Calgary in summer

Well we didn't think much of Seattle's airport - it was filthy everywhere, but thankfully it was only just over an hour and yes the temperature was in the mid 20s, a vast improvement on our departure from Anchorage.  We were impressed however that we did not have to go through any security screening and were soon about our plane for the flight to Calgary.  Vivian is still panicking about our bags!!   The flight is actually just over an hour and a half (I had overlooked the time change as we are going to Alberta).   Had a great flight and some more magnificent views over the mountain tops which were covered in snow.   About 20 minutes away from Calgary we ran into some heavy cloud and we started circling over the mountains (great views still) and the Captain comes on to say the airport is currently closed due to thunderstorms, but that we should be clear in about 15 minutes.  So we continue our scenic flight and then down the plains and around the suburbs of Calgary before our approach to the airport.  Calgary looks very new and clean from the air, with lots of subdivisions spreading out from the city.  Most of the houses are smaller multistory ones in small blocks.  Some lifestyle type homes also abound, many 3 storied.

No problems in landing and going through immigration, although the girl we struck could do with a personality transplant.  I mean we say we are only staying in Canada for a fortnight and are doing the Rockies, so why does it matter whether we came from Seattle or Anchorage - they are both USA!  Got a shuttle to our hotel and when we got to our room we were pleasantly surprised to see we had a suite, a view & a balcony☺

After unpacking we thought it was time for a meal as we hadn't really eaten all day, so enquired at the desk and were recommended the steakhouse down 1 block.  The 4th Avenue location is very much downtown business area, with little in the way of cafe's etc, which seems to be a common thread on this trip.  Anyway, back to dinner, we rock on down and of course it is Saturday night and the place is packed.  We were soon seated and had a most magnificent steak meal, preceded by the biggest shrimps that we had come across.  The added bonus was that the ships were free, as a promotion from the hotel/steakhouse ( don't sneeze at $24).  As we had lost a couple of hours since we left in the morning, we headed to bed, being quite happy that it is now dark at night!

Sunday 1 June
A pleasant surprise was that we now find that breakfast is included, as this wasn't stipulated when we booked.  Our stay is part of the Rocky Mountaineer package and the extra nights part of our free bonus for early booking, so we're just go with the flow.  Back to breakfast, which is served in the basement, had the usual things and was a good apart from the coffee. Tea in future.

Calgary was flooded last June/July and this is still very evident.  Out hotel sub basement was extensively devastated, so the pool and gym etc. are still out of action, although there is a lot of work going on and I believe they plan to have it all completed later in the month for the summer season.  Walked extensively and now have a good understanding of the layout of the place.  We walked over to the (replica) original Fort Calgary and then down and along the Bow river, which along with it's sister the Elbow river, which joins by the Fort was responsible for the floods.  As I have commented, there are many repairs to structures and paths etc. being carried out, but overall the city is great for walkers, joggers and cyclists.  A great network.  Sunday just happened to also be the Calgary Marathon, which is run in a number of events covering different lengths.  Overall there were some 15,000 participants who raised over $1.5m for various charities.  A beautiful morning and was getting very hot by midday.

We continued our walk along the river, looking for a cafe, but still to no avail.  Walked over to Prince's Park Island in the middle of the Bow and found a cafe serving brunch, so decided to do that.  By now it is about 1.30.  We had noted the clouds gathering to the west and the threat of showers but were not to concerned.  No sooner had we left then it rained. BIG spots.  It wasn't cold however, but we did get wet getting back to the hotel.  Lesson learned - it rains every afternoon.  Had dinner in the hotel, which is also downstairs and was in the bar area.  Given that it was Sunday, it was extremely quiet.

Monday 2 June
Slept in and just made breakfast.  Back to walking around again and this time we headed off over the river and walked up the 155 steps to the top overlooking the city.  These stairs are used extensively by the fitness fanatics (mainly young girls) who run up and down numerous times as well as doing other exercises at both top and bottom.  I was exhausted just watching them.  Back down and onto the mainland, we made our way to the Core shopping mall in the middle of town.  Grabbed a coffee & a muffin from a healthy shop, so that should be good for us.  Our main purpose was to visit the gardens on the 4th floor.  After a roundabout experience, we reached these magnificent gardens, situated on one of the overpasses between a couple (or more) buildings.  We'll go back tomorrow and have lunch up there too.  We also found out that the city has a network of inter building walkways called +15 Skywalk - if only wee had known that yesterday, we could have kept dry!  Oh yes, on our way back to the hotel today the rain started, but was only a few spots.  I was much more comfortable in shorts & T-shirt today, so I am still keeping all those winter woolies in the suitcase.  Long may it last.

Southern Rockies

From our room - towards the airport

Canada Geese & families

Overlooking Bow River & city. Towards the Rockies

Top of the stair walk

Garden on the 4th floor

...and again