Day 11

This morning was cold and rainy so we decided to stay an extra day as the weather is expected to improve and avoid trying to hook up the trailers in the rain. We did more planning on our visit to Banff and Jasper Provincial Parks. The Wi-Fi here cost $9.95 a day so we decided to go ahead and split the cost so we can get caught up with Web stuff. In the afternoon the rain stopped and the sun came out which mad it comfortable to sit outside and enjoy the view.

The view from our trailer

Day 10

We woke to a windy, rainy morning and waiting to hear about the truck. Jim and I took his Smart Car and went to get groceries and check on the truck. The truck was ready; it needed spark plugs replaced which turned out to be a complete tune up and software upgrade which should show an improvement in gas mileage. Because of the truck and rain we did not do any sightseeing in Calgary but discussed the journey to Banff and Lake Louise.

Day 9

We left Medicine Hat today to meet with our friends, Jim and Norma in Calgary. It was a perfect day with moderate temps, sunshine and nice clouds. As we approached Calgary the snow covered mountains came into view, WOW what a site after traveling through the prairie for several days. The perfect day started to deteriorate as the truck started to run rough at stop lights, but seemed to run OK when moving. We checked in at the campground and the truck almost did not start then blew smoke out the exhaust and the engine light came on. We got to our site, set up then went back to the office and called a Ford dealership that squeezed me into a busy schedule. They made arrangement and paid for a taxi cab to return me to the campground after I dropped off the truck. Jim and Norma arrived and we had dinner with them and talked about the journey ahead of us. We won’t know about the truck until Wednesday afternoon.

Approaching Calgary

Jim and Norma arrive

Day 8

After breakfast we went for a walk on a very nice walking path from the campground, did some small maintenance items, converted some cash to Canadian, picked up some groceries and went out to dinner and mostly rested on yet another beautiful day. 

Day 7

The day started out very well, mild temps and a clear sky. After traveling about 100 miles the paved road ran out for about 6 miles of dirt wetted down to control dust. Of course MUD was now on the front of the trailer! We stopped at a Wal-Mart to pick up a few things before crossing the border and took the time to clean off the mud! We reached the border about noon and after answering a couple of questions the officer said have a nice day and drive safe. We arrived in Medicine Hat, AB and after setting up camp we went to get gas and visit the “SAAMIS Tepee”, the world’s tallest tepee which stands over 20 stories high. This interpretive exhibit was very well done, and glad we stopped.

We had lunch at a nice pull off and maybe saw two cars.

Day 6

Traveled the last few miles in ND and headed for Malta, Montana and another beautiful day of travel. We left the interstate and headed north thinking we could stop in a town for a break; well most of the small towns are away from the highway we were on and finally found a spot to pullover alongside the road. Near lunch we did find a town and a large area to stop.

This picture is typical of our whole day’s travel through Montana “Big Sky Country” how true.

Day 5

Today was a day to get caught up on things that we wanted to get done before we left home and relax. It has been difficult to sleep in as our internal clocks are trying to get us up at Ohio time. That means we are up most every day at 5:30 AM mountain time. After coffee and breakfast I cleaned the bugs and road grime off the front of the trailer and gave it a coat of wax took several breaks and sat and talked with Karen. We took a walk into Medora ND and found most of the businesses were closed so we asked one store person and she said that in June the music festivals start and the town comes alive. Medora is a small town with no traffic lights and one gas station. We walked back to camp and had lunch then walked back to town to mail a letter and get ice cream. Temperature reached 98 with no humidity and not a cloud in the sky, a very nice day. Late afternoon we sat and talked as Karen did some puzzles and I sat in front of the truck cleaning and polishing the chrome. Cooked pork chops on the grill and relaxed the rest of the day.

Each morning we are welcomed by our stained glass window

Day 4 

These nice travel days are very welcomed for we know it will change but will take them one day at a time. Driving across North Dakota is a long straight road with a few rolling hills. It is a remote area and most of the exits are without services. We arrived in Medora it was a sunny mid afternoon so we took a drive into Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I have backpacked there a couple of times but Karen had not seen it. The ND Badlands are extremely different than the SD Badlands. Here are a few pictures from our day.  

This guy wasn't moving!

Wild horses

Prong horn sheep

Prairie dogs

Day 3

Another beautiful day as we traveled through Minnesota to North Dakota. Mileage suffered because we are starting to gain elevation as we head west. That is just part of traveling and expected. Grilled out some barbecue chicken and enjoyed a quiet relaxing evening.

Day 2

Traveled on some rough roads in Wisconsin today but they eventually smoothed out. It was warmer and overcast which made for another nice travel day. When we arrived at the campground an elderly couple greeted us, they have had this place for 50 years and accepted cash only. There was no WiFi or cable and Karen was not happy to miss the finale of Dancing with the Stars. I put the TV antenna up and we had several stations to choose from and low and behold Dancing with the Stars was on and Karen was a happy camper!

Day 1

Today was a very nice travel day it was our longest day of the trip at 440 miles. Not much to write about, it was sunny and in the mid 60s. We arrived at the campground about 3:30, went for ice cream then back to the trailer for coffee and dinner and relax for tomorrows travel day.

Did I say “We love our Keurig Coffee”?

 Karen's new fold up coffee table!