The weekend roll was NE/2 – we had set our base value at 10 minute driving and we thought we were headed for deep cove. We put on clothes fit for kayaking and hit the road. Much to our surprise, the traffic delayed us and after 20 minutes of driving (a roll of 2 times 10 minutes driving) we weren’t yet at Deep Cove. The next place to turn off Dollarton Hwy was Cates Park. The parking lot was crowded but we found a spot in overflow. Lots of families were picnicking and settling in for the late afternoon free music performance that the sandwich boards advertised. What a place to end up – right on Burrard inlet with an amazing view of Burnaby Mountain!
We were happy to discover that Takaya Tours rents double kayaks (and they’re $10 cheaper than Deep Cove) and launch you right off the beach. It’s a new service at Cates Park that only started last summer – who knew?
Paddling up Indian Arm from Cates Park
We had a lovely time on the water, checking out the beautiful mountains, dreaming about the waterfront mansions and we even managed to make it to Deep Cove. Ninety minutes later, we returned to the pebble beach much more relaxed and joyful. There was only one thing left to do…eat.
Cates Park had one more surprise for us – the recently opened Wally’s Burgers. This place was an institution in Vancouver and when the original drive-in style restaurant on Kingsway shut down in March 2008, many lamented the loss of a great burger joint. Well, it’s back and it’s busy. Tim had the Deluxe Burger with onion rings and I had a mint chocolate chip milkshake made with real ice cream. Deee-licious! We sat at the picnic table taking in the view and watching the people come and go from their day at the beach.
It just goes to show, even when you think you know what is going to happen on your Zufall adventure – you have to be ready for it to be totally different. We definitely made the most of Cates Park today!
By the way, we’d love to hear about your adventures by chance…please share them with us by clicking on the orange banner on the main page and check out the experiences that other people have had. Each adventure is always unique.
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