Day 2 Vancouver to Whistler

As expected we had a broken night due to time shifts and possibly to much beer and not enough water yesterday evening! We eventually woke about 7.  

We got ready and repacked the suitcases while having a coffee and then headed out to the car. Keith had been doing some investigating on Dodge Durango's and was keen to lift the bonnet to see what size engine it had. A 5.7 litre v8 monster lurked beneath! This is quite a high end motor for a rental! 

We were unsure what to do for breakfast this morning, restaurant onsite did a reasonable looking breakfast but in the end we decided to head to the local supermarket. We got easily distracted looking at all the lovely fresh produce, fruit and veg, salads and deli meats not forgetting the live lobsters and crabs. 

We eventually got ourselves organised and loaded the basket with orange juice, croissants, cheese and their version of corned beef. We also collected some cakes, crisps (Lays, of course) and some sweets. 

Our plan was originally to head to Capilano Suspension Bridge but after a bit of discussion we decided instead on the small, and free, Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. A lovely drive through suburban North Vancouver had Keith wondering if we could move there! A fairly quiet carpark greeted us and after paying for the car parking we sat and ate our croissants with orange juice.

Fuelled we donned walking boots and headed off to find the bridge. Not difficult as it was literally 5 mins walk away. After walking across the bridge we continued on the path through the trees alongside the river. We weren't alone but it still felt so peaceful and beautiful. Unfortunately the other bridge is being refurbished so we retraced our steps back through the woods and over the suspension bridge. 

Back in the car we checked directions for the main highway to whistler, and then set the audio guide I'd bought. This worked brilliantly, giving lots of info about local area history including lots of talk about past Olympics in the area. We were soon wowing at the scenery around every corner. The sea/inlet and the islands to the snow covered mountains in the distance framed by tall pine trees. We reckon driving this road alone is worth the trip!  Unfortunately no photos here.

The audio guide also suggested stop points, short ones (perfect for us) or longer ones if you have more time and want to hike. First suggested stop was Shannon Falls. We had only just started walking along the path when suddenly the top of the falls was visible over the tree line. A very short walk brought us to a viewing area to see the whole 335ft of waterfall cascading over the rocks. Stunning. 

Back in the car and a very short drive, just a few hundred metres, brought us to the Sea to Sky Gondolas. After fiddling with the parking app, we found the ticket office (adult tickets approx $75cad each). With no queue for gondolas we were quickly in and on our way! We had the 8 seat gondola to ourselves. I faced outwards while Keith chose to face the mountain, we weren't sure sitting together on one side was safe. Have to say, I was pretty nervous going up! And up and up! Journey takes around 11 minutes. Wow, what views. Desperate for a drink we headed first into the cafe for a latte plus a huge warm cinnamon bun to share! We were lucky to find an empty table outside looking out at the view. We were surprised how warm it was up there, t-shirts were plenty warm enough. We finished our coffees and headed for the suspension bridge. Yep another, slightly longer this time. Another viewing platform to admire the views and we decided to walk back across the bridge. A short stop in the gift shop, fridge magnet purchased! And then we headed back to the gondolas for the ride back down. We opted for a private one so had a short wait but worth it. We both faced outwards going back down, getting braver. An awesome experience and once we'd done it decided it was well worth the price.

We travelled on towards Whistler with one more stop just before we got to the town, another waterfall suggested by the audio guide. Another short easy walk of about 10 mins brought us to a viewpoint for brandywine falls. Smaller than Shannon falls but also different in its formation.  

Once in Whistler we followed the instructions to our accommodation at The Aspens. We have a one bed apartment for 2 nights here. First thing was a cup of tea, enjoyed on the balcony.  

After a rest we decided to take a walk into the village area. Whistler village centre is pedestrianised and there are pathways from our apartment block down to the village, takes about 15 mins). We walked through the village and decided to have dinner at The Brewhouse. I ordered beef and mushroom pasta stroganoff and Keith had a beef and blue pizza. Both were really lovely, with Keith claiming it to be the best pizza he'd ever eaten (he's not really a pizza lover but this really hit the spot). We'd also order a couple of local beers, Keith's was abrown ale that looked like a light stout and I had passionfruit flavoured lager. We chose to sit outside which was lovely and was just starting to get a little chilly by the time we'd finished eating.

Full, we wandered back, uphill, to the apartment.  

What a day, the scenery has so impressed us. The air feels clean and crisp. We have been so lucky with the weather today, glorious sunshine (unfortunately due to change for at least the next couple of days). We have walked a fair amount and eaten well. Hopefully all that fresh air will help us sleep tonight. 

