Today since the overnight snow didn't materialize and the sun was shining I decided to get out and get some fresh air so I headed over to the North Shore to explore some of the Trans-Canada trail that I haven't hiked before. I started at the Cypress Trails playground in Cypress Falls development off of Woodgreen Rd in West Vancouver.

While not a big mountain bike area some one that built this ramp in one of the few flat areas on the trail.

There is a maze of old roads and trails in the area which is also the access to the domestic water supply for West Vancouver - my intent today was to try and see what the trail was like heading west towards Horseshoe Bay - it is the only part of the Trans Canada trail on the North Shore that I haven't either hiked or biked in the last few years.

There are number of signposts directing you to the correct way through the watershed area.
With the construction of the new inland Sea to Sky by-pass the trails end at Horseshoe Bay will be altered.
No bikes in this area and this type of signage is standard on the North Shore for the TCT trail.

The view coming down the trail looking over towards the harbour was much better than the one going up. Some other hikers had passed me and were returning to their cars which were parked over on the Cypress Bowl Rd which is a lower access way to Cypress Falls Park

It had started to cloud over so the view isn't that great but I included it here anyway.

After returning back from my TCTrail rekkie I detoured a short 5 minutes to Cypress Falls which had a pretty good flow today.

I like this bridge over a small creek the start of the trail at Cypress Trails.

Well I think you should know by now who this guy is!.

Here's a link to my You Tube videos on the Northern Expedition

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos

A sure sign of spring in Vancouver - even though it was a sunny and cold day I got on the bike to head for Prospect Point to await the arrival of the newest BC ferry - the MV Northern Expedition which was built in Germany and then sailed through the Panama Canal and up the coast - it was paying a courtesy visit to Vancouver - sailed under the Lions Gate then into Canada Place where it picked up a pilot before turning around a heading for Nanaimo where it will spend the next couple of months on sea trials and staff training before heading north and into service on the Port Hardy - Prince Rupert run.

Here's a longer view taken with my video camera as she approaches the Lion's Gate bridge - due to construction the viewpoint at Prospect Point is closed to visitors but one of the construction crew allowed about 6 of us down to stairs to the viewpoint.

She slowed to a crawl to let the much large Hyundi ship to clear the bridge - then it was full speed ahead into the harbour.

She is right below us at Prospect Point - she looks comfortable in the water and you couldn't have asked for a better day to watch her sail into the friendly waters of English Bay and the inner Vancouver Harbour.

Preparing to sail under the Bridge - after she has sailed under the bridge I get on my bike and take the Avison trail down to the Seawall where others have also set up shop to record the visit.
The others guys at Prospect Point are part of a group that I think call themselves the Royal Ship Society or something like that - they spend quite a bit of time watching the various ships coming into and leaving the port - they had their scanners so we knew where the ship was etc.

She has now turned around and is heading back towards the bridge and then onto Nanaimo.

The MV Northern Expedition heading west under the Lions Gate bridge - by now I am cold and hungry so it was time to get on the bike and ride along the Seawall for a bite to eat and then home to warm up.

This last image is from my video camera and shows the ship near Canada Place - she picked up the pilot here and then did a long loop past Ballantyne Pier and then over towards Lonsdale Quay where she probably wonder why there were some ships in the same color that were sitting at berth.

I had hoped to upload some video of the ship but it seems to be taking forever to load so I will try again later or else put them on my You Tube account.

Cheers

D

Start of the trail to Crystal Falls is at the top of Shaughnessy Street in Coquitlam - you follow the Coquitlam River trail for about 40 minutes until you come to the Falls - in dry weather and lower water levels you can cross the unbridged creek and continue to either the watershed fence another mile or so or take a right turn and climb up to the trails on Burke Mt. This is a popular mountain biking area - I have biked into the Falls on a couple of occasions but this is the first time that I walked in to the Falls.

The trail is next to the river at the start - it has one minor climb - otherwise it is flat - it also passes an old homestead which is all but gone save for an old car wreck.

