Day Two
Well where can I start. I woke up early this morning in Vancouver and after packing my bags took a short trip to the Rocky Mountaineer train station that they own and have sole use of. I can only describe what happened next as heart warming.
The train today is the last of the season to Calgary. As a special surprise ( not for our group) but in general Rocky Mountaineer had put on what they call a train for hero's. Here they invited wounded service men and patrons of military charities ( Help for Hero's and Canadian / Australian /American equivalents) to join the train and have a Hero's send off they deserve.
The amount of people at the station was phenomenal. All nationalities turned up to wave off the brave solders. About ten minutes after we arrived the service men and their families turned up, but before they pulled in to the station they were preceded by a Motorcycle Convoy arranged by the Vancouver police chief. At the entrance to the station the red carpet was rolled out, either side lined with rows of people waving flags, cheering and clapping. The Canadian Mounted police, followed by a military bag pipe player lead the soldiers through the crowed station to a platform where they were introduced and applauded. The atmosphere was incredible and seeing that many people routing for the Hero's really was emotional and made you incredibly proud of our armed forces and these very brave individuals. I feel very very lucky to have witnessed this.
After all of the emotion it was time to board the train. Today we were in Silver Leaf and travelling from Vancouver to Kamloops. As soon as I walked into the cabin the first thing I noticed was how wide and roomy the carriages really are. There is plenty of room to swing a cat, two even and the windows are very large and open. Just before we left we saw a hyena running down the track. Next on the agenda was breakfast. In Silver Leaf this is served at your seat. The table comes down from the seat in front of you plane style but, that is we're the similarities end. Think world traveller plus seats but more room.
The breakfast on board was brilliant, first coffee, then jam cinnamon scones, then fruit salad , finally finished off with Canadian bacon, eggs and potatoes. The standard is very very high and would not be out of place in a high end hotel. Lunch was equally as impressive with a choice of main course. Followed by desert. The staff on the train were informative, interesting and also very funny. I can honestly say that so far this has been a very, very impressive start.
Now the scenery. To say picturesque is an understatement. Like a dog sticking his head out of a car window, in between the carriages you take in the fresh air and see all Canada has to offer. The mountains, lakes and wildlife are absolutely spectacular. It is only my second day but already I am completely sold.
Tonight I am out for a quiet meal then tomorrow it's onto the train again for Gold Leaf. I can't wait!
Well where can I start. I woke up early this morning in Vancouver and after packing my bags took a short trip to the Rocky Mountaineer train station that they own and have sole use of. I can only describe what happened next as heart warming.
The train today is the last of the season to Calgary. As a special surprise ( not for our group) but in general Rocky Mountaineer had put on what they call a train for hero's. Here they invited wounded service men and patrons of military charities ( Help for Hero's and Canadian / Australian /American equivalents) to join the train and have a Hero's send off they deserve.
The amount of people at the station was phenomenal. All nationalities turned up to wave off the brave solders. About ten minutes after we arrived the service men and their families turned up, but before they pulled in to the station they were preceded by a Motorcycle Convoy arranged by the Vancouver police chief. At the entrance to the station the red carpet was rolled out, either side lined with rows of people waving flags, cheering and clapping. The Canadian Mounted police, followed by a military bag pipe player lead the soldiers through the crowed station to a platform where they were introduced and applauded. The atmosphere was incredible and seeing that many people routing for the Hero's really was emotional and made you incredibly proud of our armed forces and these very brave individuals. I feel very very lucky to have witnessed this.
After all of the emotion it was time to board the train. Today we were in Silver Leaf and travelling from Vancouver to Kamloops. As soon as I walked into the cabin the first thing I noticed was how wide and roomy the carriages really are. There is plenty of room to swing a cat, two even and the windows are very large and open. Just before we left we saw a hyena running down the track. Next on the agenda was breakfast. In Silver Leaf this is served at your seat. The table comes down from the seat in front of you plane style but, that is we're the similarities end. Think world traveller plus seats but more room.
The breakfast on board was brilliant, first coffee, then jam cinnamon scones, then fruit salad , finally finished off with Canadian bacon, eggs and potatoes. The standard is very very high and would not be out of place in a high end hotel. Lunch was equally as impressive with a choice of main course. Followed by desert. The staff on the train were informative, interesting and also very funny. I can honestly say that so far this has been a very, very impressive start.
Now the scenery. To say picturesque is an understatement. Like a dog sticking his head out of a car window, in between the carriages you take in the fresh air and see all Canada has to offer. The mountains, lakes and wildlife are absolutely spectacular. It is only my second day but already I am completely sold.
Tonight I am out for a quiet meal then tomorrow it's onto the train again for Gold Leaf. I can't wait!
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