Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Miss Margaret's
Maybe it is just me, but I always find that somewhere that offers 'a vast array of pampering and spa treatments' always sounds a little bit 'dodgy'.
I am sure that this place is very much 'above board', but my suspicions where raised further when I found a voucher for 10% off 'anything you fancy' from 'Miss Margaret' as part of my welcome pack.
Imagine my surprise when I ordered a Cappuccino from the coffee shop this morning, only to be asked if I had my voucher!!
Miss Margaret's is the name of the Starbucks wannabe in the hotel... They still don't know what I am laughing at now!
Brilliant.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
I am sure that this place is very much 'above board', but my suspicions where raised further when I found a voucher for 10% off 'anything you fancy' from 'Miss Margaret' as part of my welcome pack.
Imagine my surprise when I ordered a Cappuccino from the coffee shop this morning, only to be asked if I had my voucher!!
Miss Margaret's is the name of the Starbucks wannabe in the hotel... They still don't know what I am laughing at now!
Brilliant.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Crazy Fish
I have been eating at a variety of places during my time in Canada - Japanese, Mexican, Canadian (read Alberta PrimeRib) and Italian so far...
Last night in Harrison I decided to have a stroll about to see what I could find - and I stumbled across an absolute gem, Crazy Fish Bistro.
We have a Fish only restaurant at home in Bedford (Eat Fish) which Clare and I promised ourselves we would check out; Unfortunately it was really disappointing when we did, so our search for a really good fish restaurant continued... That search is now over!
The restaurant looks like a shack from outside, but it nicely decorated inside, a bit like a log cabin.
The staff are great, really chatty and helpful: and not at all pretentious or stuffy... It is a 'cool restaurant' rather than a 'posh restaurant'.
And the food? Outstanding!
I had the Blackened Snapper, a 7-8oz. snapper fillet coated in cajun spices, topped with a lime and tequila salsa. It was served with rice and a huge amount of grilled vegetables.
The fish was excellent - The salsa sublime... And everything was grilled (how can food be this tasty AND healthy?!).
Fortunately I have another evening here tonight, so I am going back to have the chef's recommend Sweet and Spicy fresh BC Salmon (a dish they explained they couldn't do last season as they couldn't get fresh Salmon locally, and refused to use frozen!)
I know it is unlikely, but if you are in ever in the BC area, it is well worth the trip.
Oh, and the view over Harrison Lake on the walk back to the hotel is stunning too.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Best of Both
I left the ski resort of Sun Peaks this morning, heading for Harrison Lake (my stop for the next two nights).
Following advice from some locals, I decided to take the 2 hour (!) detour enroute to visit the city of Kelowna, BC.
...and I am glad I did! Kelowna is a summer holiday location for a lot of British Columbians - Having a great mix of shops, bars, parks and watersports... And a cracking climate!
It is known here at the 'California of the North', which suits it well. This is a really nice laid-back atmosphere to the place.
I left Sun Peaks this morning in jeans and a hoodie - It was chilly!; I should have put shorts and a t-shirt on instead for here:
The weather is gorgeous, as is the view, as I sit here in the City Park overlooking the harbour with my Caramel Pecan waffle cone.
Canada continues to impress - Snow to Sun within a 4 hour drive.
Lovely.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Following advice from some locals, I decided to take the 2 hour (!) detour enroute to visit the city of Kelowna, BC.
...and I am glad I did! Kelowna is a summer holiday location for a lot of British Columbians - Having a great mix of shops, bars, parks and watersports... And a cracking climate!
It is known here at the 'California of the North', which suits it well. This is a really nice laid-back atmosphere to the place.
I left Sun Peaks this morning in jeans and a hoodie - It was chilly!; I should have put shorts and a t-shirt on instead for here:
The weather is gorgeous, as is the view, as I sit here in the City Park overlooking the harbour with my Caramel Pecan waffle cone.
Canada continues to impress - Snow to Sun within a 4 hour drive.
