Friday 19 September 2014

East Side Craft House: Vancouver

Thoughts:
Nice place with good food and a good selection of beers. Unfortunately they were out of some of the advertised brands and seeing how it was a Tuesday at lunch I am guessing that tgey ran out on the weekend and didn't bother getting more.

The food was good and the large portions made the above average price seem ok.

There didn't seem to be a lot of seating but based on it's location I don't see it getting too busy.

It was ok if you are in the area but could probably find better a short drive away.

Pros:
Good menu of food and drinks.

Cons:
Above average price and seemed out of stock on a few beverages.

Sunday 14 September 2014

Gold Creek Falls: Maple Ridge

Overview:
The Gold Creek Falls is a short hike that is perfect for the beginning of the season or in combination with a camping trip to the Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Thoughts:
This is a recently re-done trail making it nice and easy to walk through the forest up to the falls location.  Along the way there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the creek, either for the view or in the hotter months you can take a dip in the water.

The trail is compact gravel and very wide so it good for walking with a stroller, no bikes or horses are allowed on the trail either. The distance ends up being 5.4 km return (2.7km to the falls) and takes about 40 min to walk one way with minimal stopping.

A little ways to drive as it takes about 30 min from downtown Maple Ridge to get tot the trail head but if spending the day out there or just going for a walk up to the falls it is worth it.

There is also plenty of parking at the trail head but does get busy during the summer months and you may need to park further back up the road.

Pros:
Nice trail and easy to walk along wit strollers and not too physically challenging. Good swimming all along the creek

Cons:
A little ways out of tow to get to.