The speaker at our February meeting was already well known to our group and his return was well received by members. Gordon Gadsby’s travel account of his ‘Rockies to Alaska’ holiday was also illustrated by his excellent photographic slides.

Travelling to Calgary, Gordon, his wife and friends boarded the train to Banff where they enjoyed the scenic views. At Banff they went hiking along the many mountain trails the group saw the wonderful wildlife, lakes and glaciers. Their journey continued to Victoria on Vancouver Island, where they watched Beluga Whales and saw snow as high as the tops of fir trees.

On to Alaska where they boarded a cruise ship to Juneau. The mist descended but going ashore by tender the group once again donned hiking boots where they walked up Mount Roberts and viewed the magnificent scenery.

Sailing on to Skagway, the passengers enjoyed this old town with its timber buildings and taxis’ driven by ladies wearing traditional style clothes from the pioneering days. Going by train to the Bald Eagle Reserve was followed by a hair raising return journey on inflatable boats. At one point Gordon had to jump into the river to help free the craft from an obstacle.

The cruise continued to Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world, visitors may watch the fish go down river for spawning. The towns beautiful clapboard buildings and boardwalks are a main tourist attraction along with the worlds largest collection of standing Totem Poles. Visitors can also see the national flower of Alaska, the Forget-me-knot.

The group returned to Vancouver at the end of their memorable holiday. We thanked Gordon for sharing with us his holiday experiences.

Dates of the next two meetings:-

Saturday, March 14th 2009 A.G.M.
Followed by ‘Hats Galore’ Speaker Margaret Earley.

Saturday, May 9th 2009 Events and Life in the 1920’s Speaker Alan Clayton.

EVENTS.

Easter Lunch Saturday, April 11th

Once again by popular demand, members with partners and friends will be meeting for lunch at Ashmores Restaurant, Radcliffe-on-Trent. Meetings are held at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee is served at 10.00 am and the meeting commences at 10.30 am.

A warm welcome awaits all existing and potential new members.

For further information on any of the above contact Chairman, Aileen Wright at ladies.saturdaygroup@tiscali.co.uk