3.5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-81714012154481721512012-09-25T21:24:00.002-07:002012-11-14T21:38:34.021-08:00Hadden ParkLocated on Hadden Dr, near Southborough Dr.<br />
<br />
Hadden Park is a ravine. Like most ravines, it has been used as a dumping ground:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEur-rTUFrJQS51kAfra5isth3Saw_HHMGvyjgUOLjpDI4BvNBylEHd2B20tETENhSau-_Thj4643HARSFWHFTvK3xgdGy0zdKRBZTDjAuT2luIJvVwjwBv-C5YgZnuF7AORm0QWih_2c/s1600/100_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEur-rTUFrJQS51kAfra5isth3Saw_HHMGvyjgUOLjpDI4BvNBylEHd2B20tETENhSau-_Thj4643HARSFWHFTvK3xgdGy0zdKRBZTDjAuT2luIJvVwjwBv-C5YgZnuF7AORm0QWih_2c/s320/100_0948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear people,<br />
Please stop doing this. Yard waste and old tires don't belong in ravines.<br />
Sincierely,<br />
All the kids who think ravines are cool<br />
<br />
Unlike a lot of ravines, this one is actually accessible without bleeding or dying. I enlisted the help of a local sherpa who showed me the easiest way down the slope <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR8s0vjZ0F53hQg-M1oiR700QNz-6q_mX5QXrkrv_V8qlef2ao64YbPJrPq5PHvf8MqYjZ8GGo3sKfUqoqS-vSRMQNqTPbQCGzm6t1i-orsOsOE2ia1LW9aKP_jc2xdYjeeNIRsQCNVs/s1600/100_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR8s0vjZ0F53hQg-M1oiR700QNz-6q_mX5QXrkrv_V8qlef2ao64YbPJrPq5PHvf8MqYjZ8GGo3sKfUqoqS-vSRMQNqTPbQCGzm6t1i-orsOsOE2ia1LW9aKP_jc2xdYjeeNIRsQCNVs/s320/100_0950.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But then we found an easier route on the way up. That's how it goes with ravines. There's no guarantee that you're going the right way, you just have to go for it and realize that you've made mistakes later. But that's why ravines are fun.<br />
<br />
Another thing about ravines is that they're dark. There's not going to be any pictures from the creek bed, because those are dark too. All you need to know is that there is bushwhacking to do down there. So if you like bushwhacking, visit Hadden Park. If that's not your thing, then don't visit Hadden Park.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: trees, creek, ferns<br />
Bad: dumping ground, steep ravine, bushwhacking skills required<br />
4/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-49312831336424211152012-09-25T20:56:00.001-07:002012-11-14T21:38:16.766-08:00Houlgate Creek Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Deep Dene and Stevens Dr. Access via ???</span><br />
<br />
This park sounded cool from its name, and apparently there's a trail leading to it somewhere. However, the closest thing to a trail I found looked a lot more like the edge of somebody's front yard than a trail. <br />
<br />
But here's what it looks like from Deep Dene (that's a street for those not familiar with the strange British Properties street names):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYHzYUQcUZqC53Wrs4vAbq7HKcWU4ZwMz5fJQldDT_G3q7mZlIcm29LzFOtBWIw-j_VJXyNo86tJQidyKyxG2KzGSiqdrmrswS8Iuli9Ot8Iynx51bImv_Sqi0gv6UF95A7lrVuYmmSo/s1600/100_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYHzYUQcUZqC53Wrs4vAbq7HKcWU4ZwMz5fJQldDT_G3q7mZlIcm29LzFOtBWIw-j_VJXyNo86tJQidyKyxG2KzGSiqdrmrswS8Iuli9Ot8Iynx51bImv_Sqi0gv6UF95A7lrVuYmmSo/s1600/100_0947.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It looks all nice and lush... now if only I could figure out how to get in there...<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: green, cool name<br />
Bad: why can't I find this trail? I'm awesome at finding trails<br />
???/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-53660314863384629592012-09-25T20:47:00.002-07:002012-11-14T21:37:40.516-08:00Glenmore Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Bonnymuir Dr and Glenmore Dr.</span><br />
<br />
If you're looking for a pleasant, well thought out park that's fun for the whole family in the eastern British Properties, look no further than Glenmore Park. Seriously, it's the only park in the whole area that's more than a bunch of trees. <br />
<br />
The park greets you with an idyllic grassy slope with the occasional tree casting dramatic shadows on the ground. There were several joggers passing through on the trails. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPANZM0FPrY6iSTabVymk9rkAZQh-T-F-0EMsFmjtc8jJdpOtKsw5ANhKCrag2dPy35iD20apYRwGKs3Bznz4l5YdtovPCUeSaPbbgCRqPqXFxPqYP4vrs3fNKjGfY8rC21Qc_am7tPU/s1600/100_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPANZM0FPrY6iSTabVymk9rkAZQh-T-F-0EMsFmjtc8jJdpOtKsw5ANhKCrag2dPy35iD20apYRwGKs3Bznz4l5YdtovPCUeSaPbbgCRqPqXFxPqYP4vrs3fNKjGfY8rC21Qc_am7tPU/s320/100_0933.