Focus on Scugog - February 2012
CHANGING FACES
The start of every month brings surprises as we look around the commercial sectors of town to see what changes have taken place. This month we must unfortunately report a couple of more store closings - leaving a few 'holes' in the downtown retail section and not a good start for the new year.
In the centre of town at 191 Queen St., Native Focus, which has held down this location for more than a decade,quietly closed in early January. Native Focus sold and displayed the work of Canada' First Nations artists and sculptures and was operated by Jeremy LePage.
As reported last month, F.M. Finds closed its doors the end of December and to the east, at 160 Queen St., Pathway to Heaven has announced they are selling their fixtures and will be closing by the end of February.
A change is coming to the corner of Simcoe St. and Hwy 7A where Scugog Animal Hospital has operated for many years. Dr. Roland Powers recently sold the well known animal care clinic to Dr. Jessica Sherwin, who will move the veterinarian practice into bright, new facilities at 15930 Old Simcoe Road, later this month.
At another end of town, Port Perry Pickers has opened a shop over Cango gas bar at 1625 Scugog Street, at the intersection of Queen St. and 7A Hwy. Port Perry Pickers buys and sells antiques and collectables.
Back on Water St., we see the sign is up indicating a new Japanese restaurant is about to open. The new eatery will be called Jinju Sushi and it is located in the former location of For the Love of Jo Coffee House, at 54 Water Street.
MAILBOX
Focus website should be inclusive
Dear Editor,
Since becoming a Port Perry resident, I have enjoyed many articles from your magazine and I believe it's a very valuable medium for members of our community to share and voice their opinions and suggestions.
However, I am only able to enjoy your magazine through the narration of my brother or other family members. As a blind person, I rely on the internet to independently read news, books and other articles of interest. I finally decided to give you a 'Thumbs Down' because:
A. The website is difficult to navigate without sight.
B. All the online content, save for a recap of Thumbs, is presented using Adobe Flash buttons, which are impossible to navigate if you can't see.
For a magazine that is based on community and inclusiveness, your website is not inclusive or accessible, and I have to pass along this "Thumbs Down".
Thanks, and I hope to be able to enjoy the Focus on Scugog magazine independently in the near future.
Kyle Rawn
Port Perry
Editor's Note: Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. Since receiving your letter, we have added a link to our webpage called "FOCUS in TEXT" which provides a text version of the articles and features. It was not our intention to exclude anyone from enjoying the magazine.
Bylaw helped control spread of disease
Dear Editor,
Regarding your article entitled "No spitting on the street," in the January issue of Focus on Scugog.
You'll find that this municial bylaw is/was not all that uncommon. The city of New York passed a similar bylaw in the 1880s, as did numerous other municipalities.
Spitting is an effective way of spreading respiratory diseases-tuberculosis and influenza in particular. The bylaws which prohibited spitting on floors and sidewalks were a public health measure.
Tuberculosis cases have been much more common in Canada in recent years. Something to think about.
Paul Puckrin
Port Perry
Tax increase worse than reported - should have been 43.8 per cent
Dear Editor,
I just finished reading the latest edition of Focus on Scugog. It is always an enjoyable read.
The timely information on page ten, "It's Tax Season" was of particular interest. I had trouble reconciling the yearly total increases which are shown as Scugog 36.6% and Uxbridge 33.3%. I added the yearly increases shown and arrived at Scugog 43.8% and Uxbridge 38.4%.
If you add in the Regional property tax increases and MPAC property value assessments I believe we are fast reaching the point where many Scugog residents will simply have no choice but to move away from the area.
Every household is not only having to contend with these unsustainable annual property tax increases but having to find money to pay for escalating heating, hydro, insurance, grocery bills etc. No doubt many residents are already in serious financial trouble and will simply not have the means to cope.
Anyone who has ever been involved in developing and refining budgets knows a tough no nonsense professional approach is needed to justify every dollar proposed to be spent. A culture of strict cost control enforcement must be the mandate of each and every department and there is no room for "wish lists" particularly in tough economic times.
Subject to any acceptable explanation it certainly appears Scugog Township has been living and spending beyond its means these past number of years and very bold, tough and imaginative decisions are urgently needed now to drastically cut costs.
