Enjoying Your First Visit to Paris

Never been to Paris before? When initially planning your trip, first determine what it is you will want to see when you get there. Perhaps do a google map search and a virtual tour of the streets so that when you arrive, Paris will seem like an old and trusted friend. You will then easily be able to determine how to get from your hotel to all of the attractions.

How will you get to the attractions? Walk? The virtual walking tour will show you the shortest and most picturesque way to go. But there is also the Metro which is incredibly easy to use, as well as the Botabus which travels on the Seine River. Travelling this way allows for eight stops - at the Eiffel Tower, St. Germain des Pres, Le Louvre, Musee de Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel de Villa and on the Champs-Elysses close to the Grand and Petit Palais. It also includes 58 stops on the open tour bus.

Do you want to check out the Left Bank of the Seine? The Left Bank is on the southern side of the Seine River. It is the artistic area of the city and was once home to such famous writers as Picasso, Matisse and Hemmingway. Here you will find the popular Montparnasse which is still a haven for artists. Also on the Left Bank is the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne University, the Eiffel Tower, du Jardin Luxembourg Gardens, Pantheon, Paris Catacombes, the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres as well as inexpensive cafes and night clubs.

Or perhaps the Right Bank is where you will be drawn to explore. This side of the river is where the majority of Paris' big businesses and most of the large tourist attractions are. They include the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries Gardens, the Montmartre neighbourhood, Sacre Coeur Basilica, Moulin Rouge, the Bastille Opera and the Champse-Elysses.

It is highly advisable to obtain a map in order to be able to orient yourself with the layout of the city. Another great way is to take one of the many river cruises down the Seine. We did one of the evening cruises so we wuld be able to see the lights of the city at night. The Eiffel Tower was breathtaking. However, a river cruise taken during the day probably would've been a better way of actually orientating ourselves but for sheer beauty alone, the night cruise was great.

Before going to Paris, we did our homework and were able to explore the city on our own for the most part. But there are some tours worth taking. One such trip is a tour of Versailles. It gives a view of the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, the King's and Queen's apartments and the gardens.

When looking for a hotel, we made our decision based on both proximity to the majority of the main attractions and to easily accessed metro stations. Although price was part of the decision as well. In the Monmartre neighbourhood, where we eventually decided to stay, we were fairly close to two metro stations, although one was a heart-pumping jaunt up a hill to get to our hotel. We later discovered that the other station was closer and a much easier walk.

Cafes and eateries are everywhere with many different kinds of food. Within a walk of our hotel were two Vietnamese restaurants, and Italian and the usual Parisienne eateries, all offering larger servings than I could possibly eat.

The best thing any traveller can do before visiting the City of Lights with its many attractions is to prepare yourself before you go - where the attractions are, how to get to them, if travelling on the Metro system, which lines to take and where the stations are, and the particulars of each attraction as well as entrance fees and operating hours.

And once you are there, you will enjoy all that Paris has to offer because you will have come prepared.

The People of Paris

You can talk to ten different people and get ten different opinions on how they found the people of Paris to be on their visit. In most cases, whether in Paris or at home, how you approach people will make a difference on their reaction to you. Generally I have found, if you are friendly, they will be also. And on my visit, I found that people often took the initiative to help when they suspected help was needed. Although, in one case, it was definitely not to my advantage.

In this case, I have to admit that my almost first contact with a Parisienne was not how I would have wished it to be. On my arrival at the airport, as I stood looking for signs directing me to the shuttle/train that would take me to the Metro which would take me to my hotel, a man came up to me to offer his services. I was initially impressed to find someone so friendly and helpful in a city full of strangers. When I told him what I was looking for, he took me to the machine and put in his own credit card and got me a ticket and then pointed me to where I had to go after helping me up a flight of stairs with my luggage. Then, when few people were around, he told me the ticket was 35 Euros, which being the totally green tourist that I was, and having no idea how much a ticket would cost, I'm embarrassed to say that I gave him. I must have been flashing bright neon green like a fresh-faced teenager when he spotted me. We had been warned about the pick pockets that proliferate the city but not about the blantant scammers. Being of the age I am, I should have been somewhat more aware than the gullible person I proved myself to be.

Although we had many warnings before our trip about pick pockets, we had no problems although we did keep our purses close to our bodies. My daughter-in-law did see a pick pocket in action and she said the man whose pocket was picked had no idea. These Paris pick-pocketers are fast and exceedingly competent at this activity.

In another case, again no doubt looking lost, a man came up and looking at the address where I wanted to go, directed me to a train. But because of the language difficulties we were encountering, he took me to someone else who spoke some English. After a discussion with the lady, she said he apparently thought I wanted to go to the Opera House which was no where near my destination. She very kindly gave me correct directions.

I found this to be the case in most instances - at the Metro and train stations people were extremely helpful as most were on the street when directions were required. Servers in restaurants were helpful also and some, finding out where we came from, said, 'Oh Vancouver, it is considered the best place in the world to live'. In one case a waiter even got a dictionary so he could better understand what we were saying.

One day while travelling on the Metro in Paris, in a crowd of people, I was the last person to get on. I had managed to put my luggage onto the train and then stepped up myself when the doors closed with me caught in the middle of them. There is no sensor on the doors to warn the driver of any mishaps but fortunately, people being who they were, four men jumped up and with two on each side managed to pry the doors open. My daughter-in-law then grabbed my arm and pulled me into the train. After several heart-felt thank you's to my saviours, I stood, hanging tightly onto the pole, with my heart pounding loudly in my ears and my face now a brilliant red. I was definitely embarrassed and the occupants of the train probably thought, 'crazy tourist'.

But people in Paris are basically like people everywhere and a smile there, like anywhere, goes a long way in producing friendly relationships. Especially when that smile is served along with a friendly 'Merci'.

Smuggler's Cove - On the Sunshine Coast, B.C.

The Tranquility and Mystery That is Smuggler's Cove

There's tranquility in the calm blue waters mirroring clouds that drift like disappearing smoke. The water softly creeps into nooks and crannies, its only sound the swish of ripples lapping at pebbles on the nearby beach. An eagle in a distant tree watches for his next dinner while birds flutter nearby, their voices raised in cheerful song. It is a place so tranquil that my chest constricts with the beauty of it.

But there is mystery also behind every outcropping of rocks that rise from the waters protecting what can't be seen. Clusters of small islands huddle like stepping stones near the edge of the distant shore. What is nature hiding? What had it hidden before we discovered its tranquility and beauty? What is the mystery of Smuggler's Cove?

Popular folklore, considered fact by some and rumor by others, is that the bay was used by Larry 'Pig Iron' Kelly to smuggle Chinese labourers from Canada into the United States. Having completed their work on the Canadian Pacific Railway, these Chinese labourers were no longer considered a necessary commodity. Charging one hundred dollars for every man he transported, the Captain gave strict orders that no sound was to be made while they were in the bay or the offending party would be dropped to the bottom of the ocean.

The cove was also believed by many to be where bootleg liquor, produced on neighbouring Texada Island was taken on board to be smuggled into the United States during the prohibition era.