Lovely.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Monday, September 27, 2010
GyPSy Guide
I know I keep mentioning this GyPSy Guide that is helping me find my way around Canada in my previous posts, but what exactly is it?
First things first, I don't have a 'traveller' in the passenger seat who keeps offering to Tarmac my drive, or look after my 'dag'. - Not that sort of Gypsy at all... The clue is in the way GyPSy is written, emphasising GPS.
So, GyPSy is just another name for a TomTom? Absolutely not, in fact, there is no way of entering a destination into it, so it isn't designed to find hotels for you, for example.
So what is it for then?!
Rent this small device (about the size of a mobile phone) and plug it in to the car stereo (I am using the AUX connection, but it also comes with am FM Transmitter in case your car doesn't have one).
The GyPSy then automatically plays commentary as you arrive at points along your day's travel route.
For example, it tells you about the beautiful scenery, interesting stories of past explorers, gives advice on where to watch for wildlife and tells quirky tales about Canada.
All the information is presented by professional local tour guides in Canada, and really is a very entertaining and informative way to tour around.
Although I said it doesn't replace a traditional 'enter the postcode' Satnav, it works perfectly along side it.
As well as commentary on local communities and attractions, the guide also gives basic direction instructions at major intersections, shows photo viewpoints on it's screen and (best of all in my opinion) suggest short side trips to places you simply wouldn't have found on your own.
When ever we have done a touring style holiday before (California, Yosemite or Florida for example), my excellent tour guide has always been Clare with a Lonely Planet book.... as she isn't here with me in Canada, I needed a substitute: The GyPSy guide has hit the spot.
In summary, the unit is a totally unintrusive, informative, fun way to learn about Canada as you tour around, at your own pace.
It is not banging on then whole time either, if fact sometimes it goes quiet for 10 minutes or so (and tells you it is going to to let you enjoy the scenery), before making you jump a bit as it starts chatting again (but you get used to that!)
I was dubious of the benefit before I booked the unit, but in hindsight it has
proved itself to be invaluable to me - I have seen and photographed so many locations that I simply wouldn't have known about without it.
Excellent product - Highly recommended... Even if you are not travelling alone - I can imagine it prompting discussion in the car when travelling as group.
You can find out more at www.gpstourscanada.com
Now, I have to go as me and my guide are off to Sun Peaks British Columbia, via... Who knows?!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
To finish off...
I ended today's tour with a visit and ride on the Jasper Tramway, for a great view over Jasper (even with the clouds)
They finally as short 30 minute stroll around Pyramid Island, near Pyramid Lake.
A five hour drive into British Columbia in the morning, so won't be a late one tonight.
Another cracking day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
They finally as short 30 minute stroll around Pyramid Island, near Pyramid Lake.
A five hour drive into British Columbia in the morning, so won't be a late one tonight.
Another cracking day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Maligne Lake
Here we are al Maligne Lake, the longest lake in The Rockies...
You can take a 90 minute boat ride to Spirit Island from here, but I am going to walk the 2pm Mary Scheffer trail instead.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
You can take a 90 minute boat ride to Spirit Island from here, but I am going to walk the 2pm Mary Scheffer trail instead.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Maligne Canyon
Now I am heading to Maligne (pronounced Ma-Leen) Lake - One of the most photographed lakes in Canada.
Stopping at the way for a coffee at the Maligne Canyon Inn and if course to look at the view over the Canyon itself.
This is the Canyon's highest falls - The sound here was deafening!
Oh, and I highly recommend the Iced Macadamia Cappuccino at the tea house... Bargain at just $3!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Stopping at the way for a coffee at the Maligne Canyon Inn and if course to look at the view over the Canyon itself.
This is the Canyon's highest falls - The sound here was deafening!
Oh, and I highly recommend the Iced Macadamia Cappuccino at the tea house... Bargain at just $3!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Around Jasper
This morning I started with a trip to Old Ford, taking in Lac Beauvert on the way... I was concerned about the overcast skies, but they seem to be clearing now (and if anything added to the scenery over the lake:
The west side of the lake is flanked by a Golf course, with the 14th hole using it as a water hazard (would love to play a round here!)
