A Wedneday Walk Through Lotus Land

There is a reason that Vancouver is often referred to as Lotus Land: first, La La Land was already taken; second, we are the birth place of Lulu Lemon Yoga Pants; and third, if you know where to go there are la-la-lots of lotuses ... or loti if you prefer and your over-priced sweat pants haven't delivered enough pretentiousness for you.

So are you ready to enter a Monet painting? I know I am. But first a walk through the forest of Stanley Park is in order. Yep, all the good stuff is hidden in the trees; that and all the lame geo-cache finds. You gotta get there early; the gnomes go first.

If you can find the Rose Garden, then you can also find the path that will lead you to Beaver Lake. And yes, there are some beavers there, but they are somewhat elusive and easily angered, so count yourself lucky to have seen or missed them. Beavers are ferocious ... no really, they are ... and this is the land they guard.

Beaver Lake has a circumference of 1 km and if you time you visit right, about 80 percent of its area will be blooming with lotus. You cannot imagine a more dreamy and beautiful place.Don't tell anyone.

The frogs were croaking away for a mate when we were there, but they all managed to stay out of sight and I looked. It might have been Memorex.

There were also some gorgeous irises or irisi rimming the lake.

Here is a close-up that will probably inspire a haiku later on in the week.

That was my Wednesday Walk taken two weeks ago. If you ever come to Vancouver make sure a trip to Beaver Lake is part of it, but tell no one of its existence. If Disney Land or Vegas has a knock-off exhibit next year; me, the frogs, and oh yes, the beavers, will be coming for you. There won't be a dam place you can hide. And I dare you to lodge a complaint.

All photos and words are my own.