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Canada 2018
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Canada 2018

Celebrating 37 years married by discovering Vancouver and the Rockies plus Seattle & Vancouver Island. Read more
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  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Had my first Atomic Coffee today
    1Now thats a good coffee... YEH!!!1Intriguing cloud patterns over Van Is.Sunset cloudsThe start of a long night flightBye Vancouver, Canada... respect!

    Having that coffee break in UnZed

    May 25, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We had a non-eventful 12.5 hrs of night flying the Pacific. Now a bit of a wait for our Brisbane connection. Nothing like being surrounded by Kiwi accents again... love it!

    Looking forward to being on Aussie soil again and seeing how excited Cino will be. Then to catch up with our family, especially Juliette, on Sunday.Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    What a trip it's been... leaving Vancouver on sunset!
    1The magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs HotelSo iconic... Fairmont hotel, Canadian flag, deep blue skyOn road with our Cruise Canada RV.1A dream came true on our 37th wedding anniversary!One of the wonders of springtime!

    Dreams do come true

    May 23, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Back in Grade 5 & 6 I loved nothing better after an active lunchtime to sit and listen to stories written by Sam Campbell. Stories of adventures in the wilds of Canada. He ignited a desire to visit his domain, Canada.

    Fast forward to 1988 and Brisbane’s World Expo reignited this desire. On the Alberta Pavilion wall was a stunning picture of a grand old building surrounded by a forest of pines. Fairmont Banff Springs stood tall and proud waiting to be visited.

    Sheree and I decided in mid-2017 Canada would be our next travel destination. Thus 12 months of planning and saving saw a childhood dream come true. 35 days of wonderful moments have been captured in photo and words.

    Dreams really do come true! What blessed memories we now cherish!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Love this flag... it really stands out!
    Lighthouse + keepers house... delightful!Boarding our bus inside the ferryOff to see some whales!1Mt Baker reveals itself1Vancouver in the mid-ground... our circle is complete!

    Off to Vancouver via ferry

    May 23, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    With sunlit skies we left Victoria heading to Vancouver airport. We boarded a bus, traveled half an hour and then boarded a ferry at Swartz Bay, sailed a BC Ferry past many islands to Tsawwassen Port and finally bussed to the airport. All was seamless and very well organised.

    Imagine the variety along the way - amazing homes with stairways down to personalised jetties to little weekenders - all featured on our 90-minute ferry journey. Most islands were timber covered, some having green paddocks with cattle. There were cliffs, beaches and plenty of peaceful little inlets plus the odd lighthouse at critical points.

    Before heading out to open waters we ventured between two islands where the water flow was swirling, the ferry moving about. As we were doing this two outboards zipped past loaded of orca-expectant passengers. Whale watching is huge here!

    Interestingly, as we crossed the bay the water changed from deep emerald green to dirty brown, the outflow of a swollen Fraser River [waters from melting Rockies snow]

    On such a brilliant sunny day, their was real delight for me in being able to see Mt Baker, the most prominent mountain in the North Cascade ranges in Washington, USA. Because of its height most of its slopes were still snow covered and it stood tall and proud.

    What a way to finish our last full day in Canada! Blessed, again!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Walking the early morning light
    Magnificent morningMorning joggerImagine living in a floating home!Plenty of decking around the rocksFlaoting homes & RVs add to the marina

    BTW... what a walk!

    May 23, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    I thought the writing was all done, but with feet screaming, GIVE ME A BREAK, the other side of Victoria’s harbour beckoned.

    With no clouds in the sky and the sun just touching the horizon I set off another discovery walk. Hopefully the pics give you a hint of the two hours of enjoyment and peace. (12500 steps for those interested!)

    Revealed were... Wonderful views, magnificent reflections, seals, geese, people exercising, sea planes taking off, a myriads of boats in marinas, floating homes... and that was all with the perfect stillness of dawn.

    There is a clarity in the light of the far north that grabs the photographer inside me and says, “shoot me”. The clarity is majestic, inspiring and refreshing.

    The blessing of the walk is beyond words. But I know my feet will appreciate the long Pacific flight ahead.

    Bon voyage northern hemisphere... We will see you again!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Sunsetting at 9pm over Victoria
    Happy to have shared a great holidayThe LocalWhat a mealGot my fish and chipsSomersby for real

    Our last night in town

    May 22, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    As the last touches of spring sunshine linger on the snow-covered mountains we celebrate our final night in Victoria, on Canadian soil. It’s been a buzz, a wonderful thirty days abroad.