A couple if dozen steps later, and this is the view of the Athabasca River, taken from Old Ford Point.
As usual, other than the flow of the river and calls from wildlife (the Elk's screams as really loud this morning), it is perfectly silent here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
The west side of the lake is flanked by a Golf course, with the 14th hole using it as a water hazard (would love to play a round here!)
A couple if dozen steps later, and this is the view of the Athabasca River, taken from Old Ford Point.
As usual, other than the flow of the river and calls from wildlife (the Elk's screams as really loud this morning), it is perfectly silent here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Peyto Lake
Yet another lake view:
This time it is Peyto Lake along the Icefield Parkway.
The green colour is caused by silt as the glacier grinds the mountains away.
This time it is Peyto Lake along the Icefield Parkway.
The green colour is caused by silt as the glacier grinds the mountains away.
Banff to Jasper
Today was a real 'road trip' day - although Banff to Jasper is only 240km, I managed to take all day to do it.
The 'problem' with The Rockies is that there is simply no boring roads or views - There is always something to see, photograph or do around each bend.
The excellent 'GyPSy Guide' makes it even more difficult as it ensures you don't miss anything either (I promise a full post on this cool bit of kit soon!)
I decided to travel on the Bow Valley road, rather than HW1, via Lake Louise on the first leg of the trip, before moving on to HW93 (The Icefield Parkway).
I had photographed Lake Louise on Friday as part of that day's tour, so decided to look at Morataine Lake instead - I am glad I did, I think it is even more gorgeous than Lake Louise:
The trek up the rocks to get to this view was a little tricky (especially with all my camera gear, and in thin air at 7000ft above sea level), but I think it was worth the effort.
A few more lakes, mountain passes and waterfalls later, I finally arrived at the Columbia Icefield Experience.
The Icefield feeds the Athabasca Glacier, a huge piece of ice 4 miles long covering more than 3 square miles.
The Glacier is impressive enough to see from a distance, even better is to actually go onto it - at more than 1000ft deep (!) I thought it would be pretty safe, but was sure the Chevy Malibu wouldn't be up to the task.... But I did find something that would be:
The Ice Explorer
It was obviously very cold and windy out on the glacier, but an experience I simply won't forget - It really was like being on a different planet.
Brilliant experience.
And just when you think Canada couldn't get any better, I arrive at Athabasca Falls - The water from the melting Glacier bursting through Quartz to produce a huge roaring falls (this is just the top!)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
The 'problem' with The Rockies is that there is simply no boring roads or views - There is always something to see, photograph or do around each bend.
The excellent 'GyPSy Guide' makes it even more difficult as it ensures you don't miss anything either (I promise a full post on this cool bit of kit soon!)
I decided to travel on the Bow Valley road, rather than HW1, via Lake Louise on the first leg of the trip, before moving on to HW93 (The Icefield Parkway).
I had photographed Lake Louise on Friday as part of that day's tour, so decided to look at Morataine Lake instead - I am glad I did, I think it is even more gorgeous than Lake Louise:
The trek up the rocks to get to this view was a little tricky (especially with all my camera gear, and in thin air at 7000ft above sea level), but I think it was worth the effort.
A few more lakes, mountain passes and waterfalls later, I finally arrived at the Columbia Icefield Experience.
The Icefield feeds the Athabasca Glacier, a huge piece of ice 4 miles long covering more than 3 square miles.
The Glacier is impressive enough to see from a distance, even better is to actually go onto it - at more than 1000ft deep (!) I thought it would be pretty safe, but was sure the Chevy Malibu wouldn't be up to the task.... But I did find something that would be:
The Ice Explorer
It was obviously very cold and windy out on the glacier, but an experience I simply won't forget - It really was like being on a different planet.
Brilliant experience.
