UBC & Whistler

April studied at the University of British Columbia (UBC), so she took me for a “quick” tour of the campus. Its different from Stellenbosch, as most campuses are, in that it is all on one property. Saying that it isn’t small. It is huge! It has some great flower gardens, but the things that stick in my memory I have been able to capture in photos.

A Sequoia tree that has a soft bark. You can punch it as hard as you like and you won’t hurt yourself! From a look at the bark, many students have discovered this trick.

 

 

 

 

 

The clock tower on the main square was made “infamous” by a group against the slaughter of cattle (for food). So they protested by walking a cow to the top of the clock tower. What they didn’t know was that cow walk up stairs without any difficulty, but can’t/won’t walk down them. So to get the cow down they had to do the thing they were protesting!

Murphy just couldn’t help himself :)

 

 

On our way out, we saw a “robot competition.” Students from various universities designed, built and raced their machines. First a drag race and then a circuit. I just had to hang around. Jip, call me a nerd.

 

After being a bit delayed at UBC, we made our way to Whistler. Most people would be thinking skiing, but in summer they have downhill events. The one we caught was the BMX trick event. Loads of people and a 15 year old with the most insane moves ever.

The whole town is surrounded by slopes and hills. I can see how this would be a great winter ski place. But don’t think this place is only good with snow. It feels a bit like a European town. Shops on the ground floor with apartments on top. And because it is a bit of a drive to get here from anywhere, everyone stays in town. I can only imagine the parties :)

The BMX trick course – and the crowds

Road trip

In the spirit of wanting me to see and experience as much of Canada, April suggested we take a road trip. ROAD TRIP!!! Now how do I say “no” to that? I grew up driving to far off places. Ok, maybe not that far, but we used to drive somewhere when we went on holiday. You get to see much more. So we set off on a weeks worth of adventure of exploring B.C. (the province of British Columbia). Since writing about every little detail can get a bit boring, for you the reader, I think I’m going to let the photos do most of the talking. Lets start with our route…

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First stop: Bridal Vail falls (not the only one in B.C.
 
The town of Lytton boasts silhouette art. It is scattered all around the town and as far as I can remember, was done by different people. They have a brochure showing all the locations, so it is a bit of a treasure hunt.



Our first night’s camping next to lake Kamloops lake
Some random ice cream shop. You would also stop to take a photo of this :)
 
We did a 2 day hike in Mount Robson Park – Starting with smiles – This is the actual colour of the water, due to the rock being grinded by glacial motion -

1st night’s camp site (same as 2nd :-) ). Great view! Just a couple of critters (probably Pika) decided that they like my shoes. So they took a bite. See some of the damage.

Power waterfall on the way to the glacier – Some rodent enjoying a suntan. Not too bothered by us – See the glacier in the background? The board was erected in 1911 at the foot of the glacier – And the glacier.
 
Alex and I wanted to walk on a glacier in Torres del Paine. Finally got to do it. Not so safe I heard later – A Pika finally eating something tastier than my shoe – Drying out our gear after the hike.

Driving down the Columbia Ice fields. Ever met a “Mountee?” It just had to be a bear. One of the best shots of the ice fields.

A bit of a story to this one. April made a friend on the travel of Ireland. He happened to be working in Banff so we crashed in his basement for the night – The next day over breakfast we saw this old Jaguar…with an Eastern Cape (South Africa) registration on the front.

Historical town of Three Valley Gap. Everything is frozen in time.

See the red box, place to put “The Buzzer.” A boredom cure that is still found on Canadian local busses – Ever wonder why the conductors in old movies are always looking at their watches? Interesting read.

Driving in of “The Last Spike” in the railroad that connected Canada from East to West – Check it out…my family is famous!

Winelands of Kelowna, where only escorted guests are allowed. Need one? ;)
 
Go Trevor! – Random street art – Just for fun