Fall of Vancouver

Raincouver Rejuvenation: Marathon under the Sun

Vancouver is not always sunny. From October to March, it is the rainy period, which is fairly long term. People here call it ‘raincouver’. It may make some people gloomy sometimes. I think humans are affected by the weather and the ambient lighting a lot. However, facing the sunlight after 4 days of rain is very refreshing. That’s when we go out for a marathon. UBC Great Trek marathon held on Oct 28th with the brightest sunshine with a whole school of healthy people (Great Trek). The price for the 5-people relay marathon was $25 which included baton, team name card, decorations, water, and even sushi. I liked the event. It was like a festival.

Autumn's Wardrobe: The Fashion of Falling Temperatures

As it became October, the temperature rapidly dropped in this month. Now it is a single digit above zero. People started to wear jackets and coats. It’s interesting to see the diverse people in their outfits. There are various people wearing various clothes. I like this colorfulness.

Nature's Therapy: Leaves, Benches, and Squirrel Contemplations

Leaves are falling and decorating the streets with their beautiful colors. The wide space, cool weather, and the fallen leaves heal my mind. When I study hard, I just come out and take a walk. Sitting on a bench and just seeing the sky and squirrels are natural mental cures. I really feel the power of nature.

Autumn's Canvas: Streets Adorned with Fallen Leaves

Streets outside UBC also seem to have fallen leaves. So beautiful.

Rainy Reprieve: A Journey from Lab to Dorm

Of course, it often rains. This is on my way dorm from the laboratory.

Sunset Serenade: Wreck Beach's Evening Splendor

The sunset of Wreck Beach is always so splendid. It’s only 5 min from my dorm: Saint John’s College. We have to go down about 460 stairs to the beach which can be quite an exercise for the newcomers. Once you get there, you can see this breathtaking scenery every evening especially when it’s not raining. In the summer, there are so many people and students watching the sunset. A convention here is to howl like a wolf when the sun disappears: AWWOOOOO!

Seaside Serenity: Kayaking and Relaxation

It seems like not many people try though, possibly due to the several hundreds of stairways, I sometimes carry my kayak down to the beach and then row in the sea. On a Sunday morning, when you go out to the sea and just lay down on the boat, it feels so serene and relaxing.

Glacial Grace: UBC's Icy Attraction

UBC icelink is worth visiting as well.

Borderline Beauty: Exploring White Rock

Near the border between Vancouver and Washington, there’s a little spot called the White Rock (in Korean.. 백석동??). There’s a train trail, which I’m not sure if it’s operating, and a nice bridge stretching out the sea. It’s a nice visit on a weekend when the weather allows. It feels more like a real Canada there: peaceful and quiet regional residence, park, low buildings, etc.

Mountain Majesty: Hiking in North Cascade

North Cascade is located in Washington, USA. It’s 3 hours by car from Vancouver. It’s not so difficult to hike the trails but you can see stunning views around the mountains. There are snows, autumn leaves, mysterious rocks, and trees.

Fungal Fascination: The Allure of Mushrooms

So far I also found many new mushrooms, including the one above. It looks so charming, making me want to try it. But, people say pretty mushrooms are toxic? who knows. I wouldn’t try of course. I don’t want to die after 2 months of coming to Canada for my Ph.D. I’m just thinking this is so beautiful, and I think where would be the most Vancouver-like place in Korea when I go back later.