Whether these stories are true or false, the fact remains that visitors to Smuggler's Cove will feel surrounded by mystery within these sheltered waters. One can almost imagine a ship hovering behind a rock outcropping waiting for its next contraband pick-up. Situated on the south side of the Sechelt Peninsula, the cove is protected by offshore islands and exploration of these islands may offer other mysteries for the adventuresome explorer. It is also a popular area for kayakers because of the calm waters.

Smuggler's Cove is now a 182 hectare Provincial Marine Park with a 3.5 km round trip trail. There is much to explore and see - rocky shorelines, lagoons and tidal pools. Looking south there is a view of Thormanby Island and Texada Island as well as a spectacular view of Georgia Strait and Welcome Passage. Smuggler's Cove is 16 km north of Sechelt along the Sunshine Coast Highway. After parking in the lot, there is an approximately one km easy stroll into Smuggler's Cove but believe me, it well worth the venture.

Othello Tunnels - In the Coquihalla Canyon

For visitors to British Columbia and particularly for those who are travelling the Coquihalla Highway, don't miss a stop at the Othello Tunnels. These tunnels are located in the most rugged section of the Coquihalla Canyon. At a time when there was limited technology, tunnels were created through three solid granite mountain cliffs and bridges built above a canyon where the river rushes three hundred feet below. It is a terrain so rugged as to seem nearly impossible even with what we now know. The wonder of it is breathtaking and is well worth the stop.

This magnificent and unbelievable engineering feat was designed by engineer Andrew McCullough and was completed between 1911 - 1918. Sadly many immigrants lost their lives during the building of these tunnels and trestles which were deemed necessary to gain passage to the coast. Once British Columbia became part of Canada in 1871, it was necessary to link eastern Canada to the Pacific Coast. The mountains of British Columbia were a challenge. The work was done completely by hand with some help from horse drawn scrapers and black powder. Cliff ladders, suspension bridges and ropes assisted the workers in building what, even today, is considered an engineering marvel.

The old CPR Kettle Valley Railway once ran through this magnificent piece of history and through some of the most beautiful scenery there is in the province. The tunnels, also known as the Quintette Tunnels, were named by Andrew McCullough who was an avid fan of Shakespeare. He used the names of Lear, Jessica, Portia, Iagy, Romeo and Juliet to name the stations on the Coquihalla route. The Kettle Valley Railway closed in 1959 following a severe slide in the area. In May of 1986, the tunnels and surrounding area became a provincial recreation area.

After walking through the tunnels and traversing bridges, you can continue following the old railroad bed which links to the historic Hope-Nicola Cattle Trail. Many visitors take their bikes to travel the path left by a railway that is no long available to us. When walking through the tunnels, it is necessary to have a flashlight.

There is overnight camping, a day parking area and picnic tables available. The park is closed between November and March each year because of the possibility of falling rocks and ice.

Unfortunately the pictures I have do not properly show the amazing tunnels and trestles.

Barnston Island - An Island Lost in Time

When visiting British Columbia or the Vancouver area, Barnston Island, a small island in the middle of the Fraser River, is an interesting place to visit. It is a five minute trip across Parson's Channel on an interesting mode of transportation. You can either take your car onto the 'ferry', which is a tug pushing a barge that holds about five cars and some walk-on passengers. If you choose to walk-on and take a stroll around the island, it is a 10 km jaunt with no hills. There is a parking lot for those who decide to do that.

When there, we've peered between the scattered trees and watched log booms slowly drifting by on the Fraser River. From an island that is predominantly farm land, we are able to watch industry and commerce as tugs and ships of various sizes travel the river.

At the picnic spot where we've chosen to eat our packed lunch, there is a good view of the river and of Surrey beyond, appearing to be undeveloped from where we stand. We know this is not the case because we had just taken the barge/tug across from that thriving city.

On Barnston Island sheep and horses graze in lush green pastures and snow peaked mountains are a backdrop to this comforting and welcoming scene. Dogs bark lazily in the distance and a cat meanders across the road to welcome us. Plump ripe blackberries grow abundantly beside the road ready for the picking. Native islanders wave a passing greeting to us as we walk the road beside their farms, and children smile without fear or curiosity.

On Barnston Island one takes a step back in time. Farming is a way of life existing in few other places. Neighbours are neighbours in the truest sense of the word. People care and life is home and it's a place where children can still be children.

Part of the quaint charm, the laid-back feeling and the excitement of a visit to this small island seems to come with the barge/tug mode of transportation. On this small island, don't expect to find a corner store or a take-out place because there aren't any. That is part of its charm. A visit to Barnston Island is a great day adventure and hopefully for those on Barnston Island, this seemingly idyllic way of life remains.

Crescent Beach - The Sleepy Village of Years Gone By

When visiting Vancouver and British Columbia from other areas, Crescent Beach is a good spot to put on your itinerary. Crescent Beach still harbours the tranquility and peacefulness from when Walter Blackie purchased 150 acres for $50.00 in 1871. The area, then known as Blackie's Spit was later purchased in 1906 by Charles Beecher, for whom Beecher Street and Beecher Place were named.

In 1909, the Great Northern Railway arrived, roads became more than the foot paths they had been and water transportation became a thing of the past. With improved transportation, visitors from Vancouver and New Westminster arrived at Crescent Beach with their picnic baskets and beach blankets. Development began in 1911 - it was the beginning of Crescent Beach as a summer resort.

A lodge and hotel were built, operating between 1906 and 1949. After a fire destroyed the hotel in 1949, the land lay vacant until Beecher Place was built in 1982. In the early years of the 1900's, some of the Vancouver visitors began to build summer cottages. Following this period of growth, a post office, general store, real estate office, meat, fish and produce market, a service station, a hotdog stand and ice cream counter were built.

Camp Alexandria, which currently operates as a neighbourhood house, was established in 1918 as a summer camp for disadvantaged youth and their mothers, and orphaned children. The tiny cabins still exist, and inside the main entrance are sepia-coloured pictures, like those taken from an old family album found in someone's attic.

In 1904, the Crescent Oyster Company opened providing employment for East Indian labourers and some of the local residents. The bunkhouses and company buildings were built on pilings above the high water mark. Remnants of these pilings, covered in barnacles, still exist. Wharves extended out into the deeper water; stark reminders of these are in evidence as well.

Over the years several churches were built, schools and the Royal Canadian Legion. In 1947, the Crescent Beach/Ocean Park Volunteer Fire Department was formed. To this day it remains a volunteer department.

Walking in the area, one has many reminders of Crescent Beach's long ago history. Speaking to a relative newcomer to the area, a resident of about forty years, he said there have been few changes since he's lived there.

A visitor to this area has the choice of walking on the beach or gravelled pathways or following trails into the Blackie Spit area towards the Marina. There are sailboats to watch, sandy beaches for children to play on, picnic tables, a grassy area for games, a choice of restaurants and ice cream and gelato.

Stress and the apparent necessity to hurry don't exist in this idyllic little village; smiles are an automatic response to those that hardly seem like strangers, and it's a place where there's always time for a chat.