The indicated reduced tax increase of 4.24% municipal staff and council members have indicated as a preliminary increase is totally unacceptable, particularly given last years increase of 5.3%.
I can appreciate that the current new council is likely saddled with certain continuing costs that derive from decisions, or lack thereof, made by previous council. That being said only a bold, tough and imaginative approach to the 2012 budget will hold any proposed increase to between zero and the rate of inflation where it should be.
Ed Richards
Port Perry
Editors Note: Our apologies for the miscalculation of the ten-year tax totals. An increase of 36.6 per cent over ten years was certainly bad enough - but the correct total of 43.8 per cent makes it that much worse.
Loud pipes a help for motorcyclists
Dear Editor,
In the December issue of Focus on Scugog, I read the 'Thumbs Down' about noisy motorcycles which caused me to have mixed emotions.
First is my disappointment of why non-riders say things they do not know anything about, or have never experienced. How easy it is for them to suggest that the saying, "loud pipes save lives" is a misconception, when you are not a rider. The second is yes, sometimes I am embarrassed the pipes on my Harley are loud and they are stock pipes and thank my lucky stars they are.
I own two motorcycles and one is, as the writer stated, a 600 cc and much quieter. Last year in Utica that was the bike I was on when a van came out of a hidden driveway and almost ran me over. I am sure it scared both of us.
If it had of been the louder bike there is a chance the driver of the van may have given an extra look before pulling out.
When new motorcycle riders take their M1 and M2 the instructors will tell them that "loud pipes" don't save lives. They say that to drive home how important it is that they learn everything they can in the course.
I can't knock the classes, they are very important, but you can only control yourself not other drivers.
So even if my 'loud pipes' only alert one in four non-aware vehicle drivers to take a look at me, I have increased my chances by 25 per cent of not being in an accident. I like those odds and will continue to drive both bikes both with the same caution.
David Ard
Port Perry
Difference between MTO and MOE
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to a letter posted in your December 2011 issue of Focus on Scugog. The letter, "Port Perry is not a place we will go," was written about "a pair of MTO officers running around your town charging people".
Let's set the story straight. Mr. Berry refers to these officers as "MTO environmental nutbars." Other than the "nutbar" comment, if they were doing environmental enforcement they were MOE enforcement officers (Ministry of the Environment), not MTO enforcement officers.
For the most part MTO enforcement officers look after commercial vehicle enforcement in the province. Although they have the authority to stop any motor vehicle their mandate is commercial vehicles. MOE officers enforce the Environmental Protecton Act on all vehicles. These officers were probably checking these vehicles for proper emissions equipment required by law, which makes perfect sense being a car show. Although they are not mechanics, they are trained inspectors as are MTO officers.
If they were MTO Officers checking these cars they would have been licensed mechanics and would have been checking for issues that would be a safety hazard to all who travel the highways including your town of Port Perry. MTO have a few officers who are in fact mechanics and inspect passenger cars. These 'licensed' officers look after investigations in regards to motor vehicle inspection stations and also partner with local police with street racing issues and modified motor vehicles.
I visit Port Perry on a regular basis as a bass fisherman and I love your town. It's a great place to visit. I have several friends and co-workers who live in town and surrounding area. Personally if I see any type of law enforcement whether it be police, MTO, MOE, conservation officers etc., it makes me feel safe and secure.
I have in fact been stopped on Lake Scugog by Durham Regonal Police and conservation officers for a boat inspection and to check my catch. I'm happy to comply. If I'm in contravention of any law I want to know so I can correct it, whether I'm charged or not. It's soley my responsibilty to know the laws regarding boating and fishing and I'm the only one responsible when I'm not in compliance. This is why they are out there, this is why you have such a great town.
I guess it's safe to assume by Mr. Berry's derogatory comments that he probably received a ticket for some defect on his vehicle. Would that be the fault of the officers or the vehicle owner? He refers to his car as a "legal hot rod". If that's the case then he has nothing to worry about.
R.S. Egan
Barrie, Ont
AN ACT OF LOVE
What began as an act of love for a dying father has become a life's mission for Port Perry musician Bev Foster. And it's a mission that is changing how people approach some of life's most tender and sacred moments.
In 2002 Bev stood at the bedside of her father who was losing his battle with Level 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As a music educator and performer, music had always been part of the fabric of Bev's life, but it was also a shared passion between David Simmonds and his daughter, even as he passed away in Room 217 at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital.
