Today, (and I have only just thought about it) is the last day I am travelling “independently” i.e. making my own way and staying in hotels chosen extremely well by my travel agent, and finding my way about on trains and other public transport. Tonight at the Hyatt Regency is by way of a “grand finale.” For tomorrow, I embark Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth for the seven week voyage home. This morning, I availed myself of the hop-on/off bus as far as Coal Harbour for a half hour “harbour cruise.” This was part of the hop-on/off deal I signed up to yesterday. The boat ride on a battery powered vessel was most enjoyable, the “captain” entertaining and informative, describing everything from wildlife, pointing out landmarks and architectural facts. There were just seven guests on this boat trip. A cool wind caused me to wish that I had put on more clothing.
After the boat trip, I had several options. I chose to walk back to Canada Place and then to The Vancouver Lookout, very reminiscent of the C.N. Tower in Toronto.
The revolving restaurant here seems to revolve ever so slightly faster! I enjoyed a lunch of onion soup, beef sandwich, and a dessert is on the way.
Two cruise ships are in port today, Holland America’s “Volendam” and “Island Princess”, the latter being out of sight when I walked to Canada Place this morning. Lunch at the top of the Vancouver Lookout has provided rare overhead views of the city. It is very clear today, but with a “nip in the air.” There is little or no reflection and it is not difficult to achieve some impressive photographic results.
I shall just have a second coffee so as to prolong “The Highlife” . Looking down at the vibrant city below, I find it almost unbelievable that I have, at last, crossed Canada by train, and that apart from perhaps a tourist flight, this very long journey involves no long distance flying. After lunch, I explored Gastown on foot, and watched as the steam clock chimed 4 o’clock. My camera battery had gone flat and I was too late, having shown up at the last minute, to capture this spectacle on my phone. I therefore took a Blue route bus for an alternative tour of the city. I returned to Gastown, with ample time to video this unique timepiece.
Gastown : Steam Clock, Decorated lamp standard, Vancouver Lookout. (above)
(below)
1) Looking across from Canada Place
2) The former Canadian Pacific Railway Station
3 and 4) Trolley buses.
5) Canada Place
6) Vancouver Lookout from Gastown
All-in-all, a very good two days in Vancouver. Tomorrow, I set sail for Alaska. I shall have one more opportunity to wander around Vancouver on the way South from Skagway. And when we berth at San Francisco on 3rd July, my land/sea circumnavigation of the world will be complete.
Thanks for reading,
David.
(below)
The Stadium. Vancouver staged the 2010 Winter Olympics. Much of Vancouver’s modern development is as a result of “Expo 86” and the 2010 Winter Olympics. Most, if not all of this ultra- modern development is on former railway yards. I appreciated having more than just a day to enjoy the opportunity to “get to know” Vancouver. Even so, I have hardly “scratched the surface”
DN added 20th June 07.54 hrs.
David's Cruise 