Ann75's VirtualTourist Home Page
| Page Views: 42,016 | Welcome to my little corner on Virtual Tourist by Ann75 - last update: Aug 7, 2009 |
A little bit about myself and my travels | Mt Rainier and the beautiful wildflowers |
Welcome to my Home Page!
First of all, Welcome and thank you for stopping by! I have been very busy the past few months and haven't had much time for TE. I am still quite busy, but try to make a little time for VT now and then.
At the moment I am building the following pages: Brussels, Belgium and Mount Rainier National Park
Our last BIG trip was to Europe in the summer of 2008 where we visited my family in Belgium and we also visited some parts of Holland, Germany and we spent 12 days in Switzerland. This year we are doing some renovations, so not much time for big travels. We went for our yearly visit to Mara Lake near Sicamous and we visited beautiful Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State (USA) at the end of July. Please see my Mount Rainier National Park Travel Page for info
I moved from Belgium to Canada in the year 2000. Since I moved here I have been lucky to visit a bunch of places including many places in the province of British Columbia, some in the province of Alberta in Canada and some areas in Oregon and Washington State in the USA. I have visited lost of the touristy places as well as the less traveled places. So, if you want a different view on certain areas...you'll find some of it in my travel pages. We usually travel by car and try to find economy accommodations which may include any type of accommodation such as B&B's, hotels, motels, cabins, private homes...wherever we can find a good deal. Of course now and then we pamper ourselves and go for luxury too! Since I have lived in Europe until I was 24, I can also share a few things that I have experienced as a tourist in Canada initially and what to watch for.
Any suggestions and comments are welcome! Thank you for dropping by and Happy Travels.
A bit more about me, my life
Okay, My name is Ann and I live near Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada. I was born in the Flemish part Belgium where I also grew up. I lived in Belgium until I met a wonderful Canadian for whom I moved to Canada in the year 2000. For my full story: CLICK HERE!!!
Since I have been living here I had the opportunity to visit many places in this province and now I know why they call it "Beautiful British Columbia". This province is full of nature and many breathtaking views, 1/3 is covered with mountains higher than 1000 meter (approx. 3000 feet). There are many lakes, thousands of Islands, mountains, wildlife and so much more. No wonder this place is so beautiful.
You will notice that I have quite some pages that include nature and wilderness parks located in British Columbia (BC) and Alberta (AB), Canada and some in the USA! I want to share the beauty of these places with other travelers that might never visit it because they don't know about them! Of course you will also find info on some famous National Parks, cities and other parts of this country! If you love nature, definitely check out my National Park and Provincial Park travel pages! |
| The Sol Duc Falls (slow shutterspeed), Olympic NP |
Photography is slowly becoming a passion I love taking pictures and I am very much in the amateur stages of photography. I mostly enjoy scenery photography including mountains, lakes and sunsets, but also city scenes, flowers and animals. I still have a lot to learn in this field.
For my latest photo albums, please have a look at My Photo Gallery
My first digital camera was a Sony Mavica FD85 which I bought in Arpil 2001. Most photos I posted on VT were taken with that camera. The camera had only 1.3 megapixels and was mainly a point and shoot camera with hardly any manual options. Surprisingly the quality was quite good and I had lots of comments on the nice photos I took. People were wondering what camera I used.
After having this camera for 5 years, I really felt the urge to get a better camera and something that would allow me to set everything manually if I wanted to. I did a few months of research and was debating whether I should get a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) or just more of an advanced digital camera.
These DSLR camera's require lenses and I am not that familiar with all the different lenses that are out there and all the manual options available. I would have to buy a few different lenses for the different type of photos I'd be taking and that would become a lot to carry on trips as these camera's and lenses can be quite heavy.
I was looking for something with lots of manual options, a big zoom lens, higher megapixels and great quality. I also wanted a camera that feels good in my hand, that is easy to use and where the controls are easy accessible. I have found what I was looking for and in September of 2006 I bought myself a Sony DSC-H5. This digital camera has 7.2 megapixels, a 12x optical zoom, lots of manual controls and a 3 inch LCD screen.
