Most Memorable Moments
SEEDS OF FREINDSHIP BRING FLOWERS OF JOY
Ian Gray and Eunice Easton met on the Wells Gray trip in 2019 to Palm Springs followed by a cruise along the Mexican Coast. It was Ian’s first Wells Gray trip. He was invited to go with his sister-in-law-law, Louise Read, and her husband Bob, who live in Summerland. It was Eunice’s 21st Wells Gray trip and as usual she was travelling single. That has usually been her choice and meeting new friends is easy with Wells Gray. The second evening on the cruise, Louise saw her standing at the dining room entrance and asked her to join the three of them. Conversation was good and the next night Eunice boldly asked if she could again join them. Unfortunately, Bob developed pneumonia so then there were two of us at dinner for the rest of the trip. Bob and Louise had to stay in the hospital in San Diego for a week so there were daily emails, phone calls, and Facetime from Ian to Eunice sharing reports from Louise.
In March Eunice again travelled with Wells Gray to Vancouver on a show trip. She invited Ian down to the Pan Pacific for lunch. More Facetime followed. In July Ian travelled to the Okanagan on the first of many trips! There were two more Wells Gray cruises to Hawaii and to the Caribbean together.
When Covid forced everyone to shrink the circle of friendship, we were happy to be a “bubble” of two. Quarantine has been great!
Eunice & Ian
GOOD TIMES ARE EVEN BETTER WHEN THEY’RE SHARED WITH FRIENDS
My husband and I wanted to set off on an escape from the Covid intrusion on our lives. We had long talked of seeing the great storms along our beautiful coast of Vancouver Island. Wells Gray had just the tour for us, ‘Storm Watching at Wickaninnish Inn’.
The tour was extremely well organized following Covid protocols setting us all at ease to relax and enjoy our new friends. Great times were had during meals and lots of outdoor activities.
Heather and I met during one of the pleasant walks, finding we had much in common. As our tour was winding down we decided to carry on with our walking and talking when we returned home. We meet as often as we can during this covid hibernation period. We are both grateful to the tour for affording us the opportunity to have met.
Rachelle
FRIENDSHIP
My husband and I wanted to set off on an escape from the Covid intrusion on our lives. We had long talked of seeing the great storms along our beautiful coast of Vancouver Island. Wells Gray had just the tour for us, ‘Storm Watching at Wickaninnish Inn’.With many travel restrictions and cancelations due to covid, we were blessed to get the last 2 seats for the Thanksgiving Tour to Van. & Quadra Island in Oct. This being our first trip with Wells Gray and to this part of BC we had not seen, we were pleasantly surprised at the overall great destinations and venues we would be seeing. Covid protocol was adhered by all, the weather was good and our traveling companions all enjoyable.
Not disappointed in anyway, we came away with extra bonuses as well. Such as our tour guide making our travel time entertaining by adding some history of the areas we traveled through. Making new friends was great! Joyce (and friend) from the Interior, asked to exchange emails (which I lost & Wells Gray helped reconnect), and we have since met for lunch and coffee (when allowed). We are hoping to spend more times together in the future and possibly even tours.
Experiences like these are just one more good reason to travel with Wells Gray Tours. Happy travellers. Adena & Jake
AROUND THE WORLD FRIENDSHIPS
Kelly and I met Wendy, Terry, Joanne, and Marg on the Around the World trip in January 2016. We gathered for most of the dinners on board the Rotterdam and were on many of the tours together. We met for afternoon relaxation, on days at sea, along with evening theatre and dancing.
On Valentines Day, Kelly had made a reservation for the two of us in one of the restaurants. After meeting “the ladies”(as we started calling them), we asked them to join us. A table for six was not available, but Kelly asked Roland to work his magic, and one became available! Kelly then purchased 5 beautiful red roses, and had them delivered to the restaurant, to be placed at our table. It was an evening to remember for all of us!
We are still in touch with all “the ladies” and I see Wendy (via Facetime) frequently. We hope to travel again together soon!! We believe our friendships with “the ladies” is what made the trip so much fun and memorable.
We have taken several trips with other Wells Gray patrons, and we found having the company of familiar faces always makes our trips more enjoyable.
