current progress - winter olympic village

On Saturday of the previous weekend I checked out the work at Vancouver's winter olympic village (2010) and these are some of the photos that resulted from the walk. From that venue I continued on westward via the seaside walk on the north side of False Creek from Yaletown to Sunset Beach and on to 2nd Beach by way of the main beach on English Bay. The focus of this post though is the village, so enjoy the photos. I'll present some more photos in a couple months as the work continues. The village is to be turned over to VANOC on November 1 but it looks like there's a bit yet to do!

I find the plantings interesting with the use of drought resistant plants great in low water conditions, such as we are having now.

There are different perspectives in these various photos both in viewing the village and also seeing it from other vantage points or viewing other places from the village.

Since it was a Saturday, there was some construction work being carried on but certainly not as busy as it would be during a week day.

This use of grasses in plantings is interesting. I took photos from several angles. What do you think?

The design of the buildings is interesting in that not just the usual rectangular shape is used but also curved and slanted walls making for interesting perspectives.

Canada Geese passing through but once the site is finished and plantings well-established, more wildlife will show up not to mention the human element and its activity.

What do think of the bridge design?

Then there are views from the north side of False Creek giving us a look from a different vantage point. There'll be more photos of the site in a couple of months (August) as the work comes closer to completion. Enjoy these!!! - V.

False Creek - from Yaletown to English Bay on a Sunday

Sunday I was in Vancouver to walk along False Creek from Science World to the main beach at English Bay. I took the seaside walk along the north side much as I had done the previous day. The weather was excellent with plenty of sun that brought out people walking, cycling, rollerblading and just soaking up the sun. These are just some of the photos I took. We'll begin with a photo of a sea bird, the cormorant, one of the oddest birds I've seen!

There's some artwork along the way to capture your interest, such as this piece above. Welcome, star people!!!

There's a path for cyclists on one side and a walkway for those walking on the other. The Aquabus, the False Creek Ferry, gets those that want to from place to place along the waterway.

There's more artwork (above) and Yaletown is filled with highrise condos as well.

At the Granville Bridge you can view Granville Island with its markets, shops and such. This too can be reached by Aquabus.

There are plants to capture one's attention and there are more boats on the water too. There are some passing under the Burrard Bridge in the photo below.

There's a lovely view of Bowen Island and the mountains (above) from a high point near the Burrard Bridge and with a great view of Sunset Beach with the West End in the background (below).

Evidence of solar power is there as well (above) and plenty of promiss of summer in the plantings along the route (below).

The main beach at English Bay has all sorts of activity, such as a beach volleyball game under way (above), and plenty of people just enjoying the company of friends and taking in the sun. I hope you've enjoyed this little tour of False Creek out to English Bay and dreams of the summer yet to come (only a week or less away)!!! - V.