“Benches and books have things in common beyond the fact that they’re generally to do with sitting. Both are forms of public privacy, intimate spaces widely shared.” – Mal Peet
During the last two years, my partner and I have spent many peaceful moments wandering through our beloved Stanley Park, one of its magical entries located just down our street…we often find ourselves on a variety of benches offering gorgeous vistas and respite from busy neighbourhood streets. On my solo walks, some of the benches have hosted a thermos of tea, my latest read, or a flaky croissant from a local bakery. Terry has found rest and tranquility on a variety of benches on his forest walks which gave rise to this series…he wanted to document some of these meditative spaces so I could share them with you offering a breath or a moment to linger over.
A late October offering on a bench dedicated to a lost friend found on a forest trail near Brockton Oval in Stanley Park (Vancouver, B.C.).This very popular bench faces the miniature golf course in the Rhododendron Garden in Stanley Park, a morning walk on this path is a favourite of ours.This lovely spot overlooks English Bay, I’ve sat here many times with my notebook in hand and a Mason jar filled with ice tea or a thermos of chai tea nearby depending on the season!This fantastical Lord Of The Rings bench sits in front of the iconic Tea House Restaurant at Ferguson Point.Terry revisited these beautiful benches down a flight of stairs at Prospect Point overlooking Lion’s Gate Bridge and the North Shore beyond.We often find ourselves on this path located between two favourite concessions (Lumberman’s Arch and Railway), in spring the trees that this peaceful bench faces erupts in beautiful cherry blossoms!Terry couldn’t resist this picnic bench shot showcasing the hind ends of two polar bear sculptures waiting to be put in place to herald the reopening of Bright Nights in Stanley Park for December wanders and rides on the miniature train. I wonder if they were looking for a picnic basket?
I'm currently blogging from the beautiful West Coast city of Vancouver, British Columbia - a vibrant city by the sea, surrounded by mountains and a very unique urban forest.
Thanks for the parade of seductive benches. I love all of them. Terry has a keen eye. We are lucky to live so close to the park . You know so well how to enjoy every little part of it. Mister Stanley would be proud. ā„ļøš¹š„°
Today is not the day to enjoy the pleasure of sitting on a bench, lol! It’s much nicer to connect with you all, sip on a soothing tea and dream of summer…
As always, thank you so much for joining us on our wanders through the “crown jewel” of our beautiful city, Huguette! X
We are so blessed to have such beauty just minutes away…
We have only a few short weeks of autumn left, I hope to enjoy every moment! Thank you so much for stopping by and enjoying the views…
It warms my heart to know that some of my readers have made their way here, I’m so glad you did, Kathy!
Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope all is well out your way…
Beautiful photos along your walks, Kim. Benches are there to be enjoyed. Wouldn’t it have been fun to be the person who decided where they go? What an exercise in mindfulness. I hope you’re well and that your beautiful park wasn’t harmed too badly from the storm that hit BC. Take care. Hugs.
We are in the middle of storm number three! A town I lived in when I was in my early twenties (Merritt) was completely flooded, the footage coming in from the valley and up country are shocking…thankfully, our provincial government is working around the clock to keep the supply chain moving and to help get farmers and others back on their feet.
Benches seem even more precious now and I’m glad you enjoyed the wander, Diana!
I hope your beautiful area managed to escape the onslaught…
I’m so sorry to hear about the storms, Kim. It seems no one is immune to the threat of climate change. My area is prone to flooding, but our major concern is fires. Sigh. Take care, my friend. Hugs.
Clearly, I need to go for a walk in Stanley Park! Iāve only ever been on the seawall but have never explored it beyond that. Your photos are incredible, and the colours are ridiculously vibrant! Wow. Now Iām wondering why I have never gone on a Stanley Park adventure! Thanks for the inspiration; Iāll do that the next time I am in Vancouver! What shall I bring to nibble on while seated on one of those beautiful benches?? Hmm.š¤Have a lovely weekend, Kim, and stay dry! Yikes.
These atmospheric rivers are challenging, thank goodness we’re keeping dry and supply chain issues appear to be minimal…exploring Stanley Park never fails to bring something new to light or a bench to sit on!
Thank you so much for stopping by and being inspired…I hope you’re keeping dry, too…
I loved this post Kimberlee! Loved the pictures that you posted as well. The bench is something that I often overlook when I’m at the park. Just think if those benches could speak…all the stories they could tell of all those that sat there.
I was hoping this post would inspire others to seek out the benches in their neighbourhoods and parks…once you start sitting on a bench or at a table, it’s hard to stop!
Thank you (always!) for stopping by, Mark!
Oh, the joy I feel strolling through your post, I imagined taking a seat at each one of the benches with settings as if a beautiful dream come alive. The fall leaves bring such magic to the spaces. I loved the quote in the beginning about books and benches, how true š
Walks have been a wonderful distraction during the pandemic and I’m so glad so many are able to join me through my posts…thank you so much for your lovely words, they never fail to make me smile, Mich!
What a great quote and these pictures are so inviting. I so rarely sit on a bench in a park because I am always moving. This makes me think I should give it a try more often.
What gorgeous views and colours. I love to see a bench piled up with autumn leaves – there’s something so poetic about an empty bench, as well as the view it give you!