In the summer time or when the River flow is tame and water levels low you can cross the River and come out at Coquitlam River Park or vica versa - haven't attempted that yet but have seen people do it.
I know it is scary but that is me at the Falls - the Creek flows down off Burke Ridge which you can access from further along the River trail

My second stop of the day was at Grant Narrows Regional Park at Pitt Lake - more of a look see than anything special in the way of walking or hiking or biking - the wind was picking up in advance of today's weather which make it somewhat unpleasant to be out in the open.

Well that's me again - this time looking west towards Burke Ridge and Pitt Lake.

Well another weekend has come and gone and the Canucks continue to win and the days are getting longer - in fact doesn't Daytime Savings start next weekend.

Yesterday with no rain and warmer temps I went for a drive out the Tri- Cities - Pitt Meadows area.

The Photo essay above is of my two stops yesterday.

We had a heavy rain and wind storm overnight which is just now starting to abate - it has screwed up some of the ferry sailings - actually the sun is coming out as I type this post.

Back in the dentist chair tomorrow for three more small fillings - that will be it for dental work for the next while.

Noticed that my cheque for my Skyline Hikers trip has been cashed so I quess that means that I will be going once again to Camp #4 -there are lots of regulars on this camp so it should be a fun week.

Our work party for FOYPS ended up being a great success - three last minute additions brought the number up close to the maximum of 14. Awaiting there report of what projects that they worked on.

Until next time

Cheers

Dennis

Part of the old station complex.

Two heritage buildings along the main street.

Heritage building across from the station.

These are some of the night time images that I tried to post earlier but didn't want to upload - they are from my 3 hour lay over in San Antonio - the train station is located in the old historic part of town not far from the Alamo and there is a historic district adjacent to the station- the Alamo Dome stadium is also next door. While the current station is just a box in the corner the old station is next door and is a combination of restaurants, bars, meeting rooms etc. This is a city I wish that the train could arrive earlier than 10PM. Also if I had been given correct info at the start of the layover I would have had plenty of time to go visit the Alamo which was only about a 15 minute walk from the station.

The dome in the background is similiar to the Husky tower in Calgary - it wasn't easy taking these night time shots - I did use my small tripod to help with the timing etc.

More later

Dennis

Gosh where does the time of day go - I have been home for a week and it seems like I have done nothing in the way of post cruise photo editing etc.

One city that I wish that the train would arrive earlier in the evening was San Antonio - while we had a 3 hour lay over it wasn't until 10PM - the history of the area around the station was pretty impressive. Having trouble uploading some photos today of the San Antonio station area at night as my internet connection seems to be slow the last day or two.


Now back to the real world of Vancouver - we had a little snow overnight - not much here in the downtown core but plenty as you got higher or away from the core - well it is still winter for another three weeks or so. Also the local mountains have received there best dump in a couple of months.

Have gotten out on the bike a couple times in the last week and also drove up to Squamish to see how the highway improvement project is coming along - while not all of the expansion is open the bulk of the heavy or dirty work - rock scaling, blasting etc is finished. Many sections of new roadway are paved but not opened yet. It certainly is a vast improvement over the old highway and should contribute to a much safer drive especially considering that they have put concrete dividers down the middle of the road so no more passing on blind corners and a double solid yellow line.

Finally got a crew together for the work party this weekend - 11 in the group - would have been 13 but for a cancellation due to a death in their family. That chore is now complete until April when the next crew will be necessary but the difference is that group is also full as it is one of the most popular times to go to YPL.

The Canucks look like they may have their act together - 8 wins in there last 10 games and now home for a few games.

Cheers

D

Finally got home Wednesday afternoon after two great days on the Empire Builder - there is a real difference in the attitude in the staff on this train - very much more professional and courteous than on the City of New Orleans - train also arrived early into Seattle so I was able to catch the early bus back to Vancouver - while there were only nine of us on the bus it took a while to clear the border as there was another bus in front of us and one of the young lads on the bus who just arrived to study English took a while to answer the usual questions of such student.

