bascule

 

Crossing False Creek in Vancouver.  Built around 1905, but demolished in 1921 after years of filling in the shallow creek for the railway.

Another bascule bridge, this one in Kingston, Ontario.  The Lasalle Causeway was demolished in 2024 after being severely damaged during maintenance and rehabilitation work.  It was in operation for more than a century with a temporary modular bridge in its place that opens for marine traffic.

So ends our theme of bridges for September.  For October, there isn't really a monthly theme - I guess it'll be miscellaneous.

time

 

In November, I posted another postcard of this Gastown Steam Clock for when the time fell back. Yesterday, the time sprang forward, and for most of British Columbians it will be the last time.  They will stay on daylight saving time forever.  This fills me with hope for the rest of us.

though there has been some pushback, with claims that staying on Standard Time would be a better choice, and now, I'm tending to agree with that.

parliament buildings

Not all the legislative buildings have legislative building in their name.  British Columbia's is one of the few that are Parliament Buildings.  Built in 1893-97, in a mouthful of Neo-baroque Renaissance Revival Romanesque Revival style.  The colour  of the stone in the first card is more accurate than the second.

 

Atop this dome is a statue of George Vancouver, though I'm not sure it ever warranted its own postcard.

steamclock

The Gastown Steam Clock was installed in the 1970s to cover up one of the vents of the downtown steam heating system.  The steam powers the winding mechanism, and it plays the Westminster Chimes every hour when tourists flock to catch the puffs of steam.

The clocks did their annual 'fall back' this weekend.  I am still trying to sort out what time it really is.

serpent

 

The Ogopogo lives in Okanagan Lake.  A 25 metre (or more) humped snake like creature with the head of a horse.  Since no one has actually seen the Ogopogo, its description varies.  Some Native peoples regard it as a sacred spirit, with its demonic view coming about from a miscommunication between the Syilix and the early European settlers.  It might be that the serpentine shape of the deep Okanagan Lake fjord has a spirit  form as well as a physical form (as do the mountains).  Or it might the remnants of a dinosaur.   Now, it is a big tourist attraction, with a large plastic statue on the shoreline (perfect for selfies).

wildfires...

closed due to evacuation from Antler Creek wildfire (3km away at the moment)

A landmark, Cottonwood House developed a reputation among travellers as a stopping place of high quality. The barns, fields and Cottonwood River relieved the freight animals of their burden and gave an opportunity to regain their strength. The “hotel” offered fresh wholesome foods as well as a comfortable rest in clean rooms. Both private and dormitory rooms were available and dinner was served in a large dining room. (Barkerville website)

thunderbird

 Thunderbird Dynasty Pole

Carved by Chief Joe Capilano and raised at Prospect Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver in 1936.

ski resort

Blackcombe has a larger vertical drop than Whistler. It is the largest ski resort in North America

once there was a pier

 

English Bay, Vancouver once had a pier, built in 1905, and demolished in 1938

grouse mountain

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada

AT THE TOP OF GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Your Skyride terminates inside the lower level of the top station. This striking building, with its wing-like contraction and numerous huge windows is designed so that you feel suspended out over the magnificent views of Vancouver."

scenery

 

logs

A logging train in British Columbia

An Alberni Valley Train Load

bernard

Kelowna, view looking west along the main downtown street, Bernard Avenue. Angled parking, two wide lanes each way and a centre boulevard of street lights.

 

capri in kelowna

 Capri Motor Hotel

opened in 1958

old school

Static desk seating in this old school house from around 1865

Today is the traditional first day of school in these parts,
though this year there are staggered start days.

I pray that things don't spiral out of control for the young ones.