Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 5 – To Sun Peaks

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 5 – To Sun Peaks

 

Leaving Whistler behind, we continued our drive along BC 99 on our way to Sun Peaks.  During the day, we will pick up BC 5 and head north towards Jasper, but take the road to Sun Peaks where we will spend the night. 

This morning there were low clouds on the mountains around Whistler giving us striking views from our hotel balcony.  Carmen and I both commented on how Whistler looks and feels like Vail, Colorado in the US

We will have our breakfast at the Skwxwu7mesh Lilwat7ul (pronounced Squamish Lil) Cultural Center.  We reviewed a short film earlier and after breakfast, we went through the museum.  First though we went through the welcoming dance.  We were broken up into three different “tribes” and each had their own dance: the wolf (elbow pointing out from the face), the eagle (arms flapping like a bird), and the killer whale (hands going up and down as if we’re swimming).  Here we are all dancing.

We viewed dugout canoes; clothes made using mountain goat wool, animal skins, and cedar inner bark.  We learned a little about the culture and art of the first ones.  I really like the masks used during ceremonies and dances.  Carmen likes this wolf head piece, but there are many pieces that are very nice.

After leaving the Squamish Cultural Center, it didn’t seem as though we had gone very far or very long, a black bear crosses the road right in front of the bus.  Fortunately, for Carmen and me, today we happen to have the front seat and are able to view the bear very easily.  It did not stay around long and shot right into the woods and brush shortly after this picture and by the time the bus got to the location you could not see the bear.

 

It is a good thing we now have digital camera with sufficient disk capacity because when we are passing vies like this, it is difficult NOT to take pictures.  Well at least for Carmen and myself.  But look at these peaks with the snow and sun and clouds.  Unbelievable!

Or this, with the snow pack that seems as if it could last forever.

Another dramatic snow covered mountain peak.  If Carmen and I were driving ourselves through this section of Canada, we would have been stopping every kilometer, getting out of the car just to take pictures and we would never have made it to our destination at a decent time.

I could go on and one with one dramatic mountain peak after another, but there are other vistas, such as the rivers which we pass by. 

 

We also pass by cascading waterfalls, such as this one.  (Driving and taking pictures at the same time, we get a lot of reflection and vehicle bounce, so the pictures are not as sharp or clear, as we would hope.)

 

After some time we stopped at the Hat Creek Ranch for a break.  While resting I strolled around the grounds and took several pictures, including this one of the rail fence and teepee.

Or the blacksmith explaining, to some of the others in our tour, about the horseshoe, how it fits the horses hoof, and how the nails used go up and out of the hoof. 

We reach the BC 5 route which will take us North towards Jasper and before too long we take our turnoff to head up to Sun Peaks Resort.  Here we will spend the night.  But, we have selected to go on a canoe trip and dinner on a lake and no sooner do we check into our room we are off to the lake, by school bus.  I won’t bore you with the facts, but here is a view from our canoe.  Hey, those slackers behind us are supposed to be rowing.  Turn your back for a minute…  LOL!

 

On our way back to the dock, we pass this loon on her nest.  She appears to be hiding from us.

Okay we are done for the night, one last look at the canoes and lake.  We didn’t get wet, and we are good to go tomorrow, where we head to Jasper and stay for two nights.  Farewell until tomorrow.

Bob and Carmen.

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 4 – On to Whistler

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 4 – On to Whistler

 

Today we leave Victoria behind and drive north on Vancouver Island to Nanaimo where we will get on a ferry and float over to Horseshoe Bay where we will hop on the Sea-to-Sky highway.  After yesterdays rain during our stroll through Butchart Gardens, I am happy that we have mostly clear and sunny skies.  Here is our last look at Victoria from the hotel.

We begin our trip following Canadian Route 1, the Trans-Canada Road.  Our first stop is an overlook allowing us to see Saanich Inlet and the peninsula on the other side where we came in on the other day.

