Canada Part 4.....

At last the part of our trip which had prompted us to book it had arrived.     No breakfast at the hotel or nearby diner for us today, we were to dine like kings on The Rocky Mountaineer!

Leaving the hotel at 8 a.m. we were transported the short distance to Jasper Railway station ready to board our Gold Leaf Carriage for the first leg of our 274 mile journey to Kamloops.

We boarded the train and took our seats in the glass domed carriage, which was to afford us a 180degree view of the scenery on our journey,

and were greeted by the staff who were to take care of us for two days, Dale, Harper, Drew and Alicia.

Before too long the train started moving out of the station for the adventure we had so looked forward to.  We were informed that there were to be two sittings for meals in the restaurant, which was downstairs, and we were on first sitting, but before that we were treated to fresh orange juice and a Danish pastry to keep us going for a short time before breakfast. 

Leaving Jasper behind we travelled quite slowly out into the countryside eagerly anticipating the beautiful scenery we knew was awaiting us.   At last the word came that breakfast was being served and we took our seats in the dining car downstairs where we were treated to a delicious breakfast.  Mine consisted of a Fruit Plate, Croissants, Scrambled Egg with Smoked Salmon, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Caviar and Creme Fraiche, all washed down with Fresh Orange Juice and Tea/Coffee.

Suitably stuffed we returned to our seats upstairs and settled down to listen to the running commentary of the scenery outside from our carriage crew.

Passing Moose Lake we unfortunately didn't see any Moose but it was beautiful.

Passed Beaver River

and Pyramid Falls

 we were in awe of mother nature.

Plied with snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic, whichever we desired), and wandering up and down the train taking photos, including from below on the outdoor observation deck, we were surprised to find lunchtime had arrived.   Once again we made our way down to the dining car to partake of a delicious lunch.  I had the Tomato & Mushroom Soup, Pork Tenderloin, Garlic Mash, Sugarsnap Peas with Jus, then to follow Maple Ice Cream with Apple Cinnamon and Sultanas in Puff Pastry with a Brandy Snap, washed down with Red or White Wine and Tea or Coffee.   I had visions of being a stone overweight by the time we had finished our two days on the train, the food was so good and totally irresistible.

Our train was eleven carriages long and MWM went down to the observation deck to catch the front of the train going around a bend on video.

We travelled through miles and miles of beautiful scenery.

Mountain streams

 The Thompson River

A notable feature along the North Thompson is Little Hells Gate, a mini-replica of the much larger rapid on the Fraser downstream from the mouth of the Thompson. About 17.4 km upstream from the small town of Avola, the river is forced through a narrow chute only about 30 feet wide creating a rapid that resembles the Fraser's famous rapid.

MWM took this next video of our train crossing The Thompson River.

 The scenery changed to lower ground as we got nearer to Kamloops, our stop for the night.   Suddenly, after scouring the terrain all day, we spotted a bear!   It was quite far away and unfortunately it all happened so fast we didn't manage to get a photo, so you'll just have to take my word for it that we saw one.

 Eventually, about 6 p.m. we arrived at Kamloops Station where we were transported to our hotel, The Coast, for the night.  This is the view from our room.

It had been a looooonnnnnggg but exciting day and we quickly freshened up before going just across the road from the hotel, to a restaurant/bar, to get a quick meal before retiring for the night.   We had another day on the Rocky Mountaineer to look forward to and the journey to Vancouver.  I hope you'll join me for that in my next post, Canada Part 5.