Lunch on the River

The rafting Company packed us a great picnic lunch to have on the River.

It was quite special to be in the wilderness with no outside noise and enjoying raw nature. It was great after lunch to float down the river back to Talkeetna.

The start of the rafting adventure

We were let off the train in the middle of nowhere and had to carry the equipment to the river.

Trying more photos

It will only let me upload one image. Thats $USD40 worth of gold.

I am now giving up.

Arrived safely in Denali Park on 21st July

Hi everybody

Everything is going ok - arrived in Alaska ok after quite a wait and delay at Seattle Airport.

Had a very busy day in Fairbanks yesterday with a River Cruise on a steern wheller paddle boat in the morning and a gold mining experience in the afternoon and a visit to Santa 's House in North Pole Alaska where Mum kissed Santa

Mum & Dad managed to pan $US40.00 worth of gold which Mum had made into a necklace.

Today we boarded the train variously called the Denali Star or the McKinley Explorer depending upon which carriage you were in. We were in the big fully domed carriage and we had a spectacular journey into the Alaskan Wildderness to finally arrive here in the Denali National Park. A slight concern - our luggage has yet to arrive but we are patiently waiting.

I've tried to upload some snaps, but jusst like other times I am being frustrated by different computers and problems. This will only let me upload one photo despite Mum & me trying for one hour to get other pictures uploaded.

I'll try with a new post.

Cheers

Jasper to Banff on Ice Parkway

Hello everyone

Had a fantastic 2 days in Banff with a great road trip from Jasper down the Ice Parkway. Saw some awesome scenery with huge mountains, crystal clear lakes & some wildlife.

The three sisters are very tame in comparison.

Today we were shown around Banff & surrounding areas by Shane (Don's nephew) who has worked here for 2 years.

The above pictures are in order:

A snap of Don with the Glacier Explorer that takes you onto the glacier

Pictures show us at Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain with Caroline who we have been blessed with spending a couple of days with.

Don & Brian on the Columbia Icefield .

The travellers at Lake Louise

Us at the Maligne Canyon just outside Jasper.

Some snaps from the Rocky Mountain Wed 14th July

We had a great day seeing the sights around Jasper today. First day with the Hire Car. Very nervous driving on the wrong side of the road. Going straight is ok but turning left and right is a challenge. June and Don have screamed a couple of times but Del is very supportive.



I'll post some snaps of today later. Only got 4 min left today.

Greetings from Jasper. We had a great trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. Fantastic scenery most of the way. We saw bears, deers & elk. Glacier lakes awsome. Now I know where the words of How Great Thou Art came from

Woke up this morning to mountain tops covered in snow/ice half hidden by clouds but so spectacular.

We are off to the Jasper Tramway into the mountains & will visit some lakes today too.

Missing our family & loved ones already. Sorry you can't be here to share this experience with us.

Just some random snaps here. The BC Ferry to Vancouver Island is not at all like Sydney Ferries. Very big and takes cars, trucks and buses and thousands of people - but still smaller than the Ferries that cross the English Channel & the Irish Sea.

The Buchart gardens on Vancouver Island aree spectacular and June & I couldn't resist the ride on the Carousel.

Whistler was fantastic - very large version of Threadbo but with much much bigger mountains and Village - very vibrant. The Peak to Peak Gondola ride was so very special.

Till next time.

We have arrived and have started out adventure

Hello everybody.

Sorry it has taken so long to get to a computer that works and I am familiar with the software, and update the blog.

We arrived tired after the long flight. See our A380 on the runway at LAX waiting to return to OZ. June is relaxing in the Boardroom of Alaskan Airways ( same as Qantas Club), I am enjoying their free food and alcohol while June has a snooze. Made the transfer ok, Fairmont Vancouver is a luxurious hotel and we have been on the big green bus, toured Vancouver Island ( & the city of Victoria), travelled on the BC Ferries and now on the Whistler Mountaineer. Been to Whistler and now in Quesnal. Its Monday evening and moving on tomorrow to Jasper. Leaving at 6.30 AM.

See some snaps below. Thinking of you & lots of love

Ready for liftoff

Well, its been a long time in the research and planning. There have been many meetings and now we are ready. The 9th July is less that two days away. When we see pictures of Qantas planes and especially the A380 it just increases our excitement.

The next entry will be from Canada - but unable to be more specific at this stage.

We return home on 23rd August - just in time for Spring