Tinkerblue

Views from the Rocky Mountaineer - 3 Valley Gap

3 Valley Gap is near Revelstoke. We go past it on day 2 of the Vancouver to Banff/Calgary trip. The 3 Valley Gap Resort is owned by the Bell family. They've owned it for the last 50 years or so. It's quite the resort. What started out as something small, has been added to over the years and is now almost a village.

 

 

There's the Chateau with 200+ guest rooms including the cave honeymoon suite, a cafeteria and dining room.

 

 

Then there's the Roundhouse - the largest fully operational covered turntable in North America, and home to 12+ pieces of rolling stock. (in the photo below, the Roundhouse is on the far left). If you're not interested in trains, how about cars? They also have an antique auto museum.

 

 

The 3 Valley Gap Resort even has it's own ghost town.  Oh and don't forget their own fleet of helicopters. You can see one preparing to take off in the first photo.

 

 

Hubby and I have driven past many times on road trips but never really given it much thought, and we have certainly never stopped. Maybe next time we will. I'm kind of curious to see it now, that's I've gone past it twice a week, almost every week over the summer. Of course we never take road trips any more because we fly everywhere.

And the resort is only open from April to October, it closes for the winter. So we definitley won't be visiting this year.

Places to Fly - Tillamook Air Museum

We've been to Tillamook Airport a few times. But until now we haven't made it to the Tillamook Air Museum. (cheese always took priority).

 

The Air Museum is housed in Hangar B. Hangar A and Hangar B were military blimp hangars. They were built in 1942 to house the blimps that were used for coastal patrol and convoy escort during WWII. Hangar B was built first and took 9 months from December 1942 to August 1943. Hangar A? Hangar A was built in 27 days. Hangar A was destroyed in a fire in 1992. Hangar B is now home to one of the top 5 privately owned aircraft collections in the world.

 

 

The photos don't really show the size. But Hangar B is huge. You can see if from miles away. It's the largest clear span wooden structure in the world.  

 

• 192 feet tall - that's 15 stories
• 1072 feet long
• 296 feet wide
• Over 7 acres in area
• The doors alone are 120 ft high

 

The letters on the roof of the hangar? Each letter is 100ft in height. And the lines in each letter are 20ft wide. It took 2 weeks to paint them on. 

 

Inside the hangar is a collection of 30+ aircraft, a cafe, gift shop and theatre. Entry is normally $9.00 for the museum and an additional $3.00 to tour the Guppy. The day we flew in was the day of a show and shine, so entry was only $5.00 for the museum and the Guppy. Nice.

 

 

I want a Mini Guppy. It has bunk beds behind the cockpit, so you can have a real nap. Although our hangar is not big enough to house this thing, and hubby is not allowed to buy any more planes.

 

 

We spent a good couple of hours wandering round, reading the history, watching the film, eating tacos and shopping in the store.  Hubby's Dad would love the planes here - they're all war era planes.  But I'm about aviation museum-ed out for the next year or so!

 

 

 

24 Hours in Whistler - Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Out last stop on our whirlwind tour to Whistler was the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.

We stayed overnight at a friend's condo. Our plan was to have breakfast and visit the SLCC before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver. Considering the train leaves at 3:30pm that should be plenty of time. Right?  Not so much. We were off to a late start. We had under two hours at the cultural centre and that included eating lunch. So we only saw a very small part. I'll definately have to go back.

Just as we were arriving a tour was starting up...

Legends and language
Capture a glimpse of how our ancestors lived by hearing folklore and seeing examples of cultural practices. This tour will provide insights into our connections with the earth and the beauty of our surroundings. 

It took about an hour, and I really enjoyed it. The guide shared many stories from her family and her ancestors, in particular stories from her mother. The tour ended in the longhouse where we each wove a cedar bark bracelet. It's relatively easy to do, but it does make  your wrists sore, and I have no idea how anyone can weave an entire basket. 

 

 

After the tour we went down to the cafe to have lunch. I had Indian Tacos. Instead of tortillas they used bannock, a deep fried bread. It was very good and very filling. Barb had the Venison Chili, which from memory she enjoyed.

 

 

Then it was time to head to Delta Hotel for the bus pick up back to the train station. There was so much of the Cultural Centre that we missed. Next time.

24 Hours in Whistler - Peak to Peak Gondola

We had 24 hours in Whistler.  

First stop? The Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

 

 

Running from the peak of Whistler Mountain to the peak of Blackcomb Mountain it's quite the feat:

• Longest unsupported span of 3.024 kilometres
• Highest lift of its kind at 436 metres above the valley floor
• Completes the longest continuous lift system on the globe

 

2 of the gondolas have glass bottoms. If you miss those, who just want a solid floor, you'll still get 360 degree views of the Whistler Blackcomb area.

