Oh Canada!

I shall try to make this humorous, let us see if I make it.

When we were planning this adventure, we thought the wonderful countryside of Alberta and BC would be spectacular as we drove by and stopped at quaint little spots along the way.  I guess our expectations ran a little high.  Still enjoying the trip despite a few little setbacks.

Alberta is mostly flat farm land with the Rockies in a distance to your left.  We were thinking, OK when we get to Dawson Creek the fun will begin.  Being the stubborn types we trudged on.  Dawson Creek is a nice town, but our timing must be off.  The campground had issues with water and sewer hookups when we checked in.  We blew the parks breaker when we turned on the microwave.  Eric is getting skill in locating the breakers and reseting.  The water issue was resolved a couple of days in, good thing we carried some water.  All in all a restful place, very accommodating.  We missed the museum, Alaska Highway House and the walking tour.  The plan was to go on Friday morning after our repairs were all completed.  We headed out early only to find everything was closed on May 10th for some reason.  Oh well, we may have a better appreciation of the exhibits once we do the Highway.

We did manage to explore the Pioneer Village in Dawson Creek.  Very cute setting of old homes and structures that have been relocated to the Village.

Where Burl Wood comes from.  

Mowgli wants to drive a tractor

Onward to Fort Nelson...

We were looking forward to the drive between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson.  I followed blogs that were completed last year and was looking forward to seeing the Moose on the side of the road.  We saw one in a large parking area.  He sure was gangly!  OK that was a milestone for us!  The oil and natural gas plants that have popped up all over we very present here.  Some of the smaller RV parks have converted to full time workers and it looks like the companies have set up dormitories for the workers.

The hills are not quite as bad as I thought they would be, and we managed to maintain an 8 MPG.  Not bad, I'll take it.   We managed to get another rock chip in the windshield. *%$%!

The aspens were just starting to leaf out on the way.  The ride to Watson Lake should be very scenic with a stop planned in Tetsa for Cinnamon Rolls! 

We are camped overnight at Triple G Campground in Fort Nelson.  They have a restaurant here but I made a teriyaki pork loin, Risotto and corn for a hearty dinner.  It just sounded better than a dinner out. The temperatures are wonderful, right now about 65 degrees with a little overcast skies.  Perfect!

I did a very bad thing today and have a citation to prove it.  I got up while in motion to empty the little bit of trash in the front and got a ticket for no seat belt.  Very expensive, won't do it again ya betcha!  My very first ticket, Hooray!  Never been on my Bucket List, but want can I say?

Happy Mother's Day Mom!  I love you and miss you!  Ashley, it seems strange not to spend Mother's Day with you.  We'll do a make up Mothers Day when I get back!

Gidget says Good Night!

 

Another Marathon Run from Cochrane, AB to Dawson Creek, BC

Oops we did it again!  Seems once I get Eric and the beast rolling, it's hard for him to stop!

We left SpringHill RV Park in Cochrane, Alberta at about 7:30 am, Tuesday.  Filled up with gas after a long windy night!  We just can't get away from the high windy weather.  Monday was a beautiful day with highs in the upper 70's and sunshine.  It felt so good to go outside without a coat and hat!  Eric washed the Beast, I cleaned the inside, got the laundry all done and even washed the pups.  Just as I was falling asleep, the winds started to howl and shake the beast.  Oh well, at least I don't have to drive.

The plan was to drive to Drayton Valley or if possible go a little past Edmonton.  Between Calgary and Edmonton are rolling fields and ranches.

After we got through Edmonton we decided to keep going for a little bit.  The countryside changed to more rolling hills and towns along the way.

A very large sawmill in Whitecourt. 

We were going to stay in Whitecourt, but decided we could probably make it to Grand Prairie.  From Grand Prairie, it is really just a little ways to Dawson Creek.  So again, a late for us getting in camp at 7 pm.  A frozen pizza, a salad and wine and ready for bed.  We will stay here until Saturday morning, then on to Fort Nelson, BC.  We will have to slow this way down as the Alaska Highway becomes two lanes with steep grades, curves and animals.

A couple of issues to contend with while in Dawson Creek: a rock hit the windshield of the beast, just a chip, waiting for Speedy Glass to come and fill.  The cord from the beast to the toad pulled out somewhere along the bumpy road.  We have the cable but the plug is long gone.  Foster's in Dawson will rewire it for us tomorrow.  You gotta love the Gremlins!

Banff and Lake Louise

There is no way to describe the landscapes here.  I'll Keep this post short and load up on the pictures.

You rise from the flat prairie right into the granite cliffs.  It is beautiful and a must see.  The photos do not do it justice.  The Lake was still frozen over and there was still snow on the ground despite the wonderful 60+ temps!  Back in Cochrane, the temps were in the high 70's AT LAST!  Running along the river I saw a wolf and it took me several seconds to connect what it was.  Beautiful!

