Catch the early morning train to Kamloops (where is Gladys Knight when you need her)

Our day started early. Not so early as to be burdensome, but early enough to pack luggage for pickup in our room shortly after we departed for the bus stop. A 7:30 am schedule had been predetermined.

A brief ride into town culminated with our arrival at the Jasper (Alberta) train station, where the 14 pieces of equipment merged to form the Rocky Mountaineer, carrying 177 passengers (and our 40+ staff) to the town of Kamloops, BC. We passed through nearly endless stretches of trees, over river crossings, and along miles of mountainous backdrops. For much of the day we were crisscrossing the N. Thompson River, which eventually joined the Fraser River. Tomorrow we retrace the route to Vancouver.

The journey today was one of tree-lined tracks, sweeping vistas and towering peaks, although we did stop briefly for a photo-op at a beautiful waterfall. 

Our host, Ewen, has been exceptional, with his knowledge of the route (he says he has made this trip 750 times in the 19 years he has done the seasonal work on the Rocky Mountaineer), telling tales of the history and geology of the region.

With the exception of a beaver dam and numerous river crossings, that is pretty much the story of today. Not that I’m complaining. It is great to have Alicia back by my side. We will be spending the night in Kamloops, the same city we stayed at in our first night out of Vancouver.

Oh, there is one more story that Alicia says needs to be told, but we’ll add it as an addendum. Until then…


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