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Rocky & Bullwinkle Tour
  • Beth Vogelzang
ago – set 2017

Rocky & Bullwinkle Tour

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Ice and Teddies

    17 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Another early start, we had a great buffet breakfast at 6 am, before boarding our catamaran to explore 65 miles up Glacier Bay. We first headed for South Marble island, where dozens of Stellar Sea Lions lazed. No sun today, a constant cold drizzle made life a bit difficult. We saw dozens of Sea Otters, which are much bigger than you would expect, floating on their backs with shellfish on their bellies and stones and to crack them.

    We had a great guide on the boat, Ranger Jenny, who was very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. The glaciers, there are multiple, are spectacular, and at the Margerie Glacier, we watched as the Glacier cracked and called, dropping huge chunks into the sea with a loud rumble and crash. Even as we watched, the sounds of the glacier cracking and groaning could be heard...quite remarkable. The bay, really a fjord, was littered with bit bergs (small ice bergs also known as growlers, for the noise they make when they collide).

    Along the way, we were lucky enough to see two brown bears...the first was fishing, then came up the beach with a fish...the second was climbing up a rock wall, having flushed already. He posed for us beautifully, seeming to enjoy the attention.

    We stopped on the return journey to drop off 8 kayakers, who with loads of gear, were spending three days in the wilderness, kayaking the bay. Madness in our opinion, given the waters are ice filled, and the temperature is below freezing at night...but, good luck to them!

    This afternoon, we are due to fly to Anchorage, which may be problematic, as the airport has been a bit fog bound the last few days, and apparently flights have been cancelled... Fingers crossed, as we don't have delays scheduled into our travel plans!!!

    Photos to follow!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Anchorage to Denali

    19 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    No witty title today, too tired! We luckily were able to get out of Gustavus by budgie jet ( thanks Chrissy C) and take a 14 minute flight to Juneau (yes, 14!). Most of the budgie unloaded, but we stayed aboard while they loaded up the remaining passengers due for Anchorage.

    We arrived at Anchorage early (amazingly, we were quite concerned as the flight had been cancelled the previous 2 days due to dense fog!), and were collected by our hotel.

    We had a wonderful, and entertaining dinner cooked by some Bulgarians, who thought us drunk as we laughed profusely at a visual joke (see previous note re budgie jet), and the bar an, Doug, an Alaskan with a great love for Aussies, a hatred for Germans, and an amusement for Kiwis ("sheepshaggers" - he obviously has been educated by Aussies in the past). Doug gave us some very useful tour info, and where to shop advice, which we will follow on our return to Anchorage in a few days time.

    Today we headed to Denali National Park, passing by Mount McKinley (or Denali in indigenous parlance), the tallest peak in North America. Unfortunately , we are unable to share pics, as the Mount was entirely fog/cloud bound all 238 miles...we did get some other nice pics though, of fast river rapids and lesser peaks. And, we finally sighted Mrs Bullwinkle and Junior. No pics though,but I did find a rather cute Jack Rabbit!

    Finally, we arrived at our lodgings in Denali. Our very helpful Albanian Hotel Receptionist told us if we were lucky, we would see the Northern Lights, which he photographed two days ago. At 3 am...

    As we have to be up at 5 am to get to our 12 hour tour to Kantishna with a NPS Ranger, I do not think we'll be up at 3 am...damn...however, with the dense cloud cover, I doubt the lights would be out for us anyway...    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Kantishna - Back of beyond, Alaska style

    19 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    Today we had a very early start, as our tour bus left the Denali Wilderness Centre at 6:15 am. The day was again bleak, drizzly cold and foggy, but when we met with our tour guide, John, he was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and we knew we would have a good day.

    We had a small group of 15 for this tour - it is the longest tour in Denali National Park (you can only go in there with NPS tours), and we were set to see right to the end of the 92.5 miles of road. We piled into what looked like an old school bus (see pic!) and set off. John explained the history of the park, and many interesting facts. Unfortunately, Mount McKinley (20000 feet high) was nowhere to be seen, as it was totally cloud covered, but we learned that only 30% of visitors to the area ever get to see it, due to the cloud making that comes off it.

