These are from Graham's and Bill's perspectives. More to come.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Water, water, everywhere!
Is it because we are in a drought here in San Antonio, that I just couldn't get enough of the waterfalls in Canada? We were so fortunate to have a Tour Director who wanted to really show off his country and was willing to stop so often for us to see and photograph the beautiful scenery. I wondered if I would ever get over the excitement of the waterfalls, and the answer was a definite NO! Here are some beauties. Bear in mind that I don't remember exactly where they were, nor does the camera do justice to the power and majesty of the water.
These are from Graham's and Bill's perspectives. More to come.
These are from Graham's and Bill's perspectives. More to come.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
River Rafting in Jasper
Surprisingly, one of our most favorite activites on our trip was the Rafting on the Athabasca River. We left our hotel early Sunday morning and bussed out about 25 miles from Jasper where we were to start our rafting adventure.
We were all given these yellow plastic bag-like gear and told to put them on first. Then a guide outfitted us with proper life vests to put on over our plastic baggies. Next we had a lesson in "how to get onto the raft." As we were all sizes, and I mean ALL sizes, this wasn't an easy task for most of us! First you walk across a gang plank and step onto the raft. Then you make your way onto a seat and squish in real tight, locking your feet inside a rope near the floor.
As soon as we were all settled in safely, our boatsman, Shamus, moved out into the river and began a nice, slow float. How relaxing! And what a beautiful day to float lazily down the river! Well, that didn't last long! As soon as he was sure we were all comfortable and happy, Shamus quickly located the rapids and took us for a grand ride. Just imagine a boat load of senior citizens bouncing out on the river! As far as rapids go, these were probably equivalent to the bunny hill on a ski slope, but, boy, were they fun!
It didn't take long to understand why we had our plastic baggies on! We had enough warning to put our cameras under wraps and hang onto to the hand ropes. And had enough calm waters to get lots of great pictures. Then, as we were coming to the end of our ride, we crossed under a bridge where a photographer waited to take a group picture! What a fun time!
Enjoy the slide show that follows.
We were all given these yellow plastic bag-like gear and told to put them on first. Then a guide outfitted us with proper life vests to put on over our plastic baggies. Next we had a lesson in "how to get onto the raft." As we were all sizes, and I mean ALL sizes, this wasn't an easy task for most of us! First you walk across a gang plank and step onto the raft. Then you make your way onto a seat and squish in real tight, locking your feet inside a rope near the floor.
As soon as we were all settled in safely, our boatsman, Shamus, moved out into the river and began a nice, slow float. How relaxing! And what a beautiful day to float lazily down the river! Well, that didn't last long! As soon as he was sure we were all comfortable and happy, Shamus quickly located the rapids and took us for a grand ride. Just imagine a boat load of senior citizens bouncing out on the river! As far as rapids go, these were probably equivalent to the bunny hill on a ski slope, but, boy, were they fun!
It didn't take long to understand why we had our plastic baggies on! We had enough warning to put our cameras under wraps and hang onto to the hand ropes. And had enough calm waters to get lots of great pictures. Then, as we were coming to the end of our ride, we crossed under a bridge where a photographer waited to take a group picture! What a fun time!
Enjoy the slide show that follows.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ft. Steele, British Columbia
On day five we finally leave the United States and move north into Canada. Our border crossing was uneventful and soon we were ready for lunch.
Enter Ft. Steele Heritage Town, a restored mining boomtown of the 1890's. I'm quoting now, "... that will stimulate your senses with the sights and sounds of frontier life. Feel the rhythm of western life through the town's scripted street dramas, by joining tours aboard horsedrawn wagons, or by listening to costumed townfolk in lively debate over the controversies of their day."
We had a beautiful sunny, but cool, day to walk through the town, making our way to the International Hotel which housed our restaurant. Every now and then a costumed group of children would appear, or a blacksmith or shop owner would explain his craft. It made for a very pleasant break in the day.
Enter Ft. Steele Heritage Town, a restored mining boomtown of the 1890's. I'm quoting now, "... that will stimulate your senses with the sights and sounds of frontier life. Feel the rhythm of western life through the town's scripted street dramas, by joining tours aboard horsedrawn wagons, or by listening to costumed townfolk in lively debate over the controversies of their day."
We had a beautiful sunny, but cool, day to walk through the town, making our way to the International Hotel which housed our restaurant. Every now and then a costumed group of children would appear, or a blacksmith or shop owner would explain his craft. It made for a very pleasant break in the day.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Glacier National Park
Following this post is the slide show from Glacier National Park. It was the most beautiful place, with every natural element you can imagine. There were mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, trees, trees, and more tree! There was still snow on the ground in some places, though the lakes that we saw had thawed. We didn't see any wildlife inside the park, though. All our sightings were on the road and from the bus. There were so many of them, that will have to be another slide show at another time! Enjoy the pictures from the park!
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