Highway 99 or Sea to Sky Highway as the locals call it is a windy road along the Howe Sound. We were in the mood of a challenge, and rode up to Squamish. Why challenge? Because every idiot cager can be found here, the ones who tailgate, as well as the ones that have obvious difficulties to negotiate the bends. It is a picturesque stretch with lots of mountain and water views, and the last that people do is pay attention to traffic...
We arrived safe and sound in Squamish where they had some Canada Day activities going, mostly food stands, some art and life music.
Squamish is perfectly surrounded by mountains, and sits at the end of the sound. A wood, pulp and paper town in the past, it claims today to be the outdoor capital for mountain climbers, hikers, bicycle riders, kite surfers and skiers.
Boating is just another recreational option in the area. I cannot tell exactly why, but this location always reminds me a bit of the harbour close to Coromandel City in New Zealand.
Although offerings are plenty the town never looks really busy. There are some new houses and businesses, but other shops seemed closed down, and abandoned.
As most of our trips are RTE (ride to eat), we settled for the Zephir Cafe which offered vegetarian as well as gluten free dishes, while listening to some live music in the background. I am certainly relaxed...
On our way back we made a bee line back to Vancouver, and only took a quick photo ops at Porteau Cove Provincial Park.
Rover
Hi-Viz Me
Whitey
The ferry dock is for emergency purposes only, and otherwise serves as promenade for the public. It has been built for the rare case a landslide occurs and cut off travelers. Then a ferry would detour the cars and get the vehicles out from the danger zone.
Breathtaking mountain and water views.
There is a reason why the provincial slogan is: Beautiful British Columbia.
Needless to say, we had a blast.
And I am pleased with the distance that Rover's tank provided me today. I got more than 150km out of the peanut before refilling was required.
Great looking area! It might remind you of NZ, but it reminds me of Norway. I love it when so many activities come together in one place. Makes for a great area to visit. Glad the day was good for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, it also resembles the fjordlands of Norway in parts. We had a great outing, and traffic wasn't as bad as expected with it being Canada Day and all.
DeleteBeautiful pictures Sonja! Happy Canada Day! Rover and Whitey look like a lovely couple together. Your hubby's scooter is quite nice! I love your Hi Viz look. I pretty much stayed off the road this weekend because the traffic is nuts on the Island. Its great to hear from others what our Province reminds them up, because it is almost like going to all those beautiful places!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dar, I also find the two bikes go well together. Both good for cruising. We stayed off the roads on Saturday but assumed that Sunday everybody would already be where they wanted to be and dared to hit the road.
DeleteThe Chieftain, from the the TV show Men in Trees, cool. Looks like a beautiful area for riding!
ReplyDeleteErik, we are blessed with a lovely area indeed. And I note another movie/TV buff out there. Well spotted!
DeleteNice pics! It does remind me a bit of NZ - very similar country to the Milford Sound area although a lot more crowded...
ReplyDeleteAndrew, crowded indeed compared to Kiwi roads. You can say that out loud.
DeleteWow, that is gorgeous. I know you say I live in a pretty place -- it is certainly drier! -- but the water and mountains that surround you are just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your day.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I am glad we got out. The dry spell didn't last long. Today it is rainy again...
DeleteNow everyone knows why the slogan is Beautiful British Columbia.
ReplyDeleteIn the latest issue of Rider they reviewed the Sea to Sky highway and here you are riding it. Maybe you need to start writing road reports for the travel magazines.
You two are looking good (and the bikes look good too)
The best part of it is past Whistler. Usually traffic eases up after that, too. Thanks, Brandy.
DeleteSonja hon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning area to ride in and I must also say that both Roland's scoot and your Sporty look great Did the traffic largely behave itself or did you see plenty of stupid driving?
I think the "city" tag you applied to Coromandel is stretching things a tad with our population of 1600 on a good day :-). Absolutely bucketing down today with high winds - you wouldn't be missing anything!
We had repeatedly cagers cutting in between us, but we anticipated a lot of stupidity and stayed out of real danger.
ReplyDeleteGiven that Squamish is so close to Vancouver, it only has a population of 17,000. And such a relaxed atmosphere.
A stormy day on Coromandel certainly wouldn't put me down, I love storm and surf watching.