Home»All Photographs»19.07.12.Road Trip 2-Grand Portage, MN-Banff, Alberta

Wed, July 10
From Grand Portage, MN our next destination was to be either Helena, MT or Banff, AB, Canada. Decision: go south and west, or north & west through Canada. Canada won. "Piece of cake" going over the border (We had id and medical papers for Jessie which were totally ignored). Almost regretted choice of Canada. Had a very close almost head-on crash while entering the Trans Canada Highway. Began to regret our decision to travel in Canada upon discovering that the road was limited to a speed limit of 90kph (56 mph) for hundreds of miles on a mostly two lane road. Stopped for the night in Ignace, ON. bought take-out burgers from Robin's.
Thurs, July 11
Ignace, ON through Winnipeg, Manitoba to Regina, Saskatchewan. Spoke to a railroad worker who had just seen a wolf about a mile away. Also had a discussion with a motorcyclist who was traveling from Vancouver to Montreal. Good news: the road would finally become a divided highway with a higher speed limit.

No Dunkin Donuts, lots of lakes, bays, rocks and trees. Rest stop, center of Canada, Dog Park, yellow, yellow, yellow fields of flowers for miles, thunderheads, downpours, cows, bison, horses, Rodeo signs (Calgary Stampede), Subway dinner on the go. Stayed at Super 8, Regina, Saskatchewan.
Fri, July 12
Regina to Strathmore, Alberta.
Breakfast at S8. KIA dealer for headlight adjustment (free car wash and bug removal). Pam & Jessie watch Wimbledon (Roger leading Rafael 2 sets to 1). Jessie is alert with ears up and seems to really enjoy the play. Dinner at Smiley's Family Restaurant (chowder, salad, hamburger, mashed potato). Stayed at Super 8.
Sat, July 13
Strathmore, AB to Banff.
Morning TV:

1. Wimbeldon Ladies Final - S. Halep vs S. Williams 6-2, 6-2. 1st Wimbledon Championship for Simona Halep.
2. Stage 8 of Tour de France.

Calgary Stampede (largest rodeo in the world) is ending this weekend. Were told "not to miss it" by one and "not worth the trip" by another. Decided to pass. Saw Calgary Olympic Ski Jumps.
Pitstop at Canmore Visitor Center. The Rockies are awesome. Lake Louise and Banff are calling.