Canada 2018

Journey End,

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 19:26:16 +1030

Penneshaw, Australia

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 19:26:16 +1030

Selfie time with the new addition

Vancouver, Canada

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:10:00 -0700

Last couple of days in Vancouver.... This was more of a cool or before boarding the long flight home. This time staying close to the airport in Richmond and I didn't know I landed back in Asia. Yep...... Walking the streets to the local shops I was the only white girl even the drivers in the cars were Asian. At least it is close to the airport and the train station is right next door. So on the last day, went back into the city for one last final walk around. Found an excellent seafood restaurant called Joe Fortes and didn't realise how popular it was until we walked in. I think we grabbed the last table.the seafood was fresh and delicious. We had a seafood tier to share and I really couldn't get through it all. I think I rolled out of there but after a little while managed to find room for a light icecream. Saw this place on line and thought I would try it out. Peverted is the place, concept different but icecream was ok. It was soft serve and I am a gelati kind of girl. Had to try it when I am in Vancouver..... Anyway, tomorrow heading back home. The holiday had been great, meet some really nice people along the way, spectacular scenery, fun times and some scary (ie. Driving a RV when it is raining and dark or during the snow falling) but unfortunately did not see a bear. Everyone says we should have seen one but where are they? I think it is all a myth. The time away was good and honestly you can spend months seeing this country and all it has to offer. Next time I would like to show everyone the untouched world of Canada, North Vancouver but that is for another holiday. Good bye Canada and thank you for letting me visit and explore.

Sir-Bob Morning-Star says best view from a hotel. Not looking at another wall plus can watch planes land or depart from the comfort of the room without stepping out

Chilliwack, Canada

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 07:30:00 -0700

Of course, when I woke up today the clouds cleared and the sun was shining..... Damn those weather gods. Off we went across the lake, down the mountain on highway 97c heading back to Vancouver. Double lanes all the way, best way to travel on these highways with all the semi trailers following you. Just outside of Kelowna the trees are covered with snow with light patches on the ground. I overheard a local saying the winter has approached Canada early this year, yeah and let me tell you. Many of the campsites have closed. The scenery was spectacular like always. And very pretty when the trees are covered in snow, which doesn't show up well in the photos. We passed through Field and stopped in Hope for a bite to eat. Funnily stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and watched this cop car drive into the parking lot. It was an old car like in the Dukes of Hazard and he walked in, sneakily as he brought his own lunch and just wanted a coffee. When I walked back out, his car was hidden by 2 other cars. Trying to hide what he is doing. Back on the road and we came across a town called Chilliwack and thought we had to stay here. Yep, picked this place on a drive through and the name was cool. Can you imagine telling people that you are from Chilliwack????

Kelowna, Canada

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 07:30:00 -0700

Woke up to a miserable day today. It rained all day and only cleared up at night so basically tried to stay under cover. Not easy getting around in a RV in some places and Kelowna is not one of those towns. As the weather was crap we spent some time in downtown with a visit to the wine museum and then a walk down the main Street. I was hoping for a nice walk along the Lakeside but that wasn't going to happen today. Oh well can't control the weather. Kelowna is situated in the Okanagan valley which is basically wine country. Also orchards, meaning cider breweries and of course there are beer breweries and distilleries. Most wineries you get charged to taste so we found one close to the town and campsite with free tastings. The winery is perched on a hill overlooking the Okanagan Lake. Beautiful views on a nice day but the day we had was not that great. Summerhill Pyramid Wines has friendly service and wines are a little different to ours. No Sauvignon blanc which was disappointing, however did try a dessert wine that has a blend of ice wine in it. Ice wine is made from the first grapes after the winter has passed and is always sweet wine.

Kelowna, Canada

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 07:30:00 -0700

Morning rise to light rain in Golden. Actually it rained lightly all night. Not long after leaving Golden it started to snow, very lightly but heading through the mountains it for heavier. The roads were good even though at times we passed snow ploughs as the snow falling got heavier. The ice was building up on the car windscreen, bonnet and side mirrors. The wipers were going fast as snow was blowing towards us and the countryside turned from green to white trees. It was actually very pretty even though the roads were busy. A little scary at times because we were traveling with semi trailers and other small vehicles. But overall was a beer memorable journey down the mountain. We passed through the Glacier National Park and Mount National Park. Unfortunately due to the weather conditions I couldn't stop at the sights I planned.....

