I dropped into the 'Garden' today, as part of an early-morning walk. It was my first look and…read morewalkabout of 2021, and I was looking forward to seeing what, and how much activity might be taking place there at this time. It is rather early in the garden-growing season here, but I found many plots quite alive with several of the early-growing veggies, and some colourful flowers. I captured a few sights. A fun, and informative stop for me. And a nice opportunity for me to kick-start the checking out a place I enjoy during several of my local neighbourhood walks.

During my early-morning walk today, I included this particular area of Coquitlam hoping to see the…read more'Burquitlam Community Garden' still there. With all the recent, high-rise construction in the area, I had my fingers crossed, that I would see it had been saved -- and yea!! I found it had been, ans was alive and well. For me, a casual visitor, not one of the gadeners, stopping at this 'Garden' over previous years had always been like stepping into a park. But because of all the recent construction in the area, I found other neighbourhoods more pleasurable to walk. Going there this morning was a long while in waiting, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try once again. The 'Garden' was much as remembered -- well set-up, groomed, and attended -- and with many of the various plots and operations active. I did a walkabout, took in the sights, and caught some photos. And all the while, I marvelled at how it was still here, 'nestled' amongst everything that had, and was still taking place in this area of Coquitlam!

Our 5 'th and final stop on the way to Manning Provincial Park last week. The trip provided…read moreanother opportunity to revisit, and take a walkabout of the lovely, community garden setup located within 'Sunshine Valley'. A perfect day, time and weather-wise, and we were glad to have had the chance to stop for another look at this interesting and colourful spot. We did a walkabout, taking in the sights of the various activities on the go at this time. And with a community volunteer caretaker on site 'housekeeping' flower gardens, and such, we were able to engage in some friendly, cordial and informative conversations about the site. The individual garden plots are of two kinds -- 'community' and 'individual'. The community plots contain plantings by, and for the community 'at large' (and visitors) to share. The individual plots contain plantings by specific individuals (and named on the boxes) within the community, and meant primarily for their intended uses. The plots had been well-planted and cared for, and plantings were in beautiful conditions at this time. Some very fine salads and such, were, and would continue to be available for a good while to those involved in these projects. Once again, it was fun to explore the 'Community Garden' located within 'Sunshine Valley'. It is a fine community effort. and results must be so rewarding to everyone located there. For us, such a lovely spot to stop for a look at all their efforts, and catch views of all the colourful sights.

This spectacular garden tour (and fundraiser for Skagit Symphony) was the perfect way to spend a…read morerecent sunny Sunday afternoon with my favorite dude, as we drove around the beautiful Skagit Valley marveling at private gardens of all shapes, sizes, and styles. We started at the home of some local nursery owners. Of course, we were expecting this garden to be spectacular but it was more than that. It was perfect, but not TOO perfect. The plant and flower varieties were incredible, as were the on-site greenhouse and potting shed. There was also eclectic seating throughout the garden, a fruit orchard in the back, and a beautiful dome-topped iron trellis onto which an apple tree had been trained. This was the first stop on the tour and it did NOT disappoint. The remaining 6 stops on the tour were all in Anacortes, about a 20-minute drive from the first stop. There was a very handy guidebook provided with our tickets, which gave detailed, turn-by-turn directions between each garden and provided an overview of what to expect at the next stop. From water features to sculptures, the gardens featured not just plants but lots of inspiration for my own garden. The finale was a breathtaking house overlooking neighboring Guemes Island, with a yard full of carefully curated sculptures and a deck with sweeping views of the sailboats down below. Many stops also included live symphony music played on-site, as well as (much needed) water stations as the day was very warm. Parking was challenging in a couple of the spots, but there were also plenty of volunteers and helpers on hand to help out. My only suggestion: would it be possible to have a local wine vendor pouring samples at each garden? I mean, it doesn't hurt to ask right? This was the first garden tour I've been on in several years, and I look forward to going again next year if at all possible!

One of the newer public spaces in town, Overlook Park couldn't be more perfectly situated above the…read morePort of Friday Harbor. What the park lacks in square footage, it makes up for it in panorama. The view is outstanding! Located just off one of the two main streets in town, Overlook Park shares a small parking lot with several neighboring businesses. There's not much to the park; a few benches and picnic tables, as well as public viewing binoculars helping folks take in the scenery below. Perched high on the bluff, the park benefits from a refreshing breeze coming off the harbor. There are comfortable seating areas in both sun and shade thanks to the variety of shrubs and trees that create an inviting respite for weary tourists and locals alike.

Brand new apartments, although they do have their ups and downs it's not terrible…read more I do love the locations and the rooms themselves are quite nice. Buying a parking spot is a MUST though. The shuttle is very convenient as well. There are problem here a there like the lack of security presence, especially when it comes to noise complaints at night. And the Internet connection can be a pain, it often cuts out. Overall the biggest thing to be said is they are new apartments, so I don't expect perfection but they are very nice and if things continue to go well I will renew my lease for sure!!

Do not move to The Lark Bellingham. This place constantly has broken, damaged, or out-of-service…read moreequipment and amenities. Garbage piled up repeatedly over the past year, and it took far too long for management to resolve it. The shuttle breaks down frequently, and residents aren't notified until it's too late--causing you to miss class or pay for parking out of pocket. Rent and utility costs have consistently increased, all for a subpar living experience. When you finally move out, you're likely to be hit with vague and confusing "damage charges" that cannot be disputed unless you want to pursue legal action. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone. The management is negligent and unresponsive. While most of the staff are kind and do their best, there's only so much they can do under such poor leadership.