I also have a regular size tripod, a travel pod and a mini tripod to position my camera on when taking photos with a slower shutter speed or to use in situations where I want my camera to be more stable. A few months ago I bought a Sony Circular Polarizing filter which helps with the glare and reflections on water/glass and helps to bring out the colours more as well as the blue sky. A neutral density filter will be my next addition for even slower shutter speed photos for waterfalls/ocean or to use at sunset.
My Sony camera is fantastic and I am loving it so much! In the winter, the sun sets right in front of our living room window and this creates lots of opportunities to take sunset photos and to keep on practicing. We have been on a few trips where I have been able to use my camera to the fullest and I absolutely love the quality, colours and details! Well, that's about that on my hobby of photography which is slowly becoming a passion. I continue to learn and continue to practice as I enjoy it very much!
So far a few of my photos have been published in some educational books about Canada and other books, other photos of mine are featured on travel websites and I have sold a few photos for quite a high price. I could never dream of something like that and I am so happy that I can say that some of my work has been published and I hope there might be more to come. I am also a member on some stock websites where my work (not only photos) has been selling pretty good: My Shutterstock Gallery.
It's always a great feeling when people are interested in your photos, whether they just comment on them, or they just like looking at them or they even want to buy them. But, for me it's not about how much money I can make on my photos, but how much I enjoy just going out there and take photos...whether someone likes them or not! It's the feeling I get when I am out with my camera and when get home and see what I was able to capture! NEWS FLASH: I just got a new camera (Sept. 2008) and this time it's a DSLR...The Sony Alpha A200W 10.2MP Digital SLR with 2 lenses: a 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and a 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens. |
| Lynn Valley which is about 20 min. from my home |
Where I live and what I love Since April 2000 Greater Vancouver, Canada is my home. I live in a city that is located about 18km (11mi) east of downtown Vancouver and belongs to the Greater Vancouver area or the Lower Mainland. I love this place very much because we are so close to some unspoiled wilderness and nature parks. There's an abundance of wildlife that you can find here in their natural habitat...from little squirrels, to raccoons, to bears, to Killer Whales (Orca's) and so much more. And all that we can reach within an hour driving or less from where I live. I still can't believe I am so close to all of those beautiful things! I am a nature person and love to go for walks in the parks, at the beach, in the mountains, you name it!
We live in a pretty quiet neighbourhood and have a nice place with a lovely garden. We kind of look out on a valley and have a nice view over Mount Baker, which is located in Washington State, USA (about 100km/60 miles from here). The only disadvantage is that the power lines from the street interfere with the view, but I'll take it! : )
In the spring all our rhododendrons bloom, it is so beautiful. The tullips are in full bloom around that time too!!! When June rolls around our roses start to bloom. We have about quite an array of colors when it come to the roses.
I also love sunrises and sunsets. We have enough of those here and one more beautiful than the other. If I can't go to the beach to see it, I can witness the sunsets from our livingroom window. I love that so much, sometimes the colors are so incredible nice, I can just dream away looking at all those colors.
I can enjoy sunrises over here too, but for that I have to go outside into the backyard. I can see a little bit from the kitchen window, but not enough to experience the full effect of a sunrise. In certain times of the year I get to see some awesome sunrises when I drive to work. The sun rises up behind the mountains and colours the sky in so many beautiful warm colours. I love it!
Below you can find a short synopsis on my favourite places to visit in British Columbia and Alberta. |
| View over False Creek and downtown Vancouver |
Vancouver, British Columbia VANCOUVER is a beautiful city by the ocean and surrounded by mountains. The downtown core is absolutely worth a visit. It has many different things to offer and that all within walking distance. Walk along Robson Street, the famous shopping street where you might bump into celebrities, visit the Canada Place with its white sails, enjoy a stroll in Gastown with it's steamclock and all the gift shops, walk down to Chinatown, see all the different buildings like the Vancouver Public Library, Science World and so much more.
