Showing posts with label 2009-NorthAmerica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009-NorthAmerica. Show all posts
Canada here we come! - August 2009
From mid August 2009 Jill and I will be off to Canada, Alaska and the US for seven weeks. For this trip we have decided to try a blog as a way of keeping family and friends informed of our progress. Damian and Sarah kept up an excellent blog for their recent trip to South America which has enthused us to do likewise - so here goes. Enjoy!
Itinerary
Our Itinerary is as follows:
- 21st August: Fly Brisbane to Los Angeles than Los Angeles to Vancouver
- 21-29 August: Vancouver
- 30-31st August: Rocky Mountaineer to Calgary
- 1-16 September: Pick up car in Calgary and drive up through the Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper) and back to Vancouver via Whistler
- 17-20 September: Vancouver Island
- 20-27 September: Inside passage cruise to Alaska
- 27 September - 5 October: Pick up a car in Seattle and drive to San Francisco
- 5-7 October: Fly home to Brisbane via Los Angeles
Friday 21st August - Mullumbimby to Vancouver
We arrived in Vancouver at about 5pm, 29 hours after leaving home in Mullumbimby. We were on the road at 4:30 am and had a good run to Brisbane airport. Met friends Michael & Rebecca at the airport on their return trip from Darwin. Had breakfast with them, then they dropped us off at International Terminal and drove our car home - was a very convenient arrangement.
After booking in and getting through customs it was "sit and wait". This arriving 3 hours before an international flight does give you time to wind down. Picked up a small amount of US and Canadian dollars at the airport so that we would have something to eat with at Los Angeles and a taxi fare to the hotel in Vancouver. For cash access this trip we are using ANZ Visa Travel Cards. Have put US and Canadian dollars on these cards and will be able to access the funds through any ATM. That's the theory at least.
The flight to Los Angeles was with Vaustralia. We were very happy with the service, meals and excellent multimedia choices. Plenty to keep one entertained for the trip. We weren't as impressed with the legroom which I guess is the reality with most airlines these days. Did manage to get a little bit of sleep. We arrived in LA at 7am (4 hours before we left Brisbane thanks to our crossing of the international date line). Customs was straight forward - the usual taking of fingerprints and photographs but the officers seemed less officious then on our previous US trip. Waiting 6 hours for our connection flight to Vancouver was painful. LA airport has to be one of the least exciting in the world and our meal was pretty mediocre.
The flight to Vancouver with Alaska Airlines was 3 hours and you could see snow-topped mountains along the way. There appeared to be more legroom on this flight than the Vaustralia flight. Landed at Vancouver airport about 4pm. Our expected $30 taxi fare was more like $35 (plus $5 tip) thanks to it being peak hour. Peak hour here is not as bad as in Sydney however.
We are in our unit on the 22nd floor at BC - The Canadian for a week so we will have plenty of time to see the sights of Vancouver before heading west on the 'Rocky Mountaineer'. The unit is well appointed (kitchen/washing machine) so we went food shopping at a nearby IGA. Very difficult to buy small sizes of yoghurt, milk etc. Everything is in large containers. Cooked some gluten-free pasta for dinner and are off to be bed about 9:30pm. Jill's been there for a while!
After booking in and getting through customs it was "sit and wait". This arriving 3 hours before an international flight does give you time to wind down. Picked up a small amount of US and Canadian dollars at the airport so that we would have something to eat with at Los Angeles and a taxi fare to the hotel in Vancouver. For cash access this trip we are using ANZ Visa Travel Cards. Have put US and Canadian dollars on these cards and will be able to access the funds through any ATM. That's the theory at least.
The flight to Vancouver with Alaska Airlines was 3 hours and you could see snow-topped mountains along the way. There appeared to be more legroom on this flight than the Vaustralia flight. Landed at Vancouver airport about 4pm. Our expected $30 taxi fare was more like $35 (plus $5 tip) thanks to it being peak hour. Peak hour here is not as bad as in Sydney however.
