David Shirley, cycling across North America to raise awareness for prostate cancer, took a loop up to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada and back down to Bellingham, Washington State in the U.S., where he plans to head south along the Oregon and California coasts. 

He has earned congratulations for making it across the continent!  He left Bar Harbor, Maine on August 13 and took a week off in Hudson, Wisconsin, home of his family.  Probably the worst part of his trip were the long days after leaving home, heading across what are often uninspired plains, with little to cycle but uncertain terrain along side the highway.

Congratulations, David, on making it across the country!  Now let's generate some money for prostate cancer!!!  He is up to $576.00, with the exchange rate a bit uneven for foreign contributions- thank you International friends!

Approaching Vancouver for the first time, I pressed my nose to the window of our Boeing 757, astonished to observe jagged mountain tops slicing through the clouds. That was back in September of 1985. I sat beside my new husband Jack. His parents sat in front of us.

I remembered that my new husband's cousins ran a ski lodge at Whistler and while I knew they were intending to join us in Vancouver for the upcoming shareholder meetings for my husband's family company, it hadn't occurred to me this meant I would be seeing the mountains.

Well, let's face it. Little had occurred to me. I was too busy planning my Minnesota wedding from Colorado and stressing about taking a honeymoon with in-laws that had mixed feelings regarding my value. They were still wishing their son had married for money or at minimum, social rank. I was a nobody from nowhere- and five years older than Jack, to boot!

The clouds broke over the city. A beam of light hit downtown Vancouver like a beacon. The vision was stunning.

We landed at Vancouver International Airport located on Sea Island in Richmond, B.C.- a bit over 7 miles from downtown Vancouver. My in-laws decided we should take a limo to the hotel, as it would easily fit four of us with luggage- a taxi would be cramped. I had never ridden in a limosine. I felt like bouncing on the leather seats and dangling my feet, but I was now a sophisticated married lady so I did neither. I pretended it was an every day experience.

The hotel consierge knew my father in law, as he had stayed at this hotel so often over the years, and he greeted him by name. Of course, my father in law knew how to hand out tips in order to get things done, and our luggage was sent to our rooms pronto.

What I loved most about this hotel was its delicious homecooked, creamy oatmeal complete with brown sugar, plump blueberries and fresh bananas-- and its proximity to downtown Vancouver. It was this city that made me realize how much I love being able to walk to a library or a restaurant, to the museum or a huge park overlooking the ocean.

In 1986, Vancouver hosted the Expo 86 World's Fair where they unleashed the Scream Machine roller coaster (which was moved to Six Flags St. Louis and is called the Ninja.)  My husband was determined that we ride this monstrosity.  I hate roller coasters.  I gave in-- and I have been riding roller coasters with him metaphorically ever since, lol.

Vancouver felt manageable and friendly with each visit. People of all races smiled at me as I strolled the streets. I didn't sense ego and while it was a rushed place-- as any city filled with deadlines and meetings-- there was an underlying warmth to the place through my last visit around 1995, when the needs of my kids outweighed a business trip with Jack. 

I was lucky to return to this city several times, because my husband's company shares were listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange and their annual meetings were held here. I would not consider myself an expert on the area, but I loved to visit the following places:

1. The Vancouver Art Gallery which is an understatement, as it is actually a museum containing all sorts of pieces by Canada's Group of Seven and the unusual and determined Emily Carr. I discovered how to look upwards along a tree trunk in this museum, as Emily Carr painted the large, dark trees of British Columbia with such intensity and feeling, she taught me to see differently. She captured my imagination and I purchased a book about her life, deepening my respect for this eccentric woman.

2. Vancouver Museum of Anthropology as a university and a public institution, provides "information about and access to cultural objects from around the world, with emphasis on the achievements and concerns of the First Peoples and British Columbia's cultural communities." I loved witnessing the huge totems that I believe came from several First People communities, including the Haida, Kwakwaka'wakw, Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Haisla, Oweekeno, and others.

3. Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island is a beautiful destination overflowing with amazing daffodils, tulips and hyacinth and ancient trees- depending on the season, of course. The ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay takes about an hour and a half- it is 24 nautical miles. When my sister came along one year, we were fortunate to be followed by dolphin and to spot killer whales as we traveled across the water.

4. High Tea at the Empress Hotel is a very popular event in the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, but my absolutely favorite dining experience ever, was in the secluded Sooke Harbour House on the west shore. Jack and I treated my sister to a dining experience here that was beyond sensory. They raise their own salad ingredients in their garden and I had calendula that late afternoon, which even now makes my mouth water, it was so amazing and fresh.

5. Queen Elizabeth Park's early morningTai Chi was amazing to observe in motion. I would have liked to join the Elders moving gracefully through this ancient physical art.

Vancouver also offers wonderful dining in areas like Chinatown and Granville Island.

Sadly my husband's company folded in 1999 and we have been unable to afford a return visit. Someday, we have thought to retire in this area where ocean and mountains meet in such an invigorating and inspiring manner.