The Solo Travel Adventures series
28 May 2021. Getting an early start, I set off at about 8 am on a ten-minute walk to the bus stop. I am on my way to the small fishing village of Steveston, a journey that will take over an hour by bus, skytrain, and bus again. I am excited, and happy. I am off on another Solo Travel Adventure.
Don and I have long discussed the possibility, more likely probability, that he will die before me. I’m 71 and very healthy and come from generations of women who have lived very long lives. Don, on the other hand, is almost 79 and has a heart condition. Apart from his heart he’s in remarkably good health, but hearts are kinda important. Also it’s pretty well-documented that women tend to live longer than men. Barring some random unexpected illness or freak accident it is most likely that Don will go before me, so we prepare in whatever small ways we can.
The simplest description of our partnership: Don keeps me grounded, I give him wings.
From 2011 to 2017 we were completely homeless and nomadic as we explored the world. I’d travelled solo in my 20’s and 30’s, but that was a long time ago, and I realized that because of all our nomadic years when we were together 24/7, I’d become so dependent on travelling with Don that I’d forgotten how to do it on my own. I’d lost my confidence, hence feeling so off-kilter the whole time I was alone in Japan. In China it was somewhat easier as I was on a tour and with a group of people, but I never really settled. I never really felt safe the way I do when he’s around. I knew I needed to relearn how to do that, how to feel at home in myself without Don there as an anchor. Most likely one day he will have his own wings, and I won’t have him here to help me stay grounded. I need to relearn how to be without him.
These are the rules for my Solo Travel Adventures:
1. NO help from Don with research or planning, or deciding where to go.
2. Have a day out alone (weekly if possible) as if I’m in a foreign country, which means local transport only, and whatever help I can get from the internet and people along the way.
3. Preferably go somewhere I’ve never been before, or not for a very long time.
So here I am on a bus to Steveston for the day, feeling excited and free. I actually have that same feeling I get when I’m exploring in another country. I’m going on an adventure! I can barely remember the last time I was in Steveston, and it feels like a world away. In a way that I don’t normally do because it’s all so familiar, as I look out the bus window I’m paying attention to everything!
Nearly 150 years old, Steveston, a neighbourhood of the city of Richmond, is a fishing village out on the edge of the Vancouver metro area. It sits on the south arm of the Fraser River on the very southwest edge of Lulu Island.
Finding my way is easy. I suppose in part because the whole city is familiar, and with local transport I know what to look for. All the stations and bus stops are clearly marked, all the bus numbers and destinations are there on the sign at the bus stop. I never did discover how to get a bus on my first trip to Kyoto. I couldn’t figure out what actually indicated a bus stop so I was never sure I was waiting in the right place. Then I’d give up and go get a train even if it meant more walking.
I get off the bus. I know where I want to go. The spot prawns are running and I want to get down to the wharf where you can buy them right off the boats; not that I’m planning on buying any. I ask the bus driver which way and he points down a street. The more I walk, the closer I get, the more the smell of the salt sea fills the air. Seagulls ride the air currents above, screeching, looking for a handout. Bald eagles can be seen here wheeling high up, also looking for a handout. The fishing boats rock gently on the calm the water.
I go straight down to the prawn boats, passing, for now, the shops and restaurants stretched out along the weathered boardwalk.
I’ve been here when it’s a busy vibrant crowded place with many boats, people shopping for the freshest fish you can buy, and long line-ups, but mid-morning on a weekday it’s quiet on the wharf. There’s just one boat with fish for sale
and a couple of boats selling spot prawns.
I chat a bit with one of the fishermen, and he shows me what he’s got. Most of his catch would have been sold to the restaurants at daybreak.
