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Canada and Alaska
  • Connie van Kollenburg
  • Maris Sloan
  • Lachlan de Haan
Aug – Sep 2019

Canada and Alaska

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  • Canada and Alaska
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    On the road again

    September 6, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    We’re spending the day making our way to Jasper. Via the National Parks. As normal there’s rocks & trees and trees & rocks, sorry, the tour guide played a song and they were the only words - apart from the chorus “and water”.

    First stop of the morning was Bow Summit. Beautiful gorgeous blue lake, fed by Bow River.... didn’t see Ian Moss here either 😂.

    Next stop was Athabasca Glacier - Wow, what an experience. Photos just don’t do justice to this magnificent place. Wasn’t as cold as expected - that was until the wind picked up 🥶

    Athabasca Falls was next on the agenda, the falls are only 23 metres high but still quite stunning. Mum enjoyed the bench and rays while Lachlan and I wandered down to the falls.

    There was a few slow down points fir roads works but other wise it was s dress free day.

    We did a quick drive through Jasper on our way to our accommodation and drove right past “whistler inn” this is were dad stayed on his tour, we’ll be back in the morning for a better look.

    Off to our accommodation to see what surprises await us today.    Read more

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    Birthday surprises continue

    September 6, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We arrive at Jasper Park Lodge, room keys are issued & we’re dying to get settled. I’m a little confused because there’s two different room numbers. Maybe we have adjoining rooms???? Not quite, we’ve been upgraded to a two bedroom, 3 bathroom, lounge with lake views villa..... OMG 😲
    Then I spy a fruit & cheese platter and a couple of bottles of wine. Pity we’re not here longer, we could really go a nice quite sit at the lake. Watch the world go by.....
    While I’m dreaming of all things peaceful the phone rings, it’s the front desk - Mrs Sloan, executive chef Christopher (didn’t catch the surname) is waiting for you in the lobby, he wishes for you to tour the facility...... um - ok....

    These kitchens that were like rabbit warren’s all through the building. And they service 72 acres of facilities, today there were 5 weddings & a golf tournament on, Chris took time out of his day for mum.... I personally believe he was just tickled pink that someone was wanting to see into his world.

    No sooner was the tour over that we only had enough time to change and head off for dinner at Moose’s Nook - steak house. Wow the food was delicious.

    Back to the room for a nice cuppa with our dinner guests from the tour - Maria & Adina. Two Italian ladies that had us in hysterics all night.

    What a sensational day, travelling miles & making memories. 💕    Read more

  • Canada and Alaska

    Fun filled day ahead

    September 7, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Up early to see the sun break over the mountains - stunning

    Head out to Maligne Overlook, a little brisk but the scenery is also stunning.

    Back on the coach and off to Jasper - first stop, Whistlers Inn. It’s had a tissy up but not much has changed - still that very 70’s feel. Speaking to our coach driver Heather this is where she & other drivers stay when they’re on tour. The tradition lives on.

    Secret Naval Base in Jasper - 1940’s

    Little bit of souvenir shopping (another fridge magnet for me). Back on the coach for our trip to Mt Robson. (3,954 mt) highest peak in the Rockies.

    OMG - there’s an Elk on the side of the road..

    Lunch is at Blue River, then we’re straight onto a “catamaran” - it just looks like 2 boats strapped together. It was sea worthy enough 😳. So out onto the lake we go, the whole time scouring the bank for wildlife. We had a brilliant sunny day so our day of wildlife discovery turned in to a lovely cruise around the lake.... bit of natural vitamin D was the order of the afternoon.

    Back on the bus for the next leg of our journey- afternoon tea @ Painted Turtle. It was an RV park @ Dutch Lake.

    Last leg before we settle in at Sun Peaks.

    Very big day on the coach - we did some miles today.    Read more

  • Canada and Alaska

    Scenic Route

    September 8, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Last night the heavens opened so this morning we’re greeted with low cloud and grey skies. Liquid Sunshine 🌧
    Sun Peak Village still looks pretty.

    Not so much of a problem as we’re pushing through to Whistler only stopping for morning tea & lunch.

    The change in weather has really changed the scenery, the cloud is so low it looks like fairy floss strung through the trees.

    Our tour guide Caterina took it upon herself to be our entertainment - singing and dancing in the aisle of the coach. Very funny, really made the time pass quickly.

    We stopped at a quaint property for morning tea where the scones, pies & sausage rolls had literally just come out of the oven - OMG, they were yummy 🤤

    Back on the coach and we head for Lillooet for lunch - I swear all we do is eat. Then we get off the coach to find we’ve parked across the road from the RCL (Canadian version of the RSL). It’s not open but mum spied a women heading in. So what do we do?
    Follow her in of course. Eunis was lovely to talk to, she asked us to sign the book and gave us guest ribbons. We had a quick look around then left her so she could get ready for today’s meeting.