    With a more than adequate meal at The Local Sheree and I recounted the highlights. We’ve seen the plenty of spring weather, from below zero with snow and ice to above thirty, hot and dry. We’ve absorbed the majesty of the Rockies, the rolling Prairies, overflowing rivers, huge green forests and rocky shores, little villages in back country Alberta to downtown CBDs!

    The Canadians are wonderful people. They are a kindred spirit, like cousins across the Pacific. There is a real caring, sensitive awareness of others, of society, of environment, of community, of living - positive to witness.

    Victoria, you’ve been great. Canada, we love you. RVing, what a way to go. Getting out of the work habit for a time, to travel, always shows us much, helps us appreciate what we have, and most importantly gives us an Itch for more.

    I have to admit, though, our most important task ahead, is to meet and cuddle our newest grandchild, Juliette Rose. We can’t wait to meet you!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Finally we get to experience Butchart
    Planters putting in the summer gardenThe glasshouse flowersStunning displayThe sunken gardenEnjoying the Japanese garden

    Beautiful Butchart

    May 22, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After hearing about this place over thirty years ago we were blessed with a perfect day for our visit. We seem to bring Brisbane sunshine and temps wherever we go!

    If you're into garden design, botanical names, people management and many other things, you would be in heaven. They know how to do gardens and tourists so well.

    Our trip covered the whole garden, taking over three hours and we just celebrated being here. Each section of the gardens, the colours, the design were a unique experience.

    Highlights were...
    The fluency of design
    Understanding how to make good feature gardens
    The way the crowds were managed
    The place was extremely well run
    Especially enjoyed the Japanese Garden and the glasshouse

    Sadly, six photos don’t do this place justice but it should never lessen the enjoyment and blessing of flowers and trees, their colour and design.

    Would we go back? Definitely, but at a different season - fall, early spring or winter time with snow. This place is a must-do on your bucket list!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Good position for the parade
    Leaving for VictoriaFunky chairGorgeous moment in Beacon Hill ParkFloating homes of Victoria1Fairmont Empress on Victoria Harbour

    Victoria, it was your day!

    May 21, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Sheree organised our visit to Victoria, BC's capital, on Victoria Day - their annual celebration. So good to join the festivities! We ferried the Puget Sound from Seattle to Victoria - a three-hour cruise. We caught the tail end of the parade, giving us a hint of a confident, diverse community.

    Victoria has a long maritime history with an Australian connection - Captain Cook visited in 1778. The city, despite a strong First Nation foundation, became very British until a few years ago. According to a local Diner owner, "Many different cultures have discovered the benefits of living in one of Canada's friendliest cities, mild winters and easy access to cities, wilderness and ocean.”

    In today's parade there were Taiwanese, Nepalese, Spanish, Mexican, French, Turkish, amongst other cultures, represented, so this city has matured. A building boom matching Brisbane, is in progress - the locals own this space, First Nations included!

    By mid afternoon we were in brilliant sunshine, around 18 degs, with a slight southerly breeze. That breeze was coming straight off the water and a snow-covered Olympic Mountain Range, Washington Penisula, USA. We celebrated our visit and look forward to visitng Butchart Gardens. Can't wait!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Launched in 2002
    Developed in 1899First store opened in 1971Founded 1975Ultrasound [1967]Built in the 60s during the 'moon race'

    Seattle… what have you given us?

    May 21, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    My early morning walk took me past Big Fish. Not a salmon or a tuna or even a sturgeon [a large creature found in Vancouver waterways]. No, it was a game company e.g. 'Gummy Drop'.

    It got me thinking. What else has Pacific North West given the world? A quick search revealed familiar icons… Boeing [707 - '54; 747 - '69; 787/Dreamliner - '11] / Starbucks ['71] / Microsoft ['75] / Amazon ['94] / Big Fish ['02]

    Research showed…Carnation [1899] / Defibrillator ['62] / Bone marrow transplant ['63] / Compact Disc ['65] / Ultrasound ['67] / Pictionary ['85] / Kindle ['07]

    This begs the question, why all this creative energy? This entrepreneurial acumen? This courage and genius? I can’t give you the answer. But I wonder…
    Does cooler weather keep the brain more active? Do long wet periods keep people inside and being social? Does it force them outside and doing more anyhow? Has distance from the east coast made a difference? Are they not afraid to play? To think outside the box? To search for answers to problems?

    Let me take another sip of my Starbucks coffee… and ponder a while!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Oin front of the GE engine.Did you know that GE powers the 787The next Boeing in test build now!Paine Field with msny new aircraft

    Boeing factory tour... what a blast!