Continuing on our way we make a quick stop in Chemainus a town, years ago, it was noted for its lumber mill.  When the lumbering dried up local officials decide to have artists paint murals on the side of businesses and now there is a tourist town.  We walked around town a little, taking some pictures and stopped in a bakery for something for lunch during our passage to the main land.  This mural is probably one of the best and most know of the murals in town.

It was interesting that we found logs in the water as they used to during a log float down the river.  You can clearly see the logs in the water with a log boom to hold the logs for continuing downstream.

We proceeded to Nanaimo to get on the ferry and after getting in line, we had about 20 minutes so off the bus to explore the shops.  While waiting to get back on the bus, someone noticed an otter playing next to the waiting area.  We were able to get a picture of the otter.  It was playing chasing something and it would not stay still.  Eventually it hopped back in the water and swam off.

 

The ferry ride was mostly uneventful.  The sun was shining, the seas calm, and unless you were standing right in front of the boat, the breeze was acceptable.  The temperature was comfortable and cold if you were standing in the wind.  An interesting sight we had during our crossing was that of a submarine bearing North West.

 

We can see the mountains above our destination and our anticipation of seeing snow capped peaks definitely are raised.  As you can see clouds surround the peaks, but that makes for more views that are dramatic.

So now we are on the Sea-to-Sky highway headed to Whistler which is only about 100 km (which is only 62 miles) and should only take us a little over an hour.  When we reach the town of Squamish, we pass Shannon water fall near the road.  There is a short window to take a picture, which I missed, but Carmen was able to catch a quick picture of the waterfalls.

 

On both sides of the road as we travel north along the road, we find tall peaks with snow.  More than likely the snow is glacial or at least permanent.  As you can see from these pictures, the landscape is pretty stunning. 

As we continued down the road, someone on the bus sees a Black Bear sow and her cub, while everyone was looking for a mountain top feature on the other side of the bus.  We were able to stop for about 10 minutes to take pictures, thanks to our driver Adrian.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of glare on the windows, so I’m hoping some of the pictures come out.

As several cars passed close to the bears, the cub ran up the tree.  Carmen says that the cub is so cute.  That may be true, but they still wouldn’t let me get out of the bus to take pictures.

 

In Whistler, we drop off a number of people that will go on a float plane flight around the area.  Helen and Charlie are going, but we are not.  We’ll spend a little time to unwind then grab something to eat at the “Old Spaghetti Factory”.  We are in the section of Whistler where the Olympic torch and rings are. 

By the way, as I write this it is around 9:20 pm and it is still light out.  As a matter of fact, here is the sunset picture.

Bob and Carmen

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 3 – Still in Victoria

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 3 – Still in Victoria

 

We have a full day in Victoria and we spend the late morning and early afternoon walking around downtown Victoria.  As we arrived in downtown, we first checked out several of the “market places".  This one had some pretty neat places including tours on a Segway.  I liked the popcorn cart turned into a flower pot. 

 

After a block from the market place, we found ourselves in Chinatown (boasted as Canada’s oldest Chinatown) and one of the lamp posts at the beginning of the Chinatown area had a full sized Chinese dragon. 

 

Our first place to go is Fan Tan Alley.  This is an alleyway with shops and not much wider than four feet.  Carmen (on the left) and Helen pose at the beginning of the alley as we begin our trek through.

 

It is interesting that one of the stores, in this case a photographer, has an address of 23 ½.  As if the alley way is so large that addresses require a half of an address to accommodate the number of drops.  Anyway, the alley reminded me of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.  If you were not looking for the alley, you probably would miss it.  Neat place though.

 

Carmen had to try on one of the Chinese hats.  I thought she looked very Kung Fooish, don’t you think?

 

We left Chinatown and began our trek to go to the Royal British Columbia Museum.  On the way, we stopped for a cappuccino and sat at a table on the sidewalk sipping our coffees.  As we continued, I spotted writing on the sidewalk and took a moment to read it.  It stated “3D Chalk Art and to stand here”, indicating a box.  Just beyond the box I was standing in was the next note: “You must look thru a camera to see the 3D effect”.  So I took a picture of the chalk art for you to enjoy.  The art looks like it has been there a while, but it still look fairly good.

