We are not 'sleepless in Seattle'!

Seattle, rainy city, has been relatively kind to us. It's been cold and very foggy but we've managed to get out and about.

On our first day we took a 'Duck' tour. Would have been okay if the 'driver' had given us some interesting information about Seattle but it all seemed to be about him - he was definitely a "wannabe actor'.It was interesting going from the road to the water. After this tour we went to the top of the Space Needle - the view was okay but would have been better if the fog had cleared!

Yesterday we took a boat trip which went around the lake and through a lock. We really hit lucky as the sky cleared as we left the quay & the views were wonderful. We were lucky enough to see seals and dolphins in the harbour. The house boats were interesting and only 500 are allowed in this area.

On a good day!                                                  

Today we went on an underground tour. The town burnt down in 1889 and the new town was built on the top of the old and left a number of alleys where you could see the past. We learnt a lot about Seattle and how the city developed.

Did a lot of walking today as we will be doing a lot of sitting in the next couple of days as we head back to Oz. So until the next time ......

More crazy times!

Yesterday left Anchorage. The snow had been falling for 24 hours - about 10 - 12.5 cm - so we weren't sure if we would get out! Got onto plane at appointed time but as you can see it was covered in snow. Pushed back so that the de-icing could begin but we sat for a while and then we were told there was possibly a computer malfunction so we had to go back to hub.

De-icing                                    

Back at the hub they reset the computers but we had to go through the de-icing again!

 It was pretty scary to be on a plane and seeing that the whole runway area is covered in snow - were we really going to be able to take off!. The lady next to us then said that the runway was heated!. 

Well we got off the ground and the snow covered mountains were a spectacular view from the window as we flew that was until we got to Seattle where we were greeted with freezing fog!

Today we walked down to the waterfront of Seattle and although it was foggy and cold it was good to walk after spending most of yesterday on a plane. We wandered around the market and have arranged to do a few touristy things tomorrow.

What a difference a day makes!!

This morning it started snowing - great change from rain! Went on a trip to an animal sanctuary quite a distance from Anchorage. Firstly we had to pick up three kiwi's from a place where they did sleigh rides - difficult with very little snow!Some how they managed - poor horse but by now the snow was really coming down so we were invited in for a hot chocolate!

We headed back the way we'd been yesterday - wow what a difference - you couldn't see any of the mountains ( pictures from blog yesterday) and the snow was now covering the road.We headed up to a ski area for our lunch - the cable car couldn't run because it had been damaged by strong winds. Enjoyed a warming bowl of soup. The area reminded me of being in Europe in the winter.


Continued the drive to the animal sanctuary and arrived to cold, snowy weather - actually the snow was quite deep and although I had my 'cleats' on I slipped and fell - why does Valda always have her camera at these moments?

Before

After

The snow continued too fall as we saw different animals - musk ox, moose, caribou lynx, bald headed eagles and bison. Photo's aren't brilliant because of the snow.

Finally returned to hotel for removal of cold shoes and a warming drink.

Rain has stopped in Anchorage!

Today we did a city tour of Anchorage. Firstly we were taken south to Cook inlet - found by Captain Cook. It was very cold and clear today and the mountains were beautiful. The Bay often has whales in it but not today. It was so interesting to see chunks of ice floating by and with the sun shining was spectacular.

The tour took us to the area where the 1964 earthquake had been. We were so pleased that we were wearing our ‘cleats’ because it meant that we could easily walk on the ice - we actually helped a young lady from Singapore to walk on the ice. We passed a lake where lots of little planes we lined up - some had wheels, some skis/floats or both. The lake was semi frozen so the planes couldn’t take off on the ice. Hard to believe but the stats here are that 1:11 Alaskans have a pilots licence and 1:50 own a plane! 

Looking at the area around the docks was interesting - so much ice! 

The sun set at 4.20pm today. The days are weird with sunrise not until 10am!

Crazy travels!!

12/1/13
Late breakfast and check out but with over 2 hours to wait until going to the airport we decided to walk to Stanley Park. The walk around the river took us to Totem poles - beautifully carved & coloured. 

Then took the walk around the beach to get back - not a good idea especially after walking some distance to find that we had 5 kms to go! There seemed little point in turning back so we powered on not daring to look at the time as we knew it was running out for us to get to the airport! The path was icy in places & cold because it was in the shade but the sea was clean & clear. The path wound around the cliffs and there was no way of gettting to a road so we continued on trying to increase our walking speed. Needless to say we arrived back at the hotel breathless but with just enough time to get to the airport!

