Vancouver Trip Report – Part I (and its a long one)

Last week Kristin and I were in Vancouver, British Columba, for a meeting of the Canadian Society of Zoologists. Well, to be honest, Kristin could care less about the meeting so I will skip that part of the story. If anyone would like, I can summarize the meeting and my talk. Just ask. I will wait for the first inquiry before proceeding along those lines. Until then, let us tell you about the more enjoyable parts of the trip.

This was Kristin and Carrig’s first trip to Canada. It also marked Carrig’s and my first trip to the pacific coast. Needless to say, we were all very excited and there was plenty of novelty for all of us to enjoy. Vancouver is an amazing city, an interesting mix of traditional flair and modern values all in a city that is little more than 150years old. The first part of the city was Gastown. “Vancouver” was chosen as the name of the city at this very spot.









I claimed that these were viruses attacking a cell. Kristin said that they looked like wedding rings. When we got to the placard describing the sculpture Kristin just rolled her eyes and kept walking.




At the UBC Museum of Anthropology




Carrig’s first day at the beach with his feet in the water.



Odd sculptures that inspired Kristin to strike a pose.








I had a half-day off on Wednesday and, luckily, we woke up to some sunshine. We used this day to stroll from downtown through Stanley Park and then to the Vancouver Aquarium. This was an amazing walk along the sea wall, totem poles, followed by a bald eagle sighting, then a gaggle of young geese, and finally past several swan nests all before ever reaching the aquarium.













Regardless of how you feel about captive animals, this was an amazing aquarium with great diversity and extremely well kept exhibits. It is a must for anyone visiting Vancouver.











We also spent some time exploring the rest of the city. Here we are on our way to Granville Island, a man made island with some cool tin-sided markets. I was personally excited to visit the Granville Brewing Company.





For the Fehlner's, check out the ethnic polish food! =)






Towards the end of the trip we did what we do best, got outside and started exploring the mountains. As I alluded to in Vancouver II, we spent a lot of time exploring Squamish. We first wandered around the boulder fields at the base of The Chief with one goal in mind, touching Squamish boulder problems before the Kreidels! Even Carrig got in on the action.










Ever wonder how you control an infant while on a climbing trip?


Then we headed over the Shannon Falls.



And ended our day by driving towards Whistler to find this amazing vantage point. Don't we make a nice couple?


And finally, in closing, one of my personal highlights, SUSHI!