We start our long journey home today but we leave with many wonderful memories of places we visited. This has been a well planned holiday and I must congratulate the person who organised it....oh that was me, ok I will accept applause.
We saw on the news there has been flooding in Manitoba and Saskatoon, these are the places we visited early on our trip. I doubt that people travelling through the areas now would be able to get through.
In my opinion, Canada should highlight all the beautiful huge lakes throughout the country, this may encourage more tourists to other parts of the country rather than the currently popular Alberta and British Columbia, home of the Rockies. No doubt the prairie thought Canada is flat and uninteresting but the massive lakes seem to be everywhere.
I have to also say, Canada has the most comfortable beds and pillows we have ever come across. I am talking about every hotel we stayed out from the East to west of Canada.
I am not sure how many photos we have taken, so when we get back I will choose the best ones to keep, that will probably be a job in its self.
See you soon.
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Photos
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| The upside down tree in the Glacier Gardens in Alaska. Above: one of the many displays at the gardens |
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| The smallest desert in the world, located in Canada in the Yukon Territory. |
Whistler
This is a big call, but Whistler would have to be on top of the list of the places we have visited while on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Whistler was the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The town has a population of about 10,000, we were informed there are a number of homes owned by Americans who love coming here in the winter. They also donate money to the town to ensure the infrastructure is maintained.
Our hotel is in the Whistler Village and has shops and restaurants at our back door. I should mention we have definitely hit Canada's summer, it is about 32 degrees here, the nights are beautiful, a cool breeze flows through which makes it ideal for dining outside.
Our first tour was to the First Nations Cultural Centre. Upon arrival we were provided a nice lunch of salmon and salad, then a Lil'Wat girl sang a traditional song, it was very entertaining. The tour was informative and we were able to enter a house that is built over a large mound of dirt. This kept the occupants cool in summer and warm in winter.
Greg and I decided to take ourselves on the Peak2Peak gondola. The first ride took 25 minutes to get up the first mountain, the second ride took us across to the second mountain, that was a little scary, it was a long way down, then we caught the ski lift to the bottom. It was a good adventure and it gave USA lot of "birds eye" views.
Whistler was the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The town has a population of about 10,000, we were informed there are a number of homes owned by Americans who love coming here in the winter. They also donate money to the town to ensure the infrastructure is maintained.
Our hotel is in the Whistler Village and has shops and restaurants at our back door. I should mention we have definitely hit Canada's summer, it is about 32 degrees here, the nights are beautiful, a cool breeze flows through which makes it ideal for dining outside.
Our first tour was to the First Nations Cultural Centre. Upon arrival we were provided a nice lunch of salmon and salad, then a Lil'Wat girl sang a traditional song, it was very entertaining. The tour was informative and we were able to enter a house that is built over a large mound of dirt. This kept the occupants cool in summer and warm in winter.
Friday, 11 July 2014
Quesnell
The Rocky Mountaineer took us to a town named Quesnell (the s is silent). The population is 25,000. The town is not a well known or popular tourist place but is does have the deepest fjord lake on earth, Quesnell Lake.
We stayed overnight, I didn't go for a walk around town, both of us were so tired we hit the sack! We had already seen lots of scenery on the train trip so I didn't feel that we were missing on on anything.
Up bright and early the next morning heading for Whistler. Along the way we saw another black bear munching away. His coat was shining with the reflection of the sun, what a memorable sight.
The Rocky Mountaineer provides us with breakfast and a 3 course lunch. The food is very tasty and it is nice to meet other travellers while we are having a nice meal. We especially enjoyed the company of a couple we met who hail from Ontario. They both have the thickest Scottish accents which tricked us for a moment, they moved from Glasgow to Canada 35 years ago. We got some very good tips for when we travel through Scotland and Ireland.
We stayed overnight, I didn't go for a walk around town, both of us were so tired we hit the sack! We had already seen lots of scenery on the train trip so I didn't feel that we were missing on on anything.
Up bright and early the next morning heading for Whistler. Along the way we saw another black bear munching away. His coat was shining with the reflection of the sun, what a memorable sight.
