Author Archives: JimG

Catalina Island

Posted on June 28, 2024 by JimG

The Casino

June 28, 2024

We woke up early and we walked to the iconic Avalon Casino building.  Although the building is called the casino, we were told that there isn’t a casino in it and never has been.  The word “casino” means gathering place.  Unfortunately, the building wasn’t open when we got there.  I found a schedule but it mentioned that opening times depended on cruise ship arrivals.

We walked around the outside of the building and I couldn’t help but notice how quiet everything was with the exception of a few small groups of scuba divers who were suiting up. As much as I would have loved to go into the building, I was enjoying the quiet morning.   The Catalina Express would be bringing in visitors, I was glad that there weren’t any cruise ships.

After our walk, we went back to the hotel, packed everything up, checked out and had them store our luggage while we got lunch.   After lunch, we headed to the pier where we hung out waiting for boat back to Long Beach.

I was surprised at the amount of wildlife, I could see plenty of fish, I spotted a sea lion along with Cormorants.   It was a nice ride back to Long Beach.

Overall, a fun weekend. Continue reading →

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Catalina Island Backcountry Tour

Posted on June 27, 2024 by JimG

June 27th, 2024

We were picked up at our hotel by Backcountry tours and was taken to see the other parts of the island.  Part of the tour was on dirt roads, I was glad that we were in an air conditioned truck as opposed to an open air vehicle.  Our guide from Backcountry tours explained that they offered a variety of services that include hauling camping gear and setting up camps for hikers that want to hike.  With the steep hills, I could see where carrying food and gear could be a challenge.

We enjoyed seeing the rest of the island and hearing about the conservation efforts.  Unfortunately, we did not get to see the Bison which were brought to island in 1924.  Fourteen American Bison were brought to the Island and now, a hundred years later, a herd of about 150 roam the island.

After our tour, our guide dropped us off at “The Lobster Trap” where we had lunch. I rarely get lobster, but decided to have the lobster roll. I wasn’t disappointed. Continue reading →

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Catalina Island

Posted on June 26, 2024 by JimG

The Casino

June 26, 2024

I haven’t been to Catalina since the early 90s.  At the time, I was living in Long Beach which is one of the locations that the Catalina Express boats go in and out of.   We got up, headed to Pann’s for breakfast and then headed to Long Beach to catch our 11:15 boat.  We made good time which allowed me to drive by my old apartment and reminisce.  I had moved to Long Beach for work.   I loved my job, I loved my apartment and have very fond memories from that time.   I have always said that if I could go back and relive a time, that time period would be at the top of my list.

I had purchased a package deal from the Aurora hotel which included the transportation to and from the island, the taxi from the pier as well as a tour of the Island. When I called the hotel to book the package, I was impressed with how friendly and helpful they were.  Overall, I felt the room and the bathroom were small but we had an ocean view and it was only for a couple of nights.   I would definitely stay there again!

The Wrigley Family bought the back in 1919. This is the same Wrigley family that owned Wrigley field along with the Chicago Cubs.  It is hard to imagine the amount of money that this family made off of chewing gum.  At any rate, the family is still owned by the Wrigley family and is known for its wildlife and scuba diving.

When we arrived, we noticed that Avalon was crowded with lines almost everywhere.  I knew that a lot of people will go to Catalina for the day and there was a huge cruise ship parked off of the pier.  I wondered if it was going to remain as crowded as it was.   As we headed out to dinner, we noticed that the cruise ship was leaving and the crowds had dissipated. Continue reading →

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Vancouver to LAX

Posted on May 21, 2024 by JimG

May 21, 2024

We got up and went to the McDonalds for a quick breakfast and then caught the Skytrain to the airport.  It had been a couple of years since I had been in Vancouver and I found myself thinking about my memory. I remember where we stayed and how they had breakfast in the lounge and they had Boursin Cheese (which I love) which I would put on toast.   For the life of me, I could not remember if I took the train to the airport or if I went into a Star Alliance lounge.  I found it interesting on how I could have such a detailed memory about the Boursin Cheese but couldn’t remember if I had taken the train into Vancouver.

We got home that evening and unfortunately, neither of us were feeling good.  The following day, Sophon tested positive for COVID and the day after, my test came back positive.  It is not the way we wanted to end our trip.

Categories: Canada, Vancouver | Leave a comment

Canadian Wildlife

Posted on May 21, 2024 by JimG

Throughout the week, we saw a lot of wildlife.   On the train, if people spotted something, they would call it out.  It didn’t matter if we were on a train or bus, if someone called out “Bear”, everyone would jump up.

Unfortunately, we also saw a lot of people approaching the animals.  There were signs everywhere telling people to give wild animals their space, there were signs that said if they spotted wildlife to remain in their vehicles.  When we saw a bear and her cub, we remained on the bus, however, there were people who stopped and got out of their cars in order to get a better picture.  I couldn’t help but think how that it if something happened, it would be the animal who would probably end up paying the price for human stupidity. Continue reading →

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Rocky Mountaineer Kamloops to Vancouver

Posted on May 20, 2024 by JimG

Hell’s Gate

May 20th, 2024

It was another day on the Rocky Mountaineer.  I had no complaints, the service on the Rocky Mountaineer was top rate. I had learned about the Rocky Mountaineer from my father who wanted to take a trip on it.  Unfortunately, he never got around to making that happen.  I hoped that he was there along with me.   He was a traveler at heart and would have loved this.

