Into Each Life A Little Rain Must Fall

...but the emphasis is "little"!  We woke for our departure from Lake Louise to pretty heavy showers.  It had apparently snowed in the mountains for the first 'fall' this 'fall'!  I thought it was supposed to be summer.  The rain continued as steady drizzle through to Banff but did not stop us visiting a few view points that were a little obscured. The morning highlight was a visit to do a Laundromat drop off - ah the joy of travelling!

Fairmont Banff Springs 

We wandered Banff shops between the rain drops but miraculously the rain stopped and clouds parted just as we were going to scale Sulphur Mountain in a gondola.  A spectacular view was revealed - and thus ended the rain and glorious weather has continued.

Banff Lake cruise was close to disappointing after our Jasper experience and we had our only thoughts of "I wish we had done another activity - helicopter was apparently fabulous - ah well!!!

The Rocky Mountaineer two day journey was fantastic in so many ways.  The scenery more varied than I probably expected, but spectacular at every turn.  The crew were attentive and entertaining and as a result of being well into our trip the group has bonded well and as we were in a captive environment, but with lots of room to wander round, led to much chatting and frivolity.  The poor 6 or so non APT travellers in our carriage!!!  We continued to enjoy amazing weather.  How blessed we have been.  Even the delay which meant we crawled at a snail's pace, due to track work in the morning leaving, Banff resulting in our arrival in Kamloops being 3 hours late!!  The poor staff had to pull an extra meal out of emergency supplies!!!

A taste of Rocky Mountianeer scenery day 1

Day 2

Vancouver is a lovely city and home for both our guide and drive.  They have been proudly showing off the sites.  There are many features that remind us of Aukland.

Vancouver from Canada Place

Our fingers are crossed that the incredible summer conditions continue tomorrow as we sail for Alaska.  I am writing a pen and paper draft of this blog as we wait for a bus to return us to our home - the Waterfront Fairmont from Grouse Mountain after an unsuccessful bear hunt!  The internet deal does not exist here unfortunately and @ 49c a minute decided preparation was a wise idea.

View from Grouse Mountain

The bear we didn't see!  Long story.  Thanks John Longworth.

Though we are old hands, as it is our third cruise, it will be very different as we embark with 42 'friends' who we will no doubt socialise with at times.  Should be fun.

50% of the term is over for many of you but only 20% of our trip.  May the teachers enjoy the downhill run as we continue to enjoy an experience of a lifetime - part 2 of six (west coast road trip done, cruise 1 to begin)
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Well that was the draft I wrote but minutes after finishing that, sitting on the bus I decided it was time to send a text to someone who's 50th I was supposed to be at - NO PHONE.  Don't know what happened???  Have put a stop on it so if it turns up (unlikely) I can reactivate and at least can keep my number when I get a new phone on my return.  So feel free to email - helenl@a1.com.au, if you feel moved to say hello.  I will email Lisa's mobile number to John in case of emergencies.  BUGGER!!!!