My maternal grandmother, Anna Katherine Heinzelmann, lived in Tacoma, Washington, when I grew up in Arkansas. My family had the privilege of visiting her every summer for about 18 years. We spent two weeks in the Pacific NW hiking each summer, camping, fishing, whale watching, biking, and anything else we could do outside.
Now we are taking multi-generational trips w grandparents (my parents Pete and Margo) children (me), and grandchildren (Hannah, Ben, Kate, Chris, Abby). It’s a wonderful way to spend quality Family time together while adventuring outdoors!Crossing the Washington state and Canadian border into British Columbia. Mimi, Poppy, Chris and Abby begin the last Heinzelmann cousin adventure.Aunt Sarah (a.k.a. Mom) w Chris and niece Abby. Really bad picture of us.After crossing the US-Canadian border, stop in the Peace Arch’s Visitor’s Center to pick up free information about area outings.Queen Elizabeth Conservatory and Gardens, Vancouver, CanadaAbby and Chris saw Tucan parrots and other tropical birds inside the glass-domed conservatory.The Queen Elizabeth Gardens are a great, free family outing minutes away from Vancouver centerMy dad Pete ( and mom Margo- not pictured) brought my brother Andy and I to this Gardens 30 years ago. It is a family favorite that we’re introducing to the next generation.Succulent section of garden provides interesting contrast to the flowery foliage.The Sylvia Hotel has been a family favorite for over 30 years in our family. Set across the beach from English Bay, it provides easy access to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and lively shopping streets.Hotel Sylvia entrance and ‘royal subjects’ welcome visitors.Mimi, poppy, Chris and Abby in front of the vine covered Sylvia.Wally, a Sylvia staple has been helping our family for 30 years at the hotel.English Bay–tide out.Balancing stones… knocked over w surging tide.Stanley Park public pool.A smart way to travel–walkers on the left and bike-roller bladders on the right.The Teahouse is a fantastic resturant on a hill at the western most point of Stanley Park.Teahouse looking out over The Pacific horizon.British Columbia wine is delicious.The cousins actually ordered the salmon and veggies… and are it!Front of Tea House restaurantSmoke from forest fires created a ‘foggy’ day, turning the sun an other worldly pinkish color.
Sarah (Heinzelmann) Andersen is a freelance writer; daughter, sister, and wife; mother to three grown children; traveler; former middle school language arts teacher; nature lover; and English graduate student at Texas A&M Commerce.
The beginning of her Multigenerational Travel Tales" article-blog posts have been made into an iMovie.
Cheers to family travel in the great outdoors... Hope you enjoy!
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My maternal grandmother, Anna Katherine Heinzelmann, lived in Tacoma, Washington, when I grew up in Arkansas. My family had the privilege of visiting her every summer for about 18 years. We spent two weeks in the Pacific NW hiking each summer, camping, fishing, whale watching, biking, and anything else we could do outside. 
SeekBalanceSea 