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I was feeling good about this park until I saw the playground equipment:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuPq_ZVk14NvlLiPbmUpwMERn02yipuPychaJLGRpd3wKZearE-MutICKf0qID6PXZl_5XbGfU9NfgR6MZLVTR3cfM2ZpG-zmSygC-h7p3p9GxCrIWGWPGS2_N32zOA3JK2oUR-_3hnM/s1600/100_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuPq_ZVk14NvlLiPbmUpwMERn02yipuPychaJLGRpd3wKZearE-MutICKf0qID6PXZl_5XbGfU9NfgR6MZLVTR3cfM2ZpG-zmSygC-h7p3p9GxCrIWGWPGS2_N32zOA3JK2oUR-_3hnM/s320/100_0934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was ready to be disappointed with yet another park only just barely following through on its promise of playground equipment, and sing the praises of this spinny bucket thing<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT-Y4tAuns-w2jSh_KbXiKU45cgnptBBuHPlku5xMi8S9C6RW27sAMLyIo_s64e_bBxJssevWJDAMdWvw80qAJNYpZ6xMwUzpdppXu7ypNFEtB0UX9ujgyc0s31XTYWYV8CWyAHTEigY/s1600/100_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT-Y4tAuns-w2jSh_KbXiKU45cgnptBBuHPlku5xMi8S9C6RW27sAMLyIo_s64e_bBxJssevWJDAMdWvw80qAJNYpZ6xMwUzpdppXu7ypNFEtB0UX9ujgyc0s31XTYWYV8CWyAHTEigY/s320/100_0936.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
(which actually is really fun), when I noticed this behind some trees:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0YZb8M64NiJdomWJi4FkxAbqk6LgHtRe8VvOcwgWv1F4Sg0Nhr4KMvHkAayIkYj1pf4IP0A6Lk8lXlmZHD8jRsq8DbDxFfQAFxOwoiPzxu_17rr_YHCrELf-6AxCOjBqz3XxjE9SL6M/s1600/100_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0YZb8M64NiJdomWJi4FkxAbqk6LgHtRe8VvOcwgWv1F4Sg0Nhr4KMvHkAayIkYj1pf4IP0A6Lk8lXlmZHD8jRsq8DbDxFfQAFxOwoiPzxu_17rr_YHCrELf-6AxCOjBqz3XxjE9SL6M/s320/100_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Folks, Glenmore Park has a real live actual playground. I haven't even got pictures of all of it. Get excited!<br />
<br />
It's even got one of those toy diggers. My little brothers used to think those were the coolest things ever invented.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPILAcP10PsM8WqazC9kbiDo8Ec2gBpgQ6a3Zl6A-z9BbTqFQCGhdPhrWfAEJVeRxaMktJFOrpxckxyB39jP3imqHX3JQaLyKB67c7SStGS52ExdQgc_4jci1FGsGOXHPp8w7CMNO5Pk/s1600/100_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPILAcP10PsM8WqazC9kbiDo8Ec2gBpgQ6a3Zl6A-z9BbTqFQCGhdPhrWfAEJVeRxaMktJFOrpxckxyB39jP3imqHX3JQaLyKB67c7SStGS52ExdQgc_4jci1FGsGOXHPp8w7CMNO5Pk/s320/100_0945.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This park is pretty manufactured, but there's a little bit of wildlife left. There's a creek running through the middle of it, and the natural vegetation around that has been left intact. That vegetation includes trees! Trees that you can climb if you're good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoRzhandqrAmj4rU76XFIajVk69qbtoSpeJtYoAifBEsGuBZfKGXDFu6lJzVbPqI0jdARXi6LMJjp44f-NB9zgudX00f4hPA63Rltf4YpIaEFbsRnRfDsZK5hGTUAnnfdHJWwHhWVI_k/s1600/100_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoRzhandqrAmj4rU76XFIajVk69qbtoSpeJtYoAifBEsGuBZfKGXDFu6lJzVbPqI0jdARXi6LMJjp44f-NB9zgudX00f4hPA63Rltf4YpIaEFbsRnRfDsZK5hGTUAnnfdHJWwHhWVI_k/s320/100_0941.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But if you don't like nature, there's a bridge over the creek so you don't have to touch it.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: grass, creek, trees, playground, tennis court, right on a bus route<br />
Bad: um... there could always be more trees, I'm not sure<br />
8.5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-91772051645028140772012-09-25T20:15:00.000-07:002012-11-16T15:56:08.612-08:00Ballantree Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Access via Kildonan Rd. </span><br />
<br />
At the north western tip of West Vancouver civilization sits Ballantree Park. I'd like to thank my mom for driving me up there, because it is seriously out of the way.<br />
<br />
As with most of the land that far up the mountains that isn't covered in road or mansion, the park consists mostly of dense forest. It is entirely wild, except for the narrow trail that winds through the thick bush.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3X89atF-WBN8bazuJaNnTiuv7EHm1llRGJm7g361ReaaVeeU4PxfACd_JCq8Izj9hRgSnmpYbILsJ4cZv7PfGQmqnilF2oLn2NoVrLc8UE0RpvXgNdU4u-4vt1qjxYba53GXwNpuPCk/s1600/100_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3X89atF-WBN8bazuJaNnTiuv7EHm1llRGJm7g361ReaaVeeU4PxfACd_JCq8Izj9hRgSnmpYbILsJ4cZv7PfGQmqnilF2oLn2NoVrLc8UE0RpvXgNdU4u-4vt1qjxYba53GXwNpuPCk/s320/100_0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The trail is well maintained and an easy walk provided you're looking where you're going. This would not be a trail to walk at night or if you are blind. But if you pay attention enough to not trip over roots and rocks, Ballantree Park provides an easy and pleasant walk through the woods.<br />
<br />
