Day 15 - Winnipeg

Up and breakfasted in time to leave by checkout time at 11:00 AM. Drove straight through to Winnipeg and up past Portage & Main! Staying at my friend John's house until our reservations on Wednesday. All you can eat Sushi for dinner and back to the house for movies and bed. Great time catching up.

Day 14 - Riding Mountain National Park

We started the day a little later as there was a slight drizzle but about 10:00 am we started out towards Audy Lake which was about 18KM drive. We turned at the intersection to the lake but we immediately saw down about 50 feet, a gate across barring us from going down the road. With soggy rain soaked grass on both sides and no where to turn around, not wanting to get stuck I had no choice but to back out onto the highway - did I mention that I’m driving a 24ft. RV?!?!?! It’s a good thing that it’s not a very busy highway and this is Manitoba where you can pretty much see for miles. You’d think they would put a road closed warning on the highway turnoff sign!

The Audy Lake Closure - rain washed out the road to the Buffalo Enclosure

We headed back towards Wasagaming and decided to turn off at the “Wishing Well” - one of the places that was a “must see” in the Guide to RMNP (like the Bison Enclosure). Again the road was blocked but at least there was room to turn around here. I remember seeing another road to the “Well” on the way out which also had a parking lot so we decided to see if that was open. There was a parking lot but signs indicated that the Wishing Well was a bit of a hike up a dirt path and with my ankle still giving me a lot of trouble we decided just to head back to town and find a laundromat.
We found the laundromat with no trouble and an added bonus was free WiFi! We surfed to our hearts content while we did our three loads of laundry that had piled up over the last two weeks on the road. An even bigger bonus was the intermittent, misty drizzle had turned into a full fledged downpour. Nothing like being warm and dry with WiFi!
After the laundry was done we had Hot Dogs in the camper for lunch and as the rain had stopped and there was even a small sunshine behind the clouds so we decided to walk around town and see the sights. We explored the Visitors Centre where we learned that the road to the Buffalo had washed out with the rain and they had no idea when it would reopen. We watched a movie about Wolves in Banff National Park (?) in their theatre and saw their wildlife exhibits. Kasey did most of the quests in her “Young Explorers” booklet and so we continued around town the get the rest so she could open “The Chest” and claim her prize. 

Checking the "Mystery Chest".

Receiving her "Young Explorer" reward.

The last clue was at the opposite end of town and my ankle was now very swollen and hurting like h**l and wouldn’t you know it - the deluge began again like nothing before! 
The rain was running down the sides of the roads like raging rivers - no exaggeration! People were wading ankle deep through them to cross the roads. Of course I could only hobble and even in our BC rain gear we were absolutely soaking wet as we headed back to the Visitors Centre to claim her prize - a certificate and a “dog tag” necklace with RMNP and the date on it. I told her she needed to keep it safe until she could one day bring her own kids back here to share her memories of her visit. I bet they’ll be a lot different than mine were as a child! 

Liquid Sunshine

Lakefront Boardwalk - 4 inches off the ground and the water is coming up between the boards.

Back to the campsite about 4:00pm to get into PJ’s, nap (Kasey), read & watch movies (me) and play video games (Dillon). We had a good dinner with apple pie (bought from the bakery in town) with custard (made by me) - one of our favorite desserts. More movies and off to bed!

Day 13 - Riding Mountain National Park

We left Boggy Creek about 10:30 on Saturday morning destined for Wasagaming, Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park. It was a 2 hour drive from Sandee’s Place. I had spent many a summer camping there with my family as a child when we still lived in Manitoba and had some great memories. I remember going for the May long weekend and waking up the last morning and there was a foot of snow on everything. Did I mention that we didn’t RV back then but had a big CANVAS TENT? It was no easy thing to fold a snow covered frozen tent to put in the trunk of a car! (insert by my older children here - “We know - uphill, barefoot, in the snow, both ways, on your Dinosaur with it’s 8-track”)! 
We arrived sometime after 1:00 pm after getting diesel in Roblin and stopping along the way to shoot photo’s of grain elevators, “Gilbert” - a hockey playing golf ball -  the mascot of Gilbert Plains, MB. and a Moose grazing along the side of the road. (Photo’s to follow when we have stable wifi - keep checking back!). Here they are:

 

We checked in on our reservation at the campsite (made the day before from Boggy Creek - yes B.C’ians - they still had a few spots available the day before on a long weekend!) then went into Wasagaming. I’m not sure if it’s normally easy to get a site here at the drop of a hat - it could have something to do with the torrential rain the Prairies have been getting these last few weeks - it seems to have followed us all the way from Banff. We have seen flooding and a lot of mud all the way here - very, very bad in some places. Many of the campsites here were flooded - about a foot underwater some of them! We had a fairly dry site - just some large puddles.

We spent the afternoon walking around town - checking out the stores, the Visitors Centre, and one of the three museums here - mostly in the rain but being hardy BC’ians we had rain gear as opposed the most of the other people - running around in flip-flops and hoodies SOAKING WET!!! We came back and cooked a Lasagna for dinner and spent the evening watching TV as by now it was no longer raining but torrentially down pouring again. We chose to stay indoors instead of going to the evening “Campfire” at 8:00pm - a talk about “Bear Safety” given by one of the Park Rangers. I felt we were pretty safe inside the RV - even if there were any bears crazy enough to go out in the deluge! Tomorrow we hope to go over to Lake Audy - the park has a Bison Refuge Enclosure there that you can drive through - hopefully the rain will have stopped or at least slowed down enough for us to see some real live Buffalo.

Day 12 - Boggy Creek and Roblin

We spent the day visiting with Sandee and Raistlin. We drove into Roblin from Boggy Creek to have breakfast. It was a really good one too. We did a little tour of Roblin and some shopping. We came back to the house in Boggy Creek and the kids played video games until our dinner of ham, spare ribs, rice and salad. After dinner we drove out to Duck Mountain Provincial Park which is not to far up the road from them to see the lake and get ice cream from the lodge there. We just missed it - it was closed so we came back to the house for ice cream instead. Kasey & Sandee spent some time doing her and Linda’s nails and then off to bed. Clear Lake tomorrow - Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park for the weekend.

Having fun at the Playground at Childs Lake

Day 11 - Boggy Creek Manitoba

We left Rosetown about 9:00 after a quick breakfast and set off towards Roblin, Manitoba - our next intended stop, to see Sandee and Raistlin - my #2 grandson. We drove all day, stopping for lunch at Bicum rest stop in Elstow, Saskatchewan - named after Gordon Bicum  the local Doctor who served the area for 43 years. Along the way I stopped periodically to take photo's of Prairie Grain Elevators - a disappearing thing these days. 

Harris, Saskatchewan.

Welcome to Manitoba.  

We arrived in Roblin about 4:30 and followed Sandee's directions to San Clara and then up the hill to her family's home in Boggy Creek. On the way we saw a moose on the highway which we tried to quickly take a photo off before it ran off across the field.

Mr. Moose heading off across the field.

We visited with Raistlin, Sandee and her parents Linda and Ron followed by a lovely dinner with cheesecake for dessert. The three kids spent the evening fighting with each other on i-pads or the Wii. We spent the night in their yard and Raistlin slept out there with us to watch the Lego movie.

The De La Mare home.

  Roblin - The Jewel of Parkland.

Manitoba being added.

Day 10 - Drumheller

After leaving Vulcan, we drove right through to Strathmore, Alta. where we spent the night in the Walmart parking lot with about 7 or 8 other RV’s. We had burgers from McD’s for dinner and used their free wifi. I woke about 7:00 am (Yes - I slept in!) and started off to do the 50KM or so trek to see the dinosaurs. It wasn’t long before the teens awoke as it was very, very, very, windy and we did a lot of swerving as we passed and were passed by other large vehicles. We were there in no time and had our breakfast.

We entered the museum about 9:30 and we were greatly amazed as well as informed, at all the fossils, bones etc. they have on display. I really learned a lot about these magnificent creatures that once roamed this land and about the surrounding area and how it came to be. We left around noon after playing with some friendly Prairie Dogs and set off East down Hwy. 9 towards Saskatchewan.