Muriel
Jenny
Bob & Chris
A Memorable Moment during the Thanksgiving Tour to Vancouver Island, October 2020. By June Awrey
I was able to visit some family history while staying in Nanaimo during the Vancouver Island Thanksgiving Tour. I knew about the bust of Mark Bate, the first Mayor of Nanaimo, who served for 16 terms. My sister, niece and cousin had been at the unveiling. I thought it was somewhere near the Bastion. My partner, Marilynn and I set out to find it. Not thinking to ask the hotel where the bust was located, we checked out the Bastion and then took the promenade pathway along the waterfront . However, we couldn’t find the bust. While we were making reservations at the Lighthouse Restaurant (which Craig had recommended), I asked the Reservation Clerk if she knew where the bust was. She pointed behind us up a stairway to a circular area, and that’s when I found it and a tree dedicated to Mark Bate, Sr. my Great Grandfather. Pictured below is the dedication. This was a memorable moment for me.
Jasper Park Lodge 2020. Poem by Vivienne Smith
After “Pandemic Summer” spent brochure gazing
Our Wells Grey trip was truly amazing.
From BC to Alberta, nature not at its best
Our Wells Grey team were often put to the test.
In Victoria we started, in glorious Fall
And a truly good time was had by all
Though by end of our trip we all were glad
Of the ice trucking skills our driver, Dan, had.
Invisible mountains, then dazzling snow scenes.
Pandemic or not, the trip lived up to our dreams.
The welcoming lodge, the food – ah, divine!
Lisa kept us supplied with great treats and wine.
Deep canyon views, raft trips, and lake walks,
Wild elk attacks and interesting talks…..what? Elk?
Not all goes as planned but L’s versatile
And our elk battered comrade survived with a smile.
Resourceful as ever, Lisa soon found the way
To the hospital where two would (just briefly) stay.
Though our walk to the waterfall was doomed to fail
(Even our Dan couldn’t clear snow from that trail)
The scenery was breathtaking in the bright wintery sun
And once the truck piles- ups were cleared
It was a good homeward run.
Versatile planning, adventures galore,
These Wells Grey trips are never a bore.
Cruising the Gulf Islands 2020. By Eileen and Gary
We had a wonderful time on our trip in the Gulf Islands! We were well taken care of in terms of COVID prevention and every other way. The hotel was beautiful and the sunsets were magnificent! Our room was cosy and had a lovely view of the marina. The food was incredible! The chef went out of his way to meet our needs as vegetarian and gluten free eaters. The crew for the whale watching and island tours were so knowledgeable and interesting. Both the tour guide and bus driver always had our best in mind and were pleasant to tour with. All in all, we had a great time and would do the same trip again for a little getaway.
Waterton Lakes & Cypress Hills 2020
“I was a little leery at first about travelling again with Covid-19 so prevalent. However, I found it was much like being at home – wear masks (steam up the glasses) and practice social distancing on and off the bus. Protocols at all our venues were very good. Masks, social distancing. No more buffets at meals. But that was as much welcome as not. Everyone, from ourselves to our tour manager to our suppliers of services were excellent.”
– Roger in Kamloops
The Elephant Walk by Wendy Weseen (Tanzania Tour 2017)
I was in Africa once,
on safari with veteran travellers
and my grown up son,
reminding me what I missed
when I was young,
when my body worked as required.
feminine fertile light broke
nights into pale pink pieces,
opening days of steamy survival.
frogs honked like geese,
monkeys scolded like imposter apes
on the Rock of Gibraltar,
cicadas vibrated the air with wet whistles.
Ernest Hemingway was there,
lying on the cones of Kilimanjaro,
shrouded in a white pall of snow,
a mind clouded by fermentation.
“The Snows of Kilimanjaro,”
written in nineteen thirty-six,
eight years before I was born,
a story of African death.
crammed in a pop top jeep,
on a two-tracked road
of roots, ruts, and ripples,
knocking the guts out of me.
binoculars and cameras capturing
moments for a future
at my kitchen table or on a couch.
umbrella trees. solitary.
Savannah. endless.
clouds. big and bold.
wings and leaves. lilac.
wildebeests gathered
for the push across the Serengeti.
wart hogs over there,
“lion sausage” the guide said.
zebras with taut stomachs,
birthing season minutes away,
switched tails at tse tse flies.