The Rocky Mountaineer provides us with breakfast and a 3 course lunch. The food is very tasty and it is nice to meet other travellers while we are having a nice meal. We especially enjoyed the company of a couple we met who hail from Ontario. They both have the thickest Scottish accents which tricked us for a moment, they moved from Glasgow to Canada 35 years ago. We got some very good tips for when we travel through Scotland and Ireland.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Jasper
We are staying at the Fairmont Lodge Resort and our accommodation. Is a log cabin. The Lodge is situated on a beautiful Lake (every bit as nice as Lake Louise).
The big news is just as I was about to say I do not believe there are bears in Alaska and Canada, low and behold there is a black bear near the side of the road munching away on berries. Ever so cute and they look soooooooo cuddly.
We visited the Athabasca Glacier (1,000 feet thick) and went on an Ice Explorer half way up the Glacier. We were able to get out and walk around (very slippery). What an experience, well worth the cost.
Our tour included a visit to Bow Lake that has a massive waterfall, the Mustai River Valley and saw the Crowfoot Glacier, named because it is shaped like a crows foot and finally the Paedo Lake.
I am convinced we are currently travelling through the most beautiful country in Canada.
A few interesting things I learnt today:
Black Bears can be blonde
I learnt the difference between ice fields, glaciers and snow fields
All the beautiful water colours in Canada's Lakes is due to glacier rock powder
There is 20% less oxygen in this neck of the woods ( no wonder I have been puffing and panting)
The big news is just as I was about to say I do not believe there are bears in Alaska and Canada, low and behold there is a black bear near the side of the road munching away on berries. Ever so cute and they look soooooooo cuddly.
We visited the Athabasca Glacier (1,000 feet thick) and went on an Ice Explorer half way up the Glacier. We were able to get out and walk around (very slippery). What an experience, well worth the cost.
Our tour included a visit to Bow Lake that has a massive waterfall, the Mustai River Valley and saw the Crowfoot Glacier, named because it is shaped like a crows foot and finally the Paedo Lake.
I am convinced we are currently travelling through the most beautiful country in Canada.
A few interesting things I learnt today:
Black Bears can be blonde
I learnt the difference between ice fields, glaciers and snow fields
All the beautiful water colours in Canada's Lakes is due to glacier rock powder
There is 20% less oxygen in this neck of the woods ( no wonder I have been puffing and panting)
The Lake where our log cabin is situated.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise was named after one of Queen Victorias daughters. It is a beautiful relaxing experience to visit here. The hotel on the lake has the monopoly for everything because you would have to catch a cab to get to the small village below. I must say they certainly know how to charge, $30 for fish and chips!
We did a half day tour through the Yoho National Park where we visited Lake Emerald (yes the water colour is emerald) and the Spiral Tunnels. The highlight was Kicking Horse river, now it has some serious rapids.
Still having problems with photos, on occasions it works then decides to throw a hissy fit!
We did a half day tour through the Yoho National Park where we visited Lake Emerald (yes the water colour is emerald) and the Spiral Tunnels. The highlight was Kicking Horse river, now it has some serious rapids.
Still having problems with photos, on occasions it works then decides to throw a hissy fit!
Sunday, 6 July 2014
Banff (2)
Banff is beautiful and the hotels are full all year. The town is in a national park so they have had to cap the population because there is nowhere else to build. The current population is 9,000, the cap is 10,000.
We had a terrific tour today. It started off with a helicopter ride over the landscape of the Rocky Mountains, then we went down where there is every type of restaurant imaginable and had lunch. Next we toured around the suburbs and down town area. We saw Lake Minnewanka and the Hoodoos (sulphur mounds created over thousands of years). Our next stop was Bow Falls
We had a terrific tour today. It started off with a helicopter ride over the landscape of the Rocky Mountains, then we went down where there is every type of restaurant imaginable and had lunch. Next we toured around the suburbs and down town area. We saw Lake Minnewanka and the Hoodoos (sulphur mounds created over thousands of years). Our next stop was Bow Falls
And finally and finally a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
It was a real fun day and we met more very nice people.
Next stop Lake Louise.
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Banff
Another early start 6.15 am. The scenery was starting it improve to more of what I expected. The highlight was the Kicking Horse Gorge, breathtaking.