Crescent Beach, as in the past, continues to be a popular tourist destination.

Victoria - The Capital of British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia's capital, known as the City of Gardens, is a perfect place to visit any time of the year. Butchart Gardens is a particularly beautiful place to tour as are the Parliament Buildings.

We took time to explore the Inner Harbour, Old Town, Chinatown, James Bay, Fisherman's Wharf and Beacon Hill Park, all within Victoria's downtown core. This can be done either on foot, by double-decker bus, horse-drawn carriage or boat tours. Victoria is also home to several exceptional museums and heritage buildings.

Other attractions include the Undersea Gardens, the Wax Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, Canada's first west coast lighthouse. There is also the Butterfly Garden which was a huge attraction for the children as the butterflies lit on them.

We also decided to include a whale watching expedition as part of our visit. We enjoyed it but realize that it may not be for everyone. With large waves hitting the bow of the boat, particularly after you have left the inner harbour, many may feel the adventure is not for them if they are prone to seasickness. One goes on these trips hoping to see whales but you take your chances. One of my sons went and didn't see any whales and another went and saw several from a very close vantage point. I felt, therefore, that my chances of seeing one were fifty-fifty and this did not seem like a bad percentage to me.

As we left the inner harbour, float planes lifted off not far from our boat and slowly began their climb into the clear blue sky, and fishing boats plowed through the water as they returned to the harbour. On a large outcropping of rocks near the entrance to the harbour, we saw what looked like hundreds of sea lions stretched on the rocks soaking up the afternoon sunshine. And occasionally the head of a seal popped above the surface of the water to welcome us to their ocean home before sliding quickly beneath the surface again.

As we left the shelter of the harbour, we picked up speed and headed for the open waters. The further out we went, the deeper the trough of waves became and we could hear the slap of the water beneath the hull of the boat, a steady rhythm in our ears. The sun sparkled like diamonds on the waves as they rolled towards us heading into shore. And occasonally from overhead, the sounds of seagulls greeted us.

Periodically the captain of the boat cut his engines and listened for any possible underwater sounds the whales may have been making but there were none. We did, however, eventually see some whales a little distance from us but close enough that we were able to get some iffy pictures of them. It was exciting to watch their tails and backs lift out of the water before disappearing and then repeating their performance again in a short time.

Victoria is an exciting place to visit, whether it's for a day or a week.

Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C.

On a recent trip to Victoria, we visited Butchart Gardens, an oasis of all that nature produces and then some. It is more than just smelling the flowers; it is an opportunity to dream of gardens and visualize how we can incorporate nature into our own lives. And it is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the many flowers, shrubs and trees that make up this garden wonderland.

We went in early August and the gardens were resplendent in all their many colors. The sunken garden, viewed from above, took our breath away with its beauty. And when we walked beside the vibrant flowers and lush lawns, a feeling of serenity and well-being settled upon us.

The Japanese garden is apparently at its best in the fall season but when we saw it in the summer with lily pads in shallow ponds and stepping stones across a stream, surrounded by lush growth and moss-covered rocks, it was beautiful. There seemed very little that could be improved upon.

The rose garden also was lovely but our walk beside the dahlia's was breathtaking. Each dahlia different from its neighbor and each more beautiful than the one before, if that was possible. The colors ranged from vibrant to muted to multi-coloured with flower heads ranging from small to impossibly large, all sitting atop tall, narrow stalks.

A new addition to the garden is the Rose Carousel, an old-fashioned carousel featuring many animals instead of only the traditional horse. I rode an ostrich and my granddaughter beside me rode a panda bear. There was a camel, a zebra and a cat as well as other animals, all having a particular significance to the Butchart family. There were also bronze sculptures, two totem poles, fountains and the Italian garden. During the summer there are fireworks and some free entertainment and in the winter there is a Christmas display.

Jennie Butchart began developing the garden in 1904 in the area of what is now known as the sunken gardens. When her husband had excavated the last of the linestone from their property, she had the remaining rocks rearranged and brought in topsoil to begin what has become the sunken garden. Over the years the gardens grew in popularity and by 1915, it was estimated that 18,000 people had already visited it. Over the years new gardens and exhibits have been added. The gardens are open year round for the enjoyment of the many visitors who come each season to view what it offers in the way of beauty and tranqulity. It is a garden that has been passed down through the generations and continues to this day to be managed by the Butchart family.

As a nature and flower lover, it is no surprise that our visit to Butchart Gardens was, for me, a great place to go to enjoy the flowers, beauty and nature where any worries are far removed.

British Columbia's Beautiful Gulf Islands

The gulf islands, mostly in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland, are a great vacation destination. The beauty of their shorelines, lush forest, orchards, sheep farms and awe-inspiring views are unsurpassed. And the lifestyle is peaceful and relaxed with the opportunity for outdoor adventures.

Pender Island (North and South), Saltspring Island, Maine Island, Saturna, Galiano and Gabriola Island are the largest of this group of islands. Some of the smaller islands include Texada, Hornby, Denman, Quadra, Cortes, Thetis, Valdes, DeCourcey, Mudge and Lasqueti. There are approximately 200 gulf islands, some so small as to be invisible on most maps and many that are uninhabited and accessible only by private boat, or kayak.

Saltspring is the largest of the gulf islands with a population of over 10,000 year-round residents, a large population of sheep and deer, and the occasional bear. It is the most populated of all the islands and is home to many artists, musicians and sculptors.

Ganges, on Saltspring, is one of the largest towns on all of the gulf islands and is a popular destination for boaters. This busy town is where most of the businesses are located. On our visit, we stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast and watched as orcas cruised through the off-shore waters below where we were staying. Sea lions are occasional visitors to the island as well. We were surprised to discover there are eight lakes, 22 beaches and 225 farms with beautiful rolling pastures on this island.

Gabriola Island is another of the gulf islands dotting the western coastline. The rugged shoreline and sandstone beaches almost ensure that beachcombing will be a wondrous adventure. This island admittedly is my favourite and I have written further about it in this blog.

Pender Island has many high bluffs where one can enjoy the early morning sunrises and also have a good view of the orcas as they pass. Babies frolic with their mothers as they swim in what seems like a procession. Once while visiting friends there who live on one of the high bluffs, neighbors further up the beach phoned to say the orcas were on their way. At this particular time, there were so many, it took almost half an hour for them to pass. It was a wonderful sight.

Saturna has few walk-out beaches and many high bluffs. We found the views to be great but the swimming was limited. We did find a lovely beach but the climb down to it, and worse, back up didn't encourage us to go again. Maine Island has a lovely Japanese garden that is worth checking out, and Galiano is a lovely place to visit with nice beaches. On a visit to Hornby Island, we found a clean sandy beach where clams were plentiful but knowing nothing about clam digging, we looked for the largest ones. Taking a pail of these delectable creatures to the home of friends in Campbell River, they informed us that instead of the melt-in-your-mouth clams we had been anticipating, these large ones would be tough as old shoe leather and were definitely only the soup-making variety.

