We get around in this day and age...usually by road or air...but travel by rail is not so common in our part of the world. Passenger trains are all but a memory on Canadian tracks...with a few wonderful exceptions. In the city of Vancouver, we happen to have the world's longest automated light rapid transit sytsem...
...known as Sky Train. Built for the Expo 86 World's Fair, it uses motor-driven trains that are similar to those of the JFK AirTrain in New York. For these past twenty-plus years SkyTrain has moved passengers quickly across the region along 49.5 kilometres through 33 stations. One month ago...the new Canada Line rail was completed and now links downtown Vancouver with Richmond...and the Vancouver International Airport...adding an additional 19 kilometers and sixteen more stations.
For those of us who live out in the country...it is a novelty to ride the rails. Yesterday our Rendezvous group did just that. We car-pooled to the nearest Sky Train station...bought an all day transit fare for nine dollars...and began our adventure on the rails.
We country folk are not always so savvy when it comes to ticketing machines...but the kind man from BC Transit was ever so willing to help out. Soon we were on our way!
We had us a fine time...cruising from Surrey through to the waterfront in Vancouver on mostly elevated rails. It is a most relaxing way to get downtown...no traffic or parking woes! The Waterfront Station was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1910, and was the Pacific terminus for the CPR's transcontinental passenger trains to Montreal and Toronto until circa 1979.
It is a lovely old building...and is now the hub of all transportation in the city. It connects Sky Train, Canada Line, Sea Bus, West Coast Express and many commuter buses. Our all-day pass allowed us to pick and choose any of the above options...but we were here to check out the brand new Canada Line...which has been in operation for only one month.
There was a train leaving every four minutes...and in no time we were on our way to the airport. Where before we were riding high above the city...the Canada Line is mostly underground...18 meters underground at Yaletown.
This was the view in the tunnel...but inside the train it was bright and cheery. The cars are modern...ride smoothly and quietly and have room for luggage and wheelchairs.
Once out of the tunnel...the views were amazing on a warm September afternoon.
Canada Line crosses two bridges...with the highest point on the line being the two sixty-meter towers in the middle of the North Arm Bridge. This bridge is also open to pedestrians and cyclists...we'll leave that for our next adventure.
Twenty-five minutes after departing the waterfront...we arrived at YVR. It looks rather different from this entry point...and would be a most convenient way to travel to the airport when leaving on a flight. As for us...we were just here to explore. Who would ever have thought of the airport as a destination for people who are not airline passengers?
The airport has undergone big expansions in the recent past as well...and features a wonderful new observation deck. We spent some time there...watching planes coming and going...and making use of the telescopes set up there for the convenience of children and adults. It is quite a lovely spot...and couples are actually booking this area for wedding ceremonies.
YVR has always been one of my favorite airports...and there is so much more there now. If you appreciate art...you will find some wonderful pieces at the airport as well. The owl in flight shown in the mosaic...is made from an old growth cedar stump...and arrived at the airport as part of the new Canada Line.
And food...there are lots of options. We chose to visit Milestones and enjoyed a lovely dinner before beginning our return trip.
We rode the rails as the day was ending....
...thoroughly enjoying the sights of the city and the riding experience itself.
And so the sun set on the last Sunday of summer 2009.
Our adventure ended where it began...at King George Station in Surrey. We rode the rails just for fun...and so can you. It's a great way to see the city.
Since the opening ceremony started at 6 o'clock...which is about the time some people arrive home from work...the party was planned for a little later. The opening ceremonies were all recorded on PVR and so we just watched them slightly delayed. A great system...failproof...especially since it is easy to fast-forward through any or all commercials.
Our first stop was Westminster Abbey...home to a Benedictine monastery and Mission's most imposing landmark. The grounds are rather like a park...but are actually a part of a working farm operated by the self-sufficient monks. 
The abbey stands atop a ridge overlooking the Fraser River valley....and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The monks welcome people of all faiths...and the monastery is open to the public every afternoon. We entered quietly...and observed the beauty of the sanctuary...and respected the signs that indicated we were in a quiet zone. Someone suggested it would probably be acceptable for us to sing...and so we sang "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." in four part harmony...in a building with amazing acoustics...and it was good!
We chatted with a monk...who told us about their facilities...their lifestyle...and their farm. They planned to make grass silage today...exactly what we are doing here on the farm today.
From there we all wandered down the trail...
...through pastures and woods...where the scent of spring flowers hung in the air...and the birds provided the music.
The trail ended at a viewpoint...overlooking the Fraser Valley and the farms of Matsqui Prairie just across the river. And the mountains...my favorite peaks...were all clearly visible.
Just a short drive away...we stopped by Nielson Park...along the banks of Hatzic Lake. People picnicked and water skied...we watched and then carried on our way.
The actual ferry crossing takes only about five minutes...so we had to be quick with the camera.
The only other river traffic on this bright sunny Sunday...were the tugs pulling logs.
Our trip across was uneventful...and soon we were in Fort Langley...the perfect spot to find a bite to eat and end our tour for this time. 
Yesterday our Rendezvous group went for an outing......on a beautiful sunny October Sunday. We were blown away by the huge collection of vintage items that the Schweigerts have amassed in their retirement. Every barn and out building now houses antiques...and visitors are welcome most anytime...any day! And if they know you are coming...they are quite willing to put on the coffee pot...even bake a pie for you. You will receive a true old-fashioned welcome...and a guided tour.
For the past twenty years they have been collecting 'junk' (their words)...and having a ball doing it. What could be more fun than travelling to prairie auctions and estate sales? They are known to have the biggest collection of antiques in the valley...and probably in the province.
From china, lanterns, and dolls from every decade...
...to radio flyer wagons and pedal cars, cameras, vintage tins, buttons, suitcases....and the list never ends.
An old D8 Cat...the largest piece of equipment used in the construction of the Alaska Highway...was parked outside. They had vintage cars, tractors and equipment...if there is anything old you are looking for, they are sure to have it.
...from a tiny book purchased by one friend...an antique sewing machine by another...
...to some wonderful treasures that will grace my walls as soon as I find the perfect spot! They are about 17-inch brass plaques...part of the Trafford Series featuring Old Masters paintings.