And just when you think Canada couldn't get any better, I arrive at Athabasca Falls - The water from the melting Glacier bursting through Quartz to produce a huge roaring falls (this is just the top!)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Grizzly!
As promised, here is proof of my Grizzly Bear encounter yesterday...
Huge animals - I kept my distance.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Huge animals - I kept my distance.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Kicking Horse, BC
Sulphur Mountain
A quick clip put together on the iPhone4 to give you a flavour of the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff.
First time I have linked a video from Blogpost on the iPhone, so hope it works!
First time I have linked a video from Blogpost on the iPhone, so hope it works!
Location:Banff National Park
Discovering Grizzly Bears
Today's tour is managed by Discover Banff Tours: specifically by the excellent guide Hugh Johnson (is THAT for real?!) and his bus 'Tom'- each bus has a name!
Seeing as Banff National park is 6640 sq. km (approx. 2500 sq. miles!), and only has around 60 Grizzly Bears - Needle in a haystack springs to mind, but we will see how we get on!
First leg is off on the Trans-Canada HW to Lake Louise for a quick 20 minute stop:
All photos in this post will be taken with the iPhone4. Taking plenty with the D300 and G11, but the current lack of laptop makes posting difficult on the go!
So off west now to Golden, BC, stopping at Takakkaw Falls on the way - The second highest falls in Canada:
And now the 90 minute drive to the Kicking Horse Resort, to look at the Bear refuge (and have some lunch).
Kicking Horse is the home of extreme sport in BC. A ski resort in the winter months which is then transformed into a mental Mountain Bike run during the off season - Basically people take their bikes up to the top via the cable car, and then hurtle down the ski-runs on them.
To make it more 'interesting' ramps and jumps are thrown in for good measure!
Lunch is at the top of the mountain too, via the Cable Car and then Ski Chair lift, at Canada's highest restaurant (7,700 ft).
Now to listen to the experts and search for Bears
Success! Just seen two Grizzlies in the wild - huge animals, even at this distance. Images from D300 later.
Super day with 4 Germans (none of whom mentioned the World Cup!) 2 Spaniards and a family of Australians.
Off to Jasper tomorrow, via the Columbia Icefields
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Seeing as Banff National park is 6640 sq. km (approx. 2500 sq. miles!), and only has around 60 Grizzly Bears - Needle in a haystack springs to mind, but we will see how we get on!
First leg is off on the Trans-Canada HW to Lake Louise for a quick 20 minute stop:
All photos in this post will be taken with the iPhone4. Taking plenty with the D300 and G11, but the current lack of laptop makes posting difficult on the go!
So off west now to Golden, BC, stopping at Takakkaw Falls on the way - The second highest falls in Canada:
And now the 90 minute drive to the Kicking Horse Resort, to look at the Bear refuge (and have some lunch).
Kicking Horse is the home of extreme sport in BC. A ski resort in the winter months which is then transformed into a mental Mountain Bike run during the off season - Basically people take their bikes up to the top via the cable car, and then hurtle down the ski-runs on them.
To make it more 'interesting' ramps and jumps are thrown in for good measure!
Lunch is at the top of the mountain too, via the Cable Car and then Ski Chair lift, at Canada's highest restaurant (7,700 ft).
Now to listen to the experts and search for Bears
Success! Just seen two Grizzlies in the wild - huge animals, even at this distance. Images from D300 later.
Super day with 4 Germans (none of whom mentioned the World Cup!) 2 Spaniards and a family of Australians.
Off to Jasper tomorrow, via the Columbia Icefields
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
Friday, September 24, 2010
It was all going so well
Today started really well - I decided to explore some more of 'K-Country' before heading off to my next location, Banff.
Once in Banff I decided to ride the Banff Gondola - the easy way to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain:
Once there, as expected, the view is truly breathtaking.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Once in Banff I decided to ride the Banff Gondola - the easy way to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain:
Once there, as expected, the view is truly breathtaking.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Banff Ave,Banff,Canada
Being Adventerous
So time for dinner in Banff; The choice is huge, with most cultures and tastes catered for.
