Beach Bums

THIS IS WHITE ROCK, BRITISH COLUMBIA.


This seaside town is located about an hours drive south-west of Maple Ridge.
As you drive into White Rock, you are greeted by this wonderful mural.

Colourful banners on the lamp standards line the main drag.Little added touches that let you know that this town takes pride in itself and celebrates its pacific culture.

We started out from Maple Ridge with the sun behind us, but it began to cloud over as we got closer to the sea. It was a high, thin cloud and the suns brightness managed to diffuse through.

At least it didn't rain. The rocks and pebbles were still wet from the receding tide, showing off their many colours. The purple oyster shells and white barnicles amidst the greens and golds of the stones would challenge any artists palette.

To the south of the beach is this breathtaking site. Mount Baker, a dormant volcano, and The Three Sisters to its right. These peaks are snow covered year round as they are capped by glacial ice. They are actually in Washington State, just over the American border. Right in the center of the photo on the right, you will see a white structure. That is known as the Peace Arch. It straddles the border, signifying that Canada and the U.S.A. are friendly neighbors. The American side of the Arch is inscribed with the words "Children of a Common Mother;" the Canadian side, with the words "Brethren Dwelling together in Unity." Within the portal of the Arch on the west side are the words "1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914" and on the east side, "May These Gates Never Be Closed."

The town got its name because on the beach, is an enormous 486 tonne rock, and it's white. Thought to be deposited during the Ice Age. However, native legend says that after being denied marriage to his mortal sweetheart, the son of the Sea God hurled the huge white Rock across the Gulf of Georgia, saying, "Where this rock lands, there we will make our home and establish our family."

Thanks for joining us.