Next, we went to the Royal BC Museum.  They have a fossil tour including Woolly Mammoth teeth and a full replica of a Woolly Mammoth.   

Also a fossilized skull of a Hoplophoneus (really a small sabre tooth cat), that includes the long teeth.  There were many other fossils and animals saved through taxidermy to show visitors how animals live and the environment they live in. 

We continued through the natural history gallery exhibits, and then moved to the First Peoples Gallery.  This gallery featured the natives, how they lived, the tools they made and used, the carvings they made for the totem poles, and other information.  I particularly like the ceremonial masks. There were several cases with masks, but I like this one the best.

But wait, I also found this mask, so I know they believed in zombies.  Beware of the zombies!  HA, ha, ha!

We must meet the bus for our trip to Butchart Gardens, so we headed out with enough time to return to the hotel and get ready.  However, instead of walking back (about a 30 minute walk), we made the decision to take a water taxi back to the hotel; good choice.  It looks like a cartoon boat and I was expecting many people to come out of the small boat and tower over the small size, but that wasn't the case.

Just after arriving at Butchart Gardens, it started to rain.  It rained the entire time we were walking through the gardens.  However, it did make for some interesting picture set ups, like this one of Carmen with an umbrella.  You can make out the rain by looking at her pants and the bottom of the carousel horse.

They had some interesting animals on the carousel.  As you can see from this picture there were zebras, deer, frogs, and cats (with stuff in their mouths like fish or this one with a rat).

The fountain was pretty, but it was difficult to get clean pictures with the rain and trying to hold an umbrella in one hand and take the picture with the other.  Since the light was so low, I had to use an ISO of 2000 just to have a fast enough speed so I didn’t shake so much.

The rain did present some interesting shots of the flowers though.  This Iris has water drops on the pedals providing an interesting look.  If this Iris had a yellow beard, it would have been very dramatic.

Or this rose with water drops on the pedals.

The Japanese Garden section was very serene.  Trees twisted with moss on them and moss on the surrounding ground.  Ponds with small waterfalls and mechanisms to spill water into moving streams of ponds.  This pond had a small stepping stone walkway.  Like most all Japanese gardens we have been to this was also very calming and soothing.

Dinner tonight is on the Butchart Garden grounds and we met the remainder of our group.  Wouldn’t you know it, shortly after we sit down and begin eating the rain stops?  Go figure!  Anyway, as we head out to the bus for our return trip to the hotel, Carmen spots these strangely colored and patterned pansies. 

Tomorrow we leave Victoria and head to Nanaimo where we will leave Vancouver Island via ferry to Whytecliff.  There we will head north on the Sea to Sky Highway. 

Bob and Carmen.

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 2 – To Victoria

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 2 – To Victoria

Today, we are heading to Victoria, but first I took a picture last night of the Expo Building created for the Olympics from the ninth floor of our hotel. 

Before leaving, we will do a quick tour of Vancouver.  Downtown we pass many high rise buildings with polished glass walls.  The reflections from the glass show buildings opposite.  I thought the reflections were great.

As we go by the water front, we pass the old Olympic torch, not on fire but it is still impressive. 

Continuing around town, we make our next stop at Stanley Park and the Totem Pole exhibit.  From here, we have a great view of the Port of Vancouver from across Coal Harbor.   You can even see one of the many planes with pontoons that take off and land. 

Back to the Park, we see a number of Totem Poles that are quite unique. 

 

I really like the ones that have beaks or other Totem extensions like wings and other things.

We continue our drive around Stanley Park and make a short stop at Prospect Point.  From here, we can see the Lions Gate Bridge which has a similar feel as the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Before making our way to the ferry to Victoria we stop at one of the local markets.  This market was fantastic, so many different foods including fresh seafood.  Carmen and I pick up a sandwich for our lunch along with a couple of pastries.  I cannot wait to eat the pastries.  There are a number of booths that sell fresh fruit.  Couldn’t help but take a picture of the berries.

