Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Escape to Alberta
16 November 2007 - 8:00AM View all news | Send to a friend | Print
Madlines
Escape to Alberta
When Coral Mitton was down at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year, she had no idea that simply filling in an entry form at the RM Williams stand would see her winning the major prize.
A trip to Canada! So last month, along with brother and sister-in-law, Clive and Wendy Anderson, the trio set off on a three week tour of Canada.
Their first port of call was Calgary where they stayed for three nights.
Although the famous Stampede was not on, the Spurs Meadow World Champion Equestrian event was on which was very impressive even though the weather turned nasty.
Coral also caught up with a pen-friend, Jean Winter. Coral met Jean some twenty years ago on a trip to NZ and they have corresponded ever since. Jean drove down from Red Deer and showed them around, which included the casino. From Calgary it was on to Banff and Lake Louise.
They stayed at Banff Springs and took a cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain where a boardwalk made it easier to enjoy the fresh snow and the beautiful panoramic view.
It was on to Jasper for three nights and the place just looked like a postcard, so green.
It was then “All Aboard” the Red Leaf Express which was heading to Vancouver.
The leaves were just starting to turn in places, but the bears could be easily seen from the train as it made it’s way through the Rockies.
There was a one night stay at Kamloops where they took in a great dinner show. Arriving at Vancouver they toured around the city and spent one night before heading to Victoria.
Here they went to the world famous Butchart Gardens which were truly magnificent.
Their Canadian experience drew to an end and they flew out to Honolulu for three nights, although it was really only two and a half, as their flight back to Australia was at midnight!
Honolulu is definitely aimed at the thousands of tourists who flock there. High rise buildings, white sand and fantastic shopping. Coral said the shops were beautiful, gorgeous clothes, jewellery, shoes, everything. They were only sorry they didn’t pack their swimmers as the weather was very hot.
They all had a wonderful time away and Coral feels very lucky she had the opportunity to go.
60th Celebrations
Last weekend was a big event for Frank Williams as he turned sixty. Celebrations continued for the two days as many guests had travelled great distances.
His brother, Gary from Auckland, along with other family and friends flew across the Tasman.
The sister fishing club of Grenfell Fishing Club, Wanoona-Bulli, had their members in attendance as well as other friends from Sydney and Newcastle.
Frank’s son Roy drove 13 hours from the Gold Coast after work that night to join in the celebrations which his father really appreciated.
Wild goat, pork and lamb were all done on a spit roast while chicken, ham and salads were also on offer the feed the 60 plus guests.
After cutting the three cakes and opening his present from wife Jane, a Budda who she thought Frank is starting to resemble, the party kicked on into the early hours of the morning.
Jacaranda Festival
Neville and Joyce Wood have just returned from a week in Grafton where they stayed with their friends, Barry and Jan Howell, who left Grenfell three years ago.
The Howells wish to be remembered to their many friends here.
It was a great time to be in Grafton as the Jacaranda Festival was on.
This festival is the longest running in Australia and the trees were all out with their beautiful purple flowers.
There was a huge parade through the streets and they enjoyed all the things Grafton had to offer.
On their way back home they called in and spent a night with Neville’s cousin, Alan and Liz Lowe at Mudgee.
Paying a Visit
Col Manger played host to Rob and Maureen Anderson when they came down from Yamba to spend a few days in their old home town.
Rob used to work for Col when he was an electrician and Maureen was the daughter of Dudley Hadson who used to have a little greengrocer’s shop next to the Albion.
He also used to drive the school bus that the Griffiths girls went on.
I can always remember he had a feather duster to keep us all in line. They both enjoyed catching up with everyone.
Moving on
Sue and David Dixon together with their friends Dianna and Ron Atkinson from Campbelltown had a bit of a farewell dinner for their daughter Karen and her two children last Friday down at the Bowling Club. Karen is moving to Cowra.