 

 

There's was still enough snow at the top for a snowball fight.

 

 

 

And quite a bit of Olympic nostalgia.

 

 Whistler Sliding Centre

 

The summer pricing for the Peak 2 Peak is $44.95. And there was a small discount for purchasing the ticket on the train.  I think it was worth it. It's one of those things that you've got to do at least once.

 

 

Rocky Mountaineer's Whistler Sea to Sky Climb

Back at the beginning of June Rose and I and Barb (my mother in law) had the opportunity to travel on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. It's part of the Rocky Mountaineer Company.

 

I have driven the Sea to Sky highway so many times in the last two years, I've lost count. For a while there I commuted from home to Whistler at least once a week sometimes more. Driving might have been quicker, but it's certainly not as fancy.

 

The station in North Vancouver is more of a platform. We were grateful it wasn't raining because there really wasn't a lot of shelter. Fitting  a train load of guests under the tent or the little hut would have been amusing though.

 

Our train manager for the day was Wade. Wade was on our training trip back in April, and he's usually on a different route to us, so it was fun to see him again. Wade and the crew called the all aboard, and we pulled out of the station on time. 

 

Travelling northbound we were seated in the Dome service. A single level coach with big panoramic windows, nice wide seats and lots of leg room.

 

Our morning begain with the safety announcement (just like on airplanes), a toast, hot towels and breakfast.

 

Breakfast was an omlette and bacon with fresh fruit and a hot cup of tea. And was much needed after our hurried late start from home this morning. Barb sat back and relaxed, while Rose and I explored.

 

On the Whistler service they have an open air heritage observation carriage. We spent quite a bit of time in here.

 

Drinks are complimentary in the Dome service, but only Barb could partake. As Rose and I are staff, we have to be available in an emergency situation (even when we're not working and travelling as guests), so we couldn't drink. We tried to tell Barb, she had to drink our share as well, but as it was still morning, one glass it was.

 

One of the things I like about travelling on the train is the number of people that come out on their balconys or stand at their windows to wave. Everyone's happy to see you.You don't get that when you're driving. Normally they're honking their horns, or a giving you a not so friendly wave involving fists and a few choice words.

 

Passing under the Lions Gate Bridge and over the Capilano River we are on our way.  Through the Horseshoe Bay Tunnel, past the ferry terminal and into the beautiful Howe Sound.

 

When you drive the Sea to Sky Highway, you get glimpses of the scenary, or you can stop at the pullouts but for the most part you are concentrating on driving. On the train you can just soak it all in. Some of the highlights include Porteau Cove, Britannia Beach, Squamish, Mt Garibaldi and Brakendale

 

We tried to pick out climbers on the Stawamus Chief but it was so cloudy and we couldn't see any.

 

When  you drive to Whistler you don't get to see much of the Cheakamus Canyon. But from the train it's spectacular. 

 

From the road you can walk up to Brandywine Falls. On the train, you go right over the top. The Falls were named after two surveyor groups who bet on the hieght of the falls (60 metres/195 feet). Once group bet brandy against the other group's wine.

 

 

3 and 1/2 hours after we left Vancouver we arrived into Whistler Station at Nita Lake. There are buses that transfer you over to the village, where you can roam at will, ride the Peak to Peak Gondola, visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, talk a walking tour or book a glacier flightseeing tour.  

 

 

For the majority of guests the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb is a day trip. Travel up in the morning, spend a few hours in Whistler and then ride the train back. Although there are a few, like us, who break up their trip and spend a night or two in Whistler. We spent a night in Whistler and took the train back the following afternoon. We travelled home in the Classic Service. 

 

 

If we'd  have thought about it more and there had been the availability we would have traveled to Whistler in the Classic Service and home to Vancouver in the Dome Service. Why? Mainly for the food.  In the Classic Service the meals are all prepacked and drinks are $6.00. The meal in the afternoon was a sandwich, nothing wrong with it, just fairly standard.  We missed afternoon tea in the Dome. It was too early in the morning on the way up to enjoy much in the way of alcoholic beverages, whereas in the afternoon Barb might have had a glass or two more of wine with her tea.

 

So Dome or Classic? The staff are great in both. The open air coach means all round views from both services, but the glass domed roof is nice. Our personal preference was for the Dome service. You'll have a great trip whichever you choose.

 

 

Wishlist - Scandinave Spa Gift Card from Costco

Barb, Rose and I had a wonderful evening at The Scandinave Spa in Whistler. I'd love to go back again.  Guess what I saw at Costco? Gift cards for The Scandinave Spa. $100.00 worth of gift cards for $79.99.  Make a good wedding anniversary or Christmas present, wouldn't it? It would cover the entry fee and I can put the rest towards a massage or lunch. Or a second entry. 