I caution visitors not to look for an end to this trail. The trail does not end when the park ends. According to the map, it actually leads all the way to Hollyburn Lodge (in Cypress Bowl's cross country skiing area). Turn around when you feel like it, not when it looks like you should. <br />
<br />
I didn't go very far because I was on my own and there was a bear warning sign at the trail head. Even though I only walked for about 10 minutes, I still saw some beautiful corners of the wildnerness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpdkm0KsYBk4A6_4_l4Xkp5Ia-EZUzuI6siibH_7VWNd97iJnyxn8jPJQvv5hBUAelwDDdvB2KmvppA6FJ-aX22c8fuhSLN_vAmuEmr3nH44JClXI_cXohY2EvacQUDA4JnlLvplkn_s/s1600/100_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpdkm0KsYBk4A6_4_l4Xkp5Ia-EZUzuI6siibH_7VWNd97iJnyxn8jPJQvv5hBUAelwDDdvB2KmvppA6FJ-aX22c8fuhSLN_vAmuEmr3nH44JClXI_cXohY2EvacQUDA4JnlLvplkn_s/s320/100_0931.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I hope to be able to drag a friend up this hill and see more of it someday.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: nice scenery, well maintained trail, peaceful and quiet, perfect for forest bathing<br />
Bad: good luck finding it, narrow trail with tripping hazards<br />
6/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-61885348818004774052012-09-17T07:37:00.001-07:002012-09-17T07:37:39.586-07:00Eastern British Properties Route<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EU_Rh79W2M0NTJ9is7WQ3ApQjX-sSVW3CanftmqyXyFpzwygcmApe-VEKKRgzqQ4NQuk62atzN1pbGHX2mz6uH1ZUV19QXzmrxpAdSmjHZN6ZRw5S-8yRpHcRQKUOFbdh9zokf0soKY/s1600/Night+Trip+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EU_Rh79W2M0NTJ9is7WQ3ApQjX-sSVW3CanftmqyXyFpzwygcmApe-VEKKRgzqQ4NQuk62atzN1pbGHX2mz6uH1ZUV19QXzmrxpAdSmjHZN6ZRw5S-8yRpHcRQKUOFbdh9zokf0soKY/s400/Night+Trip+11.png" width="137" /></a></div>
<br />
Ballantree, Glenmore, Houlgate Creek, Hadden & Hugo Ray: Explored Sunday September 16thAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-54517559956833360722012-09-12T14:59:00.000-07:002012-11-14T21:36:36.124-08:00Chatwin Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Kings Ave & 13th St.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuZQmWA2R0WX6OlqD5w5-tISW22zADR8vWxW9oyV1Ym17DJ_f8fE2kRC3HKBP5yJIC7-7lMhL_RBayAKbCQf_xvxT5Ilb0z9h-iNRpKkyQ_hNsKCx7OHAtuoZXSJFp09oKjDQf2-YRiI/s1600/100_0912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuZQmWA2R0WX6OlqD5w5-tISW22zADR8vWxW9oyV1Ym17DJ_f8fE2kRC3HKBP5yJIC7-7lMhL_RBayAKbCQf_xvxT5Ilb0z9h-iNRpKkyQ_hNsKCx7OHAtuoZXSJFp09oKjDQf2-YRiI/s320/100_0912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Chatwin
Park is a simple one. It's a decent sized chunk of land sitting on a
corner with a trail running through it, including a bridge over a small
creek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DUlq092CoupKoOACh93pduEGwH92GKn87iODWac0P9NpO4WFyIqZi5d1O0l_Nepwg7aXW7ZacXd2bxWLA7P3-v7trNmhiwYhCXmdxYwag7RGxUm8ANDxiGVPfiI4wdufz20OumQCz4I/s1600/100_0917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DUlq092CoupKoOACh93pduEGwH92GKn87iODWac0P9NpO4WFyIqZi5d1O0l_Nepwg7aXW7ZacXd2bxWLA7P3-v7trNmhiwYhCXmdxYwag7RGxUm8ANDxiGVPfiI4wdufz20OumQCz4I/s320/100_0917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Good
news! The railings of this bridge are very sittable. When there's a
park without benches, it can be saved by a bridge. Sometimes the tops of
the railings are pointy, and that's just disappointing. In addition to
this bridge, Chatwin Park has several other options to make up for it's
lack of benches, including the sign and the rocks in the first picture.<br />
<br />
The
rest of the space in the park is more or less flat with grass that's
only sort of maintained and intermittent trees. This space would be an
excellent place for a game of hide and seek. There's several of these
trees growing out of nurse stumps:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKdksiI8823W343dGibgN3bjmYXTLAitv31ncXXoQJTWZLxd5ErN-0vF_46itlkvW6Bqe9gee6hgSkb-Fa9dYH8xRgRF6lYpqAX5QopTdCdcBlPGawgW7yGwleQeeVhfox_mQCAVPLTk/s1600/100_0918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKdksiI8823W343dGibgN3bjmYXTLAitv31ncXXoQJTWZLxd5ErN-0vF_46itlkvW6Bqe9gee6hgSkb-Fa9dYH8xRgRF6lYpqAX5QopTdCdcBlPGawgW7yGwleQeeVhfox_mQCAVPLTk/s320/100_0918.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
They look like they might have caves perfect for people smaller than I
am. Somebody who fits that criteria needs to go check that out. <br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: path, bridge with sitting railings, place to play hide and seek (and other games)<br />
Bad: no benches, no dogs allowed<br />
5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-6239768644019468992012-09-07T10:21:00.004-07:002012-11-14T21:36:06.101-08:00Burley Drive Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Burley Dr & Mathers Ave. </span><br />
<br />