    May 20, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    When you’re a plane nerd and you’re in Seattle you have to the Boeing factory... right! We saw a wonderful display of some military and domestic planes, plus hints of the manufacturing process of the current 787 - the body of the Dreamliner is from Kevlar?

    Then it was off to the factory, the largest building in cubic volume in the world, minus all our electronic equipment. No pics unfortunately! Let me be your eyes for a couple of minutes.

    Our bus trip across Paine Airfield revealed many new planes, 777, 787, 767, 747, to name a few. All were in various stages of pre-flight testing or painting prior to their customer handover.

    Getting off the bus we were led down stairs into one of many tunnels running under the building allowing movement across vast distances. Up to an observation deck to see the manufacturing processes of the 767, the 747 cargo and the latest offering, the very popular Dreamliner, 787-8.

    The exciting news for Boeing is their next offering. Due in 2019, is the 777X, supposedly the longest commercial plane! We got a sneak peak of the test version currently being built.    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Juliette Rose... welcome to this world
    4The best coffee so far!!!

    Most exciting news on this trip

    May 20, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Welcome Juliette Rose Clark
    Born 20/5/18 at 1746
    3.2kg 50cm long

    Over the moon for Jess and Jono and Jordan. It’s a happy time as they build their new family.

    I needed a good Seattle coffee to absorb the news. To realise it’s grandchild number four for us... WOW!

    I think we will remember her as our ‘Seattle bubba’!! What a wonderful gift to the world!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    The famous sign
    Saturday evening crowdPart of the fruit and veg1Oh so many flowersThe spotThis guy loved throwing the fish around... entertainer!

    Pike Place Market

    May 19, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Is it the brilliant flowers, the original Starbucks, the masses of people or the huge salmon being thrown around by buff young guys? Yes, it’s all of these things and much much more.

    Sheree is great at choosing well when planning and she chose a hotel between the market and Seattle’s famed Sky Needle. First we rose 40 floors to get a 360 view of Seattle. Sadly the clouds limited the views but this city reminds me somewhat of Sydney for its harbour, waters and treed suburbs.

    Then the market called. Immediately upon arrival we were absorbed by the colours, the smells, the sounds, the diversity of people. The energy in this place is magnetic.

    We paused in an urban garden overlooking the bay for a moment and were amazed at the community spirit here as well.

    There is rule in this place - all marketeers are to be the creators of their craft. Be it painting, sculpture, glass, leather or T-shirt, the originality holds the freshness and ownership well.

    With cruise ships now beginning to arrive and a reputation spanning decades Pike Place Market continues to draw the crowds with its mystique and magic.

    We got drawn in... and loved it!! You will too!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Saying goodbye to our RV
    Off to Seattle via busThe massive line up for border XingSeattle's sky needle says... visit me!Gorgeous day for going to the top!

    Finished one chapter... onto the next

    May 19, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    The words of many family and friends rang true this morning. "It will go quicker than you can imagine..." They're right! 21 days in the RV and another big tick off the bucket list. It's been a great time. The RV way gives flexibility and choice that other styles of travel don't. It's not the cheapest option, but worth the investment.

    Our next chapter saw us cross into USA, via bus, It soon became obvious that we were entering a different country. With military precision we were mustered through a checking process and then onwards to Seattle. With lush growth along the way, the three-hour trek was comfortable.

    Arriving in Seattle was a shock. At the main train station the rubbish on the streets, the many homeless camping, sitting, sleeping, begging was 'in your face'. They were everywhere. What's happening with this country - 'the land of the free'?

    We are here for two days only, so we are going to make the most of every moment. Let's suck it and see...!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    1Fun and scary at the same time
    Enter the enchanted forestThe romantic Bridal FallsWe enjoyed this togetherDelightfulWould you picnic here?

    A whole new world

    May 17, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Thick moss-covered branches, a hint of sunlight, fern-covered ground and moisture-laden air - this is the world of west coast forests. Our doorway in is via Bridal Veil Falls. We'd been 'out east' exploring the Rockies and other mountain ranges Now the reality of work drew us west.

    The drive from Princeton to Hope, through EC Manning Park was spectacular. Over several snowy passes and then this huge descents into narrow valleys surrounded by vertical shards of thick green forest. We couldn't see the mountain tops from our windows... too tall!

    We'd entered a world of mist, cloud-covered monoliths surrounding Hope, a town we'd already visited. Today our final stop was at Bridal Falls, on the edge of Highway One, out of Vancouver. It's a delightful stream plummeting from the mountains above.