 

Places to Fly Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark, McMinnville Oregon

Last year hubby and I visited the aviation hall of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Musuem in McMinnville.  Nehalem Bay is only a 30 minute flight from McMinnville. This year hubby and I along with Kim, Joanna and Miss M had planned to spend the morning at the museum and the afternoon at the newly opened Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark.  But once we arrived, we were surprised that they didn't offer a combo pass. The museum was $27.00 pp and the waterpark was $30.00 pp. For anyone who can't add up that's $57.00 each. That's a little much.  We tossed a coin and decided as it was hot and sunny we needed to cool off. So waterpark it was.

 

 

What's so special about the waterpark that we flew all the way to Oregon? We could have gone somewhere closer to Vancouver. Are you kidding me? Look at what's on the roof of the waterpark.

 

 

It's a Boeing 747. There was no question we were going here. I'm not sure who was more excited. Hubby and Kim, the pilots? Or Miss M who is 7. The pilots are both in their 30's by the way. The 4 big slides start out in the fuselage of the 747. The guys were all over the stats... how to get a plane on top of a building and so on.

 

Joanna and I were all about the people watching. There were an awful lot of ill fitting swimsuits. When you're my size you should not be wearing an itsy bitsy polka dot bikini! At least it made us feel good about ourselves. All our girly bits were appropriately covered, with no muffin top hanging over. It was not a pretty sight.

 

 

Anyways, first up we paid our entry fee and our locker rental fee. See the blue band on hubby's wrist? That's our locker key, you just wave the band in front of the black thingy and voila the locker opens. At least there is no key to lose.

 

 

 

There are 10 slides. We did not have time to go on them all. But that's okay. We were actually too old for 3 of them. Ages 2 to 4 only? Can  you say ageist?

 

 

We also didn't make it into the play area which had another 3 slides, with no age or height restrictions.  It looked like a lot of fun especially when the fire fighting bucket dumped 300 gallons of water on everyone.

 

 

We didn't even make it into the leisure pool, hot tub or vortex pool. We did however have multiple rides on the big 4.  While not the biggest, or the longest, or the fastest or the highest slides in North America, they were just perfect for us. I'm not actually a fan of big water slides - I managed to knock myself out going down the water slide at the world jamboree in Sydney. That kind of turned me off them for awhile.  

 

The Mach 1 slide has a minimum height of 48". Miss M was tall enough. Not sure what would have happened otherwise. This is the only ride that you don't take a tube with you. It's just you and your swimsuit. Oh, if your swimsuit has any metal decorations the staff will not let you on this slide. We saw them turn away several people who had metal grommits on the pockets of their boardshorts.

 

Mach 1 is the orange slide. The description from the website says, "This is a high-speed enclosed body slide with tight wrapping turns, switchbacks and drop sections that leave the stomach in the air. Riders shoot down this slide at daring speeds." None of the 4 of us were overly impressed with it. Also because you can only slide one at a time the line up took forever. We only went down it once.

 

Tail Spin is the blue slide. Hubby and I took a double tube. From the website, " This is a high-energy single/double inner tube ride that features fast acceleration off the start and transitions into a tight series of figure eight high banking curves." This one we all liked. I think we went two or three times. The last time we all took single tubes, it's much slower. The double tubes with the weight of two adults move a lot faster. Next time, double tubes all the way.

 

 

The yellow slide is the Sonic Boom. "This slide offers an “outdoor water park” feel with a view of most of the park.  Above the roof, the top section of the slide is transparent to allow glimpses of the shape of the plane and building.  Inside the park the top section of the slide is removed and there is an open top.  Better suited for first time or novice riders this is a superb lead up ride to the higher energy rides."  Um, yeah. Translation = boring. We only did this once as well. Then it was back to the Tail Spin.

 

Everyone's favourite slide? The green one. The Nose Dive. Joanna was a bit concerned, because she thought we had to go down head first.  No idea why it's called the nose dive, but you go feet first. Well most of the way! The best part is the big bowl above. Hubby called it the toilet bowl slide. 

"Nose Dive is a high-energy two-person inner tube ride that combines a fast initial drop into a high rate bank turn.  It leads the riders into a dark oscillation section before ‘breaking out of the clouds’ through a hologram image and into the circular bowl below. The ride culminates with a smooth transition and dropout for a spectacular splash and water landing."

Apparently there's a hologram just before the bowl, but we all missed it. Not to worry, the slide was still awesome. I'm not sure how many times we went down this one. Lots.

 

We finished off the day in the wave pool, or Splash Down Harbor as it's officially known. Hubby needed it to be a little deeper, even with the waves on he could still touch the bottom. The rest of us were fine. We missed Dive In movie night, it was the night before. You can relax in the pool and watch a movie on the big screen. This week it was Jaws. 