We are in our unit on the 22nd floor at BC - The Canadian for a week so we will have plenty of time to see the sights of Vancouver before heading west on the 'Rocky Mountaineer'. The unit is well appointed (kitchen/washing machine) so we went food shopping at a nearby IGA. Very difficult to buy small sizes of yoghurt, milk etc. Everything is in large containers. Cooked some gluten-free pasta for dinner and are off to be bed about 9:30pm. Jill's been there for a while!
Saturday 22nd August - Vancouver Orientation
Our day started with a session from the staff at 'The Canadian' outlining the 'must-sees' while in Vancouver - and very informative it was. After this session, we purchased some trolley bus sightseeing tickets to get an overview of the city. There are two routes, one centred on Down Town/Stanley Park, the other on Gastown and Chinatown. As the ticket ($33 each) lasts two days we decided to do Stanley Park today (with the idea of returning on Monday on bikes for a closer look) and Gastown/Chinatown tomorrow.
While it was a good way to see the city it did confirm why we don't like organised tours with some loud Americans talking (among themselves) over the driver's commentary (which was hard to hear at any rate). It's unfortunate that the minority 'brand' the majority. A bit like the loud Australian's that you sometimes come across overseas - most embarrassing).
Back to the unit and it was cheese and tomato on gluten-free toast for lunch. After lunch we walked down to the information centre to pick up some tickets ($39 each) for tonight's performance of Theatre under the Stars - 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' which was held at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. The company has been putting on 'summer' theatre in the park for 63 seasons (two separate performances each year) with a combination of professional and amateur actors. It's seen as a development of theatre talent in the area. The performance was quite amazing considering that it was outside and every speaking actor was miked. You could hear every word - and such energy.
On the way home, it was back to the supermarket (open to 11:30pm) to buy some milk. What I thought was milk yesterday turned out to be buttermilk which curdled in the coffee. Oh well, you live and learn! Also wanted to buy some tinned fruit to have with cereal for breakfast. There doesn't seem to be such a thing - not in this supermarket at any rate.
While it was a good way to see the city it did confirm why we don't like organised tours with some loud Americans talking (among themselves) over the driver's commentary (which was hard to hear at any rate). It's unfortunate that the minority 'brand' the majority. A bit like the loud Australian's that you sometimes come across overseas - most embarrassing).
Back to the unit and it was cheese and tomato on gluten-free toast for lunch. After lunch we walked down to the information centre to pick up some tickets ($39 each) for tonight's performance of Theatre under the Stars - 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' which was held at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. The company has been putting on 'summer' theatre in the park for 63 seasons (two separate performances each year) with a combination of professional and amateur actors. It's seen as a development of theatre talent in the area. The performance was quite amazing considering that it was outside and every speaking actor was miked. You could hear every word - and such energy.
Sunday 23rd August - Gastown, Chinatown & Granville Island
Up early this morning after a good night's sleep. Today's experience on the HoHo (hop on, hop off bus) was much better than yesterday's with a driver that you could hear and passengers that were there to listen. We hopped off the bus at Chinatown and visited the Dr Sun Yat-Sen garden (quite a little oasis in the middle of China Town).
Back to the hotel on the HoHo for a bit of a break and lunch before heading down to Granville Island. Crossed to the island on a cute little ferry. Granville Island is Vancouver's public market area (mainly fruit meat and seafood). Bought some samosas for dinner and some sheep cheese for Jill. Also bought some chocolate and had an ice-cream.
Back to the motel again and then to the Health Club at the Sheraton across the road for a swim and a spa. 'The Canadian' has a deal with the Sheraton for the use of their Health Club facilities. Was very refreshing. Chatted to an American family that had lived in Melbourne for two years in the seventies.
Had a cappuccino and walked through Chinatown to Gastown past the infamous East Hastings Street where all the homeless appear to hang out. Gastown is like the Rocks area in Sydney - with historical buildings and some paved streets. From all the lampposts they had hanging baskets of flowers - very pretty. Visited the farmer's market and bought some cherries and some gluten-free cupcakes. Jill also bought a small leather bag. She doesn't think that her backpack will be suitable on the cruise ship.