After cashing in some American money at the currency exchange I grabbed a quick bite to eat at McDonalds having had breakfast at 6AM on the train - then I walked home dragging the suitcase behind me - it was a nice pleasant day and after three days on the train I needed to get some exercise. On the scales later at the gym I was actually down a couple of lbs so I guess all that walking on the trip which I estimate to be around 60KM made up for the ice creme on the ship and those decadent desserts on the train.

Yesterday I got back to the real world - buying groceries, cooking meals, making my bed etc. Still have 2 - 3 loads of laundry to do later in the week.

Also worked on trying to find some more volunteers for the FOYP work party next weekend - not having a lot of success but it looks like I will have at least 10 people working on the projects.

Met with up Jim for dinner last night and watched the Canucks game - they are once again interesting to watch.

Woke up early this morning - still somewhat operating on the Central time zone - 2 hours different as I couldn't sleep all that well.

Have now transferred all of my video from the cruise etc onto my desktop - now starts the editing process and coming up with a best off album or two.

Still hope to do a detailed review of this trip replete with images and video and get it posted before too long. The weather turned cold and snowy as i may my way across the Northern high line states as they like to call the Empire Builders route - these three images are of Chicago skyline near the Sears tower, me at one the stops between Chicago and Seattle and a snowy scene at one the stations along the line - It is Minot, North Dakota.

Well the major cruises are finished for the foreseeable future - with my pension income down this year and no big income tax refund likely anymore such trips will be harder to take - still intend to do the one nighter from Seattle to Vancouver in September - haven't decided on whether to book the Pearl or the Star or perhaps even a different cruise line.

I also submitted an online application for employment in the upcoming provincial election as an election official - there can be as much as 5 days of work and depending on the job the pay is between $200 and $300 a day.

Hope to get out on the bike at little later today - the nice weather won't last forever so I might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

More later

Cheers

Dennis

Well I am now in Chicago awaiting the departure of the Empire Builder for the final leg of my trip home - the images you see above are just a sample of some of the scenes that I experienced at the various ports of call - they are the Spirit anchored off Belize City, Las Escobas Waterfalls in San Tomas, Altun Hu ruins in Belize city, Chaccohben ruins at Costa Maya and finally the poolside area at the rebuilt port of Costa Maya.

The train ride up from New Orleans was bumpy and boring and not the greatest staff attitude - probably the worst that I have had on my recent Amtrak rides.

Cold in Chicago but currently sunny - any going to adventure outside for a short time before having lunch and then boarding the train.

Gord - if you read this say hi to Jim for me.

Cheers

Dennis

Greetings from Cozumel Mexico

Having a great cruise and taking lots of video and photos.

Have been on two Mayan ruins tours - one to Choccehben in Costa Maya and the other yesterday to Altun Hu in Belize - both are quite different and provide a good insite in this long lost history.

The ship is great and our little meet and greet attracted most of the 30 odd people who say they were coming - Frank and Cathy had some fridge magnets for all of us to add to our collection.

Will have lots of photos to add at a later date - Internet is only $2.00 an hour so I am getting caught up with the email and blogs and political forums.

Also time for lunch - could go back onto the ship but make try something onshore and then its time for a few cheap Mexican beers before heading back to the ship and the sail back to NOLA

Will be home around supper time on Wednesday.

Cheers

Dennis

Well it is just about time to say goodbye to the Big Easy for a week - checking out of the hotel which is pictured above in a few minutes and heading for the port - that one of the ships that was there yesterday but you should get the idea.

On my return in a week it will be straight to Amtrak and the train ride home.

Hope to do a couple of written updates - probably no images as they take time to upload and ship's internet is expensive - otherwise

Cheers

Dennis

One of the many balcony parties going on - some are at the Hotels along the strip - others can be rented by private groups.
The buildings are getting decorated for the real start of the parades next Friday.

Another decorative and colorful facade.

No comment needed - the picture tells the story.

