Rocky Mountaineer

The first stop we make on any trip isn't too far from home....

Saturday morning we headed to the train station to board the train to Whistler, the Rocky Mountaineer.  We're ready to roll!

It was a great way to see some of our Pacific coast, as well as learn a bit of history.

Britannia Mine - now a historic museum, it was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire.

Heading across one of three bridges.

After riding the rails for three and a half hours we arrived in Whistler.

  Shirley and I found another mode of transportation a short time later.

Strolling in the Village

 

 

 

Sunday morning we awoke to rain falling but after a late breakfast we decided to walk to the Upper Village to the Farmer's Market, then soon it was time to get back to the train station for the ride home.  It was a very relaxing weekend, I'd definitely recommend it!

 

 

 

Lion's Gate Bridge - almost back home.



Fait Accompli Jim-Bob

Congratulations!

Jim has just retired and was being honoured for his forty-five years of service - he holds the record of being the company's longest serving employee. 

Amazing job Jim.

 

 

After a delicious buffet dinner it was the award presentation time of the evening,  we were honoured to be there to watch Jim receive his award. 

At the end of the evening we left the Ramada and went back to Jim and Lorraine's to continue the celebration.  Here's Lorraine and Jim, Ted and Sheila, and myself and Ted - these guys have a combined service of 119 years with the company.  Now that's commitment and perseverence through thick and thin.



#1

 

Toast to you Jim - "Here's to Overwaitea - in the rearview mirror!"

Memory Lane

We're always a bit curious and somewhat sentimental about our 'old days' so we had to take a drive by our old stomping grounds and see what things looked like.  We got up this morning and took a drive around to see what changes have taken place.



Our first house



Park across the street from our house (Don't go in the gully!)







Site of major street hockey games!



Then we retraced our route that was driven many mornings for six years - from our house to Cedars Christian School.  We saw a much different school from what it was twenty five years ago, much larger, the old playing field is now a parking lot.  I took a few pictures but they don't really do justice to all the changes that have taken place.



New entrance to the school

North Nechako Road side of the school

It was good to reminisce our family's past.  Now tonight we'll be attending a dinner party in Jim's honour as we celebrate his retirement from 45 years of hard work!

Arrival - Day 1

One of the first things you see when you get to the main Junction of the highways into Prince George is:




Mr. P.G.

Once we got into town we headed straight over to Jim and Lorraine's to 'check in' to our accommodations and wish Jim a Happy Retirement.  Here's Jim, Theo and Tedward doing their manly thing at the barbeque!






A Champagne toast!

Food, family and friends - wonderful dinner guys, thank you.  Years go by but there's just something special about keeping in touch and sharing stories from  times past, and planning future 'retirement' adventures.

PRINCE GEORGE BOUND!

We're headed 500 miles north from home, back to where our journey together began over 38 years ago!  It's been many years since we've been back there and we're excited to go.  The reason for our return is to celebrate the retirement of a very dear friend Jim, after many years with the Overwaitea Food Group.

 

 

Charms are given to the spouse upon milestone years of service, I received two over the past few years prior to Ted's retirement.  I figure if I ever wear them now will be the occasion!