Stand off

In the ongoing battle between winter and summer weather come interesting cloud formations like this. Looking in one direction, it seems like an intense rain storm is imminent. In the other, it's a lovely spring day.

End of the Line

The other day I was in Richmond, another city just outside of New Westminster and felt this was worth sharing. It's literally the end of the Canada Line SkyTrain that runs from downtown Vancouver to Richmond Centre on this spur, and YVR on another. The Canada flag is a remnant from last year's Olympics, as Richmond was home to the speed skating events.

Greetings

Seen at the construction site behind New Westminster SkyTrain station, this orange glove waving to passers-by.

Grid

Block of apartments on 6th Street suffering from architectural ennui.

All Natural

View from the front window of the SkyTrain after coming out of the tunnel on the Millennium Line, heading east from Columbia Station to Sapperton Station. Brunette River to the right. City of Coquitlam straight ahead.

Waves

This group of young ladies are what are known as Hyack Ambassadors, and prior to taking part in the parade they were handing out chocolates to those viewing the antique cars. The Hyack Ambassador program is linked to the Miss New Westminster pageant, and offers leadership opportunities (and, according to the Hyack website, deportment, etiquette and social skills) around town to interested high school age girls.

Happy Easter

I couldn't decide today, so there are two daily photos wishing you Happy Easter from New Westminster.



It was the annual antique car Easter parade. Unfortunately, today's weather is the exact opposite of yesterday's sun and warmth. Fortunately, the Easter Bunny will be the warmest on the route with all that fur!



How to pimp a ride for Easter.

Vaisakhi

Today's photo comes from outside of New Westminster, in the bordering city of Surrey (across the Fraser River). It was the annual Vaisakhi parade, which regularly draws anywhere from 80 000 to 100 000 people. This float is where the holy book spent the parade, and is decorated with lovely garlands and the most amazing glittery rainbow coloured board.

Hedge

One of the more elegant looking entrances to a tower block in town. However, the view from across the street is of the arcs posted a couple of days ago.

Arcs

Cereals

Late evening shopping at the Safeway. Not a soul in sight.

Sakura

Found this peaceful little part smothered in cherry blossoms on my evening walk.

XB

Just in case you haven't made your plans for Easter weekend, or would like to do something other than pig out on chocolate bunnies.

Stumped?

Mystery location in New Westminster.

R7235

Out the back window of the bus was a view of the station (white with green) and a few people waiting for a different bus. In all, about 8 different bus routes terminate at the SkyTrain station.

Waiting

At 22nd Street SkyTrain Station waiting for the bus. The SkyTrain is atop the concrete pillar to the left.

Royal View

The winter rain isn't done with us yet.

Peele-d

A few streets have not entirely had their sidewalks recreated, so at certain intersections you can find the name of the cross street formed into the concrete.

More Shocking

It seems New West is a shocking place. High voltage everywhere!

Seen from the SkyTrain window at 22nd Street Station.

Street View

Waiting for the 106 bus on Carnarvon Street behind New Westminster SkyTrain station. Grey everywhere. Across the street: lawyers, dentist, doggy day care, Mexican pizza shop, corner shop, pharmacy, Kumon tutoring, nail spa, CUPW union offices.

Squished

Curious, if this is meant to become a shopping arcade. Behind the bobcat is a concrete pillar that supports the SkyTrain line. There's only about 2m between the pillar and the shopfront. It all seems a little awkward.

Once

This used to be a road, the leftmost openings in the building (nearest to the concrete) used to be the door and windows to a street-level cafe. The construction juggernaut is slowly turning this whole corner into a solid, connected slab of concrete.

Stout

Looking down on New West from the SkyTrain as it whizzes along.

Stone Cold

I posted the back side of this hotel a while ago. This is the front side. Welcoming, isn't it?

Tug-ged

Tugboat parking at New West Quay. It never gets tiring taking photos down by the river.

Trapp-ed

It seems the top levels of this building on Columbia are in disuse as they seem to be covered over and, interestingly, there are trees sprouting along the ledge underneath the uppermost windows. At one point a couple of years ago this building was slated to be renovated into housing for homeless women, but that hasn't yet happened.

Columns

Main entrance to Herbert Spencer Elementary.

Annexe

A typical problem in most elementary schools is too many students and not enough classrooms. It seems the space needed is always underestimated. The solution? An annexe, or two, or five. These are the nicest detached classrooms I've seen at any school.

If you squint, at the very left of the photo you can just see the top of a snow-capped mountain, and at the right you can see a lower mountain with only trees.

Blossom

The most obvious sign that spring is on the way is when the cherry trees blossom. This little guy is nothing compared to some of the huge trees in Vancouver.

River's Edge

A typical sight along the Fraser River are bleached out trees that have spend many a day floating the river, being battered by the sun's rays and the waves.

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