Frequent Friends
Roy and Jean Clark had their friends Dawn and Martin Cook visit from Oak Flats.
The Cooks love coming to Grenfell and visiting their long time friends.
They all enjoyed Friday night down at the Bowling Club.
40th Wedding Anniversary
On Sunday 11th November a lunch was held at the bowling club for Ray & Rosemary Walter for a celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.
Guest included Rosemary’s brother Richard, Ray’s brother Max and his Uncle Ron, their daughters Tracey and husband Robert, children Tayla, Sophie and Ryan, Cindy and her husband Ken and their sons Nicholas, Blake, Alex and Sam.
A lovely lunch was prepared by Robyn and her staff and Ray made a small speech and they cut their cake.
A lovely time was had by all and it was great to catch up with their first Grenfell neighbours the Harris family.
Thought of the week
Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.
Madlines
Escape to Alberta
When Coral Mitton was down at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year, she had no idea that simply filling in an entry form at the RM Williams stand would see her winning the major prize.
A trip to Canada! So last month, along with brother and sister-in-law, Clive and Wendy Anderson, the trio set off on a three week tour of Canada.
Their first port of call was Calgary where they stayed for three nights.
Although the famous Stampede was not on, the Spurs Meadow World Champion Equestrian event was on which was very impressive even though the weather turned nasty.
Coral also caught up with a pen-friend, Jean Winter. Coral met Jean some twenty years ago on a trip to NZ and they have corresponded ever since. Jean drove down from Red Deer and showed them around, which included the casino. From Calgary it was on to Banff and Lake Louise.
They stayed at Banff Springs and took a cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain where a boardwalk made it easier to enjoy the fresh snow and the beautiful panoramic view.
It was on to Jasper for three nights and the place just looked like a postcard, so green.
It was then “All Aboard” the Red Leaf Express which was heading to Vancouver.
The leaves were just starting to turn in places, but the bears could be easily seen from the train as it made it’s way through the Rockies.
There was a one night stay at Kamloops where they took in a great dinner show. Arriving at Vancouver they toured around the city and spent one night before heading to Victoria.
Here they went to the world famous Butchart Gardens which were truly magnificent.
Their Canadian experience drew to an end and they flew out to Honolulu for three nights, although it was really only two and a half, as their flight back to Australia was at midnight!
Honolulu is definitely aimed at the thousands of tourists who flock there. High rise buildings, white sand and fantastic shopping. Coral said the shops were beautiful, gorgeous clothes, jewellery, shoes, everything. They were only sorry they didn’t pack their swimmers as the weather was very hot.
They all had a wonderful time away and Coral feels very lucky she had the opportunity to go.
60th Celebrations
Last weekend was a big event for Frank Williams as he turned sixty. Celebrations continued for the two days as many guests had travelled great distances.
His brother, Gary from Auckland, along with other family and friends flew across the Tasman.
The sister fishing club of Grenfell Fishing Club, Wanoona-Bulli, had their members in attendance as well as other friends from Sydney and Newcastle.
Frank’s son Roy drove 13 hours from the Gold Coast after work that night to join in the celebrations which his father really appreciated.
Wild goat, pork and lamb were all done on a spit roast while chicken, ham and salads were also on offer the feed the 60 plus guests.
After cutting the three cakes and opening his present from wife Jane, a Budda who she thought Frank is starting to resemble, the party kicked on into the early hours of the morning.
Jacaranda Festival
Neville and Joyce Wood have just returned from a week in Grafton where they stayed with their friends, Barry and Jan Howell, who left Grenfell three years ago.
The Howells wish to be remembered to their many friends here.
It was a great time to be in Grafton as the Jacaranda Festival was on.
This festival is the longest running in Australia and the trees were all out with their beautiful purple flowers.
There was a huge parade through the streets and they enjoyed all the things Grafton had to offer.
On their way back home they called in and spent a night with Neville’s cousin, Alan and Liz Lowe at Mudgee.
