Scenery was mainly lakes a trees for most of the journey.

Did manage to see a beaver swimming towards his lodge, some turtles,  a few herons and a black bear but the train was going too quickly to take pics.

Stopped at a place called Parry Sound where the platform was so small that the train had to move forward 3 times so that everyone who needed to could get off. I pity the poor cars waiting at the level crossing next to the station.

Then it was Muskoka country with thousands of lakes and very expensive  holiday homes.

No lunch today as the train was due to arrive at 2pm so brunch was served instead. To be honest it looked just like the breakfast menu!

After brunch Paul was talked into playing bingo – everyone who played got a glass of champagne! He didn’t win.

Finally arrived in Toronto at about 3.30pm. Seems really odd that the freight trains always have priority and so the passenger trains are often late.

Had to wait ages for the cases to come off the train but getting to the hotel was a nice surprise – a very plush Sheraton. Unpacked and then had a long soak in the bath. Hope my ankles reappear over the next couple of days, they’ve been very swollen since being on the train.

Now for a beer and a sandwich followed by an early night.

Up late and didn’t bother with breakfast because we were on early lunch – 11.30am! Sat in dome car and the scenery was beautiful. First of all saw a moose cow – we’ll just the head as she was deep in the long reeds trying to keep cool and then went passed a herd of bison.

Had lunch with a couple we really bonded with – Linda and Randy. They really made the whole journey. Exactly the same sense of humour which is always a bonus.

More time in the dome car after lunch and saw lots of ponds, rape and flax.

And then there was beer tasting – the four of us had to have our arms twisted to join in as you can imagine! A nice prelude to dinner.

We we’re late into Winnipeg where we said goodbye to our new friends.

Very comfy bed although interesting with two of us trying to get undressed in one very small cabin!
Great scenery all morning and we’re able to get off in Jasper

After Jasper saw a herd of mountain goats but just managed to get a pic of the backside of this one!

Swainson’s Hawk at the Edmonton station.

Now back on train again and ready for bed.

Weather not so sunny today but still warm. Packed cases and left them at the hotel and then went for coffee before deciding to go up the Vancouver Lookout. Haven’t done it since the first time we visited the west coast. Definitely worth doing and it was interesting to hear the stories again.

Rained on our way back to the hotel but still really humid.

Taxi to station.  Long queue to check in. Just as well we were early

Small cabin but at least we have our own toilet and washbasin.

Lovely meal. Better than the cruise.

Great to see Hell’s Gate on the mighty Fraser River from the train. The last time we saw it was a few years ago from the cable car.

After dinner played Rummikub in the dome car and then bed. The upper bunk is much easier and more comfortable than on Amtrak.

Sorry about the pics. Doing this blog on Jasper Station and haven’t got time to mess about trying to turn them around. Might have had more luck on the ipad!

A day off today. Not a good night so up lateish and then a coffee and cake at a nearby coffee shop before picking up the hop on hop off bus at the harbour.

No cake today. Sorry Emily.

Then back on the bus. Much too hot and uncomfortable so got off again in Gastown

Then we  had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Restaurant but spoilt by a homeless man begging. Wandered along through Gastown and finished up on the harbour as always. A quick drink and then back to the hotel.

Arrived on time and after breakfast had a very easy passage through the arrivals hall to a waiting taxi. No-one bothered with the covid stuff or the ArrivCan and no going through security.
arrived at the hotel by 9.30 and were allowed straight up to the room! Couldn’t believe it.  Anyway unpacked as much as I could. Off again on Friday so didn’t get everything out. Just as well as not one drawer in the room. Good to get the internet back and took a good hour to catch up with everything.

Then off to the Apple store to see why I haven’t been able to upload pics onto my. Turns out they had changed where to find the import icon. Now it’s called unknown! And I certainly didn’t know! Anyway all sorted now.

Then off for a walk along the harbour.

Nice meal on the waterfront and then back to the hotel via a bakery for cake!

Short blog today. Did nothing but read, enjoy the scenery (mostly sea), eat and pack.

Did see whales breaching in the distance and a seal a little closer but nothing close enough to take pics of.

Off the ship tomorrow so slightly stressed in case we’ve filled in any of the forms wrong!

Actually had breakfast today as going on a boat tour later. Then up to the Crow’s Nest to see the scenery glide by until we reach Ketchikan.

Got off for a wander and not raining. Unusual for here as it’s the 4th wettest city in the world.

Off on our second wildlife viewing excursion. Not as good as the first but not really a surprise. Did see bald eagles

Continue reading Monday, 11th July Ketchikan →

Up early to watch as we sail into Glacier Bay. Weather could have been kinder but cold and wet is the norm here.

Interesting to hear the park ranger tell us all about glaciers but I’m more interested in the wildlife as always.

Lots of growlers both blue and black.

Spent a long time watching a seal catching and eating his lunch with seagulls desperate to help him!

Then dinner, Rummikub and bed

Took it easy today. Hadn’t booked any tours. Had to get over the excitement of yesterday.

Relaxed in the Crow’s Nest before having an early lunch and then getting off the ship for a wander around Skagway. Didn’t take long!

Quite a small place! Only took about 10mins to see it all. Can’t imagine living here.