    We entered a mysterious dimly-lit enclave - the forest - enchanting! The sounds, sights, smells and sensations you don't get living in the Rockies. This is more subtle. Precious little flowers, decomposing logs, unfurling green ferns, tall thick trees, creating a mysterious illusion.

    The Falls were a photographer's paradise. In the late afternoon sun they were showing themselves off proudly. This whole new world allowed us to pause and become snap happy.    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    A lovely little town
    Happy to be back in Hope1Princeton know how make coffeeRevelstoke iconsWaterton a unique place & great viewsFernie is just switched on

    Smaller towns... what is it?

    May 16, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    As we look back over our travels we begin to see a few patterns. Always heading to colder climates; liking independent travel; searching for the quirky and unusual [especially in coffee shops, gift stores and architecture]; often drawn to smaller towns.

    Let’s explore the magnetism to smaller towns. A few communities spring to mind around British Columbia and Alberta. Fernie, Princeton, Revelstoke, Waterton, Hope - all seemed to fit the criteria of acceptability in our minds.

    We found communities that were proud of themselves; had enough uniqueness to make them was noticeable; weren't shy of speaking about their qualities; did things with a degree of excellence we admired; and finally, were friendly and wanted to serve, knowing that part of their existence comes from us, the visiting guest.

    I don't know what things you use to judge how you travel, but we find ourselves much more fulfilled when we recognise things we do or don't like, and trust what we gravitate to is what is meant to be!

    Vacationing is about the experience... living every moment, living and learning as you go!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    One of the 18 bridges
    Hand constructed tunnelView to Kelowna & Lake OkanaganKelowna CBD plus lake down thereLooking across the canyon

    Myra Canyon Rail Trail

    May 16, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Getting out of the cities and towns and into the mountains gives me energy and insight. I followed a hunch that the Rail Trail reformed from an old line from Vancouver to Grand Forks would be intriguing. I was not disappointed.

    At 1000m above Kelowna, this Rail Trail was a 12 kilometre section built around a very deep canyon. Though not having much change in elevation, the construction of this line provided plenty of engineering challenges - 18 bridges [all wood trestles], 2 tunnels and who knows how many cuttings and filled valleys.

    Wonderful views of rushing snow melt, the distant city and lake below, hints of the remaining snow, avenues of fir trees creating dark alleys, jagged rock cliffs above and below, dark tunnels and clear skies made for happy cycling.

    The 24km return trip was completed within 2 hours. But it was the fresh air, the pauses for breath and photos, the regular chats with other Trail users, the exhilarating views and amazing feats of engineering was like icing on the cake.

    A well invested two hours... and Sheree got to continue reading her book!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    1Stunning sculpture in Kelowna at dusk
    2Picnic on Okanagan LakePm timeWhat is this? Brisbane temps:(The long dusk2Too hot here... we're leaving!!

    Too hot... we're off

    May 15, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    The Okanagan valley fulfills its claim - the warmer, dryer and fruitier part of Canada. We arrived to lakes, girded by orchards and vineyards, and a myriad of rocky slopes.

    Despite being steep and rocky in many parts on both sides of a 100-kilometre lake, It's an amazingly productive area. It seems like every pocket of land is given to growing something.

    The farmers of past generations were resilient in harnessing the soil, adding water [of which there is plenty] and producing. With the bonus of a milder Canadian climate, spring comes earlier and summer is longer, giving a more longer growing season.

    If you are into wine, fruits or golf, you’d love Osoyoos (say that 3 times quickly) to Vernon, towns at the bottom to top of the Okanagan Valley. Kelowna is the capital, where we spent one night in an apple orchard RV park.

    BUT for us when it got to 31 degrees was just too hot. We didn't come here for Brisbane temps, so our two night stay was shortened and off we went to greener, cooler pastures. A half hour's drive saw us again back in snow at 1700m.

    Our new town for the night, Princeton, a small country hideaway on Highway 3, famous for.... [I'll get back to you on that one!] Another day well spent!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Being senior saved this much
    Creek right behind our siteJust parked for the night1Ideal siteThe off-grid camper

    It had to happen sometime

    May 14, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    "No, it's only $9," said the caretaker as he counted out the $18 Sheree had put in the envelope. It was the next words I never expected to hear.

    "Yes sir, you are correct," replied the caretaker, "but for seniors," he said with a pause looking straight into my eyes, "it's half price." The knowing smiling on his face didn't match the blank look on mine as he handed back a note and some coin.

    Did he just say senior? Do I look that old already?

    Before I could think of words in reply, he'd moved on. "So you're from Australia?" He queried. "What part?" The conversation left money and age behind, but his words were worthy of more contemplation.

