Getting to the bottom of some historical names in the area, it’s time to explore “P” for Pender. From what I can find, Pender Street in Vancouver is named after the same Pender as Pender Harbour and Pender Island, BC.

Pender Harbour was named by Captain Henry Richard in honour of his Staff Commander (later Captain) Daniel Pender. From 1857 to 1870, Pender surveyed the BC Coast with remarkable zeal and thoroughness on the famous ships Plumper, Hecate, and Beaver. The British Navy and BC Governor James Douglas jointly funded Daniel Pender’s invaluable survey on the ‘HMS Beaver’. Captain Richard and Pender’s mandate was to resolve the unsafe discrepancies in longitude between the survey maps of Captain Cook and Captain Vancouver. [Source]

I admit when I first read somewhere else that “Pender was the Master of the Plumper” I was somewhat confused, although with this nautical explanation everything now makes sense.

With 29 posts down and after blogging from two time zones during this effort, I am hitting a little bit of a wall and am daydreaming about fun getaways during the summer months. One of which is to one of our favourite destinations, Osoyoos, BC.

Osoyoos is home to Canada’s only pocket desert, rolling landscape, countless wineries, orchards, and breathtaking mountain views looking down on the lake.

It’s a short drive from Vancouver – meaning it will take you under half a day to get there along the Crowsnest Highway (#3) through Manning Park and there are several spots to camp along the way as well as a post just outside of town.

Every year hundreds of social media enthusiasts and those curious about all things web convene for Northern Voice.

Photo credit: Duane Storey on Flickr

although it is a weblog conference, the range of topics may involve anything that webloggers are interested in… that is, just about anything. Previous years have had plenty of geekery mixed with panels on how blogging interacts with family life, education, travel, photography, community building and establishing professional profiles. Speakers range from the big names at the top of the Technorati rankings to first-time presenters with a passion to share. [NorthernVoice]

This past year it officially reached “society” status in BC, and celebrated its largest attendance.

It’s also the source of all those Bloggable t-shirts.

A mini and solely unconference version, BarCamp Vancouver, will be taking place this September – just in case you need your social media meeting fix a few months in advance.

When recently re-theming my site I created a Media Kit and within it I made sure to credit some people who have inspired and contributed to my blogging over the years, one of whom is Matthew Good.

In August of 2006 I was invited to do my first live blog and it just happened to be in Matthew Good’s living room.

Over the years he’s welcomed us into his home, his studio, and circle of friends. He’s not only a stand up guy (with two adorable handsome pups) but he’s a prized Canadian singer, songwriter and musician that is truly dedicated to his fans – and friends.

Throughout Blogathon 2008 if you pledge $10 or over for Duane’s effort, Matt has offered up a signed CD to be given away.

Sitting with Duane, John, and Raul I’ve been calling out every now and then… “L” is for… and awaiting answers from the room. Raul was the first to pipe up with the “Lonsdale Quay” in North Vancouver which is the perfect “L” for this post.

Photo credit: PatZ on Flickr

I first visited the Quay over ten years ago to get a pain au chocolat with my Dad and sister, and shortly after that to feast at the Cheshire Cheese.

Photo credit: SqueakyMarmot on Flickr

Not only does the Quay have unique booths and vendors alongside fresh seafood and fruit stalls, it also one of the best views of our fair city from across the Burrard Inlet.

Photo credit: PatZ on Flickr

Take the frugal-friendly Seabus over for a quick ride and experience all the Quay has to offer.