A visit to Squamish to see Stella, Garrett and Kat. Feb 28th - March 3rd

Friday morning and out the door just before 8 heading to Squamish. We made a quick stop at Smitty's for breakfast in Nanaimo. BC Ferry food isn't the greatest at any time, so fuelling up before makes sense. 

We planned to eat dinner at our friends Delle and Chris in Squamish. As we sat in the ferry lineup, I started feeling a cold coming on with a scratchy throat and my nose running around the parking lot. I texted Delle and it we decided it would be better for her that we didn't meet up.

When we reached Squamish, we ate lunch at an old favourite, Howe Sound Brewing. Their beer is good, but the food just so so and costly. With more time on our hands, we decided to stop at a few places for Ray to get some pictures. First up, the Marina. 

Next a short drive to Shannon Falls just outside Squamish. The water sure is flowing.

Lots of stairs for Ray's knees!

Shannon Creek is a series of mini falls after the main fall.

Here is a short video of the sound of the crashing falls.

Taking Garrett and Kristi to Shannon Falls a lot of years ago!.

Views of the Stawamus Chief from the parking lot with a kite flyer.

And, a drive by our old house in Valleycliffe before checking into our hotel for the night.

View out our hotel room at the Sandman.

Saturday morning we headed over to Garrett and Kat's for breakfast and spend the day with them. Stella's very happy to see us. Puzzles with Papa.

Storytime.

Showing off her new dress.

Today's adventure is to walk around Alice Lake, just north of Squamish. It'd been years since we've been there. We camped with the kids in our little tent trailer when they were 3 and 4 years old. Now Garrett is turning 44 at the end of the month!

It certainly is cooler there compared to town, with ice still on the lake. There's a little bike park for "littles".

 

There was even 2 swans on the lake, surprisingly they didn't break through the soft ice.

Mt. Garibaldi reflection

Lots of hanging moss (Old Man's Beard) on the trees.

Must be wet here, this moss faces south!

Back in the car to town. Stopped for a donut and coffee. Yumm.

Next up Feather Park on the waterfront. Kat took Stella there before, but Garrett hadn't seen the redevelopment. A great park for kids.

Stella loves a climbing wall. In fact they've mounted one on a wall at home.

View of Shannon Falls from (Eagle) Feather Park.

You guest it, eagle feathers

At great outing, it's a warm 15C outside.

We treated for an early dinner at a local Asian Restaurant near their house. Haru Fusion Cuisine. It's delicious. Even Stella loved the food.

As I'm feeling tough, we dropped them off and headed back to our room at the Sandman.

Sunday morning and I'm feeling worse. The original cold might have came from Stella to Amelia, the weekend before and I caught it from seeing Amelia. Now I'm taking it back full circle to Squamish lol. No one is too worried. Kat made us another delicious breakfast.

Performing for us lol

Stella's always singing, either with the mic or to herself

Doing Stella's hair before going to the gondola.

We visited for awhile, Papa Ray reading etc., and decided to take them to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Garrett and Stella had never been. Our car fit everyone nicely and Stella fits into Amelia's carseat.

Playhouse for kids at the base of gondola.

Up we go! Not as nice today as yesterday, but still a great view.

Looking down at Feather Park.

Climbers taking the trail to the top of the gondola, which includes some rock climbing.

Summit Lodge at the top.

Once we at the top, Ray and crew went on a short trail covered in snow. They weren't planning for that, so their clothing is inappropriate. I stayed in the lodge where it's warm as I didn't want to start coughing. Looks like I chose the right thing as they slipped and slid around the trail without the proper footwear lol Stella went off trail briefly and ended up to her knees in the snow. The trail is well worth it though as you don't get that view from the lodge.

Their townhouse in the middle of subdivision at the middle of the picture

Watch that last step!!!

On Sunday's in the Lodge, they have live music.  I was able to get great seats at a table, so Stella is close to the action. Ray bought us all lunch of the featured prime rib.

After lunch we all went across the suspension bridge. Stella is a little trouper, not scared of anything to do with heights. Dianne would not have liked that bridge, it's quite bouncy. lol

Sky Pilot Mountain. There is a Howe Sound Brewing beer named after it lol

Back down the gondola and to the kids house. After sitting for an hour we decided it's nap time. lol We went back to the hotel and snoozed. I sure needed it, as this cold has knocked me off my feet.

Around 4:30 we went back and Kat served us a light dinner. What a great time playing with Stella. She is quite cuddly and loves her Papa Ray as he plays with her. I can see a battle in the future between Amelia and Stella, as Amelia has never had to share Papa lol. After Stella went to bed, we headed back to our hotel. 

What a lovely visit and it's nice to create new memories with Garrett and family.

Monday morning we headed to the ferry at 9 am and arrived home at 2 pm.