Terrible day yesterday to visit the wineries..... But look at today, the day we are leaving

Golden, Canada

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0600

Another day on the road...... Heading out of Banff towards Lake Louise as we are on our way back to Vancouver. After Lake Louise we head west towards Golden through the Banff National Park. It was a pleasant drive through the mountains and shortly after crossed the border back into British Columbia. Only a 2 hour drive and we arrived in Golden. It is a small town along Highway 1 which is a good stopover for the night. We did a self check in at the campsite and walked back into town to scope the place out. Not much of a town but suppose this is what the real Canadians are about in these small towns. Very friendly people and great hospitality. We stopped at the local pub on the main Street for some lunch and then walked back to the site. It was chilly outside and soon after the light rain started. It was getting cold and my hands were freezing, so glad the RV has heating. At the back of the RV site is a fast flowing river and of course a Train line which the train went past during the night. But not as loud as the one in Lake Louise.

Blending in with the locals in an off beaten pub in Golden

I can't get away from council elections

Calgary, Canada

Sat, 29 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0600

After a cold night woke up to a light fall of snow. Let me tell you, it was quite crisp out there. We headed to Calgary for the day. As we headed out, we left the Rockies behind and into the plains, flat and dry terrain. Approaching Calgary you can see the city highline with the tall buildings. As a city itself, it isn't much. Tall buildings in a small space, like Adelaide with freeways surrounding it. Actually it is quite sparse including the neighbourhood. So what could we get up to in Calgary? Not much with a RV this big and it really isn't a big RV compared to others we saw in the road. So we headed out of the city to Heritage Park which is a town that is a replica to what Calgary looked back in the old days. Everything was to its true self, the buildings, the cars and the people dressed up. Everything was functioning, for instance, the town hotel. You can go inside to dine out have a drink at the bar. Included in the park is a steam train, amusement park which we had a ride on. It looked original and was called the Whip. The park had everything you can think of, even police station with jail cells. The park was interesting as you got to see and read a little bit about the history. Did you know at one time, back in the day, women weren't consider to be people until 5 women took it to the high Court and won. From that day women were able to sit the senate. History tells us a lot about our past and should never be forgotten about.

The size fits, didn't need to pre-order

So excited about his ride

Banff, Canada

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0600

Left serene Lake Louise for Banff. Only a 40 min easy drive south which is a good change from the days of traveling over 4 hours. We have covered lots of ground in the little time as this country is huge. The roads have been good, highways easy to drive around but the challenge is keeping to the right. We have to keep an eye out for the wildlife in the highways, that is what the signs say but we haven't seen any apart form the elks and squirrels in the campsites. Arrived in Banff safe and sound. A very pretty town but not RV friendly. Very difficult to find a carpark and when we find one for RV parking, stupid people Park their normal cars in the spots. I hate these tourists. Not being racist here, but these Asian tourists can't drive and they are a danger to society in a RV. We drive up to the gondola in Banff and the girl directed us to the RV park. Stupid driver backed out of a spot while we were talking to the girl and nearly ran into us. Of course an Asian driver, sorry to all my Asian friends but these drivers in foreign countries have no concept of people around them. The Girl had to run up to the car to stop them. How could they not see this massive piece of metal in the way????? Anyway, didn't do the gondola in the end as the weather wasn't great and we would not have seen anything so went to see the Cascade Gardens and the Bow waterfall. The rest of the day was wandering the streets of Banff. A very pretty town indeed. Did a little shopping and exploring before heading back to camp. The campsite is nice, we have a mountain view. Think it is because the park ranger who checked is in knew where Adelaide was as he had friends that live there. The nights get cold here, lucky the RV has a heater which is kept on all night.....

