October 2018 issue B

38
Avoiding TRUMPLAND
with a Wonderful Staycation (Part 1)
by Ross Coulter
for camera buffs to capture the surrounding beauty.
That a big horned sheep stepped into the scene quite
naturally and unscripted was a wildlife bonus.
Having suffered the impersonal, officious attitudes
of US customs and immigration personnel on several
previous trips to or through what I now refer to as
“TRUMPLAND” and to express rejection of things
American and support for all things Canadian, a
“Staycation” was planned and enjoyed this summer.
Having visited western Canada on several previous
occasions, mostly for business purposes, there was a
lot yet to see and experience, so a 10-day inclusive
tour was booked with Senior Discovery Tours.
The journey commenced with a 5:20 am pickup at
home for transfer to Pearson Airport for the morning
flight to Calgary. On arrival in Calgary, a scheduled
half-day guided tour of the city took in the Saddle
Dome, the Stampede site and other points of interest
Descending the mountain and literally moving
from top to bottom, the next visit was to the Bow
River falls and a leisurely raft ride down the Bow
before leaving for Banff and our first two-night hotel
stay. Situated as it is in Banff National Park, the city
is a great starting point for the unfolding of western
Canada’s natural wonders and beauty. The night was
spent in clean, comfortable quarters.
After a hearty included breakfast, it was off on a
day of adventure which included a gondola ride up
Sulphur Mountain where vistas of higher mountains
above and valleys below provided ample opportunity
River with an experienced oarsman at the helm
avoiding the odd patches of mild rapids as they appeared.
Exhilarating to say the least, as we rode
through the valley surrounded by snow-capped
mountains.
(Continued on page 39)
T S - O 2018 — V. 43, N. 2