July 17, 2016 Rest Day in Port Coquitlam

Wow - what a wonderful day! It all started around 6:30 am with a cup of coffee as we gathered in front of the television to watch the final round of the British Open. One of the best finales to a major I have ever seen. Both Michelson and Stinson played brilliantly. However, Stinson prevailed, which made the resident Swede in this household very happy. I believe Stinson is the first Swede to win a major, and Carin told me he had overcome a series of challenges in recent years.

While watching the British Open, Pam once again worked her culinary magic, whipping up her infamous "Pamcakes", which combines the finest features of the best crepes and traditional pancakes. I am now a newly indoctrinated fan. It didn't hurt to have more of those fresh blueberries as an enhancement.

After the British Open, Carin took me for hike on one of her favorite trails - Minnekhada. The weather was perfect, and the trail ran alongside the marsh with its geese, ducks, herons and other animals. I saw what I think Carin confirmed was a bald eagle soaring overhead. We continued to follow the trail into the "rain forest". Some of the trees were huge. Carin told me that she loves to hike Minnekhada early in the morning. In difficult times, it gives her a real peace and calm. Sounds a lot like what my contemplative prayer practice does for me. As we hiked along, we continued sharing stories about our life experiences and what they have taught us. 

We caught up with Pam and went to a local restaurant for a light lunch of lettuce wraps and sweet potato fries. Just the trick to tie us over until dinner before heading out to the marina to go boating on the Pitt River. The weather was absolutely perfect for boating, and I got a whole other view from the boat of the Pitt River with its dykes and Minnekhada. Saw Ospreys nesting on the top of a pole in the water. We took the Pitt River all the way to the entrance to Pitt Lake, before returning to the marina. 

For dinner, Pam made neopolitan pizzas baked on the grill with homemade dough and fresh ingredients. Another Pam specialty, and one of the best pizzas I have tasted. Since she had some pizza dough left over, she decided to experiment with a spur of the moment creation of a grilled blueberry dessert concoction. Hard to go wrong with blueberries, and I think Pam can safely add another culinary creation to her repertoire. 

After dinner, I got to introduce Pam and Carin to my Mom by skype. That was fun. Mom has definitely fully embraced skyping, and I am so impressed with her progress.

At this point, I think we were all pretty exhausted from another exhilarating day, and retired early. Tomorrow, I plan to do more detailed route planning and perform basic bike cleaning and maintenance. 

Attached are a few bonus Max pictures.

July 16, 2016 Nanaimo --> Vancouver by ferry --> Port Coquitlam by car

I left the motel at approximately 11:00 am and biked 3 miles to catch the BC ferry across to Horsehoe Bay, just a little northwest of Vancouver. A young man named Wade cheerfully directed me as to where to go and the procedure for foot passengers with bicycles. I could not get over the number of cars and passengers that the ferry held, and marveled at the huge lineup of vehicles waiting to load, especially the 18 wheelers. Once the ferry came in, it took no more than 15 minutes or so to unload the 200+ cars and load the ferry for the return to Horsehoe Bay. I locked my bike on level 3, and found a comfortable seat for the 90 minute ride, during which time I snacked, napped and read.

My friend Dawne had put me in touch with her sister Pam, whom I had met some 20 years ago on a visit to Vancouver with Dawne. Pam picked me up at the ferry terminal and we drove the 35 miles or so to the town of Port Coquitlam, east of Vancouver, where she and her partner Carin have lived for 15 years. Pam proved to be an expert tour guide, pointing out places of interest and filling me in on the history of the area. (Suzanne may have met her match). Vancouver is a beautiful city, as are the surrounding areas, with views of nearby majestic mountains filled with green pines, and the scenic bays and waterways. While the main highway is often steep and winding, it is designed to include bicycle friendly routes. There were a fair amount of bikers today.  Pam deviated from the main highway and took the scenic route to Port Coquitlam. We passed through several very cute and interesting towns as she continued to give me the lay of the land. Like Vancouver Island, there were lots of bright flowers lining the streets and shops, and which are a mainstay of the landscaping of people's homes. 

Carin warmly greeted me at the door and immediately made me feel at home, noting that she remembers having met me 20 years ago or so on my visit with Dawne. I was introduced to Maximillian, their handsome dachshund, who is obviously in charge and protective of his territory - rightfully so. Max is a character, very talented and entertaining. I suspect we will be good friends by the time I leave. I also briefly spied Molly the cat before she darted away upstairs to hide. She is not too keen on strangers. 

While Pam went to the store, Carin and I spent some time getting to know each other better, and I felt an instant connection in terms of our worldview. No surface chit-chat for us - we immediately dived in. Carin is originally from Sweden, and has this wonderful lilting accent, exhibiting a curiousity about a wide range of topics. She is well read and enthusiastically engaged in learning about all aspects of the world she lives in and how she can make it better. She is an avid hiker, and loves nature and animals. By the time Pam returned from the store, Carin and I had covered a lot of territory in a very short time, and solved most of the pressing issues of our times. 

As Pam began prepping dinner, she took a look at my maps and made a terrific suggestion regarding the route I take from here. Rather than proceed to Banff on TransCanada Hwy 1, she suggested a more scenic southern route along the border with the US which will take me through some interesting areas and towns with historical significance. She and Carin have driven this alternative route many times. Most likely, this route will involve less traffic, and while I can still aim for Montana and Glacier National Park, the route will eliminate several hundred miles by not going to Banff. Which is okay, since I have been there previously on ski trips. Carin enthusiastically chimed in with her observations and support for the proposed route, and I found myself getting excited. It just felt right. So, looks like we have a new plan!

Pam is one of the most competent and talented women I have ever met. She is another lover of learning, and a wealth of information on any topic you can imagine, which she dispenses with obvious enjoyment and a sly twinkle in her eye. She has a wry sense of humor, which I appreciate. Pam is also another one of those people who loves to cook, taking a very scientific approach to her creations, while making it look easy as she prepares nothing less than a gourmet dining experience. She prepared a fabulous dinner of pork tenderloin, asparagus, new potatoes and a special tomato salad. The meal was topped off by a dessert of fresh blueberries with ice cream.  Once again, I was privileged to fully appreciate those talents in others which I lack in myself.

After dinner, we loaded up Max in the car and drove to the nearby Pitt River for a walk. The Pitt River is fed by the Fraser River, which runs from the Strait of Georgia and Salish Sea near Vancouver. Pam told me later that Pitt Lake is the largest tidal lake in the world. There are two dykes bordering the river on top of which are lovely hike/bike trails. I took a picture of some horses on the access road for my sister. The area immediately next to the dykes is somewhat marshy, and conducive to all sorts of birds nesting and eating, including those Canadien geese and blue herons I love. It was a lovely evening, and strolling on the dyke with Max was the perfect way to end a very full and enjoyable day. Before bed, Carin fixed me a cup of hot tea, and after a little more conversation I turned in exhausted.