Wednesday 21st September. Day three.
To Deep Cove, north shore and Lynn Canyon.
Woke before the 7am alarm feeling surprisingly good. Chris had to be at work in Gastown at eight, so time for a very brief beach run (and play on the swings!)
Bill had a sumptuous breakfast waiting on our return and Chris set off for work, only slightly hampered by a further flat bike tyre...
An hour later, we were on our way east to Deep Cove. After a short detour to Honeys Doughnut shop for coffee and savoury scones, we found our way to Deep Cove kayaks and set off on a three hour expedition in a two man Kayak. We paddled north towards Raccoon island. The fjord-like scenery, with sparkling sea topped by bright blue sky, was breathtaking. We saw a lot of nature - friendly grey seals, sea birds and purple & orange starfish. Most eye-catching however were the remarkable waterside houses with their individual architectural designs, clinging to the rock faces above their jetties. We paddled on, around raccoon island back to the beach behind jug island for lunch. Everything was peaceful apart from an occasional hiker or paddle boarder.
We paddled on round boulder island and then turning round with the wind behind us, headed back to base for dry clothes and tea with a honey doughnut!
Next destination was Lynn Canyon for our 4.30 rendez-vous with Chris.
Problems at work with China delayed Chris, so we relied on the Ecology centre for maps and advice and set off over the suspension bridge to run the maze of riverside paths weaving their way up and down the steep wooded banks of the valley.
Lynn Canyon felt very special. Green and peaceful with well maintained paths, tall leafy trees, boardwalks and long steep flights of steps to spectacular waterfalls and pools.
After half an hour or so of running north we turned and ran back along the valley's shoulder down to Twin Falls - a deep ravine with a still, clear deep pool lazily spilling water over its edge to crash in white foam onto the rocks below.
At this point we heard from Chris that the China situation had gone from bad to worse, curtailing plans for shared exploration of the Canyon.
We returned up the valley to encounter a film crew setting up to film a tv programme called 'Once upon a time'. There were dozens of huge lamps illuminating the forest, trucks, tapes, electrical cables, changing rooms snd make up tents, and people in high vis jackets everywhere. Feeling self conscious, we plodded through the middle of it all to return to our trusty van, to drive back to Vancouver.
Driving back over Lions Gate bridge through Stanley Park and English Bay we were treated to the most spectacular west coast sunset.
After a top speed shower and change of clothes we headed back into Gastown to pick up Chris from work and on for our 8pm table at The Mackenzie Room.
This really was an amazing treat. As well as great ambience, beers and cocktails there was a very imaginative menu with an 'I want it all' tasting menu, when the servers bring you 4 starters, 3 mains and 2 puddings.
We chose a wacky selection including 'chicken of the sea' - sea urchin pate with squid ink brioche, zucchini carpaccio with tempura stuffed flowers, octopus, cod, mussels, duck breast with cherry demi-glacé. Puddings were equally exotic with honey and saffron pannacotta, mescal and plum sorbet. It was amazing, and the charismatic and knowledgeable server just added the perfect touch.
Back at the loft, we were all asleep in moments!