    However, there was still much to be seen, and with John's expert eyes along with the eager eyes of the passengers we saw all manner of wildlife: moose cow and calves, many bears, lots of caribou, ground squirrels, eagles, ravens, and all other sorts of bird life.

    The road was quite narrow over treacherous cliffs, and Cathy was quite nervous at times, but our driver John was very capable, and we felt very safe.

    At 87 miles in, we hit Wonder Lake, and there at the Ranger Station, we picked up Ranger Doris, who regaled us with stories of early inhabitants of the area, and giving us insight into how difficult it must have been. Doris walked us through what berries and plants can be eaten, and medicinal plants as well... At the 92.5 mile point, we hit the end of the road. There is an airstrip here, as people in tiny single engine planes fly in to hike. It was a long trip, 12 hours all up, and we met some nice people. (The first Aussies we have met on the whole trip on this bus of 15 came from Baulkham Hills...haha)

    At the end of day, we had to drive 100 miles to Wasilla, about 40 miles from Anchorage for a good nights sleep.    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Leaving Anchorage

    21 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Today we leave Anchorage travelling 100 miles to Seward.... To join our Norwegian Cruise Ship, to sail the Inside Passage...

    It's another miserable day, and we are on a shuttle to the dock...

    I would kill for coffee! 😎☕☕☕Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    All at sea...

    22 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    It is 7 am aboard the rather ironically called Norwegian Sun . Of course, the morning is dull and overcast with drizzle, which is all we have encountered in Alaska. The locals say it has been a bad summer, with only the odd day of sun over a two week period.

    The ship is pleasant, and we are still exploring. Paul and Cathy are sleeping in...

    We are at sea right now, heading toward Hubbard Glacier. Pics to follow!

    UPDATE: I have added some pics of Hubbard Glacier...it was a bit hard to photograph as it is massive...7 miles wide, between 10 and 20 stories high, and 35 miles long. It is huge! It is an advancing glacier, and calves off frequently. The noise of the ice crashing into the ocean is tremendous, and the water is littered with great chunks of ice. Quite fascinating.    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang
    Hoonah vista
    Totems in HoonahMomma eagle in the EyriePoppa eagleInteresting Alaskan Facts

    The Tlingit and the Eyrie

    23 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Today we docked at the quaint village of Hoonah, on Icy Strait Point. It is a tiny village of 850 permanent residents, which quadrupled when we arrived. It was originally a salmon fishing village, with a cannery, but now is a timber industry base, with fishing and tourism a main focus. Seventy percent of the population is of native Tlingit heritage, and very proudly so.

    On disembarking, we took a very pleasant 3km all into the little township, leaving the shuttles for the oldies. First stop, we found a cafe with a barista(!!), which was doing a roaring trade! There was lots of totems and interesting sights, but the best was the Eagles nest, high in a tree on the Main Street. We first saw Poppy Eaglecircling above us, with a fish not his claws...he then landed in he Eyrie, where Momma eagle was waiting with the screaming chicks. Poppy got tired of the screeching babies, so left and sat in another tree, high in the canopy. I managed to get pics - dad us a little unclear, but I was on maximum zoom and Paul's shoulder as my tripod.

    The world's largest Zip line is here, interestingly. It is nearly 2km long with a 500 metre drop. Paul and I signedup to do it, me with trepidation, but also excitement. Our excitement was dashed, though, as Paul was too tall for the harness. Very disappointing, but I wouldn't do it without him... We'll find another and do it there.

    Back on the ship, the clouds suddenly parted, and it was delightful to see some sunshine. Paul and I even wentfor a swim in he pool, though it was a little cool at 9degrees getting out!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang
    Skeleton of a Humback Whale, hit by a cruise ship
    Gorgeous glen on our walk in JuneauAnother view from another walk at Thunderbird FallsBear!Mendenhall Glacier

    Back to Juneau...

    24 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ 🌫 12 °C

    Today, the ship docked in Juneau. We did not get off he ship, as we had spent a couple of days here last week, so had a very pleasant morning with most passengers getting off.

    Tomorrow, we have a full day at Skagway, where we have rented a vehicle and we will drive 110 miles to Whitehorse, which is Yukon country... Stay tuned!

