Comments by "" (@michaelformaini7053) on "Stuck in the middle of NOWHERE on VIA Rail in Canada" video.

  1. Well Michael, you have excelled again with Part 2 of your journey on "The Skeena". And the Prestige Hotels and meal at the Crest make me want to come over and experience this for real; although the budget and other home priorities (as a result of COVID and the economy) will tie me down in Australia for the next couple of years at this stage. Oh, and I need to renew my passport too - the last one expired in June. Oh, and I need to be around when you come downunder to my part of the world once overseas travel becomes realistic again. I'm really impressed by your comments on Rail Travel being the best way to relax and enjoy the passing scene. I hope ViaRail management notice and sponsor your future adventures in coming months. The train journey, even when delayed, is really part of the destination. The scenery on this trip, particularly the lake reflections and stunning waterfalls, is really something. Only New Zealand can compete with Canada for views like you have shown. And your choice of accommodation for the two nights WOW! although I was a little apprehensive about how close to a major road one of these appeared. Hopefully the rooms are soundproofed at that hotel. Poor old Riley and his wet feet from the train dump! At least it was the sink water and not something a lot less pleasant. Yes, retention toilets have been a feature of most long distance passenger trains worldwide following complaints from unlucky trackside workers. I'm glad the platform pits at London Paddington were in a clean condition when I was there in 2018. There's an unsavoury episode of "Paddington Station 24/7" that details what happens when passengers can't hold on and the maintenance workers have to clean up - not recommended to watch near mealtimes. Enough on that subject. The one thing that I recommend with promoting long distance rail travel is to emphasize that one shouldn't plan activities or travel connections too tightly. As you experienced, delays beyond the control of the train operator can throw travel plans up into the air, but that's part of the adventure and allure. I could rabbit on about an adventure I had in 1980 during the last months of the old narrow gauge "The Ghan" at a little place called Anna Creek, but I'll leave that for a realtime conversation when we eventually meet up. Hoping all is well with you and loved ones during your new lockdown. I'm enjoying my new freedom, despite having to continue with masks and number restrictions at venues. Cheers for now and looking forward to next week's viewing.
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