BC Canada Via Seattle!

Paul's work took us to Whistler, British Columbia for the Canadian Ropeways (steel cable) Committee meeting, June 6-11.  We flew to Seattle and enjoyed a sunny weekend there visiting the sites.

Pike's Market houses long rows of fish vendors.  Seafood is still expensive there, but fresh.

My favorite were the sweet peas, Grandma Lua's favorite flower 2nd only to pansies.  I love the smell!

 Paul doesn't usually like seafood, but we both loved the fresh Fish & Chips.

 This chute carries grain from large silos to load ships from all over the world.

 Spectacular Dogwood tree in full bloom.

 From the airplane and on the ground, beautiful volcanic peaks are visible.

 The Space Needle holds a special place in my childhood memories as Dad and Mom took Sharon, Bob and I to the World's Fair in 1962.  I remember riding to the top and being amazed at the view.  I also remember sporting a felt hat with a feather.

There are no words to describe this amazing show of flowers at a private residence...love to get some tips from this person with a "green thumb".  

This photo of the Seattle Temple is to document my beginner skills at blogging.  I can't figure out how to get it to come out vertical even when properly edited.  I'm still learning!

Dogwood blossoms on the Temple grounds.  Paul and I attended a full session in the evening.  We were asked to be the witness couple and felt honored to do it.  

Stanley Park Penninsula, Vancouver, British Columbia

 View off Stanley Park, looking towards North Vancouver.

Whistler is about a 2 1/2 drive along the coast north of Vancouver.  This is the Resort Village at the base of Whistler and Blackham Mountains.  Notice the Olympic rings in the background, commemorating the 2010 Winter Olympics which were held here.

 On one of the days when Paul was in meetings, I drove about an hour back towards Vancouver with Wendy, the wife of Warren Sparks, a Doppelmayr Manager in western Canada. We visited a new "Sea to Sky" gondola which was built by Doppelmayr a year ago.  I felt fortunate to experience the ride and the incredible scenery.

 Here's a view from the top.  In the distance is a suspension bridge that connects a View Deck and restaurant with various trails.  

 Wendy and I spent quite a bit of time together over the course of the few days that we were there.  I think my willingness to talk about religious and spiritual things helped her to open up about things that she hadn't shared with others.  She's a wonderful person and it was good to get to know her.

 When we had visited Whistler seven years earlier, we were able to see the towers that were under construction for the Peak to Peak Lift, which was to be ready for the 2010 Winter Olympics.  This trip we were able to ride it.  First you take a Gondola to this point.

 Then we boarded one of the 30 passenger cars that took us from Blackham Peak to Whistler Peak.

 The unique thing about this lift is that it holds the world record for the longest cable free span between towers - almost two miles, joining the two mountains and two resorts.

The greenery along the way was different that what are used to.  The varieties of pines and furs grow among each other.  Some look like large ferns.

Our weather was remarkably sunny and dry throughout our trip.  I was snapping photos all the way to the airport.  This one will fit nicely in Sharon's upcoming coffee table book of "Windshield Photography".  What a great trip!