After a 9.5 hr flight from London Heathrow, we made it to Calgary! The flight Centre had sorted out transfer to Banff, which took about 1.5hr, but a perfect scenic route!

We arrived at our overnight stop, Rimrock Hotel, a perfect start to our Rockies adventure. Unfortunately we didn't get time to explore Banff, which almost resembled a Christmas card as we arrived at night and the pretty lights were on..... Next time?! ;-).

Waking bright and early the next morning and suffering from early onset of jet lag we dragged our way to the cheery Rocky Mountain Rep at reception to check in. Already impressed with their organisation, we boarded to coach transfer that left on time, safely reassured that our luggage would meet us in Kamloops, our sleepy town stop over.

Now feeling more like an excited child, we arrived at Banff train station to await the Rocky Mountaineer. After a short wait and the view of an impressive freight train charging through the small station (about 200 containers long, roughly a mile or so in length), the Mountaineer arrived. By now my inner child could not be contained! Eeek!!!!

Having chosen the Gold leaf, we sat and watched the huge train pull up and we were greated by a red carpet entrance, more cheery faces and a morning punch cocktail. We were extremely happy! Once settled in for the day the Mountaineer pulled out of the station. Already witnessing a small group of dear at the station, it was no longer than 15 mins until we had our first sighting of a grizzly! Didn't think I would be ticking that of my wish list so soon.....and so there we had started our Rocky adventure and on to Kamloops we went.

I have already mentioned how impressed we were with the Rockys organisation, but it gets better. Not only did we have the journey of a lifetime through the Rockys, but we were being treated like royalty with food and drink to fit. Timed and cooked to perfection. Dinner service was held in the dining room underneath the domed carriage. We met some lovely people from all walks of life and all going in different directions after this trip. ...and so on to Kamloops we went.....