Paying a Visit
Col Manger played host to Rob and Maureen Anderson when they came down from Yamba to spend a few days in their old home town.
Rob used to work for Col when he was an electrician and Maureen was the daughter of Dudley Hadson who used to have a little greengrocer’s shop next to the Albion.
He also used to drive the school bus that the Griffiths girls went on.
I can always remember he had a feather duster to keep us all in line. They both enjoyed catching up with everyone.
Moving on
Sue and David Dixon together with their friends Dianna and Ron Atkinson from Campbelltown had a bit of a farewell dinner for their daughter Karen and her two children last Friday down at the Bowling Club. Karen is moving to Cowra.
Frequent Friends
Roy and Jean Clark had their friends Dawn and Martin Cook visit from Oak Flats.
The Cooks love coming to Grenfell and visiting their long time friends.
They all enjoyed Friday night down at the Bowling Club.
40th Wedding Anniversary
On Sunday 11th November a lunch was held at the bowling club for Ray & Rosemary Walter for a celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.
Guest included Rosemary’s brother Richard, Ray’s brother Max and his Uncle Ron, their daughters Tracey and husband Robert, children Tayla, Sophie and Ryan, Cindy and her husband Ken and their sons Nicholas, Blake, Alex and Sam.
A lovely lunch was prepared by Robyn and her staff and Ray made a small speech and they cut their cake.
A lovely time was had by all and it was great to catch up with their first Grenfell neighbours the Harris family.
Thought of the week
Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations unveils 2008 brochure
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations unveils 2008 brochure
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (RMV), owners and operators of the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train and the Whistler Mountaineer, has unveiled the new 2008 brochure featuring an extensive portfolio of vacations that showcase the most unique and picturesque regions of Canada.
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ 2008 brochure offers a greater variety of holiday choices with flexibility for package customisation in all six vacation categories: Best Sellers, Rail and Drive Vacations, The President’s Collection, Rail and Wilderness Adventures, Winter Rail Vacations and The Whistler Mountaineer Train. Many of the packages offer one or more of RMV’s spectacular rail routes including the recently introduced Whistler Mountaineer train, which provides a vital connection between the 2010 Olympic Games destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. as well as the Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route, which takes travellers through Western Canada’s gold rush region.All three routes for the Rocky Mountaineer train equally showcase the diverse beauty of Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies.
“Each year we strive to create an innovative vacation package selection that is easily customised and has the added value and flexibility that Australian travellers are looking for today,” says James Terry, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
New for 2008 is the Rail and Wilderness Adventures, featuring packages that offer the ultimate scenic rail experience, combined with optional outdoor activities in the dramatic Cariboo region or wildlife viewing on the shores of the Pacific coastline. Tours in this collection include the Gold Rush, Rails and Rockies as well as Rockies, Whales and Bears.
The Gold Rush, Rails and Rockies package provides guests a rare opportunity to experience Canada’s magnificent Cariboo Region as well as British Columbia’s rustic outdoors. On this thirteen-night/fourteen day journey, guests will travel onboard the new Whistler Mountaineer in Coast Classic Experience and Rocky Mountaineer’s Fraser Discovery Route in comfortable RedLeaf Service from Vancouver, B.C. to Jasper, Alberta. Travellers will visit Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, enjoy nine nights of hotel accommodations and also have the choice of staying at the remote Cariboo River Lodge, the charming family owned Pine Meadows Guest Ranch or the luxurious Siwash Lake Ranch in B.C’s interior region. The package also includes five days of numerous outdoor activities choosing from a Gold Rush Tour, a gentle river float tour, 4 wheel drive adventures to a cattle drive as well as a complimentary tour of Jasper, an Icefields Parkway Tour (including the Ice Explorer), a Yoho Park Tour (including transfers to Banff), a Banff Tour (including a complimentary ride on the Banff Gondola and transfers to Calgary), several breakfasts, lunches and dinners, a guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as well as rail station transfers in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Jasper.