Bow Falls

A quick drive up to Banff

Lake Louise, Canada

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 07:50:00 -0600

Had a lazy morning today, no driving, just some walking in the outdoors. The main aim today was to visit Lake Louise and this we did. Started off at the campsite and walked up the mountain 3.1km to the lake. On the creek trail we crossed bridges and walked along the creek side to reach the lake. Just had to have all eyes and ears open because it is best country or here and they do like human meat. All is good as we made it up to the lake safely. It was cool though not raining, just ice falling from the sky..... The lake is still pretty on this miserable day and of course many tourists. A quick walk along the banks of the lake before having a lunch break and heading back down the mountain. In all it's gloom the lake still holds a peaceful, calm atmosphere in which you cannot ignore it's beauty. Now the challenge is to make it back down safely

Having an Apple and Berry Cider for me and Fiflthy Dirty IPA for Bob to warm up before heading down the hill from Lake Louise to the campsite

Skies cleared up a bit before heading back down the mountain

On the way to be Banff

Lake Louise, Canada

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0600

Exiting morning heading down the Icefield Parkway. The famous strip between Jasper and Banff with Lake Louise as our stopover. Start the morning with a quick stop at Athabasca Pass Lookout to take in the sights of the great mountains around. Next Athabasca Falls, not so high Falls but lots of water rushing through. Again too many tourists around..... The next Falls are Sunwapta Falls which are a nice quick visit. Now when you have seen some of the greatest waterfalls like me, these are nice but nothing to rave about. Traveling south we saw a few glaciers and crossed the Banff and Jasper boundary. Now into Banff National Park we stopped off at the lake I was looking forward to visit, Peyto Lake. This has to be the best lake so far but I haven't see Lake Louise yet. The view was outstanding and the water so blue. Just amazing. Apart from the Asian tourists again who climb the fence. Heading up to this lake, the ground was covered in snow and at some points a little slippery. At least I didn't fall on my arse which I thought I would. A few more glaciers along the way and then we arrived at the destination, Lake Louise. Checked into the campsite and told the water pipes have frozen so we can't fill up the RV. The RV tanks on empty and I thought I had to walk 10 mins in the cold to the showers. But no, I spotted a tap near the toilets and tried it. Yes, luck my way. The pipe want frozen so we broke the campsite rules and filled up the RV so I can have my showers in the nice warm room of the RV.

Peyto Lake

Sunwapta Falls

Best lake so far Peyto Lake - just stunning

Jasper, Canada

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0600

A day exploring Jasper and the surroundings. After visiting the laundromat, which had nice coffee, we headed out to explore Jasper National Park. First stop Patricia Lake and then just up the road, Pyramid Lake. Both were large lakes and places you can take a canoe out. No chance of that from me as knowing my luck I would fall in it and it is freezing. I know as I had a little feel. Back on the main road to hear towards Lake Edith and the most famous lake of all, Lake Annette. Yes, you read right. They named a lake after me as they knew I was heading to Canada. Lake Annette tends to be a swimming hole during the summer months. Sorry, too cooks to get the bikini out. Final stupid for the day was Medicine Lake which was nearly dry to the bone. Unfortunately as when the lake is full, it is beautiful.... Oh well, however there was a moose drinking from the little water in the lake. The main lake to see is Maligne Lake which has a historical boat house on the edge. The lake is actually beautiful but the were too many tourists especially Asian ones who got in my way. If you had time to walk around the lake, no doubt I would find a stop with no tourists. Those damn tourists invading my space! On the way back to the campsite, stopped to see the Maligne Canyons with very fast water flowing through them. I wouldn't want to fall in as the flow was fast and some sections deep. And of course the not so smart Asian tourists jump the fence to get better photos. They won't be smiling when one skips down the canyon edge. They have no idea about safety, everywhere I go I see them jumping over the barriers. Back to the campsite and this time we had a fire pit so Bob tries to create a fire with the kindling he sourced and the fire wood he stole from another campsite when they went out. Would you believe it, he had a fire going in no time. A nice change from sitting in the RV when we camp.