Back to the hotel on the HoHo for a bit of a break and lunch before heading down to Granville Island. Crossed to the island on a cute little ferry. Granville Island is Vancouver's public market area (mainly fruit meat and seafood). Bought some samosas for dinner and some sheep cheese for Jill. Also bought some chocolate and had an ice-cream.
Back to the motel again and then to the Health Club at the Sheraton across the road for a swim and a spa. 'The Canadian' has a deal with the Sheraton for the use of their Health Club facilities. Was very refreshing. Chatted to an American family that had lived in Melbourne for two years in the seventies.
Monday 24th August - Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 400-hectare park on a peninsula right on the edge of Vancouver. The centre of the park is still forested with lots of walking/bike tracks crisscrossing the area as well as a major track that runs along the sea wall right around the peninsula.
After today we know a fair bit about the park as we hired bikes and spent 8 hours riding around and through it. 'Twas a most enjoyable day, We were even hopeful that we might have seen a beaver at Beaver Lake but that was a little optimistic. We did manage to see squirrels, Canadian geese and a variety of sea birds and ducks. One highlight was the totem poles that have been erected at Brockton Point.
On the way home, we called into the Fish House for some clam chowder (early tea) before dropping off the bikes at 6 pm.
Back at the Canadian, we were fascinated that we could see the snow-capped peak Mt Baker in Washinton State across the border in the US (something like 80 km away)
Tuesday 25th August - Skytrain
A quieter day today. We were working on a 'rest day'.
Up late(ish) and downtown for a cappuccino and then decided that we better do a bit of shopping for bits and pieces we needed. As most of the shops downtown are upmarket and a bit expensive we caught the Skytrain (thought we had better do that while we are here) out to Metrotown and Canada's second-largest shopping centre. Managed to buy swimmers for Jill, some glue to glue up my shoe, videotape etc.
We were expecting to find a huge shopping centre as everything else seems to be 'big' in North America but 'Metropolis' wouldn't have been as large as 'Pacific Fair'.
To add to the easiness of getting around the city, you can buy a public transport day ticket for $9 that can be used all day (obviously) on trains, buses or sea buses - quite convenient.
Up late(ish) and downtown for a cappuccino and then decided that we better do a bit of shopping for bits and pieces we needed. As most of the shops downtown are upmarket and a bit expensive we caught the Skytrain (thought we had better do that while we are here) out to Metrotown and Canada's second-largest shopping centre. Managed to buy swimmers for Jill, some glue to glue up my shoe, videotape etc.
We were expecting to find a huge shopping centre as everything else seems to be 'big' in North America but 'Metropolis' wouldn't have been as large as 'Pacific Fair'.
To add to the easiness of getting around the city, you can buy a public transport day ticket for $9 that can be used all day (obviously) on trains, buses or sea buses - quite convenient.
Wednesday 26th August - North Vancouver
This morning we walked down to the waterfront and booked flights on a floatplane to Victoria on Vancouver Island tomorrow. Jill says she is very brave. The floatplanes make a lot of sense because they can land and take off virtually in the middle of the city (when the city is centred around a harbour of course). We are catching an early flight (7am) and will be coming back by bus/ferry tomorrow afternoon.
After booking the tickets we went by Seabus (a ferry) across to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. After checking out the market we caught a bus to Lyn Canyon where they have a suspension bridge and walking tracks along the Lyn River. It's amazing the amount of 'wilderness' they have so close to the city. The water was crystal clear as you would expect it to be coming out of the mountains north of the city. It was interesting to see the different timber in the forests - mostly Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar.
On the way home, we purchased some kebabs and salad from the market for tea. Then it was across the road for another swim and spa. Life's tough.
After booking the tickets we went by Seabus (a ferry) across to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. After checking out the market we caught a bus to Lyn Canyon where they have a suspension bridge and walking tracks along the Lyn River. It's amazing the amount of 'wilderness' they have so close to the city. The water was crystal clear as you would expect it to be coming out of the mountains north of the city. It was interesting to see the different timber in the forests - mostly Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar.
Thursday 27th August - Victoria
After breakfast at the 'Blue Fox' we went to track down a friend of Geoff Matthews who manages a pub but found he was on holidays in Chicago. Back to the waterfront to the Royal BC Museum and three hours later we walked out. In addition to the BC exhibitions including the flora and fauna, the Aboriginal population (the first nation's people) and European settlement they had an exhibition from the British Museum on Civilisation from Egypt to the present day.