With 16 departures to choose from, commencing June 3 to September 18, 2008, prices begin at AUD $5,209.00 per adult (based on double occupancy at Popular Hotels).
The second exciting package to the Rail and Wilderness Adventure series is the Rockies, Whales and Bears, a seven night/ eight day tour that allows guests to enjoy whale watching at Long Beach Lodge - a luxurious resort perched on the rugged shoreline near Tofino on Vancouver Island, as well as take pleasure in a guided wildlife excursion in search for black bears and a wildlife trek along the fjord inlets and sheltered bays of Clayoquot Sound. Completing the tour is a spectacular two-day, all daylight scenic journey onboard the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff in RedLeaf Service. Together with four nights hotel accommodation and three nights at a beachfront lodge accommodation, this Rail and Wilderness Adventure package also includes a Hot Springs Explorer Tour (a whale watching tour), two breakfasts and lunches, transfers to and from Long Beach Lodge by motorcoach and ferry, as well as rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Calgary.
Travelling both Eastbound and Westbound and offering three weekly departures commencing April 14 through to September 27, 2008, prices begin at AUD $2,361.00 per adult (based on double occupancy at Popular Hotels).
The deluxe Rockies, Rails and Luxury Wilderness package is also new for 2008 and is featured in our exclusive President’s Collection. This luxurious seven-night/ eight-day holiday is one of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations finest rail packages. Travellers will board a float plane to British Columbia’s remote Desolation Sound, a far-reaching inlet blessed with breathtaking scenery and spend three glorious nights at the Sonora Resort, which features superior accommodations, gourmet cuisine and a choice of activities such as a grizzly bear viewing tour, a guided salmon fishing trip, an ATV tour through the rugged wilderness, or a guided eco-nature tour and kayak trip. A rail journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train between Vancouver and Calgary in GoldLeaf Service tops off this spectacular trip. Guests also enjoy three nights at Fairmont hotel accommodations in Vancouver and Calgary, float plane dock and all rail station transfers, seven breakfasts and dinners and several lunches as well as private airport limousine transfers.
Travelling both Eastbound and Westbound with departures commencing May 12 through to October 9, 2008, prices begins at AUD 7,512.oo per adult (based on double occupancy) in GoldLeaf Service.
Each Rocky Mountaineer Vacations package includes Canadian GST, luggage handling, a complimentary National Park Pass as well as an Exclusive Attractions Pass, with free admission to a Hop-On Hop-Off Attractions Loop Tour in Vancouver, Vancouver Lookout, Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, Whyte Museum and Upper Hot Springs in Banff, Jasper Tramway (including transportation to and from the gondola) and Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (RMV), owners and operators of the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train and the Whistler Mountaineer, has unveiled the new 2008 brochure featuring an extensive portfolio of vacations that showcase the most unique and picturesque regions of Canada.
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ 2008 brochure offers a greater variety of holiday choices with flexibility for package customisation in all six vacation categories: Best Sellers, Rail and Drive Vacations, The President’s Collection, Rail and Wilderness Adventures, Winter Rail Vacations and The Whistler Mountaineer Train. Many of the packages offer one or more of RMV’s spectacular rail routes including the recently introduced Whistler Mountaineer train, which provides a vital connection between the 2010 Olympic Games destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. as well as the Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route, which takes travellers through Western Canada’s gold rush region.All three routes for the Rocky Mountaineer train equally showcase the diverse beauty of Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies.
“Each year we strive to create an innovative vacation package selection that is easily customised and has the added value and flexibility that Australian travellers are looking for today,” says James Terry, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
New for 2008 is the Rail and Wilderness Adventures, featuring packages that offer the ultimate scenic rail experience, combined with optional outdoor activities in the dramatic Cariboo region or wildlife viewing on the shores of the Pacific coastline. Tours in this collection include the Gold Rush, Rails and Rockies as well as Rockies, Whales and Bears.