Pyramid Lake

Lake Annette

Maligne Lake

Maligne Canyon

A lake named after me, Lake Annette

Jasper, Canada

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0600

Left Kamloops for a 4.5 hour drive to Jasper in Alberta. The scenery changes along the way but was still spectacular. Highway is so easy to drive along, wide and flat heading through the mountains. There was more vegetation along the way and a few lakes. The road follows a river and the train track is close by. Had a couple of spots along the way, one for a quick lunch break. It is so good having a RV as you have everything close by and can stop anywhere for lunch with a view. Unfortunately this part of the to didn't have many view points as the previous couple of days so it was a straight drive through. Before crossing the border to Alberta we had a quick break at Moose Lake..... Now you can tell they don't have water restriction problems like us on Aus. Finally crossed the state line and not that far over we arrived in Jasper to locate a camp spot to stay for the next 2 nights. Found one just outside of Jasper along the river. In the early evening we had the pleasure of a visit of elks. The 1 male elk stood up and rounded his 6 female ones.... Nothing like showing who is boss. It is colder here and all night you can hear the river flowing. Looking forward to the next day exploring Jasper and the park surroundings.

Moose Lake

The campsite

Kamloops, Canada

Sun, 23 Sep 2018 07:20:00 -0700

Woke up to a cold morning in Whistler to a nice view. It would have been spectacular but the clouds were low. The campsite is situated on a mountain overlooking a valley. We headed down the mountain top Whistler to stroll through the town. It is a small town and you can see it would be buzzing in the winter months. Definitely a ski town. Whistler is quaint but really not a lot to do. If not skiing on the slopes, people are dirt bike riding down them. After a quick break, we got back into the car for the 4 hour drive to Kamloops. Going through the mountains the scenery is amazing with every corner you turn. It is so green and they have no problem at all with the lack of water. Every now and then you get a surprise with a crystal clear lake popping up. Heading through the mountains, we head north and the scenery changes. The land gets drier and yes become sparse. We stop in a town called Lillooet for lunch. Did I miss the memo???? Was there a Porsche convention?? Yes, at the cafe the were 8 Porsches and 3 others arrived. We felt it off place with our RV. Kamloops is a larger town on flat plains. It is the halfway point between Whistler and Jasper. After doing a little supermarket shopping we found our campsite which is situated along the river. Best thing is that there is free wi-fi. Yeah!!! So tonight we could have the tv on and worse thing, only channel available had Big Brother!!!! While writing this blog, Mrs Mangel is doing her neighbour watch

View from Whistler campsite

Whistler

Me enjoying the scenery, he concentrating on the road

Yep, my taxi driver

Mrs Mangel on the move again. Spying on the neighbours Bob Morning-Star

Moose Lake

Some of the most amazing sights driving to Jasper

Garibaldi, Canada

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0700

Left Victoria yesterday, back on the ferry across to Tsawwassen. The ferry ride was calm so meaning enjoyable for me. Once we landed, we headed to collect the RV. Had a little drama there as we arrived just after 1 pm and they said it wasn't ready until 4pm. Luckily they found one for us a 2.30. took 1.5 hours to go through the paperwork and demo on the vehicle. Bonus is that we got an upgrade which means a bigger vehicle that sleeps up to 6 people. Finally on the road we headed for Whistler. The Sea to Sky Highway is worth the drive as the scenery was spectacular but I couldn't get any nicer photos as the weather was crap. It was getting dark and rained so missed seeing the Capliano Suspension Bridge. Finally arrived at the campsite and set up. In the morning we got to see the view even though the clouds were low. The capture is set up on a mountain with a view of the valley. On a clear day it would be gorgeous.

Ferry ride

Morning walk

Victoria, Canada

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 07:40:00 -0700

Leaving Vancouver yesterday morning for the ferry across to Victoria was a trip in itself. Standing on the corner waiting for the bus and then get, took about 5 hours to get here. Finally got to the quaint town of Victoria. The weather isn't the best but we didn't let that stop us. As the town itself is small we decided to hire a car and explore the island. The red Mustang convertible was a good choice even though a little to cold and wet to have the roof down. Off we went driving on the right side of the road or is that the wrong side? It was a little hairy at times but managed to get around and work out a few road rules. Such as you can turn right on a red light.... No signs say this. The suited limit is pretty much the same as back home but the pumped up cars aren't. Even the police cars are on steroids, black dodge cars with bull bars. Anyway, the aim of the day was The Butchart Gardens. Even with all the Japanese tourists the gardens are still pretty. There was a combination of flowers and autumn colours. There lawns are manicured perfectly and not one thing or of place. They were so organised that I was so impressed. It was worth the drive to see the gardens, in the Mustang

Butchart Gardens

Cowichan Bay

Goldstream National Park

Pit stop to see the view

Victoria

On the way for our road trip, last crossing before we pick up the RV.