Each island has its own history, culture and attractions. To truly get the feel of each island, it is important to allow at least a full day or two to explore so as to see it in the way it should be seen.

Telegraph Cove - A Heritage Site of British Columbia

Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island is a bit of a drive north Campbell River but both the quaint town and the scenery we passed on our way were well worth the drive. This heritage site, established in 1911, is a quaint boardwalk community. Once a thriving town, Telegraph Cove was originally a telegraph station. In the 1920's, the town grew to include a salmon saltery and a busy sawmill. As times changed with the coming of the Depression, lumber sales became the primary business.

During the 1940's, the population of the small town grew substantially requiring the need of bunkhouses, a community hall, a caretaker, a doctor, a post office and a school as well as family residences.

Today Telegraph Cove is still active with the arrival of fishermen, whale watchers, kayakers and those like ourselves who travel the excellent road. The scenery is inspiring as the highway slices through the surrounding mountains and towering trees.

Many of the buildings on the boardwalk are original offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the town. Walking past each building one can imagine old time music playing in the community hall and laughing voices floating over the water; men's voices drifting from the bunkhouse as they relaxed after a hard day of work, and children running along the boardwalk on a sunny day. A 1930's Dodge truck, its cab rusted, sits on the site, forgotten by some long ago owner, a further reminder of the past.

Climbing the hill above the small town, the view of open waters and passing ships was spectacular. But looking down into the sheltered bay, our thoughts returned to the present with the sight of the new marina and boat slips. The old-time music drifted away with the ocean breeze and we were back in the present.

Exploring Vancouver Island

The beauty of British Columbia's Vancouver Island is well worth an adventurous road trip to explore a small area of what this province has to offer. Among many things, the magnificent shorelines are great for kayaking, sailing, beachcombing and scuba diving, with many areas considered to be some of the best in the world.

Qualicum Beach captured our attention when we were there. Strolling along the seaside promenade, we had views of Lasqueti and Texada Islands and the snowcapped peaks of mountains on the mainland in the distance. Qualicum has a strong belief in heritage preservation and their antique shops, galleries and museum are definitely worth a stop.

Campbell River, another seaside town, is known as Canada's Salmon Fishing Capital. On a visit to the Marina, this came as no surprise - from the pier we saw masses of masts. Campbell River is also acknowledged as one of the top five scuba diving destinations in the world because of its exceptional under-water visibility, diversity of sea life and wreck sites.

'As Wild as You Like!' is a Campbell River slogan. Between skiing Mount Washington and diving the Strait of Georgia, this appears to be an apt slogan. There are trails meandering through lush forests that are worth exploring where the sounds of wildlife are a song in your ear. From the beach, we watched cruise ships, freighters, barges, sailboats, yachts and the ferry to Quadra Island travel through Discovery Passage. There is a Maritime Museum with a collection of more than 500 artifacts, some dating back 2,000 years. There is also the John Hart Dam operating at upper Campbell Lake that is worth visiting - if you're a dam lover.

Traveling the road to Gold River is also worth the effort although it is a bit of a trek. It is considered the 'Cave Capital of Canada'. Upana Caves are particularly accessible and safe for novices who enjoy the sport of spelunking. There are also many more miles of caves to be found in the area for both the novice and the more adventuresome. Not being quite that adventuresome, we didn't try this sport.

The West Coast Trail follows the contours of the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island and is one of Ucluelet's main attractions. Although we didn't go on the West Coast Trail, we did follow other trails near Ucluelet's lighthouse. At Lighthouse Park, if the day is slightly foggy, you may hear the signal warning boaters to be aware of the rocky and treacherous shoreline. The rugged shoreline, as seen from the walking trails, is typical of a lot of the western island's coastline. During winter storms the breakers can be as high as twenty feet. Ucluelet is popular for whale watching expeditions and each spring celebrates the migration of 20,000 gray whales.

Long Beach's shoreline is miles of sweeping white sand. When we were there, the surf was high and surfers were enjoying the excitement of catching a wave. There are many warnings to surfers, and others, to never turn your back on the ocean and to be especially careful around the water's edge.

We also stopped at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park located at Cameron Lake. The park is a preserved section of lush old-growth forest; many trees are 800 or more years old. Walking among these giants, we marveled at their beauty, endurance and resiliency and the power of nature.

There are many great places to visit on Vancouver Island - Victoria and Telegraph Cove I will write more on later. But a real exploration of this interesting island would take some time to complete. Another exploring trip to look forward to doing.

Harrison Hot Springs - Jewel of the Fraser Valley in B.C.

When driving from Vancouver to Harrison Hot springs in the Fraser Valley, you'll see stately Mount Baker in the distance covered in snow and, as you get closer to the village, you'll become wrapped in the arms of the surrounding mountains. If you are fortunate enough to go early in the year, you'll see the magic of trees adorned with springtime blossoms. But your adventure will have only begun.

Sixty kilometers long, Harrison Lake sits in a valley, glacier fed, its colour a fascinating deep blue and with the mountains as a contrast, it is a truly beautiful setting. On the grounds of Harrison Hot Springs Resort, the lights in the trees on a starlit evening add to the ambience of the area.

Many visitors enjoy the hot springs in both the resort and the public pool, some believing them to have healing powers. The lake itself offers sandy beaches for relaxing with a book, swimming, fishing, kayaking and boat tours. When we went on a boat tour of the lake, we saw areas that many people do not have the good fortune to see as there are few roads surrounding the lake.

For those who have come to do more than relax, there is hiking, golfing, rock hounding and the opportunity to search for some of the fossils occasionally found in the area, as well as the many nature walks available. In close proximity also are attractions such as Minter Gardens (a beautiful experience to enjoy), Hell's Gate Airtram (which will take you across the Fraser as it roars through a narrow gorge below you), Othello Tunnels (a series of four tunnels initially used by the Kettle Valley Railway), the ski resort of Hemlock Valley (which is an enjoyable place to visit summer or winter), and the nearby historic site of Kilby Farm and Museum (where more than one thousand bald eagles return each fall). As a visitor to each of these attractions, I can attest to the fact that they are all well worth checking out.

And for those who visit this fabulous area with children, there is Dinotown (a children's dinosaur town), Bridal Falls Water Park, Tugboat Junction (featuring Sasquatch caves, gold panning and train rides), and most years in the early fall, there is a popular sand sculpture competition attended by people from around the world.

In spite of the varied attractions, for many of those who visit this small village, there is mostly the allure of nature's beauty and the feeling of romance inspired by the ambience that surrounds this small town tucked away in the heart of the Fraser Valley. For some it is a honeymoon destination, a place to celebrate an anniversary or for a birthday celebration.

Most people, after having visited this delightful place, will agree that it is the place to go when a special venue is required.

The Fraser River - A Sight to See

The Fraser River, known as the largest, longest and the greatest salmon river in British Columbia, truly is a sight to see. Beginning in Mount Robson Provincial Park, this mighty, and often turbulent, river travels 1,375 km ending in the Straight of Georgia.

