Canada – Day 3 Banff

Today was a free day and our last day in Banff so after breakfast in the hotel next door, we got the bus with our free tickets, to Banff Gondola.

The eight minute trip took us up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

The 360° views at the top show 6 mountain ranges, with an amazing view of the town of Banff nestled between them.

Andy followed the boardwalk up Sanson’s Peak.

Many wild animals live in the area but we only saw goats.

We spent a couple of hours at the summit enjoying the views and the fresh air before setting off back down.

We had lunch in town and visited Central Park, finishing off our day with a circular bus trip.

Off to Grizzly’s tonight for some steak!

Canada – Day 2 Banff

Today we set off in our comfortable, brand new coach, with our friendly driver, Cal, to have a tour of the area around Banff.

First we visited Bow Falls,

followed by a scenic drive to Lake Louise.

Lake Louise is well known for its beautiful turquoise waters …….

but not when it is still frozen! Andy is standing on the lake.

At our lunch stop I saw a pika, a small, mountain dwelling mammal found in North America.

We travelled on to Emerald Lake which lived up to its name. Here we were above the snow line and it started snowing while we were there.

Our last stop was the Natural bridge where the swirling waters have created a stone bridge.

The scenery was amazing it was a great day. On the way back members of the group saw two bears, an elk and several deer.

Free day tomorrow.

Canada – Day 1 Calgary

We left Heathrow at about 10.45am.

It was a nine hour flight. Amazing views over Greenland.

We landed in Calgary at 12.10pm local time. Calgary is seven hours behind UK

We hopped on our coach for our drive along the Trans-Canadian Highway to Banff, very excited to see the mountains get closer and closer.

Banff is a lovely town surrounded by mountains.

We got the shuttle bus from our hotel (on the left) to the town and had tacos.

More stunning scenery from Banff tomorrow.

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

At the end of March we had a great weekend at Crabwall Manor Hotel, Chester, to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Thanks to daughter, Amy, and son, Matthew, and their families for making it such a lovely weekend.

Looking forward to setting off to Canada on Wednesday for our Great Rail Tour of Canada and Alaska.

Whenever I have WiFi I will post photographs.

Gran Canaria – Day 8

After a leisurely breakfast we set off back to the airport at Las Palmas. Our flight was delayed slightly and we arrived back to a cold, wet England about 7.30pm. Two hours later we were home.

We enjoyed our stay at the Cordial Mogan Playa in sunny Gran Canaria.

Mosaic of the port in the hotel.

Where will we go next?

Thanks for following our trip,

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 7

On our last full day on the island we drove east along the coast road and visited a few of the smaller resorts.

Playa del Cura

Playa de Puerto Rico

Playa del Perchel, Arguineguin, where we had a light lunch in the seafront cafe in the middle of the photo.

Our room is on the first floor, with an arch over the balcony, to the left of the photo.

We have had a great time and will be sad to leave tomorrow.

Hope you have enjoyed my photos

Carol.

Gran Canaria – Day 6

After a long drive yesterday we left the car in the underground garage and walked today. The Friday Artisan Market was all over the town, on the streets, in the squares, by the port etc. The place was crowded.

After a wander around we stopped in a bar overlooking the boats and had a drink.

After dinner we walked back down to the port to enjoy the night life.

Tonight we are looking forward to some Rock and Roll in the entertainment bar!

Only one day left!

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 5

Today we set off on a long drive over the mountains into the centre of the island, heading for Tajeda, an attractive, sleepy village according to the guide book. The roads were good, if a bit scary at times, with many hair pin bends.

Eventually we could see Tajeda in the distance. When we arrived, the village was rammed with cars and people. We were very lucky to find a space to park. It turns out that the village was the finishing line for one of the Trans Gran Canaria running races. We managed to get a table on the street just before the finish and enjoyed a drink and an almond cake while watching the exhausted runners coming in. Tajeda is famous for growing almonds.

Not quite the sleepy village but a great drive nonetheless with amazing scenery and even more amazing cyclists who we passed on the way up the mountains and passed us on the way down!

After a long day of driving we need a break and plan to stay local tomorrow. There is a Friday Market in Puerto de Mogan which we can walk around.

Bye for now

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 4

Today we visited Maspalomas Dunes, 1000 acres of sand dunes, now a protected nature reserve.

The dunes are constantly moving.

We then moved up the coast to Playa des Ingles and had a beer looking out over the sea.

Not far from there the shore line becomes more rocky and a 19th century working lighthouse keeps ships away.

Tomorrow we plan to travel inland to the middle of the island.

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 3

Last night we had acrobats entertaining us.

We started Day Three with breakfast on the terrace.

Then we drove clockwise round the whole island. (See map from Day One) We drove through the mountains, with hairpin bends and along newer roads with tunnels cut through the rock.

We strayed from the route to visit Firgas, with its waterfall, tiled benches and 3d sculptures and pictures of each of the Canary Islands. It was a nightmare to park!

It was a long day – 9 hours – but great views of bare rock but also green valleys growing tomatoes and bananas.

Time to chill before dinner.

More tomorrow

Carol