03.21.08, Day 1 Part 4: Vancouver, B.C.: Vegan goodies at the Naam, Fire & Spinning down at Wreck Beach

Friday, 21 March 2008 - Day 1, Part 4 * Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s definitely really nice to be back in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, British Columbia … nonetheless. While still chilly, far cry warmer than Colorado … and a nice break from the snow. My friend Lori called me to meet her at the Naam, an incredible Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Kitslano, a neighbourhood in Vancouver, where alot of artsy, health-conscious folk live. Kitslano is a little more pricey than the rest of Vancouver, but laid back and not as crowded as other areas of the city. Its also surrounded by beach, neighboured by Jericho Beach, Pacific Spirit Park, and the University of British Columbia. I walked down 4th from Jericho Beach, enjoying the night air, and folks heading off to happy hour and found my way to a very busy and crowded restaurant. A fifteen minute wait and I soon had a table for me and my friends who were soon to arrive.

The Naam
2724 4th Avenue West * Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1, Canada * (604) 738-7151 * In Kitsilano near the beach
I remember the Naam vividly from when I used to live in Vancouver, and from every trip I’ve made to this gorgeous city ever since. After all, where else could you find a full service Vegetarian restaurant open 24 hours and 7 days a week but in Kitslano? It is and was always a popular venue for after clubbing fare as well. Always crowded and servicing the most excellent food, it’s worth the wait. It’s been around forever it seems, and is the city’s oldest natural foods restaurant. “Funky” decor with wooden tables and a wooden floor with a garden patio for summertime seating. Every night from 7-10 they boast live music such as blues, folk, and jazz. Everything on the menu is fabulous, and if memory serves me my favorite dishes are the Thai and Naam Dragon Bowls, Thai Noodles, Buddha’s Feast, and Crying Tiger Stir Fry. The Naam Burrito Wrap is also fabulous. On this particular re-visit I had the Buddha’s Feast, topped with cashews and was in palatable heaven. Top that off with a Chai shake, and I was good as gold. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

After dinner, even though it was close to midnight, we were headset on going to Wreck Beach. No liquor stores were open or available, so it was energy drinks and chips to take down with us. Wreck Beach is technically closed at dark, but that doesn’t stop half of the population of beach-goers from going at night, even during winter, to head down to one of North America’s largest clothing optional beaches for a campfire and/or beach party. Parking is convenient in the garages at UBC and its a short jolt down a very steep several hundred staired climb to the beach. Don’t park along the road however after 11 pm, as you’ll be towed, as they figure you are down at the beach when you’re not supposed to be.

Wreck Beach Vancouver, British Columbia
One of the world’s most famous ‘clothing optional’ beaches is one of my most favorite natural locations in all of my worldly travels. Especially during the day and summer, my memories are a whirl-wind of fun from the days I’ve lived here and the times I visited. Of course, during the winter months, and evenings, like today’s visit, there is no absence of clothing. But during the warm days, 95% of the population is stripped down, and you definitely can get sun, surf, and full body tan taken care of in one. Plus a moderate temperature ocean experience where you can actually go swimming. Sure during the winter months, crazy Vancouverites who are members of the Polar Bear club will take a frisky naked dip, especially to ring in the New Year. During the day, vendors galore from legal merchants selling freshly prepared Vegetarian and/or wild game grub (like Venison, Buffalo, Elk burgers), Sarongs, and beach stuff … there are the ‘illegal’ vendors who sell chocolate covered mushrooms, pot, margarita’s, beer, and mixed drinks. Of course, this kind of vending is illegal and not tolerated, apparently often cracked down on, even though to access Wreck Beach, is a long, panting climb down a series of several hundred stops - so most law enforcement don’t have the lungs to keep running up and down the staircase. Lots of activities and community fun always takes place at Wreck Beach, and sometimes even night time bonfires, fire spinning, and beach parties take place. If you’re a naturalist, this is definitely a place not to miss. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

It was a bit of an exhausting climb down the stairs, especially since I’m out of shape, but my asthmatic lungs at least handled the climb better than when I lived here, because I’m used to higher altitudes and more struggling breathing. Warm sand beneath my feet, campfires off in the distance, each attached to their own little beach party. We wandered to a few in hopes of finding someone we knew, but alas, such was not the case. So we started our own little fire and Bonefinder entertained us with some fire spinning staff and poi till 4 o’clock in the morning. Good times were had by all.

The Orient Land Trust, Villa Grove, Colorado

The Orient Land Trust a.k.a. “Valley View Hot Springs”
info@olt.org, olt.org * PO Box 65, Villa Grove, CO 81155-0065 * 719.256.4315 * 9 am - 10 pm. Open to the public 7 days a week - closed December 1st - 28th.
This fantastic Land trust is dedicated to the preservation of natural resources, wildlife habitat, open space, historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley for the enjoyment of current and future generations. The OLT protects a humongous bat colony, hot springs, alternative energy use, and is well known for its high altitude dark skies for astronomy, exposed active geological fault, limestone caves, numerous trails, historic buildings, town sites at an abandoned iron mine, and a working ranch. The OLT is a naturist community (clothing optional) with 24 hour access to the hotsprings when camping or renting their rustic lodging cabins. They limit the number of visitors based on space availability and environmental impact. For current pictures and views … visit their web site, linked above. The entire grounds are clothing optional - while the majority of the guests tend to swim and soak without swimsuits, there is no pressure either way. The OLT welcomes a diverse clientele of couples, singles, and families from all walks of life - children are always welcome, though require supervision. They offer camping and cabins, their indoor lodging have heat and electricity, though there are no telephones, clocks, radios, or tvs in any of the rooms. All of the ponds and pools are outdoors - there are no private pools or hot tubs - there are four natural ponds with temperatures ranging in the 90’s, an 80′ long spring-fed swimming pool (no chlorine) in the high 80’s, and a heated hot pool around 105 degrees. Our visit to this fantastic resort was over the weekend of 11/10-11/11. A must visit for any hot springs or naturalist enthusiast. Rating 5 stars out of 5.