The river's many rapids, tumbling through narrow canyons, are enjoyed by many whitewater enthusiasts every year. But the Fraser is known primarily as a working river. Ocean-going vessels constantly traverse the Fraser River from the Fraser River Port, at the mouth of the river to Fraser Surrey Docks, thirty km from downtown Vancouver.

Watching the river between these two ports is a vacation in itself and one that can be enjoyed all year long because of our temperate weather. No one can look at the Fraser River and be bored. Large and small tugboats work night and day towing barges of wood products, log booms, the occasional houseboat and often assisting the big ships as they travel up and down the river. Many of the large ships are sleek, conjuring up imagines of faraway places, while others look like the workboats they are. Larger boats that fish the open sea and smaller ones who take their fish from the river travel back and forth, a steady procession reminding those who watch them of the importance of the river to those who live and work along its banks.

There is also a beauty to the Fraser River which changes constantly much as the weather and light does. On an early summer morning, the turbulent river can be smooth, like a mirror, reflecting an image of the Alex Fraser Bridge and fluffy white clouds onto its surface, making it look more like a calm lake than the mighty Fraser it is. On an early morning in autumn, the picture changes with fog rising from the river and the Alex Fraser Bridge appearing to be floating up through the mist, rising to greet another new day. And on a crisp winter's morning, the blue sky and shore side vegetation are reflected in the calmness of the river, a scene caught in the short space of time between the changes in the tide.

The wonders of nature can be enjoyed while watching the changes in this busy river, by glimpsing the occasional seal as he pops his head above the surface of the water and by watching eagles as they glide and soar above the water, occasionally swooping and rising with their catch from the river.

There are many areas along the Fraser where one can enjoy the river. Barnston Island, sitting in the middle of the Fraser, is one such place. The Fraser River is many things to many people; a place to fish, to enjoy the rapids or to kayak, and a place to live.

Gabriola Island - Queen of the Gulf Islands

For many years Gabriola Island has been our annual getaway destination eagerly looked forward to by the whole family. There are few other places that could surpass its beauty with sandstone beaches and interesting shorelines. When we walk the beaches, we see an abundance of starfish, jellyfish, anemones and sea otter. Seals often make their way onto the beach to sunbathe or vie for our attention.

Setting up chairs at waters edge, we enjoy the tranquility of waves lapping at our feet and the ocean sounds of seagulls and oyster catchers. There are spectacular views of ships and pleasure craft and the spirit-lifting beauty of sun glistening on gentle waves. In the evening we enjoy the breataking sunsets with the soft lights of Nanaimo and Sechelt twinkling in the distance.

There is much to see and enjoy on this enchanted island. One of the interests is False Narrows, a narrow channel running between Mudge Island and Gabriola. When walking on Brickyard Beach, as this area is called, we are still able to see the remnants of a brickyard that operated from 1895 to 1945.

We often visit Malaspina Galleries, a rare geological feature. It has been carved into the sandstone over hundreds of years of high tides. Because of places like the Galleries, Gabriola Island is a great place for nature lovers and photographers alike. There are also a number of petroglyphs in the area.

Lighthouse Point is another favourite place of mine. When we are there, we can feel the power of nature as the wind is usually brisk at this end of the island. And for a 'dyed-in-the-wool' beachcomber like me, driftwood and other wonderful surprises litter the beach brought to shore by the crashing waves.

Many of the beaches are accessible allowing for shoreline hikes when the tide is low. Drumbeg Park has a developed easy walking woodland trail that meanders through a grove of Garry Oaks, across sandstone beaches and over a grassy hill where it comes to a beautiful view of the channel and the group of islands beyond.

At Twin Beaches, the shores are sandy and the unique shells are many and interesting. There are picnic tables and, in some areas, trees shelter the sandy beach for respite from the sun.

On Saturday mornings we look forward to a visit to the Farmers' Market where crafts, homemade jams and home-grown produce is for sale. There is also the annual Sand Castle Exhibit, if you time it right, where any family or group can participate for the cost of a non-perishable food donation to the food bank as an entrance fee. It is surprising the quality of these sand castles. There is also the annual Salmon Barbeque, the annual Beat the Heat Summer Fest at Silva Bay with a non-marine boat race that is as much fun for the observers as it is for the participants, and the annual Concert on the Green.

As frequent visitors of this beautiful island, we savour the laid-back lifestyle with no expectation to rush anywhere. For us, Gabriola Island seems to have it all.

Chemainus - The Little Town That Did

Unwilling to let their town die in 1982, some of the residents came up with the idea of a giant outdoor wall mural in an attempt to breathe life into Chemainus, a small town on Vancouver Island, so it could live without the mill. The mill had kept the town alive for 120 years. They believed in the slogan, "If you say you can do it, you can" and like the Little Red Engine, "I think I can, I think I can" puffing its way to the top, Chemainus has also puffed its way to the top. It now enjoys between 400,000 to 500,000 visitors annually.

The vision was one of people who refused to be conquered. It was about determination, persistence and belief while the naysayers insisted that turning the town into an outdoor Art Gallery could not, and should not, be done. Thankfully there were people who upon hearing those words, heard only 'should' and 'could'.

We recently visited Chemainus, "The Little Town That Did" and were glad we had. In 1982 the people of Chemainus invited internationally-known artists to use the town as their canvas making it the exciting and interesting town it has now become. There are currently more than 35 murals and twelve sculptures depicting the town's history and its people.

Following the yellow and white footprints throughout the town, we passed murals relating stories of much of Chemainus' history. The Japanese community is depicted from 1900 to 1942 showing mill workers and fishermen. There are murals of the Chinese 'bull gangs' moving timber as well as murals of sailing vessels, steam trains and the workers who were the foundation of Chemainus. There are also murals showing original buildings with long ago scenes. At the entrance to Waterwheel Park, there is a mural with a working waterwheel. And not to be missed are the murals and fabulous sculptures of First Nations People.

In our stroll around the quaint little seaside town, we passed antique stores, boutiques, studios and galleries. Arriving on the beach, we enjoyed the sun and had an ice-cream cone with the unlikely flavour of 'moose tracks'. To enjoy the murals located around town, and especially if you really want to feel as if you have become part of the past, there are horse-drawn carriages.

Although we didn't take advantage of the wealth of other activities Chemainus has to offer, there is golfing, boating, fishing and hiking as well as the Chemainus Valley Museum. For a little town that thought it couldn't, it certainly did!

Barkerville - B.C.'s Popular Ghost Town

Barkerville is the gateway to the past. Thousands of visitors from around the world flock to this historic town for gold panning and a Barnard Express stagecoach ride, often riding up on the seat with the driver, as my grandson did.

It is the largest historic site in British Columbia with over 125 heritage buildings and many shops featuring Victorian-era merchandise. There are exhibits to view, gold panning demonstrations, street entertainment and costumed participants strolling around the town. There are also guided tours to Chinatown, the cemetery and the Theatre Royal. To enjoy a visit to this town from from another era will require two days if you wish to see everything. A visit to the cemetery alone will take several hours.

