'I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train'. - Oscar Wilde

Never a fan of public transport my hand was forced and I had to make the trip from Campbell River to Vancouver via Greyhound.. Cheers Jim for all you did for us both, a true friend he is one of the good guys in life.

From the highest mountains of the Rockies, to the plains of Manitoba, never a dull moment, even Wellington enjoyed the views from sunrise to sunset. Grain silos dotted along the way, waterfalls and fields of harvested wheat, it was hard to keep reading and ignore the view.

Oh so posh I was reluctant to mingle with the common people, but drastic times do call for drastic measures, and Greyhound was not what I really wanted, after all we do have a car, just can't take it with. It really wasn't that bad, and actually nice not to have to worry about getting my luggage, bike and all, to the train station down town Vancouver. It was my last ferry ride, thanks BC Ferries.. With plenty of time to kill in Vancouver I went to Esther's favorite store, MEC, Mountain Equipment Coop. For a small joining fee you become a member and avail of some excellent discounts, so I bought a compression pillow, which is really awesome.

It was weird walking around the city on my own and only on one occasion did I look around in earnest expecting Esther to be there.. Of course she is in South America, so this is my big trip alone.. How will I ever cope, I have to think for myself!!After what seemed like all day, only because it was, I hopped the train, found a seat and settled in. There is so much room it's not funny, and hats of to ViaRail Canada for so far so good. after leaving Vancouver and weaving our way through the suburbs we entered the darkness and headed for the hills, or should I say mountains..
Departing at 8:30pm there wasn't much too see, but come 6am it's a whole new world. I was instantly reminded or driving the Desert road in New Zealand's north island, for it was as dry and barren, but on a much larger scale. The train hugged the Frazier river for most of the trip and headed for Kamloops. Breakfast was served at 6:30 and even though there were numerous free seats in the dining car the waiter seated me with 3 total strangers.. I guess they want the experience to be one of meeting new people as well. It was cool though and breakie wasn't bad.. Crap coffee was my only gripe.
As the train sped and crawled along at different times, we passed through mountains, followed winding rivers and hugged the shoreline of glass top lakes. I have never seen as many freight trains in all my life, and they easily stretch for over a mile.. Judging by the number of cars they actually haul, I can only imagine that if they were replaced by trucks on the road it would be nothing short of a disaster, huge carbon footprint..

Centre is Mt Robson, hiding beneath the clouds, is the highest of the Rockies peaks. Jasper at dust, with snowcapped peaks all around, made for astunning contract to that of the lake covered landscape of Ontario. Rebecca, one of the Ozzie girls, was not deterred from having ice cream with blueberry french toast for breakfast. The staff were very accommodating

But we are in Canada here, and they are certainly more aware of whats out there beyond their own backdoor.

Clicking and clacking through the countryside the scenery grew and grew, gradually transforming from small hills to snow capped peaks far above the tree line and peering out above the clouds. Often the remnants of a forest fire was visible as lone trees, bare, stood tall and blackened on every mountain side. Rivers and lakes came alive with green and blue hues. Often the train slowed to a snails pace as we drifted silently into small towns that sprung out of no where. The days seemed to past quit fast and the sun melted into the night sky, but even the darkness can hide the huge sleeping giants who's silhouettes are clearly visible and white capes distinctly notable against the black sky.
My first night trying to sleep was a bit of a disaster. Even though there was heaps of room and the seats reclined to  respectable angle, it was still hard to get settled. The train is an experience of travel that is so different from air, bus or car. Having the freedom to get up from your seat and go hang out in a totally different part of the train is really cool. Not confined to your allocated seat, there are many places to go hang out or meet up and chat with the people doing the same. I was lucky to acquaint with two Ozzie girls, both called Rebecca, but also with other people on the train mostly North Americans and that wee bit older. We spend allot of time looking for wildlife, and did actually see a Beaver, a Chipmunk and mule deer.. At breakfast an older man pointer out some Pronghorn Antelope.
One of the Rebecca's managed to talk a staff member into getting us some chocolate cake, and over all our second round of train staff were much nicer and even played two movies for us..

Final day, Toronto. Still an adventure to be had.

It is certainly true that the journey is often better than the destination. Had I been stuck on the train for another week, you would had no complaints from me..
Next stop is Boston where I meet my mum and sisters. Dad flies over a week later. I will get to put Josephines GPS to the test, see how good these really are.