Monday, June 11, 2012

VanDusen Botanical Garden


Noni and I went to Vancouver to eat Dim Sum and then for a walk around VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Reading some information – What is a botanical garden? Botanical gardens, unlike parks and display gardens, are living museums. Their plant collections are scientifically organized, carefully documented and labelled. Although this particular garden tradition originated in Renaissance Italy over four hundred years ago, many cultures worldwide have created plant collections of aesthetic and practical value. Today's botanical gardens collect plants and support research, conservation and public education.
At VanDusen the mission is to enhance awareness and appreciate of the plant kingdom and its interdependence with all living things. This site was originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and logged at the turn of the century. In 1966 the VanDusen Botanical Gardens Association was formed to ensure the site was not developed for housing the land was purchased from the railway. Work began on the Garden in 1971 and was open to the public in August of 1975.
So June 2012 - Noni and I walk around the 55 acre (22 hectare) looking at over 7,500 kinds of plants. It was more like a hobble as we are still recovering from our excursion up the Chief Saturday. I parked the car in the shade under a huge tree – opened the windows – gave Dalhouise a cup of ice water. I was hoping he could walk around with us but no dogs allowed.
I enjoyed my self – and would return here again in a different season to see the changes. I was following the sound of quacking when two little coyotes pups ran across my path. I tried to take a picture but was not fast enough. Walking through the garden – this is a good way to relieve some of the stress I am still feeling from last week, that was harder than most. 

 A full stomach after eating at our favorite restaurant in Vancouver - a walk in the Park with the sun shinning what a good way to end a three day weekend. And this was a full weekend with Noni and I hiking the Chief – Noni going to a bridal shower – Church and then Today's excursion. Must not forget that it was also Dalhouise birthday on Sunday.
 
When we came home my body was feeling tired and sore. I thought I was recovering well from the Chief hike but now my body is in pain and totally exhausted. I go to bed and have a deep sleep-  nap for a couple of hours. It was so hard to get up but I did not want to sleep all night from 3 o’clock on. Feeling it now – tomorrow is delivery day and it is quite large and then the next day we have over 100 people coming. What have I done?






 












Sunday, June 10, 2012

The Chief






Hiking the Chief


The Chief.
This huge rock stands boldly into the sky over looking the town of Squamish, casting it's shadow over all. For four years I have eyed it and put off any attempt to climb it. At first I waited for Noni to come to Canada so we can do it together. After spending time with Noni on easier trails I think this is too hard for her. I have been told since I first moved to Squamish from certain people that it is too difficult for me because of my injuries from the car accident. There are huge wooden steps – rocks to step on – steep ladders to climb and chains to assist you going up and down the Rock. I am determined that I want to climb this rock – you can not live in Squamish and ignore the main attraction.
So on 9 June 012 at 10:45 local time Noni and I are taking our first steps on the flat part of the trail leading to the Peak trails. Approximately around 1 we are reaching the South Peak Summit. (Peak # 1) There are three Peaks to climb. I am so wet with perspiration so while sitting on the top I become quite chilled and uncomfortable. We try to sit out of the wind in the sun but still the discomfort remains. We eat our muffins and drink ice tea, but all I am thinking is I want to head back down – I'm cold.
Climbing up on huge rocks designed as steps – steep wooden stairs always on the upward direction with this nagging thought in the back of my mind – I must go down the same way I came up. Going down is always more difficult for me since the accident. This is a fact of life for me now. Before I began this hike I took one of my extra strength naproxen prescribe meds. (Took another when I arrived home.) But I was determined that I would at least hike the Chief at least once and so it is accomplished.
I am so proud of Noni – I see her tackle the ladders and the chains with such confidence. Dalhouise was left in the condo – he could had came too as several people had brought their dogs including a St. Barnard. I do not know how it got up the ladder sections or chain parts. I met one lady at the ladder with her little dog in her arms as she climbed up. Dalhouise is 10 years old today 10 June so he is getting a little old to be acting like a young dog and besides I was concern about my own ability to reach the first peak.
Was it worth it? Definitely. Would I do it again? Yes but not this week.
To climb the second largest Rock in the world – the first being The Rock of Gibraltar. The scenery was amazing as the day was sunny. Next time think I would attempt to reach Peak 2.
Region:Howe Sound
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 6 hours
Distance: 11km
Elevation Gain: 600 meters 
















Sunday, June 3, 2012

KP Yohannan


I have read his books Revolution in World Missions and Against the Wind and so when I heard he was speaking at Willingdon Church I wanted to go hear him.  After the hike around the Four Lake's Noni and I headed off to Burnaby.
He spoke on 1John 2:6 "whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." Simple statement. What does it mean? What does it involve? He made a statement that the North American Christian Religion often entertains and informs the believer and that is all. Many people are going to be sent to Hell because they are going to hear from Jesus "I never knew you"  So getting to the point he said read the four gospels and learn how Jesus lived and compare our life to his.
Conclusion 
1. We can not know Jesus without spending time with him - Read scripture, pray, fast.
2. Look at our life styles - are we self centered - materialist - living in comfort
3.  Do we pray - seek ways to serve Christ - serve in the church - tell others the gospel?
4. Do we pray for those serving Christ - do we help others who are serving - are we willing to do what ever Christ tells us to do, give, go.

K.P. Yohannan

Gospel for Asia Founder & President
Dr. K.P. Yohannan has been crisscrossing the globe for the last 40 years, challenging the body of Christ to discipleship. His call to a radical lifestyle—with an all-out commitment to Jesus—has left its impact on nearly every continent. To the Church caught up by the tidal waves of compromise and self-preservation, Yohannan's life message is as fresh as today's podcast yet as timeless as the scriptural mandate itself.
Yohannan is the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia, a Christian mission organization that has brought the Good News of Christ to millions in South Asia over the last three decades.
Born in India, Dr. Yohannan, at the age of 16, responded to the Lord's call to serve Him in North India. In 1974, he came to the United States, where he received his theological training and pastored a church for four years.
The Lord reminded Yohannan of the countless millions in Asia still waiting to learn of His love for them. In response, he resigned his pastorate, and he and his wife, Gisela, started what is known today as Gospel for Asia. Today, the ministry supports thousands of national workers and vibrant congregations throughout South Asia. Additionally, Gospel for Asia's Bridge of Hope program cares for tens of thousands of children, helping them break out of the generational curses of poverty and hopelessness.

Four Lake Trail


Hiking the Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Provincial Park
The Four Lakes Trail is 6 km in length and takes a circuitous route past all four lakes. The trail takes you through Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar and other coniferous and deciduous trees. Some of the birds that can be seen are warblers, Steller Jays, Chickadees and Robins. Small animals such as raccoons, squirrels and chipmunks inhabit the forest and are more apt to be seen by visitors. A few box turtles have been spotted sunning themselves on logs at Alice Lake and Stump Lake. It is best to park your car in the far end of Alice Lake parking lot and walk back along the road to the yellow gate where camping begins. The reason being - the trail is easier to travel, increasing at a gradual elevation instead of a steep climb if you should start the trail at the south parking lot.










Friday, June 1, 2012

Salmon Berry








I do believe these are Salmon Berries. Just like the bears I am waiting for the fullness of the season to enjoy. In the meantime  look at the delicacy and details of the leaves and the berries