All most interesting. Lunch (fish and chips) at 'Red Fish, Blue Fish' and a little time for site seeing - the parliament house building and the amazing old hotel, the Fairmont Empress, then it was time to catch the coach back to Vancouver at 3:45 (Victoria to Swartz Bay; 90 minute ferry ride from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen; back on the coach from Tsawwassen to Vancouver, arriving at 7:30 pm). Sky train from the bus depot to Granville Street and walking half a dozen blocks to 'The Canadian' - no wonder we're exhausted.
Our week at 'The Canadian' is up tomorrow and we have a couple of nights at a hostel, the 'HI - Vancouver Central'. Will be slumming it a bit compared to this place.
Friday 28th August - Moving House
Hard to believe we have been in Vancouver a week! This morning was packing up at 'The Canadian' and transferring the two blocks to 'Hi-Vancouver Central'. 'The Canadian' had been excellent, plenty of space in a large unit and very helpful staff. Having said that our room at the Hi is quite adequate for a couple of days.
After settling in we walked down to the Harbour Centre to have some lunch. After a rest at the Hi we decided to head to Granville Island and walk along the southern sea wall to Stanley Park in the hope of seeing some wildlife. We weren't disappointed with the highlight being a family of raccoons (mum and 2 adolescents presumably) walking along the path. They were pretty friendly and not at all worried about us humans. Also say some squirrels (who were not at all photogenic) and quite a few waterbirds (swan, ducks etc). Also saw a small tree that had been felled by what looked like beaver teeth (well that what the marks looked like).
We walked back along the northern sea wall and called into 'the mill' for some drinks and nachos for tea. While there we heard the 9 o'clock gun (a cannon that is fired from Stanly Park at 9pm every night). Was interesting to see everything lit up at night.
After settling in we walked down to the Harbour Centre to have some lunch. After a rest at the Hi we decided to head to Granville Island and walk along the southern sea wall to Stanley Park in the hope of seeing some wildlife. We weren't disappointed with the highlight being a family of raccoons (mum and 2 adolescents presumably) walking along the path. They were pretty friendly and not at all worried about us humans. Also say some squirrels (who were not at all photogenic) and quite a few waterbirds (swan, ducks etc). Also saw a small tree that had been felled by what looked like beaver teeth (well that what the marks looked like).
We walked back along the northern sea wall and called into 'the mill' for some drinks and nachos for tea. While there we heard the 9 o'clock gun (a cannon that is fired from Stanly Park at 9pm every night). Was interesting to see everything lit up at night.
Saturday 29th August - Rest Day
Today is our last day in Vancouver (for the time being at least). We're off to Calgary on the Rocky Mountaineer tomorrow. Had a sleep in this morning. As there was no gluten-free option in the 'free breakfast' we went out for bacon and eggs. Then walked down to Granville Island and caught the little ferry across. They have a wooden boat festival on at the moment. Lots of wooden boats from dingies to restored cruisers and tug boats. Their owners obviously do love their boats. One can only imagine the upkeep.
We then caught the bus back to Gastown and had lunch at a Japanese restaurant - 'a box set'; soup, tea, teriyaki chicken, tempura, salad, rice and half on orange to finish off with'. All for $8. You can eat well for not a lot of money here.
We then caught the bus back to Gastown and had lunch at a Japanese restaurant - 'a box set'; soup, tea, teriyaki chicken, tempura, salad, rice and half on orange to finish off with'. All for $8. You can eat well for not a lot of money here.
It was then back to the HI for more rest. Was lovely to be able to speak to Damian and Sarah on Skype.
Sunday 30th August - Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Up at 5:30 am this morning to catch a cab to the Rocky Mountaineer Station. After booking in it was a bit of a sit around and wait until we were called to board the train at 7:30.
We were served breakfast as we left Vancouver (turkey sandwich croissant, granola, yoghurt, bagel, jam, coffee and juice) and travelled along the Fraser River valley - a very fertile agricultural area (corn, blueberries and dairying being most prominent). Lots of people fishing as the salmon have just begun to run heading upstream to spawn.
