R: Yesterday was quite a dull day. We spent most of it in a mini van on the Icefields parkway, heading for Jasper. We started with Schnitzels in Banff before we headed off, served in the "traditional style", with Anchovies and Capers. Now, I'm not a schnitzel expert but it didn't sound right. We spent 4 hours on the bus driving through incredible Icefields scenery (an Icefield consists of multiple glaciers). Sadly the cloud level was so low that you got the impression of magnificent scenery around you, but no actual views. It's snowed pretty heavily while we were on the way - I was pretty glad I wasn't doing the driving at times. We've ended up in a small B&B that seems to be run by Welsh people called the Williams, also given the number ... read more

C: We've been in Banff for 3 days now and are really enjoying it. Yesterday we made a second attempt to drive up to Lake Louise - success! The road was much better and the clouds were higher so we could see most of the mountain tops. The lake itself was very impressive, huge, and beautifully framed by the Victoria glaciers and surrounding mountains. After taking the obligatory photos and wandering round the lake for a bit we headed to the ski area where we had been told that ski lifts were available to take us up the mountain. Unlike in the Alps they were not at all prepared for the possibility that you might want to go up on the lift for sightseeing and not skiing and the man operating the chairlift looked at us ... read more

C: Well we're nearing the end of our time in Vancouver and we've really enjoyed it despite the sometimes hostile weather. Yesterday, we decided some exercise was in order so we hired bikes (thanks Abbie Davis for the tip) and headed off to do the Seawall loop round the edge of the city centre and around Stanley Park, a beautiful protected peninsula to the northwest of the city. Vancouver is well set up for cycling and so after just 5 mins of slightly scary city roads we were on a great dedicated cycle track running along the water's edge for the rest of the day. The park was lovely and in most of it you would have no idea you were in the middle of huge metropolis. It's almost entirely natural and very underdeveloped with just ... read more

R: So today we finished the packing and are nearly ready to go. There was just the matter of the spirits cabinet to drink up. Cate valiantly drank the gin, while I opted for something more.... Mediterrainian. Can't spell that.... We have had a great evening with friends eating our last British curry for 6 months (not to mention the great "goodbye meals" we've had with others in the last few weeks). And so to Heathrow, where I hear we have disruption awaiting us. Boo to that.... read more

The countdown is on to our departure - click the link to see how long we have left! Time to Leave!... read more