Lesli’s Lists: Lamenting the endangered species of travel

by Lesli Heron

Sure instant messaging, Skype, email and cell phones are amazing technological marvels. You can email or IM the minute you land. You can email those photos of you on a camel in front of the Pyramids, zip lining through the rainforest, boarding down a sand dune, chugging back pitchers of ale at Oktoberfest etc. You get the picture, and so do they! Travel used to be a way to blissfully disconnect. Sure one can’t deny the benefits but we may be losing some of the authenticity of travel. Remember when…

Maps

The GPS system on your phone can pinpoint your exact location, even when you can’t, and quite literally put you on the map. Gone are the days of standing obliviously in the street as you try to get your bearings. Remember how amazing getting lost can be. Take a breath and enjoy what you can discover while you’re trying to find yourself.

Postcards

There’s an App for that! Take a picture on your smart phone and hit send. Remember when you wondered if you would make it home before your postcard or the fun in trying to fit all the necessary stamps on the card leaving little room for the ‘wish you were here’.

Guidebooks

Although the advantage of the tablet is that you can fit several guidebooks on to one device, there’s something odd about pulling out your tablet, rather than rifling around in the bottom of your backpack for the battered book that you have been relying on to get you around. Nor can you doodle all over the tablet with your own commentary! But the weight of guide books is a drawback.

Music and book swapping

Before the time of the tablet, the MP3 and the iPod, travellers used to carry around books, CDs and cassette tapes. This led to inevitable boredom and the rereading of books - even if you didn’t really like it the first time round. The simplest solution was to either buy more on the black market in places like Bali or along the Khao San Road in Bangkok, or to swap with your fellow traveller. Now if you get bored, you turn on the Wi-Fi and simply download a new book or album. It’s not quite the same, is it?

Scrapbooks

Most tickets are now digital. If you want a copy, you have to run it off the printer. It’s just not the same as having that scrap of card in a language that you can’t read to remind you of the places that you’ve been and the great things that you did there, like your photo on your Visit Angkor Wat pass or your Cook Islands driver’s license or your name on your Petra entry ticket.

A lot of people also now keep a digital travel diary, rather than handwriting one, meaning that they miss out on all of the joyfully obscene comments and bizarre doodles that other travellers graffiti all over their treasured memories.

Photographs

Printed photographs are a thing of the past. Gone is the anticipation of taking your film in to be developed and the anxious wait to see if you got some amazing shots. But also gone is paying a fortune for a lot photos that end up in the waste. This is a good thing! Since we now edit as we go along do try to resist the temptation to delete those embarrassing shots – they may turn out to be some of your best memories.

Thorntree café

Before the days of the internet and cell phones, the Thorntree café was a legendary travel institution where travellers posted messages on the tree for which the café was named. They stopped here on their way through Nairobi while exploring Africa to communicate with the friends that they had made on the road.

While the original tree no longer stands, a third generation tree can still be found in the Sarova Stanley, the site of the original Throntree café. However, the food has become overpriced and the messages are now those of praise for the Stanley, rather than abstract messages or fond farewells from traveller to traveller.

Poste Restante

Poste Restante is a way of collecting your mail while on the road. Your friends and family could keep in touch by sending mail to the local post office marked ‘Poste Restante’ for you to collect on your way through. Remember the anticipation of arriving in a new place and heading down to the local post office to see if you had any mail waiting for you? It was pretty much your only connection to home. I remember a parcel from home that kept missing me from one Poste Restante to another in India and eventually found its way back home to Canada a year later!

Discovering Cambodia & Vietnam

by Lucas Sripathy

On my last vacation I ventured to Southeast Asia and explored Cambodia and Vietman. Both countries are beautiful, have fascinating cultures and are home to warm, friendly people.

I began my journey in Siem Reap, arriving at the airport at midnight. Upon arriving, I paid $20 for the Cambodia visa and cleared immigration and customs. If visiting Cambodia, be sure that you have passport-sized photos for your visa when you arrive. After clearing customs I was picked up by my hotel driver and arrived at the hotel around 1:00am local time. Unfortunately, once I was settled into my room I was unable to sleep due to the 15 hour time difference between Vancouver and Siem Reap! Attempting to remedy this, I called the front desk and the concierge arranged a Sunrise Angkor Wat tour which would begin at 5:00am. The tour was absolutely fantastic. Depending on your interest in temples you can explore Angkor Wat for a single day or purchase a three day pass. In the evening I enjoyed sampling the local cuisine at the Siem Reap night market which features inexpensive, fresh and tasty food.