    We continued the not so scenic drive through the rain and made it to Whistler in amazing time - our driver Heather is a star....

    We have enough time to check in then head off for yet another kitchen tour, Lachlan passed on this one.
    Sous Chef Matthew gave us the tour - one thing different here is they grow their own herbs & some vegetables. We met and chatted with Executive Chef Isabel Chung, she runs a very tight ship. Off down to the bakery to meet executive pastry chef Annup, I almost didn’t hear what he said because all I could smell was muffins, danish & all things pastry 🤤

    What a fabulous facility, so pleased we had the opportunity to see the mechanics of it all.

    Chef convinced us to head to his restaurant for dinner - let’s see what he has in store for us....

    More food I’m sure    Read more

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    Dinner in Whistler

    September 8, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    So we followed Chef Matt’s suggestion and ate in hotel restaurant, the meals were magnificent. Mum just wanted cold prawns, they weren’t on the menu, but the chef made a plate any way. Lachlan had a New York steak & I had a rib eye steak.....
    We waddled back to the room to find mums birthday is still continuing - wine & dessert have been placed in the room & the beds turned down .......

    Wonder what the poor people are doing???? 😊    Read more

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    Cultural Day

    September 9, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Bag pull at 7am, breakfast will be at the Squamish & Lilwat cultural centre. It’s a normal buffet but they have traditional bread - interesting, texture is like sponge cake with little to no taste.
    Back on the road and we have Chief mountain in front of us. In the formation you can see a witch riding her broom 🤣
    Next we stop at Shannon Falls truly majestic, beautiful walks and very pretty scenery. It’s along Hwy 99 - Sea to Sky.
    We’re now heading back through Vancouver towards the ferry terminal - Victoria here we come.
    It’s an hour and a half sail from point to point, we didn’t queue for long before all the vehicles & passengers are loaded... gee they’ve done this once or twice. There is beautiful coast lines to see and a few homes are dotted along the way that really do have a view to die for. Off the ferry and we do a city sights tour - Gorgeous.

    No time for relaxing - the washing needs to be done, so off I trot to the “local” laundromat. Never thought I’d enjoy doing laundry - or was it just being away from the chicken coop... I mean tour group 🤣
    Dinner is down in the hotel restaurant, it’s very quite because of renovations but we don’t care, we sit back and enjoy each other’s company.
    The food was simply yet delicious. Then dessert arrives.... more happy birthday celebrations for mum.

    Dare I say it, what a relaxing afternoon. Tomorrow will be a long overdue sleep in, we’ve decided not to do the morning excursion. We’ll catch up with the tour group in the afternoon.

    Oh and the view from our room is not too shabby 😁

    Nigh nigh.    Read more

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    Victoria

    September 10, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After a well deserved sleep in we head down for a late breakfast. So peaceful & the view across the water is perfect.

    We cab it up to China town and then wander down Government street. We head towards a shop named Camoflage, Lachlan’s in his element. We’re in there for a while before he decides to purchase new compass.
    We continue down the street and stumble across the very appropriately named “Rogers’ Chocolates” the store is amazing with all its original cabinets oh and chocolate of course.
    Notice the local enforcement agency, first one we’ve seen.

    There’s beautiful flower boxes & hanging baskets all down the street, the gardens are lush and beautiful.
    We make it to the Legislature Building (but stop for sneaky ice- cream first) where Mum hands over a letter of introduction from her local council Mayor and asks them for a reply. They were very accommodating.

    Back to the hotel to change & We’re off to Butchart Gardens & farewell dinner. This part of the tour is over tomorrow we’re on our cruise through Alaska.    Read more

  • Canada and Alaska
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    Butchart Gardens

    September 10, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Wow, just wow. Butchart Gardens is beautiful, amazing - I’m just speechless.

    There’s a working carousel and just the most magnificent gardens.

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    Bye bye Victoria

    September 11, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Up early as bag pull is 6:30. Down for breakfast & before we know it we’re on the coach heading for the Ferry. Mainland Vancouver here we come. The Ferry ride is relaxing and fairly uneventful. Then the mad dash back to the coach to disembark the Ferry. Our Driver Heather weaves through the traffic to get us to the Cruise liner - she’s ace.

    Then the whole boarding process starts. First scan point we’re left standing waiting for our luggage to come through - long story short mums souvenir set off the scanners. Before we knew it all the security personnel that initially wanted to arrest mum were now having photos taken with her. What a turn of events. That check pointy
    down we move to the next one.
    It’s long and arduous- we find out much later on that the US Customs system went down while two cruise liners full of people are trying to board. Needless to say there are some very cranky people. And if they aren’t cranky they had sore feet.

    We make it to our room, it’s not quite ready but we do our best to settle in. Once we unpack cases and put things away it’s more liveable.