Checked in at airport, paid $21each for our bags to be placed in the hold & then we went through customs and security - fingerprints etc. - until we reached a sign saying ‘Welcome to the USA - strange as we were still in Canada but it did mean that we didn’t have to go through customs once arriving in USA. All the rushing we had done was in vane as the plane left 50 minutes later than planned.

It was a short flight to Seattle to board the next flight to Anchorage. With it landing late Valda & I had to run to the next gate and for the first time ever our names were being announced throughout the airport. Once again today we arrived breathless but got on board! 

It was 3hr 30min to Anchorage and of course when we got there our bags hadn’t arrived! We had to fill in form etc & then went to our hotel by this time it was after 10pm & unfortunately no food to be had. Slept in our clothes & at 5am had a call to say that a bag had arrived - it was Valda’s but it was badly damaged!

After breakfast we went to the airport - thank goodness there is a free shuttle from this airport - Valda had taken her empty bag to claim on it & I asked where mine was! We watched 2 flights come in from Seattle but my bag wasn’t there. We spoke to supervisors from Air Alaska & they told us to go & buy the things we needed - me clothes, Valda a new bag - come back with the receipts and we’d be refunded the money spent. They also paid for an extra nights accommodation as instead of seeing Anchorage we were either at the airport or the Mall.

Conditions in the street were treacherous paths were totally icy. The temperature is just above freezing & it was raining. We were sliding along the paths praying that we wouldn’t fall. Daylight didn’t come in until 10am & by 5pm it was dark! We were not venturing out again once we were here so had a nice dinner & then an early night. Still no bag!!!! But wait - on going to breakfast I was reunited with my luggage.

Caught the shuttle to downtown Anchorage & called into another, minor airport which was a total ice.rink. 

We went to the Visitor Centre to check out a few things. Firstly it was suggested that we went to the Army & Navy store to buy 'cleats' ( things you put on your shoes which makes walking on ice ok!) We then found that because the weather was so mild there were a number of things we couldn't do! Even the ice sculptures are melting! 

After a great deal of discussion we are staying here for a couple of days and trying to do some day tours. One to an animal reserve has been shut for a few days because of the threat of avalanches! 

We will head to Seattle on Thursday & spend our last 5 days there. We will have to come back to Alaska at another time - hopefully much colder - to visit the areas we can't reach because of the mild weather.

Around Vancouver

Good to sleep in a bed which wasn’t rocking from side to side!

 View from hotel

Early start for trip to Vancouver Island. Bus pick up & then a long drive across the city to the ferry terminal. It was like going across the English Channel with all the cars, trucks & buses loaded on board. Clambered up numerous flights of stairs to get to the passenger deck - almost needed the altitude sickness tablets!!

The voyage took 90 minutes & it was smooth and very scenic - a little like the ferry from the North to South Island in New Zealand. Off the ferry back on the bus & then a short drive into Victoria. The harbour area was lovely, full of boats and sea planes. We watched the sea planes taking off and landing. Wandered through the Empress Hotel looking at the few shops, all very expensive, before looking at all the historical items from the hotel displayed as pictures and artifacts. The hotel was built in about 1912 so it was interesting.

Victoria

Vancouver

Vancouver

Trip back in the dark & cold. It only really gets light here at about 8am & is dark by 5pm. Everyone was telling us how warm it was 4C - not ready to strip off yet!!!

11/1/13
Today we walked along the beach front until we reached a ferry stop. It was very cold but the view was amazing. We are staying opposite English Bay which has tankers in the distance & the snow covered mountains.

Boarded the little ferry & in 5 minutes we were on Granville Island. There was a huge market with lots of local food/produce. After much walking and visiting little shops we finally boarded the ferry again & had a tour around the waterways. All very picturesque. 

Across Canada

Have just had the most awesome trip across Canada. Started at 10pm - baggage checked in & shown to carriage and our bunks ready for sleep. We heard that champagne was being served in the last carriage so we were off to check it & others out!

There was lots of chatting - quite a few Aussies - to introduce our selves & we finally turned in at 12:30am having said goodbye to the lights of Toronto. It was interesting sleeping & being on the top bunk there were a few moments when I felt that I might fall out but happily that didn't happen! Luckily when I had a shower the train was at a station so it was an easy operation. later showers were interesting as you were thrown from side to side.

