Just arrived in Calgary and will spend the next three days visiting the Calgary Stampede. I've been reliably informed that I could go there every day for a fortnight and not see it all but I'm sure I will enjoy it.

The cruise down from Seward to Vancouver was interesting. The scenery was fabulous as were the glaciers we saw. However, having seen the glaciers in South America I think I have been spoilt and have yet to see any that compare with the Merino Glacier in particular. The towns where we stopped - Haynes, a quaint town that used to be an Army posting for Americans was so remote from the USA that the soldiers got a special allowance for being there! The old Fort was bought by some soldiers who had been stationed there and the families tried to set up local businesses and settle there. In 1949 after only one year, five families remained. Some of their descendants are there today and running small businesses. Also spoke to a guy who paid $10 in 1980 for a raffle ticket to win a plot of land thirty miles north of Haynes. The government wanted people to settle in the area and that was the prize. The deal was that a house had to be built on the land within five years. You've guessed - he was one of the winners. Built his house, bought up two sons there. They had to snow shoe/walk one and a half miles to the road then a thirty mile bus to get to school every day and back again. Tough upbringing but it can't be too bad as they are both still at home. The guy runs a Hammer Museum and had a vast collection of hammers, blacksmithing tools and all sorts of metal work bits and pieces. Interesting man to speak with. Played golf - great fun as the greens are artificial grass.... Made a reasonable score horrific. However, the scenery was magnificient so that made up for it.

Thurs.

Called in Juneau. A delightful town overwhelmed by Caribbean based diamond and precious stone shops. Anyway, got away from the masses and went by cable car to top of Mt Roberts. Walked up amongst the glaciers - much better than shopping. In the afternoon I went to a glacier and walked up to the face. So many of these glaciers have retreated very quickly over the last ten years. It is quite sad to see the markers where they were and how much they have retreated.

Friday

Arrived in Ketchikan at lunchtime. Raining very heavily so my leisurely wander around the town never happened. Found a lovely cafe with deep sofas, good drink and cake and an internet so spent an hour or so in there. Also found some other refugees from the ship who came in so sat and had a good chat. What I did see of Ketchikan was charming. Colourful painted houses on stilts out over the river and wonderful wooden shops and other houses. Wish the weather had been better so I could have explored more.

Sat.

Cruised all day. Quite magnificent scenery and the weather was warm enough to site out on deck so that was good.

Sun

Woke up in Vancouver. Headed out to stay with friend who lives in Vancouver. She took me around the area and had a seven mile walk around the headland and back into the city. Really hot day. Just remind me not to play Scrabble again with an American or Canadian. With all their incorrect spellings (by Brit. standards!) I got well and truly beaten. Good evening though.

Mon

Picked up hire car and headed out to Kamloops on way to Jasper. Fab scenery and wonderful empty roads.

Tues.

Stopped overnight at Vailmount. More stunning scenery. Shame I am driving as I have to keep stopping to look at the views. Today was Canada Day. Intended to go to local park to join in celebrations but the cats and dogs decided to rain from the skies again so that was another plan that did not come to fruition.

Wed

During breakfast at local cafe found out that during thunderstorms in the night, the road to Jasper was blocked by a landslide. There was to be a 'fly over' at 1 00pm but nobody could predict when it would be open. Had to make a decision as the car had to be in Calgary on Friday. So drove 300 kms back to Kamloops as there was no other way around, then on to Golden on Highway One. About eight hours driving and a tad tired to put it mildly. Because I did not go to Jasper I could not drive down the Ice Highway from Jasper to Banff about which I am somewhat disappointed. Still, I will come back one day and see more of the Rockies and I can do it then.

Thurs

Stopped and wandered around Lake Louise, then on to Banff. After an early lunch took a cable car up to top of mountain. Took my book and a drink and spent about four hours just up in the peace and stillness of the mountains. It was wonderful to be away from the car and driving for a bit. Every where around the area is very expensive for everything including food and accommodation so drove on towards Calgary. Found accommodation that was just a motel room and bathroom - cost me more than the Hilton in London would have done for a night! Still I guess that Calgary Stampede had something to do with that....

Friday

Drove to friends with whom I am staying and then returned car to Alamo. Veronique drove me around the area. I did not realise Calgary was such a big city. Unrealistically, I thought it was a small town - wrong! I met my hosts in Peru (twice) and they invited me to Calgary to stay if I got that far so here I am. People are so generous that I've met along the way.

Sat

Spent day at the Calgary Stampede having indulged in a Stampede Breakfast first. Anything you wanted from burgers, sausages, bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit etc. and all for free. I could get used to pancakes, maple syrup and bacon. It was good. Almost everywhere you go the various communities are putting on a breakfast and entertainment, It was great fun. Calgary Stampede was excellent. Well set out, loads to do and see. Saw the Mini Chuckwagon races, cattle penning, displays by various breeds of horses, a musical heavy horse drive and wandered around the Indian Village.

Sun

Went back to the Stampede and to the Chuck Wagon Racing and the evening show. The Chuck Wagon Racing was impressive. Huge wagons, four horses and outriders galloping around the arena. The show was, or would have been, brilliant had the rain came down again in torrents. Some of the acts had to be abandoned but all in all it was an excellent evening. Caught a train back to my suburb and was offered a lift back to the house by someone who was also on the train. However, everything looked different in the dark and it seemed to take ages to find the house.

Mon

Back again to go to the Rodeo. But first another Stampede Breakfast. Shame we don't do things like that in UK - great fun. The Rodeo was super. Fast, furious and a tad dangerous. Saw bare back riding, steer riding, bronco riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Not too much fun for one guy who was badly trodden on by about two ton of rather angry bull! However, true to form, the heavens opened again and events had to be suspended until it stopped by which time I had to return to my hosts so that was it. However, despite the weather the Stampede was excellent and well worth the trip.

Tues

Arrived at airport at 0030 hours to catch flight at 0630 to Seattle, Boston and then home.

Wed

Arrived in UK. And there you have it, nine and a half months of travel. I have had the most wonderful time, regret nothing and am very grateful to all the people I have met on my travels. They have enhanced my trip, made me laugh, persuaded me to jump out of trees ninety feet in the air, climb mountains, swim with sharks and shared a glass of wine or two, as well. If any of you are still reading this, thank you all.

It is impossible to pin point the highlight of my trip. Everything has mostly been amazing but all so different. Most places have a certain charm or provide interest. It has been an wonderful journey and I feel very privileged and lucky to have had the opportunity to undertake this trip. Who knows what will happen next - there could be another diary one day! Til then ....