Burley Drive Park is another one of those playground/ tennis court combinations tucked just underneath the highway like <a href="http://northshoreparks.blogspot.ca/2012/06/cedaredale-park.html" target="_blank">Cedaredale</a> and <a href="http://northshoreparks.blogspot.ca/2012/05/westridge-park.html" target="_blank">Westridge</a>. From my experience with those other two, I assumed that the playground equipment at Burley Drive would be equally skimpy. Fortunately, I was wrong.<br />
<br />
Whoever designed the Burley Drive Park playground went all out.<br />
<br />
There's swings for big kids<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefpcwJqKrhTOW7vVs9HYDOQ1tRUawaJvUjL3Z9uGaMavqKiWHOnA1klpNDgFeG055xZVRyu258DYmrPBG5nv006wkjVXuuqP_HfoUDnBCClyBveyNlXIGkOzvOkEW3JzLBAeQalgx1No/s1600/100_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefpcwJqKrhTOW7vVs9HYDOQ1tRUawaJvUjL3Z9uGaMavqKiWHOnA1klpNDgFeG055xZVRyu258DYmrPBG5nv006wkjVXuuqP_HfoUDnBCClyBveyNlXIGkOzvOkEW3JzLBAeQalgx1No/s320/100_0909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and for babies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOZHP5SnnhyphenhyphengbHEv_79hhg3rAxG1Cb6ELdeU31YyJR22fW00lhhmTySZFZHpFGuIdss5bFH7kPHxdY047gzbrvlmgEjA496E13csOSQ6RzDi4KIM461NJOWP5VeGH9EUFiO7e5hpfQjQ/s1600/100_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOZHP5SnnhyphenhyphengbHEv_79hhg3rAxG1Cb6ELdeU31YyJR22fW00lhhmTySZFZHpFGuIdss5bFH7kPHxdY047gzbrvlmgEjA496E13csOSQ6RzDi4KIM461NJOWP5VeGH9EUFiO7e5hpfQjQ/s320/100_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There are not one, but two teeter-totters,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI-oo36JRB9o3pSLMkk8j0qXjl5Mtoh7HnFZ_tjas0bfM_pDyszh-bW1ofvpeL3FePfWxoA5BHSvz0d-CyBtw5olwDEt8OIDpGLbYRDu5a1MCGWQ5MRSvVzPYOU6st8K4sfUbbBqcSlc/s1600/100_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI-oo36JRB9o3pSLMkk8j0qXjl5Mtoh7HnFZ_tjas0bfM_pDyszh-bW1ofvpeL3FePfWxoA5BHSvz0d-CyBtw5olwDEt8OIDpGLbYRDu5a1MCGWQ5MRSvVzPYOU6st8K4sfUbbBqcSlc/s320/100_0902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
a set of bars that would probably be a lot more fun for people more skilled than Douglas and I,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7na1S4Y5SiFtsKHZGmZqNoe-8wXdT8Y_dCi2YzBgz3OArbTmoDnmjGlEssv0xzYadcPJXAfH9gjVL1OUthKbFL_h7QWjOJvfIHZEGLTdKJdeqyKpevWN-wU-LfMsDQArvzQDKcvQbOdA/s1600/100_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7na1S4Y5SiFtsKHZGmZqNoe-8wXdT8Y_dCi2YzBgz3OArbTmoDnmjGlEssv0xzYadcPJXAfH9gjVL1OUthKbFL_h7QWjOJvfIHZEGLTdKJdeqyKpevWN-wU-LfMsDQArvzQDKcvQbOdA/s320/100_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and a pirate ship!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3royJQZ5AJcEfoMayIkcBnjUJdvcSmNv3i6OMhlVs3AMZecWahTWJvNmVFauxdE3wZcDLy_EnCLNhI0LYNvZwIYqo5hhhyphenhyphen0bRATSyZyCBEB4h7Z3wpaq90-mtIVpt30fGmafA0aTcRA/s1600/100_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3royJQZ5AJcEfoMayIkcBnjUJdvcSmNv3i6OMhlVs3AMZecWahTWJvNmVFauxdE3wZcDLy_EnCLNhI0LYNvZwIYqo5hhhyphenhyphen0bRATSyZyCBEB4h7Z3wpaq90-mtIVpt30fGmafA0aTcRA/s320/100_0904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There's also a tennis court, but those all look the same and I don't care about them much.<br />
<br />
I know several families with young kids who end up as regulars at certain playgrounds. They're all starting to get bored with the ones they know, but I don't think any of them know about Burley Drive Park. This is a hidden gem of a playground that could be a great change of pace for a 5 year old who is so over <a href="http://northshoreparks.blogspot.ca/2012/06/john-lawson-park.html" target="_blank">John Lawson</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: playground, tennis court, on a quiet street<br />
Bad: no slide<br />
7/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-57414963609167318992012-09-04T15:51:00.002-07:002012-11-14T21:35:40.215-08:00Leyland Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located on Fulton Ave, near 11th St.</span><br />
<br />
Since Nina is in Prince George now, I decided to go on the Ambleside route with my little brothers, Peter and Douglas. Here they are modelling the proper way to enter the park from the Fulton Avenue entrance:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWRm128W532g13QDOTtCiR2HorrTFgJ_hSbpn_BCkI1Gi7IXW1glMS2lmUbxWQmT5k5EzY2DwL796-gZaKqrk90cB4u5_BpsWlIzyFZ7hLJpECbu1AHjx1xuepsL1fFJsnLoVASGtEUQ/s1600/100_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWRm128W532g13QDOTtCiR2HorrTFgJ_hSbpn_BCkI1Gi7IXW1glMS2lmUbxWQmT5k5EzY2DwL796-gZaKqrk90cB4u5_BpsWlIzyFZ7hLJpECbu1AHjx1xuepsL1fFJsnLoVASGtEUQ/s320/100_0876.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When we first walked into the park, Peter shared with us his theory on why teenagers don't get outside enough. He said it was because when you're a kid, you're encouraged to play with your imagination, but when you get older you're expected to live in reality. Leyland Park could be a castle or a battle field, he explained, but instead it had to be just a boring old hill with some trees.<br />
