It appears my post disappeared, so here it is again.
Rocky Mountaineer
June 15
Our son Will picked us up just before 10:00 for the drive to the airport. We had lots of time. Our flight was at 1:30. Did self-check-in, dropped off our bag, and went to security. Only about 20 people in front of us. Asked if I needed to take my suspenders off. The first person said no. Went through the screen and it beeped. So she asked the guy over to check me out. Would not let me go through again without suspenders. Wands me and pokes around, did not find or ask about my bag. Then up against the wall to check my feet. I lift one then the other and ask him if I stepped in any dog shit. He says no and we both have a little laugh. On to our gate. Went into section A, we were supposed to go to section C. So after a long walk and raising a little sweat, we found our way. After a little sit down, we looked for food. Had a spicy sausage dog and Wendy had a chicken burger. Okay for airport food. Waited a little while and our plane was ready to board. Mostly full, all wearing masks on the plane and in the airport. I had let some gas out earlier but now was time to change. Went to the WC and I mean C it was like a closet. My Coloplast clip came in handy. During the change, I noticed that the bottom of my flange was lifting. I had to take action. Did not want a leak on the plane. Back to my seat for a Brava strip. Back to the WC, got the strip on for safety. Must have been the sweat from the extra walking that did it. Vancouver airport was a breeze. Got on the SkyTrain to DT and hotel. Did not have a good map to the hotel and went a few blocks in the wrong direction. A little tired and wary, we found our way. At the desk, they could not find our reservation. The hotel has two towers so the north tower sent us to the south tower to see the manager. We had all paperwork but the reservation number. In the end, he found it and gave us a nice king room. Got settled in, now time to eat, still a little full from lunch. Too tired to look anywhere else, went to the hotel bar for drinks and appies. Back to the room to sleep.
June 16
Slept pretty well, only got up once in the night. Up early, organized stuff, and showered to start the day. Lunch with a friend at the hotel. Changed bag and a little exploring of Granville Island in the rain. A couple of drinks and the little ferry back to DT and hotel. All uphill. Next to register for our train ride tomorrow. We have to be ready before 6:00 AM.
Went to a Greek place for supper. They serve trucker-size meals. It was good but not like our favorite in Calgary. Back to our room for an early start.
June 17
Okay, get up, shower, and get ready. Get on the bus to the train and away we go. Took over an hour to get away from Vancouver. Past farms, trees, forest, rivers, rocks, and animals. Saw deer, osprey, picas, and bald eagles. The train was stop and go as we had to yield to freight trains. Had a two-course breakfast, fruit salad and waffle or yogurt parfait, then drinks, a two-course lunch, salad and salmon or chicken. Afternoon snack of chocolate-covered nuts or granola, and more drinks. Very full. Had to use the WC. I put my jacket on the hook and sat down. The movement of the train and my jacket waving in front of the flush sensor kept setting it off.
Arrived in Kamloops and transferred to the hotel. Had appies and drinks at the brewpub next door. It was the best bruschetta, they used a balsamic vinegar reduction, so delicious. Again need to get up before 6:00 AM.
June 18
On the road again or tracks. The train split with a number going to Jasper, and the rest of us to Banff. There were still about 700 passengers. More forest, rocks, rivers, snow-capped mountains, and the spiral tunnels. Saw elk, bear, chipmunk, and big horn sheep. More to eat and drink. I skipped the salad and afternoon snack. Bus to hotel and Italian supper. Did not have a time for pick-up to Calgary.
June 19
Asked about bus pick-up time at the front desk again. They said 10:15 but no. Next bus no also. We got the number of the bus company and called, we were supposed to be picked up at 2 PM but they said they would try to get us on the 12:00 one. We sat outside all morning instead of enjoying Banff (if we had only known the correct pickup time). Finally, Calgary bound. Our daughter picked us up and finally home. I gained 5 lbs, and no signs of Covid.