From Siem Reap I travelled to Phenom Penh, which is a six hour bus ride away. Highlights during my stay included: visiting the war museum, exploring temples and markets, sampling good beers and dining along the riverside.

From Phenom Penh I travelled by bus to Saigon which took around seven hours including crossing the border. When traveling to Vietnam, I recommend obtaining your Vietnam Visa in Canada as it will make the trip across the border much easier. From Saigon I flew to Hanoi and ventured to Halong Bay which I explored by cruise. Halong Bay, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to stunning landscapes, lush islands and caves. Depending on the amount of time you have in Vietnam, this breathtakingly beautiful site can be explored on a tour from one to three days. While exploring this region, I also recommend spending an evening out to enjoy Bia Hoi, a fresh local beer, while catching a soccer game with the locals.

After exploring Halong Bay, I traveled to Hue. The Dragon Boat Day Tour along the scenic Perfume River was amazing. The boat tour took us to a number of interesting historical sites, and allowed passengers to observe the lush vegetation and stunning temples that lined the river. Another highlight of my time in Hue which made me want to stay in the city was glasses of freshly squeezed sugar cane drink.

The next stop on my trip was Da Nang, which is short train ride from Hue and offers wide, sandy beaches for beach lovers. From Da Nang I ventured on to Hoi An—a small ancient Vietnamese town. Twice a week this lovely little town and its lakes are lit with beautiful, coloured lanterns which is quite a sight! Hoi An also features delicious cuisine, tropical fruits, baked goods, and beautiful beaches.

After exploring Hoi An I took a train to Na Trang which takes around ten hours. The train offers a choice of hard or soft seats and hard or soft sleepers. While the rail service in Vietnam is very slow, it is a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside, as you observe rice paddies, duck farms, and tropical fruit trees along the way. The train also serves inexpensive hot meals and drinks. Na Trang is a lovely beach destination and a perfect stop for travelers who enjoy visiting night markets, relaxing under the sun or doing a bit of island hopping.

My final stop was Ho Chi Minh City (formally called Saigon). Here, you can visit war museums and historical sites, and take advantage of great shopping. In terms of food and drink, enjoy strong Vietnamese coffee either hot or cold, sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine (such as a Vietnamese sandwich and a bowl of Pho) with good Saigon beer (my favorite is Saigon red label beer). I would recommend staying in Saigon for a couple of days or more. At times you might wonder if there are more motor bikes than population on the roads, but this is an amazing city!

Overall, I loved both Cambodia and Vietnam. Each destination has friendly people and a lot to offer in terms of tourism, such as ample temples, museums, historical sites, and of course, plenty of beautiful white sand beaches. Enjoy local tropical fruits, fresh cuisine, drinks, and shopping, all of which are affordable in these two destinations. I would recommend these destinations to anyone looking for a cultural discovery, culinary adventure or relaxing escape.

"Must see" places to visit in our lifetime...

We all have a bucket list of places that we want to go during our lifetime...but maybe you have one “must see” place that you’d like to visit. There’s no time like now to make those dreams come true. Here are our “must see” list...

Azaia: Trans Mongolian Railway

Azaia wants to embark on a journey with the Trans Mongolian Railway from Beijing to Moscow and St. Petersburg. With stops in Ulaan Bator, the Mongolian countryside, Lake Baikal, Irkutsk, Kazan and Murom.

Barbara: Galapagos Islands

Barbara wants to follow the footsteps of Charles Darwin and explore the Galapagos Islands, exploring the remarkable natural landscape and extensive wildlife.

Deborah: Egypt

Deborah has always been fascinated by Egypt and would love to see the country. She wants to see the pyramids, the minarets, the Nile and great works of art.

Jude: Patagonia

Jude would like to go trekking in Patagonia. South America’s southern frontier which grows wild, barren and beautiful. Its spaces are large, as are the silences that fill them. This emptiness, along with the sight of its jagged peaks, pristine rivers and dusty backwater oases is simply awesome and breathtaking.

Lesli: Camping in Antartica

Lesli wants to go camping in the South Pole on an Antarctica adventure. Sleep in tents, wrapped up in four season sleeping bags, listening to the sounds of heaving ice.

Lucas: Brazil

Would love to go to Brazil and travel all over the country. He especially wants to visit Copacabana and go boating along Brazil’s coast.