    Our stay at Boundary Creek Provincial Park was as far off grid as Sheree was happy to do. With no power or water it was still OK - the site was next to a flowing stream in the Canadian bush, you couldn't ask for more... right?

    It's finally happened. I've been considered a senior. If it means 50% discounts, I suppose I'll take it!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Columbia River @ Trial
    Fraser River @ Hell’s Gate. [Train lines on both sides!]Columbia River @ Revelstoke - Gorgeous & powerfulBow River falls below Fairmont Banff SpringsFraser River @ Rearguard Falls [where the salmon STOP!]Similkameen River @ Princeton [swollen from spring melt]

    Where does all that water go?

    May 14, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Our trip through the southwestern portion of Canada allowed us to experience a few incredible river systems. The Fraser and the Columbia Rivers go to the Pacific. The Athabasca, Bow and Oldman Rivers make their way into the Arctic Ocean.

    Many times during our visit locals reported the highest snowfall on record. Which begs the question - where does all that water go?

    Racing down gullies and gorges, tumbling over falls, filling dams, trickling through wetlands between the peaks. Eventually, all this water ends in the ocean. All tributaries are draining the mountains of the Rockies and the trip is epic!

    We followed the Fraser River, the world’s biggest salmon river, several times. From Lillooet through Hells Gate to Hope was mighty, amazing, spectacular. We met the Fraser again at Tete Juane Cache, near it's headwaters at Mt Robson. This is where the strongest salmon, the Chinook, end their 1200km migration from the Ocean.

    The Columbia River, the largest river of the Rockies, carries huge volumes of water. It heads both north and south between tall peaks, through many kilometres of wetlands. It goes through BC, into the USA and enters the ocean near Portland, Oregon.

    What an incredible ecosystem!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    2Magnificent cherry blossoms [in Cranbrook, BC]
    Vivid new leaves [Bridal Falls near Hope, BC]Amazing display... many different colours1My favourites... tulips [Trial, BC]1Bees are busy in spring... [Waterton, Alberta]The simplicity & brilliance of daisies... stunning!

    Spring has sprung

    May 14, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Daffodils, tulips, azaleas, crocus, iris, snowdrops… the list is long! All great blooms. But our main reason for going to a Northern Hemisphere spring was the cherry blossoms festival. Vancouver has the biggest festival outside Japan.

    This city presented us with four days of sunshine and gorgious temps, with ample opportunity to walk the streets, soaking up the seasonal ambiance of Canada's third largest metropolis.

    Heading away from the coast and rising in elevation the season quickly reversed. At 2000m spring was only just beginning. The tulips were just pushing through; the leaves hadn’t started unfolding; the flowers buds weren’t even open!

    Many locals throughout our trip repeated the same phrase, “This has been the heaviest snowfall on record.” Therefore spring was a tsunami, bursting forth with clarity, energy, and delight.

    As we left the Rockies spring returned with increasing boldness. The trees were covered in thick brilliant greens; the gardens overflowed with a rainbow of colours; the bees, the birds, and the gardeners were all busy.

    The finale of our five-week Springfest was Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. Someone had pressed the ‘summer' button and the gardens were being sown with another brilliant display.    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    What a view!
    Early spring here... still snow aroundArrived at Waterton Lakes1Cameron waterfallSun setting at 8:30pmPrince of Wales Hotel shining sunrise

    Waterton weaves its wonders

    May 12, 2018 in 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!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    UNESCO site preserved for the future
    Building built into side of the cliff1Check out the cliff behind usWell preserved bisonA typical tipiMarmot basking in the sunshine

    Head-smashed-in buffalo jump

    May 12, 2018 in 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!!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    Phil & Sebastian - Calgary
    1She needed that... Fernie BCMussette Caffe - Vancouver, BCThe Gathering Tree - Valemount, BCThe best coffee ever... on the last day in Victoria, BC1And then there is ice-cream - Sicamous, BC

    First it's coffee!

    May 11, 2018 in 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!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    What history this tower has
    Standing cold and forlorn in the MallA hint of springLooking north to Alaska2Looking down is weirdIn the lift

    Calgary Tower quick visit

    May 11, 2018 in 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!    Read more

  • WaddleAboutCanada 2018WaddleAbout
    A royal afternoon tea
    Excited.... the Fairmont Banff SpringsA magnificent hotel and settingUnion Jack flying with royal weddingLooking over Bow River & golf course3Shots just before it poured rain

    30 year dream comes true!

    May 10, 2018 in 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!    Read more

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