Keith's step count today showed just under 18000

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Day 1 Travel Heathrow to Vancouver

Woke at 7ish and after showers and dressing had a quick cereal breakfast before finishing off the cases.  Taxi arrived at 10.15 and we had no traffic on our trip to Heathrow Terminal 2  Bags deposited we were also lucky with not much of a queue for security. Once through we decided to have a second breakfast at the perfectionist cafe.  We had a breakfast bap and latte each which was really good but ... not happy about the charges they include at bill time, a £1.50 per meal cover and a £4.50 service charge, total £43.50 sounds steep for what we had!

By the time we had finished breakfast our boarding gate was showing, Gate B42, which meant we had a long walk to reach it.  Boarding was swift and the flight left slightly late but was relatively uneventful once confusion over seat swappers was sorted (not us thankfully!). We were seated near the back of the plane as the last 3 rows have pairs instead of three's which give a little more elbow room and no strangers sharing your row!  Meal, we both chose was the teriyaki chicken, rice and veg, cucumber salad, roll, cheese and lemon cake, plus some red wine.  All OK apart from the veg! We had a snack of Apple waffle with tea and then about an hour before landing we both had a coconut chicken pastry, again not too bad.  Keith watched a film and some Disney documentaries, whilst I read for most of the flight but did watch a couple of the Disney programmes as well.  We did hit a bit of turbulence on and off throughout the flight but nothing severe.

Coming into Vancouver over the Rockies was spectacular in the afternoon sunshine with snow still on the tops of the mountains.

We landed about 4.30pm local time and being at the back of the plane we waited patiently before it was finally our turn to go.  Security and customs was amazing here. Loads of electronic gates for security which I assume checked our visas (eta) and took our photos, very efficient and simple process. Once done it issues a ticket that you hand in later anfter bag collection.  We waited a while for our cases on the carousel but once done we were soon heading out of the airport to a warm afternoon, around 18 degrees.  We followed the signs to car rentals, Avis was the first office in the garage.  Being a preferred member meant Keith skipped the main queue and we soon had the keys to a Dodge Durango.  Its huge! Brand new with less than 500 miles on the cllck, leather with lots of toys and gizmos!  Happy hubby. We had booked a Ford edge or similar, this must have been a free upgrade. Was nice that there was no issues with 'upselling' by the hire company, much appreciated after a long flight.

Heading out of the garage we hit Vancouver traffic at rush hour. The sat nav zig zagged us across the city to the Holiday Inn at North Vancouver. It took us an hour to do 11 miles but the scenery looking at the mountains was amazing.  

Only one night here.  After the long day we decided to pop to the hotels pub/grill for dinner. 10 salt and pepper chicken wings to share, Keith had chicken burger with fries, I had beef tacos with ceasar salad, all washed down with some Budweiser. 

Now ready for an early night, Keith is already snoring! 

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Pre-Trip - Vancouver to the Mountains! 2024

Just the two of us!  This is a trip we have looked forward to for many years, a bucket list trip that we always planned to get around to once hubby retired. We had originally had everything booked for June 2020 (thanks Covid), and it has taken us a while to feel ready to re-book it.  This time however all our accommodation bookings are different, and we have also reversed the direction from our 2020 plans now doing Whistler first rather than last. 

We have been booking parts of this holiday over the last 4-5 months, watching flight prices and car hire as well as hunting for accommodation and researching the places we really wanted to see. Have purchased GyPsy Guide bundle $34CAD to help us find those fab views etc.

Prices are quite a bit higher this time than our 2020 bookings! We have also decided life is too short so have treated ourselves to places with better locations and/or better views than originally planned for example an apartment in Jasper rather than hotel outside of town and Emerald Lake Lodge.  This is an upgrade to the room we had booked at Deer Lodge, Lake Louise in 2020, we would have booked this again, but they were not available at all this year due to refurbishment and now being used as temporary staff accommodation for the nearby ski resort which suffered a fire recently.  At Emerald Lake we have a 1 bed suite with Lake view booked – very excited about this one.

We have not used AirBnB before but there was very little available in hotels etc in places like Jasper/Banff, such is the demand I just couldn’t find available hotels except stupidly high priced, so we had to look at alternatives.  Canmore also seemed a better option than the pricier Banff.

We are not interested in Vancouver itself or Vancouver Island at this point so have not included these.

