Soaring over Sapperton

This afternoon at about 2 pm I left home to visit the Lougheed Mall in nearby Coquitlam. Rather than taking the usual bus at the main corner near home I decided to walk to Sapperton station and its a good thing I did. About half way there and just a few blocks away from the Fraser Cemetery I saw a pair of bald eagles soaring above Sapperton (New Westminster). The count for bald eagles seen this year is around 17 and the most I've seen at one time has been five soaring above Burnaby Mountain during our last winter. I did manage to get a few nice photos but this sort of thing reminds me why I should buy a larger telephoto lense. The one I have is up to 200mm but a 500mm would be much better and get some awesome shots. Well, when the funds are available, perhaps this will become a reality but for the time being, what I have will have to do.

I also had a look at the continuing change of autumn colours as the weeks go by and we close in on winter. The red fruit on the hawthorne tree should keep the birds happy during the winter months (see photo above) and below is a scene of a street corner in Sapperton. Note the changing colours.

The last photo shows the scene looking east-northeast from the Fraser Cemetery, also in Sapperton. Note the dull, overcast sky with some low-hanging clouds off in the distance. There was some sun today, so it was generally pleasant weather for a walk. I did take the SkyTrain to Lougheed Mall but as large as it is (and this was my first time to this one), once you've seen one mall, you've seen them all. After my short visit, I returned home for an early supper and then work at the computer. Hope you all had a great weekend! Have a great work week!!! - Volker

Weather is improving

The weather here in the lower mainland has been improving over the last couple of weeks. Saturday was especially nice with bright sunny skies and a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius. Sunday was nice too, just a bit cooler. I went for a walk along Stanley Park's seawall both days (Saturday and Sunday). On Saturday I saw a couple of guys out on their seadoos near Siwash Rock and on Sunday a guy went for a dip at the Third Beach. Although the air temperature is great, the water is still to cold, so he must have been a rather harty soul to brave the cold water.

A friend joined me on Sunday where we followed the seawall from the main beach at English Bay to the Third Beach and then headed into the park along the trail. We saw an eagle's nest high up a tree and a bald eagle on an upper branch at the top of the tree (fir tree I believe). The seawall and parts of the park were closed most of last year because of detruction caused by a winter storm late in 2006. The devastation could still be seen in the area where this tree was found. There are new trails further back from the edge of the cliff overlooking Burrard Inlet and English Bay. The area where the old trails are is likely too unstable for the time being. We hooked back up with the seawall beyond Prospect Point. There is a great view there of Burrard Inlet, English Bay and the various mountains to the north, such as Hollyburn Mountain, Grouse Mountain, etc. Both days were great for getting plenty of exercise and fresh air since I spend most of the work day as a concierge sitting behind a desk.

Afterwards it was off to the local Starbucks (Denman & Davie Streets) for blossom white tea and a sandwich in my case and something else from Delaney's (Denman) in my friend's case before heading home. Enjoy your lovely spring weather where you are or enjoy it when it does come. - Volker