US/Canada July - September 2015

[Noel Mugavin]

Due to the many kind words, and the opportunity to reminisce, for my trip report for Japan, I'm going to have a crack at the 2 months I spent abroad last year.

The Grand Emporer of WA, Colin, in a bid to try and make his figures look better, decreed that all teachers must clear their long service within 2 years. As someone who enjoys their job, and is generally pretty busy, I'd hardly touched any leave, and managed to have 120 plus days accumulated. In September of 2014, I had to put my best mate of 11 and a half years to sleep, a beautiful Border Collie/Staffy, so events sort of matched up as I'd never dream of leaving him for any length of time, and I decided to take Term 3 of 2015 off, and travel to the US and Canada. So the planning began, and worked to some degree at taking my mind off my mate, and by November flights had been booked and an itinary arranged.

I was due to fly out of Melbourne on the 26th July, as I was in Geelong for the 10 days prior with an involvement with a WA representative football team. Despite playing in conditions that didn't suit us, we managed to make the Grand Final, before the Vics trounced us, more than making up for the last kick win we had against them in the preliminary rounds.

During my planning I had discovered that someone at Qantas had changed my booking from QF95, to the earlier flight of the day. No one from Qantas had bothered to tell me this, and it was only due to the change of schedule of my return flight from Honolulu that this was brought to my attention. Fortunately I was able to get myself back on the original flight, as I had to transport 25 footballers back from Geelong to Melbourne Airport in the morning and wouldn't have been able to make the earlier flight.

A very early departure from Geelong to get the boys to the Airport by 7.00am, unpack the bus and truck, then return buses from a couple of other WA teams to the depot in Broadmeadows. Myself and another official who was staying in Melbourne to visit family did this, before I dropped him off in Diamond Valley, before I returned to Melbourne Airport, and checked into the Park Royal for a 5 hour stay. A well spent $100 as I was able to shower and have a little bit of a snooze knowing I wouldn't sleep on the plane.

Easy check in ready for the 5.00pm departure, and word at the gate was that it was a light load, giving hope to me that I would have a spare seat next to me. Bit of a delay, that put my tight connection in jeopardy, but was all one ticket so wasn't too concerned.

Took off about 50 minutes late, the young lady next to me quickly moved as soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, and I enjoyed 2 seats to myself near the back of the 747. Food and snacks came around every 2 hours, so much so that I was quite full when we finally landed. Managed about a 10 minute snooze while watching The Departed, and with what seemed a lot less than 14 hours, we were lined up with a South West Airlines 737 parallel with us ready to land at LAX.

On the shuttle bus, through immigration and customs, to the transfer bag drop. Had missed my connection for 4.00pm, and with the minimum of fuss rebooked for a 7.00pm flight. Off I went to the Alaska Air Terminal, surfed the web, people watched, didn't feel like eating as was still full from the Qantas flight, and before I knew it I was on the plane and taxiing out. My plan was to sleep on the plane, but again no dice for me.






At this stage I wasn't quite as cheerful as the figure on the tail fin, however once again I had a spare seat next to me, which made things that little more pleasant.

Day had turned to night, and I had finally landed at my first stop of ..................................

 

[GarrettM]

Great stuff Noel. Really liked your Japan report so will read this one with interest.
Don't suppose you want to give any hints as to your destinations? You've already got my curiosity peaked talking about your first mystery connection.

 

[irv]

Having been in Canada in 2011 & 2015, the latter trip included parts of the USA, also looking forward to your recollections of your journey.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 1 - Seattle

After an uneventual flight we landed at about 9.15pm, however we didn't disembark until about 10.00pm due to trying to find a gate to park at. Alaska's baggage area systems where experiencing problems, so they couldn't with any certainty tell me what carousel the flight's bags would come through on. Another little hassle that I probably didn't need at this stage of sleep depravation. Finally found my bag, then off I trudged to the carpark to find the shuttle company I had paid for. Found it easily enough, however another 45 minute wait until the shuttle was available. Finally, at a little past midnight I was able to get through the front door of my hotel, The Ace in Belltown. The Ace is a bit of a hipster place, with shared bathrooms, however it fit into my criteria of being walking distance and/or close to public transport to attractions and $150 a night Australian or less. No card swiping here, old fashioned key in the door. Headed to the shower rooms, which for this visit and all others during my stay, was immaculately clean, had a shower then straight to bed.

