Rocky Mountaineer Train

Gold-Leaf Upstairs Dome
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Today we have a very early start as check-in starts for the train ride at 6:30am. We find that we do not have an included transfer with our package, so while all the other guests are mulling around the foyer waiting for the coach to arrive, we have to take a taxi to the train station. On arrival, we are greeted by a very nice fellow that loads our luggage onto a tolley and takes us into the train station and join the end of the queue.

We are booked on the Red-Leaf tour, which is in the standard carriage. We had tried to book the Gold-Leaf, but were told at booking time that there were no more seats available. While we are waiting in the Red-Leaf line, there is a sign that says to ask about Gold-Leaf upgrades. We umm and arhh about this and decide at check-in to ask about an upgrade. We end up forking out a total of $1500 for the upgrade, which now in hindsight was the best thing we could have done.

The wheels on the train go round and round...

Mountain River Reflection
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The Gold-Leaf carriages have clear dome ceilings that give the best possible views during the train ride. Each car also has its own dining room downstairs, which serves 5-star three course meals. Taking in the splendor of the vistas, being brought drinks to your seat, going downstairs for meals - what difficult days these were!! We head off from Vancouver at about 8:30 am, and are introduced to our hosts for the trip, Dana and Sharla. These two young ladies are very nice and act as our tour guides answering questions and giving us commentary on places that we roll by. We take so many photos we don't know which ones to put up on the blog. The views are just amazing, the ongoing mountain ranges, the flowing rivers and lakes and the trees and landscapes. We have provided a few glimpses here.

Pines - These are everywhere
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We arrive in at our stop-over for the night at Kamloops. Due to our last minute upgrade, they have changed our hotel - but not where the other Gold-Leaf passengers are as this hotel was booked out. As everyone else hops off the train into coaches, we have a private taxi already organised and paid for us to take us to our hotel. We also have pre-paid to attend the Two River Junction show that night, which is a stage show that includes a buffet dinner. Rocky Mountaineer has also provided taxi transfers for us for this as well as our return transfer back to the train in the morning.

Coloured Bluff
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We arrive at the show area and are seated at a table with a couple from Baton Rouge Louisianna, and two couples from England. After a nice buffet dinner of salads, veggies, roast beef, chicken, maple cream cake, fruit and chocolate cake, the show starts. It is a musical type show with 5 major cast members. It is the story of the Rockies first Train Robber, Billy Minor, his two side-kicks, the Mounty trying to catch him, and Billy's love interest. It is comical and has a bit of audience participation. At the end of the show, we are pleased with the evening and are escorted back to the hotel.