We are Alive and Well – June 29, 30 & July 1, 2016

Jim promises me the worst part of the trip is over and from now on we will be seeing and doing.  The last 3 days have been focused on getting from Duluth Minnesota to Calgary, Alberta in time to set up and pick up Carol, Jim’s sister at the airport.

On Wednesday we drove 10 hours and arrived to a small city park with 50 sites and two other campers in Granville, North Dakota.  We were told to park where ever you want whichever way you want, so we did.  We actually straddled two sites to avoid backing in.  This park dispels the adage of getting what you pay for and my new slogan is, “You take what you can get!”.  The nearest food was 22 miles away so back in truck since nothing was defrosted.  You would be proud of me, though.  I only asked Jim once if he thought we would be safe and only gave a passing thought to putting a butcher knife next to our bed.

Up early the next morning and off to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada after 6 hours of driving.  The landscape was beautiful with various shades of green from crops and evergreen trees contrasted by miles of yellow flowers that looked like soft fluffy blankets but turned out to be mustard plants.

The park was all that I needed after some of the other places and I even got to do some laundry while Jim went to get the truck serviced at the local Ford Dealership.  Alone at last!  24/7 is better if there are occasional breaks.

We were told a good place for dinner was Bobby’s Place which turned out to be a “real old world tavern” complete with bikers and dart boards.  We opted for their nice little outdoor patio and we had the nicest young man wait on us.  He helped us interpret the menu and we ordered Fish and Chips, and East Coast Poppers with Salt Malt.

I fully understood one of the reviews that said, I am forever spoiled for Fish and Chips.  It was delicious but the Poppers were fabulous.  Little pieces of the same cod fried in a tempura style batter with garlic and dill homemade tartar sauce and potato slices fried and topped with salt and vinegar.

Yesterday was 8+ hours of driving on the most boring road I remember seeing.  The Trans-Canada Hwy is a four lane divided highway similar to our Interstate with no or limited  amenities that we could find.

View of Trans-Canada Highway

 One of the issues with a rig this long is you always have to see a clear path out if you decide to pull in and we couldn’t always see that.  Jim even admitted he was tired of driving and we are both glad to be staying somewhere for longer than two days.

Carol’s flight was delayed and did not arrive until mid-night so we were all up very late last night with a slow start this morning.  Once we get our acts together, I think we will be headed to Banff and Lake Louise.

Pictures of our new campground in Cochrane, Alberta outside of Calgary.