The plan is now fixed as follows (have included approx. prices for info) :

Air Canada Flights: Heathrow – Vancouver - Economy Direct x 2 (£1575)

Car – Standard SUV, Avis (£570)

 

Vancouver – 1 night, Holiday Inn in North Vancouver (Booked with IHG Points)

Whistler – 2 nights, “The Aspens” Slope Side Condo booked with VRBO (£330)

Clearwater – 1 night, Choice Hotel (£200)

Jasper – 3 nights, Airbnb apartment in Jasper (£826)

Emerald Lake – 1 night, 1 bedroom Emerald Suite at Emerald Lake Lodge (£420)

Canmore – 3 nights, Airbnb Condo with mountain views (£827)

Revelstoke – 1 night, Best Western (£140)

West Kelowna – 1 night, AirBnB Apartment with views of lake and town (£187)

Harrison Hot Springs – 1 night, Lodge on Harrison Lake with lake views (£164)

Flights Vancouver - Heathrow

Hotel costs (£3100)

Driving - Will be in excess of 1275 miles, which will be the minimum according to Google Maps.

 

Things we are hoping to do:

Obviously, lots of viewpoints and walks/hikes of the famous sights incl. Lake Louise, Maligne Canyon & Lake, Icefield Parkway etc. 

Lake Louise shuttle – booked on release day, currently 4.30pm, depending on weather nearer the time might look when they release the rest (I think the day before) to see if something earlier available.

Have booked Athabasca Glacier trip and skywalk for the day we travel from Jasper to Emerald Lake (11.45am).

Maligne Lake currently showing no availability for boat trip to Spirit Island on the 3 days we are in Jasper, will maybe see if they have something nearer the time. (Took our eye off the ball and didn’t look to book early enough).

Pipeline coaster – either the new one at Golden or the one at Revelstoke

Also hoping for lots of animal sightings (bears etc will be a big bonus!)

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Sea World San Diego

Sea World today! We got ourselves ready and headed to the park just after opening at 10am. Ready for some coasters we headed for Emperor, a dive coaster, no queues, which we all loved.  

Next up was artic rescue a three launch smallish coaster which was fun to ride. Leaving the ride you are in with beluga, harbour seals and walruses.  Next up was manta, a mac multi launch which we rode a couple of times.  

Our first show of the day, sealions Clyde and Seamore and the otter, Opi. After the show, we stopped for a snack of loaded fries.  

Electric Eel was the next coaster, another launched coaster.  Keith and Stephen went first and came off giving vibes that I wasn't going to enjoy it with its twisty compact track andslow hang at the top! With trepidation sarah and I set off! Very fast back and forwards through the station before climbing the loop, twisting as we went. I loved it! Got off and Keith jokingly said, going again?  Oh yeah! He and Stephen were both shocked. 

The kids went on journey to Atlantis and didnt get too wet, before we re rode emperor. 

We also watched the dolphin show and the Orca show.

We also today made time to see the flamingoes, Shark encounter, turtle reef, penguins and otters.

Weather has been much more "doable" today, started cool and cloudy, then the cloud lifted and we had some sunshine before the clouds built a bit again and took the edge off the heat.  Still managed to catch the sun!

Good day all round but achy feet again!

A look around the shops before we headed out.  we might be back in the morning for a couple of extra rides and some shopping when are feet are recovered!!

Back at the house we had a couple of hours to relax before we went out for dinner.  Choice tonight was Phil's bbq. Soo much food! We had a family meal which included full rack of ribs, whole chicken, sausage links plus sides of fries and coleslaw, also came with a garden salad, corn bread with maple butter and 6 cookies!

Griffith Observatory and universal studios

Note form only will tidy and add photos another day!

Sun 

K and I walked to a local bakers and picked up some pastries, 2 choc almond croissants, 1 pistachio croissant and a raisin pastry ($25), along with some orange juice. 

We headed for the Griffith Observatory today up in the Hollywood Hills. Not too far from hotel, about 7 miles. We parked up and planned to walk up to the Observatory as we thought there wouldn't be any car parking spaces at the top. We set of walking but the heat and looking at the climb up soon had us returning to the car to give the car park a try. Windy road up a just a couple of minutes wait before a caf pulled out and we had our space! No way we'd have made the walk up there! Views were incredible!  Slightly hazy but wow, what a huge city lay out before you! Plus the added views of the Hollywood Sign. Spent a while looking at the views before heafing into the Observatory first to see the telescope and then inside the main building to see the science displays.  Loads of intersection things to see and nice to be out of the sun for a while!

Back to the car and we headed down the hill back towards Hollywood. With Sarah's navigation we drove along Hollywood boulevard to the the stars on the walk of Fame, along with sights like the dolby theatre and the Chinese theatre. We carried on all the way to the end then took the winding roads up the mountains to Mulholland Drive, to see some of the homes of the rich and famous! We stopped at a couple of view points to take in the city, the first high above universal studios, the second giving another view of the Hollywood Sign.