Luisa: Monaco Grand Prix

A lover of formula one racing, Luisa would love the opportunity to experience Monaco’s Grand Prix in luxury and style.

Wendy: Mongolia

Visiting Mongolia, camping in yurts in the countryside, riding ponies across the plains and following the footsteps of Genghis Khan. She remarked however, that she would like her own food and won’t eat any yak eyes!

Cruising South America

by Wendy Fougner

On one of our most recent trips, Bruce and I embarked on a South American cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Two days prior to the cruise I flew to Buenos Aires to spend some time in the Argentinian capital. I spent the first day in Buenos Aires by myself as Bruce was in LA on a basketball trip. I booked a room in a boutique hotel in one of Buenos Aires’ trendy neighborhoods. The location was perfect because every weekend the neighborhood features a market, or feria, where you can find beautiful handmade goods, antiques and art.

During my stay in Buenos Aires I had a guide who was just lovely. On the first day we walked all over Buenos Aires, visiting important historical sites and places of interest. In the evening, she took me for a local Argentinian dinner and tango show. The performance was wonderful and included a brief history as well as a traditional indigenous dance. I was really happy that I had her as a guide and was able to enjoy the experience with another person.

The next morning Bruce arrived and we met the guide to further explore the city. We went around the city by taxi, visiting some of the most interesting sites from the previous day. One of the highlights of our city tour was seeing the balcony of the Casa Rosada where Eva Peron addressed masses of Argentines. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and it was interesting learning about Argentina’s history and hearing the Argentinian perspective on the invasion of the Falkland Islands. Overall, we found Buenos Aires to be a fascinating city.

After two days in Argentina’s capital we boarded Holland America’s ms Veendam and set off on our cruise. We had a beautiful balcony cabin on the back of the ship which we really loved. Sailing south was particularly lovely, as we sat outside in the mornings and enjoyed spectacular views of the sea.

Our first port was Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital. A nice aspect of cruising with Holland America is that passengers are allowed to bring their own wine onboard. We decided to take advantage of this and brought a rolling suitcase when we disembarked the ship so we could stock up on South American wines. We purchased some wonderful bottles which we enjoyed through the duration of the cruise.

The next stop on our cruise was Puerto Madryn. The ship offered a number of excursions to passengers, but we decided not to book and explore the city on our own. However, I would recommend booking an excursion on the ship as our fellow passengers had fabulous experiences. On one excursion, passengers visited the penguin colonies, which are meant to be exceptional. On the sea lion excursion, a woman was able to swim with the sea lions and said it was a remarkable experience.

After visiting Puerto Madryn we unfortunately missed several ports due to weather conditions. We had chosen the last sailing of the season which meant that we were not cruising in optimal conditions. The ship’s captain was exceedingly cautious, and as a result we didn’t visit a number of ports on our itinerary. For this reason, I would recommend traveling earlier in the season to avoid disappointment!

Despite this, we were still able to have a great time onboard the ship. We spent six days at sea, during which time we were witness to stunning scenery. We sailed through Glacier Alley, saw Amalia Glacier and the Chilean Fjords. In particular, the fjords were very scenic and sailing through I was reminded of Norway. In addition to the scenic beauty, we were able to enjoy a number of entertaining activities provided by the ship. Every night the ship offers trivia, which was a great way to make connections and get to know the other passengers. Other interesting activities included dance lessons, cooking lessons, live music and evening shows. One night, a spectacular pianist played songs from numerous Broadway shows. His extensive knowledge of music and his artistic abilities were unbelievable.

After six days at sea we were able to port in Puerto Montt. Here, we took a taxi out of town to the beautiful Petrohue Falls. It was great to be back on land and we had a lovely time on our excursion to the falls. Our final port was Valparaiso (Santiago). Initially we had planned to take a flight from Santiago to Easter Island, but due to weather conditions and the captain’s cautious sailing we came into port late and missed our flight. Instead, we stayed in Santiago, rented bikes and had a wonderful day biking around the city. Throughout our time in Chile we were struck by the incredibly warm, friendly and helpful nature of the people. During our bike trip my kick stand broke and kept falling down. A local biker stopped to help fix the kick stand, finding a plastic bag to tie it up to the bike. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt which is an amazing hotel. Again, the staff were consistently kind and friendly.