    Dinner is booked for 5:30 each night, it’s s little early but I’m sure we’ll get used to it.

    I’d organised flowers & baileys for mum - at least the room smells fabulous & we have a night cap 🍹    Read more

  • Canada and Alaska

    First day at Sea

    September 12, 2019, Coastal Waters Of Southeast Alaska And British Columbia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    What a relaxing day. Easy breakfast followed by a kitchen tour. It’s not an individual tour, the ship has it as a standard option. Yet another amazing facility.

    Next we listen to a talk about Akaska’s Bush Pilots, these people are crazy. They have a competition each year to see which pilot can take off and land in the shortest distance. The record holder has a distance of 11 metres for take off and 9.8metres for a landing.... this was referred to as a stall & drop 😳

    Time for coffee. Now which deck is that cafe on???

    Gala dinner this evening - oh what to wear.    Read more

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    North to Akaska

    September 13, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    The internet is very hit and miss so we can only cross our fingers that the posts update properly.

    It’s very quiet onboard, I’m told there’s only 1,300 people aboard, capacity for the ship is 1,432. It’s a small cruise ship compared to the others.

    We’re due to dock in Juneau early this afternoon. We’ll take a wander around then we’re booked in for the Salmon Bake @ 5pm. All you can eat Salmon, Lachlan’s very excited.

    But before all the lovely Salmon we listen to the cruise director talk about Skagway History - Dreamers, Schemers & Stampeders. Facinating history this little state has. I love they way they refer to the other US states as “the lower 48”.

    We’ve had a light lunch and decide to disembark the Ship....WOW, it’s raining bears & moose’s- we wait 20 minutes and it’s clear enough to venture out. Mums all dressed up like red riding hood.
    It’s worse than Melbourne - almost terrestrial rain then it stops for 5 minutes then down it comes again with gusty winds too boot.....
    We do a little souvenir shopping then decide this is crazy & head back to the ship.    Read more

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    Salmon Bake & Red Dog Saloon

    September 13, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    What an outstanding option to pick, driving to Salmon Bake in an old yellow school bus and seeing more of Juneau. This is one thing that has been added to the bucket list and ticked off all in one go.

    We arrive at our destination and you would think we were in the Deep South. BBQ cracklings away, running river beside the dining area that was all under marquees. Heaters and party lights plus a guitarist (Scott Ibex was playing the blues).

    It’s all you can eat starting with Clam chowder, then BBQ Salmon with all the sides. Corn bread, scallop potatoes, beans, wild rice & salads. And for those not consuming salmon there was chicken. Coffee, tea & homemade lemonade. Plus the bar had local beers. It was an amazing opportunity and I’m so glad we went.
    Relaxing listening to great music and just having fun, and just like anything it came to an end but on our way out in the bus we spotted a double rainbow 🌈 🌈
    Wow, just wow - hope this converts to a Tatts win 😁
    The driver then talked about the Red Dog Saloon, we hadn’t gone in earlier but when he mentioned that Wyatt Earp’s guns were on display we made sure we headed on in.

    How do you describe this joint:
    Sawdust on the floor,
    flags, money stapled to the ceiling..
    Mounted bears, Moose heads....
    Life preservers...
    There’s stuff everywhere....
    Guns in glass cabinets.
    People have signed anything & everything.
    And of course a country singer with a guitar. Plus the barmaids impromptu singing.
    So who are we not to sit and have a beer (root beer for Lachlan)

    Photos will never do it justice.

    What an amazing evening. Thanks for the laughs & memories Lachlan & mum 🥰    Read more

  • Canada and Alaska

    Skagway

    September 14, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    What a way to start the day - breakfast in a brothel. 😳
    The famous Red Onion Saloon in Skagway put on a basic breakfast, while we had breakfast the girls did some story telling of what life was like in the 1890’s. This was followed by a tour of the establishment.
    There’s original wallpaper from 1898. The story goes that every working girl chose the wallpaper for their room, so every time a new girl started another layer of paper was added. One sample of wallpaper was really thick.... turn over was high 😉

    What makes today fabulous is the sun is out and it’s gorgeous. 🌞🌞

    After breakfast we’re on a driving tour of the town - a whole 6 blocks. We stop at the Museum then the gold rush Cemetery. A brisk walk up to Reid Falls was worth it (mind you I wasn’t saying that on the way up the track 🥴). We then drive up to the lookout - wow, it’s magnificent.

    We drive past all the colour coded churches & bars. Most people were illiterate back in the day so buildings were colour coded to help guide residence & visitors.

    We then decide to stay in town so we can walk around in the gloriously sunshine & take some touristy photos. The buildings are maintained and look awesome and there’s a snow blowing train that is still capable of working. Lots of shops and you have to work out which ones aren’t owned by the cruise ships, we prefer to support the locals directly.

