Hey,
Wow what an experience!
Adventure started on arrival at Vancouver's beautiful Airport. Very smooth transition through customs all really easy no hassle at all!
Arrived to beautiful sunny weather and quickly got a taxi to our hotel which cost $32 CAD.
Immediately fell in Love with Vancouver so vibrant and friendly. Ended up in Gastown which is near the port and full of craft/souvenir shops , bars and restaurants so sat out in the sun having a beer and some nachos (the nachos were big enough to feed 10 !!) .
Ended the night by wandering around Robson St doing some window shopping.
Joined the Ship yesterday and was all very easy and well organized again.
A word of warning if you have never done anything like this before it is very moving and emotional. The Zuiderdam is the most Magnificent ship and the crew are so friendly and welcoming.
The Sail Away cocktail party was a really special experience especially as there were 3 ships leaving at the same time.
Had a wonderful 5 course dinner followed by a drink in the Queens Lounge watching the resident band then it was onto the nightclub.
Spending the day at sea today just had Lunch on deck . Barbecued Alaska Salmon ! Yummy !
09/09
Hi All,
We've now had 2 ports of call Juneau and Skagway.
Juneau is the first major city of Alaska.
We disembarked after a morning of scenic cruising through Tracy Arm which was truly spectacular with Jade Green water and small glaciers just floating by the ship, we also saw some small dolphins playing alongside the ship.
In Juneau we took the cable car halfway up Mount Roberts and then took an hour to hike up a little higher. It was well worth it to see the fabulous views over Juneau.
We strolled through town and ended up in the Red Dog Saloon which was authentic down to the sawdust on the floor!!
Yesterday was Skagway. A real step back in time with wooden boardwalks lining the streets . The area offers a multitude to trips but we chose to walk the length of the town even straying into a residential area which was a real eye opener. We took a tour of the 19th century Brothel which is above the Red Onion Saloon and of course finished off with our now favorite tipple Alaskan White Ale! Yummy!!
So today is scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. We have been up since 5.30 am to make the most of it and so far have been rewarded with a couple of Whale sightings.
See you all soon
Lesley
P.S Just for the record we have spent an hour a day in the Gym !! Honest !!
10/09
Just thought I'd send a quick e mail to let you know that we have been unable to get into Ketchikan due to strong winds so have had to spend the day at sea Getting hair done, swimming & using the Sauna & Hot Tub! Life's tough onboard this 5* Ship!
Anyway Glacier Bay was breathtaking and we saw Whales, Dolphins, Seals. Sea Otters & Sea Lions so the highlight of the cruise.
Benn invited to the Captains Cocktail party tonight so will need to be very well behaved.
Hope all is ok.
Lesley
12/09
Well back in Vancouver now.
Had a wander around Robson Street and bought some souvenirs then it was off back to the hotel to change for dinner out in Vancouver on a Saturday night. No clubbing though as we have to be up at 5am to get ready for the Rocky Mountaineer.
14/09
Just arrived in Jasper our destination on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Spent the first day on Red Leaf service and must admit I was pleasantly surprised. The quality of food, service and commentary were excellent. We had Anton as a carriage steward and his knowledge and witty "banter" kept us entertained throughout our journey. We were delighted to spot osprey, bald eagles and some big horned sheep .
Arrived into Kamloops and were swiftly transferred to our comfortable hotel for the night.
Day 2 was spent on Gold Leaf . We felt like Royalty ! Started the day with a breakfast of scrambled egg, smoked salmon and caviar. Beats a bacon butty!!
The domed carriage was really spectacular and made you fell like you were at one with nature.
Tim our friendly steward kindly got the party started by opening the complimentary bar at around 10.30am . Well a Bloody Mary is a breakfast drink!
Then it was off down to the dining carriage for yet more amazing food for lunch.
Today we saw some coyote and allegedly a bear which is still to be proved . Perhaps one too many drinkies?
Arrived in Jasper to temperatures in the 80's (unusual for the time of year we are assured!)
What a pretty town just a pity we don't have much time here.
16/09
The dreaded day has arrived and it's time to go home.
Yesterday was spent on the scenic transfer between Jasper and Banff. We had our visit to the Columbia Ice Fields with a ride on the Ice Explorer where we had a chance to get out and walk on the Glacier. Over 1000 ft of shifting ice!
We also visited some of the scenic lakes and waterfalls of which Canada has such an abundance. The last stop was in the world famous Lake Louise. I'll let you make up your own mind but I think Lake Peyto has the edge on it.
So to sum up why visit Canada and Alaska. Well because it is a beautiful friendly country with scenery that just can't be experienced in any other part of the world, but be warned you will never want to leave and when you do there will be a tear in even a glass eye.
Land Tour list
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