Thursday, November 11, 2010

parade

There are thousands of people lining the street. The sun is shining but cold. We are just south of the cenotaph

Ottawa 2010 Rememberace Day

Bob and I finally mad it to Ottawa for this special Day

Friday, July 16, 2010

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Home
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Holiday Finished

Well I guess everyone this is the end of the holiday trip. Arrived home 10 a.m. yesterday. My brother-in-law Jim picked us up at Union Station with our car and drove us thru the city. It was great cause I don't know if Bob was ready to hit downtown traffic in Toronto. So we were home before noon hour and unpacked

Would we do it again ? Yes, on the train but probably just the one way and then fly back. As far as traveling on the train what I will say is the service was terrific . The accommodations, compact but everything was there that you needed. Each day the attendant would come and put fresh sheets on your bed. Good mattress,clean but as I said compact. The food and presentation left nothing to be desired. White tablecloths with different coloured overlay for each meal. China dishes, silverware and wine glasses plus picture window all round the dining car and of course not to forget the flowers on the table. And no, never did anything fall or spill, cause you know we all watched for that.

Met some really nice people 3 different sets that wanted to exchange e-mail addresses. They have already contacted me. A couple from Moncton, another couple from West Seneca Buffalo and a young girl traveling with her sisters from Saudi Arabia. So many interesting people out there in this world. Meeting up with my sister's sons and partners and son out in Vancouver made it a very special day for all of us. Remembering so many things from when they were younger. Sharing the happy memories and making a new one of that trip.

A special "shout out" to Victoria my granddaughter for helping me get this blog off the ground. It was a wonderful way to keep track of most of what I remember. I highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip. Thank you honey....love you

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This is the t-shirt to prove we walked across the bridge
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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This is our 3 hour stop @ 8 o'clock @ night. Train has to be watered and fed & change crews. Would of liked but not worth it to get off with the rain
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Rain in Winnipeg
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Entertainment before we left
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Erica. Rachelle
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Back on the train

Those in sleeper cars are invited to the 2 level Observation deck for champagne and snacks. There is always fresh fruit, hot drinks, cold drinks or cookies available in the club car. Ongoing jig saw puzzle. Board games magazines. But mostly such interesting people to talk too. Before lunch today I met mom and dad Elaine and Lee both from Saskatchewan with their daughters Rachel and Erica. This is their first train trip ever. They are heading to Montreal to her brothers. Last night a couple she originally from Germany and he from Switzerland. They live in Spain but now call their home "the canary islands". Traveling across Canada
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Sunday a lot to see

Off the deck on the center area was a canopy with a group called The Steel Toed Boot. Musicians from BC Ont and Nfld. Not bad music. People sitting around soaking up the sun Boats and cruisers passing by, children playing just a nice summer day. What more could we ask for. Wandered around for a couple of hours and eventually made our way back to the Sea Bus. Walked back 2 blocks to the hotel and just sat in their comfy seats until it was time to depart. Took the taxi to the station checked in. They even took our small traveling suitcases and put them into our rooms. We then went into the Panorama Lounge with an outdoor patio. Tables and chairs set up for tea, coffee,lemonade, cookies gratis and best of all entertainment. There we all comfortably sat and waited for the All Aboard Call while listening to this man sing pop jazz while playing piano,harmonica, guitar and sax plus a real nice voice to accompany himself. Now that was an extra special send off. All Aboard and we waved good bye to a fantastic trip
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Need I say more
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Continuation of Lonsdale Quay

Inside the large building a fresh fruit/vegetables/meat produce. All kinds of neat little stores selling hand made jewelry, crafts.art and clothing. But even better than that I actually found a "Beaver Tail" store. They are so delicious. I haven't had one of those I think since the last time we were in Ottawa. The Sunrise one is my favourite deep battered covered with cinnamon sugar then fresh lemon squeezed all over. There are not too many of the stores around. What a way to end the trip. Well almost. We had lunch on the outdoor patio on the dock of the bay
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Last Day in Vancouver

