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Exploring the North America's. Canada, Alaska and The U.S of A. Read more
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  • 37days
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  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 4

    Don't forget the Fauna!

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    American bald eagle. Let's call them Fred. And Wilma.

    Vs. Syd McStanley. Park local and prey for aforementioned.

    Videos posted.

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
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    Day 4

    Stanley Park. 2 /2.

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Video and balance of photos from a perfect day.

    #howmanytimesdoesshesaybreathtaking?!?

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 5

    Grouse Mountain. Mt Not So Grouse.

    May 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    A lazy start with a decadent French bakery breakfast at Paul's Pattisserie in Vancouver - just across the road. Coffee, better than most we've had here, though as a Melbournite and fan of Gordon Ramsay - "My gran could do better! And she’s dead!” (I absolutely jest as my Gran, Grandma and Nan were all great cooks); it's still crap coffee.

    We can't get our heads around the creamer / half and half.
    Lady, mademoiselle. I just want milk that tastes like real milk?

    https://youtu.be/7QphMaa4wxI

    A short uber ride to Mt Grouse. Maybe grouse at some times of the year. The scenery is stunning though the service? The disabled access? Disabled toilets down multiple sets of stairs - inaccessible. Snow slushed paths a wheelchair can't navigate - at least not for us, without pimping Mum's ride.
    Full Karen mode and a refund later - all is forgiven.

    The weather is amazing. Though bizarre. I stood outside in 10 degrees in a t-shirt and jeans. Surrounded by snow. Feeling warm in the sun.

    In spite of all - a lovely day out in the beautiful weather had by all.
    But. Be more Grouse. Mt Grouse.    Read more

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 5

    Joe Fortes: Seafood meets Art Deco

    May 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We ventured out tonight for dinner on Melissa's request (and insistence to pay!); noting Melissa had been subsisting by seagulling Allan and Jan's free sides and discounted Australian wine.

    It did not go unnoticed by Allan, ever the accountant, that Melissa's insistence to pay (and choose restaurant) correlated with some of his funds having been refunded to her credit card.

    Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House. Chosen on the basis of a google search of good seafood in town and proximity, the latter the priority and little research - equated to no big expectations.

    Joe Fortes. Not what I / we expected. Fancy. A stunning art deco interior. Jazz / swing playing in the background. Exquisite seafood. Half lobster from the Atlantic, giant scallops from same. Fresh. Butter. French style. The. Best. Seafood. Ever. Eaten. #bigcall.

    Steak, sirloin. Cooked to perfection.

    French waiter Vincent completes the experience and does a very good job of tolerating the fussy Aussies (not Melissa) on food swaps.

    The surprise of the evening? Lobster oil. Years of masterchef viewing tell me this is made by delicately browning lobster shells, then immersing in a confit of oil (aussie translation: gently brown lobster shells in large pot, fill with chosen oil and cook long, low and slow, sieve through muslin). The original armchair chef I am.

    That lobster oil though. Incredible. Served with balsamic. French baguette. Bloody delicious.    Read more

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 6

    3rd Wheel: Lone traveller

    May 4, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Travelling can be challenging when you've not got your full health and the big days so far meant a day of needed rest for Mum.

    I ventured out alone today and explored the city.

    No destination, other than Capilano Park. I walked the city entering shops on a whim. I dared enter designer stores like Prada. I could never justify the cost of even a small item ~ though the designs were beautiful.

    I crossed the suspension bridge at Capilano Park. Walked the treetop walk.

    I had no schedule. An 18km day on foot. Beautiful weather. A lovely way to explore the city of Vancouver, British Columbia.

    ~ Melissa    Read more

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 6

    Day 5: Foodie Finds

    May 4, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    French pastries. Cakes. Tarts. Flans. Tortes. Bread. A mastery of both technical skill and artistic talent.

    I really didn't anticipate spending so much time indulging in the food scene, but the French influence in Canada is captivating.

    Macarons. Gosh, they're over-rated. Sensitive little discs, just waiting to collapse and waste your time if you err at most steps in the recipe. I've attempted them a few times with success. The level of skill required does not justify the outcome. But! They. Are. So. Beautiful! I couldn't resist venturing into this Macaron store. Such a beautiful store. The packaging! The detail. It's exquisite.

    Canadian cheese tart. I didn't know this was a thing, but you had me at cheese and tart. The best in Vancouver (self-proclaimed). A little savoury. A little sweet. A lot delicious.

    Another self proclamation of THE BEST from a Vancouver pattisserie. The humble croissant. Over a million sold! The Cube Croissant Cafe lived up to its claim. Filled with a light Pattisserie cream. Fresh raspberries.

