I’m sure I told someone that this was my day off, but here it was rainy and foggy. And so we decided to cancel our trip to the Peak to Peak gondola, and explore Squamish instead. So after trying and failing to rent a car, we walked for about half an hour to the West Coast Railway heritage Park, here in Squamish. On the way there, we stopped in at a few dealerships and auto body shops looking for a car to rent, and did end up making a contact with GMC who will be dropping off a car in the morning. Fernando and I enjoy the chance to get out and stretch her legs, but I don’t think the rain improved Reto’s mood.
Rain shrouded mountain in Squamish
While the Railway Museum was interesting, it was rather small, and half of the exhibits seem to be in the midst of being upgraded. The staff was more than helpful and guided us through a couple of the exhibits. The best ones were in the large wooden structure that had been moved to the site four years ago. This wooden building is the largest wooden structure ever to be moved. Inside were two 1890 executive rail cars made of ornate wood, one of which was being restored by wealthy businessman from Vancouver. There was also a 1952 CPR diesel engine, which was one of the first engines that came in to replace the steam engines. The young man who is giving us a tour was very kind enough to let Fernando and I climb into the engine room.
One of the first diesel trains to replace steam engines
At this point Fernando wanted to go look at the souvenir shop, but Reto was getting tired and decided to take the bus home. After Fernando picked up a few trinkets, we ordered a to downtown Squamish where we had a nice lunch in a Greek restaurant called Yiannis. I love looking out the window at the big chief Mountain just beyond the city.
Interiour of the 1890 Executive rail car
Then we walked down to the harbour to see the yachts. For some reason, I seem drawn to the ocean and this met a special need deep within me. It was a bit difficult taking pictures as we had to hold the umbrella over the camera each time as the rain continued. By this time I was starting to get a bit wet, so we were glad to find the library. It seems Fernando is a bit of a book nut, and he actually took out a membership at the library. I was quite happy to sit down by the fireplace and read a book.
Squamish yacht club with the Chief mountain in the background
Next we headed to a bike shop called Vertical Reality, where he made arrangements to rent a bicycle for $125 for the rest of the month. By that time we decided it was time to head home so we stopped at a bus stop. We had no idea when the next bus would come and the local said it would likely be an hour. I called the number on the bus stop and got in the office which had closed at 4:30. Unbelievable! So we called a taxi and paid nine dollars to get home
View of the Howe Sound, the southern most fjord in North America. Logging boom visible in the distance. Harbour activity doesn't stop for winter here.
While I was waiting for the taxi the dispatcher called me and asked me for the second time that day if I wanted overtime. She wanted me to work until four Saturday morning, which would taken me within a few minutes of my Saturday shift. After explaining to her that this was a conflict, I refused the overtime. While I was on the phone with her, the car rental company called and confirmed our rental for the morning.
Vertical Reality Sports Store where you can rent bicycles
The labour code out here in BC is a bit different than back in Ontario. Here they don’t have a mandatory lunch break after 5 1/2 hours. Many of the drivers here are working eight and 10 hours without a break, including my roommate Reto. They also don’t pay you for a 15 minutes circle check at the garage if it is on your second half of work. Gord Whyte filed a grievance about this and won it. They also don’t pay overtime until you exceed 40 hours in the week. Almost all of our week one shifts were 32 hours, so not all of us were interested in doing overtime that was paid at straight time. Oh well, just part of the adjustment to life on the West Coast.
Well, that is enough blogging for today. On Friday, if it is still raining and foggy, you plan to go to the Mining Museum just down the road.