Travelling to Barkerville can be done on the same route taken by miners in the Cariboo gold rush days. In the late 1850's, prospectors followed the Fraser River to the creeks of the Cariboo in B.C.'s northern country as gold became more difficult to find in other areas. Billy Barker was one of those prospectors who had decided to try his luck and in 1862, struck gold.

Before long news of his gold strike spread and many thousands of miners poured into the area hoping to stake their own claims. With the arrival of fortune hunters, the town mushroomed like magic from the wilderness surrounding his site. Soon saloons, dance halls, general stores and boarding houses sprang up beside the wooden plank sidewalks and a new town was born.

Between 1862 and 1870 over one hundred thousand people had traveled the Cariboo Wagon Road to reach the gold fields of Barkerville hoping to find gold along the many creeks that meandered through the Cariboo. Built in various stages, it was 1865 before the road was completed and stagecoaches could finally travel the distance between Yale and Barkerville carrying miners and passengers to their destination in the gold rush town. The most well-known of the stagecoach lines was the Barnard Express Stagecoach Lines.

The historic cemetery in Barkerville came into being when the first person was buried on the side of a hill on July 24, 1863. Peter Gibson was laid to rest at thirty-one years of age. On a walk through this cemetery, I noticed that the average age of those buried was about 32 years. This quaint cemetery is the last resting place of some of the great and possibly not so great residents of Barkerville. Although strolling through cemeteries is not my usual form of entertainment, we found it to be very interesting. Even my grandson seemed to be quite interested.

The town managed to thrive until the 1940's when Barkerville became somewhat of a ghost town until 1957 when the B.C. provincial government began restoring and reconstructing the buildings into what they now are. At present, about one hundred buildings are original to the town with twenty buildings being reproductions. There still exists a Chinatown in Barkerville and it is now thought to be the oldest surviving Chinatown in North America.

We found that Barkerville is as interesting for children as it is for adults. It is one of those places that I would like to go back and visit again since the last time we were there, we were only able to spend one day.

*** I am sorry there are no pictures because this trip was taken before I had a digital camera.

The San Juan Islands - Where the Past and Present Meet

As visitors from British Columbia we were excited to visit the San Juan Islands, having heard much about them from other travelers. We took the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on the San Juan Island. This town was somewhat of a surprise to us as it was much larger than we had expected it to be.

We booked into a campground located on the water where the view was lovely but the wind was nearly gale-force at the time we arrived. Because of the increasing winds and the fear of being blown out of our lawn chairs, we decided to take the opportunity to explore the island rather than brave the elements in the camp site. We saw many beautiful areas as we drove around while we watched the huge, tumbling waves crash like thunder onto the beaches and the angry black clouds over our heads threatened to pummel us with rain. However, this did not dampen our enthusiasm in discovering what the island had to offer in the way of beauty. Bright yellow and orange flowers lined the roadside and occasionally a stunted tree, its branches reaching towards the water, drew our attention from the view of crashing waves.

We explored further the following day, arriving eventually at Roche Harbor. We were enchanted with this village's old buildings: the Hotel De Haro, a brick building where lime and cement had once been made; the old brick furnaces and brick walkways. Taking pictures, and reluctant to leave a place where we felt we'd been catapulted back into time, we explored trails through the old lime quarries. At one point we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of the outer islands and our own Canadian gulf islands. We also visited an alpaca farm, a scenic, idyllic home for the obviously well-loved alpacas and their friendly owners.

Having limited time for our trip and wanting to see as much of the Islands as possible, we hurried to catch the ferry to Orcas Island. Camping at Moran State Park, we visited Mount Constitution and climbed the stone observation tower which was built in 1936. At 2,409 feet above sea level, we had a 360 degree view of the region's islands and mountain ranges as well as some of those in Canadian waters. Within the park also are a couple of interesting moss-covered bridges built in memory of Robert Moran's brother. There are also hiking trails of varying lengths and on one of these trails we saw several small waterfalls surrounded by whispering green forests. In many of the areas we walked, the forest floors were carpeted with a variety of lush mosses.

Leaving early the following morning, we took the ferry to Lopez Island. On our arrival, we were surprised when we realized that with each car that passed us, there was a friendly wave from its occupant. In no time at all we were returning these friendly waves and wondering why this wasn't done everywhere. I particularly enjoyed the rolling farmlands and was interested in the numerous old barns and buildings, the structures often barely supporting the roofs. I found that the old buildings, suggesting many untold stories, and often situated beside the newer structures, were particularly picturesque in their contrast. At each antiquated building we stopped to view, I wondered what the history might have been of the previous families on these farms. We also found a quaint old church with a nearby cemetery; a tranquil scene rarely seen in our world of bustling cars, rumbling trucks, public transit and harried people.

Following various roads, we discovered an old unused pier and nearby ancient gas pumps; an interesting bridge built in 1915, spanning an empty pond; old buildings, and quaint mailboxes. But nicest of all was that everywhere we went, there were friendly, smiling people.

On our return home, we told several friends of our visit to the San Juan Islands and as a result several of them also visited the islands. And they returned as enthusiastic about their trip as we were.

Vancouver - Ocean, Mountains and Green Vistas

Vancouver has been considered by many visitors to be the most beautiful city in Canada. With its situation on the ocean and with the range of mountains as a glorious backdrop, comparisons to this city become very difficult. Worldwide it also has the reputation of being a very livable city.

Named after Captain George Vancouver who visited the area in 1792, Vancouver has an interesting history. Its beginnings were in the area of what is now called Gastown. Gastown's name has been derived from the name 'Gassy' Jack Deighton who established a tavern in that area in 1870. The tavern became the hub of the flourishing city. Gastown has kept the sense of being old with cobbled streets, Victorian architecture and the old steam clock. There are also boutiques, restaurants and night clubs in the area making it a popular place both day and evening.

As well as Gastown, there are many other wonderful places to visit when in Vancouver. Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the popular Stanley Park train ride, children's petting zoo, a lake, the sea wall for walking and cycling, the lagoon, a water park, trails through woodlands and garden areas and its great beaches. It covers an area of one thousand acres and is considered to be one of the largest urban parks in North America.

Robson Street, popular with visitors and locals alike, with its exclusive boutiques, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants is another great place to spend some time. The same is true of Yaletown with its elegant galleries, restaurants, clubs and pubs.

Other attractions are Science World, the Imax Theatre, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Chinatown, Van Duesen Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, the Salmon Hatchery, Lynn Canyon Park, Granville Island and the Grouse Mountain skyride to name some of the outstanding places to visit. Vancouver also has ballet, the Symphony and many restaurants and theatres. Within a short distance of Vancouver there is golfing, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and Whistler, a world renowned ski resort.

Many of the buildings in Vancouver are very old dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's. These include Christ Church Cathedral, Holy Rosary Cathedral, St. Andrew's Wesley Church, the Hotel Vancouver, the Provincial Court House, the Marine Building, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Public Library and many buildings in Gastown and Chinatown as well as many others.

Vancouver is home to approximately two million people, myself included. Many visitors from around the world have visited and as a result, have decided to make Vancouver their home as well. Because of this, Vancouver, and British Columbia in general, has become very culturally diverse.