I decided to go Japanese at the Suginoya Restaurant on Banff Avenue...
Clare is not a huge Sushi fan, so not a choice we usually make at home.
I think I have ordered, the question is, what have I ordered?!
The menus were all in Japanese, so order was done by pointing at pictures... They looked pretty, just hope they taste good too!
The Sapporo is cold and tasty, so so far so good.
Wish me luck!
Main course looks great - More luck than judgement on my part I think.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
I decided to go Japanese at the Suginoya Restaurant on Banff Avenue...
Clare is not a huge Sushi fan, so not a choice we usually make at home.
I think I have ordered, the question is, what have I ordered?!
The menus were all in Japanese, so order was done by pointing at pictures... They looked pretty, just hope they taste good too!
The Sapporo is cold and tasty, so so far so good.
Wish me luck!
Main course looks great - More luck than judgement on my part I think.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone 4
And then it died
So, I checked into my Hotel in Banff, eagerly looking forward to seeing today's photos on the Macbook Pro.
I turned it on, heard the welcome 'chime' and then... Nothing. A blank black screen - no illuminated Apple logo, nothing.
I tried again, and again...
Removed the battery - nothing.
I am so glad I didn't delete the images from my CF Cards... Always best to keep copies.
I do have the iPad and camera connection kit, so I can back images up to that, but don't think I have enough space to store all of the RAW images I am taking.
It also makes Blogging a little more difficult, but still totally 'do-able' using Blogpost on the iPad... If a lot slower than composing with Mars Edit on the Macbook Pro.
The biggest issue is that I bought the Macbook Pro with me for iChat: Video calling the girls.
Looks like a voice only Skype solution will have to do - Makes being away from them that bit tougher though.
I will take the poorly Macbook Pro to Apple when I get to Vancouver, but that isn't until mid next week; And I am not sure there is much they can do anyway.
Updates may be a little more sporadic than planned!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I turned it on, heard the welcome 'chime' and then... Nothing. A blank black screen - no illuminated Apple logo, nothing.
I tried again, and again...
Removed the battery - nothing.
I am so glad I didn't delete the images from my CF Cards... Always best to keep copies.
I do have the iPad and camera connection kit, so I can back images up to that, but don't think I have enough space to store all of the RAW images I am taking.
It also makes Blogging a little more difficult, but still totally 'do-able' using Blogpost on the iPad... If a lot slower than composing with Mars Edit on the Macbook Pro.
The biggest issue is that I bought the Macbook Pro with me for iChat: Video calling the girls.
Looks like a voice only Skype solution will have to do - Makes being away from them that bit tougher though.
I will take the poorly Macbook Pro to Apple when I get to Vancouver, but that isn't until mid next week; And I am not sure there is much they can do anyway.
Updates may be a little more sporadic than planned!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What a day!
Today I realised what Landscape photography is all about - A wide angle lens and polarising filter and away you go.
I think the scenery helps though - I think anyone would struggle to take a bad shot when you are presented with a view link this:
I started my day with a walk around the Village Rim Trail, a short(ish!) stroll around Kananaskis Village centre - Within 200 yards I came face to face with a fantastic visa:
Just stunning...
I then moved on to walk the Trolls Falls trail - If one thing has struck me more than anything so far, it is the quiet - I only saw two other people along the whole route, and (bizarrely) they were 'Bow Hunting Elk'. You couldn't make this stuff up.
The Trolls Falls trek was well worth the effort - It is about 1.3KM each way from the road, but you are greeted at the end with a fantastic wall of water: Took loads of shots as expected, a select few are on my Flickr Site
Canada so far is simply breath-taking, the people are friendly, and the roads totally deserted:
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
I think the scenery helps though - I think anyone would struggle to take a bad shot when you are presented with a view link this:
I started my day with a walk around the Village Rim Trail, a short(ish!) stroll around Kananaskis Village centre - Within 200 yards I came face to face with a fantastic visa:
Just stunning...