When we got to Vancouver, we were dropped off at the Fairmont Hotel which was across the street from  the Pan Pacific, where we stayed when we started the trip.  We decided to have dinner at the Pan Pacific hotel since we enjoyed it so much.   After dinner, as we were leaving the hotel, we passed the area where we gathered before starting our trip.  I realized that a new group would be gathering the following morning. I found myself wondering how a week could have passed so quickly, we had seen a lot of great things and met a lot of good people.

As with all trips, I found myself sad that the experience was coming to a close but it was also a reminder that time flies, and I needed to start thinking about my next adventure! Continue reading →

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Lake Louise to Kamloops

Posted on May 19, 2024 by JimG

May 19th, 2024

We boarded the Rocky Mountaineer and set out to Kamloops.  It was another day of taking in the sights while eating and drinking.   There were beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife.  Whenever there anyone spotted wildlife, they would call it out.   We saw a lot of eagles and long horn sheep.

When we first sat down, I thought we lucked out, our seats were right in front.  After a few hours, I realized that we weren’t so lucky.  There was a travel group towards the back who kept coming up to the front and crowding around the front windows to get their pictures.

We went through Kicking Horse and the spiral Tunnels.   The original track had a grade of 4.5% and the first train to attempt the “Big Hill” derailed.  The solution was to build spiral tunnels after a system used in Switzerland.  Although it was an interesting experience, major portions of the spirals were underground.  The attendants would ask, “which way do you think we were turning?” and none of us had a clue! Continue reading →

Categories: Canada, Lake Louise | Leave a comment

Lake Louise Train Station

Posted on May 19, 2024 by JimG

May 19th, 2024

We were picked up at our hotel and taken to the Lake Louise Train station where we had coffee while we waited for our train. The train station is worth stopping at if you are in the area, it is filled with antiques and old pictures and also serves as a restaurant.   The dining options in Lake Louise were somewhat limited, had i known this was also a restaurant, I probably would have dined there.

The train station was built in 1909 and recently restored.  I found myself imagining what it would have been like to travel before we had jets and highways.  As I looked at the antique Dictaphones and typewriters, I wondered how many young people would know what these were.  I overheard someone say on how they had to take typing in high school and how much they hated it.

Knowing that Lake Louise was the playground for the rich and famous, I wondered which dignitaries and Hollywood stars passed through these walls.

Continue reading →

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Lake Louise, Canada

Posted on May 18, 2024 by JimG

May 17th-18th, 2024

I had read that Lake Louise is probably the most photographed lake in Canada – I can see why.  the majority of the lake is surrounded by snowcapped mountains and glaciers. Due to the elevation, the lake does not thaw out until June.  I would love to come back and see it in the summer and I would love to come back and see it in the winter when you can go ice skating on it.

The Chateau Fairmont, our hotel, was the only hotel on the lake. The hotel has an elegant and old feel. The restaurant with large arched windows looking out on to the lake. The hotel has a very interesting history that started back in 1890.  It became a popular filming location and Hollywood hotspot.  John Barrymore, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Alfred Hitchcock, Marilyn Monroe, and Superman himself, Christopher Reeve passed through its doors.

When I inquired about the town and what there was to do, I was told that there was not much of a town, a gas station, grocery story and a few hotels with restaurants.   This was a place to hike, relax, and eat. Continue reading →

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Jasper to Lake Louise – Athabasca Glacier and the Icefield Skywalk

Posted on May 17, 2024 by JimG

May 17th, 2024

As we continued towards Lake Louise, we went up in elevation and the ground was covered with snow.  We were headed to the Columbian Icefield center where we would board an Ice Explorer and journey to the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier.  During our adventure, we would learn all about glaciers and ice fields.   It was very educational but riding on the Ice Explorer was the highlight  The explorers had 5 foot wheels and were designed to go up and down steep inclines.  The tour guide joked about it being the slowest roller coaster, which it felt like.

We stopped for a buffet lunch at the Icefield center and then headed to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a suspended glass floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley.  I do not like heights, I wasn’t sure if I was going to stand at the edge and take pictures or if I was actually going to walk out on it.   I was brave and walked out on it but I focused on the view instead of looking down through the glass.    I walked around it once and decided not to go around a second time.

Below the walkway, we spotted a large goat who was resting on the mountain.  I was amazed at how they could climb on these steep cliffs and not fall.

As we waited for the bus, it started to snow.  We started chatting with the two women who were sitting next to us on the bus, it turns out they live not too far from us in Los Angeles and are from Buffalo, NY, two hours away from where I grew up.  It is a small world. Continue reading →

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