On our last day in Santiago we went on a tour of three wineries in the valley. The wine country outside of Santiago is absolutely stunning and I felt like I could easily live there. Driving through the valleys I was reminded of the Okanagan. If you’re visiting Chile, make sure to visit the wine country!

Overall we had a good time on our South American cruise. Because we embarked on the last sailing of the season, we faced some disappointment. However, despite this, we were still able to experience South America’s stunning beauty and visit several fascinating destinations.

Lesli's Lists: Great journeys of the world - sloooowly

by Lesli Heron

‘Slow travel’ – the art of the authentic, all-consuming ‘classic’ journey when we linger with travel letting the journey unfold. A travel experience where the journey is as much a part of the pleasure as the destination itself, connecting with other lands and other peoples. Marco Polo, perhaps the first ‘tourist’ set the stage for great journeys and an adventurous spirit. Below are some ideas for ‘slow travel’ to get you started.

Hike England Coast to Coast -one of the world’s 10 best hikes—an epic adventure!
Absorb the astounding scope of England’s history on this memorable trek, voted as one of the ten best long-distance hikes in the world. You won’t want to miss a single moment as you pass over famous fells of the Lake District, and through three national parks, verdant meadows, and storybook villages.

Route 66
Take a ride through historic Route 66 beginning at the lakefront city of Chicago. Get a taste of the Old West in Oklahoma City, kick up your heels in Albuquerque and indulge in all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas and Hollywood. Marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon and take in all the scenic vistas along the way.

The indescribable magic of the Copper Canyon
Located in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains, Copper Canyon is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and is the homeland of the cave-dwelling Tarahumara Indians, the world’s greatest long-distance runners. The area is accessed by one of the world’s most spectacular train rides.

Norway’s Fjords - The world’s most beautiful voyage
Discover the beauty of Norway’s coastline where every season provides an ever-changing backdrop to a journey of matchless wonder. Stare down the mighty fjords and glaciers in the land of the midnight sun.

The Silk Road
Journey through the fascinating heart of Central Asia where over 3,000 years of history and tradition, breathtaking landscapes of desert, mountain, and steppe, and glorious ancient cities are home to the warmest people in the world. Follow the famous Silk Road route from Beijing to Tashkent via Tash Rabat, Bishkek, Samarlesli’skand and Bukhara to the heartlands of Kyrgyzstan and exotic Uzbekistan. Let the legends of the Silk Road come to life as you tread this ancient trading route that linked the mighty civilizations of the East and the West.

Camino de Santiago
This European pilgrimage route has been taken by pilgrims to Santiago for more than one thousand years seeking spiritual enlightenment, adventure, freedom and the camaraderie of the road. Declared Cultural Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO The Way of St. James, or Camino de Santiago is the most important pilgrim- age route in Medieval Europe. Encounter the religious and histori- cal roots of Europe, an interior transformational path, and walk at the speed of other centuries, it is a Pilgrimage.

The Ring of Kerry
This most spectacular mountain road is situated in the south west corner of Ireland. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged storm bashed coasts. It’s a road that takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history. It’s a road that takes you from deep forest to the crashing waters of the Atlantic. It’s a road through rugged, majestic landscapes: where wild stag roam and where tumbling waterfalls crash into crystal streams teeming with wild salmon.

Trans-Siberian Railway
For lovers of travel and lovers of railways alike this ‘great journey’ is an incredible passing panorama across a vast and dramatic land- scape. Travel across the breadth of China, Mongolia and Russia on board the Trans-Siberian railway is a must for sheer distance, intrigue and personal satisfaction. There is no other train journey quite like it.

The mighty Mekong River
The Mekong River is the lifeblood of South East Asia. Discover the diversity of this exciting river experiencing ancient cities, sacred cultures and spectacular scenery. Let the waterways introduce you to river life in rural villages and bustling cities while you discover Asia’s historical treasures in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Who would you love to sit next to on the plane?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit next to someone very famous? Or maybe you could sit beside someone from the past? We’ve asked everyone to think of the one person they would love to sit beside on a flight...past or present. Here’s what they had to say...

Barbara: A family member...

Starting with my husband, my daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren...because I never seem to have enough quality time to spend with them.

Bruce: Robin Williams

We were very fortunate once at Yuk Yuks in Gastown when Robin Williams (filming Jumanji at the time) dropped in for an impromptu one hour session. I would love to have him next to me for a long cross Atlantic flight.