 

Lunch was a burger, fries and a drink from the Milky Way Cafe upstairs. The portions were good, the food not bad, and for $6.00 there were no complaints.  We missed the H2O museum. It sounds like it might have been worth a look. I'm not sure any of us even knew it was there. 

Overall it was an afternoon well spent. I think we would all agree that we got our money's worth. Our only suggestion is that they need a combo pass or a 2 day pass with the museum and the waterpark.  

 

note the attention to detail. We are walking back down the entry road from the museum/waterpark to the airport. Even the road is painted to look like a runway. The building you can see is the headquarters for Evergreen Aviation, and infront of the building is a plane. It looks like it's taking off down the runway.

 

 

Places to Fly - Manzanita, Oregon

The nearest town to Nehalem Bay State Airport and Campground is Manzanita. A 20 minute walk or a 10 minute bike ride from runway to main street. We've done both. All 7 of us rode into town on day 1 to pick up some groceries etc.

 

Day 3 we took a leisurely walk into town along the beach. It took longer because we stopped to watch the surfers, kite fliers and baby seals taking a nap.

 

In town there's a grocery store to stock up on steak for the barbie, salads, bacon and eggs, beer and wine, and icecream.

And two, yep two, Mexican restaurants. We've eaten at both of them. At the top of the hill is Left Coast Siesta Mexican Food. Hubby and I ate here last year. 

 

 

 It's all about burritos and enchiladas mainly. It's cheap and cheerful and the portions are big.  There's a patio which makes for great people watching.

 

 

At the beach end of the main street is El Mariachi Loco. It's a bit more expensive that Left Coast Siesta. 

 

 

But it has a larger selection of menu items, including some of my favourite Mexican dishes. Like Tacos al Pastor, Sopitas and Flautas.

 

They also win my vote because they serve Negra Modelo. Nom nom nom.

 

 

If you don't want to camp at Nehalem Bay State Park, you can always stay in Manzanita. There's quite the selection of cottages, motels and resorts. I could spent several days just enjoying the sunshine.

 

Places to Fly - Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, McMinnville Oregon

Hubby and I actually visited the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in July of last year. For some reason I never hit send on this post. So here it is. We landed at McMinnville Airport and called the free shuttle to the museum.

The Museum is home to Howard Hughes's Spruce Goose.  For many years it was owned by Disney and was on display beside the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. In 1992 Disney closed their exhibit. Evergreen Aviation proposed moving the Spruce Goose to Oregon. Their plan to build a museum around the Spruce Goose, making it the feature attraction was the winning bid.

 courtesy Evergreen Aviation

 

The museum now consists of the three buildings you see above. The building to the left houses the Spruce Goose and a variety of other planes. The middle building is the IMAX theatre. The building to the far right holds the Space exhibits. Hubby and I spent all our time in the aviation building, we didn't make it over to the space building. Next time.

 

 courtesy Evergreen Aviation. The Spruce Goose towers over all the other aircraft on display.

 

 flying machine designed by Leonardo Da Vinci

 Curtiss Robin

 

 Airco DH4

 

reproduction of  Sopwith Camel - made famous as the plane Snoopy flew in the Peanuts comic strip.

 

 Ford Tri Motor Passenger plane. Love that the baggage is carried in the wings.

 

 Interior of the Ford Tri Motor. Look carefully at the cockpit and you'll see the the yokes are actual steering wheels.

 

 A DC-3 under the wing of the Spruce Goose.

 

We'll definately be back. It's just under a 2 hour flight from home to McMinnville. So the museum could technically be done in day trip, but it's worth staying nearby and spending a full day. 

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

Open: 9:00am to 5:00pm, 7 days a week

Cost: 

• $20.00 Museum Pass - includes entry to the aviation and space museums, firearms exhibit and one ride on the biplane carousel.
• $11.00 IMAX pass
• $27.00 Campus Pass - includes entry to the aviation and space museums, firearms exhibit, one ride on the biplane carousel and one IMAX movie.

Location:

 

500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way

McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 434-4006

 

 

 

 

Day 3 on Rocky Mountaineer

Tomorrow I head out on my next train shift. So I thought it was about time I finished telling you about my first trip.

Day 3 was Canmore back to Kamloops. The train left Calgary early with new guests onboard and picked us up in Canmore before heading to Banff for more guests to board.

Our team was feeling much more confident. Sure, we still have stuff to work out like timing but in general we have a much better understanding of our how trips will work.

After the guests had been served breakfast we (the 10 retail sales specialists) headed out into our coaches. We introduced the catalogue and our samples to the guests, processed the early sales and returned to our training coach for lunch.

After lunch it was back to our coaches to answer questions and process more sales. We finished early and had some time to enjoy the scenery and relax. On a normal trip this won't happen, so we had to take advantage of the down time.

We arrived into Kamloops in time for dinner, the evening show and bed.