After some time we arrived at Hell's gate, the narrowest part of the valley and the river. At this point the river is only 33 metres wide. Up to 900 million litres of water per second pass through and the height of the river can vary 25 metres. It is very low at this time of the year but still an incredible amount of water.
Soon after we came across the junction of the Fraser and Thompson. There was quite a difference, the Fraser being quite a muddy river while the Thompson was crystal clear. Quite a few white water rafters on the Thompson. From here the country began to change from being very green to quite arid with the slopes (very steep and rocky) in particular, quite barren. It was amazing to see the land so dry right beside a river with so much water. There was a change in the air too.
There are quite a few fires around Kamloops and as we got closer the air got thicker with smoke. For the last 35 km into Kamloops we travelled along side Kamloops Lake, a huge mass of water. Quite a few people out boating (water skiing) enjoying the warm weather. It wasn't until we got closer to Kamloops that the water in the river was used for irrigation and we saw a little green again.
Tonight we are in the 'Quality Inn' in Kamloops. Had a very nice dinner at Rick's Grill across the road (I had pistachio crusted Halibut and Jill, Thai prawn and scallop curry with basmati risotto). We've seen some incredible countryside today and are told that the run tomorrow into Calgary will be even better. We catch the bus back to the train at 6:15 in the morning.
We were served breakfast as we left Vancouver (turkey sandwich croissant, granola, yoghurt, bagel, jam, coffee and juice) and travelled along the Fraser River valley - a very fertile agricultural area (corn, blueberries and dairying being most prominent). Lots of people fishing as the salmon have just begun to run heading upstream to spawn.
After some time we arrived at Hell's gate, the narrowest part of the valley and the river. At this point the river is only 33 metres wide. Up to 900 million litres of water per second pass through and the height of the river can vary 25 metres. It is very low at this time of the year but still an incredible amount of water.
Soon after we came across the junction of the Fraser and Thompson. There was quite a difference, the Fraser being quite a muddy river while the Thompson was crystal clear. Quite a few white water rafters on the Thompson. From here the country began to change from being very green to quite arid with the slopes (very steep and rocky) in particular, quite barren. It was amazing to see the land so dry right beside a river with so much water. There was a change in the air too.
There are quite a few fires around Kamloops and as we got closer the air got thicker with smoke. For the last 35 km into Kamloops we travelled along side Kamloops Lake, a huge mass of water. Quite a few people out boating (water skiing) enjoying the warm weather. It wasn't until we got closer to Kamloops that the water in the river was used for irrigation and we saw a little green again.
Tonight we are in the 'Quality Inn' in Kamloops. Had a very nice dinner at Rick's Grill across the road (I had pistachio crusted Halibut and Jill, Thai prawn and scallop curry with basmati risotto). We've seen some incredible countryside today and are told that the run tomorrow into Calgary will be even better. We catch the bus back to the train at 6:15 in the morning.
Monday 31st August - Kamloops to Calgary
After a good night’s sleep, we were back on the train at 7 am this morning. The sun was bright red in the sky through the smoke.
As we left
After Sicamous we travelled along the
Around 9 we arrived at the station right in downtown Calgary about half an hour early. As we had told Charlie and Wendy (Couchsurfers we were staying with) the train would not be in until 9:40 we had a bit of a wait. Home to their place in Queensland (sounds familiar) and some soup and a chat before bed.
Tuesday 1st September - Calgary
Up early this morning to have breakfast with Charlie and Wendy. Wendy had to go to work. Charlie dropped us off at the bus stop and we caught the bus and train (light rail system) into downtown Calgary. Found the Alomo Car Hire place and picked up the car (A Nissan Tida) and went and found a health store that Wendy recommended to get some gluten-free cereal etc for Jill. Also had a look at their camping store, Mountain Equipment, which turned out to be very similar to Anaconda.
Drove back to Queensland without too much trouble and visited the shopping centre across the road. Purchased some t-shirts. We didn't come prepared for this hot weather - still very warm. Perhaps now it is the first day of Fall that will change.
