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Wednesday 23 October 2013

Canada Part 4.....

At last the part of our trip which had prompted us to book it had arrived.     No breakfast at the hotel or nearby diner for us today, we were to dine like kings on The Rocky Mountaineer!

Leaving the hotel at 8 a.m. we were transported the short distance to Jasper Railway station ready to board our Gold Leaf Carriage for the first leg of our 274 mile journey to Kamloops.




We boarded the train and took our seats in the glass domed carriage, which was to afford us a 180degree view of the scenery on our journey,




and were greeted by the staff who were to take care of us for two days, Dale, Harper, Drew and Alicia.
Before too long the train started moving out of the station for the adventure we had so looked forward to.  We were informed that there were to be two sittings for meals in the restaurant, which was downstairs, and we were on first sitting, but before that we were treated to fresh orange juice and a Danish pastry to keep us going for a short time before breakfast. 

Leaving Jasper behind we travelled quite slowly out into the countryside eagerly anticipating the beautiful scenery we knew was awaiting us.   At last the word came that breakfast was being served and we took our seats in the dining car downstairs where we were treated to a delicious breakfast.  Mine consisted of a Fruit Plate, Croissants, Scrambled Egg with Smoked Salmon, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Caviar and Creme Fraiche, all washed down with Fresh Orange Juice and Tea/Coffee.

Suitably stuffed we returned to our seats upstairs and settled down to listen to the running commentary of the scenery outside from our carriage crew.

Passing Moose Lake we unfortunately didn't see any Moose but it was beautiful.

Passed Beaver River
and Pyramid Falls
 we were in awe of mother nature.

Plied with snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic, whichever we desired), and wandering up and down the train taking photos, including from below on the outdoor observation deck, we were surprised to find lunchtime had arrived.   Once again we made our way down to the dining car to partake of a delicious lunch.  I had the Tomato & Mushroom Soup, Pork Tenderloin, Garlic Mash, Sugarsnap Peas with Jus, then to follow Maple Ice Cream with Apple Cinnamon and Sultanas in Puff Pastry with a Brandy Snap, washed down with Red or White Wine and Tea or Coffee.   I had visions of being a stone overweight by the time we had finished our two days on the train, the food was so good and totally irresistible.

Our train was eleven carriages long and MWM went down to the observation deck to catch the front of the train going around a bend on video.


We travelled through miles and miles of beautiful scenery.


Mountain streams
 The Thompson River

A notable feature along the North Thompson is Little Hells Gate, a mini-replica of the much larger rapid on the Fraser downstream from the mouth of the Thompson. About 17.4 km upstream from the small town of Avola, the river is forced through a narrow chute only about 30 feet wide creating a rapid that resembles the Fraser's famous rapid.
MWM took this next video of our train crossing The Thompson River.

 The scenery changed to lower ground as we got nearer to Kamloops, our stop for the night.   Suddenly, after scouring the terrain all day, we spotted a bear!   It was quite far away and unfortunately it all happened so fast we didn't manage to get a photo, so you'll just have to take my word for it that we saw one.

 Eventually, about 6 p.m. we arrived at Kamloops Station where we were transported to our hotel, The Coast, for the night.  This is the view from our room.








It had been a looooonnnnnggg but exciting day and we quickly freshened up before going just across the road from the hotel, to a restaurant/bar, to get a quick meal before retiring for the night.   We had another day on the Rocky Mountaineer to look forward to and the journey to Vancouver.  I hope you'll join me for that in my next post, Canada Part 5.

18 comments:

Ron said...

Oh my...what a lovely post! And being a big train fan, you should have seen me smiling while reading this. I could FEEL your excitement about being on that train because I would have been the same!

Stunning photos! The one below the first video clip took my breath away because I love how you captured the shadows of the clouds overhead on the mountains. WOW!

And my mouth was watering over the menu of food you ate.

Another fabulous travel post, m'dear! You have such a gift for it. And I'm looking forward to Part 5!

X

Cloudia said...

Gasp! Oh, Honey! Dream trip. You two look like royals.


I'll tell you about railroading through Pennsylvania's great horseshoe curve sometime :-)


Aloha, Sis

Daryl said...

what an amazing adventure this is ...

Jenny Woolf said...

Lovely trip... thanks for taking us with you!

Commander Zaius said...

Can't wait for the pictures of Vancouver!

Valerie said...

Oooh that's one-upmanship, Pearl, 'cause we didn't get to take the train trip. Hubby is going to love looking at your pictures. Roll on the next episode.

Valerie said...

Forgot to say, we didn't go to Vancouver either... grins.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

that was something sarge always wanted to do but we never made it. thanks for showing it to me!

hugs, bee
xoxoxooxox

Akelamalu said...

Ron you MUST do this trip, you would absolutely L.O.V.E. it! Glad you enjoyed it, more to come. x

Absolutely a dream trip Cloudia. I would love to hear about railroading through Pennsylvania's great horseshoe curve, you should blog about it!

It was indeed Daryl!

My pleasure Jenny, so pleased you enjoyed it.

Coming soon Beach

Oh what a shame you didn't do the train Valerie, you would have loved it - you could still do it and Vancouver!! x

Oh I'm sorry Sarge didn't get to do that trip Bee, but at least you will see it through my eyes and can imagine Sarge enjoying it. xxxx

katie eggeman said...

Wow, what an adventure. I remember a train trip to Oklahoma we made when I was 11. Not nearly as scenic as this but I did love train travel

Akelamalu said...

It was an adventure BankerChick, we absolutely loved it!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a trip!

Haddock said...

Wonderful journey and wonderful views. 11 coach for a train is just right I suppose.

Akelamalu said...

It was a WOW trip Dumdad :)

Thanks Haddock, the train got longer!

A Lady's Life said...

I can never get over the majesty of BC's mountains and rivers and yes lots of bears even around the Vancouver area.
You could go outside and see coons, cranes, eagles, falcons,possums,coyotes,and the occasional wolf as we had staying at our house.
Best guest we ever had.
Then we get into the wild cats and those are not so cool but they are rare.So many deer and mountain goats cross the highways and moose.
You sure don't get lonely out here.
Driving to Fernie you see cows and deer grazing the same fields. Lots of people keep llamas and sheep and many also like to grow their own chickens in the back yard.We have rabbits running around my place.
I love that idea. Except for

Travis Cody said...

Oh wow! Pam and I have got to do that.

Akelamalu said...

You are SO lucky to live there Lady's Life!!

Yes you do Trav!

CrystalChick said...

Your trips are so delightful! I always enjoy seeing your photos and reading about the interesting places you visit.