Actually, by definition, shouldn’t “turf” involve green stuff, like grass? Hmm…not very green around here!
However, all will change when the rainy season kicks in . Since coming home I’ve trimmed, weeded and ripped out rather a lot of what I thought of as my garden. And still have much to do!
But it can wait…if I have any readers left I should make an effort and post something,right?
From start to finish, my Vancouver jaunt was fantastic.Yes, even the long hours in a skinny metal tube. Having a window seat (and a small camera in my pocket) was helpful!
Mt.Hood, from 30+ thousand feet.
Crater Lake which our captain told us is the second largest lake in North America.
Interesting places, yes, but I was heading North to meet a long-time blog friend, Andrea. What can I say? Quite a lot, but mere words don’t always express feelings, do they?
We managed to pack in quite a lot over the 10 days. After catching up with old friends in North Vancouver, and meeting a new friend,Sonya, in New Westminster (where something must have tickled our funny bones!) 
we drove East to meet Ellen, who took us to a place I can only call a treasury of rusty old things! I have never seen so many wacky and wonderful collections. Old typewriters, trays of metal type, sewing machines, farming machinery,baby carriages and perhaps the pick of the crop, old electric hair curlers.Yes, really!
Another day, we took a ferry across to Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, to meet another photography blogger. Diane drove us to several local “top spots” and the cameras all got a good work-out. And for lunch? We ate the best fish-and-chips I’ve tasted in a long time. No pictures, though – we were all intent on eating!
On the ferry ride back to Tswassen I got a lucky click…
And then Linda and her lovely daughters hit town, after first doing a little exploring in the Rockies. So much laughing, talking and general jollity…the trip we tried to put together last year, to visit Linda in England, didn’t happen so this blog-meet was extra-special.
Andrea,Linda,Kirsty and Freya. (In Stanley Park, looking West, with a bit of Lions Gate Bridge passing through the ears of Freya,Kirsty and Linda.)
I fell in love with Vancouver on my first visit. I am still in love.
Huge thanks to everyone who made this trip so much fun. In fact, such fun, I think we should do it again…any takers?
Moreidlethoughts Weblog 
Welcome back. I loved seeing all the happy smiling faces – and the bird over the water is a STUNNING photo.
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Thank you, EC. I was just lucky with that gull;deleted several blurry “misses.”
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Sounds like you had a great time. Welcome home, it’s been very quiet without you!
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I did have a lovely time, Helen. Back to reality now and some bookish arithmetic . 😦
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Great photo, as EC said. Lovely to see your photos of your visit; so pleased you were able to go.
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Carol, you would love the place! Especially the islands.
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How wonderful. I love the way you pick up life and run with it. So many people just wish.
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Z, there comes a time in life, when an opportunity is there, we are daft if we don’t take it. A bit like learning to ride a motor bike at “an advanced age.” 🙂
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Vancouver is indeed a wonderful place–I’m so glad you got to go! I love your pics–especially the gull–but also the happy faces. It’s obvious you really did all have a great time.
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Chipmunk, I had a ball! And I waved in your direction as I flew by!
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Some wonderful pics..and you clearly had a wonderful time.
A friend spent a sabbatical year in Vancouver and was asked to stay on…but his wife wouldn’t let him. Clearly he enjoyed himself too much while there!
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Over-enjoyment? Certainly, the city has much to offer.
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I love that photo of us in Stanley Park. Post in FB? AND the one of you and Sonya. More FB fodder! But you forgot to mention watching a tattoo being applied, Islam, henna and free Indian food at the library, and the steam punk craft brewery. We aim to give you ALL the experiences here in Vancouver! 🙂
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OH! I have not forgotten – just ran out of day.I’ll post more in a day or so…
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Hello Dinah. That sounds like a great trip; nice photos too.
I made an all too brief visit to Vancouver in 2006. It’s a lovely city. Me and my Mum wore ourselves out walking around Stanley Park one day. We never made it as far as Vancouver Island though, so I really will have to go back some day.
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I can understand being worn out in the park! Lots to see and some steep trails, too. Last time I was there a little black squirrel “befriended” me and sat on my shoulder until all my peanuts were gone! 🙂
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it really was a great trip I see but it was so wonderful for me to spend the day with you and Andrea — thanks bunches for coming over to the island. You got some really fine photos too!
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Our pleasure, Diane. I hope to have more photos sorted over the next few days…
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I was going to wait a few more days and then send a dispatch demanding an update. Good to see you made it home safely. I’ve never ever heard anyone say anything even remotely negative about Vancouver. It must be a fantastic place. That lake photo is superb.
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Well, you know that old saying…”go WEST, young man!”
It does have some stunning scenery to offer – not just the city, but the islands and other lovely places further inland.
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*Adds Vancouver to extremely long list of places to visit*
Qx
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Oh, Ms Q, you really must make a trip across the pond.Start in New York and take a walking tour with my favourite guide. 🙂
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I was in Vancouver about 23 years ago (and got caught high up in a towerblock hotel fire….). I loved it too, and would go back for sure. One day, maybe!
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Rachel, the place just gets lovelier! Perhaps, when you’ve exhausted Somerset and Devon…The Gardener could be tempted by some stunning flora, I’m sure! 😉
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Isn’t that just lovely! It’s one of the great things about blogging, that you suddenly have friends all over the world.
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Yes, Mig, I have met many lovely people and had lots of fun. And it’s always the company that makes the fun.:-)
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Is it true, is there really an artist village in Vancouver? Whenever I ask people who’ve visited, they look blank.
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I expect people mean Granville Island, which is “in” Vancouver and has some artist studio, art supplies and artifacts for sale.Think “market” with artists. Great foods, flowers, produce…lots to see.
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