Go kayaking at English Bay or on False Creek. There are some little ferries at False Creek that will bring you from English Bay to Granville Island, the public market with something for everybody. Don't miss out on Stanley Park with a 9km (6 miles) seawall and lots of hiking trails, beautiful views and other attractions. Visit the beautiful North shore with its untouched nature and famous local mountains. Go to the Pacific Mall or go to the Imax theatre, visit the Art Gallery in Vancouver or enjoy live action at a hockey game at GM place. There is so much to see and do.
Please visit my VANCOUVER travel pages for more info. |
| The Legislative Building in Victoria |
Vancouver Island, British Columbia VANCOUVER ISLAND Beautiful secluded coves, sandy beaches and wildlife attract visitors to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Victoria, British Columbia's capital with its British history and traditions is definitely a must see. On these Islands, just a ways away from mainland of British Columbia is a total different world. This is a beautiful place with an ideal climate, a place whales call home.
With the many charming Bed & Breakfasts and other Inns or lodges it makes it a romantic getaway. It's a fantastic place for kayakers as they can enjoy the kalm waters of all the hidden coves and secluded areas. Old growth rainforests with giant firs reaching for the sky are common here. The blue-green color of the Pacific Ocean with the stretched sandy beaches are a hit in the summer. This place makes you feel like you are on a tropical island. So be warned, you might never want to leave.
For more info please also visit my VICTORIA, TOFINO and PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK travel pages. |
| Early morning at Emerald Lake |
Yoho National Park, British Columbia YOHO NATIONAL PARK is located in British Columbia. Yoho represents the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains region, and I have read somewhere that it's a Cree (native Indian) expression of awe and wonder This is a beautiful park with blue lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and high peaks. Things you don't want to miss in the National park are:
*Field: the little town and the visitor centre of Yoho National Parks with lots of tourist information, hotels, restaurants and much more.
*The Wapta Falls: an easy 2.4 km (1.5 miles) trail takes you to these impressive falls. They are not very high, but wide and worth to see as you can descend to the bottom of these waterfalls. Make sure to be a little noisy on your way through the forest so the bears will stay away.
*Takakkaw Falls: These waterfalls are accessable by the steep 13km (8 miles) Yoho Valley Road that has tight switchbacks and is not suitable for vehicles pulling trailers. You can walk from the parking lot all the way to the bottom of these falls and feel the mist drop down on you. Stunning views over this fall and mountains are worth the trip up this steep road!
*Natural Bridge: This bridge is a natural bridge that arches over the Kicking Horse River. The force of water is displayed here and really amazing to watch. Definately worth the stop.
*Emerald Lake: The name says it all..this is a beautiful emerald colored lake in a nice and serene setting surrounded by mountains and trees. There is also a 5.2km (3.25 miles) trail that takes circles the lake.
*Lake O'Hara area: This area is one of the most spectacular places in Canada. Wildlife abounds, the hiking trails are extensive and varied and the surrounding high mountains are simply incredible. Only a certain amount of visitors are allowed per day into the Lake O'Hara area via a public bus to preserve this beautiful area as much as possible.
For the rest there are many hiking trails that you can do, also picnic areas and campgrounds.
Please visit my YOHO NATIONAL PARK travel pages for more info. |
| Beautiful Pyramid Lake, Jasper NP |
Jasper National Park, Alberta JASPER NATIONAL PARK is the largest and most northerly of the four Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. Its scenery looks tougher and the mountain peaks are high here. This park isn't as busy as Banff, but can sometimes be crowded. There are many choices in hiking trails, beautiful lakes, mountain scenery and so much more. Some spots that you definately don't want to miss are:
*Maligne Lake:
Maligne Lake, the largest in Jasper National Park (22 km). It's one of the most beautiful sights in the Rockies, there is a day-use area, boat trips on the lake and hiking trails.
