Today was a messin' around, do nothing, shoulder day

Friends from Oregon went back home, we don't head over to Victoria until Tuesday, we don't have tickets to the Picasso event until tomorrow...today is a sitting around day.  Did we sit around?  Oh, hell no.

We did, however, sleep in.  And that was lovely!

Once we were out and about, we walked over to the harbor to double check where we would be boarding our cruise on Wednesday.  We checked out the jaw-dropping, gigantic cruise ships currently in port and wandered around a bit on the massive port complex.  Just to the left of the dock, there's a great piece of public art - a giant rain drop.  Or a First Nation tear...I'm not sure which.

We bitched about how these enormous ships catered to the Oklahomans of the world, and how we were so glad that we have always opted for smaller, more intimate megaboats.  Afterwards, Joe and I felt pretty good about ourselves and decided we needed a beer.  We headed down Water street in search of lunch.

We checked in at the Black Frog...just a hop, skip, and a jump from the waterfront...and the steam clock.

A great beer selection and a perfect vantage point from which to point and laugh at tourists gawking at the steam clock and then getting distracted by the shiny Starbucks sign.

After a wonderful lunch and a couple of beers, we took a stroll down Cambie Street (uphill most of the way) into Yaletown ...another favorite neighborhood full of bars and restaurants.  First stop: Yaletown Brewery.

A couple of delicious beers in a dark (and cool) bar.

Next stop: The Flying Pig.  Our waiter was from Melbourne and so much fun.

He recommended a wonderful meat/cheese/pickle/olive plate.

Our last stop of the day...  Yes, we spent all day in four bars. So?!  Wanna make something of it?  Wanna give me some shit about it?  You get up here and try to decide how to spend your time!  You come to Vancouver and try to make sense of how you can manage to get in ALL THIS FOOD AND BEER.  Come on.  Try it!  I dare you!  I double dog dare you!!!  C'mon!

Sigh.  Our final stop was Blue Water Cafe - a lovely seafood restaurant with a raw bar and a fabulous scotch menu.  We were happy! 

Ah, the ultimo crab roll.

Bottom line is: Vancouver - like any other city worth its salt - has amazing food and drink.  Today was a great day.  Weather-wise it was warm and sunny with a nice cool breeze.  The food was fresh and well-prepared; the beer and other drinks were delicious and well-chosen.  Vancouver is a delight for the senses.  And my senses are saturated!

Tomorrow - Picasso and Fly Over Canada!