As a final act of love and comfort, Bev, her mother and her siblings sang songs for her dad as he lay dying.
It may not be so unusual for families of the dying to sing the favourite songs – even hymns – of their loved one as they die. Anyone who has relaxed to the sound of a beautiful ballad, soothed a baby with a lullaby, or been transported into a warm memory because of a song they remember well, knows the power of music.
What's remarkable about Bev's story is what happened next.
Inspired by the right music's ability to soothe both the dying and those who love them, Bev left Room 217 with a vision that, today, is a pioneering force in the world of music care in Canada.
Named for the place where her dad died, the Room 217 Foundation is a non-profit, registered Canadian charity that has produced – so far – 12 unique CDs of comforting music, each carefully designed and recorded with both science and the soul in mind.
"At the heart of it, and still when I'm recording in the studio, in my mind's eye I see a person in a room that is dying. That fuels me," says Bev. "It energizes me to think that the music could be used in this way."
But Room 217 resources – each CD with a different flavour and target audience – have far wider appeal. "We now have 38 reported applications of how the music is used," explains Bev, who savours the personal stories from people who have used the steadily expanding collection in various ways.
"There are a number that touch me deeply," says Bev. "One hospital uses it during an organ transplant when someone dies, they were looking for something that would segue the experience. Those unexpected stories are the cherries on top. Another very touching one was a gentleman whose wife had died. They played the music for her as she passed, but they also used the music at the graveside."
In fact, hit the link to the testimonial section at www.room217.ca and you will read stories that range from a 61 year old man with advanced frontal lobe dementia, who stopped the frenetic pacing in his room for the first time in months when Room 217's Country Roads came on – to a colicky baby named Matthew who dozes off to a Room 217 CD, much to his mother's relief.
"The intention is to support both the caregiver and the care-receiver," explains Bev. "Caregivers are so anxious and strung out that Room 217 helps them too. Caregivers listen to it on the way to treatment or in bed. It can wash over people, it's like a self care bath for the caregiver."
And there is solid science behind these melodies. Bev's bibliography of mostly academic articles from scientists around the world presenting proof of music's amazing ability to impact our bodies and our spirits is well over 100 references long on Room 217's website – and growing.
An annual Music Care Conference organized by Room 217 attracts scientists, musicians and caregivers alike, including such high profile names as Barenaked Ladies Steven Page and Canadian music icon Dan Hill.
This year, the conference is being held in Fredericton, as well as Toronto. "We're very excited," says Bev. "There's just such incredible interest from all over the country. We're hoping to have caregivers interested in using music in care, people who may have a mom with Alzheimer's or a son with special needs, just looking for how they can use music more effectively."
This year will also bring a second boxed set of CDs from Room 217 and the groundwork for a sing-along CD to be released in 2013.
"That will be for those with mild cognitive impairments, We are targeting early dementia, which will be a huge thing for our aging population, but we are doing it in a therapeutic way," explains Bev.
"Like any charity, all of our vision is dependent on dollars. We're grateful that there is such a huge return on investment for those who donate to Room 217. Because we sell what we're doing, they can help us make it, and when we sell it, that gets turned back into the vision."
It's a vision named for numbers on a door in a hospital in Uxbridge, steeped in family love, and dedicated to making life better with the gentle sound of music.
"This is a social enterprise and we are the only ones in the country doing it," says Bev. "We're pioneering, there's no question about it."
By Karen Stiller
Focus on Scugog
KAWARTHA ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS
Two Scugog organizations were among nine groups and indiviDuals recognized for their work to help improve the local environment at Kawartha Conservation's 33rd Annual General Meeting last month. More than 120 people attended the awards ceremony.
Director Chuck Mercier presented the Community Conservationist Award to – Pine Point Park Ltd., and the Scugog Lake Stewards Inc.
Pine Point Park Ltd. has protected more than 500 feet of shoreline from ice damage and erosion. They have accomplished this by raising funds through bottle drives and yard sales, in addition to support from the Scugog WATER Fund and our Shoreline Naturalization grant program.
The work along their shoreline involved removing a berm caused by ice-damage, and preventing future damage by re-grading the slope, installing rip rap stones and planting countless native plants to keep ice from pushing directly against the shoreline.