Met some really nice people on the train today. There was a retired couple from Arizona. They moved there about 6 years ago for the weather and golf courses (he plays 4 days a week). Then at the next meal break we met Lizzie. She is a Doctor who is interested in the South Pole. She has been there twice and intends going again. She comes from Townsville and resides in Tassy (closer to Sth Pole) she said it was hard at first but now she has friends and has settled right in. She doubts she would ever leave Hobart, the pace suits her.
Got to our hotel, and what a beauty it is, the Fairmont Banff Springs. We have given ourselves a small orientation of all the shops in the lobby. There is an additional wing across the car park, that can wait for another day. Off to bed now, we have 3 tours tomorrow.
Still having trouble posting photos. If I can't get it to work I will do it once I get home.
This is a photo of our hotel in Banff. It was built in 1888 and still has most of the original furniture.
Met some really nice people on the train today. There was a retired couple from Arizona. They moved there about 6 years ago for the weather and golf courses (he plays 4 days a week). Then at the next meal break we met Lizzie. She is a Doctor who is interested in the South Pole. She has been there twice and intends going again. She comes from Townsville and resides in Tassy (closer to Sth Pole) she said it was hard at first but now she has friends and has settled right in. She doubts she would ever leave Hobart, the pace suits her.
Got to our hotel, and what a beauty it is, the Fairmont Banff Springs. We have given ourselves a small orientation of all the shops in the lobby. There is an additional wing across the car park, that can wait for another day. Off to bed now, we have 3 tours tomorrow.
Still having trouble posting photos. If I can't get it to work I will do it once I get home.
This is a photo of our hotel in Banff. It was built in 1888 and still has most of the original furniture.
Kamloops
The train ride to Kamloops didn't have particularly spectacular scenery, but it was a pleasant train ride. We get served breakfast and a 3 course lunch while travelling which is good because you sit with a couple and you get to drill them about where they are from, what is it like etc etc.
Kamloops has a population of 99,000 and is known for its wine. It is ranked number 1 for the hottest summers, most days over 30 degrees. It is a quaint town and has lots of shops. Unfortunately they all close at 5.00pm and we got in at 6.00pm so window shopping was the best next thing.
Kamloops has a population of 99,000 and is known for its wine. It is ranked number 1 for the hottest summers, most days over 30 degrees. It is a quaint town and has lots of shops. Unfortunately they all close at 5.00pm and we got in at 6.00pm so window shopping was the best next thing.
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Rocky Mountaineer
Here we are in Vancouver to begin our Mountaineer rail trip. We have done a bus trip around the city and some suburbs, the highlight being Stanley Park. We went up to the Tower Lookout and had a lovely lunch on the revolving restaurant, and we did a full day tour of Capliano Park that included a very scary suspension bridge walk and a treetops walk, then to a salmon hatchery and finally to
Grouse Mountain where we had a talk on and saw a pair of Grizzleys ( they were orphaned in 2001 so the park built them a 5 acre enclosure and took them in). There was a lumberjack show, parts of it I couldn't watch, ( he was so high up that I got dizzy).
Vancouver is a very nice city, it has 3 times the parks and gardens that Melbourne has and it is very easy to get around. Well worth a visit.
Early start tomorrow, 6.30 am on the train to Kamloops.
Grouse Mountain where we had a talk on and saw a pair of Grizzleys ( they were orphaned in 2001 so the park built them a 5 acre enclosure and took them in). There was a lumberjack show, parts of it I couldn't watch, ( he was so high up that I got dizzy).
Vancouver is a very nice city, it has 3 times the parks and gardens that Melbourne has and it is very easy to get around. Well worth a visit.
Early start tomorrow, 6.30 am on the train to Kamloops.
Goodbye Alaska
It has been an amazing experience here in Alaska. It would have to be the. It would have to be the most friendly place in the world.
To get to know Alaska, I mean really know the place you have to travel in and around every town , go through their suburbs and go inland. Most importantly is speak to the locals. I am referring to the Alaskans who live in Alaska as opposed to the Americans who come from everywhere to work during the summer season to earn money while they are on summer break ( most of them are college students).
This way you get to appreciate the sheer beauty of the place. Everywhere you travel (excluding the arctic circle) there are mountains on both sides. Some are green, ie covered in trees and others are rock covered in snow. Most of the coast line is a rainforest, not tropical but temperate, so rain is expected, but it is also the reason for such greenery and beauty.
