Now we live in Vancouver, where the weather threatens to make a mockery of even the UK climate. It's been raining since Emily arrived - her fault, of course - so it was time to put our money where our mouths are, slip into the full waterproofs that had been lovingly mothballed in the Golden State, and head out into the maelstrom.
Yesterday we decided to drive up the Sea to Sky Highway. The sea was grey, the sky was grey, and everything in-between was grey because of the fog. We were on our way north to the town of Squamish, "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada", and where better to stop in the rain than at a waterfall? Shannon Falls is just south of town, and the perpetual precipitation ensured a dramatic flow. We continued past Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith to (almost) rival those in Yosemite, and to a tea room to dry out. We were going to visit Brackendale, home to hundreds of wintering bald eagles, but with visibility next to zero and all sensible eagles keeping their bald heads covered we turned for home.
Today we stayed a little more local with a trip to Lynn Canyon. Like the more famous Capilano this has a suspension bridge, but unlike Capilano it's free, boasts its own waterfalls, and also has a 30ft natural swimming pool that's probably amazing when it stops raining and warms up. The Baden-Powell trail runs past it and on for 48km. Who knew that Baden-Powell was Canadian?
Our hallway now resembles a flood-damaged North Face outlet, and that slightly damp feeling familiar to anyone who's visited England pervades. Time for another tradition from the homeland: a nip of whisky to help me warm up. When I said I'm drying out I didn't mean like that...
Wet.
Wet wet.
Wet wet wet.
Lynn suspension bridge. Smaller, less crowded, and no warnings about running or rocking it.
This is the kind of Sunday afternoon walk we enjoy.
Emily eventually had enough and went back to the car with Pete, so Hannah and I got quality alone time together! Here's a selfie to prove it.
Hmm.