    I've added some pics from various places...I can only put 6 pics per post, so enjoy these!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Cruising for glaciers

    24 agosto 2017, Coastal Waters Of Southeast Alaska And British Columbia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Leaving Juneau, we cruised leisurely toward Skagway, and headed toward the Tracy Arm of the Stephens Passage to hunt or more glaciers. As we neared Tracy Arm, we could see many ice and bit bergs in the water... The Captain decided that it was not safe to enter the Tracy Arm, so we diverted to the Endicott Arm instead. As we passed some of the ice floats, we saw sea otters and Stellar seals basking on the ice, taking in the drizzle we all we experiencing...

    The glaciers were lovely, luminous blue, and could be seen calving from time to time...    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Skagway to our first Canadian check-in..

    25 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After cruising past one fabulous glaciers and bit berg ice fields, we arrived at Skagway, Alaska at 7am his morning. Paul had arranged a rental car, so we fought the oldies to get off the boat quickly, so we could jump in our car and head away...

    Skagway is a frontier town of the Klondike gold rush days, and has been modelled along these lines in tthe buildings.

    After a quick drive around town, we headed north to do the 110 miles to Whitehorse - the capital of the Canadian province of the Yukon Territory. The weather was fog and drizzle, as usual, but once we crossed the White Pass, the rain dried up, and the sun made some valiant attempts to come out to play.

    Emerald Lake was quite astonishing, being literally emerald in colour. This was due to the floor of the lake being white calcite. It was truly beautiful, with the dark green spruce framing the lake.

    Low clouds hung on the nearby mountains, which was eerily beautiful, and the lakes were very still, providing a perfect mirror image of the vista.

    As we entered the Canadian province, we were very excited to return to the metric system, if only for a few ours. Not being familiar with miles and pounds since 1976, I was a bit rusty, so it was good to know the "right" distance.

    Whitehorse is a bustling town, obviously the biggest in the area. We very excitedly found a Tim Horton, and had a very nice coffee. I confess I am sick to death of filtered coffee with "half & half", so until now we have sought out Starbucks when we could. Today, in Canada, we found Tim Horton, as I remembered Kate and Ben's recommendation. It did not disappoint.

    We returned to Skagway to do a little shopping, before returning to the ship for an early departure at 4:30 pm. It was raining of course, and I expect it will also be used winning omorrow when we arrive in Ketchikan.    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang
    Photos from ship as we dock
    Ketchikan, as we dockSea plane pa king lot - common sight

    Ketchikan, United States

    26 agosto 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Just arriving in Ketchikan, Alaska - touted as the Salmon Capital of the World. As we are docking, I thought I'd share a few pics. We are off to what I expect to be a very kitsch Lumberjack show... Haha. We purchased tickets in Oz online well before the trip, at about 25% of what they are charging on the ship... My tour guide thinks of everything!!!

    Will report back later!

    The Lumberjack Show was a little twee, but showcased the skills required for timber orders. It was fun and a good hour long show.

    Ketchikan is an interesting town, with a strong river in the centre of town, with a salmon ladder, complete with salmon swimming upstream. The "old" part of town showcases the history, being where the loggers andfisherman spent their free time and hard earned dollars, as evidenced by the signs at Dolly's house.Ketchikan gets 16 feet of rain (yes, you read that right!). We were lucky today, to have only an overcast, but dry day, maximum temperature 15 degrees.
    Today we had a very nice long chat with our lovely youngest daughter over coffee in a Cafe. We miss the family very much, so it made us a little homesick.

    Tomorrow we spend at sea, sailing the Inside Passage. We will be looking for some big marine life (hopefully a whale or two will come play), before docking in Vancouver on Monday, and more adventures in Canada!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    The Inside Passage, and Vancouver Bound

    27 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    After leaving the dock at Ketchikan, we have cruised at a leisurely pace for the Inside Passage toward Vancouver Island, and toward out final port of Vancouver. The day dawned overcast again (seems like the normal state of affairs for Alaska), but our spirits raised when the sun started breaking through at about 12 noon. The outside decks started filling, and Cathy and I sat outside and watched the calm waters....we we rewarded for this by spouting by a small pod of Humback Whales, and further still by the display of one flume as he dived.

    This got us watching more avidly over a drink or two, and occasionally we saw some glimpses. Happy were we!