Scugog Lake Stewards have provided many years of advocacy and research that is contributing to a healthier Lake Scugog. Their work includes, participation in various initiatives that include the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan, North Durham Integrated Sustainability Plan, Port Perry Sewage Lagoons, and Scugog Connections;
The Lake Stewards have also provided conferences and workshops on private septic system technology, naturalization, shoreline maintenance and educating the community through a regular "Life on the Lake" feature in Focus on Scugog magazine;
In addition, the Lake Stewards introduced a pilot study on the use of weevils to control Eurasian Milfoil; and advocacy work on storm water management and reducing the impacts of private septic systems on Lake Scugog.
Following the meeting, Donna Villemaire was re-elected Chair of Kawartha Conservation, and Scugog councillor John Hancock was elected to vice-chair. The nine person board of directors is comprised of representatives from the municipalities within the conservation authority's watershed jurisdiction.
THUMBS
Thumbs Down - Following the first snowfall of the season, the day after Christmas, some creative individuals took it upon themselves to build two large snowmen (persons) along the lakefront. But, as so often happens, vandals destroyed the creation before it was a day old. So one Focus on Scugog reader marched up our stairs with the photo below in hand and suggested a 'thumbs down' to the mindless individuals who destroyed the happy snow couple. Consider it done!
Thumbs Up - to local contractor Steve Snider who has been elected the latest president of the Durham Region Home Builder's Association. Steve has been a contractor in the Port Perry/Scugog area for the past 30 years and is known for his exceptional workmanship. In being named president, Steve becomes the 58th person to serve the association since it was formed. Congratulations Steve!
Thumbs Up - a really big "thumbs-up" to the 56 brave souls who shed their winter gear to jump into Lake Scugog on the coldest day of the winter to date. With temperatures registering -18 C these hardy participants took the plunge to help raise funds for the local hospital auxiliary. Also a thumbs up to the many volunteers who marshalled the area, cut open the ice, served coffee or helped in any way. Warm hearts on a cold day!
Thumbs Down - despite an attempt to show transparency at the township's tax information meeting last month, officials seemed to have missed the mark. The slick visual presentation and hand-out material failed to impress, resulting in many walking away shaking their heads and grumbling. The general feeling was that there would be a verbal presentation, followed by questions and answers. Instead they got a room full of charts and councillors attempting to explain the sizeable tax increase. Many were frustrated when they arrived and even more frustrated when they left. For this a 'thumbs down'.
WARREN'S A WINNER
Warren Strong has good reason to smile.
He and his wife Tracey, owners of Framer's Gallery in Port Perry, recently returned from an all-expenses paid trip to the fabulous "Atlantis" in the Bahamas last month, as guests of PokerStars.com.
Warren won a 'freeroll' to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure after entering the online poker site's 10th anniversary tournament. His winnings included the all-expenses paid flight to the Bahamas, plus accommodation for both he and Tracey at Atlantis and the $10,000 entry fee for the prestigious tournament.
In an interview with reporter Simon Young, in the Bahamas last month, Warren admitted that he'd played poker all his life as a hobby and started online in 2004. "Aside from a few cash games and home games I have no live experience; certainly I have never played a live tournament like this," he said.
While he enjoys playing online poker for fun, he could never have dreamed he would one day sit elbow to elbow with some of the world's best professional poker players. "You see all the professional players on television. Then I started seeing them here, and now I'm playing with them. I can't quite believe it," he said.
After four days sharing the table with the game's elite – players like Carlos Mortensen, who has lifetime winnings of more than $10 million, and Martin Jacobson, whose winnings surpass $2.6 million, Warren was finally eliminated. But he finished a respectable 29th out of 1,072 players - earning himself a cool $46,000.
Not too bad for a guy playing at this level for the first time.
Now, home in Port Perry, it's back to reality – work and online poker. A bit of a letdown, but no doubt an experience he'll not soon forget.
A NEW LIGHT ON ICE FISHING
Local entrepreneur develops a
revolutionary new "tip-up" which
brings night fishing out of the dark
Every January, hundreds of avid fishermen haul their huts onto Lake Scugog and spend endless hours solving the world's problems while waiting for that exhilarating tug on the line. This year however, there is a new approach to this age old sport.
