Susan Searching for Sand
Lectures have commenced at Regent College. A study of Micah commencing with an historical overview of Biblical prophets, their many contexts and roles. Very interesting but heavy going at times. Especially if jet lag sets in.

So to keep me awake and exercised I decided to go searching for the much praised local beaches. I'm staying in the well known Kitsilano Beach area so I went on a beach hunt. Walking. You'd be proud if me. Comfy sandals, warm weather, hat in hand, newly purchased bus tickets to the ready.

So I walked and walked and walked looking for a beach. Looking for sand to sink my toes into. It is summer in Vancouver after all. It is what one should do.

I headed in the general direction. I see water. Head towards the water. No. A park with water views. People sun baking on the grass. Hmmm. Not what I was looking for.

Where's the beach? I catch a small glimpse of sand. I start towards it but something is in the way. The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Bit fancy. Another rather posh hotel. Tennis courts. Then a sign:"The Beach". Hoorah. Sand at last!

And there was sand, but browner and grittier that I'm used to. Spoilt Aussie. With huge logs on the beach. I mean half trees laying there. Privacy and protection. I can just see them rolling into the ocean at Port Stephens. But not to compare. There were bronzed Canadians, families, fitness fanatics, and a lovely young woman as the lifesaver. No, I'm not chuckling.

Vancouverites do parks and flowers well. Long stretches of green with duck ponds and huge pines which reminded me of childhood walks to similar beaches (sans logs) at Mornington in Victoria. The smell of pine trees and fallen pine cones came rich with Gallahar family memories. Little coloured huts on that beach. Much like the framed photos in seaside speciality shops

I walked for so long that my feet began to rub in my sandals and not wanting to succumb to blisters on the soles of my feet I cheated and caught a bus home. I'd been walking for over an hour so that was very satisfying. My knees held up and my fitness improved. Not bad for a sunny Canadian afternoon. And I found the sand and tickled my toes with it. Maybe I'll find Kitsilano Beach tomorrow. It's in the other direction. More logs?? I'll let you know.