    The sun continued to shine, and as we start to enter the Inside Passage, there is not a cloud in the sky. It is still cool outside, but in the sun is glorious.

    This afternoon, we pack our swags again, to disembark in the morning, when we pick up our hire car, and head for Lake Louise. We are very glad to be back in Canada, and cannot wait to explore this side of the country!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    The Road to Revelstoke

    28 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We have a long drive ahead of us, and on the way we stopped at a tourist trap known as Hell's Gate. This is a natural phenomenon of narrows of a river, where the salmon surge upstream. They needed some assistance as in the 1910s, the worker's in their wisdom used some blasting to clear some rocks and almost knocked out the salmon industry of the area. A salmon ladder was built to assist.

    We caught the AirTram (really a short gondola) to the floor of the area, and crossed a suspension bridge....

    Interesting, but we need to Ep motoring...

    We arrived at Kamloops, which is a meeting of two rivers, and decided it was time for dinner...we found a great restaurant (Earl's Kitchen & Bar), and had a great meal. We later found this was a small chain of restaurants, not that you'd know, so will look out for them again!

    Wretched Revelstoke our destination for the night at about 9:30 pm, and checked into the dodgiest hotel ever.. Walls paper thin, no hot water in the shower! Paul nearly broke his to on the leg of the bed, which seemed to be some improvised gadget! Ugh!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Stanley Park, Vancouver

    28 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    On disembarking, we encountered the least efficient rental car operation we have ever come across. 2 hours of waiting, two agents, extremely slow. Ugh! Eventually, we got our vehicle. We ordered a 4WD, expecting a Jeep or similar to what extent have at home. No, they offered a RAV4 equivalent, not much good for three big adults and lots for luggage. Eventually, they recognised the problem, and gave us a "mini-an" -it was a Dodge Caravan Crew, a seven seater people mover. At least every could get our luggage in.

    We took a drive to Stanley Park,as when we returned, we would not have a car, so it was easier. The dy was glorious, and so much warmer than we had for the previous ten dys or so. We drove to an area of Totem poles, there were mny of different styles and clans. We went to a lookout for Lion's Gate Bridge, and caught a pic of a prop plane as it flew over.

    From there we headed out of town, through the Downtown East section, a bit of a seedy area of homelessness, drugs and prostitution - a little disconcerting.

    we had a long drive ahead of us, and made a few stops on the way...more to follow...    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang
    Chateau Fairmont, Lake Louise
    Chateau, Banff SpringsFur trapper outpost, BanffBanffLake Louise

    Lake Louise and Banff

    28 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Lake Louise certainly lived up to expectation, it was stunningly beautiful. What I was not prepared for was the sheer volume of tourists there...wow. The Chateau was beautiful, and we had afternoon tea there... We did not take pics the first visit as the afternoon sun was not going to give us great shots, particularly with the smoke haze. We headed the 60 odd km to BANFF and our digs for the night.

    We footed around this bustling tourist town for a while, and found a nice pub for dinner (poutine, among other things!). The next morning, we hot footed back to the lake, and the pictures were like a postcard... In my mind,this was a watercolour, simply beautiful. I can only imagine how more beautiful it must be in its winter spendour..

    After a great nights sleep, and very ordinary "complimentary" breakfast, we left, heading for Jasper.    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang
    1Bow Lake, Alberta
    The Athabasca Glacier

    Athabasca and beyond !

    29 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    From Lake Louise, we headed north towards Jasper on the Ice fields Parkway, retracing a journey Paul took many years ago in Winter.

    The scenery was amazing, with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, however due to the continued haze from woodland fires, we really could not see them in their glory. There are hundreds of glaciers atop these mountains, but they were lost in the haze...

    The stunningly beautiful Bow Lake was glorious, the colour of the water a vibrant ultramarine due to suspended minerals, and I sincerely wish I could paint, as this for inspiration would be amazing...

    We had many stops by gorgeous fast running rivers, and waterfalls, such as the Athabasca Falls...a wide river that converges to a raging torrent through a narrowing, only the spill out to calm waters again only metres later...

    By the roadside, we came across a goat, with big curly horns, grazing away merrily.

    The Athabasca Glacier was quite amazing. Having cruised to the face of a number of glaciers, both on this trip,and in Patagonia, it was a unique experience to be able to walk to the face of the Glacier, albeit a strenuous one.