Since this would be out last day in Vancouver I wanted to make it worthwhile. Checking out of the hotel by noon but we could leave our luggage for the day. We needed to be at the train station for 830 departure. It would seem the Sea Bus trip to Lonsdale Quay cost $1.75 per person. That sounds like a deal to me. Trip takes about 13 min in crossing. Probably about twice the size of the ferry boat to Center Island. I started a conversation with 3 young women sitting beside me. Such an interesting variety of cultures you meet while traveling. Much more by train or boat. People take the time to share their time opposed to air travel where we are assigned our allotted space. These 3 sisters were here from Saudi Arabia visiting their brother. I offered some suggestions to them and told them about my granddaughter who practices the Muslim faith also. They are around the same age as Victoria and pleased I took the time to speak to them. Later as we landed we met up with them by the fountain. Areej I think she is the oldest was so pleased and asked if we could exchange e-mail addresses. By this time the older brother was on the scene and I'm sure happy his sisters had someone else to talk to. I think they kind of wanted us to hang out with them but we did exchange and continued on our way.
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Sea Bus to Lonsdale Quay
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The flat plains of Saskatchewan with the canola growing in the background
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Proof we made it all the way
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Some of us walked with caution holding the railing
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Platforms up in the tree tops
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Capilano Bridge

The second day of our bus pass we used to take us to "The Bridge". Surprisingly to us easterners we are mostly unaware of the islands and of course bridges surrounding Vancouver and area. But without a doubt this particular one is not for the "faint of heart". You step down about 5 steps on to a SWAYING suspension bridge. It stretches nearly 500 ft across and over 200 ft above the ground. There is enough space for a line of people entering and exiting touching shoulders as they pass. It is quite an experience to walk over look down and watch the river flow below. What truly makes it worthwhile is then the walkway to the stairs platforms and bridges that are connected. It is truly a walk thru the treetops. Reminded me a bit of Sean Connery in the movie "Medicine Man". Unbelievable feeling of euphoria each step taken thru this nature walk. Each platform is connected to a Douglas Fir in such a way no damage is done to the tree. Once again guides reading posts interactive material ad of course you know I bought the t-shirt that reads "I survived the Capilano Bridge. Once again a beautiful day all ways round. When it was regretfully time to leave we were informed us bus had broken down. No problem within 20 min another company provided us with transportation back to our hotel. A slight change of plans but make use by having another walk thru Gastown and had dinner at an outdoor cafe. Eventually making our way back to the hotel which is centrally located easy walking distance . Certainly no late nights after these days. Saved all the blogging for the train which was a good idea. Of course doing it now because it is still within recall.
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Capilano Bridge
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Jamie + Angie
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Owen + Theresa
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Brady
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Continuation

Owen and Theresa picked us up at our hotel and we drove up to the area known as English Bay. Jamie Angie and Brady who just graduated from high school in Toronto was visiting. It was arranged we would meet at a restaurant across from the beach. When Brady walked in he was in shock. He thought I was his Granny and couldn't believe it. My sister and I look very similar also our voices sound the same. So between all of them watching me so closely they felt like it was Mary Rose sitting there. They kept letting me know how much we were alike. Watching Brady looking at me was a moment. Lots of love for Mary Rose. Lots of good memories growing up and sharing family times together.Every Christmas Easter Thanksgiving and birthday when we were all together. It would seem all the preparation putting it together was worth it. The kids were all so much younger but it was a good feeling to hear that feedback after all these years. Jamie recalling being at the cottage for the Royal wedding. This was before Bob put the big addition on. The tv was maybe a 15 inch screen but we were all up that morning watching Diana and Charles. We had tea and crumpets for breakfast and I think my Dad went back to bed. Enough for him. Jamie reminding me how he and Scott sat with my Mom all together on the one chair watching the pretty bride. The commentary being directed by their grandmother. Good memories and I mentioned at one point TMI to Jamie. All in good fun. Angie enjoyed listening. Owen being that much younger doesn't have that particular memory. Theresa just listening and taking it all in. And of course Brady just kept his eyes on me the whole time. I know we made some good memories of that day. Given that anyone one of that generation won some big money. It is quite apparent they would buy back the cottage. Ater many many hugs and kisses it was time to leave. Reminded of course by Owen and Theresa of their big day Nov 11 2011 in Hawaii. So I guess we have to get serious about collecting those air miles
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Meeting with our nephews

