Walks and Conversations with Skateboarders

We walked along Homer Street yesterday and saw this unusual delivery system.  Great idea!  

 We completed a crossword puzzle..

and had it checked (for any stray treats in Bill's hand).

"Not bad.  You guys are getting smarter." 

Tupper stopped by for some salmon treats..

and Bill and I took some.. 

photos of each other..

to record..

the moment.

She walked alongside Bill and Black Jack for a while.  They looked like three buddies out for a stroll but by the time my camera and I found focus, Tupper had moved further to the side.

Bill and Black Jack contemplated the universe for a while from one of the few benches.. 

with some dry foot room.  Anyone sitting on the bench to the left would have had wet feet.

The tide turned as we watched..

and we were able to make our way around the walkway. I took some very grainy reflection shots of the marina sign.

and then we stopped by the skateboard park.  The first part of this fellow's agenda worked,

but the flip his photographer friend (on the ground) hoped to catch just wouldn't happen. 

Although the heat spell Vancouver is experiencing right now would be considered mild in many parts of the world, I thought the fellows at the skate park deserved a lot of credit..

 for their physical effort and mental focus in very muggy conditions.     

I believe this fellow will accomplish what he set out to do, but..

as another skater said to Bill, there are benefits to skateboarding that outsiders might miss.

The full-body workout,

the fun and thrill of momentary flight,

the camaraderie,

and the achievement of goals draw them back to the (far too few) places where they can work/play on their skills.  Bill's conversation with a boarder that, sadly, I don't believe I photographed, was most enlightening.  Stefan (in the orange shirt) also took time to talk with me about his chosen sport/art.  Both Bill and I left the park feeling strangely energized.  There was something excellent about the peek we had into a world that we won't ever experience for ourselves.  I bet you think Stefan missed this flip, but in fact,   

the board ended up with wheels on the ground and his two feet firmly planted on it.

And just in case you think that was a fluke, 

he flipped his board..

under his feet..

and again landed with feet placed on the tiny, tiny (to me) moving board.

Stefan talked to me a bit about photography.  He explained that, even if I had been able to get my shots in focus (maybe next time?), there is a lot more to think about.  Catching the initial move, the apex of the intended stunt, and giving perspective through the surroundings are just the beginning of many challenges.  I thought about that this morning, and found this site showing the work of a Brazilian skateboarder turned photographer.  It gives me just a taste of how far I have to go to achieve great photos.  But, I admit to being thrilled with my shots.  They bring back a memory of a conversation that will stay with me, and I am betting Bill's talk with the other boarder is just as vivid an impression.  Stefan talked about the injuries; he's had many.  "Skateboarding keeps me young and makes me old at the same time," he said wistfully.  He talked as well about the fact that there is a need for more understanding (I am paraphrasing here) and willingness for humans with differing interests to get along.  Perhaps, the skateboarders could clean up before they leave their parks for the day, and perhaps, non-skateboarders could realize the few spaces the city has provided need to be kept for skateboarding and not used (for example) as a children's playground.    

Stefan, I apologize in advance if some of these photos are out of sequence or if I have misinterpreted any part of our conversation.  Bill and I thank you and the other boarders (perhaps you could share this post with them) from the bottom of our hearts.  We wish each one of you the very best.  

Thanks for stopping by, everyone.  That was my world yesterday.  For a glimpse into people's lives across the globe, perhaps you would like to visit Our World Tuesday, the meme started by Klaus Peter and maintained until his passing a few years ago.  My thanks goes not only to the boarders, to Bill, and to you the readers, but also to Arija, Gattina, Lady Fi,, Sylvia, Sandy, and  Jennifer, the hardworking volunteers who keep the meme going.