I then moved on to walk the Trolls Falls trail - If one thing has struck me more than anything so far, it is the quiet - I only saw two other people along the whole route, and (bizarrely) they were 'Bow Hunting Elk'. You couldn't make this stuff up.
The Trolls Falls trek was well worth the effort - It is about 1.3KM each way from the road, but you are greeted at the end with a fantastic wall of water: Took loads of shots as expected, a select few are on my Flickr Site
Canada so far is simply breath-taking, the people are friendly, and the roads totally deserted:
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
That's better
After the damp start in Calgary yesterday, today I woke up to this view from my room at Delta Lodge, Kananaskis:
The sun is steaming through the trees, and the air is lovely and crisp... Batteries charged, time to go and explore the Rockies.
The sun is steaming through the trees, and the air is lovely and crisp... Batteries charged, time to go and explore the Rockies.
10.6 at the zoo
Such a shame I can't do anymore to remove the cage in the background, but I am still pretty pleased to capture a Snow Leopard.
Taken at Calgary Zoo, Alberta, CA.
Taken at Calgary Zoo, Alberta, CA.
Discovering Calgary
Spent my first full day in Canada today - It started out a little damp, but I was determined not to waste anytime, so jumped on the Tram to Calgary Zoo.
I know it is the end of the season, and it wasn't the best weather, but I was surprised at how empty the park was.
Perfect for me to play around with the camera and see what I could do;
This was handheld, through glass:
And this was through wire bars:
I then moved on to Calgary Tower for a view of the city. I am not a 'heights' person at all, but I do like the view they allow you - Would you believe that I has left my wide angle zoom in the car... Amateur
and I even got a little brave in the name of my art, standing on the glass floor looking down onto Calgary below
My afternoon was spent driving from Calgary to my next location 'Kananaskis' (Cana-Skis to us in the UK!)... Finally getting my first view of the Rockies.
Can't wait to go and explore them over the next few days - But until then, I am happy to make do with the stunning Barrier Lake:
Settled into Delta Lodge for the next two days - Really lovely room in a perfect location.
Off to charge some batteries.
I know it is the end of the season, and it wasn't the best weather, but I was surprised at how empty the park was.
Perfect for me to play around with the camera and see what I could do;
This was handheld, through glass:
And this was through wire bars:
I then moved on to Calgary Tower for a view of the city. I am not a 'heights' person at all, but I do like the view they allow you - Would you believe that I has left my wide angle zoom in the car... Amateur
and I even got a little brave in the name of my art, standing on the glass floor looking down onto Calgary below
My afternoon was spent driving from Calgary to my next location 'Kananaskis' (Cana-Skis to us in the UK!)... Finally getting my first view of the Rockies.
Can't wait to go and explore them over the next few days - But until then, I am happy to make do with the stunning Barrier Lake:
Settled into Delta Lodge for the next two days - Really lovely room in a perfect location.
Off to charge some batteries.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
My 'Wheels'
Finally arrived at Calgary Airport five minutes ahead of schedule.
A very small airport, that was totally deserted - Perfect for a quick pass through immigration, or so I thought...
Canadian officials thought it very odd that I was travelling alone, not meeting anyone, and had no family here... I am sure I am not the first.
They were happy once I explained that I was taking photos for personal use, and not on an assignment, so I went on my way.
I collected the excellent GyPSy Guide GPS system (more on this in a couple of days when I have really put it through it's paces), and went to collect my rental car for this part of the trip.
In true US/Canadian style, I was given a huge 'Bus' of a car;
A 2010 Chevrolet Malibu - Big V6 automatic... That doesn't really go around corners very well!
It also has a very fetching 'Beige' interior - mmmm.
After lots of swearing and head scratching I eventually found my first hotel 'Hotel Sandman' in downtown Calgary - To be fair to my navigation skills, building a tram link along the road that the Satnav was telling me I needed to go wasn't really me fault!
It is now 06:20 Calgary time - I have been awake since 04:00, but can't wait to go and explore.
