First passage to the West route



 I'm very excited to be going on an actual trip with real people! And Rocky Mountaineer is something I thought I would like to do - one day. Well this seems to be the year to do it.
For many people outside Canada it's the trip of a lifetime. Because it's so close for us we tend to take it for granted. I'll let you know what I think of it.


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Vancouver to Kamloops

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  Because of the fires in the interior, and the intermittent closing of the rail lines our first day is by coach instead of train. Disappointing, but not much that Rocky Mountaineer can do. It does mean a more relaxed day, as it takes much less time to get to Kamloops by road. We meet for breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, then board the coaches at 9:00am. Our route is up the Coquihalla to avoid the fires. We have a rest stop and snacks along the way. A beautiful day and clear until just outside Kamloops. We have a late lunch at the Delta in Kamloops where we are staying. Afterwards I went for a lovely walk along the river. About 33 degrees so lots of people swimming in the Thompson River or hanging out in the park. Then back to the hotel for a swim in the pool with my roommate Tracey. Several of us have dinner at the Noble Pig restaurant, I would certainly recommend! An early night tonight as we meet in the lobby at 6am
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Banff

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  I had a great sleep in my lovely room at the Fairmont Banff Springs. I picked up a to go breakfast from the café in the lobby and ate out on one of the terraces enjoying the view. I then did the easy 20 minute walk into town. Although Banff is not as crowded as usual, it's still quite busy! The main street has been blocked off for pedestrians and more outdoor seating for restaurants. It's a change I hope they will keep. After strolling around a bit I did a walk along the Bow River. There is an "Art in Nature" exbibit along the trail which is lovely. The Bow Falls trail is a short easy trail with views of the falls of course along with the Banff Springs Hotel and surrounding mountains. There is a short but steep trail leading directly up to the hotel. After checking out of my room I got a "pool key" so I could enjoy the pool facilities until it was time for my shuttle to Calgary Airport.  A great ending to my short but wonderful Rocky Mountaineer experience...
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Kamloops to Banff

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  What a fabulous day! An early start as we meet in the hotel lobby at 6am. Buses take us to the Rocky Mountaineer station, about 15 minutes away. We board our Goldleaf coach which is a dome car with windows that wrap all the way to the roof. 2 by 2 seating with lots of leg room. The dining area is on the main floor, along with an outside viewing area. Its around 7am when we pull out of  Kamloops along the Thompson River. There is still a fair bit of smoke in the air. Breakfast is in 2 seatings and is wonderful. Lots of choices. I have Eggs Benedict with Montreal style smoked meat. This is such a leisurely and relaxing way to see the countryside. Seats are comfortable and adjustable, there is plenty of room to stand up and move around. Service is so attentive, and the hosts provide commentary along the way. I really enjoy having the outside platform to take pictures and get some fresh air. The countryside changes so much along the way and there is always something interesting ...
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