So what’s the big deal about the spot prawns? They are local and ethically caught: traps are of a specific size that can only capture big prawns, and they are only caught after spawning to ensure future supplies. In my brief research of spot prawns I learn, among other things, that immigrant men looking for work have been sold as slaves to work in horrific conditions on prawn farms off the coast of Thailand, and that regular supermarket prawns are treated with about a dozen chemicals including MSG to give them a shelf-life of four years! I know for sure I will never buy prawns from Thailand again.
I love the sense of community down here on the fishermen’s wharf, and the way they decorate their boats: an “Old Salt” on the deck,
and a bright fishy mobile.
I wander the docks. Apart from life-sized dummies and colourful mobiles, boats have their own inherently decorative characteristics – their coiled ropes, reels and pulleys, and bewildering unfamiliar inner workings.
The marina is an extensive rabbit warren of grey weathered boardwalks, boats huddled on either side. After the fishing boats come the leisure and pleasure boats; privately owned sailboats and the bigger cruisers for private fishing trips or whale watching.
Beyond the docks I walk past the old salmon cannery (now a museum) and come to a small beach where a couple of hungry starling chicks are demanding food,
and a dad is playing with his kids.
For a while I watch both, the birds and the people being their uninhibited selves, life unfolding.
I’m on my way to Garry Point Park and the Richmond dykes. I haven’t been to the park or the dykes in probably fifteen years. I remember one time Don and I cycled the dykes, and I remember walking to the park from the village when my sister and brother-in-law visited. It was a blistering hot day and the park was a brown wasteland. Today it is green under a blue sky determined to show itself despite the clouds. Today there are people flying huge kites.
Today there are yellow wild flowers framing the view back to the village.
Today there is a whole field of exuberant lupins.
I walk around the perimeter of the park towards the dyke. Looking at the map I see there’s a shortcut to the West Dyke Trail. The shortcut is a narrow path surrounding me with greenery on both sides. As I make my way through I’m suddenly surprised by this:
It feels like a secret, hidden away from spying eyes. What is this concealed backwater, this slough with its moorage for a small collection of boats? I discover later that it is called Scotch Pond although it’s not a pond at all but a backwater protected by islands from the Salish Sea.
And now I’m on the West Dyke Trail. I’d wanted to bring my sister and brother-in-law here all those years ago. I’d remembered it from that time Don and I went cycling, but after walking from Steveston to the brown wasteland of Garry Point Park on that searing hot summer day we were done and turned back before we got to the dyke. Finally I am back here.
Sea Island (Vancouver Airport), the much larger Lulu Island (Richmond), and several smaller islands, sit in the delta of the Fraser River. The dyke system completely surrounds both Sea Island and Lulu Island. Both are below the high water mark of the river, and without it would be flooded with each high tide. The elevated, wide dykes are an extensive flood protection network that operates in conjunction with drainage structures and pump stations.
The day feels like a warm hug. I walk with quiet joy, a canal and houses on my right,
and on my left, beyond the natural area of Sturgeon Banks, beyond the blue waters of the estuary, are views of the North Shore and Coast Mountains.
Sturgeon Banks: long and narrow, it’s12.5 thousand acres and is a significant part of the Pacific Flyway with 1.4 million birds migrating through annually. It also provides excellent habitat for nesting birds.
The trail is quiet with just a few people out walking. There are buttercups, and yarrow, and bright yellow wild irises in amongst the bullrush.
In places driftwood litters the ground.
Tree swallows come and go.
And then, from a distance I see them. I stare and stare. I’m not sure what I’m looking at. I can tell that they are some kind of cattle, but unlike anything I’ve ever come across before. I wonder if they each have a white blanket on. But that can’t be right. I can’t quite believe what I’m seeing. As I get closer and closer I finally realize what they are; the strangest cows I’ve ever seen. Oreo cows! Brown white brown. Who knew such a thing existed?!
I discover they are Belted Galloways, a breed that originated in Scotland, and are chosen for their rich milk and lean meat. They are owned by Harold and Kathy Steves.