It's an invention called the Bite-N-Lite and it is taking the industry by storm. Best of all it was developed and built right here in Scugog Township.
John Galbraith is an environmental scientist who loves to invent things. Last year he created the goose dropping sweeper (Focus On Scugog July, 2011), which was successfully used by the township to rid Palmer Park of Canada geese 'leftovers' before the Dragon Boat races.
"The Bite-N-Lite is something every fisherman can use," John said, explaining he's an avid fisherman, as well as a fish conservationist, having studied fish and wildlife in school.
From its original concept in 2000 to today, the Bite-N-Lite tip-up has gone through computer design and more importantly field testing in all weather conditions. The product is reliable and can handle anything winter or a fisherman can throw at it.
"I seem to unintentionally break everything I touch and this product was field tested to withstand my wear and tear," John said, with a grin on his face.
So what exactly is the Bite-N-Lite? As you can tell by the photo on this month's cover and on this page, it's a revolutionary approach to ice fishing.
John looked at the problems ice fishermen have: sitting out in the wee hours of the morning trying to see where their lines are with icy windows, blowing snow and poor visibility adding to the problems. The Bite-N-Lite solves the snags by lighting up when a fish has bitten. It also has the ability to be positioned for advance strike warnings. This means you can space your set lines much further than ever before.
Precisely positioned magnetic sensors react to the position of the tip-up arm on the stand. The position of the arm can be adjusted to change the reaction time of the lights. It can be set for a slow reaction time when fishing for larger species of fish or on windy days when gusting wind triggers the tip-up.
It can be set extremely light when fishing for pan fish or set to trigger the lights if a fish lifts the bait off the bottom, such as whitefish. A spool can be added to the tip-up when fishing in deeper water.
Advance strike warning is very effective in signalling a school of fish in the area before anything has bitten your line. The signalling sensitivity is adjustable and the tip-up can be set light enough so that the live bait, when they are first dropped down the hole, will trigger the lights. When the live bait calms down the lights go off, but when a school of fish nears the area and the live bait reacts, the tip-up lights are again triggered. You can then position yourself and wait for a possible strike.
When the season comes to an end and you somehow miss that window of opportunity to remove your hut you will be glad to know that the Bite-N-Lite floats. The LED lights are visible from half a kilometre away and last up to 50,000 hours.
Many fishermen and tackle stores were impressed by the Bite-N-Lite's durability and functionality and John quickly found himself receiving orders. One of these is Dave Parsons, owner of Causeway Live Baits in Port Perry. "I was really impressed with the product and suggested we do a beta test in my store," Dave commented.
"Response was overwhelming and Dave could not keep them on the shelves," John added, proudly.
The initial units were assembled in John's garage, but less than two months after the introduction to the market and due to overwhelming popularity, John partnered with "The Canadian Trade Company" to have the product manufactured on a commercial scale. It is now available to Canada and the rest of the world.
Fishing is one of Canada's leading winter sports and ice fishing, with its challenging conditions, demands dedication. The Bite-N-Lite is revolutionary and thanks to Port Perry inventor John Galbraith it has given fisherman a new way to 'tackle' the sport.
For more information on this great invention visit www.bitenlite.com.
By Jonathan van Bilsen
Focus on Scugog
Taking the plunge
was never so cold
Walking towards the Port Perry Polar Plunge last month, it took only minutes to realize how cold it was. Even without looking at a thermometer, which would have registered about -18 Celsius, it was evident this would be one of the coldest mornings for the annual dip in Lake Scugog.
Volunteers, who had earlier that morning cut open a large hole in the seven-inch thick ice, worked to keep the open water from freezing. Spectators gathered, bundled from the blood numbing cold with warm scarves, toques, heavy coats and thick gloves awkwardly holding hot drinks. Something to keep the blood flowing.
It seemed unimaginable that a group of 56 plungers would strip down to t-shirts and bathing suits to make the valiant 100 yard dash from the warmth of the bus/changeroom and weave their way along a snow covered path lined by a large crowd of cheering spectators.
Bad enough – but they completed the trek by leaping into the frigid body of cold water which lay sparkling in the morning sun.
Group after group made their way to the lake to take the plunge, emerging from dunking with mouths agape - crying out in shock and laughter as their bodies shuddered from the sudden shock of the temperature change.