Before I knew it, I was up again, with the clock radio showing 7.00am. Another shower, made sure I had a battery and card in my camera, and off I went, walking uphill to Kerry Park to get some shots of the Seattle skyline. It being Seattle, there was some low cloud hanging around, so not the greatest time for photography, but them's the breaks.



Back downhill I went to the Seattle Center to transfer my voucher for the Seattle Pass. Looking through my booklet it was then I discovered that between the time I had purchased my voucher, some 4 or 5 months prior, to now, The Museum of Flight was no longer one of the attractions I could use with the pass. Bit of a bummer, but it did include a $2 discount for the museum.

Off I went down to the waterfront, then heading south passing all the used and unused piers as I went. Seattle hasn't got the greatest looking waterfront, and it certainly wasn't helped with the major works project going on to strengthen the sea wall. Strolled around for a bit, passing time until my 10.30 Harbour Cruise.



Harbour cruise was quite pleasant, one of the activities in the city pass, some interesting information and good opportunities for some photos.



Next up was a visit to the aquarium. Unfortunately wall to wall kids. I lasted about 20 minutes before I got out of there, and headed up to Pike Place Market. Bit of a look around, grabbed a couple of Chinese Pork buns for about a dollar each, very nice and very filling, stumbled across the Gum Wall, could've done without that to be honest.



It was early to mid afternoon by this stage, and temperature would have been 30 plus. Not a real problem for a Perth boy, but could do with a cold drink and a rest for a little while, so headed back to the hotel, where I put my feet up for 20 minutes or so. Being a Seattle hotel, and on the cheap side there was no air conditioner, there was however a nice breeze coming off the water and into the room through the window.

No rest for the wicked, and I was up and at it again, this time visiting the EMP museum. Spent about an hour , hour and a half in there, however people who are really into pop culture, Star Wars, anime, I think, could spend days in there. More exploring around the Seattle Center, until I hit the wall at about 7.00pm. Didn't bother with anything to eat, short walk back to the hotel, drank some water, shower, prepared myself for my early morning departure tomorrow to ...............

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 2 - Vancouver

An early cab ride down to King St Amtrak Station for the train journey to Vancouver. Quite impressed by the station, looked quite grand inside. Was also treated to the dulcet tones of a chinese gentleman smacking his lips as he devoured piece after piece of fried chicken, as his wife dutifully fed it to him out of a plastic bag cradled gently on her lap. Drawn by the noise, what must have been their, obese, son, waddled over and joined in the feast, therefore treating me and the few others in the lightly populated hall, to lip smacking in surround sound.



As the train would be travelling over the border, I had to check in my luggage, then requested a seat by the window on the Puget Sound side. I had been to the US before, back in 2000, and used Amtrak and was very happy with it back then, and happy with it again. Comfortable, spacious seats, wifi, and big viewing windows, which also allowed me to get some shots of Puget Sound.



All was good re being on time until we got over the Canadian Border, where we were informed that there would be delays due to the coper being stolen from the signals. On 3 or 4 occasions we had to stop for about 20 - 30 minutes, while we were manually allowed to proceed, and also due to Amtrak not owning the lines, had to wait our turn until freight trains were given priority.

These delays put my Harbour Cruise in jeopardy, as I had allowed a few hours to wander Vancouver until doing the cruise. The train eventually got to Vancouver, had to grab my bags, get through immigration, grab a cab then check into the hotel. I got to the hotel, The Barclay on Robson Street, $115Aus a night, checked in by a gorgeously attractive and friendly Asian lady, then headed up to my room. Unfortunately no lifts in the old building, so had to drag my bag up 2 flights. About 20 minutes until the cruise was due to leave, so I knew I had to move my backside and get my directions right.