To cut a long story short, and to let photos tell the tale, this was one of the best things we have done. The food was very good and you felt as if you had gone back in time - imagine the Orient Express. You were seated with new people for each meal so there was never a dull moment!

The views were spectacular and being in the Dome car was brilliant. The snow got deeper as we crossed the prairie but it was beautiful. It was hard to get your head around the frozen lakes & rivers.

Our travelling companions were interesting & there were times where we had sing songs where even the staff joined in.

The trip was varied with lots of stopping times for the freight trains to pass but other times, usually at night, the train rocked along & one night we all felt as if we'd been on a roller coaster.

Arrival in Vancouver was three hours late but that was fine for us. We are now in a hotel overlooking the bay. No snow here! Going to Vancouver Island tomorrow.

You give us heat, we'll give you cold!

Decided to walk to a diner for breakfast & boy did we get a shock as we stepped out. We were nearly lifted off our feet with the strong winds - good thing we didn’t need brollies otherwise we’d have been doing a Mary Poppins act down the street! All the signs, traffic lights etc were swaying to such a degree that you were scared of what might happen & snow was blowing everywhere. Had layered up today because of the cold.
After breakfast we went in search of a new bag fro Valda - all the manhandling & being thrown onto planes had split it. We walked ( flew) down the street to the Casino where we’d been told was a shop selling luggage. Had a quick look but there was nothing appropriate so we grabbed a taxi & headed to the local factory outlet. The taxi driver was telling us how the wind had lifted his vehicle off the road at one stage so the weather report stating ‘breezy’ was an understatement!!

I got trainers & two pairs of jeans - how could you not buy when 2 pairs of Levi’s came to $79!
Valda managed to get a new bag so she has been happily moving everything from broken bag to new bag.

The weather is too crazy to venture out in so we are enjoying the view from our room. We have been packing for our train trip - our main bags have to go into the guards van. We have tried to be as sparing as possible & hope that the other passengers don’t realise that we are wearing the same gear through the four night/five day journey!

We are being picked up by the bus company, which bought us here, at lunch time tomorrow & then dropped at Union Station around 7pm. The train leaves at 10pm so it’s all worked out well.

Am not sure if I will be able to pick up wifi on the train so this may be the last blog for a few days!

More snow!!

Awoke to find that it had snowed 5 cm & was still snowing - I think we are the only ones excited about the snow.

Bus tour to Niagara Falls started at 8:30 but it was nearly 10am by the time we left Toronto after picking others up. The side streets were covered with snow but the snowploughs & gritters had been out clearing the main roads. It was snowing quite heavily as we made our first stop - a visit to a winery where they made Ice Wine. They have to have three consecutive days of temps -10 or below and then they pick and crush the grapes during the night so that they remain frozen. Only two or three drops are ‘drawn’ from each grape so the resulting wine is very sweet as it’s high in sugar - tastes good though!

Back on the bus & on to Niagara on the Lake - a cute town. It’s claim to fame was the oldest pub in Ontario (?). It was very ‘Olde Worlde’ like an English pub but as this area was very British in its infancy you can understand why.

Next stop Niagara Falls & to see it in the winter is so different to the summer. Everywhere was very icy & snowy & some parts of the Falls were frozen. It was bitterly cold - will need to add a few more layers! We went up the Skylon Tower, 775feet above the Falls, I did quite well considering my nerves about heights - the lift going up on the outside of the tower meant that you watched, admired & ooood about the view! It was a bit spooky at the top because you could feel it swaying! The views were spectacular.

The bus driver dropped us at our hotel and at this moment we are sitting at the window watching the Falls - can’t see too much at the moment as it is dark but some areas are lit up.

Arrived Toronto, Canada

Day started with tour organisation so that we could get around today & have transport to Niagara Falls tomorrow.

Did a two hour bus trip around Toronto before alighting at the CN Tower - tallest tower in western hemisphere. I went up here with Allan, Kerry & Justin in 1992 - I think I was a bit more daring then because going up 110 floors in a lift that had a glass floor and windows showing the outside was difficult to take! The view was wonderful though and sat having a drink looking over Toronto.

We descended & went to the 3D and ride shows - part of the ticket price which was fun.

Walked back to hotel - the sky is heavy and grey - more snow?

There is a lot of snow here and the icicles are amazing but because there is no wind it doesn’t seem as cold as other places - perhaps the furry hats we bought helped!