<br />
I think he makes an excellent point. For some reason, we're all expected to behave in a civilized manner just because we've got a few years under our belts. Once I gave Peter permission to release his inner child, he grabbed the nearest stick and ran off into the trees to fight the enemy. I hope that permission is all that most people need to have fun. So this is me hereby giving all of my blog readers permission to release their inner children!<br />
<br />
Now back to those trees that I mentioned Peter running into. One thing that West Vancouver parks are severely lacking in are good climbing trees. Leyland Park, however, is full of them. It's time for a notable tree montage...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwX15boIn1JsaPqWBEvKAxAmFODZam_x68l6nR30HotfFfZ_Qx2u6Rfh5vBWgItiH2CO9XB7GW9FiEQne5TO3ApmKGBrtbSRhtq8GqPGXP3hB0tJHne7rULscYai7sy0bbDByFJeioJ8/s1600/100_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwX15boIn1JsaPqWBEvKAxAmFODZam_x68l6nR30HotfFfZ_Qx2u6Rfh5vBWgItiH2CO9XB7GW9FiEQne5TO3ApmKGBrtbSRhtq8GqPGXP3hB0tJHne7rULscYai7sy0bbDByFJeioJ8/s320/100_0878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's Douglas stuck in the first tree he attempted to climb. I would not recommend this one for beginners or people wearing shorts. It's perfect for those looking for a challenge and properly protected against inner thigh scrapes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1UQBjr_pFC_0AEiux8CZE5fny3kBy74_soMyyiPB7JQsYOXPLGu3mjDfYU6ombHIUegbqZw686CICyW0IBopfYUZb4EWLcsEy0uBWDL1s7t4LlcGlsQ8_KxPmbbU6P65JNT2biTh8xY/s1600/100_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1UQBjr_pFC_0AEiux8CZE5fny3kBy74_soMyyiPB7JQsYOXPLGu3mjDfYU6ombHIUegbqZw686CICyW0IBopfYUZb4EWLcsEy0uBWDL1s7t4LlcGlsQ8_KxPmbbU6P65JNT2biTh8xY/s320/100_0885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This tree is easy to climb and has this fantastic view:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcYZgdfqmAcdOfLOiTzdWqqy8m5H4yMyd-kFLEVPzWINPyJsz_eL13T32T5iyHffLEOKR4a0NqsAGsU8dbEwGRZQ3UB2sjFIIlEp6Xj4QF3SMTr85Xv7mHIehSlQpLBGhtoYPJoWjJP0/s1600/100_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcYZgdfqmAcdOfLOiTzdWqqy8m5H4yMyd-kFLEVPzWINPyJsz_eL13T32T5iyHffLEOKR4a0NqsAGsU8dbEwGRZQ3UB2sjFIIlEp6Xj4QF3SMTr85Xv7mHIehSlQpLBGhtoYPJoWjJP0/s320/100_0882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally, there is this tree:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcu256HKysF2QYVNFPUs-3BvNGUBAvPj31R9PaxEP2t5pbm4d85PF76I4Iy8sooIEI_bSVHI6RmWfRlbFw3s3Eetm1qGf3_0CeR3iE8bLyz0AcDunDOlYDNPJ6sbHchuwrHvkPuwfZjQ/s1600/100_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcu256HKysF2QYVNFPUs-3BvNGUBAvPj31R9PaxEP2t5pbm4d85PF76I4Iy8sooIEI_bSVHI6RmWfRlbFw3s3Eetm1qGf3_0CeR3iE8bLyz0AcDunDOlYDNPJ6sbHchuwrHvkPuwfZjQ/s320/100_0889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's more of descent than a climb. The actual trunk is too high to climb, but if you climb on to this branch, you can climb down to get to the center of the tree where you can climb up the other branches. Be careful, you will end up pretty high over top of blackberry bushes. That would not be a fun fall. <br />
<br />
In a world where good climbing trees are few and far between, Leyland Park is paradise. If you're ever itching for a good climb, make the trip up Sentinel Hill. It's worth it!<br />
<br />
But if climbing isn't your thing, Leyland Park still has some special things for you. For example, this view point:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrcYvh56NNTt84xrke4y446dvYIpr_psWKHVaQ5y8-vvE3DTsE7H99Q62lYxULsN2g25UAQ4r-bjSBor-theykL2oQ_qROE2eyCXRhJl0bhcwL5RgEdSqPnixNsFDTDjSgwPg7az27dU/s1600/100_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrcYvh56NNTt84xrke4y446dvYIpr_psWKHVaQ5y8-vvE3DTsE7H99Q62lYxULsN2g25UAQ4r-bjSBor-theykL2oQ_qROE2eyCXRhJl0bhcwL5RgEdSqPnixNsFDTDjSgwPg7az27dU/s320/100_0886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From the top of Sentinel Hill, you can get a new perspective on the classic West Vancouver ocean view because the north shore's waterfront area is included in the view. It's also a great vantage point to see the Lion's Gate Bridge from.<br />
<br />
Even if you're very near sighted, Leyland park still has something for you... Your own little rainbow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPdxWTLPvSQNLf_W3BCaG_A8BUcreFQMjdPFG8YDgTAifQGJjdrrilJHIBIzYlCMP1AVTr7rDzBo1XBmy-9sHE8IjBPsc4HdZMcZMNlrDG0Jd9HC2CC5t0PVJrxksVDMLJlSzw5l5_bU/s1600/100_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPdxWTLPvSQNLf_W3BCaG_A8BUcreFQMjdPFG8YDgTAifQGJjdrrilJHIBIzYlCMP1AVTr7rDzBo1XBmy-9sHE8IjBPsc4HdZMcZMNlrDG0Jd9HC2CC5t0PVJrxksVDMLJlSzw5l5_bU/s320/100_0887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's conveniently placed right in front of a bench. Just for you!<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: climbing trees, view, well-maintained, benches, rainbow<br />