Somehow I did it, despite heading the wrong way, asking directions from people who had no idea, but ultimately being assisted by the fact that the cruise company was a bit casual, and a bit behind schedule themselves. Talked to an old fella who had fond memories of transporting a bus full of Aussie rugby players around a few years back.

Vancouver is stunning. Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and able to see the mountain setting, Stanley Island, and also liked all the water plane activity.





Following the cruise walked along the stunning waterfront, Perth decision makers, visit, take some notes. Had a dinner close to the hotel of doner meat and vegetables, then went back to the hotel as the sun was going down, as again had an early morning start to my next destination of .......................

 

[irv]

Vancouver is one of my favourite cities, very liveable.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 3 Vancouver - Jasper


Another early start as I made my way a few blocks to my departure point for my 4 day tour of the Rockies. I had booked the tour through Key West tours, and the first bonus was that there was only 15 people on the coach, so plenty of room to choose the best viewing seat.

1st stop was Hope, were apparently First Blood was filmed. What was more interesting was the Chainsaw art around the town. The detail was very impressive, however apart from the and the spectacular, there looked to be little hope in Hope.





A few more hours of bus travel until the lunch stop at Kamloops, where I tried the Canadian specialty of Poutine. Chips, gravy and cheese curds, can't say I see the attraction, a bit ho hum.

Next stop was Wells Gray Park, then on to Mt Robson, where unfortunately the cloud cover prevented us from seeing the summit.



Finally arrived in Jasper at around 8.30, with the sun still high in the sky, checked in to the Lobstick Lodge, then headed in to the town for a late dinner. Settled at a bit of a pub restaurant type place, where I was treated to a family's questionable hygiene standards at the table next to mine. They finished and left before I did, at which stage I had to tell the waitress cleaning up the table that she should perhaps remove the parmesian and other condiment shakers, as the kids had been allowed to lick the tops of all of them to see if they liked them. Also made a mental note to never use any condiments at any restaurant ever again.

A couple of hours at the pub, and a couple of quite beers, then was off to bed.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 4 Jasper - Banff

Drove up behind Jasper to Pyramid Lake. Very serene in the early morning, with only the people on the bus tour there,



Next stop was Maligne Canyon where I went for a bit of a hike, before we headed back to Jasper. Had about an hour and a half to explore and grab a coffee and also try another Canadian specialty, a Nanaimo Bar.



Soon it was on to the Icefields Parkway, and a stop at Athabasca Falls.



Again on to the Icefields Parkway and a stop for a beef stew for lunch at Sunwapta Falls.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 4 (Cont)


After lunch headed to the Columbia Icefield. Visitor Centre was packed, as was the buses heading on to the Glacier. Fortunately we had a time already booked, and it was only about a half hour wait before we were on the Glacier. I had packed only shorts and shirts as well as a water proof jumper for the trip, as well as a pair of jeans, jacket, gloves and scarf specifically for the trip on to the glacier. Needless to see, these items simply took up space in my bag for the 8 weeks. You are only on the glacier for about 15 minutes, and it is quite pleasant. Did take the opportunity to fill the water bottle with some fresh water coming down the mountain.





Moving on to Banff, had a photo stop at Peyto Lake. There were quite a few people at the viewing area, and some were whinging about some guy sitting on a ledge ruining their photos. Had to agree, this bloke was in the way of some good shots, so after deciding that no one else was going to, and they probably expect an Aussie to be loud and upfront, I yelled down 'Oi mate, any chance of getting out of the way'. He gave a quick glance up and moved away, and I received the admiration of about 40 fellow tourists.



Again headed off to Banff, where we were fortunate to get a bear sighting by the side of the road, a few more lakes as we passed through, and finally the first sighting of Banff.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 4 (cont)


Got to Banff and checked in to the Banff Aspen Lodge, then headed out to explore and grab some dinner. The air was fresh and crisp, and the views stunning. Went to change some cash, and as is always a bit of a nice feeling when you're travelling abroad, found that the fellow working at the cash exchange was an Aussie. He had been working in the mining industry, which had taken a bit of a downturn in Canada, and was now doing whatever work he could pick up.

