As I awoke I could hear the swish of cars on the rain drenched streets. A look out of the window confirmed my assessment. It was drizzling still. Before long the drizzle turned into solid rain hitting the windows. Determined not to waste a day I proceeded to hatch a plan.

While checking Facebook (as you do) my friend Donna messaged me. Donna lives in Edmonton and at last we're nearly in the same time zone. We chatted and it was lovely to reconnect. Hopefully we'll catch up later.

I turned my attention to breakfast. As with last year in Europe, I love the abundance of fresh berries in the northern hemisphere.

By the time breakfast was over, a quick look out the window revealed a break in the rain and cloud cover. I ditched my wet weather plan in a heartbeat and got myself ready to head out. My plan was to get to Granville Island. It's not really an island. It's a peninsular. I wasn't sure if you could walk there but I decided to give it a go. The main bridge is quite massive, but easily walked.

Looking back I could see the high rises of downtown Vancouver.

As the bridge crossed the bay I noticed these little "aquabus" ferries darting from one side to another.

Parallel to the bridge I was on was another, older bridge. Below it an expansive marina so full of boats you wonder how any of them manage to get out to sea.

Markers in the water caught my eye.

Before long I'd made it to the other side. Then I proceeded to wind my way back under the bridge to the "Island". Something about the concrete columns enticed me.

Nearby there was what seemed like a disused train station. The shelter was supported by timber with beautiful colours and grain.

Then finally I reached the "Island".

Granville Island is a collection of produce markets, artisan shops and eateries. I was really impressed with the quality of most of it. The produce market was outstanding and, dare I say it, probably even better than Adelaide's Central Market. The range and quality of produce was amazing. I wish I could have taken pictures of the arrays of fresh berries; incredible! But I didn't due to something I'll explain in part 2.

I did, however, buy a small photographic print from the artist on another stall. It was great to talk to him and find out the story behind the picture. I would have bought a large print but sadly I'd have nowhere to put it.

Following something I'll explain in part 2 I needed a place to sit and calm down. This chap was nearby and luckily didn't seem to mind my attention.

I spent a few hours on the Island, looking around and buying a couple of items. It was really lovely and I cherished the opportunity to interact with some of the artisans.

Eventually it was time to head home. I decided to walk on the other side of the bridge and got the opportunity to photograph these silos on the Island.

By now the sun was fully out and the view was spectacular.

Although my legs felt like jelly I decided to take the long way back to the hotel in case another image presented itself. I was rewarded by the dappled light on this gorgeous old building.

Eventually I made it back to the hotel and refreshed with a glass of local Rose. Very nice indeed!

Not wanting to waste the sunlight I only stayed long enough to refresh before heading out to catch the sunset. More of that in part 3.

11 October ... the good