Bad: at the top of a hill, no flat space<br />
8.5/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-62494790962769227192012-09-04T14:48:00.000-07:002012-11-14T21:34:59.354-08:00Ambleside Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZzICQxcYAF4Unx4ZyvKcV24cclr_GyZLQ_HbpjnIRR3XRGiZFj6GD2G6MvDJlZ50VlVKm_NNJlnlMSEg9yCMQMO8WxePS4ufMyCPqgILg0pN0JMQNf3tsjZ81ypCDp2jfhqZuSll15A/s1600/100_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZzICQxcYAF4Unx4ZyvKcV24cclr_GyZLQ_HbpjnIRR3XRGiZFj6GD2G6MvDJlZ50VlVKm_NNJlnlMSEg9yCMQMO8WxePS4ufMyCPqgILg0pN0JMQNf3tsjZ81ypCDp2jfhqZuSll15A/s320/100_0761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Everybody knows where Ambleside is. Everybody knows what's there. I work at Ambleside. Let me tell you how over Ambleside I am.<br />
<br />
There's a bunch of sports fields. You can play sports there.<br />
<br />
There's a snack bar with somewhat satisfying food for sale, but only during the summer. In the same building there are chronically damp change rooms. The building is basically delicious.<br />
<br />
There's a playground. It's not my favorite playground, but it's alright I guess.<br />
<br />
There's lifeguards on the beach to watch people swim in the swimming area. It's kind of nice that they make sure you don't die, I suppose.<br />
<br />
There's a pier where people fish and a floating dock that only floats at high tide. There's also a fountain over in that area that kids like to swim in instead of the ocean.<br />
<br />
And then there's Hollyburn Sailing Club. That's where I work. It's pretty great, actually. You can take sailing lessons there. Those are fun. You should try one.<br />
<br />
But yeah... Ambleside... I've been there pretty much every day this summer. Who even cares anymore? Does somebody else want to review Ambleside for me?Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-18776597144657183452012-09-03T21:48:00.000-07:002012-09-03T21:48:33.340-07:00Ambleside Area Route<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOkaaqKL4kq-wJtlwHU7OVEZpV4zERZPikrcC72MfW6cLwiZZRMu2OH2EzOw5jo_8DlCNX-MiY2a2ry682MVxRYywyvIhK9-d690wi99Ke0yWtffXE8-D2W73iQVSNSCvuuAnV2DlUF0/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOkaaqKL4kq-wJtlwHU7OVEZpV4zERZPikrcC72MfW6cLwiZZRMu2OH2EzOw5jo_8DlCNX-MiY2a2ry682MVxRYywyvIhK9-d690wi99Ke0yWtffXE8-D2W73iQVSNSCvuuAnV2DlUF0/s400/Picture+3.png" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
Ambleside, Leyland, Burley Dr & Chatwin: Explored Monday September 3rdAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-71016403547863924612012-09-02T11:15:00.002-07:002012-11-14T21:33:15.010-08:00Finch Hill Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located at Finch Hill and Langton Pl. </span><br />
<br />
Finch Hill Park is a little silly, if you ask me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2FCATdde7Kt58gzZcB1RC_tAvU5r-MgIIHSQclr3yGpKTh6RWxoLSxy-8wRym7MVOHnAC2Fv-QLznMwpgLO2dKfW9XBU9x14Jzg2u9u9EfI5NqcfB6mNxQNyBfGdPEvlB-iKZdpm4m4/s1600/100_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2FCATdde7Kt58gzZcB1RC_tAvU5r-MgIIHSQclr3yGpKTh6RWxoLSxy-8wRym7MVOHnAC2Fv-QLznMwpgLO2dKfW9XBU9x14Jzg2u9u9EfI5NqcfB6mNxQNyBfGdPEvlB-iKZdpm4m4/s320/100_0874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The grass is thick and green. The gardens are wild, yet contained. The masonry is in tip top shape. I mean, it's a convenient set of stairs that cuts a corner and probably saves a few people a lot of time, but does it really need to be this nice?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGfcluSuleOCjcrWqxgDJaajo8R_vYHC0GHCIWnlKo6isGEmMoxhs2iw-jiLzGRnEAzuWicsrAYjP31PXVEdz4xnoGkmjgO1NzxhXcv5WA-EhyEXoJl6Lx5F3x1zk-jkVjcs13eZAVME/s1600/100_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGfcluSuleOCjcrWqxgDJaajo8R_vYHC0GHCIWnlKo6isGEmMoxhs2iw-jiLzGRnEAzuWicsrAYjP31PXVEdz4xnoGkmjgO1NzxhXcv5WA-EhyEXoJl6Lx5F3x1zk-jkVjcs13eZAVME/s320/100_0875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there's this thing, complete with Nina's "But why?" pose. I've always been very confused by these sorts of structures. They do nothing to block the rain or sun. According to Nina, they're supposed to be covered in climbing plants that will eventually block out the sun. While there was some wisteria in the corner, it didn't seem too likely that it would grow to that point. We're not in the tropics.<br />
<br />