A very small airport, that was totally deserted - Perfect for a quick pass through immigration, or so I thought...
Canadian officials thought it very odd that I was travelling alone, not meeting anyone, and had no family here... I am sure I am not the first.
They were happy once I explained that I was taking photos for personal use, and not on an assignment, so I went on my way.
I collected the excellent GyPSy Guide GPS system (more on this in a couple of days when I have really put it through it's paces), and went to collect my rental car for this part of the trip.
In true US/Canadian style, I was given a huge 'Bus' of a car;
A 2010 Chevrolet Malibu - Big V6 automatic... That doesn't really go around corners very well!
It also has a very fetching 'Beige' interior - mmmm.
After lots of swearing and head scratching I eventually found my first hotel 'Hotel Sandman' in downtown Calgary - To be fair to my navigation skills, building a tram link along the road that the Satnav was telling me I needed to go wasn't really me fault!
It is now 06:20 Calgary time - I have been awake since 04:00, but can't wait to go and explore.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wait and Weight
All started well - Clare and I left in plenty of time to allow for the Monday morning 'fun' on both the A421 and the M1, traffic was fine.
We then got a text about 10 miles or so outside of LHR from the excellent Tripit.com to tell us that the outward flight to Calgary had been delayed by five hours, and wouldn't leave until 18:15, arriving at 20:30 (Canadian time).
Fortunately AirCanada fly three times a day from Heathrow, and managed to swap my ticket to the 16:15 flight without charge... Cool.
I had to wait an hour or so before I could check in my luggage though, but free WiFi at Starbucks meant that that wasn't the end of the world.
It turns out that my case was over weight (you try being a photographer going to Canada for the first time and try to get down to 22kg!) - I had weighed it at home, but obviously balancing a case on bathroom scales isn't accurate enough!
Again, the AirCanada staff were excellent and allowed me two hand luggage bags, which dropped my main case enough to allow it to be checked in without any additional charge.
Bizarrely, Westjet (my internal flight operator) allows more weight, so I will have no problems there next week.
Waiting by the gate now - Just been informed that all seats onboard have power sockets that work with the iPad without using an adapter... Bonus.
Catch you all on the other side.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We then got a text about 10 miles or so outside of LHR from the excellent Tripit.com to tell us that the outward flight to Calgary had been delayed by five hours, and wouldn't leave until 18:15, arriving at 20:30 (Canadian time).
Fortunately AirCanada fly three times a day from Heathrow, and managed to swap my ticket to the 16:15 flight without charge... Cool.
I had to wait an hour or so before I could check in my luggage though, but free WiFi at Starbucks meant that that wasn't the end of the world.
It turns out that my case was over weight (you try being a photographer going to Canada for the first time and try to get down to 22kg!) - I had weighed it at home, but obviously balancing a case on bathroom scales isn't accurate enough!
Again, the AirCanada staff were excellent and allowed me two hand luggage bags, which dropped my main case enough to allow it to be checked in without any additional charge.
Bizarrely, Westjet (my internal flight operator) allows more weight, so I will have no problems there next week.
Waiting by the gate now - Just been informed that all seats onboard have power sockets that work with the iPad without using an adapter... Bonus.
Catch you all on the other side.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:United Kingdom
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Time to get packing
So, Canada is just around the corner now:
I think I am all set for what I am doing once I arrive - I now just need to get everything packed.
I am pretty sure I will be able to find WiFi at least once every other day, so Blogging should be fine.
I am planning to use the iPad wherever possible to Blog from - additional snippets may be added from the iPhone (both iOS device are running BlogPress).
I may also post to twitter occassionally: I will use the #WestyCA hash tag on the relevant posts.
I am also taking the Macbook Pro with me; predominantly for photo back-up purposes, but also to process an HDR images that I take along the route.
The Macbook Pro is running Mars Edit in case I feel like doing something slightly more ambitious with the post.
Now time to go and find that suitcase...
My full itinerary can be seen here:
Canada Plans
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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