Sunday, September 27, 2015

BARAGA

Oh what an amazing Sunday coffee and random drive 'in-our-own-backyard' we had this morning. We pass by this amazing community garden EVERY Sunday.
I gaze at it in (unrealistic) envy, imagining what it would be like to be wrist deep in rich dark soil. What it would be like to see something you laboured over break through the topsoil in vibrant greens and purples and yellows, and whatever other colours burst forth under the caring hands of a community gardener.


So. B.A.R.A.G.A actually stands for Burnaby And Region Allotment Garden Association. And it is Western Canada's largest allotment garden. Covering 14 acres. It is hunkered down in the "Big Bend" area of Burnaby. And it has 372 plots crammed tidily into those 14 acres.

I didn't have a clue what some of the plants were that were growing there but it was amazing walking between the bountiful rows and plots. There was a deep calming feel to the place. Like the speed of life stopped at the gate and you could just lose yourself for hours taking care of the plants you were growing with your own two hands.

We spoke with one elderly gentleman who had just been given the (green) thumbs-up to change plots. He was taking over two plots (the max per gardener) that were tended yearly by a 94 year old man who'd had them for over 25 years. That said - there's a long waiting list to get a plot. 

Don't know what this is so I named it "Sideshow Bob".



Sideshow Bob and some broccoli?
Late bloomer.




Gone to seed?







Pretty sure this is zucchini.
The community gardens butt up against commercial farm land.

Stakes waiting for next year's crop.
*Might* be 'Donkey's Tail'?
It was growing on the roof of their shed.


The covering over the community bulletin board.
There was a notice posted asking that the gardeners generously donate a portion of their crop to the Vancouver FoodBank Association.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Another backyard post

We live in such a picture-able corner of the lower mainland. We've barely crossed municipal borders to find all these interesting images. [well interesting to me anyway] 
This Sunday we were intent on going and having our coffee and coming right back home. No meandering. ...... yeah, right. We went through a different section of the 'farmland' and found more unique sights to shoot. (and I got my thirst for abandoned buildings satiated).

Picture worthy clouds.
Green houses.





The pink house at the end of the lane.

Until next time ..... ..... ..... enjoy the world around you. It's all so beautiful.

Harrison Hot Springs

Spent a couple of days in one of BC's world famous destinations; Harrison Hot Springs.
A short highway trip from New Westminster, Harrison Hot Springs is a quaint little village that sits at the south edge of the huge Harrison Lake. Harrison is the largest lake in the Southern Coast mountains of Canada. About 250 square kilometres. 

Birds continue to be my nemesis. But look at this fella's colours!!
Action shot!
View of Mount Cheam from our hotel room
Relaxing and taking in the view.





Waterfront living.
A happy little ginger.



Where we stayed.

The entire length of the esplanade is set up with benches for visitors to sit and admire the amazing scene before them.

Next time I go back - and I'm pretty sure I will - I'll be going on an ATV adventure and maybe do a little Sasquatch hunting! To mention a few activities I didn't get a chance to explore this time.