But we shouldn't laugh at this thing too much, because it is a memorial. The plaque reads:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">In loving memory of our friend</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Taylor Steyn </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Tay-Bay-Bay"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>February 18th 1991 -<span class="st"> ∞</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="st">---</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><i> You will be forever in our hearts</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><i>and you will always be </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><i>our sunshine on a cloudy day. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><i> </i>Does it make me a terrible person to find this hilarious? It's actually very sweet, but have you ever seen a memorial use a nickname like that? I sure haven't.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">Anyways, Finch Hill Park isn't entirely useless. It's got a sort-of-decent view of the city, but it's really just a pleasant place to check the mail. I never got a picture of the mailboxes, but I'm pretty sure that they're the only reason this park exists. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="st">PPR</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">Good: well-maintained, corner cut, mailboxes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">Bad: silly structure, iffy view</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">5/10</span></div>
<br />Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-87318435811789331442012-09-02T10:47:00.003-07:002012-11-14T21:32:54.750-08:00Normanby Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Located on Pinecrest Dr.</span><br />
<br />
In an area like the British Properties where most parts of it are not designed for kids, a place like Normanby Park is a breath of fresh air.<br />
<br />
When I saw this park on the map, I assumed that the promised playground equipment would be super lame. I'd been to a playground in the British Properties before in a park that was much bigger than Normanby Park, and that playground was just three dinky little structures. My jaw dropped when I came around the corner and saw this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxjvhe5fHtAXkizhzKxSfcTyc4EjY84YhPEQk36l8YT8mDSXTE4_M83HqzED0ed8_nWVLWEaqet2rdobY5qrnN4cETpHvIsNW7B1QfvkekxlOzLI4wZzcKqc3kSiEapBbJonxfKDNlzw/s1600/100_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxjvhe5fHtAXkizhzKxSfcTyc4EjY84YhPEQk36l8YT8mDSXTE4_M83HqzED0ed8_nWVLWEaqet2rdobY5qrnN4cETpHvIsNW7B1QfvkekxlOzLI4wZzcKqc3kSiEapBbJonxfKDNlzw/s320/100_0866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There's slides, monkey bars, a flying fox, and a bunny to ride. If you think bunnies are stupid, then there's another choice of animal to ride that I didn't get a picture of. I believe it might have been a whale. And can we talk about the colours? These aren't the normal bright primary colours that we're used to seeing on playgrounds. These ones are a little more subdued and very pretty.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, just look at this flower swing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2bIAawPgOEa9SBBjMmLKSZ_8-vckmd0fokICMRBACI387cxSCrJ-RpyhHO0VV_4HfhU5wA03XRNJj2W4Tri3l01fRDmDYHu6Lz46cVnhC7cmWurzG2jY8eqAADv-ZEGKxzhH2FSc5sY/s1600/100_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2bIAawPgOEa9SBBjMmLKSZ_8-vckmd0fokICMRBACI387cxSCrJ-RpyhHO0VV_4HfhU5wA03XRNJj2W4Tri3l01fRDmDYHu6Lz46cVnhC7cmWurzG2jY8eqAADv-ZEGKxzhH2FSc5sY/s320/100_0867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't it precious?<br />
<br />
The other half of this park is occupied by tennis courts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBStKRVmrdpDO4SBl5Mexd-E1tJnmCR64tCe4dsKQLF0M3ku321ns2U5u64kqZ-vEGWtHvjoRWm9fs8_NJ5dClL79wHn4hJg8cnTZfrWG1PthvsK2P8Oblw6toxNoy-Zk-HrJarl6JV8/s1600/100_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBStKRVmrdpDO4SBl5Mexd-E1tJnmCR64tCe4dsKQLF0M3ku321ns2U5u64kqZ-vEGWtHvjoRWm9fs8_NJ5dClL79wHn4hJg8cnTZfrWG1PthvsK2P8Oblw6toxNoy-Zk-HrJarl6JV8/s320/100_0870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There's two of them cut out of the steep slope of the land. There's also a list of rules on the gate that make it seem like there have been issues with sharing the courts in the past, such as "If there are players waiting, please limit your game to 30 minutes." Nina and I have seen a lot of tennis courts in our travels, but we've only ever seen tennis players once or twice. We were just having a conversation pondering the question, "what time do the tennis players show up?" when two groups of players entered the park. Tennis players show up at 6:35pm. I'd recommend that players show up to Normanby Park at 6:30 to beat the after dinner rush. <br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: amazing playground, tennis courts, well-maintained, located where it's needed<br />
