FUN ON THE FRASER RIVER



My friend Cheryl and I went on a Friday Night Fun Paddlewheeler Cruise on the Fraser River. This was a belated birthday celebration for her and a contract signing celebration for me. I'd always wanted to do one of the paddlewheeler cruises and believe me I will recommend this for anyone wanting a fun, relaxing and scenic little trip.  It only cost $34.95 (plus GST) and what we paid for food and drinks, and it was a trip well-worth making again (maybe next time with a group.)

There are various trips offered. The FORT LANGLEY trip covers part of the Gold Rush Trail and includes buffet lunch. The PITT LAKE WILDERNESS CRUISE visited legendary places on the lake including Native pictographs etc. It includes full lunch,desert, and tea or coffee. The SUNSET DINNER (7 - 10 pm on Saturdays) is a good way to celebrat special events with family and friends and also includes a buffet dinner and soft music. The STEVESTON FISHING BILLAGE tour on Wednesdays travels down the river to Ladner Reach, past Riefel Island and returns via the Annacis Channel with stops to visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The DISCOVER THE FRASER trip on Wednesday and Saturday includes lunch and takes a course like the Friday Night Fun Trip under the bridges and past the Surrey Docks.  The fares vary and there are special fares for children.

We boarded a 7.30 from the dock in New Westminster, settled ourselves on the deck to enjoy the mild summer evening, and set sail up to river under the bridges, then when it grew dusk, back down again.  We ate dinner on the deck, a choice of excellent dishes from the menu. There's also a nice dining room on board if you wish to be indoors.

 

As the paddlewheeler cruised along the river, and under the bridges, we enjoyed the serene views from the deck. It couldn't have been more relaxing!

 

 

 

 

 

 



After dinner we went downstairs where a DJ was playing the oldies and goodies disco music. Funny, it was mainly the women dancing but we had a ball!  It was so much fun that we agreed it would be a great place to come with a group of friends to celebrate special occasions. The dance party lasted three hours and then we were back in port again, fully satisfied and delighted with our choice of this special celebration voyage.

If you want to go:  The Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours, On the Mighty Fraser River,
788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster B.C.
604-525-4465. On the New Westminster Quay.

CARDIFF CASTLE: A MEDIEVAL CASTLE AND VICTORIAN GOTHIC REVIVAL MANSION.

I've been to Cardiff, Wales many times and frequently I've walked by the long stone fence outside of Cardiff Castle, intrigued by the crouching animals that hang over the fence. This Animal Wall was built along the south side of the castle during the 19th century,and decorated with statues of animals as well as a Swiss Bridge that was erected over the river by the West Gate.  It wasn't until this summer that I ventured beyond the wall and through the main gate into the castle grounds.

Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd) is located in the Castle Quarter of the city. It is a medieval castle and a Victorian Gothic revival mansion. The original moat and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on the site of a 3rd century Roman fort.  It was either William the Conqueror or Robert Fitzhamon who commissioned the castle. It formed the heart of the medieval town of Cardiff. By the 12th century the castle was rebuilt in stone with a shell keep and defensive walls and further work was conducted in the second half of the 13th century by Richard de Clare. During this time the castle was repeated involved in conflicts between the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh. It was stormed in 1404 during the Owain Glyndwr rebellion.

There's lots to see inside the castle walls. Besides a museum you can wander the landscaped gardens and explore some of the old Roman ruins as well as climb up the keep and get a good viewpoint of the whole area. One of the most interesting parts is the Victorian mansion once owned by the Bute family who made their fortune from the cold mines of Wales.

The castle 'house' was remodeled in 1868 by the third Marquess of Bute who engaged architect William Burges to remodel the castle in medieval Gothic Revivalism style. A 150 ft (46 m) high Clock Tower was constructed of ashlar stone. it formed a suite of bachelor's rooms, a bedroom, servant's room and the Summer and Winter smoking rooms. The rooms were decorated with gildings, carvings and cartoons depicting the seasons, myths and fables.  Other rooms were added including the Arab Room, the Chaucer Room, the Nursery, the Banqueting Hall, bedrooms for Lord and lady Bute and magnificent Library.

Clock Tower

Banquet Hall

 

Ornate Ceiling

 

Fireplace

 

 

The Library

 

 

 

 

Work was also carried out on the castle grounds when the remains of the old Roman fort were uncovered. new walls in a Roman style were built on the foundations of the originals complete with a reconstructed Roman North Gate. The grounds were planted with trees and shrubs. From the late 18th century until the 1850s the castle grounds were open to the public but later restrictions were imposed. Today the castle belongs to the city of Cardiff and is run as a tourist attraction. it also serves a a venue for events including musical performances and festivals.

I spent a good part of one morning browsing around the castle, especially intrigued by the sumptuous furnishings and decor of the mansion.  You can read up on more of the long, detailed history of the castle at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Castle

A VISIT TO NIKKEI PLACE AND MUSEUM

It's taken me a long time to make a point to visit the National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre. I used to post regular program notices for them when I wrote for Planet Eye Traveler (The Vancouver Guide) but as many times as I'd intended to take in some of their exhibits or just pass by to say hello, I didn't get around to it.

Last week, however, I needed to stop in to pick up a gift packet for the BC Travel Writer's gala in May. Once I got there, I was more than sorry I'd neglected to go sooner.

The multi-use facility houses the National Nikkei Heritage Centre and the Japanese Canadian National Museum. It's located at the corner of Sperling and Kingsway and easy to reach by public transit if you don't have a car.

The Centre promotes understanding and appreciation of   the Japanese Canadian culture and heritage and the contribution of Japanese Canadians to our Canadian society.   They offer many programs and special events including art exhibits, a speaker's series, bazaars and many other problems both for youth and elders included. There's art classes, folk dance workshops, exercise groups such as yoga, flower arranging and even a course in the traditional incense ceremony.

When I arrived at the Centre I was first impressed by the lovely gardens that surround the building. The cherry blossoms were all in bloom which seemed appropriate.  The building itself is impressive and much larger than  I'd expected.

I only stayed a short while and mainly visited the museum on the ground floor where there is an exhibit of Ryoshi: Nikkei fishing on the BC Coast. (It runs until May 19,2013). The admission is by donation.  It displays the fisherman's life from the bustling docks of Steveston to the remote inlets on the northern Coast. For many years Japanese Canadians have made a unique contribution to fishing in BC both before and after the war.

 

 

 

 

Upstairs in the museum there is an exhibit of Taiken: Japanese Canadians Since 1877. It's an ongoing exhibit so I'll have to go back and take a look. It deals with the first arrivals of Nissei in 1877 and the hardships of the early pioneers and struggles during the war years when the Japanese of the Coast were interned and their properties confiscated.

Don't pass up this interesting Museum and Cultural Centre. It's open every day but Monday.
Check their website for more information on programs and exhibits.
www.nikkeiplace.org