Because of all there is to see and do in our city, many who are locals will occasionally play tourist as well. On a recent visit to the Aquarium at Stanley Park, we were in awe as we watched the dolphins dance across the water on their tail fins and saw the progress of the life of a jellyfish.

And on a recent visit to Chinatown, we enjoyed the interesting shops and unique array of merchandise that deserved more time to explore than we had. To really enjoy Vancouver, a whirlwind visit does not do it justice.

Those who come back to visit Vancouver often do so because of all that this city has to offer in the way of entertainment, its moderate climate, and the fact that we have the ocean and mountains so close at hand. There is something here to interest everyone.

Penticton in Beautiful British Columbia

Penticton is British Columbia's city of events which include the Penticton Peach Festival, the Ironman Triathlon, Okanagan Wine Festival, the Elvis Festival and Children's Festival. It is also a city for outdoor adventure with its ideal weather conditions.

Nestled in a valley between mountains and two lakes, it offers boating and fishing on both Skaha and Okanagan Lakes, kayak rentals, parasailing, kite surfing and other water sports. There are eighty-eight wineries within an hour's drive of Penticton, golfing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, parks, museums and galleries to visit and biking on the Kettle Valley Railway Trail.

But my all-time favourite, which I do every year that I go to Penticton, is a lazy float down the Channel on inner tubes with friends and a beverage of my choice. We lash our tubes together and drift lazily along, sipping our beverages. If you get too hot, you can slip into the water for a cool dip and then climb back onto your tube. It is approximately a one and a half hour float to about the half-way point where a bus will pick you and your tubes up and return you to your car. To go the entire way to the lake entrance will take over three hours of wonderful floating pleasure. If you decide to go the full distance, you will need to call a cab or have someone pick you up.

There is something for everyone in this Okanagan city - water slides, Apex Mountain recreation area or the boutiques and unique shops, some in original buildings dating back to the early 1900's. There is also the S.S. Sicamous paddle wheeler located on the south shore of the Okanagan Lake that you can tour.

Another great adventure is a trip on the Kettle Valley Railway steam train. This 1912 restored steam locomotive will take you on a ninety minute journey through orchards and vineyards with a view of the lake. Events such as the Great Train Robbery will be held where you'll meet the notorious Garnett Valley Gang. This trip will include a barbeque dinner with musical entertainment.

Another interesting feature of a visit to Penticton is the possibility of seeing Ogopogo of Lake Okanagan. It is suspected of being twenty to fifty feet long with an undulating serpent-like body. Local Aboriginal people reported sightings many years prior to the first Caucasian sighting in 1870 and reports of sightings continue to this day. Ogopogo has been reported to have been seen from as close as fifty to one hundred feet away. It is said that this lake creature can move with astounding speed.

Is it real or a myth? Of the numerous people who swear to have seen it, they say it is real. But on a visit to Penticton, you will probably arrive with a healthy dose of skepticism but with your eyes wide open - just in case you have a story of a life-time to tell on your return home. We never have seen Ogopogo on any of our numerous visits but I haven't completely relegated the story to that of being a myth. Life is too full of surprises.

Penticton, because of its wonderful weather conditions, is great for growing luscious fruit, particularly peaches. We always load up our trunk with some of the bounty. Penticton, with all it has to offer, is not a place to miss.

Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley

Palm Springs, a desert city within the Coachella Valley, is a great destination for golfers with its 125 golf courses. But there is more to this lovely area than just golfing. For those who like the desert air there are many other attractions as well.

I have visited the area five times, and no one would ever call me a golfer even though I do own golf clubs. I have arrived by plane and by car and either way, my first impression of Palm Springs is always welcoming. Each time we've gone, we have rented a home in a quiet residential area with a pool and hot tub. We have visted in the summer where the temperature is approximately 104 degrees although one time it reached as high as 115 degrees. During our fall visits, the temperatures are a little more moderate and very enjoyable.

One of the particularly interesting places to visit is Joshua Tree National Park with its abundance of birds and animals such as bobcats, cougars, coyotes, quails, jackrabbits, big horn sheep and desert toroises. Flowering cacti especially are the jewels of the park as well as the many other wild flowers that flourish in this desert area. There are many various rock formations that are unique for visitors to see also. Of interest, the park is crisscrossed with hundreds of fault lines. The famous San Andreas Fault can be observed on the south side of the park as well as other fault lines throughout the area.

Joshua Tree National Park has 501 archeological sites and 88 historic structures as well as a large museum collection. Included is the Pinto culture colection dated at 4,000 to 8,000 years ago. An estimated three hundred mines were developed in the area after the California gold rush of 1849 ended.

Soak City is another attraction with many different kinds of water slides available for children or the young at heart. While we were in Palm Springs recently, we took advantage of the opportunity to go. I decided the water slides weren't for me but I particularly enjoyed the wave pool and the large lazy river where you don't have to do anything but relax and float along on a big tube. Tubes were available for use while we were in the wave pool too, at no charge.

There is also the Palm Springs Aerial Tram that will take you up Chino Canyon where it is about thirty degrees cooler with an elevation of 8,516 feet and into Mt. San Jacinto State Park. It is a popular hiking area with sub-alpine forests, ferny mountain meadows and granite peaks. The Mt. San Jacinto State Park has been likened to hiking in Switzerland. It overlooks the Coachella Valley.

Shopping is easy in Palm Springs with many stores and everything is handy and clean. It's a good place to go to relax even if you don't wish to do any sightseeing, hiking, waterslides or golfing.

The Magic World of Disneyland

Disneyland is the place of make believe and imagination and my heart, as much as any child's, pounds with excitement on a visit to this magical wonderland. Walt Disney's dream came true when he opened Disneyland Park in California. In his own words, the secret of making dreams come true is curiosity, confidence, courage and constancy. And Disneyland is all about dreams. And for this reason, Disneyland should be no less an exciting pace for adults as it is for children.

Disneyland was started by a mouse debuting as Steamboat Willie. Mickey Mouse didn't appear until 1928. In 1937, Walt Disney produced Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and later went on to produce Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Bambi. Walt Disney's name is synonymous with imagination and creation. In his own words, 'nothing is impossible'.

On one of our recent visits to this fairyland amusement park, with grandchildren in tow, although Bambi wasn't in evidence, Dumbo flew around Fantasyland carrying happy, laughing children and their parents and/or grandparents. On a ride through the forest we visited the home of the seven dwarfs and witnessed the 'happily ever after' story of Snow White. And in Toontown Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney's first loveable cartoon character meets and greets visitors to the park along with Goofy and Donald Duck.

Disney worked endlessly in the early years to perfect the art of animation. Technicolor was first introduced to his animations in his production of Silly Symphonies. On Paradise Pier, the Silly Symphony swings now take guests for a spin over the boardwalk. Also in this area of California park, the World of Color display of colored dancing lights over the water, with animated characters, are no doubt in memory of Disney's Wonderful World of Color production of 1961.

