February 9, 2011-Granville Island

     Our continuing tour of Vancouver took us to Granville Island today. A short bus ride across the bridge, and we were there.  It's mostly an artists' community today including rows and rows of side by side galleries along with the wonderful indoor market and plenty of other kitchy, upscale, and eclectic shopping opportunities.  There's a brewery there too, and several restaurants begging to be tried.  We walked around checking out all the goodies, particularly in the market where we purchased some Thistle, Creamed, and Raspberry and Blueberry Honey from a seller for the Chilliwack River Valley Natural Honey company, and we learned a little about the history of the island. It was formally just a couple of sandbars under a bridge, but was dredged, filled, and built up and into an industrial island in the early 1900's. It is still home to the Ocean company (a cement and construction supply company), but most of the other industries have long departed the island, which is obvious when wandering across all the transport rails built into the cobblestone streets where parking spaces and walkways now rule. In the late 1970's, it was transformed into a people friendly public space, as part of a redevelopment project for the area when the industrial need for the space grew nonexistent as part of the surrounding Vancouver area. It is now one of the top spots for locals and visitors alike.  The time went by too fast as it has been doing all week, and before we were aware, it was time to make our 3 pm reservation for the Dockside Restaurant. I was so full after the tomato bisque soup and chicken quesadilla, and my fiance's burger was one of the best we've ever shared. We had originally hoped to have an early dinner there and try out that menu; unfortunately, it was booked this evening for a function, so that was not possible, but for a yummy, well prepared lunch overlooking the dock, it was everything we hoped for and more.  Hopping a bus back to the hotel, it was time to relax a bit before our second hockey game of the week. We were so excited to be back at the Rogers Arena once again, although we were a bit nervous for our Canucks. The Anaheim Ducks have been doing really well and proved to be a challenge for our team tonight. They lost by one, but put in a fantastic effort to pull it out in the end. Either way, win or lose, we enjoyed watching these amazing athletes in person.  After all, we are not simply fair weather fans! More to come tomorrow as we get ready to check out Stanley Park and enjoy some Fondue...