After lunch, we went for a bike ride with Charlie (about 18 km) along the Bow River. They really are lucky to have so much water running through the middle of the city. Was a lovely ride. At one point you could look back over the city. Incredible to think of an inland city of over 1 million people.
Drove back to Queensland without too much trouble and visited the shopping centre across the road. Purchased some t-shirts. We didn't come prepared for this hot weather - still very warm. Perhaps now it is the first day of Fall that will change.
After lunch, we went for a bike ride with Charlie (about 18 km) along the Bow River. They really are lucky to have so much water running through the middle of the city. Was a lovely ride. At one point you could look back over the city. Incredible to think of an inland city of over 1 million people.
Home for dinner. A barbecue of good Alberta beef - lovely. Lots of talking and locating a geocache out the back lane. Bradley, Damian and Katrina will be interested to know that Charlie and Wendy are pretty serious about their geocaching.
Wednesday 2nd September - Drumheller
Well, our first experience of couch surfing with other people has been a very rewarding experience. The great benefit of couch surfing is being able to establish a relationship with someone who lives where you are visiting. We have been able to do that with Wendy and Charlie even though they have both had to work while we have been here. It's also nice to be able to talk about those little cultural difference which can sometimes be a bit hard to work out. Tonight we all went out to a Thai restaurant and the food was on par with Mullumbimby Golf Club, which means it was excellent. We had a very pleasant evening.
Our plan for today was to visit Drumheller and the badlands, an area a bit over two hours northeast of Calgary. The badlands were created at the end of the last ice age when the Red Deer River was dammed up behind a glacier. When the glacier gave way a huge amount of water was released gouging and eroding the whole of the Red Deer Valley. We left the plain country with its huge crops of wheat and arrived at Horshoe Canyon, the beginning of the badlands.
Because of the erosion, quite a lot of Dinosaur fossils were exposed or left close to the surface in the area - one of the richest deposits of dinosaur remains in the world. We visited the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum which has a huge collection of fossils, skeletons and displays of dinosaurs. Exceptional value for the $10 entry fee.
From the museum we continued on the Dinosaur trail along the valley, eventually crossing the river on a ferry and returning to Drumheller along its southern bank.
From Drumheller, we travelled east out of town to the Hoodoos, some extreme sandstone structures that have been eroded in unusual shapes over time. The harder rock on the top has protected the columns to some extent leaving amazing mushroom-like structures.
Between Drumheller and Calgary is what looks like an extremely fertile agricultural area planted to cereal crops. Our first day in the car finished successfully with no problems associated with driving on the 'wrong' side of the road.
It was good to speak to Bradley on Skype this morning. Ain't technology marvellous.
Tomorrow we are off to Canmore via the Kananaskis.
Our plan for today was to visit Drumheller and the badlands, an area a bit over two hours northeast of Calgary. The badlands were created at the end of the last ice age when the Red Deer River was dammed up behind a glacier. When the glacier gave way a huge amount of water was released gouging and eroding the whole of the Red Deer Valley. We left the plain country with its huge crops of wheat and arrived at Horshoe Canyon, the beginning of the badlands.
Because of the erosion, quite a lot of Dinosaur fossils were exposed or left close to the surface in the area - one of the richest deposits of dinosaur remains in the world. We visited the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum which has a huge collection of fossils, skeletons and displays of dinosaurs. Exceptional value for the $10 entry fee.
From the museum we continued on the Dinosaur trail along the valley, eventually crossing the river on a ferry and returning to Drumheller along its southern bank.
From Drumheller, we travelled east out of town to the Hoodoos, some extreme sandstone structures that have been eroded in unusual shapes over time. The harder rock on the top has protected the columns to some extent leaving amazing mushroom-like structures.
It was good to speak to Bradley on Skype this morning. Ain't technology marvellous.
Tomorrow we are off to Canmore via the Kananaskis.
Thursday 3rd September - Calgary to Canmore
After a pleasant couple of days staying with Wendy and Charlie, it was off to Canmore today. We travelled via the Kananaskis which is south of the main No 1 highway.