Had a pasta dish, then went looking for the Beaver Tail, the Alpine donut. Ruined it for myself by going maple syrup and chocolate, which was way too sweet, and ended up turfing half of it. The only downer on a great day.

 

[irv]

This brings back some memories, have some fond memories of our trips through the rockies, spectacular country.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 5 Banff - Lake Louise


Another early start, headed up to the hot springs where a couple got off to have a soak, while the rest of us went to Bow River, for a look at the falls and Banff Springs Hotel.



Next was a visit to some lakes around Banff. 1st up Lake Minnewanka.



A quick drive up the road to Two Jack Lake, where we had a bit of trouble getting back on the bus due to a herd of mountain sheep grazing next to the bus.



Back to Banff for a couple of hours, where I redeemed the beaver tail situation from the evening prior, went the simple lemon and sugar, very nice.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Great TR so far!
Fantastic Photos, the best season to see the Rockies is in April/May.... Still a little snow around in places, but bearable weather conditions.
And most importantly before the Mass Tourism season starts in June.

I used to live and work in Banff back in 2010/2011 (head office of Banff Lodging Co) looks like the town is still magnificent as it always has been.
Which hotel did you stay in, May I ask?

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Great TR so far!
Fantastic Photos, the best season to see the Rockies is in April/May.... Still a little snow around in places, but bearable weather conditions.
And most importantly before the Mass Tourism season starts in June.

I used to live and work in Banff back in 2010/2011 (head office of Banff Lodging Co) looks like the town is still magnificent as it always has been.
Which hotel did you stay in, May I ask?

Aspen Lodge

 

[irv]

I can see my hotel, last on the right in the photo, what it was called

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 5 (cont)


Next stop Johnston Canyon, bit of a walk, but nice reward at the end. Found $10 on the trial, put it in the tin for the firefighters in the souvenier shop.



Apologies for the photo, rotated it in my documents, however reverted back when uploaded here

Then on to Lake Louise Ski Resort for a late lunch, then on the chairlift to get some stunning views of Lake Louise.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Day 5 (cont.)


On getting on the bus to leave the resort, we were all given a book on the Canadian Rockies, full of fantastic pictures. A nice touch from the tour company.

Off we headed to Moraine Lake, the place that more than anything made we want to visit the Rockies. We only had 15 minutes at the top of the rock pile, enough time to get some photos, not enough time to do any exploring.



Next stop was Lake Louise, more time here to have a bit of a walk around.



Checked in to the dated but comfortable hotel, bit of dinner at the small village, then a quiet night.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

I can see my hotel, last on the right in the photo, what it was called

So to the right of the Aspen lodge is the High Country Inn ( I can't see it in the photo above though) to the left of the Aspen lodge is a new Hotel being constructed called The Moose.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Day 5 (cont.)


On getting on the bus to leave the resort, we were all given a book on the Canadian Rockies, full of fantastic pictures. A nice touch from the tour company.

Off we headed to Moraine Lake, the place that more than anything made we want to visit the Rockies. We only had 15 minutes at the top of the rock pile, enough time to get some photos, not enough time to do any exploring.

View attachment 68042

Next stop was Lake Louise, more time here to have a bit of a walk around.

View attachment 68043

Checked in to the dated but comfortable hotel, bit of dinner at the small village, then a quiet night.

View attachment 68044

Moraine Lake is actually more beautiful than Lake Louise IMHO, so many tourists don't know about it, so I'm pleased you made it.
At lake Louise Did you hike up to the tea house by any chance?

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Moraine Lake is actually more beautiful than Lake Louise IMHO, so many tourists don't know about it, so I'm pleased you made it.
At lake Louise Did you hike up to the tea house by any chance?

Unfortunately not. Didn't have a great amount of time, went for a stroll around the lake, and had a look through the hotel, photo stops etc