... still on the train.
Trip Start
May 15, 2008
1
66
70
Trip End
Jul 13, 2008
Watrous, Saskatchewan, Canada
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
We had very little commentary from the VIA crew. Every once in a while, we would get an announcement about something we had just passed, or something (body of water) we had been traveling next to for quite a while. Our main indication of where we were was the sign at the train station we were stopped at. There were only 10 official stops between Toronto and Vancouver (ours in Edmonton being one of those stops). When we were stopped at a station, we could get out for some fresh air (LOL! Fresh except for all of the smokers who were dying for a cigarette and polluting the air directly outside the train). Usually though, the stops were no longer than 30 minutes.
There were many "optional" stops in between, as in if there was someone who needed to get on or off at that stop, the train would oblige. If not, we would just continue on.
The scenery was pretty, and very nice to view from a train. We especially loved the many lakes in Ontario, but were also very appreciative of being inside a train with the doors closed. No doubt, this was mosquito country!!
We got into Winnipeg at about 5:00 p.m. This was a major stop for the train - refueling and restocking the dining cars. We had an hour to spend, and decided to get supper at The Forks. By the time we were reboarded and on our way, we were about 2 hours behind time, and becoming a bit concerned about getting into Edmonton hours late. One of the crew reassured us that traveling across the prairies was a great way to make up time and thought we'd probably be almost back on track by the time we hit Edmonton (ETA, 8:05 a.m.)
The crew handed out covers for our eyes and earplus in addition to pillows and blankets this evening. Hmmm, Hmmm, Hmmm, - wonder what this could mean? At bed time, we had been on the train for about 40 hours. Only 10 to go, and we'd sleep most of those away, missing Saskatchewan entirely.
