Animo: Ferries and Bridges

A WAY OF LIFE!

Lions Gate Bridge
The pair of lions that greet you at the entrance of
the bridge are said to be named after 'The Lions'
a pair of mountain peaks along the north shore
mountains.

The Lions Gate Bridge is an articulate suspension bridge going from Stanley Park across Burrand Inlet to north and west Vancouver. Lions Gate Bridge has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. It was opened in 1938 during a royal visit to Canada by King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth who presided over the official opening. The bridge spans 5,890 feet and 364 feet in height with three reversible lanes. Usually the middle lane changes direction based on traffic flow and congestion.
I didn't take a photo but another beautiful bridge is the one that we went over that goes to Horseshoe Bay, Lake Sakinaw and Sunshine Coast.
In total Vancouver has 34 bridges, large and small.

Point of Interest: January 2010 British Columbia passed legislation that it is against the law to drive and hold a cell phone. The violation is $167. and if you are texting, it is an additional 3 points off your driving record (license).

The loading operation is pure precision

The BC Ferries operates one of the most sophisticated systems of it's kind in the world. It serves 50 ports along the BC coastline.

There were some marvelous cars in line.

People walk around the decks. The view going to Horseshoe
Bay was stunning.

There was an antique car show on the
weekend on Sunshine Coast and we
got to see all the fantastic cars while
we waited.

The gang is all here, headed back after a weekend at Lake Sakinaw,
except for the ones that didn't make a reservation like Isabel did.

Gorgeous views on the ferry to
Victoria.

We boarded a bus before arriving at the ferry terminal, for the
45 minutes drive to Victoria. They opened the door a
little too early for me - we were at the front - first to drive off.
I have heard those stories before. I think Dick just told me one.

A splendid ship that has a capacity for 2,000 passengers
and 500 cars.

These are big ships with 4 decks

This is a front row seat on the bus. Stand by, pedestrians,
bicycles and motorcycles go first. Almost there!

There they go!! You collect luggage from a carousel , just
like the airport.

You can see three ships and we are on the fourth, going
through the Straits of Georgia between Victoria and
Vancouver, marvelous views.

Meeting Bertha from Vancouver was my favorite part of the
ferry trip. She was returning after visiting her son and family in
Victoria. She filled me in on history and became my tour guide,
pointing out interesting things on the trip. This very sharp lady
lives alone and walks to her grocerer and all the other things
that she needs for daily living. She was planning a bus trip with
a friend in a few days. She was reading a book but said that she
didn't read enough as she spends too much time on the computer.
This absolutely charming lady is 92. She said,
"Dear, it is only a number , you know".

I like this mode of transportation,
it is comfortable and lots of space.

Ferry beside us loading.
It is a fascinating procedure, somewhat like an airport.
the good thing is, you can walk around, shop, eat or
just relax with a book.