But it was all for a good cause - nobody was injured, the crowd roared with approval and the Hospital Auxiliary profited to the sum of $15,400 thanks to the bravery of the plungers and generosity of their sponsors.
Seven businesses and organizations fielded teams this year, bringing the total number of plungers to the highest number since it was started five years ago.
Teams registered came from Shoppers Drug Mart, which had 11 plungers and brought in $1,655. Other teams came from Cuddly Bunny, Port Perry Printing, Crabby Joes, CIBC, Scugog Firefighters and the Rotary Club.
Individual participants were not to be left behind. The plungers with the top amounts in pledges were Debbie Hodgins who brought in an amazing $2,125., Judy Anderson with $1,503 and Tony Kaschahub from Progressive Electric with $1,440.
Judy and Tony have plunged all five years and Debbie is on her second year. As well Thorsten Koseck, from the Board of Directors for Lakeridge Health contributed $1,130.
It goes without saying, the Hospital Auxiliary is thankful to all the plungers for their creative spirit in choosing fabulous costumes, for their incredible bravery in the face of such cold and for their diligence in collecting the many pledges.
Organizers also wished to thank the sponsors of the participants who pledged so much money to their favourite plunger. "It is surprising and uplifting each year to see the generosity and support from the community for this event and for the hospital", said Ruth Spearing.
Following the event, at the Auxiliary General Meeting on January 16, the membership agreed to spend $137,000 for a variety of hospital equipment from funds raised at numerous community events and fundraisers.
The equipment includes:
• 4 defibulators - $60,000
• ceiling lifts for the rooms - $60,000
• a walk behind floor scrubber - $12,000
• an infant scale for the New Life Centre - $5,000
THE DAVID FESTIVAL
A celebration of Christian worship through the arts
The fourth annual David Festival, an event which offers participants an unique opportunity to enhance and refine their performance and artistry skills, returns to Port Perry from March 23 to 25.
Arts enthusiasts are invited to hone their worship skills at workshops in choral singing, writing, worship band, and new for this year, the visual arts. Workshops will be held at various Port Perry churches.
The festival wraps up with a worship service on Sunday, March 25, at which a mass choir of 100 youth and adult festival participants sing and other attendees may share what they've learned and created. The worship service is open to the community as well as festival goers.
The David Festival begins with a Friday evening exploration of this year's festival theme – worshiping with the whole heart – to support the instruction offered in five areas of the arts.
Lead by local music teachers Cathy Pavlik and Suzanne Garriock, the children's choral workshop, for ages 7 to 11, will be held on Saturday morning at St. John's Presbyterian Church. Also on Saturday morning, a writing workshop at the Church of the Ascension with clinician N.J. Lindquist advises on Writing from the Heart to the Glory of God.
Emmanuel Community Church is the site for worship bands to hone their musical skills, whole-hearted worship and refine relationships within the band, at a day long clinic led by musicians Mike Janzen, Terry Posthumus and Josh McCabe.
Adult and youth choristers are encouraged to improve their vocal production and choral presentation skills in an afternoon clinic with local musician and teachers Sasha Liebich-Tait and Charles White, at Port Perry United Church.
New to the festival this year is a day of instruction in the visual arts on the Saturday, facilitated by artist Linda Wielinga, which explores how we can incorporate the visual arts in worship.
The morning session at Hope Christian Reformed Church will consider the role of art throughout church history, as well as its use in our local churches today. Participants are asked to dress in old clothes for the hands-on afternoon session, where there is opportunity to work in various mediums to reflect the David Festival's theme; worshipping with the whole heart.
Registration for the March 23 to 25 David Festival is due February 10. All are welcome to attend the Sunday, March 25 celebration worship service. For registration and information phone 905-985-3423 or contact organizers at davidfestival@powergate.ca .
TRAVELON
The conductor yelled "All aboard", and the train slowly began to chug away from the Vancouver Station. For many years I had wondered what travel on Canada's famous Rocky Mountaineer would be like and finally, last fall, I had an opportunity to experience it. The Mountaineer is only a two day journey, but I combined it with Via's 'The Canadian' and spent two weeks exploring a side of Canada I had never experienced.