*Athabasca Falls:
These falls flow through a narrow gorge of a canyon with a height of about 12 meters (36 feet) are worth a visit.
*Mount Edith Cavell:
This mountain can be reach by the 15km/9.5 miles Edith Cavell Road. Here you have fantastic views of the 3,363 meter/approx. 10,000ft Mount Edith Cavell. Here you have the chance for hiks or just short walk.
*Columbia Icefields: It is one of the largest known formation of ice south of the Arctic Circle, and one of the most easy reachalbe in North America. The Icefield cover an area of 325 square km (202 square miles), and exists of a total of about eight icefield glaciers.
Please visit my JASPER NATIONAL PARK travel pages for more info. |
| Canoeists on beautiful Moraine Lake, Banff NP |
Banff National Park, Alberta BANFF NATIONAL PARK was the first Canadian National Park and it is also one of the most famous National Parks around the world for it's beauty! Rugged mountains, glaciers, icefields, alpine meadows, beautiful blue cold-water lakes, mineral hot springs, deep canyons and more create those natural landscapes and habitat for a great variety of mammals such as elk, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, and caribou.
I was contacted by someone of Editions QA INTERNATIONAL who have been publishing educational multilingual reference works in several media. They asked me if they could use one of my photos that was taken at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (the photo seen here to the left). It was an Atlas of Canada for kids as well as an environmental book about Canada. I gladly accepted the offer. I am not getting paid for it, but my name will appeared in the books and I got free copies of the books after they were finished...which is so great! And it's kind of nice that I can say that a couple of my photos have been published in an educational book! :o) I have braggin rights now...haha!
Banff National Park has many sites to offer, too many to name...so here is a short list of the most popular and spectacular spots in Banff National Park:
*Banff Town: this cozy little town has lots to offer. You'll find tons of restaurants, hotels, shops and much more.
*Sulphur Mountain: The top of this mountain is reached by gondola,. The summit is at 2,281 meters (7,486 feet) above sea level. Don't miss this one as you will enjoy nature on one of our three outdoor observation terraces. For the adventurous, there are trails along beautiful mountain ridges with panoramic views.
*Upper Hot Springs: Banff's famous hot springs are a great activity during your visit to the park. You get a royal treatment at the Upper Hot Springs Spas, equipped with a steam room at 41 degrees C and mineral water plunge pool, followed by your choice of various aromatherapy scents. Or you can just swim in the hot spring pools.
*Lake Louise : This would be one of the most famous lakes in the world. Lake Louise has a wonderful setting with the plateau of six glaciers in the back and wonderful green colored water. You can rent a canoe to explore the lake close by, you can visit the Chateau Lake Louise (the hotel) or just walk around the lake.
*Moraine Lake: This would be my favorite lake! What a color and what a beautiful setting. You can walk up a rock pile to have a closer look over the lake. This deep blue colored lake is surrounded by ten peaks which make it so impressive to look at. Here you can also rent a canoe, visit the Moraine Lake Lodge or just walk around the lake.
Please visit my BANFF NATIONAL PARK travel pages for more info.
THANK YOU FOR DROPPING BY AND I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY ALL THE TRAVEL INFO! QUESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!! |
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 Comments for Ann75 | | | | |
canuck68 Fri Oct 30, 2009 20:09 UTC
Wonderful pictures neighbor. You must know a lot of different techniques to get that awesome quality to your shots. | Robdaz Wed Oct 28, 2009 09:31 UTC
Hi Ann, Thanks for B'day wishes. Great to hear from you again. What's your next adventure?? Heading this side of the planet, let me know. Rob | V_Minx Wed Oct 14, 2009 17:21 UTC
Hi Ann. Thanks for your wonderful birthday message. It's great to hear from friends, no matter what day it is. Bet wishes to you! XOXO Vince | Waalewiener Wed Oct 7, 2009 18:18 UTC
Hi Ann & Michael Thank you for the B day wishes I hope you two are doing great All well here Lori says Hi |
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