In 1877 Manoah and Martha Steves, for whom the village is named, began farming on Lulu Island. Their farm was passed down to their sons Herbert and Joseph who passed the farm to their sons who passed it to Harold and Kathy who are also helped by their sons Jerry and Rob. Five generations of Steves have been farming this corner of Lulu Island. And the fishing village, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, is named after them.
It’s time to turn around; I feel like I’ve walked for hours. I can’t remember when I last ate and I’m getting hungry. More significantly it’s been a really long time since I had coffee.
I return to the boardwalk.
There are some pretty fancy restaurants on the wharf with patios facing the water. And then there’s Pajo’s, famous as the place to get fish and chips in Steveston.
Pajo’s is actually floating on the water, a bit further along the boardwalk from the fishing boats. I don’t eat there. I so badly need coffee, real coffee, that I walk right by. I get coffee and a sandwich at a cafe on the street. I’m not a foodie, and I don’t eat much anyway. I have instructed myself that I will be more adventurous with food next time I travel! Maybe.
I’m pretty much exhausted. And full. I feel so full. Of everything. It’s been a perfect day and it feels like enough. It’s time to go home. I get the bus back to Richmond and then the train. I know I can get off the train at 49th Avenue and then a bus from there. This is the most direct route home. Instead I’m so weary I just don’t want to move. I decide to sit on the train all the way to Waterfront. I know it’s taking me a long way out of my way, but I can change trains there and head back in the right direction.
It feels good to just sit. Until we’re stopped in a station and suddenly there is a cop at my shoulder saying I have to get off the train with him because I’ve been accused of “waving my sticks around and making racist remarks”. It’s a deeply upsetting ending to an otherwise joyous day. You can read more about it here. At the time masks were mandatory on all public transport in Vancouver and I’d yelled at a guy on the train to put his mask on. It’s something I would never ever do in a foreign country. I broke my own rules. Every time I’m out without Don I learn something new 😜
Steveston Village and the Richmond dykes are among the Vancouver area’s unique and special places. Despite the disturbing end to my day I’m glad I went. Steveston, and all of Lulu Island, is on the unceded land of the Coast Salish peoples.
Next post: a solo travel day to Bowen Island.
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2021.
I love what you’re doing for your solo trips! You’re right that you can get dependent on a person for trips, so it’s quite the feeling to go out and do it yourself. I saw this documentary on prawns and tbh I
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Whoops! I accidentally hit Enter! I meant to say I saw a documentary about prawns and even though I love them, it’s really hard to find them ethically and sustainably sourced in general. They said sometimes it’s mislabelled too in terms of location
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Thanks winterose. It’s feeling really good to be able to go out alone, and not be so dependent. I do love that we have ethically caught prawns right here. It’s pretty impossible to get them from a regular supermarket. The ones we’ve been buying are labelled from India – but from what you’ve said I no longer believe it 🙁
Alison
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I wish I could remember that name of the documentary. I saw it in England. I think the BBC showed it. They made it focused on the prawn products you could get in England. After that, my family stopped getting them, which was a real shame. I do love prawns!
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Me too.
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Wonderful post. Reminds me to get back there to the Steveston area. It’s been a long while for me too. Maybe I’ll use this post as my tour guide next time! 🙂
So sorry, though, about the train thing…. seems like you’re now in some kind of watch-for list among the local authorities? Sheesh.
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Thinking about it… I thought your cop event on the train described here was another instance of being stopped, following upon the first one your posted about in July. Thus my comment about the watch-list. But now I see that this post is describing May events, while the other doesn’t have a date on it other than the date posted. While it’s a bit unclear about dates, on second thought I doubt very much you are on a watch list, to be approached by transit cops going forward.
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Thanks so much Kate. I’d forgotten how lovely Steveston is. Definitely worth a visit.
Yes, the cop incident only happened once (thank goodness!). I have now dated the previous article. I’ve not heard a thing from them since it happened (now 2.5 months ago) and hopefully never will. BTW it was not transit cops it was VPD!
