2010.12.28. Grant Narrows Regional Park

South end of Pitt Lake. Blueberry farms full of red branches on the way in. Very wet area, almost a swamp. Quite a lot of people (~20 cars) visiting on this cold and overcast afternoon. Many dykes and birds. Probably even better during the spring and fall migration time. 2 peaks of Golden Ears to the east, more mountains to the north. Sunset is rather pretty. As the air cools down, a layer of fog hangs in the middle of surrounding green hills. Possible to walk a triangle loop on the dykes, ~2Km the longest edge.

Direction: east of Vancouver, Pitt Meadow area. Lougheed Hwy -> Dewdney Trunk Rd -> Neaves -> Rannie Rd (same road, different name, rough surface), until the end.

2010.12.19. North Vancouver

Went with my parents to check out Seymour Ski area, since the weather trued out to be nice. Not terribly busy. But still a long wait for the 2 lifts at the parking level (one more lift further up). A shuttle bus runs from Lonsdale Quay (in North Vancouver town center) 3 times a day.

Stopped by Lynn Canyon Park on the way back. Took Lillooet Rd to the end. The road closes at 5pm. We only had time to walk to the unimpressive Rice Lake (very small). Saw one person fishing. It was getting quite dark going down to the Lynn Creek, so we decided to quit and return some later time.

12/22. Despite the on and off drizzle, we set out to Lynn Canyon Park again. This time, we first visited Deep Cove at east end of North Vancouver. Then took Mountain Parkway -> Lynn Valley Rd west of Lynn Creek to the park. The suspension bridge is very nice, sturdy. One tall waterfalls to the south, and one lower but wider falls as the creek tumbles downstream. Muddy.

Direction via bus: #228 or #229 from Lonsdale Quay. Or #229 from Phibbs Exchange (#130 via Metro Town, #28 via Joyce Station, #210 via Downtown Vancouver).

2010.12.9. A Christmas Story - a musical

A Christmas Story opened at the 5th Ave Theatre. A brand new musical scored by two young talents. Excellent stage set and costume. The story line is banal. Lots of kids on stage, too high pitched.