Since this is one of the nights that it is difficult to sleep I thought I might as well continue. It is mainly the change of speed and the stop and go to let the freight trains have the right of way. Then of course our conductor tries to make up for the lost time. So getting back to meeting the boys. Nobody we spoke to seems to actually live in Vancouver City because it is very expensive, Not affordable for the average person but the skyline is covered with high rise apartments. We were told the population density of downtown Vancouver is equal to Manhatten NY in numbers cost and footprint. That is why Jamie and Owen live outside in New Westminister. They truly are happy living where they are. Transportation into the city is good. The area gravitates the younger generation to move there. The climate, beaches, skiing, night live it is all out there. So much infrastructure going on there provides plenty of work. Of course post Olympics there has been quite a large drop in work. But all in all it is for sure a big drawing card for the youth
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Butchard Gardens

A fascinating story of how this all began. Originally part of the property owned by the family . Mrs B started a small garden brought in an English gardener and between them created a 55 acre masterpiece of gardens. A Japanese garden complete with a budha. A rose garden that leaves you breathless. A Mediterrean garden with such a beautiful fragence. Trees , water gardens every such patterns and colours. We had over 2 hours there and that was hardly enough time.
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Monday, July 12, 2010

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The main house at the gardens
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Gardens
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Butchard Gardens
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Diversity

I just wanted to say a few words about the many people that we have had conversations with. From the young people that look after us on the train Most seem to be from the BC area Winnipeg or Quebec and of course they have to be bilingual. Then Sylvia and Den from Moncton that we spent 2 days with on the train. I'm sure we will keep in touch with them. So many young people working in Vancouver from Australia. A couple tonight at dinner originally from Germany and Switzerland now living in the Canary Islands. Quite a few Americans from all thru the states. The man I spoke to at the jewelry counter in Granville Market from Turkey. The 3 young girls from Saudi visiting their brother in Vancouver. They had just arrived and were on the Sea Bus to N. Vancouver. I started a conversation with them and when we ran into them a second time they asked if I would exchange email addresses with them. Their older brother joined the conversation and I was aptly approved. Of course I told them I was missing my granddaughter and told them how she help me get started with blogging.. I think that was the clincher. Then there was the 2 men at lunch today the older one from Wisconsin and the younger one from Columbia . And the definitely were not father and son. All in all quite a variety of interesting people traveling.
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Gastown

The place to go and look experience the famous location
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My Adventure

Lots of souvenier and boutiques stores. Checking out just looking. Restaurants, people, just life. Actually most stores were air conditioned so that was a bonus. We definitely brought good summer weather with us. Now Bob's adventure was an eye opener to street living. He preferred to sit out on the benches or lean against the tree. When I came out from perusing he informed me that he had been hit upon. Variety is the spice of life and that is what happened. Panhandlers galore, young,old, men, women and even the uncertain ones. Shall I say he was lost for words is an understatement. Ever the driver and seldom the pedestrian this was quite the experience for him. Needless to say I did mention to him not to comment and don't look like you are lost. Then went into the next store. This of course was all done during the day not at night time.
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Plaque commemorating
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Granville Island. Fun day
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Bus Tours continued

The next day was our early arrival pickup for the Vancouver Island trip. Like I said it was a little more than we should have paid but ultimately worth every penny. This personable young man certainly gave us a history of BC. Just spoke so easily with an abundance of knowledge that he shared with us. His knowledge of what is referred to as First Nation People left us with an appreciation of those individuals. What has wrongfully been denied them. All in all a wonderful experience.
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Bus Tours

As I mentioned previously the bus tours are the way to see the area. The first day we did a fair amount of the city. Stanley Park where the trees are enormous. A lot of people young and old travel via bicycle to get around. They do have separate lanes for bikers and they use them. A bit scary to watch. Another stop was Granville Island where we spent about 4 hours wandering around. Something comparative to St Lawrence Market. Lots of fascinating little boutique stores and of course people. Outdoor musical entertainment chairs tables food and of course did I mention sunshine. Lots of different foods to try. Made our way back to the bus stop and had a slice of pizza from the pizza place across the street. Enough for one day.
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The people riding bikes and dragging kayaks are the first ones off the boat. Doors open touching land . 5 levels down

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Sitting in Dome Car.