They are waiting for High Tea at the Fairmont

Even Mowgli and Gidget enjoyed the view!

These are not for cars, but for wildlife to cross the highway!  The tops are planted with trees and plants to match the surroundings.  Great idea!

Morleyville Mission built in 1875

Prairie Crocus

Tomorrow is a work day, cleaning house, laundry and getting ready for another long drive.  The temps are fluctuating like crazy, 80's one day, then 55 the next.  

A 13 Hour Marathon Drive into Canada & Unique Museum and Curator

May 3, 2013  We bid adios to Montana and the US today, but first an interesting quick visit to an interesting Military museum right in the Southside RV park in Dillon, MT.  The owners son Derrick has been collecting interesting WWI and WWII pieces since he was a junior in high school.  He has acquired everything from uniforms to vehicles, rations, ration books and guns.  He is an amazing young man and the few minutes we spent with him, we were very impressed with his drive and commitment.  He is also on the city council and all this at just over 20.

This was a prop used in Inglorius Bastards and Saving Private Ryan

A Command Vehicle from WWII

 You never know what you'll find in an RV Park!


We left Dillon at about 7:30 am for Shelby.  Shelby is about 35 miles from the Canada border and the plan was to stay overnight there and get everything in order for the crossing.  We got to Shelby, gassed up the beast, ran the toad through the gears and looked for our planned park for the night.  It was still early in the day, about 1:30.  We drove by the park, saw it was a little different from what we planned.  OK, what to do?  I gathered up the passports, the puppies rabies certificates and the good health letter from their vet, the registration and insurance for the beast and the toad.  We ate the last two apples and and some baby carrots on the road north.  What was left was tossed.

We hit the border crossing line and had a long line to wait in.  We thought we had picked the wrong line since the one on the right was zipping right along.

We finally made it to the window.  The border agent was very nice, asking us about alcohol, pets, and the purpose and length of our time in Canada.  We answered honestly, yes we were over the 2 bottle wine limit by 4, just passing through for a couple of weeks on our way to Alaska and handed over the registrations, pet information and passports.  He gave us everything back and sent us on our way.  We were back on the highway heading north by 3:00.  They did not inspect our coach, but we saw them pull others over and go through.  I was so worried about what food and the limits we could bring in we kept everything simple and supplies low.

I called ahead to Cochrane, Spring Hill RV park and made a reservation, for 32.00 a night.  Excellent!  Below my budget!  We pulled in late (for us) at about 8:30.  I went inside to register and pay and oops! I forgot to notify my credit card that I would be traveling to Canada.  Thought I had thought of everything!  A long phone call with roaming charges and all was resolved.  Another lesson learned.

Overall it was a very long day-especially for Eric, 13 hours of wind, rain and at the end two lane roads. Exhausted and a little frustrated over the credit card, we backed into our site, reheated some steaks and salmon leftovers and hit the bed.  Our site is next to the squealing gate and Spring Hill is at a busy rural intersection.  It is a combination RV Park, Truck Stop, Convenience Store and Gas station.  We didn't hear a thing!

Saturday morning we went to the Cochrane Art Club's annual art show.  Beautiful paintings, but I think my Mom's work would win People's Choice.  Next to the art show was the Stockman's archives and library.  They had everything cowboy you could think of.  The docents were very helpful, stocking us up with information on the town and surrounding area.  Next was Safeway to restock the cupboards and I spotted Bounty Bars!  We had Bounty Bars in Tahiti after a dive once and were hooked!  But, they don't sell them in Las Vegas, which is probably a good thing!  I said "look what I found!"  Eric suggested stocking up, so we picked up four.  Hope we find more along the way!

Milk Chocolate and Coconut, perfect refrigerated

Next was play time with the Pups.  Playing fetch in the 40 feet requires lots of repeated throws...

Washing the grime off the bikes led to washing the car.  All shiny and ready for a road trip to Banff and Lake Louise tomorrow!  We'll pack a picnic lunch and I can't wait to see it!

Dillon Montana's Beaverhead County Museum

A Little catching up to do....

Dillon Montana is a cute quiet little town.  The railroad runs right by the RV Park, but believe it or not, you don't hear the train.  The reason is the trains stop south of town and then kinda glide or coast in.  Every once in a while you would feel it coming, but no issues.

The Beaverhead County Museum is run and put together by volunteers.  They have done a good job of gathering, archiving and displaying the many pieces of history.

My favorite is the covered wagon-The very first Motorcoach!

Looks comfy and cozy, like our very first coachman!

The train station was cool with the ticket booth and long wooden benches to wait for the train.

The University of Montana is located just up the side road from the campground.  The building was huge, but housed the entire Dillon campus.

I thought the one room school house was fun....

The town is small enough to walk around.  We took the puppies on a little stroll to the Dairy Queen and had sundaes, something we haven't had for a while.  Yummy!

I'll get caught up because we are not in Montana any more!