For The Love of Travel

My favorite places, photos and stories

October 27, 2018
by Lids
Comments Off on 23/10/18 – 24/10/18 Calgary, Alberta

23/10/18 – 24/10/18 Calgary, Alberta

Drove to see a little of Kananaskis country on the way through to Calgary, and stopped off at the photogenic Barrier Lake.

Got to Calgary and rendezvoused with Canadian friends, Frits and Janice. They have put me up in their lovely apartment and check out the day and night view …..incredible!  A walk by Calgary Tower at night was pretty spesh! 

This is the Famous 5 sculpture by Edmonton sculptor Barbara Paterson in Calgary’s Olympic Plaza.  Paterson captured the five women at the moment they reunited over a cup of tea to celebrate their victory in 1929, in the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, where they succeeded in having women legally considered persons so that they could be appointed to the Senate. 

A lovely catch up over dinner and then entertainment at the Jack Singer Concert Hall – a high-energy trans-Balkan musical extravaganza with the Goran Bregović Wedding and Funeral Band. Lauded worldwide for his fusion of rock and Balkan folk music, Goran and his band brought us a raucous Balkan party. It was a lot of fun. 

The next day, took myself to downtown and visited the Calgary Tower, with sweeping views over the city. A grey day but still a great view, especially of one section of the amazing “Plus 15” pedestrian skywalk system, with a total length of 18 kms and 62 bridges. The skywalks are 15 feet above street level and provide Calgarians with a warm and safe system for accessing shops and business locations when the temperature outside is -30 degrees.

Next, to the Bow Building has an art installation outside called “Wonderland” – a 12 metre bent-wire head of a young girl created by Spanish sculptor, Jaume Plensa. It has an entrance in the neck area, so viewers can wander through and look at the city from different vantage points.

On my way to the Glenbow Museum, I passed by the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer who had displayed over 7,000 knitted and crocheted poppies outside its church building to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WW1 armistice. 

After a sumptuous dinner and opportunity to catch up with mine hosts’ lovely relatives Mark and Wendy – Janice drove me to Scotchman’s Hill for a pic over Calgary at night, with the extraordinary curve of the stadium in the foreground; then to the illuminated Peace Bridge, and then to North Hill for a different city perspective….a good night’s work, all in all.

October 27, 2018
by Lids
Comments Off on 22/10/18 Canmore, Alberta

22/10/18 Canmore, Alberta

A beautiful sunrise this morning over Okanagan Lake as I farewelled friends Jacqui and Jack. Off to Canmore, a 455 kms drive along the Trans Canada highway to the north-east, and once again hopping over the border to Alberta. An uneventful journey, stopping a few times to stretch everything, with yet again glorious mountain and snow views. 

Got into Canmore about 16:00 and the Georgetown Inn where I was staying, had taken great care and pride in decorating the entrance area to the hotel, in anticipation of Halloween. Very quaint!

Drove to a couple of places to take photos – “Rundle Forebay reservoir” and a view of “Three  Sisters” peaks from the newly developed Malcolm (luxury) Hotel. 

 

 

October 27, 2018
by Lids
Comments Off on 19/10/18 – 22/10/18 Okanagan valley and Naramatta Bench, British Columbia

19/10/18 – 22/10/18 Okanagan valley and Naramatta Bench, British Columbia

Nestled between the snow-capped Coastal Mountains to the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east, the Okanagan valley extends north from the Canada-US border for about 160 kilometres (100 miles). Glacial lakes run the length of the valley, providing a moderating influence on the climate. As a grape-growing and wine-producing region, its future is full of promise. Most of the vineyards are planted on benches above the valley floor; on varying degrees of slope that assist with air drainage, improves frost protection and increases the amount of sun the vines receive. During the week, I took myself off to explore vistas in the valley. Duck Lake close to Kelowna, had fab yellow tree reflections.

On the weekend, Jacki and Jack showed me the beautiful Naramatta Bench area – a whole day of winery visits (thanks Jack for being our designated driver and ‘sherpa’ of wine bottles purchased). We started our exploration at Bliss Bakery for brekkie, which has a delightful set of paintings for sale on the cafe wall – all pop group related. I liked the one of Keith and Mick the best.  “Therapy” vineyards, we decided was most appropriate for us to start imbibing…followed by “Serendipity”, then “La Frenz”,  “MocoJo”, “Lock and Worth”, which also had fab cheeses and finally Poplar Grove….for a bite of lunch and more beautiful views.Such a great day in the company of lovely friends.