Bring Forth, The North

Did I say I was upset about the Game of Thrones exhibit? Well retract that because it didn't pop into my head at all after this day's adventures.

With the arrival of papa the night before, we planned a fun day to see the wilderness area north of Vancouver.

Our first stop, Grouse Mountain - The Peak of Vancouver.

The Skyride Gondola took about 15 minutes to climb around 3000 feet. Was an incredible view (hard to capture through dirty windows and crowded bodies) but if you're ever in the area you have to do it- just wonderful.

All smiles waiting for the Gondola

Someone didn't have the best ride up....

Shady view during the ride up!

Up on the mountain there is loads and loads to do! Some tours, more chair lift rides, wine and dine, and some pretty neat shows. There is a bear sanctuary on one of the trails, we were lucky enough to see 2 bears pretty close up and even trying to knock down something from a tree (sorry for potato pictures).

winnie the pooh

I've got to say, lumberjacks are pretty amazing. Watched a very entertaining lumberjack show. They definitely know how to pick 'em

Bullseye every time

Continue the walk around the mountain and you can see an incredible view of not only Vancouver, but the whole 360° around it. Sorry so cloudy, but trust me it's breathtaking.

had to force them to take a picture together!

They've got incredible wood carvings all around the top of the mountain, in a variety of animal sorts and humans as well. It's unbelievable the talent people possess. AND look at how LARGE that tree is- goodness gracious.

I'm strong

preoccupied

 Little sneaky Olympic excitement!

still a dream

After a lovely dinner overlooking the mountain, to which my parents drank enough for me forgetting my license (not bitter, I swear) it was off to the salmon hatchery.

 

Our last and final stop was Lynn Canyon. Nice little canyon with a small suspension bridge, Ecology Centre, and some beautiful (albeit tiring) hikes. Now word of advice, as much as I loved the canyon and the suspension bridge, I would highly suggest you do the Capilano Suspension Bridge and/or the Lookout. Apparently it is much more exciting and I can only imagine the views are spectacular!

Another brief update for y'all. I'm off to bed now. At least 2 more posts to follow so I can catch up (but homework first, don't worry Mom&Dad).

sleep well