Got an upgrade, RV that fits 4 people

Vancouver, Canada

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0700

Final day before heading off to another part of Canada. Another glorious day for bike to Stanley Park. We set off the morning courtesy of the hotel and ventured out into Vancouver. Manoeuvred around the Canadian traffic which I thought 'am I going to make it' but it was quite easy. The bike lanes are fantastic here. There is the road, bike lane ( two way) and then the footpath. No chances of any form of traffic kicking the other over unless they cross lanes. All I had to remember was stay on the right side. By following the bike path we made it to the seafront which took us all the way to Stanley Park. Stopped for a bite to eat before venturing further and seeing the magnificent mountains in the distance. the sun was bearing on our backs and we truly looked liked tourists on our bikes and head gear. It was really a lovely day to ride out in the open and see the sights. I swear I only nearly fell off of the bike once..... And couldn't stop laughing. Rode about 15 KMs overall which brought the heart rate up. And a struggle ride, for me in one section up hill. That nearly killed me but I survived. For all our efforts we spolit ourselves and had dinner at The Keg Steakhouse. I truly recommend this place. Decor lovely but did wonderful. If you ever are in Canada you need to check out this place, they can be found across Canada.....

Coal Harbour

Stanley Park

The Keg Steakhouse

Vancouver, Canada

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0700

Day Two exploring the eastern side of Vancouver. Started with a visit to Christ Church Cathedral on the way to Chinatown. I was a little worried walking to Chinatown as looked like we walked through the dodgy area but all is good when we arrived. Chinatown is all the same all over the world so we entered into the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden to escape. It was a quaint garden and of course full of tourists. Moving along, we headed for Gastown which is known for the saloons and pubs back in the day. Gassy Jack leads the pack. He was a captain of a boat but became more famous when he opened the first saloon in Gastown. As an upmarket party of the city, Gastown holds the boutique shops, restaurants and bars along a beautiful tree lined, cobbled streets. Along is the Gastown Steam Clock, only part is steam however it is run by electricity. Test of the day was spent walking along the harbour watching the sea planes taking tourists sightseeing. There is Canada Place which just looks like a cruise ship on the outside. Not much else at Canada Place so don't know why tourists are drawn to this. The day was gorgeous, couldn't ask for a better day. Have been lucky so far, so can't complain and just enjoy the moment. Doing some people watching tonight, I can't believe there are more taxis here in Vancouver than people. 150 I counted in 30 mins.... Where are all these people going?

Christ Church Cathedral

Steam clock

Enjoying a quiet night in

Vancouver

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 07:30:00 -0700

After a 15 hour plus flight I arrived in Canada. I never expected immigration to be so easy going through but hey I can't complain. Got to the hotel which is a traditional 1960's motel but renovated and is now a boutique hotel in central Vancouver on Burrad Street. the good thing about staying, don't need to walk far to find a restaurant. First day was to explore the local surroundings. A walk through historical Yaletown and then along the waterfront to view some yatchs in the marina. All along The waterfront the is a walk and bike trails which provides a pretty picture no matter where you are. Surprising the day was warm, 17 degrees but walking in the sun you tend to get hot. The plan was to walk to Granville Island to explore the markets. Well, kind of stuffed up there when I ended up under the bridge instead of on-top so had to tell back to find the beginning. Finally made it across the bridge and found a little micro brewery for some beer tasting. My favourite was Lion Winter Ale with a hint of coffee and vanilla. The place was full so must be extremely popular for locals and tourists. And of course served by a fellow Australian. After the tasting, a walk through the markets reminded me of our own Central Markets but with an abundance of fruit. The berries, all types were sold in pounds and cheaper to what we find back home. Where the salmon was the same price. Had mussels and oysters for lunch then made our way back to downtown to find internet connection when traveling around the country. No need to worry about that here in the city because wi-fi is everywhere. Day one down, ready for day two

A motel that is a hotel

Yaletown

Granville Microbrewery co.

Granville markets

Lunch time