Point Atkinson Lighthouse, British Columbia
Found in North Vancouver in Lighthouse Park, Point Atkinson Lighthouse was built in 1910. It replaces a structure that was first put up in 1874. There is a bit of a hike in to the lighthouse but it is well worth it as you traverse some remnant old growth forest.
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When we hear about Rain Forests, most of us probably think of hot climates, and places like Ecuador and Costa Rica. However, the Northwest Pacific coast of North America also has a Rain Forest. This includes parts of British Columbia, Washington State and Oregon, as well as parts of Alaska and northern California, places which can have a generally cool climate.
What gives these places a Rain Forest is the coastal mountain ranges which create a high level of rainfall. This climate produces an incredible diversity of life, just like the Tropical Rain Forest does.
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Alpine Meadow
Some of the chairlifts at Whistler, British Columbia, operate during the summer and give visitors an opportunity to reach areas high in the mountains. The clear clean air shows these flower covered meadows at their best.
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Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani
The Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani, is one of 11 members of the Oystercatcher family, all of which are variations on a them. In fact there are two other members who are very similar in plumage. The Blackish Oystercatcher,Haematopus ater, ranges along the coasts of Argentina and Chile, and the African Oystercatcher, Haematopus moquini, which is found along the shores of South Africa.
 Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani |
 African Oystercatcher, Haematopus moquini |
The Black Oystercatcher found on the Pacific coast from the Aluetian Islands of Alaska to Baja California.
 Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani |
 Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani |
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Northwestern Crow, Corvus caurinus
The Northwestern Crow, Corvus caurinus, is very similar to the American Crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos. It is generally a bit smaller with proportionally smaller feet and beak. The smaller beak was to me quite noticeable, it looked stubby. It also has a higher pitched call.
As the name suggests, the Northwestern Crow is confined to northwestern North America, ranging from southern Alaska to Washington State. It is usaully found on the ocean shore.
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Whistler
North of Vancouver, is the town of Whistler, one of the finest ski resorts in the world, and the site of many of the coming 2010 Winter Olympic events. It has a permanent population of about 10,000 but receives about two million visitors a year.
During the summer, there are lifts operating to give tourists a chance to go high and see some wonderful panoramic views.
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Stanley Park, Vancouver
Like New York and Central Park, Vancouver is blessed with a green area in the city which is very popular with its citizens. It is bounded on three sides by the harbor and there is a walkway and bicycle path along this portion. Gorgeous Western Cedar and Hemlock grow throughout and their is a long history of various uses made of the area.
If you visit, you will find the park shuttle is an excellent way to get around and see the park.
Stanley Park, Vancouver
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Totem Poles, British Columbia
These images were taken in a variety of place, The Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, and the BC Museum in Victoria.
They are a cultural tradition of many indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest. They have traditionally been carved from Western Cedar which is subject to decay in that wet climate and there are, therefore, not many examples of old totems in good shape. The poles have many meanings and uses. One recent use of interest is a “shame’ pole carved in Cordova, Alaska. It is said to represent the shame of Exxon CEO, Lee Raymond’s face represented distorted and inverted, because Exxon has not paid for the damages caused by the Exxon Valdez.
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located on a coatal strip of land on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Due to the areas high rainfall, it includes some magnificent stands of temperate rain forest. It also incluses some magnificent beaches like Long Beach, south of Tofino, which is where Captain Cook firsdt landed in the area.
 Amphitrite Lighthouse |
 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve |
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Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a restful oasis in the middle of busy Vancouver. It is the first full Chinese garden constructed outside of China, built in the mid 80s, and financed both by the Chines and Canadian governments as well as private interests. The garden was named in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the father of modern China and a visitor to Vancouver on his travels.
 Fragrant Water Lily |
 Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden |
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