Trip to Nakusp

Been a while since I posted - thought I better start and post some pics and memories before I forget them!

For my 50th birthday, Barry arranged a trip to Nakusp Hotsprings. Neither of us had been there - but after this trip, we know this will be somewhere we will go to again.

We took the route over the Monashee's - and enjoyed the Needles Ferry (still one of the few free ferries in BC!)

Once we checked in at Nakusp Hotspring Cedar Chale ts, we headed back into Nakusp for dinner at The Hut. The Hut is a great local hangout - good burgers, chicken, fries and ice cream treats.

After dinner, we took a walk along the boardwalk - I love the walk - every town should have one like this. There are two special gardens - the Spicer Family Garden and the Japanese Garden - both beautiful.

We headed back to the hotsprings and enjoyed a late night dip before calling it a night.

On Saturday, it rained the whole day. We enjoyed the hotsprings - and the hummingbirds that were all over the place.

We decided to take a drive to New Denver and passed Summit Lake and Roseberry on the way - beautiful areas - would like to camp there one day. When we arrived in New Denver, we decided to carry on to Sandon and check out the area.

Sandon is a true ghost town - at one time a thriving community now a great place learn about an important piece of BC's past.

                                               

We did try to get up to the parking area so we could walk up to Idaho Peak - but the road was washed out. We will have to try again.

On our way back to New Denver, we were lucky to spot a beautiful cinnamon colored brown bear - who was quite content to keep enjoying his snack while we watched!

Rainy weather meant lots of water - and the waterfalls in the area were full to the brim - and so beautiful.

Victoria Falls

Ione Falls

 A great time - hope to go back soon!

Active Pass Lighthouse, Mayne Island

The original Active Pass Lighthouse was constructed at Georgina Point on Mayne Island in 1885. The current circular concrete tower was built in 1969.

The lighthouse, also known as the Georgina Point Lighthouse, is viewed by hundreds of people every day from the ferries that run between Tsawwassen on the BC mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

But to really experience it, take advantage of the fact that the lighthouse grounds are open to the public and  include it as a place to see when you visit Mayne Island.

Barry and I visited the lighthouse in September 2010 - what a great view and with no rain, we enjoyed watching the sun go down.

Daytrip to Trinidad Cuba

Our trip to Cuba in 2009 included a daytrips to Trinidad. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1998, Trinidad seemed to be Varadero in reverse - lots of opportunity to interact with Cubans and it has kept most of its old world charm - cobblestone streets and traditional stucco houses painted pastel colors combine with a beautiful setting - breathtaking!

We checked out some of the local shops - there were lots of local artisans. Painters, weavers, carvers - but the one that stands out was the gentleman who had a display of handwoven hats and bags in the front of his home. He was more than happy to have us come in and even gave us a short tour of the inside of his home. Needless to say, I couldn't leave without a straw bag - and got a very nice one.

We walked up to the Plaza Mayor, the main square.  It was interesting to see the old churches around the square - all missing their religious symbols  and icons that should have been in the wall niches. Trinidad was an interesting mix of religions - the traditional Catholic churches and then the painting we saw featuring the various saints of the Santeria religion.

From the plaza, Patti and I decided to check out the Museo Nacional de la lucha Contra Bandidos, which was once the Convent of San Francisco de Asis. The quaint yellow bell tower is one of the most photographed sites in Trinidad and from the top you get a great view of the whole city. The climb up the very narrow circular staircase and ladder was worth it.

Barry and I both said several times during our trip that we would like to visit Trinidad again - and give the Caribbean side of Cuba a try.

 

Dinner Bay Community Park and Japanese Garden

While exploring Mayne Island (between enjoying the hot tub and walking the beaches!) we discovered a great community park just across the road from where we were staying. 

An even nicer discovery was that within the community park was a Japanese Garden, established by the residents of Mayne Island to recognize the contributions on early Japanese settlers, many who were relocated to New Denver during WWII and never returned to Mayne Island.

It is a peaceful garden, filled with plants, trees, pieces of art and historical articfacts. If you visit Mayne Island, make time to visit this garden!

Japanese Garden September 2010 Mayne Island