Alison
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You have made me so homesick. I spent many happy hours in Steveston the 25 years we lived in the Vancouver area. We took our grandsons to Pajos and they loved it. I agree, it is important for us as women to do solo trips. I am soon off to Scotland to a writer’s retreat, on my own. Travelling is complicated right now, but I am willing to venture out.
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Awwwww sorry Darlene. Steveston’s such a sweet place it was a no-brainer to put it on the “solo travel days” list. Sunshine Coast sometime this summer too. Have also been to Bowen Island. It’s a fun project.
Ooooh have fun in Scotland! I’ve never been there and would love to one day. Stay safe.
Alison
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Yes I also love your solo trips … it’s a delightful place I also enjoyed Steveston…next time I’d like to see inside the cannery…big hugs from the flat land 😂👣👣👣hedy❣️
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The solo trips are proving to be really fun, and I’m for sure regaining my confidence.
One of these days I’ll get inside the cannery museum. And I’d love to meet the Steves. I’m a bit blown away by some quiet folk who start a small farm and end up having a village named after them. And then the village becomes a big tourist attraction. And there they are, still quietly farming. I love their cows.
Hugs back 💕
Alison
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A glorious outing. Sorry about the ending, but a valuable lesson learned.
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Thanks so much Peggy. It was a wonderful outing. And yes, lesson learned!
Alison
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Gosh Alison there is so much beauty here. What really got us excited was first and foremost those cows with the white stripe in their middle. We have never seen anything like that. Pretty unique! We also noticed their very cute and cool hairdos. Also enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the mountains, the canal and of course the amazing field of lupines! Your photographs are so painterly in this post.
I think it is very true that some of our skills atrophy as we navigate life together as a couple, such as Ben and I do, and you and Don do. So I totally get what you are saying about wanting to ensure that you have the fine tuned skill set to be independent and do things solo. I find this very insightful. Looks like you had a really good first outing on your own.
We appreciate the eco mindfulness in selecting shrimp sizes and timing the catch. Wouldn’t it be nice if this kind of mindfulness applied to fishing in more habitats around the globe, as well!
Peta
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Thanks so much Peta. There is so much beauty here. We are very lucky.
I was pretty amazed by those cows. I too had never seen anything like them. I read of them described as Oreo cows and then I googled Oreo cows and sure enough loads of links and images came up, so they seem to be quite well-known.
And yes, the lupins. I was amazed by them too. They grow wild here. Way north of Steveston in Vancouver there are also fields of lupins. A long time ago I would bike there and lay down in them and fall asleep. No better place for a siesta really.
I’m finding it incredibly useful to go out on my own, and regain my confidence, even if it is in pretty familiar surroundings. I’m aware that things get more difficult when there are language issues, but there are a whole heap of countries where English is the official language, if not the first language, quite a few of which I’ve never been to. (if we ever get to travel again – though obviously you guys are finding a way to do so.) This was actually my second solo outing and I’ve since done 2 more – posts to come on those.
I’d love to see more mindfulness applied to fishing. And a whole lot of other industries!
Alison
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I really appreciate your courage to travel solo. I only started visiting an overseas country alone two years ago and it just widened my horizons. The journey was more fascinating and fun than I imagined. There’s always a lot to offer outside if we decide to take the plunge and step out of our comfort zone.
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Thank you so much Bauhinia. I think you too have been courageous in doing your studies in the UK – a huge change and challenge for you I’m sure. I agree there is so much offered if we are willing to step out of our comfort zone.
Alison
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Beautifully written, sounds like a lovely day of exploration!
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Thank you so much Diana. It was a very sweet day.
Alison
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Alison I think it is a brilliant and practical idea of practicing to be a solo traveler. I remember from your posts in Japan how much you missed having Don with you. your example is one I need to reflect on. I have done road trips on the prairies on my own but not any foreign travel.