    Over 18km of walking today - needed with this indulging!    Read more

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    3
    1
    Day 7

    All Aboard! Rocky Mountaineer

    May 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    An unwelcome 0500 wake-up and rainy start to the day as we bid adieu to Vancouver.

    Hotel checkout, a half kilometre walk in the rain to meet the coach. The sensational weather this week replaced with a Melbourne winter's day. Mum in wheelchair (she can't self propel) 5 (large!) pieces of luggage to tow between Dad and I. Over uneven footpaths and puddles. As always, we make it work.

    Scheduled coach transfer, not a viable option. Multiple stairs and no lift - not wheel chair friendly. A taxi ride instead to meet the train. I'm reminded of how often you need to adjust plans when travelling with disabilities.

    There is absolutely not enough coffee in the world to deal with this start. The american percolated. Why? Please, allow me introduce you to the espresso! These fleeting woes, however, are soon replaced with immense gratitude.

    I scan the passengers awaiting to board this 22 carriage beauty, and note I am an outlier as a middle-aged female.

    The average age of the group is 60 plus. Then there are those older, those needing more assistance. Oxygen cylinders and 4 wheel walkers. I get a little emotional as I realise how special this trip is for so many on board. They've dreamed of this for years! For some, like Mum, it was just in time as her health continues to decline.

    I get to experience this! I get to travel the Rocky Mountaineer, first class viewing carriage and all the luxury inclusions. I get to see this breathtaking part of the world. But mostly? Mostly I get to help make sure my parents put a big tick next to this on their bucket list.

    And I'd travel in a Hessian sack for that.

    ~ Melissa    Read more

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 7

    Rocky Mountaineer: Day 1 to Kamloops

    May 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops.

    I could weave a colourful narrative in words in an attempt to describe the experience of travelling the Rocky Mountaineer.

    The landscape. Prehistoric. Snow. Landslides. Bushfires. Water marks of rising waters in seasons past.

    The birds of prey. Huge nests, resembling an architectural masterpiece rather than a home.

    The freight trains and train traffic. We waited yesterday as a 170 carriage long coal train passed. Black coal.

    Freight trains. Long. As many as ten passed during the course of the day.

    The buildings. Old huts and farming structures, weathered and perhaps no longer functional, taking on a beauty only years of weathering can produce.

    The changing valley and turbulent rapids.

    The rock. Ironstone. Sandstone. A kaleidoscope of thousands of years of wind, rain, snow and baking sun.

    The Rocky Mountaineer. The gold leaf, first class experience.

    The food. It just doesn't. End.

    The full glass dome windows with panoramic views from our reclining, heated seats.

    The wine and cocktails. The service.

    I hope the pictures tell the story better than I can.

    ~ Melissa

    Addit: Late Entry:
    TL / DR: Melissa renders nursing assistance to fellow passenger (M-70's), 3 x collapse. Receives awesome gift bag from crew to say thanks.

    Below ~ for my nursing friends.

    Lunch day 1: Melissa selects her wine of choice (red, shiraz). 2 sips in. Member of staff runs past, with haste, walkie talkie, and first aid kit.
    This scenario in the kitchen isn't the usual code for my hollandaise has split. A quick check in with self (how much have I had to drink?), and I follow her down the long galley kitchen.

    Nursing progress note: 5/5/2023: AM / PM Shift:
    Guest Mr Passenger, mid 70s, 3 x concurrent episodes of collapse at 1330 hours. First episode upon entry to bathroom, and subsequent syncopic episodes ccurring in seated area immediately adjacent.
    Denies head strike and no apparent injuries. Alert and oriented to place and time. Reports NKA (no known allergies). Denies any pain.
    ▪︎IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), ▪︎hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension.
    ▪︎Diabetes pump in situ
    ▪︎Polypharmacy. Antihypertensives, Statins, Antihyperglycaemics ++

    GCS / Obs / Neuro obs all within normal limits.

    Mr Passenger reports nothing different to his diet today. He had cranberry juice x 2 at lunch. Upon further questioning, Mr Passenger reports to having this everyday and no impact to his diabetes management.

    Mrs Passenger adds; But I buy you the diet cranberry.

    Mr Passenger's mobile phone now enough charge to review insulin monitoring app, BGL spike confirmed. Mr Passenger handed over to paramedics, assessed and cleared to continue journey.

    RN: Melissa    Read more

  • TravelerPensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
    Day 7

    Foodie update: Rocky Mountaineer

    May 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    No commentary required. Food. Good food. On the Rocky Mountaineer. All alcohol included - including cocktails. A review of profit and loss for month of May required based on allowing Allan on board. #budgetblown.Read more

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