Friday, March 03, 2006

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.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had an awesome time today sue. Man you take some breath taking photo's. I especially like the pictures with you in them. I can't get enough of that beautiful smile of yours.

Love ya

Anonymous said...

lovely post and super photos, seems like you had a really nice day, make the most of these great times together, they are really special.

Anonymous said...

Great post. Ellen and I were in White Rock last year. In fact we had lunch with Phyllis, Mary Lou, and Cowboy Joe there. Nice photos and yes it is a really lovely little spot.

Trucker Bob said...

Wow! Great job of showing our little corner of heaven.

Should have given me a call, we could have had lunch.

gal artist said...

Nice post, I learned something new. I have never been up your way, maybe some day I will get there.

I really like the pic of the rocks in the water. It appeals to my artistic side.

dee said...

Thank you for reminding me of a place that I loved to go. I used to get up very early grab the dogs and go the White Rock beach to watch the sun come up. Sometimes, I would be troubled and sad and it always made me feel better. Your pictures and blog let me wonder through my memories of those glorious mornings.

Thank you!

Jona said...

Fascinating stuff! Sounds like a good day :o)

Anonymous said...

Great pictures Susan! Mt. Baker looks magnificent. Glad you had such an enjoyable day with your hubby.
Have a great weekend.

rdl said...

Nice pics! FTS sent me. Congrats!

Karen said...

You are a lovely tourguide and I love seeing things through your eyes/camera. The mountains are incredible. Wish I was there...

Congrats on being the Spotlight of the Week at FTS'

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! *HUGS*

Anonymous said...

We used to have friends residing in White Rock and visited there on many occassions. Such a beautiful spot.

Skunkfeathers said...

FTS sent me; my notions of being a photographer fade in comparison to what I see here ;)

Vickie said...

Thank you Susan for sharing this with me, It was great spending the day with you in White Rock. :)

Fred said...

Awesome - the pictures are great!