Bad: steep hill, only one swing in the playground, not enough tennis courts (what?!)<br />
8/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354252791881782283.post-67985076826830221812012-09-02T10:15:00.004-07:002012-11-14T21:32:08.203-08:00Shields Dam Park<span style="font-size: x-small;">Trail heads: Millstream Rd & Eyremount Dr, Pinecrest Dr.</span><br />
<br />
Before I learned that Shields Dam Park existed, I had no idea that there was a dam in the British Properties. First I thought it might be a big dam like the one at the top of Capilano River, but that didn't seem too likely. Nina thought that it might be an impressive beaver dam. That seemed more plausible, but neither of us could guess what the dam was actually like.<br />
<br />
We approached the park from the east, where the trail head was labelled like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswyfQprEUZsQPZj2_QrXDn9ZtNed2Eadpnce2nwTQGbTMC5TQZxYdpPJ3WkRA8etS2Vpj8bT3AzZDLghSo9V4jqIGsgU0y6i8Q9-zSqE_Dc2VQ20Ni2pMbnlg0Ceq_va_snYhm1bDlkI/s1600/100_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswyfQprEUZsQPZj2_QrXDn9ZtNed2Eadpnce2nwTQGbTMC5TQZxYdpPJ3WkRA8etS2Vpj8bT3AzZDLghSo9V4jqIGsgU0y6i8Q9-zSqE_Dc2VQ20Ni2pMbnlg0Ceq_va_snYhm1bDlkI/s320/100_0849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The trail is a wide, rocky cut through thick forest<strike> </strike> clearly an old logging road. Signs along the way indicated that there is a logging history walking tour that includes this park. On of those signs is this one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5S9nNAK256dJP4oy4H3TZZmAexK03WwxaRuQFJxzHXyDQFhU4Oo8sXokNxNRyYKab9IdRNjwQpHDWNSNsf0Gdo1ImBF3s0_ABcAsAjki4nHaQM3MfgjRNdmsD5aTqFzfNRRkoGO1Irk/s1600/100_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5S9nNAK256dJP4oy4H3TZZmAexK03WwxaRuQFJxzHXyDQFhU4Oo8sXokNxNRyYKab9IdRNjwQpHDWNSNsf0Gdo1ImBF3s0_ABcAsAjki4nHaQM3MfgjRNdmsD5aTqFzfNRRkoGO1Irk/s320/100_0854.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Shields Dam is a log dam in every sense of the word. It's a dam made out of logs that was used for getting logs down Hollyburn Mountain via Lawson Creek. It's a very cool thing to see, but I would not recommend following the arrow on this particular sign. Instead, keep following the main trail.<br />
<br />
In just a few minutes, you will come to this set of bridges over the creek:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KwK3ZIEVEWGNfZ9aEFag8VUq2iCjZZi8JC1JvIbVQq4zGIxHATBOuwgpPnKlW5b7LrfMz7hIER3TtMsYLU_whwPi2fFsK0-6mraYvHcD07I47zpeHniR7a4pliDkh8ZO3kWKavuKJ1E/s1600/100_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KwK3ZIEVEWGNfZ9aEFag8VUq2iCjZZi8JC1JvIbVQq4zGIxHATBOuwgpPnKlW5b7LrfMz7hIER3TtMsYLU_whwPi2fFsK0-6mraYvHcD07I47zpeHniR7a4pliDkh8ZO3kWKavuKJ1E/s320/100_0859.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
If you visit in the summer, you'll be able to skip the bridges and just walk straight across the dry creek bed. <br />
<br />
Keep following the trial after that and soon you'll find a gate with a big warning sign. It's the type of sign that just makes you want to walk past it, but I managed to find the self control to save that path for another day. (I'll definitely go back, though. There was another sign that said something about a viewpoint.) Instead, I turned left and found myself at the official viewing area for Shields Dam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6EW-l8fDlrZoQwTxHllxxTJXIYPfJG8oHKbASRhSCO0h568_KMZ7cdkx14LpgVk8W-IySz3lANCXTmGMqTqd2TVhqGVBOuI10tJFSGo_WkQfXCJCgNXL-jh8rf2VnhHHhA2y91n0Q0o/s1600/100_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6EW-l8fDlrZoQwTxHllxxTJXIYPfJG8oHKbASRhSCO0h568_KMZ7cdkx14LpgVk8W-IySz3lANCXTmGMqTqd2TVhqGVBOuI10tJFSGo_WkQfXCJCgNXL-jh8rf2VnhHHhA2y91n0Q0o/s320/100_0864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There's a bench and a barrier to keep you from falling into I'm not sure what. The barrier also says "Shinglebolt" on it for no discernible reason. The barrier doesn't make much sense at all, but the bench is a good place to look at the dam from. Unfortunately, you're just going to have to take my word for this because Igor was home sick the day that all the little cameras learned to take pictures in the forest.You'll just have to visit Shields Dam Park to get a glimpse of this cool piece of logging history.<br />
<br />
<b>PPR</b><br />
Good: patch of history, easy trail, many other trails start from this park, plenty of signs so you won't get lost, it's just cool<br />
Bad: not much light, at the very edge of the developed British Properties (hard to get to), it's more of a trail than a park<br />
7/10Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135935875269722087noreply@blogger.com0