We’re always on the look out for more! And right now we’re coming upon benches decorated for the holidays…thank you for stopping by and enjoying a poetic view or two, Andrea…
It looks like a very magical place … those vividly colourful leaves, bear butts, and that gandolf hat over the bench! Ideal places to rest and gives a sneak peek at your lovely walking paths.
anotetohuguette 
I’m hoping to visit Stanley park when we visit for Geowoodstock in August. There are 30 geocaches in Stanly Park making it a geocaching destination!
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We haven’t heard about Geowoodstock yet! We know of at least two cache sites, I hope you’re able to come and explore…
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Thanks for the parade of seductive benches. I love all of them. Terry has a keen eye. We are lucky to live so close to the park . You know so well how to enjoy every little part of it. Mister Stanley would be proud. ā„ļøš¹š„°
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Today is not the day to enjoy the pleasure of sitting on a bench, lol! It’s much nicer to connect with you all, sip on a soothing tea and dream of summer…
As always, thank you so much for joining us on our wanders through the “crown jewel” of our beautiful city, Huguette! X
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Those benches look very inviting, especially considering the beautiful settings. Happy Autumn!
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We are so blessed to have such beauty just minutes away…
We have only a few short weeks of autumn left, I hope to enjoy every moment! Thank you so much for stopping by and enjoying the views…
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Thanks Kim.
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Imagining sitting on one of those benches and enjoying Stanley Park once again.
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It warms my heart to know that some of my readers have made their way here, I’m so glad you did, Kathy!
Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope all is well out your way…
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Beautiful photos along your walks, Kim. Benches are there to be enjoyed. Wouldn’t it have been fun to be the person who decided where they go? What an exercise in mindfulness. I hope you’re well and that your beautiful park wasn’t harmed too badly from the storm that hit BC. Take care. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are in the middle of storm number three! A town I lived in when I was in my early twenties (Merritt) was completely flooded, the footage coming in from the valley and up country are shocking…thankfully, our provincial government is working around the clock to keep the supply chain moving and to help get farmers and others back on their feet.
Benches seem even more precious now and I’m glad you enjoyed the wander, Diana!
I hope your beautiful area managed to escape the onslaught…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry to hear about the storms, Kim. It seems no one is immune to the threat of climate change. My area is prone to flooding, but our major concern is fires. Sigh. Take care, my friend. Hugs.
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Winter seems to be upon us and yes, our thoughts are already straying to summer and fire season…
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Clearly, I need to go for a walk in Stanley Park! Iāve only ever been on the seawall but have never explored it beyond that. Your photos are incredible, and the colours are ridiculously vibrant! Wow. Now Iām wondering why I have never gone on a Stanley Park adventure! Thanks for the inspiration; Iāll do that the next time I am in Vancouver! What shall I bring to nibble on while seated on one of those beautiful benches?? Hmm.š¤Have a lovely weekend, Kim, and stay dry! Yikes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These atmospheric rivers are challenging, thank goodness we’re keeping dry and supply chain issues appear to be minimal…exploring Stanley Park never fails to bring something new to light or a bench to sit on!
Thank you so much for stopping by and being inspired…I hope you’re keeping dry, too…
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I loved this post Kimberlee! Loved the pictures that you posted as well. The bench is something that I often overlook when I’m at the park. Just think if those benches could speak…all the stories they could tell of all those that sat there.
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I was hoping this post would inspire others to seek out the benches in their neighbourhoods and parks…once you start sitting on a bench or at a table, it’s hard to stop!
Thank you (always!) for stopping by, Mark!
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It’s always a treat to read your post Kimberlee!
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Thank you so much, Mark! Your lovely comment has brightened my day…
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Oh, the joy I feel strolling through your post, I imagined taking a seat at each one of the benches with settings as if a beautiful dream come alive. The fall leaves bring such magic to the spaces. I loved the quote in the beginning about books and benches, how true š
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Your beautiful words are a lovely stroll in themselves! Thank you for sharing them, they’ve warmed my heart…
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šš¹
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beautiful photos Kim. you never failed to take us with your walks..
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Walks have been a wonderful distraction during the pandemic and I’m so glad so many are able to join me through my posts…thank you so much for your lovely words, they never fail to make me smile, Mich!
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What a great quote and these pictures are so inviting. I so rarely sit on a bench in a park because I am always moving. This makes me think I should give it a try more often.
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Ali! We wanted our words and images to be inviting, what a perfect word…
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What gorgeous views and colours. I love to see a bench piled up with autumn leaves – there’s something so poetic about an empty bench, as well as the view it give you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re always on the look out for more! And right now we’re coming upon benches decorated for the holidays…thank you for stopping by and enjoying a poetic view or two, Andrea…
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Kim, those colours are so beautiful. Love how you enjoy nature so much and all itās small and simple treasures. Stay happy š
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Thank you so much for sitting awhile and enjoying the colours, Miriam!
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It looks like a very magical place … those vividly colourful leaves, bear butts, and that gandolf hat over the bench! Ideal places to rest and gives a sneak peek at your lovely walking paths.
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I’ll be posting another bench series soon (amid snow!)!
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yea, looking forward to it!
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Thank you, Kate!
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Beautiful pictures. So colorful and inviting. š
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Thank you so much for stopping by and enjoying a view or two….
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