My adventure began with a three day stay in Vancouver and of course a one day trek to Victoria. I have been to B.C.'s capital numerous times, but am still in awe by the scenery from the ferry. In Vancouver I spent a day trekking up Grouse Mountain and struggling to cross the Capilano suspension bridge.
It was an early morning start to board the Mountaineer. Transportation from the hotel was on time and breakfast was served on board.It is important to note there are two distinct levels of service: Red Leaf and Gold Leaf and although the view outside the train is the same, the level of service is quite different... as is the price. The two day journey to Jasper (per person) is about $800 for Red Leaf and $1500 for Gold. It is a fair amount of money, but a small price to pay for being pampered beyond your wildest dreams for two solid days.
Most people I spoke to were surprised to learn you do not sleep on board the train. Instead you are whisked to one of two superior hotels in Kamloops, depending on your class of service.
Breakfast on board was excellent. Eggs cooked any style, several types of meat, crisply cooked potatoes and of course a chilled glass of mimosa. All of this while sitting in comfortable seats in a dome car, looking at views in every direction. The Red Leaf service offers prepackaged meals and no domed viewing car, but the food is acceptable and the service is second to none.
As a photographer I preferred the windows in the Red Leaf cars, as they were flat and clean. Most of the photos I took from the Gold coach were hindered by the reflection from the curved glass (I spent much of the time on platforms between cars).
Another big difference between the levels of service is the luggage restrictions. In Red Leaf you are allowed only one carry-on, which you must take to your hotel (the remainder of your luggage stays on a separate car). The Gold Leaf passengers have all their suitcases delivered to their hotel.
Many people have seen the Rockies, albeit in most cases from automobiles and RV's. I found a distinct difference between the views from the train and those I have seen many times from the road. The pristine remoteness is evident. There are few roads, even fewer buildings and seldom do you see people. Every turn offers an unimaginable postcard view.
After a few days in Jasper I continued my journey aboard Via Rail's 'The Canadian'. Expecting a lesser level of service than I experienced on the Rocky Mountaineer, I was pleasantly surprised at what I considered to be equal to the Mountaineer's Gold service, although alcohol was extra. The only thing missing were the views. Once you leave Edmonton the countryside becomes fairly flat and, as spectacular as the Prairies are, they are not the Rocky Mountains.
If you have the opportunity to take 'The Canadian' there are a few things you need to know. There are three types of accommodation (yes, you sleep on the train). I would recommend you stay away from the berths and sleeper seats, instead opting for a cabin. The berths, although comfortable, are nothing more than seats flattened with a curtain to separate you from the aisle. The sleeper seats are great for students or commuters, but offer no privacy. Expect to pay about $1600 for a cabin.
I have slept on trains in Egypt and Europe, and found 'The Canadian' to be much superior. There were several things I learned the hard way. During dinner the bed in my cabin was lowered and it takes up most of the room. This was not a problem, except it rests on the toilet, which means once the bed is down you cross your legs.
The cuisine was mouthwatering. Steaks and vegetables were cooked to perfection and a good selection of vintages made dining a memorable experience. Conversations with newfound friends passed the time and a nightcap (or two) in the dome car was enjoyable. It was late and I was tired and it was only moments until the gentle rocking of the train lulled me into a deep sleep.
My shock came the next morning. I awoke to bright sunlight and realized I had forgotten to lower the window shade (it was, after all, pitch black outside when I went to sleep). Through sleepy eyes I looked out the window (which was at the same level as the bed), only to realize we were pulling into the Saskatoon station. I scrambled to find the shade and clumsily tried to lower it as passengers on the platform looked on laughing. Needless to say I avoided most people that morning.
The train is divided into two or three sleeper cars, a dome car and a dining car. Six or seven such sections make up the entire train, but passengers are limited to their own areas. Each sleeping car has one shower. I made sure I was the first one to use it each morning, even though it is cleaned thoroughly after each use.
There is a lot to be said for sitting at linen-covered tables, enjoying a made to order breakfast, while a moose swims by in an untouched lake. The trip gives you an appreciation for the size of this great country of ours. I have often flown from one end of Canada to another, but the train adds a different perspective.
The world offers fantastic locales and fortunately, many of them are in Canada. Several British passengers, whom I met en route, summed it up nicely. "It was a trip of a lifetime."
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by Jonathan van Bilsen