Calgary and the family

I travelled to Calgary for five days to visit Mike, Teeny, Jamie and Weston.

The first thing we did Saturday morning was the pancake breakfast in their neighbourhood of Auburn for Stampede days.  What a great turnout.

Fantastic weather.  Clear blue skies and it’s hot.

In the afternoon we go to a nearby park with lovely trails.

Jamie checking out the water.

It really is beautiful

Nice place to cycle but Jamie was the only one who brought a bike.



Sunday we head to Banff and Lake Louise.  It’s only a couple of hours away.  These overpasses are being built to give the wildlife a choice when it comes to crossing the road.  Saves wildlife and prevents accidents.  Win, win!



So beautiful.

Up at Lake Louise we discover that we can’t get to the lake as parking is full and the best way is to go online a couple of days before you come and get tickets for the shuttle through Parks Canada.  So disappointing but we’ll be back.

We have a little picnic.  The water is very cold and very swift.  It’s up quite high so keep tight grip on Wes!

Then we arrive in Banff.  Lovely town.

A little lunch is in order!

And snuggle time with dad.





On the way out of Banff we find this lovely lake and stop so the kids can play in the water.

Lots of gophers.

Monday we head to the Stampede.

Jamie’s sweet ride!

Teeny and Wes on the Caterpillar



One of the high lights was watching the trick riding 



Ice cream for everyone before we head out.

On my last day Mike has to work so after Wes’s swimming lessons at the YMCA we go to the lake in Auburn where the boys have fun building waterways.

And Nana has a turn at frisbee.  It’s so refreshing on a hot day.  I say my goodbyes and Mike takes me to the airport.  Back to White Rock.

Cascais

We take Bolt to the train station and catch the train to Lisbon.  The local regional train from Lagos to Tunes is slow.  We transfer at Tunes to the high speed train to Lisbon.  It’s more comfortable and faster however you need a reservation and you have an assigned seat.  Getting on and off the trains each time is difficult as it’s a couple of steps up and a narrow entry door.  Then you have to find a place to park your suitcase for the journey.  Carry on size is the best if you can manage it.  We witnessed someone’s full size suitcase fall off the upper luggage rack on to a seat beside someone when the train was going round a bend.  Luckily no one was hurt however if someone had been sitting there it could have been very serious.  

Lunch on the train.  We then have to buy train tickets on another line to go to Cascais.  We arrive around 7 pm.  It’s a long day and luckily Ana picks us up at the station and drives us to Lawrence House our next accommodation.  She is the owner of Lawrence House.  She drives us around and points out different places for us to see.

The next morning we take Bolt to Casa da Guia and have a wonderful breakfast overlooking the ocean.  

Then we explore the grounds.  The palace has been renovated to include several shops and also display some lovely artwork.

These snails seem to attach themselves to the flowers.

Beautiful walk along the promenade in to town.

Interesting hot dog stand.

Delivery of a fresh catch of lobster.

Some beautiful homes.  

Beautiful museum and park

This peacock was giving us quite a show.

We arrive in town

Palacio da Cidadela de Cascais

The beach is busy. It’s hot out.

Sardines grilling

A main square where we go for lunch.

Beautiful colours

We have a light dinner on our balcony as we’re leaving tomorrow morning. Cheers to a wonderful holiday!