THE VANLIFE DIARIES: ENTRY 30, VAN-Couver

8/18/2021

Vancouver, BC (Reworked for Adventure Pickle 08.27.21/ Original Entry 07.30.18)— And for the first time on this road trip, it feels like a vacation. We take each morning as it comes, without plan or structure. We discover an area along the Spanish Banks right outside Vancouver with no overnight towing signs and agree to park it the next couple days.

BY: ALLIE BYNUM

3 days in Canada

Day 1

I open the van doors to let the dogs out for a walk the first morning. Trotting down by the ocean, the tide fades off for miles into the distance. We venture off into ankle-deep water, allowing us to squish our toes in the sand with each step.

I strap Olin into her pack and put her on my shoulders, as we set out to hike across the low tide. It's like nothing I have ever experienced. Just the day before, we had discovered purple starfish in Bellingham and now here we are in British Columbia. We walk about a half mile out into the ocean to where the land stops and the sea resumes. It feels like we are close enough to reach out and touch the giant barges in the deeper waters in front of us. We trek through seaweed, as the dogs frolic back and forth in the Great Pacific.

Evening approaches. Olin's father and I practice learning to walk with her, holding her soft tiny hands and taking one step at a time along the sandy shores. I embrace heartwarming views of the big bright, pink sun as it sets across the vast sky ahead. In this moment, we have nowhere else in the world to be, and I feel completely free.

DAY 2

Attracted to the low tide once more, we hike out at dawn to a large sandbank and take a family swim. Splashing and playing together, we aren't sunk with worries of the future- yet afloat and alive with giddy energy. The dogs spend hours running and playing in the water and sand. As the afternoon approaches, we decide to explore Vancouver... by bike.

We ride for miles along hilly paths throughout town, exploring what each block of the city has to offer and towing Olin behind her Burley Design Trailer. In Vancouver, bikes are valued equally to cars. There are designated paths throughout the whole city where we ride safely, as cars wave us on. It has a very San Diego-esque feel to it. Everyone is outside at all hours of the day, all ages, all types. The energy of this place feels optimistic and multiplied in every direction. We find a store to buy fairly priced groceries and stop for a quick snack.

I like it here and am looking forward to falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing along the Spanish Banks tonight. Olin is cracking up, and the dogs are tired.

DAY 3

Canada is magical. We contemplate driving further north and are reminded of the reality of our frugal budget. After a goodbye cruise around the seaport city, we tip our hats and head south to the homeland.