Jamestown Island, Jamestown, Virginia

Jamestown Island / Jamestown National Park (Jamestown, Virginia)

Upon exiting Jamestown Historical Site visitors are presented with an option to explore the remainder of the island, and to take the 3 or 5 mile driving tour around the loop following the higher ground of the island. Planted every 1/4-1/2 mile usually is a marker telling the tale of the island outside of the Jamestown settlement. You’ll pass the site of a Confederate fort, through the Pitch and Tar Swamp, At the point of the island is a small hiking trail that leads to the Black Point that hosts white sand, marsh, pine trees, swamps, and beautiful views. The island formed many thousands of years ago, from a series of shoals along the James River. The Colonists arrived in 1607 to find an isthmus that connected the island to the mainland as well as a “paradise” of virgin hardwoods suitable for building their settlement. Unfortunately in the 1800’s, the isthmus eroded away and the forests cleared for farming. After Jamestown moved to Williamsburg, the island became a plantation run by the Ambler and Travis families. During the Civil War, confederate forts guarded the river channel. Today its in the hands of the National Park service where it has been healed and is regenerating. I quite enjoyed the peaceful drive and walk about the area. Rating: 3 stars out of 5. Visited 5/21/08.

Day 2 of 10: Vancouver, B.C. & Jericho Beach

Vancouver, British Columbia: Day 2: Part 1 - Enjoying Jericho Beach
Home to the X-files and many other supernatural thrillers and television shows such as Dark Angel, The Outer Limits, The New Addams Family, and Stargate … Vancouver is a multimedia and digital entertainment hot spot in North America. Many digital producers, special effects, sick and twisted animationists, foreign film festival highlights, and top movies are produced and Created in Vancouver. Rated the 16th most beautiful city in the world, Vancouver has just about everything for anyone. Street coined “the Amsterdam of North America” or the “San Francisco of Canada”, Vancouver has a miriad of interests for the tourist. A unique nightlife awaits the night owl. Tons of plays and theatrical performances, music fests, concerts, and other cultural festivities. Home to the World’s Fair in 1986, the city has landmarks celebrating that event. In what other city can you stroll in a rainforest, swim in the ocean/lounging at the beach, rollerblade the beach walks, and go skiing in one day? 10 minutes to Grouse Mountain ski resort, 20 minutes to Cypress Mountain, and 45 minutes to Whistler/Blackcomb. Vancouver is a skiers/snowboarder’s paradise. Also known for it’s Asian culture … Vancouver is one of North America’s most famous Asian cities.

I’m on day 2 of a 10 day trip to Vancouver, as I came a few days early before my work conference … to say hello to friends and family since I used to live here in early 2000-2002. As I remember all of the places I used to hang out, and all the venues I used to visit, heart-felt warm memories encompassed my soul as I realized I was home. Home in a different way than where i was raised, because I am an American, and I was raised in New York and New Mexico. Its hard to explain the feeling I feel about Vancouver, because its very much a feeling of place and a feeling of connectedness, and for some reason, it centers in the area of Vancouver that I am staying in today, house sitting for a friend in Jericho Beach.

Jericho Beach Vancouver, British Columbia
Between North ends of Wallace and Discovery Streets * Vancouver, BC V6R4K5 Canada
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/rec/beaches/jericho.htm
One of Vancouver’s famous beaches, festive as well as serene locations, its popular during the summer for festivals, concerts, events, and summer sun bathing and beach fun. During the winters, serene moments and quiet beaches for walking, and absorbing the beautiful bay. Late at night, a great romantic get-away. Before the arrival of European settlers this area was home to a native village called Ee’yullmough. Later in the 1860s a logging camp under the auspices of Jeremiah Rogers took hold here. Known as “Jerry’s Cove”, the name evolved into the now familiar “Jericho”. This once was the site of Vancouver’s first golf course but was commandeered by the National Department of Defence in the late 1930s for a seaplane base with numerous hangars lining the shoreline. Turned over to the Park Board in the early 1970s, all but a handful of the buildings were demolished as the park took shape. The eastern section of the beach caters to swimmers and the west to sailboats and windsurfers under the auspices of the popular Jericho Sailing Association.
This long and sandy stretch gives panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the bay. Very popular for sunbathing, dog walking, and family picnics … my visit the morning of 3/23/08 was welcoming the joyful frolick of kids scrambling for hidden eggs during their Easter egg hunts. For the traveller, the Jericho Beach Hostel is right upon it, and one of the best hostels in the city of Vancouver. Nestled between Kitslano and UBC, Pacific Spirit Park, and not far from Spanish Banks and Wreck Beach … this series of natural locations are a must visit in Vancouver. Popular location for boating - kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing as there are docking yards nearby. Concession stands and bathrooms are located conveniently here. This is also the home to the infamous annual Vancouver Folk Festival. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.