I enjoyed the tour and your fabulous photos. I prefer your title of the Oreo cows to Belted Galloways. Would it be too much to ask that they provide alternating chocolate and white milk? 🙂
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Thanks so much Sue. I was really aware in Japan of how much I missed Don, and how vulnerable I felt without him. Even though that was three years ago now I’m sure it was in the back of my mind when I came up with this idea to practice as much as I could here. To take charge and do it myself instead of relying on him.
I confess I read about Oreo cows. I wish I’d come up with the name myself, but alas no. But, if you google Oreo cows you’ll find it a well-known term for these animals.
Chuckle, I love your idea of chocolate and white milk 😂
Alison
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You start this post with a sobering thought about the future and the reason why you start relearning to travel solo again. I admire you and Don for having that conversation — not easy but necessary, I can imagine. I love how the weather was mostly nice and sunny when you went to Steveston, and the entire walk sounds like a very satisfying one. Those lupins look so pretty!
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Don and I periodically talk about death, his, and mine. I suppose one does when one gets older. There’s no longer any pretending that all the years stretch before us, though I do believe we’re both good for a few more years yet.
It was a really lovely walk, and yes, the weather was good, and improved as the day went on – always a bonus.
Lupins grow wild here – I always look out for them in the spring but I was not expecting such a huge beautiful field of them in Garry Point Park – a lovely surprise.
Alison
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So sorry to hear about your dad Bama. It’s never easy to lose a parent 😦 My condolences. 💐 🙏
Alison
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Thank you, Alison. One thing that makes me feel better is that he’s no longer in pain. It was so heartbreaking to see him suffer for months.
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That must have been difficult for all of you. 💕🙏
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Some may say you’re being morbid and pessimistic to speak of his death and prepare for it, but you’re really being admirably practical. I could feel that thrill of being solo on public transport. I’d say North American public transport is just as colorful as anywhere. Looks like you had a glorious day, despite the ending.
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Thanks Julie. We don’t find it morbid at all. It’s practical of course, but it’s something more than that, a growing recognition that death is part of life, that no one gets out of here alive. It doesn’t mean I won’t be devastated, and grieve, but I guess we’re both done with pretending that there’s no endgame. I still don’t feel as if I’ve expressed it well, but it’s the best I can do. We don’t dwell on it, Don’s death, or mine, at all, but neither do we shy away from the inevitable reality of it. Gosh, now I’ve written you a novel about it 😂
It was a glorious day, a sweet freedom, an exploration that had me filled with wonder, even in a place I’m fairly familiar with. Fun!
Alison
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I always enjoy a bunch of lupins, and belted cattle are pretty amusing, too! (My fave photo was probably the rope, though.) Looks like it was a fulfilling and enjoyable solo day!
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It was a really sweet day, despite the ending. The boats were great, but yes, the lupins, and the belted cows were among the highlights. And the rope photo is definitely one of my faves too.
Alison
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You captured so many wonderful views and interesting new things. Thanks for sharing your solo travels. Not sure I would have the courage in a country with a language I’m not familiar with and a different set of polite customs. You are a true explorer.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much Eileen, my pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
For sure it adds another layer when you’re not familiar with the language or customs, but people are usually so kind and helpful that I can usually find my way.
I guess I like a challenge 😂
Alison
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This post gave me tearful eyes. I understand you preparing for loss, but still, my gosh… Anyway, I’m happy you found freedom and food 🙂
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Awwww sorry I made you tear up TSMS. 😢
I guess we’re old enough to be pretty realistic about it now, not that that’s going to make it any easier.
Anyway I had a lovely day, and these days out alone are a sweet way to kinda prepare just in case.
Alison
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I’m often a solo traveler. You had such a full day, with great photos and stories. Hope it bolstered your confidence about traveling alone. (See, we came along with you, after the fact!) My husband died many years ago and was not much of a traveler, and I struck out on my own after. I would never have thought about practicing being out in the world without him. One never knows what the future will hold!
