Pieces Of White Rock In South Surrey

I STEPPED onto a ceramic mosaic depicting the historic Marine Drive portion of White Rock while visiting the Semiahmoo Mall in neighbouring Surrey. The tiles mingled with the bricks on the sidewalk.

This could, in fact, be the only way Surrey gets a piece of White Rock which has resisted merging with the larger city surrounding it on three sides.

It was difficult to capture the mosaic at my feet in its entirety because of the shadows and washed out effect of the noon day sun.

The design, by an unnamed artist, looked about five feet across. I took its picture bit by bit.

It has been ages since a steam locomotive came through town to pick up passengers. Nowadays, trains going by are largely freight and the Amtrak, neither of which stop at the former train station that is currently a museum.

I don't recall hearing about elephants (right upper corner in picture above) coming to town. I suspect this was a moment of whimsy by the artist.

Many more cars cruise along Marine Drive nowadays.

The increase in traffic inspired recent talk about closing off a portion of Marine Drive from cars to make it fully pedestrian. Although unlikely to happen any time soon, this could be a possibility in the distant future.

What never changes is the love of sand, sea and sun. This part of the mosaic shows people at the beach decades ago.

The ocean shore has changed very little over time. However, the once laid back City of White Rock has had a huge increase in train and car traffic. Small cottages have been replaced by palatial homes, towering apartments and bulky condos. The one thing that has gotten a bit skimpier is the bathing suit attire.

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Cardboard Boat Race At Crescent Beach

THE EXCITEMENT of children and families gathering along the sandy shore with watercrafts in tow that were repurposed cardboard boxes was a surprise. Each day brings something new to our walks but this was the first cardboard boat race we stumbled upon at Crescent Beach or anywhere.

The dozen or so boats had individual themes and names. Each one was beautifully done and I am sorry I did not manage to get pictures of them all.

An event such this must take considerable planning and engagement with children by imaginative can-do parents. Creating something from scratch and seeing it applied is one of the best ways to learn. The project combined sports, artistry and construction to build a well-rounded sense of accomplishment.

Soon the race along the shallow shoreline to the pier (about 200 yards away) would begin. Lifejackets were strapped on and lifeguards were nearby.

The Seahorse was ready to sail.

Black Pearl was sure to have a good start.

Pirates dodged sea creatures and were one of the first to arrive at the pier.

The colourful ketchup bottle made a big splash with its towering design.

The military boat was built for success.

Seahorse was valiantly building up speed.

A birthday boy was in one boat. What a great way to celebrate turning seven.

Although some children were accompanied by grownups, the two Hawaiian-themed girls (top photo) braved the sea on their own.

They circled round and round, eventually finding the rhythm of their oars.

The boat pictured in the forefront looked invincible.

Here is a better look at the sunshine boat.

The boat with two boys and a big baby bird ...

made a good showing at the pier.

This grownup superhero (above) discovered the lighter the load the better the chances of the boat not sinking.

From superhero to super sandwich ... who wouldn't love a pickle like the one above to help out at the end of the race?

Some boats survived to race another day but most probably did not.

No worries if soaked paper boats like the one below crumpled like beached whales. This neighbourhood experience was about building happy memories that would stick with these families for a lifetime.

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms