Tilbakestill søk
WaddleAboutWaddleAbout
SatellittRediger rute
Travel is a real motivator for Sheree and I. 37 years married and loving our chances to adventure annually somewhere in the world. Why not join us on our latest excursion? Les mer Drewvale, Australia
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    1
    Dag 19

    Waterton weaves its wonders

    12. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    As the sun began to caress the edges of a perfect day and design a delectable sunset I soak up the ambience of Waterton NP. Set in the very SW corner of Alberta, next to Montana, USA, this gem of a lake is surrounded by snow-topped Rocky Mountains. They are different to the Jasper-Banff version, it’s drier here, but no less powerful and picturesque.

    The drive into Waterton from Highway 2 is just wonderful, with the rolling green prairies suddenly overtaken by the upright mountains. On one side the mountains are lacking fir trees from the devastating fires, exposing the rocks and snow. The lake sets a glorious foundation and visual feast for this setting, the quietness filling your soul with peace.

    We’ve entered the National Park, but unlike Australian equivalents, a small village for visitors. I’ve heard the languages of Thai, Spanish, British, French... and of course a multitude of Aussies calling Canada their second home.

    Sheree and I walked along the lake’s edge, enjoyed the Cameron waterfall, wandered through the village, had dinner and finaly a delightful & peaceful sunset. We have less than seven days to enjoy this heaven, so we absorb every moment.

    It’s good to be in the mountains on such a delightful day... feeling blessed!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    1
    Dag 19

    Head-smashed-in buffalo jump

    12. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    With a name like that we just had to go and visit! We’d left the Rockies and were now overwhelmed by the plains [prairies] of central Alberta. From Fort Macleod, it was a quick trip west to the UNESCO World Heritage site of 'Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump'.

    This is where the local tribes, especially the Blackfoot, gathered once or twice a year to organize a their bison [also known as buffalo] hunt. They'd create a pathway for the poor eye-sighted creatures but with excellent smell, the Indians had to plan meticulously.

    Coming up over a hill the stampeding herd would race towards a 12-metre cliff, suddenly plummetting to their death or be clubbed upon landing. Then the clever butchering of the whole beast would see the tribes celebrate another hunt, assisting their survival through winter.

    This site is well designed and a delight to visit, giving us views across to the western prairies and the snow-covered Rockies. We saw our first marmot, rabbit-sized and human wary. The two hours invested was both informative and well organized. A good hunch!!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    11
    Dag 18

    First it's coffee!

    11. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    One of the delights of our travel style is finding good coffee. Sometimes in franchised stores [Tim Horton, a Canadian version of Zarraffas] but we have to be desperate.

    Much more common are the unique offerings found along the way - in smaller towns, side alleys or off the beaten track. They might be quirky and unusual but they are filled with that BUZZ. It’s the complete experience we are searching for.

    There have been some excellent offerings, great for people watching and good nibbling. Enjoy...

    * Phil & Sebastian [Calgary] - We were desperately searching for THAT COFFEE. Right from the start there was that buzz, and we knew the coffee would match. It was a delightful break!

    * Musette [Vancouver] - Can you have good coffee near Lycra-clad people? Apparently so. Great breakfasts as well. This caffe supports cycling and has wonderful paraphenalia!

    * The Gathering Tree [Valemount, BC] - In a little country town was this escape, making great coffee and providing a wonderful haven from travel. Inspiration sayings!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    2
    Dag 18

    Calgary Tower quick visit

    11. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    With only a few hours to explore downtown Calgary, we embraced this city. It's cold here overnight and very grey, but now the sun has arrived. I particularly wanted to go up the needle, celebrating its 50th year.

    Farewell Rockies, you’ve been wonderful. Now for the next part of the adventure!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    3
    Dag 17

    30 year dream comes true!

    10. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ 🌧 4 °C

    In 1988 EXPO came to Brisbane. At the Alberta stand a huge photo of a fir-tree surrounded hotel captured my attention. All I remembered was the name, Fairmont Banff, but straight away it went on the goals list.

    Today, almost exactly thirty years later, Sheree and I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary having a Royal Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. We enjoyed a delightful and indulgent snack, related to the British Royal family because of the Royal wedding this month.

    The view was magnificent, the food exquisite, the building amazing and the experience... worth the wait!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    Dag 17

    Buffalo Nations Museum

    10. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Banff holds many treasures beyond the regular tourist routes. Proudly it hosts the site of Canada's original National Park, capturing for the future the flora, fauna and vistas.

    Banff contains an intentional heritage - it's a well planned resort town, created by the Canadian Pacific Railway; hosts' a world famous train - The Rocky Mountaineer; features the well-known Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

    The town also holds the Parks Canada head office known as Cascade Gardens.

    But a gem we discovered was a First Nations museum, an excellent interpretive centre telling both local and national stories. Presentations, AVs and well constructed displays showcased a history often misunderstood by 21st century dwellers.

    It is good to pause in our lives and remember a nation’s heritage, to get to know the stewards of the land. Canada is a harsh environment, but the stories of survival, management, creativity, resourcefulness, spirituality are both educational and inspiring. Worthy of a visit... take your time!!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    Dag 16

    Red Chair Challenge

    9. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    What began as a bit of fun looking for red chairs in Banff National Park grew into it’s own adventure. Let’s see what unique chairs we can find and what intriguing places and views they might have! Thus the 'Red Chair Challenge'

    On Newfoundland’s west coast, Gros Morne National Park began a challenge for their visitors in 2015. Find 18 sets of double red chairs and share them with the world via Instagram. The challenge went viral.

    Thus we accepted a challenge in the various National Parks within the Rockies. We found a few, but began looking for other chairs set up to enjoy their unique views.

    Our aim was to stop, be present and then share the view. Here are a few of our wonderful moments. Imagine the views… and then… go and find your own!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    Dag 15

    'Bear' jam

    8. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    What’s the definition of a Canadian traffic jam?
    Cars rapidly pulling up and parking at weird angles on the Icefield Parkway. Let me explain…

    Seeing wildlife in the Canadian Rockies is a delight. It doesn't matter whether you're​ equipped with the expensive camera equipment or you're just using your mobile phone being so close is wonderful.

    With brake lights blaring up ahead, we knew something was happening, so we stopped. A black bear presented itself so Sheree had the privilege of getting within 5 metres, taking many shots.

    Only a few kilometres further on another jam happened. This time it was a grizzly. We were amazed to see such a creature so close. It was eating grass and so unaware of its observers.

    We also had the privilege of seeing many elk [deer], gorgeous hummingbirds, a wolf [sadly no photo], mountain goats, marmot, several beavers, many squirrels and others.

    We missed seeing bison, now living on a farm near Waterton. That’s for another trip. What a wonderful array of creatures in the wild!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    Dag 14

    First evers

    7. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We were like kids in a chocolate shop, set free to sample the different shapes, sizes, colours and smells… and no parents watching! What freedom! What delight! Worry about tooth decay later!

    These are some of the 'first time evers' for both Sheree and I…
    walked upon a frozen lake
    came within metres of a grizzly bear in the wild
    came within metres to a black bear in the wild
    saw our very first hummingbird [small yet magnificent]
    drove an RV on the RH side of the road
    ate poutine [an eastern Canadian cheese and potato delicacy]
    gazing at the tallest mountain in the Rockies [rarely cloudless, ‘xept for us]
    seeing the largest river system on the west coast of Canada [Fraser River]
    walked to the top of a snow-covered mountain
    sat for an hour in a mountain valley… and listened to silence
    celebrated the arrival of our fourth grandchild [our Seattle bubba!]

    So often it’s not till you stop that you realise how special these moments have been. For our firsts we are thankful. And we share them with you… not to boast… but to encourage you to take the blessings in front of you and celebrate your socks off!!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018
    11
    Dag 12

    Tete Jaune allure... it's magic

    5. mai 2018, Canada ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Have you heard of 'compassion fatigue'? Well Sheree and I have coined mountain fatigue” - a new phenomenon coined from the tiredness we felt from too many peaks. We’ve experienced it before in New Zealand. There is so much awe and wonder in the Rockies.

    We needed a break so we headed west, crossed the Alberta BC border, and entered Fraser River territory again. Despite escaping the main mountains we saw the Rockies' tallest Mt Robson @ 3945m.

    Our blessings continued when we discovered a newly opened RV Park right on the banks of the Fraser. Afternoon sunshine caressed cafe guests sitting on the deck. Green grass, well-maintained grounds, picnic tables, all backdropped by snow-capped mountains.... we're staying here!

    The next day was Canadian heaven, springtime in the Rockies. It was hard to imagine snow everywhere only a month ago. Leaves were budding on the trees, grass growing, hummingbirds had buzzing around, Canadian geese squawking from the river, and the silence was the foundation of all this activity.

    As I sit and write this the sun is shining after zero overnight. Stark white mountain peaks contrast the buds, birds are singing, geese are honking, a train’s whistle blows and the ever-present sound of moving water creates a Sunday morning. Peace reigns!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse

Bli med hos oss:

FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android

  • 2024© FindPenguins
  • Hjem
  • Om oss
  • Blogg
  • Gruppesporing
  • Presse
  • Vilkår
  • Personvern & Cookies
  • Support
  • Avtrykk
  • Norsk