Flashback Friday - Vancouver

When E was almost one we took a trip to Vancouver.  Dave had to go for work, so E and I went along, spent a few days together exploring the city, and then while he was at his conference, E and I went to visit my dad and his wife in Victoria.  I love taking the time to see other parts of our country and Vancouver was no exception.  It is a beautiful city with lots to do and see.  We made the most of our short visit - Dave's sister even came down from Prince George to see us, and we had dinner with a friend of mine from high school. 

We took the long flight out west and then hopped on the Skytrain to get to downtown.  We were staying at the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel.  We hadn't wanted to bring our car seat so the public transit was welcome.  (Can't wait until Toronto catches up with the Union Pearson link, ahem)

As is our custom, we quickly sought out a patio for some local brews and food. E was glad to be in the sunshine and off the plane.

We played around in the grass until Dave's sister arrived.  The Seawall area is so great for walking and people watching.

  

Because we were heading to Machu Picchu the following month, we wanted to break in our hiking boots and test our endurance.  We headed to the Grouse Grind.  This is a 2.9 km hike that goes straight up the face of Grouse Mountain. We did it in just over an hour and Dave was carrying E on his back in our ergo carrier.  E fell asleep and was mostly just dead weight but good training for Dave who was going to be carrying his pack on the Machu Picchu hike. It is a grueling hike, but awesome. If you are in Vancouver and have the physical ability, do it, challenge yourself.  

This is us at the top.

Dave's sister and E in a tree.

 Beautiful morning.

My new purchase, North Face jacket. Thankful to have in on the chilly September morning, and then later on the Inca Trail in Peru.

 We did the hop on hop off bus tour.  I believe this picture is taken from Stanley Park. The tour also took us to Granville Island, Chinatown, and our favourite part of downtown - Gastown.

 Baby E! And Lion's Gate Bridge

Calm morning run in Stanley Park.

 

 Our pictures from this trip seem to be lacking so I don't actually have any from our trip to Vancouver Island.  My dad came over to pick us up and we took the ferry across.  Such a civilized way to travel, I guess especially when I'm not the one doing the driving!  

One of my favourite things in the world is a food truck, and Vancouver does it right.  We got fish tacos from this truck, and then split a grilled cheese from another truck.  I guess it is a good thing I don't have a lot of food trucks by my office or I would be eating there all of the time.  Is that $12 for a sandwich?!  I'll take it!

 

E at the airport on our way home. Fortunately he fell asleep on that flight and I believe I even got to watch a movie.