Kite Flying in Garry Point Park

On a sunny day with friend in tow

It’s fun to share and take life slow

Our world is ruled by ticking clock

So, when we take time out, it’s not.

 

From grassy knoll we launch our kite

The wind picks up, we’ve timed it right

Its bold design unfolds, floats high

Its streamers, bright red ribbons, fly!

 

The teasing, playful wind pulls taut

In offshore thermal it is caught

It bobs and dips then swoops again

With the slightest touch upon the rein!

 

Thrills and excitement are the norm

Pure joy distilled in simple form

It dances, twists and turns with ease

Intoxicated by the breeze!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

Garry Point Park - Steveston, Vancouver

Australia's Poshest Dunny

Australia’s poshest dunny*

Has a loo with golden lid;

Fresh flowers pink and blossomy

 ‘gainst a mural nicely did!

 

A 299 train steams ahead

Past a top-hatted guy

They must be flush with money

A try and you’ll see why!

 

Who says we don’t move with the times,

Our old thrones to update?

The local council’s gone full out

To make our visit great!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

* located at Westpoint Shopping Centre in Blacktown, NSW

This is a typical  "Arty Dunny"

Round West and North Vancouver

An excursion, tailor-made, was mine

To North Vancouver shore

Far from the city’s busy hum

More delights to explore.

 

Grouse Mountain: awe-inspiring, cold

With endless pine-tree slopes

Whose cable car rides quickly sold

To stupendous views, one hopes!

 

For mist swirls often round the peak

As summer days are short

With just a few days clear each week

Such views are dearly bought!

 

Capilano reservoir - serene

Vast dam since Fifty-Four

Its valley worn by river flood

Skirts rocks and ferns galore.

 

Lone fisherman seen on a rock

In quiet meditation;

Two kayakers who fail to stop

Cause tourists consternation!

 

Boardwalks, bridges, stunning sights

Round every twist and bend;

Ambleside with logs on beach

And “Whole Foods” organic trend.

 

West Van view of Lions’ Gate

Down town seems far away;

For “The Tomahawk” we came too late …

In all, a busy day!

The Tomahawk Restaurant - West Vancouver

The Capilano River with lookout Point

Not an Open and Shut Case

Flying round the world is fine

Assuming you have cash and time

Broadening each traveller’s mind …

Why was my suitcase left behind?

 

I’m sure I checked my luggage through

All carefully labelled as you do

But sad to say, Pacific side

My suitcase failed to hitch a ride …

 

Vancouver - at Lost Luggage Claim

I diligently gave my name

It took a while; I’m not best pleased;

Airline travel ain’t a breeze!

 

Bereft with just one set of clothes

For six days I would wear just those!

But miracles do come to pass

Relief when it was brought at last.

 

I’m not impressed; should I complain?

Should I fly QANTAS once again?

But with my treasures back with me

Perhaps I should just let things be …

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

At Vancouver International Airport

Impressions of Vancouver

Long avenues and numbered roads

Vancouver’s grid, two-tiered abodes

Imposing bridges jammed with cars

Impressive skyline under stars …

 

High-rise condos, dark, tall trees

Parking difficult – high fees

Gastown with its brick-laid streets

Classy venues; spicy eats…

 

The landmark steam clock gives us pause

Near chic Pacific Centre’s doors

While squatters invade Hastings Street

Where sad and homeless people meet...

 

City of contrasts, rich and poor

Botanic gardens to explore

Granville Island in the sun

Boardwalk pleasures, seagull fun…

 

Construction sites, huge building cranes,

High-Occupancy-Vehicle lanes

Sea Island where the planes descend

Richmond for those with cash to spend …

 

Wide roads, bold maples, red and green

The place to be when sun is seen

But do not come here in November

Where rain is what you’ll most remember!

 

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

The Steam Clock in downtown Vancouver

  

Steveston - British Columbia

Low clouds float right across the bay

The Fraser River, strong and grey

Where sands and rocks show at low tide

From Garry Point Park, Nature’s pride.

 

Memorial to those lost at sea

Heritage site – a cannery

Where sockeye salmon breathed their last …

But such exciting days are past.

 

Steveston - a mere four blocks wide

Where Vancouver people like to drive

For fresh air, postcards, fish and chips

Boardwalk pleasures, one-day trips …

 

Bird life stunning, seagull cries

Sun-dried logs on every side

Ski-slope signs on mountain slopes

In the harbour, bobbing boats …

 

A tug, bright yellow, breaks the spell

Offshore winds mean kites fly well

A laid-back life style far from stress

And, at the moment, my new nest!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

 

 

Garry Point Park

Stirling in Autumn

A wreath of mist cloaks road and stream

Round Stirling in its autumn sheen

A mass of colour in main street

As burnished leaves lie at our feet.

 

The “Essential Café” had a buzz;

We ordered coffee – as one does

With a “babycino” for the lad

So, a milky froth by all was had!

 

Round the Worrabunda Lake nearby

We heard a kookaburra’s cry

Moorhens and coots caught by surprise

As sunlight pierced the leaden skies.

 

Our meander through this leafy glad

In photos cannot be portrayed

As Nature’s hand is plain to see

In the timeless wonder of each tree!

(c) Poet in the woods 2022

At the Essential Café in the Adelaide Hills

The "babycino"