The Vancouver B.C. Rally began on
Tuesday, September 8th, at the home of Stan and Barb Shackell, our Wagon
Masters. They provided not only beverages but an absolutely wonderful
dinner. Stan gave us an overview of the Rally plus he gave us super tote
bags with several goodies including 'Rally T-shirts'.
It wasn't until Wednesday morning when we, Trekers, realized that we'd
transformed into Canadian Geese. We soared around Vancouver hardly
touching ground. Stan had arranged a bus tour with an extremely
knowledgeable guide. The tour guide gave us an overview of the city and
a look at the famous Stanley Park. It rained a bit in the morning...but
being 'Geese' it didn't bother us at all. We toured artist studios and
lunched on Granville Island in the afternoon. We all formed the familiar
Canadian Geese 'V Formation' behind Stan, so that none of us would get
lost, as we rode the “Aquabus” Sea Taxis, Skytrain, Harbor Ferry and
public transit back to the RV Park. That evening we dined at The Salmon
House on the Hill and enjoyed the view of Vancouver and the harbor.
Thursday we visited Britannia Beach Copper Mine. With our hard hats on
we actually rode into a mine shaft learning the history of mining for
copper. Our guide was a gem...even let us pan for gold...but being Geese
we weren't very good. That afternoon we lunched at Trolls Restaurant in
Horseshoe Bay, watched the Ferries come and go, walked the decks and
enjoyed the sunshine. With evening settling in we perched at Dundarave
Beach for a picnic dinner and a walk on the sea wall.
Friday morning Stan led us to the
Vancouver Aquarium located in Stanley Park. Feeling comfortable that his
flock had some sense of Vancouver, Stan let his fledglings fend for
themselves. We spent all morning at the aquarium and then several of us
ventured up to Grouse Mountain. What a treat it was to ride the gondola,
watch the Lumberjack Show, hear the ranger talk about grizzly bears, and
ride the Scenic Peak Chair Lift. Fantastic sight! As we flew down the
mountain we somehow changed back into Trekers. We met for a final dinner
at Capilano Gardens. We enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones.
Stan and Barb did an outstanding job of planning and putting on this
rally.
Submitted by: Nancy Harris