    We track down the Westmark Inn, this was called the Klondike Hotel - where dad stayed in ‘77. A complete refurbishment happened 4 years ago so apart from the facade everything has changed.

    There’s no chemist, no hospital & no doctor- basically the locals don’t get sick otherwise it’s a long and exorbitant costing trip to get help. Newspapers are flown in and arrive in the afternoon.

    We’ve visited all the cross itinerary places now. 💖

    Back on the boat for a late lunch and an arvo nap 😴    Read more

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    Glacier Bay

    September 15, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Spectacular ridge lines and glaring sunshine is is all we can see this morning.
    We’re cruising slowly through the magnificent Glacier Bay. I’m out on the verandah enjoying the stunning sunshine pondering..... actually I’m just sitting back taking it all in.

    I’ve just seen a couple of killer whales breach the water just as the “First Nations people” are drumming and singing... I can’t see them just hear them in the distance. The air is crisp and the day is glorious - it’s a wonderful experience to treasure.
    Glacier Bay is breathtaking    Read more

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    Ketchikan

    September 16, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    As expected it’s raining in Ketchikan, oh and a little chilly. We docked at 10am so a leisurely breakfast before we rug up and disembark.
    We’ve booked to see the Lumberjack show. So once we avoid all the puddles and rain we make it to the venue. The show is very entertaining and has us in stitches. There’s hundreds of people in the bleaches so we wait for them to disperse before we leave. Mum starts to chat to the compare and drops the name - Jack O’Toole. For those playing along at home Jack is the Australian champion woodchopper from the 60’s & his son & grandson are champions as well. Jack was Mums Mums cousin....
    Anyway all the Lumberjacks came running over to meet mum because Jack O’Toole’s relative from Australia has come to see their show.
    These men were excited, one even hugged mum he was so excited. They all wanted a photo with mum, YOHO.
    One young man was from Tamworth and was overwhelmed because there was someone from Australia with logging history talking to him.... I’d say he was a little home sick.

    We leave and head down to Creek Street, the famous houses on stilts. There’s too many tourists so we have a quick look then head to the local cafe. I’d looked the cafe up earlier and thought how appropriate and we’ll have to make time to go.
    Pioneer Cafe is significant on two counts in my eyes
    1. It’s a traditional diner and there’s not many of them left
    2. Dad worked for Ansett Pioneer so the last hoora before our trip ends.

    Lachlan can’t get over the fact that the drinks keep getting topped up and it doesn’t cost extra. Tea, coffee & soft drinks that are bottomless.... 😳
    Mum orders “Shrimp & French Fries”. Lachlan an “Alaska Burger & French Fries” & I get a cheese burger with mushrooms & a side of fries. Lachlan’s burger is nearly as big as his head and did an awesome job at eating it. The staff smile every time they walk past. I don’t think they thought he’d finish it.
    We start to wander back to the ship and surprise, surprise the heavens open up. We’d had enough of the tourist shops so the quicker we get back the better. We’re a little wet and one umbrella didn’t survive the wind so that’s been donated to the local rubbish bin.
    Back on the ship to dry out and relax. We sail this afternoon & tomorrow then disembark the day after. Enjoying every moment of this trip.

    Wonder what the poor people are doing 💙    Read more

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    Last Day Sailing

    September 17, 2019 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    What a relaxing morning, we were so slow at getting going this morning we missed breakfast. Thats ok, we seem to be eating all the time anyway.

    We’re travelling back through the inside passage on the way back to Vancouver. The weather is a bit rough out in Pacific Ocean so the captain has decided on the change of course. We’re all very appreciative, the final leg is calm.

    Tonight we’re booked into the Pinnacle Grill for our final dinner on board the Volendam.
    The chef did not disappoint, perfectly cooked steak and sickly sweet desserts.
    We talk about our adventure and how the last 3 weeks have flown.

    After dinner we waddle back to the room and begin the task of packing. Considering we said we wouldn’t buy souvenirs we seem to gave quite a bit extra - 😳

    All bags to be transferred to the airport are now out in the hall and our stateroom has all this extra space.
    Room 6171 Verandah deck has served us well.

    Cheers & nigh nigh    Read more

  • Canada and Alaska

    Last Day

    September 18, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Well we disembarked the ship without incident, we even made it to breakfast today.

    The transfer to the airport was uneventful. But we’re 6 hours early for check in and 9 hours early for our flight. 😳

    So what are the young ones of the tour group to do???
    Lachlan & I jumped on the Skyrail and headed back into Vancouver.
    To say it’s weird on a train again is an understatement...... BUT ...... for the train to not have a driver 😳

    Once we got over that we just enjoyed the ride.

    We wander around in the sunshine through Gastown & Waterfront, we spot Roger’s Chocolates & the Steam Clock. We’re a little over walking so head back to the airport - let the waiting game begin.    Read more

    Trip end
    September 20, 2019
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