Wow. That was quite a trip, Ms J. Vancouver, British Columbia is a long way from Mimico. I'd guess about 4000 kilometres. The journey took four nights and three days aboard the train ... each way. Yes, there were times when I longed for some personal space, and time away from Colleen and Ivy. That's true. But all in all, we managed quite well, really and for the most part, we had a brilliant time. The meals served in the dining car were exquisite. The sleeping accommodations were adequate. The passengers we met were nice.
Actually, Ms J, on the westward portion of our trip, the train was crowded with foreigners - English and Germans. The English were quiet and well-mannered while the German group were at times boisterous. I tired very quickly of listening to them every day in the dining car. I think we were all glad finally to step down onto the platform at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station. GOSH, THIS COUNTRY'S BIG!!
Our holiday was only two weeks and the train ride took eight days. That left us only six days to sight-see on the coast. We rented a car in Vancouver upon arrival and drove to the ferry terminal at
Tsawwassen, about an hour from the train station. Our real holiday began on Vancouver Island.
In Victoria, we enjoyed a night in a POSH downtown hotel. It was nice to finally have space to roam about. Little Ivy had her own room, Ms Journal, which was also nice for her mother and me. We spent a day exploring the city and enjoyed a walk through the famous Empress Hotel. Later, we took a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Ivy is crazy about horses and the driver invited her to sit up front which thrilled her completely.
The next day, we traveled five hours further west to a beautiful place called Ucluelet on the Pacific Ocean. The following day was spent whale watching in Tofino and later exploring the majesty of Pacific Rim National Park and the towering Douglas Firs and Hemlock found in the temperate rainforest there. Although we'd packed rubber boots and raincoats, we saw no trace of the grey skies and drizzle that are often a part of Life on Canada's west coast.
Three days on Vancouver Island passed quickly and we retraced our steps (partway at least) to the ferry terminal at Nanaimo where we boarded a vessel to the mainland. The next three days saw us enjoying the sights around the city of
Vancouver, believed by many to be among the world's most beautiful cities. It's nestled snuggly between the blue Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of the
Rocky Mountains. There, we visited an aquarium and of course, Stanley Park with its myriad paths and walkways bursting with colourful spring blossoms. Spring comes much earlier in Vancouver, Ms J. And winters are much milder. It's really a lovely place to see and lucky are those who call it home. One day, we rode a gondola car up Grouse Mountain and enjoyed a lumberjack show at the summit. We also saw a pair of young Grizzly bears that had been orphaned and are now cared for by park staff in a large fenced enclosure.
Possibly the highlight of our trip was "zip-lining" near the alpine town of Whistler, BC. Whistler will be the site of the 2010 Winter Olympic games and preparations are underway to accommodate fans and athletes alike. Here's a clipping cut and pasted from my personal journal:
"The zip line was fabulous! In the mountains around Whistler, high in the trees, men have rigged cables across ravines and gorges. The cables are tethered to trees and the “zip line” is a pulley system which carries intrepid riders along the length of the cable. Riders wear a nylon harness similar, I suppose, to those worn by parachutists. The tour lasted a little more than two hours. Two guides led our group of seven people across five separate cables and offered information and instruction along the way through the temperate rainforest. The company was agreeable. The scenery was breathtaking. And the ride ...
Well, Ms J, it probably wasn’t worth $400. But it was definitely the most fun I’ve had on this vacation so far. It was the high point literally and figuratively. We hung suspended from our harnesses and raced, one at a time, along the steel cable at speeds of nearly 80 kph. I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't scared."
Colleen was appointed the keeper of the camera throughout our holiday. I would guess she took about two thousand photos. It'll be a day or two before we get them sorted out, but I promise to post some here shortly for your viewing pleasure. It was a good trip, but I’m glad to be ... home. At Colleen’s house. I guess it’ll be my home now too, won’t it?
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Jane said...
