We wake at 3:30, perhaps predictable due to time difference, and pottered around in room looking at books and maps, and transferring camera bits from one bag to another. As soon as we could it was down for breakfast in the hotel. Could be described as fair and fulsome, with orange juice.
Leave the hotel shortly after for a walk along English bay towards the ferry to take us to Granville Island. On the way we stop to take pictures of the Inukshuk sculpture used as a sign of welcoming, and a navigational aid.
Along the way we notice lots of driftwood. Driftwood here however is large, whole tree trunks in fact. We speculate and reach the conclusion that at least some of these logs have become detached from the many rafts of lumber that float in the Fraser river estuary. My fellow traveller and I reminisce about school times learning about the timber industry in Canada, of men in plaid shirts racing each other over floating logs. Lumberjacks, oh I feel a song coming on. I have a plaid shirt today, but resist the temptation to take part in the sport.
We board the small tub shaped ferry to Granville Island, only a short journey but better than the daunting alternative of climbing up to the bridge walkway, and then along and down the other side. We notice braver people up there though.
We stroll through Granville Island Market, Vancouver’s main public market. Artistic displays of colourful fruit and veg are all around. Stallholders busy themselves arranging the fruit to entice customers to buy. We vow to return to return to buy when we have walked some more.
Outside we walk on through alleys with shops and artists studios. Wonderful pottery and textiles. As I take photographs my fellow traveller popped into an open studio and chatted to an assistant. Spent some time window shopping, some First Nations gift shops which appeared a little pricey.
We walk past a cement factory which has been turned into an art installation by a pair of Brazilian twin brothers who specialise in transforming public spaces. The enormous cement silos are painted as giants.
Back to the ferry and a return journey to downtown Vancouver. We have a long walk from David Lam park to Canada place. As we go along we are surprised when we are approached by quite a few people “running on empty” asking for change. There are many people sleeping in shop doorways and at bus stops.
Stopped at a Tim Hortons for coffee and a comfort break. We notice signs advising that the restrooms are not for public use. An intimidating lady stands guard at the door, and with cooperation from a colleague behind the counter releases an electric door lock for patrons to enter. My companion has no problems in using the facility, but when I follow on some time after the lady has gone. I look around for assistance only to hear shouting from the other end of the shop “MAN WANTS TO USE THE TOILET, BUZZ HIM IN”. I do not look around the shop to see if anyone watches me enter into the protected space.
We continue and arrive at Canada Place, very busy area. There are many float planes and helicopters buzzing around the harbour. This part of the city has the cruise terminal for the many thousands of passengers that come and go weekly. There is a busy marina here with a small number of house boats.
We walk back to the hotel and notice a spot or two off rain. We freshen up and then head out for dinner at The Fish House in Stanley Park. We both have the catch of the day, sockeye salmon plain grilled. Very nice fish indeed. But note that the potatoes could do with a little salt. This restaurant however does not want to give the diner the choice of adding their own condiments however.
A rainy walk back to the hotel after dinner ready for sleep.