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Thanks Ruth. I really enjoyed my day in Steveston. Such a pretty place. Thanks for coming along 😄
I’ve definitely regained my confidence. I’ve done 5 solo days so far and am looking for something a bit more challenging now, though that may have to wait until I can leave Canada again. It really came about because Don and I did nearly 6 years nomadic and were together 24/7 for that entire time. There was so much that he took care of that I didn’t even have to think about, and then I got to Japan solo a couple of years ago and realized that I was lost without him. I’d forgotten how to do it alone and knew I needed to relearn how.
I too will head out alone if Don does indeed go before me. Assuming the world situation allows it of course.
Alison
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It is a little daunting to think about wandering alone abroad again after all this time in place, and the progression of the virus. Glad you are feeling more comfortable these days.
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Alison, as others have commented before, it feels like you brought all of us along on your day out in Steveston. You have such an eye for capturing the finer details of nature; the close-up of the lupin and those perfectly timed wildlife shots stand out (the helpless starling chicks are just precious). And I liked how you interspersed your experience with historical tidbits and facts. I had no idea the airport and all of Richmond were below the high water mark of the Fraser River – so many people would be in trouble if those dykes didn’t exist. Just imagine being on a 12-hour flight from Asia only to diverted somewhere else because the runways were flooded!
It’s heartening to read that you’ve regained the confidence to travel solo after feeling a little “lost” without Don. Too many people are in denial about our inherent mortality as human beings. Not long after Bama’s father passed earlier this year, Bama and I decided we’d take his mom on a holiday to Hong Kong after the pandemic ends. Bama told me his dad had always wanted to go but never really spoke up about it… so we thought the trip would give his mom something to look forward to while fulfilling the wish of her late husband.
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Thanks so much James. I love being in nature, in natural settings, so I’m always looking at all the details. I was so surprised, and delighted, by the starling chicks. I guess it’s unusual to see chicks that are still being fed not in the nest. And as I watched them it was clear they couldn’t really fly yet. Anyway I hope they do well!
Surprised and delighted also by the lupins, and the swallow that posed so nicely for me.
One of the things I love about doing this blog is that I learn so much about the places I visit. I too had no idea about Sea and Lulu Islands being lower that the high water mark tho I knew about the dykes. I hope they hold! (Though I bet they’re inspected pretty thoroughly on a regular basis since so much depends on their structural integrity.)
I know if Don does go before me I’ll be pretty devastated, but I also know that life goes on as long as you’re alive and I want to make it as easy as possible in the midst of my devastation. I was really quite thrown by how unsettled I was in Japan and China without him so I want to be able to do better. I’ve had 5 solo days now, and am looking for bigger challenges. Perhaps I’ll climb Grouse next, or a trip to the sunshine coast.
How lovely to take Bama’s mom to Hong Kong – what a perfect memorial for her husband. (I bet he’ll be floating along with you all 🙂 )
Alison
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Water and woods are my two happy places in nature – I love being by a canal or coast or island! Islands especially are so interesting – they feel separate from the “real world” in a way that’s quite enchanting. You’re getting quite good at the solo trips! 😉
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Thanks so much Felicity. I’m loving the solo trips.
I too love to be by the water, and Steveston was perfect for that.
Next post is about an island – only a 20 min ferry ride from Vancouver, but truly a world away.
Alison
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A wonderful solo adventure, Alison, although, I did get a little sad when you were discussing Don, but your realistic attitude is a good one for the future. We just don’t know, do we? Love your vibrant images of your day. The boats and landscapes along with your nature close-ups make for a delightful photo essay. The cow is also known as “an Oreo Cow”. Not as technical but an accurate one. 🙂
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Thanks so much Jane. You’re right – we just don’t know, and when Don and I discuss the future we rarely get sad. I guess because we’re not really feeling into it, but just having a rational conversation about it. The couple of times I’ve dropped into feelings I could hardly breathe. Still, l’ll find a way to deal and these trips are helping me prepare. I always imagine that if he does go first I’ll just pack everything away and take off with a small backpack (world situation permitting of course).