    We kept driving north, and arrived in Jasper, the town linked with the big black-run dominant ski fields of Marmot Basin. The Rocky Mountaineer had just arrived, as well as a huge amount of buses, so the town was very busy. We stayed at the Chateau Jasper, which was very comfortable.

    Cathy spent a few hours at the hotel, and Paul & I drove to Maligne Lake, another beautiful Lake. We did a hike around the lake, which was lovely, before returning to Cathy, and heading to a pub in Jasper for dinner.    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Whister bound

    31 agosto 2017, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today we left Alberta, and headed back into British Colombia for Whistler. First stop was a great bakery in Jasper for breakfast and coffee, before hitting the road. It's a long hike, so stay tuned for pics!

    EDIT: we arrived in Whistler, and first glance: we are definitely coming back to ski here! We had a fabulous suite in the Pan Pacific right in the Village Centre. There are gondolas straight line from the village to both Whistler base and Blackcomb, with Peak to Peak gondolas between the two.

    Right now, the place is hopping with mountain bikers, and hikers. The village is really cool. I know our kids would love it there. Sooooo many Aussies are working in the Rockies, especially Lake Louise, Banff and here in Whistler. We spoke to a girl from Queenstown NZ, who said Whistler is the place to come if you want to meet an Aussie.

    The following morning, Cathy & I walked to The Lost Lake, and circumnavigated it...a few kms to start the day. It is actually a cross-country ski route, with a big still lake in the centre. In summer, it is a swimming hole with pontoons, I imagine in Winter, it freezes over for skating...    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    All aboard for Victoria, BC

    1 settembre 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today, we regrettably left Whistler, with a promise to return when the White stuff is plentiful.

    We needed to scoot back towards Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay for our ferry to the capital city of British Colombia, Victoria, located on Vancouver Island.

    On the way, we had a few very nice stops for some hikes and waterfall views. We caught Paul napping on therailway tracks, and just couldn't resist. Was ok, his insurance is paid up.

    The ferry was a pleasant 100 minutes or so, in glorious sunshine. We saw a whale being here by a whale watching boats, before it disappeared.

    Arriving at Departure Bay at Nanaimo, we had to drive the 100 km to Victoria to catch our hosts for ourapartment for a few days...

    The apartment was brilliantly located, one one of four. We got The African Suite, which was large and lovely, and does, decorated fitting with the name. We also had access to industrial washing machines! Luxury!!!

    On recommendation of our host, we tried a local restaurant, called The Heron Bistro. Delightful! I had the best piece of Sockeye Salmon, truly perfectly cooked and delicious. I paired that with an apple cider that was enormous! Felt no pain!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Walking Victoria, and Garden Inspiration

    2 settembre 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We had a leisurely start, and having our own kitchen for the first time in weeks, decided we would feast on fresh eggs and Canadian bacon (do they just call it bacon here?😜). Lovely. I had succumbed to an $8 jar of Vegemite, as I was craving and a bit homesick!

    Nourished, we started a walk along the waterfront. It was a beautiful day, and it didn't take long for us to warm up. We walked toward Beacon Hill Park, becoming friendly with squirrels and a myriad of geese. We found the mile Zero marker, where the TransCanada Highway starts. There is a monument here to Terry Fox, who in the 80s at the age of 18, lost a leg to cancer and decided run across Canada from Newfoundland to raise money forfoes earth. He ran 26 miles a day, but unfortunately, 5 months in, he had to retire as his cancer returned, and he died. Another young man some years later, who had also lost his leg to cancer completed Terry's run, and finished at the Mile Zero site.

    There were markets on, and we browsed. We found the South Park School, where Terrence & Phillip must havegone to school 🤡.

    Later in the afternoon, we headed south from Victoria to Saarnich and Butchart Gardens. This was a very inspiring garden, very beautiful. The plants were not exotic, but fairly common plants - beautiful pelargoniums, begonias, lantana, celosia, daisy, and roses from around the world. The Japanese Garden was beautiful. There were lovely fountains, towers. Lovely.

    Afterwards, we drove though beautiful suburbs, before heading. Back to our apartment a bit foot sore. We are just about to head out for dinner.

