A Walk in the Park, Part 3

In part 2 of this continuing narrative, which is becoming longer than the marathon march itself, I promised to bring you to Prospect Point and then home: should you still be with us, that is. I can't and won't blame you if you're not. Please recall that we had ascended up into the park at Third Beach and decided to trek back to Prospect Point. That walk, often upslope, through the trails is highlighted by the black line numbered 3 on the ever unfolding map. There is an arrow at each end of line 3 because we returned via the same route to Third Beach before continuing along the seawall to home (see line 4 — red).



Much of the way to Prospect Point was uphill, but it was a nice change to be treading, shady soft forest paths. The vegetation was interesting ... big trees ...



... and big leaves ...



... and company of big and fine company (not vegetation and not big but give me a break, I'm slogging here as this length of this account is beginning to rival the length of the actual walk).



After climbing up one steep grade, we found a nice spot to sit and rest before proceeding ...



... and peer out.



We eventually made it to The Point where we were able to find refreshment and rest our weary limbs ....



... and enjoy the view ...



... as well as a little more of the food that I had been backpacking. Don't I look peaceful? However, this is the very spot where we were swarmed by raccoons just several minutes later.


Then (and we are almost done, believe it or not), it was back to Third Beach where we picked up the seawall once more. As we finally put Stanley Park behind us and headed toward English Bay and Sunset Beach, many pedestrians were also strolling along ...



... and the setting sun was spectacular once again as it once more extinguished itself in the Pacific Ocean.



Because I like to know how heroic we were, I did some calculations the other day. It's slightly more than 8km around the park's seawall, but we had to get there via a detour to the grocery store, and then we had to return to the apartment via English Bay, and we also had to the extra hike to and from Prospect Point. So, I think, that by estimating our pilgrimmage to be 17km/11mi in all, I am not exaggerating, except perhaps for rounding miles up a bit.

Next time, should there be one, I vow to borrow or rent a bicycle. Really: there is a separate cycling path around the seawall that parallels the pedestrian path. There are even separate lanes for both directions. What a concept!

The End ... promise