I suppose.
we wanted the big guys
elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs,
wondered about black rhinos,
endangered.
we spotted a leopard,
in a wood womb
curled like a fetus
a half pride of lions
littered with kittens,
climbed any old mother to suckle.
husband lions
slumped against each other
like worn out shag rugs.
a long boardwalk,
snaked into a marsh,
close to flamingoes
suckling water
into pointed breast beaks.
old bladders stretched,
hot bodies stuck to leather seats,
archival eyes flung wide,
as red molecules rolled and roiled,
smothering sky with grit and grime.
elephants emerged like a garland
of apparitions as ephemeral
as a sepia postcard
we watched and waited not arguing
as each elephant lumbered across our path
on patios rums in hand,
we scattered words and feelings,
like purple petals in a river.
words we knew, red sky,
survival of the fittest,
and for whom the bell tolls.
Bella Coola and Tweedsmuir Park
By Edith Brown
Relaxing with new friends on the deck of my little cabin, overlooking Nimpo lake I marvelled at my good fortune. This was my first experience of travelling as a single with Wells Gray Tours and when offered the opportunity I had several misgivings— fortunately all proven wrong. I was having a wonderful time.
We were picked up in Sidney, joined the majority of our group from the mainland in Nanaimo, and set off next morning for Port Hardy, in a comfortable roomy coach. The original plan was to board the Northern Sea Wolf for a ten-hour trip sea voyage to Bella Coola, but plans had changed. An early rising brought us sleepy eyed to the airport, only to be told the flight was delayed due to an overcast sky and fog. This provided an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with our Tour Director, Aina Juzups and my fellow passengers.
Finally, we were off! Due to poor visibility we flew low — gliding over a rugged landscape with intimidating mountains rising on either side. Below we could see deep valleys, wandering streams and light vegetation. The Tour Guide pointed out The Hill that our bus must climb over when we left Bella Coola for Tweedsmuir Park.
This rather infamous road was completed in 1953 by local volunteers working from either end with bull dozers. The actual hill drops 4,020 feet in 19.4 km, on grades of up to 15%. There are some short one-lane sections, and there are many pull-offs. There are some huge unprotected drop off s– no guardrails. It is part of the major route to Williams Lake. Believe me — even as a passenger it is a challenging experience. However on our trip, the bus was handled expertly by our driver and I had few qualms even when our local guide pointed out some particularly scary spots.
Bella Coola refers to the land along the Bella Coola River. The declining population lives in the valley near the river– 2,010 along the road, with 148 in the town area. Approximately 41% are First Nation people. Awesome mountains rise on every side. The town has a frontier feeling, while the small farms are a picture of permanence. —some painted in gay colours with flourishing gardens, perhaps reminiscent of the first Norwegian settlers We visited several of the historical churches, many still active today.
Now from my deck I could see the small float plane which was to provide the highlight of our trip—a one-hour flight over the wilderness of Tweedsmuir Park. This included the popular Lonesome Lake and Hunlen Falls—Canada’s highest waterfall, 400 metres, measured as a continuous drop. Later we saw tumbling glaciers and a huge shield volcano and lava flow with brilliant colours—Rainbow Ridge.
At the end of this exciting day we enjoyed another delicious meal at Stewart Lodge and socialized with our new friends, feeling a little sad that our trip would soon be only a happy memory and a collection of photos!
Maritimes & Newfoundland
By Diane Thompson
We started our trip, a group of strangers who soon bonded through shared sights and experiences. Steeples in the skies marking the worshiping places of the faithful, riding the crested waves viewing the land from a reverse vantage point while lighthouses guide the boats and ships into safe harbours. From little fishing villages to big cities the people show pride in their homes, no matter how grand or how small, they are well kept. Yards are mowed and the dwellings are painted in rainbows of colour – purple, green, yellow, red and blue in a variety of vivid hues.
The history is cemented deep into the stones, bricks and mortar piled high into the sky to form shapes of long lasting buildings standing tall. Stories were told of past lives and the harsh conditions of which only the strongest survived. Hard work often broke their backs but never their determination to succeed. Pains have been taken to treasure the history while moving through time into an unfathomable future their descendants are now living.
We pass briefly, stopping here and there, sight seeing, finding lodging in modern hotels, historic grand buildings, motels and cabins. We’ve shared in the hearty fare of local foods while possibly tipping a beer or two and tunes that take control of our hands and feet. A short visit with an Islander speaking unfamiliar verse with an accent brought from far away lands. They are a sea faring lot, farmers, stewards of the rich red soil, coal miners and men of the woods all caught in difficult changing times.
