Vancouver, a major city in British Columbia with a population of over 2 million, has an amazingly diverse group of neighborhoods. We never saw any rundown homes, but we did see many panhandlers, especially in downtown areas. (more…)
Those who have a fear of heights – BEWARE! You will not want to go over the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver.
For the rest of the population, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a fascinating diversion that gives you a rare vantage point high above the river and forest.
When you enter the park (admission charge – about $30 Canadian per person for adults), you briefly see some totem poles, snack locations and a store, but the real reason you came is waiting for you.
Step down from a platform area onto the suspension bridge and you will feel a swaying. Look down the 200-plus feet to the water below and you will have a sense of just how high up you are.
Capilano Suspension Bridge - spans the Capilano River -over 200 feet below
First up on our Vancouver itinerary was a visit to the third largest park in North America, Stanley Park…
When the people of Vancouver British Columbia established Stanley Park in 1888, they created more than just a park. They provided a place for their citizens – and visitors – to enjoy the country right in their own city.
Totem Poles in Stanley Park - signify legends
Wander into the funky, eccentric, artfully scattered and humorous décor of Cranky Sue’s in Cannon Beach and you’ll find some chuckles and great food.
Why is Sue cranky? After all, she has a successful restaurant in its third year and is going national with her clam chowder, Caesar dressing and crab cakes. (more…)
Let’s face it, the name sounds like a disease. But, about two hundred years ago, Captain William Clark and his party came to the area now called Ecola State Park to salvage some whale oil and blubber they needed for survival. They also boiled seawater until they could gather enough to preserve food to make it back to the East Coast.
Inspiring scenery - the Pacific Coast with Haystack Rock is in the distance
If Cannon Beach is like Scottsdale without water, then Seaside, Oregon is like an upscale Coney Island with all of its family amusements.
Lewis and Clark statue at "Prom" turnaround
Think of Scottsdale on the ocean, less heat and no malls — You’ve got Cannon Beach on Oregon’s Pacific Coast.
An upscale beach community, Cannon Beach was the second resort town on Oregon’s coast. (Seaside was the first.) Art galleries, boutique shops, unique toy stores, candy makers and specialty restaurants abound.
Shops on Hemlock Street
Continuing our travels in Oregon this week…
Jutting out of the Pacific Ocean on the beach at Cannon Beach, Oregon is the monolith called Haystack Rock. Like a magnet, it attracts birds, humans and the sea creatures that use it for shelter.
Haystack Rock and humans
We all have to eat. That’s a basic need, but we don’t always eat the best food. In Eugene, Oregon, anyone who eats at Adam’s Sustainable Table in the downtown area can truly say they have had a choice of some of the best food available.
Cozy, inviting Adam's Sustainable Table
Our travels in Oregon took us on two windy roads that would be a challenge for anyone – even an Indy 500 racer!
Take, for instance -
