This year we didn't go south of the equator in the winter, we vacationed in almost the coldest weather Canada can offer instead.
Our 11-day trip across Canada was an absolute success. We enjoyed every minute of it.
First, five hours on a plane to Vancouver. Then a few days around that city, also meeting one of Rose's relatives, Errin. She's newly married to James. She's a doctor and he has a Master's degree in Architecture. They both just got their full certifications and are working in Vancouver, Happy times for both.
We flew a small floatplane to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Then a few days around there, just meandering around, meeting a friend and eating well.
A funny thing happened at the Empress Hotel (probably the premier hotel in Canada).
We got upgraded and enjoyed the best of services, free breakfast, snacks, drinks, desserts, etc.
We got upgraded and enjoyed the best of services, free breakfast, snacks, drinks, desserts, etc.
When we asked them to make a dinner reservation, they found these links on the Internet and sent them to "everyone". We were met like royals in many places. You have probably seen both before.
Put your volume on HIGH before you watch this:
We took the ferry back to Vancouver, the Skytrain to the railroad station and spent four days and four nights on the train. That was a grand experience. We could just as well have been on the Orient Express, judging from the many interesting people we met. We ate superb food, were well entertained and slept super well in our comfortable cabin.
VIA Rail - HIGHLY recommended for friendly service and good food.
We were never cold on the train but on our walks...
The "cold-pictures" of us were taken in Jasper. AB. It was - 31 deg C on our walk around town. The coldest outside temp was - 34 C. The last photograph, all white, was taken as we approached Toronto in a blinding snowstorm.
The "cold-pictures" of us were taken in Jasper. AB. It was - 31 deg C on our walk around town. The coldest outside temp was - 34 C. The last photograph, all white, was taken as we approached Toronto in a blinding snowstorm.
A little adventure as observed.
The train was 7 h late in eastern Manitoba; Suddenly we stopped in the middle of the very dark forest. One of the drivers came to the last car, the bar car, where we were. He said:
"We missed a flag stop, there is a trapper and his dog out there. We cannot leave him in this cold (- 33 C)."
If you want ot know about "cold" read Jack London, "To build a fire".
We could see a very faint light about 2 km behind the train. Then we backed up until we came to where we saw the trapper, his baggage and his dog.
A couple of attendants jumped off the train and attended to his baggage.
The train, 13 cars and about 500 m long, continued to back up. The trapper's BIG black dog was taken into the heated luggage car, the first car after the TWO locomotives, wrapped in blankets and placed near an electric heater.
Our resident chef was arousen and went to the kitchen at a very late hour to prepare a warming meal for the cold man.
A bit of "Canada" for you. He had been there, outside by the track, for over five hours. No cellphone service and he had no idea when the train would arrive.
When it came, it drove by him at 100 km/h.
Imagine his horror.
Canadian Train drivers (Engineers) have good eyes and big hearts.
See our pictures here:
How did you like my photos? Enough of "cold"?
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I've had many far more interesting experiences before this. If you 'd like to read my memoirs, "Seasons of a Man", please buy a copy here.
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