Crystal: Johnny Depp

I have always been a huge fan of Johnny Depp. I find his movies incredibly interesting and the characters that he plays so engaging. I think that someone that can play such a variety of roles would be incredibly interesting to talk to...and let’s face it . . . he’s dreamy too!

Deborah: Bono of U2

First of all for his contribution to music and commitment to humanitarian causes. Second because I’m a big fan of U2.

Jude: Dalai Lama

I am going to say - the Dalai Lama. For his lovely sense of humour and capacity for fun. And, who knows, maybe inner peace and enlightenment is contagious. Who couldn’t use a bit more of that, right?

Lesli: Jane Austen

If I had tea with Jane Austen in the parlour I would be curious to know just how much her characters traits of independence, will and self-reliance mirrored her own at a time when it was not okay for women to have a brain.

Lucas: A Beautiful Woman

Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to sit beside a beautiful person whom you can have an engaging conversation with to pass the time!?

Wendy: Queen Elizabeth

I would love to hear what her life has been like, her impression on the world as it has changed, what is has been like talking to the different Prime Ministers and dignitaries from around the world. I think she is an amazing woman.

Quebec Adventure Knitting

by Judy Fawcett

September 11 to 20, 2013

Every two years knitter/designer/teacher extraordinaire Lucy Neatby and I join forces for a one of a kind knitting adventure.  Lucy plans the knitting program and I plan the non-knitting program.  Our adventures have taken us across Canada from east to west as well as north to the Yukon Territory and once to The Galapagos Islands. In 2013 our destination was the Magdalen Islands or Îles de la Madeleine, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  The islands are part of the Province of Quebec and except for one tiny English settlement the islanders’, known as Madelinots, the first language is French.

To reach the islands we traveled by ship along the St Lawrence River. Since the ship departs from Montreal the plans included spending some time there before leaving on the cruise.

Most of us arrived at The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, (our Montreal home for 2 nights) by 747—not the jumbo jet, but the shuttle bus that picks you up at the airport and drops you off on the corner across the street from the hotel.  At the hotel we enjoy a drink and refreshments with old and new friends before setting off for the Botanical Gardens. We pause briefly at our metro stop, the Olympic Stadium, where Nadia Comaneci became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the 1976 Olympics, and which after decades of controversy is now domed and paid for.  

Photo by John Stelling

We reach the Botanical Gardens in fading light but with time to see some of the giant horticulture sculptures. As darkness sets in, the Chinese Garden comes alive with a coloured lantern display. We take it as good omen for our adventure when the rain holds off until we are back at the hotel.

Photo by John Stelling

Photo by Judy Fawcett

The next morning we meet our local Montreal tour guide, Ismaël, who takes us on a walking tour, filling us in on some lesser known facts about the colourful history of Old Montreal. 

After the tour it is time to leave our non-knitting companions (NKCs) on their own as the yarn stores are calling us.  This first stop is Rix Rax, where manger Juliette Trolio has spent more than 20 years collecting notions and buttons. 

Just a few doors down the street waiting for us is Céline Barbeau in her brand new yarn shop La Maison Tricotée. The shop doesn’t officially open for another 2 days, but when I told Celine that we would already have started our cruise she said “come anyway and be my first customers.” Céline pulled out all the stops to prepare for our visit; her staff worked extra hours to set up the yarn displays and still greets us with warm smiles. As if that isn’t enough, Céline’s mother and step-father fresh off the plane from Paris were pressed into service to bake goodies and serve us tea. We snap up the yarn and devour the goodies.

With our yarn and hunger cravings momentarily sated, we travel to our next yarn store located in the Notre Dame de Grace District. Espace Tricot owned by Melissa Clulow and Lisa Di Fruscia is filled with luscious yarns and staffed by knowledgeable, helpful knitters. Our visit coincides with the shop’s regular Thursday Night Knitting group. I recognize some of the knitters from my visit last year and show pictures of the finished dress I was knitting, or more truthfully ripping out, at that time. Our stop at Espace Tricot could be summed up as we came … we saw … we bought … and loved every minute. 

Photos by Judy Fawcett

After all the shopping, we need to replenish our energy.  La Gryphon d’Or is a tiny café next door to Espace Tricot that I had tried previously. Chef and owner Donna Malin specializes in lunches and afternoon teas but she serves us pot pies and other comfort food along with scones and desserts.  