After a visit to an information centre (Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre) and a picnic lunch we returned to the highway just as it began to rain. In several spots there were deer (we think mule deer), quite oblivious to the traffic.
Back on the highway, we headed for Canmore arriving at our accommodation, Worldmark - Canmore a bit after 5pm. We popped downtown to do some grocery shopping and arrived back to find the place in darkness - a blackout. Eventually, the power did come back on in time for us to cook a curry for tea. A spa and a swim (in a very nice heated pool) and some washing and we had made a day of it.
This is truly beautiful country which runs south along the base of the Rockies. Towering peaks in the distance, bare above the tree line, many still with areas of snow on them. Water from Kananaskis River (dammed in many places) in the foreground and pine trees everywhere. We travelled south as far as Lower Kananaskis Lake.
After a visit to an information centre (Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre) and a picnic lunch we returned to the highway just as it began to rain. In several spots there were deer (we think mule deer), quite oblivious to the traffic.
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| Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre |
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| Worldmark - Canmore |
Friday 4th September - Banff
We had a bit of a slow morning this morning and didn't get on the road until about 10am.
Banff is about 26 km away up Highway 1. Not far out of Canmore we entered Banff National Park ($9.80 each for entry until 4pm tomorrow). We stopped briefly in Banff township for a coffee and a look around. Very touristy (nicely done) with all the buildings with an 'alpine' appearance. Much of Canmore is built like that as well.
From there it was off to Sulphur Mountain. We walked the 5.8 km to the top. It felt like 5.8km straight up. Was very spectacular as we climbed looking out over Banff, Lake Minnewanker and the Bow Valley. Saw squirrels, a chipmunk and a grey jay.
Lunch at the top was fish and chips and then we came down on the gondola. Perhaps if we had that over again Jill might have walked - a bit scary.
Once down we went to the Upper Hot Springs to soak the aches and pains away. Temperature was 39 degrees centigrade and very nice. The pool is outside and you look over the Bow River Valley.
From there we drove down to Fairmont Banff which is a pretty famous hotel on the junction of The Bow and Spray River. There was no parking available so we didn't stop but did get some photos later when we went for a drive at the golf course.
Next was Bow Falls and a drive along Golf Course Drive Loop which is an area where native animals are often seen. Apart from a glimpse of a coyote running across the road, the animals were in hiding today.
Still on the animal search, we drove to Minnewanker Lake and the loop road. This is a very spectacular area north of the Banff township. Here we did see some elk (or that's what we thought they were). Saw what they call a magpie (have seen a few of these). Smaller than our magpie with quite a long tail and glossy green colouring on the back and tail.
A picnic tea on the lake's edge waiting for a bear to come along. We parked the car close in case it did happen. Apparently, the bears are about, feeding upon berries getting ready for hibernation. Just on dusk, we drove into Johnson Lake and Cascade ponds and then it was on the road back to Canmore.
From there it was off to Sulphur Mountain. We walked the 5.8 km to the top. It felt like 5.8km straight up. Was very spectacular as we climbed looking out over Banff, Lake Minnewanker and the Bow Valley. Saw squirrels, a chipmunk and a grey jay.
Lunch at the top was fish and chips and then we came down on the gondola. Perhaps if we had that over again Jill might have walked - a bit scary.
From there we drove down to Fairmont Banff which is a pretty famous hotel on the junction of The Bow and Spray River. There was no parking available so we didn't stop but did get some photos later when we went for a drive at the golf course.
Next was Bow Falls and a drive along Golf Course Drive Loop which is an area where native animals are often seen. Apart from a glimpse of a coyote running across the road, the animals were in hiding today.
Still on the animal search, we drove to Minnewanker Lake and the loop road. This is a very spectacular area north of the Banff township. Here we did see some elk (or that's what we thought they were). Saw what they call a magpie (have seen a few of these). Smaller than our magpie with quite a long tail and glossy green colouring on the back and tail.
A picnic tea on the lake's edge waiting for a bear to come along. We parked the car close in case it did happen. Apparently, the bears are about, feeding upon berries getting ready for hibernation. Just on dusk, we drove into Johnson Lake and Cascade ponds and then it was on the road back to Canmore.
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