Spent a delightful day in Vancouver yesterday visiting with my dear Friend L who was there for a conference. I hopped on the bus early to catch the 9 am ferry. Ran into two other lovely friends whose lively conversation quickened the trip. L and I met at the Bridgeport Skytrain Station and headed downtown. We wandered mostly, and ate a lot: delicious lunch at the Vancouver Art Gallery Cafe, hot chocolate at Mink and wonderful dinner at the Italian Kitchen. The air was cold, but the rain held off. Home on the 9 pm ferry. Here are a few photos to mark the day.

A beautiful morning in Victoria as I wait for the bus.

Autumn colours and blue grey sky.

Down at English Bay: a beautiful garden, the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture by Yue Minjun, and a cool condo building with a tree growing on the penthouse deck.

I caught our reflections while taking this pic. These child mannequins caught my eye as the centre one reminded me of GJ (except for the hat)! He loves a stripy shirt.

This was a wonderful addition to Robson Street. Several parking spots removed to make a garden and seating area for pedestrians, how novel!

The North Shore mountains were magical with a fresh dusting of snow.

Flavourful and tender gnocchi with basil pesto, pine nuts and roasted tomato at The Italian Kitchen on Alberni. Our server Hillary was exceptional. She handled all the tables around us with pure grace and charm.