I did mention that they’re oreo cows. Such a clever name. I’d read in one place about them being called that and then, not wanting to just steal it I googled it to discover it really is a thing! Such a perfect name.
Alison
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I love that you deal with it rationally rather being overcome by emotions (which will surely happen) But being more prepared is an empowering feeling in all aspects of life. Funny about Oreos…I might have missed your reference. Perfect. 🙂
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What a bitter-sweet post! I know how you feel. My husband has been my travel companion since we got married, many years ago. There are times that we’ve both done short trips for various reasons on our own and it is so different. Great to just think about yourself even if only for a couple of hours but wanting to share what you’ve seen. I think the older we get the more we realise how short life is. Steveston fishing village and the Richmond dykes looks like a lovely place to explore on your own or as a couple. Great writing! Loved this post, as usual.
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Thanks so much Alma. I had such a lovely day. I’d not been to Steveston for years so I enjoyed seeing it again, with completely my own agenda.
I do love the freedom of travelling alone, of not having to negotiate at all about where to go or what to do, but losing that is a very small price to pay for such loving and easy companionship, and someone to share the “burden” if things go wrong.
Yes, the older we get the more we realize how short life is, and that it really will end one day! Not something we tend to think about when we’re younger, especially if we’re lucky, as I have been, to have not had any tragedy touch us.
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Alison
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Solo endeavours are so important to my growth and well-being. While I love the companionship I get with Mike and others, I see/explore places very differently when I’m on my own. Good for you for making this a priority. I was sorry to read though that your unfortunate train incident happened on that day. I can well imagine how it tainted your beautiful experience in Steveston.
I love exploring Steveston, and the “oreo” cows, among other things, always make me smile. This summer, for the first time, we cycled on Sea Island to Iona Beach. It’s beautiful and peaceful and I couldn’t believe we were right next to a large airport.
Great photos!
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I too see and explore differently when I’m on my own. It is really precious for many reasons. I’m glad to be remembering how to do it, getting my confidence back. I think I had let myself become far too dependent.
Steveston was lovely, even if the ending of that day was not! That was such a shock, but I’m ok now.
We’ve been to Iona Beach once, but have not cycled the Sea Island Dykes. We were there for sunset – beautiful.
Alison
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Hello Alison & Don
I always love to see your post, Which is Informative and Beautiful Pictures.
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Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Alison
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Well, I’m totally behind once more, sorry. But I wanted you to know that I enjoyed this – there are so many images I can’t choose one – but I know how exciting it is to hang around places like this with a camera. I do love the huge ropes, the equipment in general… And you made gorgeous photos with those lupines! And the spot prawn…
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Thanks so much Lynn. It really was fun – so many interesting bits to photograph. And the lupines were a wonderful surprise. As were the cows!
Alison
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I love that you are traveling along! It does take some time to get used to but I find it forces you out of your comfort zone. I have traveled along quite a lot in the past ten years. I usually call my “alone travel” however when I go somewhere and connect with some kind of group. I haven’t gone anywhere completely alone for awhile. I do enjoy this kind of travel. Sounds like a fun day for you! 🙂
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Thanks so much Nicole. I’m so glad I’ve been doing these days – it really does force you out of your comfort zone, which is exactly what I needed. I look forward to travelling alone once we can travel again – probably a mix of independent travel and being with a group.
I was a very fun day.
Alison
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Amazing post. So poignant at the start and brave and also beautiful. I love Oreo cows by the way! Saw them in New Jersey my first time. An ex boss drove me to see them. 🤣 beautiful journey you made here in so many ways.
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Thanks so much Heather. I loved this day – except for the ending it was so peaceful. And the Oreo cows sure were a surprise!
Alison
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