Day 9
Because we were so tired last night, we fell asleep before 11, then awoke before 6AM
to the insatiable sound of seagulls (There are no shortage of seagulls here and their droppings can be spotted everywhere). Todd went in search of the Tim Hortons listed on his app, but was unsuccessful. He spotted someone with a Starbucks cup, so he enquired as to the location and was led a couple of blocks up the street from our hotel. He also discovered a grocery store for us to return to later.
After breakfast in the hotel (nothing fancy…toast, scrambled eggs, and sausage), we went for a morning walk through the downtown area the Parliament Buildings, Bastion Square, Market Square, and Chinatown. We then wandered down by the City Hall and Centennial Square where numerous volunteers were setting up for Victorias 150th Birthday Celebration. Within the Square, numerous vehicles from the past were on display police cars, fire engines, and cars. We also spoke to a man who compared the original electric-driven car here on the Island and his new Nissan electric car. He was a firm advocate for clean, sustainable living. Later in the morning the festivities were to get started with the mayor making some opening remarks and then various cultural groups performing.
After lunch, made from products we purchased at the local grocery store Todd found earlier, we ventured out to Beacon Hill Park. It is located a few blocks from where we are staying. We saw the standard park-life (ducks, geese, birds, trees, bushes, and flowers), then came across a cricket park where a game was underway. We stopped to watch and try to figure out the gist of the game…not successful
….very confusing. Further down from the park, we came across the worlds tallest free-standing totem pole at 38.8 metres.
Just outside the parks boundary, towards the ocean, is Mile Marker 0 for the Trans-Canada Highway. The 7821km highway was actually built east to west (so technically, shouldnt Mile Marker 0 be in St. Johns NFLD?). Here also stands a memorial to Terry Fox because this is where he planned to end his cross-country run.
Later in the afternoon, Todd headed out on his bike to ride the trail outlined on a tourist map we picked up. After a short time on the trail, he noticed the no biking signs (apparently the map hasn’t been updated). So he headed over to the main drag…the Trans-Canada highway and was just getting in the groove, when Jon and Ponch (remember Chips?) asked him to pull over. .Turns out it is a law in BC for everyone to where bike helmets. Jon kept threatening him with a $29 fine, Ponch recommended he get a helmet. Then Jon told him he would need to walk his bike back, but Ponch suggested if he moved over a couple streets (away from the Trans Canada), he would probably be okay for getting back to the hotel. Now Todd is off to buy a helmet ..
After checking out both Trip Advisor and Open Table, we decided to try a Japanese restaurant a couple of kilometers from the hotel !