A good day starts with uninterrupted sleep. Next comes the unhurried sipping of coffee. And thirdly, maybe some editing to kickstart the day.
Drawing away the blinds revealed reveal blue skies, bountiful fluffy clouds, and the distant beauty of mountains - a bona fide BC backdrop.
River Road at No. 2 Rd Bridge Lookout Point (49.174108, -123.158823)
The weather was splendid - ideal for my planned bike return trip. Gearing up in cycling attire inclusive of a hi-vis top and padded bottoms, I set out to complete the L-shaped route to Steveston, edged by the Fraser River.
No. 1 Rd North Drainage Pump Station Lookout Point (49.174197, -123.181108)
Admittedly, the path was of a greater difficulty level than anticipated. With the north side of the River Road trail being mostly gravel, it wasn't the smoothest of rides, but the view was spectacular nonetheless. Tree cover was minimal; with ample sunshine flooding the skies, I began to feel the blaze of the sun on my arms, especially as breezes subsided.
The River Road trail transitioned to the West Dyke Trail at Terra Nova, the northwest tip of Richmond. Despite desires to undertake the detour, I decided against cycling through the Rural Park. At peak afternoon hours, the park had filled with young families and children, filling the play area to capacity.
Rounding the corner southbound, I discovered the waters to be calmer. Wooden structures had been placed along the water's edge. I later learned of these to be called "dykes", an uncommon form of flood control defense - or, uncommon as far as Ontarian knowledge extends anyway.
West Dyke Trail at Blundell Rd (49.155338, -123.196056) - 1/2
West Dyke Trail at Blundell Rd (49.155338, -123.196056) - 2/2
Nearing Steveston, I spotted quite a number of quaint, little residences. They had been constructed around private fountains and entailed gates and overpasses to cross over to the West Dyke trail and its viewing benches.
At long last, nearly one hour later, I would reach Garry Point Park in Steveston. The journey had required far lengthier a period than the likes of Ontario's unpaved paths. Despite being mostly flat and walk-able, loose chunks of gravel had introduced tremendous friction.
Steveston Harbour - Fishing Forever (49.126291, -123.190400)
To traverse 10 kilometres in BC somehow took over an hour, yet the same amount of time would have enabled me upwards of 23 kilometres back home. Evidently, everything in the province was just slow, from healthcare to transit to cycling.
Nevertheless, I was ecstatic to have had the opportunity to travelling further along the route this time, as opposed to running.
Nevertheless, I was ecstatic to have had the opportunity to travelling further along the route this time, as opposed to running.
The bike was rightfully returned to its owner, tune-up included following my tragic tumble.
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We then set out for errands in the city. My virtual dance buddy proceeded to accompany me on pre-departure expeditions of Singapore Pork and Beef Jerky acquisition from Mei Jan Hong and a non-alcoholic Chuuhai from Oomomo. The later was decent, but not particularly memorable; Asahi Zero was the indisputable winner.
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My proposal to explore the new T&T at Lansdowne was also regarded without resistance. There, we found frozen pork shabu shabu strips, frozen vegetable medley, and frozen asparagus spears - items that would supplement my iron intake in the days to come.
Within the recently furnished supermarket was a hair salon and Xin Fu Tang kiosk (apparently not the only one in Richmond?!). One look at its menu had me shuddering at its prices. I turned away, opting to channel my efforts towards locating a recycling bin by the self-scan machines (there weren't any) and later by the Best Buy (huzzah!)
Within the recently furnished supermarket was a hair salon and Xin Fu Tang kiosk (apparently not the only one in Richmond?!). One look at its menu had me shuddering at its prices. I turned away, opting to channel my efforts towards locating a recycling bin by the self-scan machines (there weren't any) and later by the Best Buy (huzzah!)
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I was graciously extended a helping hand for my weighty grocery purchases. Then, we took to Sun Tea to quench our thirst.
In the meantime, an out-of-town couple had reached out to me to inquire of dinner availability. I agreed, then quickly hurried to our next stops.
In the meantime, an out-of-town couple had reached out to me to inquire of dinner availability. I agreed, then quickly hurried to our next stops.
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With the bubble tea shop being painstakingly slow, I proposed a solo venture to BC Liquor in consideration of time.
Lining its shelves were none of LCBO's typical assortment - reasonable, given that Ontario Craft Beer ought be exclusive to its province of origin. Single cans were not sold here, thus I obtained a six-pack of Stanley Park minis and a Stiegl Lemon Radler. Soju, unlike back home, was stocked generously, encompassing large format bottles, unflavoured verities, and brand choices of Chum Churum and Good Day.
BC Liquour requested two pieces of ID at checkout - an oddity and a first for me. Alcoholic purchases were subject to 5% GST, a 10% alcohol tax, and a container deposit (10 cents each).
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Parting ways with my virtual dance buddy, I would cruise home comfortably in the rental car of a fellow Ontarian (and former Mississaugan!). Quickly organizing my purchases, I would hurry back outside for last-minute dinner plans.
South Silk Road, a Chinese eatery that the Thai ahgase and I strode by multiple times during our stay at the Executive, had been the choice of the evening. Parking was limited beyond a residential underground garage, thus paid street parking emerged as the most viable option.
South Silk Road, a Chinese eatery that the Thai ahgase and I strode by multiple times during our stay at the Executive, had been the choice of the evening. Parking was limited beyond a residential underground garage, thus paid street parking emerged as the most viable option.
Rarely do I take up an interest in traditional Chinese cuisine. More often than not, such outings are imposed upon me for family gatherings or Chinese-style weddings, and never willingly for the sake of friend hangouts.
Dishes varying in spice level had been selected, leaving me to nibble away at the steamed wrappers in the absence of tolerable sustenance.
Dishes varying in spice level had been selected, leaving me to nibble away at the steamed wrappers in the absence of tolerable sustenance.
As the third dish reared its chili-speckled appearance, I was urged to order a dish for my own consumption. The safest alternative was the Pork and Chive dumplings, which proved average with thick wrappers representative of northern Chinese cuisine.
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I minded it minimally though, for the highlight of the meal was catching up with friends that I hadn't been able to meet back home. Amusing it was that the schedules of three out-of-towners had finally aligned, in Vancouver no less.
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Vacancies in appetite were satisfied later on upon returning home with fruit and a Park Sesh Lager by Stanley Park Brewing.
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