Photo by John Stelling

Excitement is high and we are all up early the following morning, some using the time before we board the ship to visit the Chihuly Glass Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. The dock is only minutes away by coach, but access is complicated.  Once inside the secured area we are thrilled and relieved to catch sight of a head of multi-coloured hair firmly attached to our knitting guru Lucy Neatby. For a moment we think we are seeing double, but then realize we are about to meet Lucy’s sister who has come from England to join us on this trip.

Photo by John Stelling

With the check-in formalities over, we check-out our cabins aboard the CTMA Vacancier before starting serious shipboard knitting and causing serious consternation among the other passengers when they see a roomful of people madly winding yarn. 

On this trip Lucy is giving double knitting workshops and the project is a choice of a cowl or a hat. Our first evening knitting is interrupted only by dinner and the approach of the power boat carrying the pilot for the next stretch of river. The boat pulls up alongside the Vacancier, one pilot disembarks and the other boards while both boats keep moving. 

Photos by Judy Fawcett

Our onboard accommodation is cozy, the bunks may be a little short and the showers a little snug, but the food is excellent, the crew is friendly and there is live Acadian music in the evening.

Knitting classes take place in the dining room, in the lounge, on the deck or any corner of the ship where nothing else is happening.  

Photos by Judy Fawcett

The NKCs are no longer Non Knitting Companions, but Novice Knitting Companions.  They have each been given a ball of yarn, a pair of needles and shown knitting basics.  The knitters offer praise and help while the word “tension” takes on a whole new meaning for the NKCs.

Photos by Judy Fawcett

After 2 nights on board the Vacancier we dock at Cap-aux-Meules on Îles de la Madeleine. Our guide, Lucie Longuépée, meets us and shepherds us onto our island transportation, a yellow school bus. We make the 60 minute trip along the thin thread of road that is the only land connection to Grande-Entrée located at the end of the string of islands. We are staying at the Auberge La Salicorne, a former hostel, now owned and operated by the community.  It also houses the Seal Interpretation Centre dedicated to the explanation of the seal hunt. Our workshop room is spacious, and bright, with a view of the sea. When we aren’t in class, our guides, Lucie and Lola, take us to deserted windswept beaches, and while the sands don’t sing for us, the scenery is breathtaking. 

Photos by Judy Fawcett

During our lunch at the Alpha Café, owner Mario Cyr tells us about his adventures as an undersea photographer and close encounters of the polar bear kind. At dinner our knitting guru Lucy confirms she isn’t just another pretty knitter by demonstrating the art of extracting the meat from the lobster shell.  

Photos by Judy Fawcett

Our two days on the islands seem over before they started, but before we join the Vacancier for the return trip we take time to sample the local micro brewery products and have dinner at Domaine du Vieux Couvent, a former convent now a B&B and restaurant.   

Photo by Judy Fawcett

On our return voyage we visit the ship’s bridge and learn what and who keeps us on course. We stop at the village of Chandler. While Liz and I board another school bus to visit the village of Percé and get a closer look at Percé Rock, the rest of the group strolls the streets of Chandler. We all are awestruck by the sight of gannets nose-diving into the water, hoping to catch their next meal.

Photo by Judy Fawcett 

Photo by John Stelling

Once back on the boat, we take our knitting out on the deck to sit in the warm sunshine and are treated to an impromptu music performance, while our genial and obliging captain puts in a few stitches.

Photo by Judy Fawcett

The next day we stop at Quebec City. We take the funicular to the top avoiding the steep climb from the dock.  After discovering that many of the knitters are also fans of a Quebec author and her fictional hero, Chief Inspector Gamache, I booked a tour that includes many of the places Gamache frequents.  With our guides Marie and Marie we visit the Quebec Literary & Historical Society, St Andrews Presbyterian Church and stop for tea and maple sugar pie at Le Petit Coin Latin. To find out “who dun it” read Bury Your Bones by Louise Penny.

Photos by Judy Fawcett

That evening, we watch the sun set and Chateau Frontenac slip into the distance while enjoying our wrap-up dinner in the ship’s restaurant.  

Photo by Judy Fawcett

Next morning, when Susan arrives for breakfast the crew and other passengers exchange bemused looks, while we congratulate her as she is wearing her newly completed double knitting hat.  

Photo by Judy Fawcett

After breakfast it’s time to go and start thinking about our adventure to Canada’s north for knitting and beluga whale watching in 2015.

For more information on my tours, visit www.lloydstravel.com/knitting.