Great coffee shops

If you're looking for a great cup of coffee - carefully made from freshly roasted quality beans - swing by JJ Bean at Park Tilford.

How do you pronounce Mahon?

At my current posting pace, I'll not win the well sought after "blogger of the year" award. I'm blaming what turned out to be a three month moving experience for keeping me from a number of projects I had hoped to tackle.

Anyway, the move is done and I now reside in a nice "garden suite" near Mahon Park. While tramping the trails last night that follow the two creeks in Mahon Park, I saw a historic information sign talking about the Mahon's and their legacy to the City of North Vancouver.

Two points stood out. First, the Mahon family name is pronounced Mann. Naturally, I would like to know if any one actually pronounces Mahon as Mann or uses Ma-HON. Second, the Mahon family initiated the "Green Necklace" idea, which consisted of a boundary of green parks and boulevards surrounding what was then the City. The current City of North Vancouver is currently working to restore the Green Necklace despite considerable controversy as crews are paving the paths.

The well-maintained trails in Mahon Park run beside the two creeks and can be easily enjoyed in 30 to 40 minutes.

Housing Blues

In my first post, more than a month ago (ahem), I mentioned North Vancouver's fatal flaw - the high cost of housing.

Wouldn't you know it. Barely had the electronic ink dried on that first blog posting when circumstance dictated a need to find new digs. Specifically, a two bedroom flat somehwere along the Lonsdale corridor.

It appears to be a landlord's market right now. I would appreciate any tips on a nice "affordable" two bedroom apartment.

Thanks...and please leave your tips in the comments section.

Greetings from North Vancouver, BC

The first post... So much white space, a vague idea of a theme and no words immediately popping to mind. The possibilities are endless. So where to begin...

I live in North Vancouver, British Columbia...just across the harbour from Vancouver. This is a great community with so much to offer and only one major drawback.

North Vancouver is wedged between the harbour and the Coastal Mountain range. Natural beauty defines the community. From a post-industrial waterfront that is increasingly opening up to those who want to watch the workings of a busy harbour, to a seemingly endless network of trials that scale local mountains or traverse the entire North Shore. The residents celebrate culture, the arts and sports and love a really great cup of coffee.

This blog will highlight what makes North Vancouver a great community to live in or visit. The intent is to introduce neighbours and visitors to the often overlooked gems that make life in North Vancouver just a little better than other communities.

Occasionally, I'll throw the spotlight on a favourite coffee shop or business. It should be noted that I only do so becuase I believe others would enjoy the service or product. Sadly for me, no money will change hands.

Oh...I did mention there was one major drawback to life on the North Shore. It is not the bridges, the congestion on Marine Drive or the occasional week-long rain shower. It is the extremely high coast of housing. As long as my banker doesn't know I live here, I should be fine.

Clive