Sunday at the Market

(Granville Island Market, Vancouver, BC)

Last week we went to a place where they were selling fish and shrimps directly "off" the docks. Today we had brunch at a waterfront restaurant and strolled the market looking at all the varieties of food available . For those that have never visited Vancouver will not know that Vancouver is on a peninsula surrounded my water on 3 sides. Most often you will need to travel over a bridge to arrive into the downtown area. Granville Island, is of course an island, in False Creek nearly directly beneath the Granville Street Bridge



False Creek is actually an inlet and we have a passenger ferry system which can transport you along many stops as far east as Science World. The most populace areas of the city are located in Kitsilano and the West End, and they are just a short ferry ride over to the other side.



There is a very large public market and public pier on the Island. Whilst it is not summer there are fewer people out exploring, but many are enjoying a day without rain or enjoying some food and beverage from a multitude of fast food vendors scattered around the area. You have a choice of foods from around the world; greek, oriental, japanese, thai to name a few, or the good old standby of burger and fries.



These docks are for those who arrive by water. Rather empty this time of year. If you look through the bridge you will see the former site of Expo 1986, which is now bustling with new development and condominiums. There is a walking & bicycle path around the whole inlet which will take you from the West End (and English Bay) to nearly the University of British Columbia campus on the far Western region of the city.



Last week we were able to purchase directly off the pier. Today the fish are laid out in rows of ice tempting you to make a purchase.



There are several fish vendors in the market. Actually there are vendors for nearly every possible combination of foods. You will be able to find food from anywhere around the world. Or even organic vegetables if that is your desire


(Organic tomatoes)


(deli food)


(eat dessert first)

I think it would be a good idea to eat first before you wander the isles as there is just too many things to buy. Everything looks delicious



Then there is the bakery



and if you wander over to the other side you will see this



and here is a place which only sells pies. You can buy a piece to have now, or a whole pie to take home. They also sell completely finished pies ready for the oven so you could take it home and bring home the freshly baked oven smells of fine home baking.



There are several bakeries to choose from, each specializing in their own signature dishes



This is a one stop shopping destination. Vegetables, fruits, baked goods, herbs, you name it and you will surely find what you are looking for. Granville island is a collection of buildings, clothes, outdoor wear, handicrafts, brewery, Arts club, it's hard to imagine what they don't sell here.



If you are not of the adventurous sort, and you only want carrots or potatoes, they have those too



Granville Island, an oasis in the middle of False Creek. An Island like no other. Be sure to visit when you come to Vancouver

Fish, Shrimp & Water

Fall is definitely in the air. Nearly bearable in the sun but chilly in the shade. This time of year you find yourself bundled in fleece and jackets to keep yourself warm(er). It was Sunday (family day), a time to go out in the car, have brunch somewhere and spend the afternoon either buying supplies, heading out for a ride, run a few errands, or visit friends . We hadn't been to Steveston in a while and when we arrived on the pier we noticed that the water levels were very high.



It was much busier than the last time we were here. This is a government wharf and there were lots of fishing boats docked with their owners attempting to sell their catch



There were many varieties of fish local to our BC waters caught on our northern coast . We came late in the day in the early afternoon and many types were already sold out



These were caught off the coast near the Queen Charlotte Islands using individual hooks



Here is a shrimp boat. Prices are dependant upon size of their catch.



There is quite the controvery up here regarding Farmed fish vs Wild fish. We have many fish farms dotting our coast and it is said that they generate unhealthy fish which spreads disease and bacteria to other species. Wild fish are the most popular



Fish aren't inexpensive. I remember not that long ago that prices were around half of what they are now. It has to do with the rapid depletion of the supply and the limited fishing season as dictated by the government.



I am sure that this is a tough way to make a living. Having to endure the elements in unsafe ocean waters, catching few fish and having to barter each sale.



Steveston is home to a large fishing fleet but most of the boats have been tied up for years, unable to fish. Fishing in our local waters around Vancouver are closed. These particular boats here today are from the North near Prince Rupert and fish the areas around the Queen Charlottes (Islands). I think that they have more Open fishing days allotted.



Of course where there are sellers, there are also looky-loos , either that or there is some serious negotiation happening



Not all boats are there to sell fish like this one which is a work of wooden art



Whether you are here to buy fish or shrimp or just have a nice meal on the boardwalk I would recommend a visit to Steveston one day when you have a few hours to spare. There are many restaurants here with enough to satisfy every palate. There is an old historic cannery turned into a museum, an old shipyard being refurbished and a collection of japanese buildings which used to house the cannery workers. There are also gift stores on the main street. During the warmer summer weather there are also buskers playing music.


(we had our meal at the one on the left)

Repairs: GIVI crash bar

When all is said and done, I was lucky that the damage to my Wee was mainly confined to the Givi crash bar and left side case. I am not in the habit of having to lay my bike down and the scenario had been flashing through my mind for several days. I was also lucky that we had summer-like temperatures last week when I purchased the supplies to undertake the repair since it is not recommended to paint during periods of low temperature as it would affect paint bonding.
While I had my armoured riding jacket on I think that my arm/shoulder took most of the force and "missed" the armoured pads as the snaps were bent and detached. I went down to my local HD (Home Depot) to purchase a couple of sanding blocks (different grits) and a spray bomb of Rust-o-leum flat black.



