We arrived at the station at 8.15 am ready for breakfast on board the train. It was about an hour late arriving in Banff. Luckily we had a couple of bananas to hold us together. The domed gold leaf carriages were impressive, with comfy seats with good legroom upstairs, and the dining area downstairs. Each carriage seated about 80 people and there were 8 of the dome roofed carriages as well as the other ordinary carriages, pulled by 2 engines. We were allocated 2nd breakfast but while we waited they fed us anyway and that's how the day continued - lots of fòod and free drinks. Juice, date scone, breakfast (fruit, croissants, juice, tea/ coffee, choice of 4 breakfasts including pancakes and omelet). Back upstairs we were offered cheese plate and wine or other beaverage, followed by pre-lunch drink then 3 course lunch. More drinks followed. By now the train was running 3 hours behind schedule so they served us curried chicken and rice for dinner, then a large chocolate cookie.
It was rainy and cold when we left Banff but the weather improved along the way. We spotted various animals along the way including a black bear - still no grizzlies! We passed along clear lakes and rivers underneath the snow capped Rockies. The rivers were running high and there is still alot of snow to melt so there may be a problem with water over the tracks in the coming weeks. Took yet more photos of the amazing scenery through the windows and from the viewing platform at the front of the carriage.
We spent lots of time stopped in sidings to let goods trains through - some nearle a km long. They have right of way over our train and in any case the sidings aren' t long enough to accommodate them. Thats whiy we were 4 hours late into Kamloops, our ovenight stop off. By the time the buses dropped us at our hotel it was nearly 11pm.
With all the free drink, some of our party were a little the worse for wear by late afternoon. We had lots of laughs and fun to start with but then there was singing and joke telling and a bit of rowdiness from time to time. Some of the jokes wore then after a while. I felt for the other passengers in our carriage who were not part of our tour. I can only imagine what they thought of the noise from down the back.
The staff on board were terrific. if they know there will be Australians on board they stock up on Bailleys, apparently "our" most popular drink! They joined in the fun and jokes and were happy we were having a good time. I think the behaviour of some of the group was as they expected Australians to behave. Some grumpies, not mentioning any names, were not impressed, and were glad when they finally got to their room!
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