The Gold Rush, Rails and Rockies package provides guests a rare opportunity to experience Canada’s magnificent Cariboo Region as well as British Columbia’s rustic outdoors. On this thirteen-night/fourteen day journey, guests will travel onboard the new Whistler Mountaineer in Coast Classic Experience and Rocky Mountaineer’s Fraser Discovery Route in comfortable RedLeaf Service from Vancouver, B.C. to Jasper, Alberta. Travellers will visit Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, enjoy nine nights of hotel accommodations and also have the choice of staying at the remote Cariboo River Lodge, the charming family owned Pine Meadows Guest Ranch or the luxurious Siwash Lake Ranch in B.C’s interior region. The package also includes five days of numerous outdoor activities choosing from a Gold Rush Tour, a gentle river float tour, 4 wheel drive adventures to a cattle drive as well as a complimentary tour of Jasper, an Icefields Parkway Tour (including the Ice Explorer), a Yoho Park Tour (including transfers to Banff), a Banff Tour (including a complimentary ride on the Banff Gondola and transfers to Calgary), several breakfasts, lunches and dinners, a guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as well as rail station transfers in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Jasper.
With 16 departures to choose from, commencing June 3 to September 18, 2008, prices begin at AUD $5,209.00 per adult (based on double occupancy at Popular Hotels).
The second exciting package to the Rail and Wilderness Adventure series is the Rockies, Whales and Bears, a seven night/ eight day tour that allows guests to enjoy whale watching at Long Beach Lodge - a luxurious resort perched on the rugged shoreline near Tofino on Vancouver Island, as well as take pleasure in a guided wildlife excursion in search for black bears and a wildlife trek along the fjord inlets and sheltered bays of Clayoquot Sound. Completing the tour is a spectacular two-day, all daylight scenic journey onboard the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff in RedLeaf Service. Together with four nights hotel accommodation and three nights at a beachfront lodge accommodation, this Rail and Wilderness Adventure package also includes a Hot Springs Explorer Tour (a whale watching tour), two breakfasts and lunches, transfers to and from Long Beach Lodge by motorcoach and ferry, as well as rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Calgary.
Travelling both Eastbound and Westbound and offering three weekly departures commencing April 14 through to September 27, 2008, prices begin at AUD $2,361.00 per adult (based on double occupancy at Popular Hotels).
The deluxe Rockies, Rails and Luxury Wilderness package is also new for 2008 and is featured in our exclusive President’s Collection. This luxurious seven-night/ eight-day holiday is one of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations finest rail packages. Travellers will board a float plane to British Columbia’s remote Desolation Sound, a far-reaching inlet blessed with breathtaking scenery and spend three glorious nights at the Sonora Resort, which features superior accommodations, gourmet cuisine and a choice of activities such as a grizzly bear viewing tour, a guided salmon fishing trip, an ATV tour through the rugged wilderness, or a guided eco-nature tour and kayak trip. A rail journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train between Vancouver and Calgary in GoldLeaf Service tops off this spectacular trip. Guests also enjoy three nights at Fairmont hotel accommodations in Vancouver and Calgary, float plane dock and all rail station transfers, seven breakfasts and dinners and several lunches as well as private airport limousine transfers.
Travelling both Eastbound and Westbound with departures commencing May 12 through to October 9, 2008, prices begins at AUD 7,512.oo per adult (based on double occupancy) in GoldLeaf Service.
Each Rocky Mountaineer Vacations package includes Canadian GST, luggage handling, a complimentary National Park Pass as well as an Exclusive Attractions Pass, with free admission to a Hop-On Hop-Off Attractions Loop Tour in Vancouver, Vancouver Lookout, Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, Whyte Museum and Upper Hot Springs in Banff, Jasper Tramway (including transportation to and from the gondola) and Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta
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