I sand the affected area firstly with the medium grit sanding block until the surfaces smooths out a bit. Then I changed to the finer grit to get ready for the paint.



When the sanding is finished I mask off the area to contain the overspray using plastic garbage bags held by masking tape



I carefully wipe the bar down with paper towels before painting



I apply a few layers of flat black paint applied in a sweeping motion from lower to upper being careful to hold the can farther back so as to have a finer mist. I allow 10 minutes or so between layers and eventually I have full coverage of the affected area. It was surprising to note that the flat black paint nearly matches the original colour and the damage is nearly invisible with a closer inspection



Eventually I am satisfied with my progress and go out to run some errands for a few hours allowing time for the paint to cure.

While I am heading downtown in the next lane I notice that a cager is crowding this motorcyclist who is riding a Beemer. I find a way to change lanes to protect his rear. I am heading north on Cambie Street intending to ride over the Cambie Street Bridge.


(downtown Vancouver ahead)

Often when I come across scooters on busy thoroughfares I pull behind and back off to allow them some safety. I hope they appreciate my gesture.


(BMW R75/5)

The look of older BMW's is growing on me and I wonder if this particular model has the self retracting side stand.

I eventually return home and remove all the masking tape and plastic. I try to sand the side case a bit, mask off the area and apply a few layers of flat black to minimize the "battle scars" . It works a bit and is less noticeable but the scratches are still there. I think it's time to affix a Canadian flag sticker. Of course I have the option of purchasing another side case if I have an extra $250. to blow. For now it is a badge of honour.



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Mr Conchscooter:
said


quote: "WetBob, some people change their oil on the only stand they have, so one can't be too cautious. The Bonneville cuts out if you put the engine in gear with the side stand deployed, and one day I'll try it and see if the lurch is enough to topple it. How do you know where the wee strom's filter is? you've only had it a week...? (I think you actually rode bitch on the very cool MP3 around l'isle de vancouvre)"



My oil filter is mounted on its side on the front of the engine just behind the front wheel. Nearly impossible to fill and screw on without dripping

Crescent Beach, BC

(Marina on Graybar Road, Richmond, BC)

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It was a great day to take off from work and go for a ride. While the mornings are chilly (around 5c = 41F) the afternoon was going to be fairly warm at 17c (62F). It was originally my plan to go for a two day ride into the interior of British Columbia, but with the cold front coming from the north, all the towns had forecast low temps from -7c to -9c (16-25F). BRRR wish I lived somewhere warm where 85F is considered sweater weather. For those of you who are not familiar with BC temperatures, this means frozen roads with ice in the morning which burns off during the day when the temps rise to 10c (50F). This is not good when you are on two wheels.

I decided instead to stay closer to home and ride south to Crescent Beach


(Crescent Beach, BC)

There are two main beach areas. Blackie's Spit, and this area which has a few commercial business' and restaurants. Notice the beach is nearly deserted, unlike during the summer when you would have a very hard time to find parking.



Along the promenade, in both directions, you will find lucky homeowners who have their beach houses fronting along the water. In the past these homes/cabins were probably just summertime retreats, but now most are occupied year round.

Here is the view looking in the other direction (South).



There was also a kindergarten class sitting on the grass enjoying a fall day in the warm sun. Today you could have your choice of sitting on any bench or log or even on the wet grass if you so desired



Looking directly across Boundary Bay you are just able to view the peninsula in the distance which is Point Roberts, WA - part of the United States of America



Behind me you can see a portion of the main street and some beachside restaurants



The beach is also a good place for dog owners to meet other dog owners



The business area is about 3 blocks long. I managed to snag a spot here



One thing I find while riding solo is that you have to eat and talk to yourself. I was hungry but I didn't want to go into a regular restaurant by myself. I was looking for a fast food or take out place



I walked up the street and noticed a fish and chip place ahead. It did look a little deserted



It was closed. So much for my plan of having a late lunch



When I crossed the street I noticed this plaque affixed to the concrete right beside the drain



That seems like a simple solution to dump your unwanted "contaminated with oil" rain water

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While it was a good day, it was also a bad day for me. I had a 'little' mishap while riding my Wee which resulted in "kissing" the ground. Sort of like testing my GIVI crash bars to make sure they work. I got a little too close to the apex of the corner and didn't notice the 2" of gravel. Lucky the cement guard rail stopped me from going over the embankment. I spent the balance of my day yesterday and today to repair all the battle scars. I think I got everything "buffed out" . Everything seemed fine. I was wearing all my armour, riding pants & riding boots. I felt just fine, no pain, no aches, nothing -- until this morning when I discovered that my left arm must have gotten "stressed". It feels like I have NO lifting power. Oh well, it should get back to normal in a few days


(Givi crash bars took most of the impact)


(Kappa 40L side case kept bike off the ground)


(Minor scuffs on my left hand guard)

All of the damage to my bar end bolt (bent), clutch lever (bent), and alignment of the left handle bar controls have all been corrected. Other than that just a few minor scuffs and scratches from the gravel

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(in the meantime, happy riding)