Christmas & New Year on the train - part four

Hardly have I arrived, but I’m departing. Goodbye to smoked salmon chowder and BC pinot noir.

An airport in the evening is a scene of mass resignation. The prospect of a night on a plane fills most with dismay. But a transcontinental train about to depart has an air of delightful anticipation. My bedroom in the rear dome car awaits.

Next day, it’s cloudy through the Rockies, but I promised some pictures, so here goes.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Jasper, which, with its umpteen souvenir shops and bars, resembles a snowy Key West. And, if I thought Winnipeg was cold, in Jasper my fingers are tingling within seconds of removing gloves to take a shot. Those Canadian flags at the station aren’t just flapping, they’re snapping.

It’s so cold that, when I step into the shower, a little leftover water has frozen in a circular patch around the drain. Some well-directed spray heats up the floor.

I’ve already posted Prairie shots from the trip out, so I’ll just include one of a grain elevator in Watrous, Saskatchewan. The guy in front doesn’t seem too interested in classic Prairie architecture.

New Year with VIA providing drinks, food and party hats occurred just east of Winnipeg.

Travelling on a long distance train is like being on a ship – no jet lag, decent meals and time for more than passing pleasantries. I talked with people ranging from a Canadian submariner to an academic couple from Georgia in the States to a lovely pair from England who parted and were reunited after fifty years.

This morning, the fourth from Vancouver, I arrived – on time – in Toronto after 8932 kilometres on the Canadian. Well worth it.