The street is buzzing with people - most of the street is closed to traffic which makes it easier to navigate. It is also legal to drink on the streets in the French Quarter as long as you are 21 and as long as you don't have a glass bottle - see below for more on that subject. Many of the bars had no cover charges however you are expected to purchase at least one drink if you are planning on staying or even if you want to use the washroom.

More street action - remember I have not had the time to edit these images so anything goes.


These revelers will throw down beads to those on the street - don't know where that tradition started but it is eagerly awaited.

A Jazz group performs at one of the many open air cafes.

With 2 very large Universities in NOLA - Louisiana State and Tulane and not to forget Loyala there were lots of college aged people in the crowd - there were also a handful of younger kids tagging along with their parents.

These are unedited images from my afternoon and night time in the French Quarter and along Bourbon Street.

I also have video of the action and of the parade - will attempt to get it up on this site after I get back to Vancouver.

The answer to the question posed in my last post is none other than Louis Armstrong.

The following are some of my thoughts of this evening events that I shared with some of my cruising buddies.

Well finished up a very hectic day here in the Big Easy by taking in one of the pre-Mardi Gras parades - one gent told me that this one is usually the most raunchy of the bunch because the others have become too main stream with families etc so morality issues are starting to arise. Hugh crowds lining the street and just about everyone including me had a beer or drink in there hand - I now have quite a collection of decorative beads that rained down on the parade route from the balconies. The Pride parade in Vancouver is a lot more sinful than this one was.

Another gent passing on the street ask me if I liked Coors Light and handed me a bottle of it - had to keep it a little out of sight as glass bottles are illegal on the streets. The price for a large 20 oz glass of suds was $3.00 - if I wasn't so tired after walking all around town I would be tempted to head back out for a night cap - One thing I didn't realize is that St Charles St becomes Bourbon Street when it reaches Canal Street so it was fairly seamless for me to get there.

Tomorrow its time to board the ship - we only have about 30 people on the roll call and only half of those are active so there is no formal meet and greet but an informal one on our first full day at sea.

On a completely different matter it looks like the Canucks are on a roll tonight - last time I checked they were up 6 - 1 and with Calgary winless in February the race could be tightening up in the Northwest Division - most of the scorers for the Canucks tonight are in my fantasy pool so I should pick up a few points.

Cheers

D

For the second part of my day I retraced my steps back down to the riverside - found the walkway that I can use as a short cut to the cruise terminal tomorrow - then headed for the ferry "Thomas Jefferson" and the short five minute trip over to the town of Algiers.

After you get off the ferry the levee that is suppose to hold back the water from the River has been renamed the Walk of Jazz Hall of fame - any one know who the good looking guy in the picture is - answer in my next post.

The area around the ferry terminal is a historical district with lots of restored houses - here are a couple of them.

After touring this little part of New Orleans I headed back on the ferry to the downtown core and took in the French Quarter, Bourbon street and a pre Mardi Gras parade - more on that in the next post.

Cheers

D

Spent this morning walking around much of the tourist area of downtown New Orleans - two things that impressed me were the streetcars which run on three routes - Riverfront, Canal St and St Charles - I hope to ride them later this afternoon. The other thing was Jackson Square which is in the French Quarter and which is seen in the first image.

Later today I hope to get down and take the free ferry across the Mississippi to Algiers and then complete my tour with more time in the French Quarter - there is a parade there this evening and then it will be off to Bourbon St for a couple of beers and watch the entertainment - saw the cruise ship terminal this morning - it will be a 15 - 20 minute walk tomorrow - will only take a cab if it is raining - there is a chance of some T Storms this afternoon as the clouds are rolling in.

One thing that Vancouver could learn from NOLA is signage - on just about every corner there are either directional or info signs - the main city appears to be clean and well maintained - viewing stands are cropping up every where as the first of the big parade is less than a week away - the area outside the Parc St Charles already has then stands completed.

Also although it is in the warmer climate part of the US - you don't see a lot of people wearing shorts - whether that is tradition or they are waiting for the real warm weather to arrive I don't know.

More later

Cheers

D