Vancouver Island and Vancouver

Back in October, Nancy & I had the good fortune to visit Vancouver Island, from Naniamo to Port Alberni to Uclulet and Tofino and then back to Vancouver.  Our travels across the island was a brief five days.  We could have easily spent double that and covered less ground.  Our arrival on the east side of the island was in tandem with several severe storms that were battering the west coast of the island.  As a result we witnessed the temperate rain forest in its glory - cold, damp and slippery.  Even after nearly breaking her foot, Nancy was keen on walking these trails.  There was something mystic about being in these ancient old growth forests.  Along rivers, bears were frequent visitors as they knocked over rocks in their search for tasty morsels.  Our visit took place as the salmon started to run up their birth rivers.  The eagles were happy.  Back in Vancouver, the city scenes of Gastown and Stanley Park were slightly familiar to us as we'd been there a mere 29 years ago.  The lights of Vancouver over the harbour are a dream for any shutterbug.  My images of sealife are from one of two aquariums, both of which were mesmerizing.  Vancouver is a great place, partly because of the traditions of the aboriginal people.