Freight trains have the right of way. Some can be as long as 2 miles and obviously some shorter. Passenger trains must pull over to the side track to let them pass. It occurs frequently but it is the safest way and we certainly will attest to that scenerio.
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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Victoria City

Brent had provided us with tickets to any one of the 6 museums. Sorry too much to see in such a short period of time. The alley way maybe 4 ft wide where they filmed scene with Steve McQueen on the motorcycle. Interesting stores to browse and yes of course. More fun as I convinced Bob to have a fruit filled crepe with gelato on the side. I convinced him it was worth trying. Brent had also provided us with maps and circled locations to check out. It is quite touristy but well worth the visit from a historical point of view. A lot of young people from Australia working here, They come for the climate and the all round sports life style. Everyone on the trip was so good at returning to the bus on time which was a bonus. Sometimes that doesn't happen.
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Continuation

Just to let you know we do not stay on the bus. Elevator takes us to the upper decks. Lounge food a bit of shopping our driver first and foremost provided us with a running historical commentary on the history of BC. Folklore, government policy toward The First Nations, Asian population, famous and infamous characters. Our trip was focused on Victoria which is the capital of BC located on the southern penninsula of the province. Our second spot was Butchard Gardens. Our drop off was directly across from the Empress Hotel. High tea is served @ the cost of $55 per person. I knew that Bob could would or should agree to that.....so I just went shopping instead
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On the train

I will continue the blog as we travel. Parts of the travel thru some areas reception is nil. Fun filled and lots of new experiences.
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All Aboard. Taken @ the station wonderful music on patio tea coffee cookies
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Waiting for the Sea Bus to North Vancouver. =Center Island Toronto
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Saturday, July 10, 2010

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View from my window
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5 Whirlwind Days

As I try to recall these last couple of days and blog I can look out the window and see the mountains overlooking Burrard Inlet. This is all part of the water ways surrounding Vancouver. The first day we arrived being Wednesday we took a walk around Gastown and up around Canada Place. The best way to see a new place is by tour bus. Vancouver is a city well prepared for tourism. One of the companies has a 2 day pass. Big Bus. Hop Off Hop On. That is how it works. You get to see the sights and get back on another bus which runs every half hour. This ticket would also include the suspension bridge. The other ticket we bought was for the one day trip to Vancouver Island. A little bit more expensive but so well worth it. Brent picked us up around 8 a.m. at the door of the hotel and returned us back 930 that night. It is a 45 min drive to the ferry and a 90 min crossing. Oh by the way the bus comes on the boat with us
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Size

450 ft across suspension. 230 ft above ground. Then a walk thru the treetops. Platforms around the Douglas fir with connecting suspension & shorter walks between
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True

You had to cross back and forth before u could buy the t-shirt
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This is us leaving Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
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Just crossed the BIG bridge. Now onto smaller bridges
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Catch up time

Allready it is Saturday 7 a.m Vancouver is 3 hours behind Ontario so I guess my clock is still back there. Considering how much we travelled yesterday I should be sleeping as someone else is. Just as a little sidebar I will say the beds have been A+ train included which certainly adds to the trip. Our arrival was around 2 p.m on Wed. Later because of the situation but worked out well with obtaining our room. Sizewise the room is called a suite which means 2 rooms semi divided a bathroom with all features a cupboard to hang clothes and put away suitcases. Just space to spead out ahh bliss. The space on the train is COMPACT and if you put each thing back there is space. The bed is in the wall and spring loaded so that you turn the handle and pull it down actually quite comfortable. Large window with blind and ventilation coming thru the air ducts. I did a practice of using the toilet in the night and it really was not a problem. Saved exiting and walking down the hall. Sylvia + Dennis the couple we met checked out the room. They had the bunk bed. He is a very spry 84 year old Sylvia pushing that number They were not really enjoying the ladder routine. The toilet has a fitted stainless steel lid which is covered with some form of leather. This can act as an extra seat. True. Sylvia sat beside me on the bed now converted in to a bench seat and Dennis tired off standing sat on the reserved seating. We were having a fascinating conversation about books we have read. They were stopping in Jasper for a few days before continuing on. They live in Moncton so we are hoping to keep in touch
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Friday, July 9, 2010

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Bob as a passeger "unusual"
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United Nations

