Sunday 26 April 2009

Cell Phone Retrieval Over Lions Gate


Yesterday, I went to a 50th birthday party for a dear friend (Happy Birthday, Stew) and prior to the party, went shopping at the Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver. I found, to my dismay, that I had last my cell phone in the mall - mind you, it didn't stop me from having an excellent time at the party....

When I returned home, there was a message on the answering machine saying that the phone had been found. Today, I retrieved the phone. Unfortunately, my camera is with my daughter who is on a band trip so the photos for today are from a variety of sources.

It was a perfect day - sunny, slight breeze and I had lots of time. I left Maple Ridge, went through Pitt Meadows and crossed the old Pitt River Bridge - the new one is being built so my crossings on the old swing bridge are numbered. I then went through Coquitlam, Port Moody and onto the Barnet Highway. It's always shady on the Barnet but it wasn't that chilly today. I then headed up Hastings through Burnaby into Vancouver.


I went through downtown and then approached my favourite bridge, the Lions Gate. Built by the Guinness family (yes, that Guinness family) in 1938, it is a beautiful bridge and has breath-taking views of Burrard Inlet, especially when you are sitting on a scooter. I looked around when I had the opportunity and enjoyed the fantastic view.


After picking up my cell phone at the mall I headed back over the bridge. At the Vancouver end of the bridge, I took a detour through Stanley Park, a huge treed park connected to downtown Vancouver. There is still considerable damage to the park caused by a huge windstorm in 2006. It was a slow, shady ride through green trees beside windy beaches and it was very good for my well being.


The way home was fairly uneventful until, in Burnaby, on Hastings, a motorist decided to change lanes into me. Luckily, I was able to maneuver out of the way but I didn't even have a chance to honk my horn (although I was able to flip the bird a minute later).

An unfortunate moment, but I didn't let it interfere with the extremely enjoyable day.

7 comments:

John McClane said...

I've been to Stanley Park! Years ago, though. As far as I recall, there's a totem pole there.

Baron's Life said...

Dave,
Glad to hear someone was actually honest enough to turn your phone in and that you were able to retrieve it. That's certainly a relief and yes it is good to know there is honest folks out there.
John, didn't know you came to this part of the world too.

William said...

Hi Dave,

I just discovered your blog. I'm from Vancouver myself, I live in Surrey. I moved from Paris last November where scooters and mopeds are VERY popular.

I just had a question which I was wondering if you could help me since you seem pretty knowledgeable about the subject.

I know that for scooters above 50cc you need a license to operate. I cannot drive because my eyes kinda suck but I can downhill ski and go mountain biking. My question is would I be allowed legally to operate a 49cc moped/scooter or do you require a license with eye exam?

Thanks so much for the imput, if you could respond to me, my Email is canadianwave at yahoo dot ca

Thank you so much! I love your blog!

William

Andrew said...

I just found your blog and I'm impressed with the amount of travel you're doing on your scooter. Perhaps you can give me some help with directions. I have a Hyosung Sense that I've been meaning to get tuned out at Scooter King on the Langley Bypass. I'm not quite sure what the best way to get there from Kitsilano would be without having to get crushed on highway. Thanks very much and happy scooting!

Andrew, taiterson at hotmail

Dave Dixon said...

Whoa! Getting behind on my mail! Sorry about that...

JohnYes, Stanley Park has a bunch of totem poles - lots of other stuff too!

BaronIt sort of restores my faith in human nature...

WilliamMan, Paris! Vancouver's a nice place but Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world!
Unfortunately, you need to have a Class 5 driver's license to operate a scooter or moped. However, if you want to ride an e-bike, you don't need a license or even insurance. The max speed is 30 km but still, it's an option.

AndrewHmm - I take the Barnet Highway - that's a nice route. Once the Golden Ears bridge is finished (just a couple of months) you can cross, head towards Coquitlam and Port Moody and then take the Barnet Highway which turns into Hastings St. in Burnaby. From there, I'd go straight through to Main St, turn left and then right on 2nd Avenue which eventually turns into 4th Avenue. Hope that helps!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave,

A mutual friend from Flickr Keith AKA MacLobster suggested I check out your blog. So I thought I'd pop in and say Hi.

Looks like you are really enjoying your scoot.

Fun aren't they :-)

I boot around on a Vino 125 myself.

I'm Brantford Selections on Flickr btw.

Cheers

Dave Dixon said...

RandiI do enjoy my scoot - maybe I should check out something like a 125 - arggh! Can't decide!

I'll be sure to check out your pics.