We get to the ferry and after a short wait; we drive into the ferry and then leave the bus behind.  After eating our lunch we picked up at the market.  It is about 20 miles to Victoria and along the way we pass into the US, then back into Canada.  Good thing we didn’t have to go through customs.  While going through a channel between two islands we pass an oncoming ferry.  This is what we look like, only we are not on that boat.

Shortly after passing the other ferry, I saw an eagle.  It was quite some distance but I was able to get a picture.  This is our first picture of an animal, hope we see more.

Here is Carmen (on right), Helen (my sister) in the center and her husband next to her.  We were on the upper level of the ferry checking out the scenery as we boated by.  No, we did not see any whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, or otter; maybe on our trip to Whistler.

After leaving the ferry, we proceeded to a cider farm where we sampled three different hard ciders.  Now I have to tell you I like it when Carmen and I do a sampling of alcohol drinks.  Carmen does not drink alcohol and does not like the taste of these types of drinks.  So I get hers, I love sampling; I drink Carmen’s and mine.  While there, we noticed a ball of bees.  Very unusual and is a first for Carmen and me.

There were many bees around and I was able to get a picture of one of them in the flowers.

Driving around Victoria, we drive through Chinatown.

At our hotel, we have a nice view of the water front.  Here you can see the float plane fleet parked at the dock.  We were watching several planes land in the water then taxi up to the dock where they unloaded their passengers.

So the government building across the water from the hotel is lit up at night, so I took a picture of the lights of Victoria.

Tomorrow we have the morning off and then in the early afternoon head off to the Butchart Gardens where we will also eat dinner.

Until tomorrow, Bob and Carmen.

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 1 – To Vancouver

Western Canadian Rockies (WCR) – Day 1 – To Vancouver

Neither Carmen nor I wanted to wake up at 3:00AM in the morning to leave the house by 4:30 AM for the drive to Orlando.  Instead, we decided to go to Orlando on Sunday and get a (cheap) hotel for the night.  This will allow us to sleep in a little Monday morning before we board our jet to Seattle, Oregon. 

Yes, I said Seattle, even though we are going to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Carmen and I had free tickets from Delta, only problem you can only use it to fly in the lower 48.  So, our final destination is Vancouver and to get there we first fly to Seattle then we will rent a car and drive into Canada. 

This will finish our Pacific Coast Highway drive we took a number of years ago when we drove from (Tijuana, Mexico to ) San Diego, CA to San Francisco one year, then from San Francisco to Seattle, WA the second year.  Now we will finish driving the rest of the West Coastal route in the USA while driving up to Vancouver, BC, CA.  Anyway, we arrived in Seattle and got our car then finished our trip to Vancouver.  We were able to drive along Puget Sound following I-5. 

Well let me say that our flights went without any problems.  Then we got to Seattle.  It took about a half hour to get our bags.  Then, it took another half hour to get our rental car.  Hey, guess what, remember that I-5 bridge that collapsed in Washington?  Well we had to detour around it on our way north.  The bridge being out added just a small delay of about 40 minutes to go 1.5 miles.  Anyway, what should have taken us 3 to 3 1/2 hours ended up taking 4 1/2 hours.

After passing through the border, Carmen was surprised that the area leading up to Vancouver had vast acreage of agriculture with huge greenhouses that were acres in size.  The snow capped mountains which surround Vancouver was also a treat. 

Tonight we met the tour director along with everyone else on the trip.  Of course, we were 45 minutes late but we got all of our information I plan on asking.  Even on which side of the bus we’ll start sitting.  This way I’ll be on the side I want when we travel along the trip.

Tomorrow we set out for Victoria.  To get there we must take a ferry across the sound.  I’m crossing my fingers that we get to see whales during the ferry crossing and start our trip with viewing animals right away.

No pictures today, but hopefully tomorrow will be different. 

Until tomorrow, Bob and Carmen.