New Zealand. Mexico England Belgium Japan U S Norway and of course ourselves from Ontario. This is the background of our fellow passengers. One fantastic driver Brent. He could have a PHD on history of Vancouver Island. Wonderful story teller. Has us all completely enthralled
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Brent our driver ready to pull out on towards Butchart Gardens
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Crepe with bananas kiwi and raspberries. Yum yum. Served by an young Australian

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Canada Place where the Olympics were televised from big promenade deck walk around
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Thursday, July 8, 2010

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Self portrait in window reflection. Much easier to do
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Taken from Canada Place
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Arrival

Well not actually off the train. Waiting for tracks to be switched which does seem to be a familiar routine. It is 11 30 and we should be getting aroung noon. Weather is 21 and sunshine. I am I the panorama car Bob is sitting back in his room. Looking. Forward to a real shower and change of clothes from the big suitcase in the baggage car. Had some trouble sleeping last night grinding of steel wheels on the track. Too much overthinking after yesterday's accident. Otherwise everything great.
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Arrival in Vancouver
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Scenery

The landscape is truly something to see. Thank goodness for the delete button because we just keep taking pictures thru the window. Despite the night noises and movement it is really the best way to travel across the country
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Just finished breakfast prepared and served by a fantastic crew. Because of the accident yesterday we will be arriving around noon hour. That does not really cause a problem
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Not forget our chef
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The staff that served us
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Return to train

That was a picture of the travellers who are looking for a bed for the night. They removed the damaged car plus the car in front and behind for safeth measures. We stopped in Jasper for 1 hour. @ 1 p.m. It is now 530 but we are back in the car. So u guessed I checked out the stores. Hopefully it will be sorted out soon
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People looking for accommodations
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See orange coloured freight from other track
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Another view
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Info

Stopped @ Jasper arrived back with the hour to find a freight train had hit our train. One lady is washroom nobody hurt from the side pushed over one of the cars. Wait for crane to come and move car

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Update. !
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Magnificent

This picture taken from my little sleeping area. Unbelievable sights. This train trip is the ultimate best way to travel especially out west. Arriving in Jasper 15 min. Got to be prepared only a short stop 1 hour. Have to move quickly
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Rockie Mountains
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Train Stop

One of the many stops along the way. Passengers boarding and departing. Not enough time to explore. 2 hour time diff. 8 am. Weather good great experience. I would def do it again. Sleeping a bit difficult but the bed duvet and sheets are very good. This am having continental breakfast then moving up to the dome car. Bob down getting his I will save the seat. Spent a fair bit of time with delightful couple that we met from Moncton.
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Breakfast in Edmonton
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Monday, July 5, 2010

Evening Exercise

Our rooms are just about the middle of the train. For meals we have to walk through 8 trains that's actually opening 16 connecting doors and ramps. After dinner we walk back 9 cars 18 connecting doors up up 10 stairs to reach the panorama dome. This all to work off the delicious meals they serve us
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This is from the dome
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We have now exited Winnipeg and going thru the prairies
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Winnipeg

Arrived in Winnipeg about 630 this a.m. Breakfast around 8 then walked around very interesting area by train station. Train pulled out by noon. Lunch socialize. 22 cars on the train we are in just about the middle. So for meals we have to walk thru about 7 cars to get to the dining room

There are two panoramic upstair cars. Two activity cars and lounges. Seemingly things to do and of course always calling u to eat.
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No availability

So what happened was as we travelled thru northern Ontario there was no communication with rogers. Everything working well now
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Comfort Level

Well it turns out I made a good choice with separate bedrooms. Two other couples that are climbing ladders to get into bed are wishing they didn't have to deal with ladders

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Cozy 2 in 1 room for a pic
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Ontario northland a lot of trees
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The package we are transporting
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Bob pointing out more trees
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Bob in his room
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Food

Delicious. Service superb. Friendly staff. Eric just introduced himself our guy dining room china plates silverware. Flowers on table. Not bad
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Accomodations

What I can tell you is that economize is the key word. Always put everything back in it's oroginal location. No problem then. True the room is unbelievably small but compact. I actually managed to lift the bed. Spring loaded to use the in room facility. Otherwise thru to the beginning of the next car

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Bob waiting patiently
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