THE #ROCKYMOUNTAINEER

The Rocky Mountaineer is all pizzazz and dash. Red carpets, flags and uniformed assistants greet you. I was expecting a trumpet fanfare (LOL) but was disappointed however the perkiness of the welcome staff more than made up for the lack of pomp and ceremony.

The Gold Leaf carriages are double-decker with seats on the top and a dining area below. They do look impressive however, the Silver Leaf carriage, in which I am sitting writing, is pleasant and comfortable. Again there is an exuberant welcome from the friendly attendants.

There is lots of leg room and the seats are comfy. I have a large drop down table, high picture windows and a gentle breeze from the air conditioning and the scene for my journey is set.

First up is a speech and toast with orange and peach bubbly, then the warm towel and the first service of the day begins. Two breakfast options are offered with juice, tea or coffee. The food, when it arrives, is presented well and served by Allana, our chef’s assistant and Becky our female steward, from a buffet cart.

Once this is finished and cleared away, Scott, our male steward, starts to tell us the first of many informational accounts of the places we pass and are yet to see. Tales with titles such as Yellow-head Pass and Moose Lake are interesting and whet my appetite for more.

Scenes from the window vary from towers of trees, white speckled mountains to a huge emerald green/blue lake. We travel at about 35mph and the rocking sway of the carriage is smooth and soothing, although I think after 7-8 hours when I disembark, the feeling that I’ll have will be disconcerting but that is a long way off.

In the seat pocket are a magazine, a newspaper and a safety manual plus of course the inevitable gift catalogue where souvenirs can be ordered!

There are stunning views on both sides of the carriage but far too often a quick glimpse is all there is time for. However, Scott reassures us that when the train passes the really outstanding sights, it will slow down so that we will be able to take photographs and this comment pleases me and fellow passengers.
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So it is thumbs up so far and the well oiled and slick machine continues at a pace. I settle back, relax and begin to enjoy my journey.
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