Today becomes tomorrow’s memories shared with nearly 50 souls. Some we know and some we may never know again but always returning, mingled in our thoughts of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, and our final days in Newfoundland.
Hale to Canada’s Eastern Providences and many thanks to Neal and Aina for safely guiding us on this incredible journey!
Mississippi River Cruise
By Roger J. Bourque
As a lover of Jazz, Soul, Country and Blues Music it was most memorable to hear some authentic playing of each genre by southern local artists. And to visit the museums, music venues and Grand Ole Opry. To say nothing of listening in the pubs from the sidewalks. Such treats. We all make mistakes. For the inmates at the Louisiana maximum-security Angola Penitentiary their mistakes mean they will never leave. They will die and be buried inside. We travel there by motor coach from the luxury of the American Queen on our Mississippi River Cruise. One talks and interacts for some minutes with a few select prisoners. Shake hands in sincerity for their in prison accomplishments. Travelling back to the boat, a sudden reflective moment. Even murderers look much like other people. One could pass them on any street and not look or think twice about them. It would be difficult to have been so pampered on the American Queen and not have the fondest memories.
Haida Gwaii
By Roger J. Bourque
On my trip to Haida Gwaii some years ago I walked into the little Pizza Parlor next door to the restaurant of the Sea Raven Motel. It smelled so nice I ordered a pizza for supper. I sat up on a stool to wait. Next to me also on a stool was a little local lass, aged ten she told me. Not shy at all. In the space of twenty minutes as I waited, I learned everything one could possibly ever wish to learn about absolutely every person in Queen Charlotte City. And I do mean all 852 of them! The looks and smile of the couple working testified to the fact I wasn’t the only person she had treated in her time to her exhaustive knowledge of her home. I have endless fond memories of my Wells Gray Tours trip to Haidi Gwaii, but when I reminisce or extol it’s delight to others, it is that smiling delightful little native lass that always brings a smile to my face as well. Great pizza too!
Haida Gwaii
By Anne Collinson
Experience the world they say! As we approached Rose Harbour after an amazing visit to Sgang Gwaay, I wondered just how we would manage the changeover from Zodiac to Seaplane in the middle of the bay. Remarkably smoothly but not without its challenges! First we had to struggle out of giant, rather damp safety suits while bobbing around on the boat. As the seaplane joined us and Patrick and Peter secured plane and zodiac , the five of us squashed into the bow and inched our way into the right seating order while they aided the second group safely down the ladder and into the stern. For us, it was the last stage of a new experience of the world as we climbed aboard the seaplane for an amazing return ride over Haida Gwaii.
Cowboy Trail & Waterton Lakes
By Randal Strachan
Hi, Wells Gray Tours, I had to send in my most memorable moment travelling with you on Cowboy Trail and Waterton Lakes tour, September, 26th 2019. It turned out to be Christmas in September!!! We did a boat cruise on Waterton Lake in a white out snow storm, with commentary! We were the only bus tour company to show up, kudos to WGT! Only in Canada eh! Thanks for the awesome memories.
Ireland
By Gerry Milne
One of my most memorable moments took place in June, 2013 on our Ireland trip. It was one of our rare, very rainy days when we would have appreciated staying on the bus! But after a fortifying Irish coffee at The Red Fox Inn, we were entertained with a sheep dog demonstration. Each dog was trained with a different whistle and we also learned about the various breeds of sheep. We stayed dry in an open front shed while our guide called the rain “pennies from heaven”. Growing up on a farm, I can really relate to this awesome experience. Ireland is so much more than green fields, castles and kissing the Blarney Stone!
Cuba
By Bonnie Milne
My unforgettable experience happened on our trip to Cuba in February, 2009. We were privileged to visit and meet the owners of a small subsistence farm. We were welcomed with freshly ground coffee and everyone in our entire group each sampled a few ounces in a variety of tin and glass “cups” cut from bottles. Their only water source was a barrel cut in half and dragged up a steep hill by horse. We learned about their sheep, an invasive species called Marabou and the 2008 hurricane which was one of the worst storms in 50 years. Would have loved to be able to talk the same language without having our guide to interpret. It was a very emotional experience for me and I did not want to leave!