A visit to Disneyland is, as Disney planned, an exciting adventure for both adults and children alike. Among my favorite rides are Pirates of the Caribbean, the haunted mansion and It's a Small World which are older adventures and the more recent addition of Soaring Over California. This adventure takes riders on a hang glider flight over the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe and the San Diego harbor to name some of the sights you will see, realistic in that you can feel the breeze caressing your face and the wind blowing in your hair as you glide over the scenes far below you. Other favorites are Grizzly River Run, the Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan's Flight. The Tower of Terror, however, you could not pay me enough to venture onto.

Disneyland and California Adventure Parks are a combination of adventure, magic and dreams. The results of Walt Disney's dreams are where every adult can be a child again and every child can believe in the impossible.

San Felipe and the Baha Peninsula

The Baha Peninsula extends approximately 1,200 km from the U.S. border to its southern tip. It is separated from Mexico by the beautiful azure blue Sea of Cortez and is mainly desert and mountains.

On our first trip to San Felipe, we crossed the border and drove along desolate roads, winding through mountain/hills that looked as if trucks had been dumping loads of gravel. We had been warned that you do not stop along this stretch of road but if your car breaks down, you stay with it until the Green Angels arrive. Along the roadside were the burned and rusted remains of the cars that people had left. This stark reminder was a good reason to keep going with no sauntering along the way.

This route to San Felipe was like a zipper on an article of clothing. While not attractive, it has little to do with the rest of the garment. It is a requirement and nothing else. So too was the road to San Felipe because the town and surroundings itself were breathtakingly beautiful.

The Peninsula is made up of four deserts: the San Felipe Desert, Central Coast Desert, Vizcaino Desert and the Magdalena Plain /desert. The Peninsula was discovered by a sea captain, Hernan Cortes in 1535. He made the first detailed map of the area and gave the town of San Felipe its original name of Santa Catalina. In 1766 Wenceslaus Linck was the first person to reach this area by land. San Felipe, with its fantastic fall, winter and spring weather (some North American gringos may think it too hot in the summer months and many do leave during this time), is only a two and a half hour drive from the U.S. border. A unique town, it is the shrimping capital of the Baha.

On our visit to San Felipe, we watched the shrimp boats speed up onto the sand as they came ashore to unload their daily catch of fresh caught shrimp. And fresh it was! In a restaurant across the street from the beach, we had shrimp tacos with a large array of condiments and sauces. I can honestly say there is nothing that can surpass the taste of those tacos. Combined with a cold glass of the local beer with fresh squeezed lime juice and you have a lunch fit for a king.

While there we also visited the Valley of the Giants. It is a natural reserve of one thousand plus year old cardones cacti. They are native to the area and during their span of life will have witnessed many changes. Their roots can spread up to thirty meters to trap water after one of the area's infrequent rainfalls. Sometimes they trap enough water to allow them to survive for years. Occasionally you will see one that didn't survive and over time the outer part of the plant has fallen away leaving its inner part exposed to the sun looking like carved wood. When standing beside any of these amazing giants, some as high as fifteen meters, any man will be dwarfed by their size.

There are interesting shops in the town of San Felipe, Mexican-style Mardi Gras festivals, fishing, night life and friendly people. It has the reputation of being the second sunniest place on the planet. Beachcombing is an adventure too as the tide goes out a long way. And dozens of camping spots can be found almost anywhere you look.

San Felipe, like much of the Baja Peninsula is a veritable paradise, a vacationer's dream spot with its ideal weather conditions, unique beauty and the allure of the crystal blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.

The Majestic Grand Canyon

Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time is like getting kicked in the stomach but without the accompanying pain. When first encountering the sheer beauty of this marvel of nature, one is at a loss for words or even unable to comprehend the unbelievable wonder of its creation. It is such a spectacular sight that no picture can possibly do it justice. The feelings that this wondrous expanse of beauty arouses could not possibly ever be captured. Wherever your eyes fall, there is beauty to behold.

Few people have not seen pictures of the Grand Canyon and still when first seen, we could not be anything else but impressed and in awe of this majestic sight. What must have it been like for the first people who happened on this unbelievable vision of nature at its best?

The oldest human artifacts discovered date to the Paleo-Indian period nearly 12,000 years ago. For thousands of years the Puebloans, Cohoninas, the Paiutes, Cerbats and the Navajoes lived as semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers and canyon dwellers in the area of the canyon.

There are approximately 2,000 known archaeological sites within the park boundaries giving evidence of their existence and their way of life. The most accessible site is Tusayan Pueblo believed to be constructed sometime around 1185 and possibly housing about thirty people. There is further evidence that in the late 1200's these nomadic people seemed to have left the area of the canyon. It is thought that the mass exodus may have been due to a climate change since a lot of their existence depended upon agriculture.

Following this for a period of about one hundred years the canyon remained deserted by humans until the Paiutes, Cerbats and later the Navajoes returned to reestablish their settlements. The Dines, relatives of the Apache, later became inhabitants of the canyon as well until in 1882 when all Native Americans were forced onto reservations.

In 1540, Captain Garcia Lopez de Cardenas lead a party of Spanish soldiers into the Grand Canyon on an expedition but left believing that it was impossible to get through many of the areas. It was another two hundred years before a second expedition arrived in the form of two Spanish priests. They were searching for a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterey, California. In 1826, James Ohio Pattie and a group of trappers reached the canyon but little more is known about them. And in the mid 1800's Lieutenant Joseph Ines attempted to explore the area as well but eventually gave up his quest.

John Wesley Powell (1834 - 1902) was the first geologist to navigate the often treacherous Colorado River through the Grand Canyon studying the geology of the canyon. He later founded the U.S. Geological Society and wrote several books on the subject. His first trip was in 1869 and his second, more successful trip, was between 1871 and 1872. Others later followed him discovering and recording additional information about this fabulous creation as they went.

In 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway was established and ran between Arizona and the South Rim opening the canyon up to tourists who had previously only been able to visit by stagecoach. In 1905 a luxury hotel, the El Tovar, was opened on the South Rim and the Phantom Ranch in the Inner Gorge opened in 1922.

In May, 1933 the Watchtower at Desert View Point opened allowing visitors to see for over one hundred miles on a clear day and be able to watch the Colorado River as it snakes through the canyon. The Watchtower was designed by Mary Elizabeth Colter using rock from the canyon. Paintings and artwork decorate the inside walls. Standing seventy feet tall, there is an unbelievable view from the top level.

Besides viewing the canyon from various look-out points, there are many tours that can be taken which include flying over it by airplane or helicopter or by taking rafting trips down the river. You can also take a jeep down the Diamond Creek Road to the bottom of the canyon to explore caverns and take pictures of the towering rock formations. We took a shuttle bus from one view point to another, getting off where we wanted and back on the next one that came along.

When you look down into the canyon below and see the different layers of history that nature has preserved for us, it puts life into perspective.The formation of the Grand Canyon took many, many thousands of years to create and almost as many years for those who lived their lives struggling within its walls.

On a visit to many places you feel you are glad you came, enjoyed what you saw, but may not come back again. But on a visit to the Grand Canyon, you know you definitely want to return to view its beauty again.