Most people go to Whytecliff Park for the beach, to scramble over the rocks at low tide to get to Whyte Islet, or to go SCUBA diving in the sheltered bay. And sure, we do enjoy wandering over to the islet - at least when the rock is dry, unlike today. But there's a spot … Continue reading Vignette: Whytecliff Park, 15 May 2022
Another weekend had come to an end, and without having ventured out on a hike, we both needed a dose of nature to top up our senses before plunging into the busyness of a working week. Lighthouse Park almost always fits the bill for a place that feels a little wild - wild enough to … Continue reading Vignette: Lighthouse Park, 1 May 2022
Opinion: Vancouver's beaches are our go-to place for most of our dose of fresh air in the city. Extending the trip around to Wreck Beach and returning via Pacific Spirit Park turns what is usually a casual beach wander into a more demanding endeavour. Hiking along the cobbles and shingle is great practice for trips … Continue reading Jericho to Wreck Beach, 2 Apr 2022
Opinion: A fine, well-marked cycle route that takes in all the sights of Port Coquitlam with some great riverside views of Golden Ears. While it rubs shoulders with traffic and industry in a couple of places, much of the route is close to or immersed in nature. I wouldn't walk much of this route as … Continue reading Traboulay PoCo Trail, 10 Apr 2022
It's that time of year again when the white fawn lilies (Erythronium oregonum) are blooming and I've been coming to Lighthouse Park every year but two since 2012 to see and photograph them. My favourite place to view the lilies is at Eagle Point, easily reached at the southern end of the Valley of the … Continue reading Photo essay: fawn lilies in Lighthouse Park
It's been exactly four weeks since we were last in Stanley Park and in that time Spring has definitely begun to take hold. We did a very similar 7.5-ish km loop around the park, from Third Beach along the seawall to Lost Lagoon, then across to Coal Harbour and north past the aquarium to the … Continue reading Vignette: Stanley Park, 26 Mar 2022
Opinion: A really nice little hike to a spectacular waterfall. Steep in places and you definitely need microspikes when it's icy. Highly recommended! FactWe parked on Anson Place, a short dead-end road with a large turning circle. Be aware that the trail crosses the railway line and private property so please stick to the trail … Continue reading Place Creek Falls, 8 Dec 2021
The Fraser River estuary is an important area for overwintering birds, perhaps the most visible of which are snow geese, which flock in their hundreds - if not thousands - to the wetlands and marshes where the Fraser meets the Salish Sea. A great place to see them is along the west dyke in Richmond, … Continue reading Vignette: snow goose-a-palooza, 16 Jan 2022
Opinion: Where else do you go on a sunny winter's day? Today's trip to Mount Seymour only reinforced my opinion that it is the best North Shore peak to visit in the winter, especially on a sunny, clear day after a major storm. Of course, many other people think that too so it's not a … Continue reading Tim Jones Peak, 9 Jan 2022
Opinion: Possibly my least-favourite North Shore hike, at least in the summer. But when the snow is right and the weather isn't good enough to tempt you up to a better summit, it can be a fine way to get some fresh air and exercise with a pretty good view at the end. However, I … Continue reading St Marks Summit, 29 Jan 2022
Being. Outdoors. 