Farewell To Canada

As our 10th day on the road passes into evening, we say farewell to beautiful Canada. We enjoyed our stay emensely. we are in awe of the beauty of the Banff, Kootenat, Jasper area and really like the neighborhood that our new friends in Calgary enjoy. A big thanks again to Pauline, Dennis, Dylan, Robert, and Joanne. When you are 3000 miles away from home, a hot cooked meal and friendly faces sure makes all the difference in the world! We have now crossed the border and are back in the United States. Crossing back in was no big deal. We were asked the same questions as before. He saw where were are from and asked where we worked. We talked a bit about that, he smiled, and waved us on in. We have racked up 4000 miles and are headed south to Yellowstone. Excited to see what is in store for us ahead. Side note: our global data package with Verizon was ok, but we had to watch it closely. There was no voice package at all. So if I didn't respond to emails or phone calls right away it's because of that. Things should improve now that we are back in the states as long as we have a connection.

Relaxing 8th Day

We woke up today to 25 degrees and snow. Just a dusting mind you but it was pretty to watch it fall. We drove to Radium Hot Spring in Kootenay NP in British Columbia. What an awesome experience! Relaxing, mineral bath. The steam rose off the water as we soaked. The water temp was 102 degrees. The fact that the external temp was in the 20s didn't even register with us.

We saw curly horned rams on the 93 going through the park. They are so docile. They just sat and let us take their picture.

We are finishing off the day with delicious steaks at Saltlik.

Warm 25 Degree Morning

So today we woke up and it's 25 degrees. Brrrrrr. Never fear, we are prepared. Speaking of prepared, I have to take a moment and give my hubby big, big kudos. With our "fly by the seat of our pants" theme, Russ, being awesome guy he is built us a survival kit. It has a first aid kit, MREs, life straw for water purification, space blanket, fire starters, fishing stuff, multi tool, and snares. He thought of everything. So proud of him.

We have met so many interesting people and last night was no different. We were waiting in the hotel grill for our laundry to finish the wash and dryer cycles and got to talking to the bartender. She is from Australia and obtained a visa to come work in Canada. She explained that you get to work here for a year. They orovide lodging and discounts on food and other items. If you want to work a second year you have to commit to work on a farm. She said that one of the coolest gigs that one of her friends landed was at a resort in a rain forrest that could only be reached NY helicopter. He was a chef. He worked in the kitchen and on their farm. She said the gig she would never take was working on a banana farm because snakes and spiders live in the trees.  What an awesome conversation!!

Today is going to be a hiking, hot springs day! Enjoy!

Night Sets on Our Day in Banff

God smiled on us today, the clouds lifted, and the beautiful sun came out. We went to Lake Louise and the conditions were perfect. The picturous reflection was there!!! We were in awe. What a gift!!

We came back and took the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you can see all the mountain ranges and the town of Banff below. YES!! I walked to the top of the radio station with no fear!! :)

Kicking back with a fire and quiet dinner and evening in our condo tonight. A night of much needed rest.

Thanks to all for supporting our blog with your comments and invites. We are making new friends and see missed framily along the way filling our hearts and restoring our faith.

Good Morning From Banff

Good morning! I'm jot sure what's on our adventure list today but I feel a dip in hot springs and a gondola ride is in my future. The views are indescribable. I only hope I can capture it on our cameras.

Our unit is comfy. There is a feather bed on top of the mattress that you sink into. They have thought of everything. If you are a govie or retired military, we reserved this through AFVC. What a great program!! It costs nothing to join and the rates are awesome. Check it out at afvc.com. It's pet friendly. There is been no mention of any fees. The staff is awesome here.

I have included pictures for your enjoyment.

The Ride To Banff

We made it successfully, Cubby too. The scenery up 93 through Eureka, MT through British Columbia, across the Continental Divide, and into Alberta was gorgeous! As we entered Kootenay NP we were in awe. We checked out the hot springs at Radium and will be going back down to swing there.

Crossing the boarder was no big deal. We were the only ones in line. He took both of our passports, asked where we were going, how long we are staying, asked if we had a valid rabies certificate for cubby, asked us if we had fire arms, and a bunch of questions related to Ebola and that was it.    The request he had was that Russ sign his passport.

The gas stations list their prices different from us but we found a converter online.

Verizon was very helpful with turning on a global data packaging today. We are just to call then when we leave the country and they will turn it off.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort upgraded us to a premiere unit for no extra cost. The fireplace is wood burning and they have already delivered 2 bundles.

We ran into snow as we crossed the Continental Divide. They are calling for more tonight. The guy at the lodge recommended that we take the gondola in town to the top where can see all four national parks.

We went into town, stocked up on groceries, and had dinner. Cute mountain town! :) Everyone is so nice and polite. We have had our first Canadian beer. It was delicious! We had salads and 100% beef burgers. Everything was fresh and yummy!

I have included pictures that we took along the way today. Enjoy!!

Getting stoked about the trip!!!

Getting the Raptor ready for our first trek!  The ARE bed cover came in so we got that installed.  Dry storage space quadrupled.