Across Canada, which holds 50% of the world's freshwater!!

Having travelled for 3 nights across Australia by train we had assumed that the Canadian journey would take less time. How wrong we were, we had not taken into account mountain ranges and lakes that had to be circumnavigated as well as the massive distance across the second largest country in the world, after Russia. This was an awesome journey through high mountain ranges and across water logged plains. Our travelling companions came from many countries and we spent some time talking about politics, art, teaching and shared experiences. The train has dome cars with seats set high under glass roofs which allow wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. The photo shows how long the train was and also that it needed three engines to pull it. The Rockies were absolutely stunning, many still carrying much of their winter snows, their peaks sharp and jagged.
They gave way to the Prairies, not as large and broad as I had imagined but covered with yellow and blue fields of oil seed rape (canola, as it is known here) and flax. These gave way to water, lakes and ponds, rivers and streams all surrounded by miles of forest, silver birch, aspen and of course fir. I was reminded of the Girl Guide song 'Land of the Silver Birch, Home of the Beaver', but Fogg would not let me sing it!! I was delighted to see Beaver lodges but unfortunately no sight of their elusive builders. Fogg is champing at the bit so I will just briefly mention Toronto and Niagara. The former is a great city, full of charm where modern glass edifices jostle with great Victorian architecture. As you can see Fogg has enjoyed himself here. We both had a
wonderful day at Niagara Falls and got wonderfully soaked on the 'Maid of the Mist'. But oh dear what a tacky place!
OK Fogg here you are, best wishes from me, Phileas.
Hi Fogg here at last! Note the 'ear' in the bottom right hand corner of the 'Rockies' photo, probably belonging to Phileas as she was trying to sing Land of the Silver Birch etc.... down mine! Toronto was hosting a Caribbean festival and we came upon a square full of beautiful people celebrating in wondeful costumes. In another square people were beginning to take their places for a free showing of the film Romeo and Juliet and all around there were street entertainers and artists plying their wares.
An exciting, vibrant and proud city which we will continue to explore today. Niagra Falls was crazy. We all got incredibly wet as the photo shows exactly where we were. All aboard were given waterproofs which merely enhanced the humidity already at about 60%!. We all looked very glamourous in our blue plastic bags. On our return to Toronto we stopped to taste some local wine at a winery that specialises in 'Ice wine'. Over to Phileas to explain and to sign off. So goodbye from Fogg for now.
Canada produces about 80% of the world's ice wine and this winery produces 20% of that. The grapes are picked at 2am in January and of course are totally frozen. Crushed immediately the only liquid from each grape is a drop of very sweet nectar. This wine, a dessert wine is fabulous and also very expensive.


So Canada is proving to be a pretty special place as some of our friends at home already know. We havn't finished here yet but must close now. Best wishes from us both, Phileas.