    Tomorrow, we head to the US ferry terminal to catch a ferry towards Seattle, Washington.    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Seattle, and the needle as old as I

    4 settembre 2017, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we explored Seattle, Washington. It was a public holiday (Labour Day) here, and people were everywhere!

    We went up the Space Needle, erected in less than a year for the 1962 World's Fair. Good views, but again, due to smoke haze, we could not see Mount Ranier , and the next volcano likely to erupt, the snow-capped Mount Baker was hard to see.

    We caught the monorail down town, another remnant of the World's Fair, and did some browsing. We went to Pike Place Markets, an old time public market of food, and all sorts of things going from Street level and underground. Lots of interesting things to see.

    Seattle has a huge fleet of ferries, and the biggest suburb of permanent house boats around.

    In the afternoon, it was time to move on as we had to return to Vancouver to prepare for our journey home.

    Tonight we stayed in Bellingham, Washington, and went to an awesome Italian restaurant, where everything was handmade...we had some great local wine, got tipsy, ate ourselves silly and finished with home made spumoni icecream. Divine!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Return to Vancouver

    5 settembre 2017, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today we crossed the border from Bellingham to Vancouver, a distance of only 54 miles. The border crossing is only about 25 miles from Bellingham, so it was again good to be back in metric!!!

    We drove straight to our hotel, as we needed to stow our cases to return our hire car, so we didn't have to lug them back. Very fortunately, our room was ready at 10:30 am, so we were able to have them safe in our room.

    We then did a big hike around Vancouver. It was very hazy today, so useless going up in the tower. Wewanderedaround the city, and walked to Granville Island, where some great public markets are held. They havE fantastic fresh food, and we bought a box of beautiful fresh berries of all types, and had chowder while sitting listening to street performers play.

    We caught a tiny water taxi from Granville Island, to Yuletide. The BC Stadium is here, and we wandered around iT before heading back to our hotel, where Cathy is napping, and Paul and I readying our luggage for the bigjourney home.

    Our flight is not until tomorrow evening, so we will stow our bags and get a day travel pass and see what we can see...    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    All good things...

    6 settembre 2017, Canada ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Well the day has come where we have to return home... I write this sitting at Vancouver Airport, with our steel chariot sitting on the runway.

    We started the day at a Cafe for breaking, pleasant but holy cow can they destroy a cup of tea! Haha!

    We bought a all day travel card, which covers us for all kinds of transport for 24 hours. Wejumped a train downtown, and then caught a seabus to North Vancouver, and wandered some more markets. We then caught a bus to Stanley Park, and did a hike for a few kms, along the waterfront cross a rugby field and through A rainforest.

    We then jumped on a bus through the hills, back to our hotel. We collected our bags, then did the shuffle to the train station which took us directly here to the airport.

    To our is may, we could not buy duty free here, as we have another flight after our first. Disappointing, asAuckland Airport duty free is terrible! I guess I can always buy in Sydney on our arrival!

    All in all, our trip has been great, and has flown by. I am very much looking forward to being home. Paul did an amazing job or organising and being our our guide.

    Can't wait for our next trip (already planned! A leisurely week in New Caledonia next year!)

    Thanks for sticking with me all. Can't wait to hugs the kids!!!    Leggi altro

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  • Beth VogelzangRocky & Bullwinkle TourBeth Vogelzang

    Home, sweet home...

    8 settembre 2017, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    After a very ordinary 13 and a half hour flight from Vancouver, on what must have been the plane with the worst seats in the fleet (I have pressure areas on my butt from the hard hard seat!), we arrived in Auckland for our flight to Sydney.

    We sat on the tarmac for over 30 minutes so they could fix a toilet. Ugh. All we wanted to do was get home.

    Eventually we arrived and made our way through the very efficient immigration and customs, and Penny was there to collect us!

    Very exciting to see her, and we battled our way through late morning traffic home.

    It was so good to see the boys, and I think they we happy to see us too. But who can tell with the senile Monty... Haha

    Ben was home too, which was good. They tried to convince me to go to the Sporto, so I drove them there and had a squash, before a supermarket run and home to cook dinner. Cathy succumbed early, and Paul not long after.

    All in all, a great trip. Now, back to reality...    Leggi altro

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    8 settembre 2017