The road ends just a short distance from our hotel. We headed back to have a rest and a cool down for a while. 

Phone call with mum

Headed out to late lunch/early dinner at Dennys.

Onto universal. Parked in curious George 4, walked through city walk to park. About 5 o'clock, park was still busy and hot! Didn't really have a plan for this evening other than to get our a feel of the park and maybe do a couple of rides.  Wandered  round the upper lot and 3 of us decided to try Harry Potter which said 30 min wait.  Brilliant ride, and we noted they were using single ride access as well! We were off the ride and back with Stephen in just under 30 mins.  We took the 4 long escalators to the lower lot where 3 if us did Transformers. Stephen was quite happy soaking up the atmosphere and wandering around.  Back together we went into Nintendo World, queues for browsers ride had been showing at around 60-80 mins so we decided not to bother.  The mummy was now showing 15 mins so we all decided to ride, Stephen was very excited for this ride as he'd been young and terrified on this ride in Orlando.  Very good although i felt it wasn't as long as the orlando version, but that might be my memory!  Will have to look up the differences.  Stephen decided to keep wandering the park while we headed back to the upper lot and did the hr long back lot tour which was showing no queue.  Was an incredible ride with at least 4 rider "ineractive" sections. Miles better than any orlando back ride tour!  Back together and Stephen and Sarah decided to do HP as single riders. Area was busy as there were light shows at the castle, Keith and I set ourselves a viewing spot where we could also catch the kids as they came out. They were out within about 10 mins, no queues in the ride at all, so we stood and watched the light show at 8.50.

Many people were now leaving the park, but with an hr still left and the rides queues quiet we decided to do more.  Simpsons was completed in about 25 mins, the s+s decided to head back to the lower lot where they rerode Transformers and The Mummy. K and I were shattered so sat with an ice-cream (24 degrees at 9.30!).  Message from the kids informed us that Jurassic World had opened (it had been showing as closed for refurb since we arrived) so we quickly grabbed out bags and bottles and walked down the escalators as quick as we could and joined the very short queue.  Were quickly on the ride.  Brilliant, again I think I prefer this one to the orlando version! It was now past park closing so we set of on the long slow return to the car (feet were really aching by now) up the 4 escalators, through the park, through city walk and back to the car park.  Thank goodness the hotel is just a 4 min drive away.  Quick wash, cup of tea and we were all soon asleep!  

What a day!  Thoroughly enjoyed our morning and achieved far more than we expected at universal this evening.  Spirits were high even if our feet were screaming with tiredness! 

Southern California Coasters - pre trip!

So, it appears we are having another "family" holiday!  Options for a trip this year included resurrecting our covid cancelled Canada trip for 2, a road trip from Denver covering Colorado and Utah with a possible extension to Florida with Sarah and Stephen joining us for the last bit, or a road trip for 4 of us from Las Vegas to San Diego.  With Stephen having started a new job this year and his annual leave being a bit tight, we eventually decided on another coaster trip, 10 nights, taking in Southern California.  It might be the last 'coaster tour" for Keith and I, we're not getting any younger!!!  For us this will be a small road trip covering between 300-500 miles.

Six Flags Magic Mountain was always going to be the main draw for this trip.  Keith and I visited in 2018 and said how great it would be to do it with the 'kids'!  As Six Flags MM is the only one of the parks we are doing that is due to close some days from mid August onwards, date wise, it was a case of fitting it around that, so we have finally settled on:    

3 nights Comfort Suites, Stevenson Ranch with 2 days set aside for Six Flags - so many rides to do - X2, Wonderwoman, Tatsu, Full Throttle, Superman, Twisted Colossus - this park is home to 20 coasters, lets see how many we can do!  Two days will hopefully mean we don't have to rush, and give us plenty of time for re-rides.

2 nights Tilt Hotel near Hollywood and Universal Studios.  As this will be over a weekend and the parks tend to busier, the plan is to spend Saturday and Sunday morning doing some sightseeing to hopefully include the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Walk of Fame or the beach!  Sunday Afternoon/Evening and Monday will be Universal Studios.

2 nights Clementine Suites at Anaheim. Although we will be staying close to Disneyland we will probably only have time for a quick Disney fix at Downtown Disney one evening. We are not planning to visit their parks on this trip.  Main reason for the stop here is Knotts Berry Farm.

3 nights San Diego.  No hotel for this one, we have a house booked close to Sea World.  Seaworld rides have always been a favourite and we thought it would be nice to visit a different one.  If we have time we would love to visit USS Midway and maybe Belmont Park at Mission Beach.

Lots to do and, I fear, little time but we will see.