I will always have Alaska etched in my mind. It is definately one of the last frontiers, but it has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
To get to know Alaska, I mean really know the place you have to travel in and around every town , go through their suburbs and go inland. Most importantly is speak to the locals. I am referring to the Alaskans who live in Alaska as opposed to the Americans who come from everywhere to work during the summer season to earn money while they are on summer break ( most of them are college students).
This way you get to appreciate the sheer beauty of the place. Everywhere you travel (excluding the arctic circle) there are mountains on both sides. Some are green, ie covered in trees and others are rock covered in snow. Most of the coast line is a rainforest, not tropical but temperate, so rain is expected, but it is also the reason for such greenery and beauty.
I will always have Alaska etched in my mind. It is definately one of the last frontiers, but it has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Glacier Gardens -Juneau
Caught the local bus to visit the Glacier Gardens. I wasn't sure what to expect but we were not disappointed.
The area consists of about 27 acres and is the vision of one person. He originally began the project due to constant mudslides damaging buildings below and he wanted to change the structure to prevent ongoing damage. Once he got started he couldn't stop and the result is the beautiful glacier gardens.
I was particularly taken by the "up side down" trees. He has used fallen trees
Put them in the ground with the roots on top then filled with moss and dirt, put some webbing over it to stop the dirt falling out then planted flowers . It looks amazing.
I am having so much trouble loading the photos that I have decided to give them a miss until I can get better internet access, as it is I am a behind on my posts so I think it is more important to keep up to date.
A couple of interesting facts about Grizzly Bears, they eat stones prior to hibernation, this helps to "bind" them while in hibernation. Then once they wake from the big sleep they eat dandilyons to assist with getting the system going again. Also, they are not natural hibernates, therefore they walk up a couple of times a day to stretch.
The area consists of about 27 acres and is the vision of one person. He originally began the project due to constant mudslides damaging buildings below and he wanted to change the structure to prevent ongoing damage. Once he got started he couldn't stop and the result is the beautiful glacier gardens.
I was particularly taken by the "up side down" trees. He has used fallen trees
Put them in the ground with the roots on top then filled with moss and dirt, put some webbing over it to stop the dirt falling out then planted flowers . It looks amazing.
I am having so much trouble loading the photos that I have decided to give them a miss until I can get better internet access, as it is I am a behind on my posts so I think it is more important to keep up to date.
A couple of interesting facts about Grizzly Bears, they eat stones prior to hibernation, this helps to "bind" them while in hibernation. Then once they wake from the big sleep they eat dandilyons to assist with getting the system going again. Also, they are not natural hibernates, therefore they walk up a couple of times a day to stretch.
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
White Pass and Yukon Rail Journey
White Pass follows the footsteps of the gold rush men. It was a cruel time for both humans and animals. Three thousand horse died primarily of starvation.
It was a good rail journey, we stopped at Lake Bennett to have lunch. The Lake is 27 miles long and is crystal clear. To get into Yukon Territory you have to cross the Canadian Border. The custom officers came on the train to check our passports, it was a fast process.
Once across the border we stopped at the quaint little town of Carcross. Our bus driver them took us to see Emerald Lake. It is called that because it is truly Emerald in colour. Then we stopped by a flat piece of the lake to play rock skipping. That is when you throw a stone across the water and try to get it to bounce. Well oh he who has never done it before managed 4 bounces and won the competition, can you believe it!
Next stop was the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world. The bus then took is back to Skagway. Along the way we had to cross back over the border into the USA. Customs re fairly lenient at this small crossing.
The worlds smallest desert
It was a good rail journey, we stopped at Lake Bennett to have lunch. The Lake is 27 miles long and is crystal clear. To get into Yukon Territory you have to cross the Canadian Border. The custom officers came on the train to check our passports, it was a fast process.
Once across the border we stopped at the quaint little town of Carcross. Our bus driver them took us to see Emerald Lake. It is called that because it is truly Emerald in colour. Then we stopped by a flat piece of the lake to play rock skipping. That is when you throw a stone across the water and try to get it to bounce. Well oh he who has never done it before managed 4 bounces and won the competition, can you believe it!
Next stop was the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world. The bus then took is back to Skagway. Along the way we had to cross back over the border into the USA. Customs re fairly lenient at this small crossing.
The worlds smallest desert
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