Hi Kasey - my name is Chip!

We passed through a number of rainstorms, big and small, as well as seeing some awesome skies complete with rainbows and even a lightening storm at one point. I would have loved to pull over and photograph to my hearts content but settled for a one time only session. 

We stopped in Kindersley,Sk. for diesel and asked about RV sites. We were directed to the only one in town - a dirty, falling apart park that luckily was full so we continued on until we got to Rosetown, SK. and found a lovely little municipal park where we settled down for the night. We had dinner - Shepherds Pie and salad, Kasey watched the Lone Ranger for the umpteenth time and I wrote this day of blog while listening to the thunder in the distance - it seems the storms have caught up to us!

Kasey adding Saskatchewan to our map!

Day 9 - Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Airplanes and Star Trek!

Today was a fantastic day! We started out at 9:30 touring Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - a Unesco World Heritage sight. Our guide, Little Leaf was one of the 3% pure Native Indians (yes he called himself an Indian!) still left called Peighans. He was very funny and very informative - we thoroughly enjoyed him. We watched the 10 minute video in the theatre about the hunt and then went outside to the site, lastly touring the museum itself. It was really educational and we really enjoyed our visit. We set off once more about 11:30.

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump - the Actual Cliff Site.

We stopped for a snack in Nanton, Alta. and visited The Lancaster Air Museum and once more we greatly enjoyed ourselves. It was interesting to see the old plane that Dale's Dad "Gramps" was a flight engineer on during WW2. 

A "Lancaster" at the Museum

On the road again once more to Vulcan to see "Trekkie Stuff" for Dillon.
We arrived in Vulcan about 2:30 and quickly got directions to "Trekcetera". We were wonderfully entertained by Michael as he showed us around and gave us the background on all the costumes, props, etc. in the museum - lots of movie buff stuff as well as of course Star Trek memorabilia. After his short spiel he left us to look around on our own and take photos of which will come as soon as I don't have to borrow McDs free wifi! Needless to say the Nerdy Sci-Fi geek in our midst had a wonderful time and bought himself a Trekkie Mug and Vulcan baseball cap. 

The "Trekkie" Nerd with a Vulcan Sign

"Beam us up Scotty"!

We left Vulcan about 4:30 and started out towards Drumheller, Alta. for The Dinosaur Museum - tomorrow's excursion. Overall a great day was had by all!

Day 8 - Banff - the Actual Day

Lake Louise

We started the day out at Lake Louise. We went to the Visitors Centre to find out where the Cave and Basin was located, as this was how Kasey had learned Banff got started and also to buy a park pass for $19.60 - you must have one if you want to stop anywhere in Banff. I also remember seeing the Natural History museum (the first in Canada) when I was here as a child - we asked directions for that also. The lady was very helpful even telling us where the RV parking was where we could park all day. Armed with our pass and helpful directions off we went to Banff itself.

After missing the turn for the parking I had no other choice but to drive all the way around the town centre which only Vancouverite's would understand was worse than the west end on a fireworks night. We got back to the 15-20 spaces largely signed "RV's ONLY June 1 to Sept. 30" parking lot which was full including 6 or 7 CARS!!!!  Where is traffic enforcement when you need them? After driving 
around AGAIN we found street parking with 1/2 dozen probably equally choked RV's for two hours only - I might add here - it was nose in on a one way street - yes when we left we had to tour downtown again as well as having to back out into traffic! Did I mention to you all that I'm driving a 24ft. RV?
We now proceeded to walk the 3-4 blocks to the museum - not easily done as I had twisted my ankle Saturday on the uneven concrete at the pool in Kelowna and had been babying it for the last few days. We arrived at the museum to find it was CLOSED on Mondays & Tuesdays until July 1 - September 30! We sauntered back to the RV getting slightly damp as there was a short light sprinkle of rain and with my ankle now swelling we couldn't hurry.  Oh well - let's go to the Cave and Basin - it seemed much more fun and interesting than a bunch of stuffed animals anyhow.
I backed out with the help of a German tourist in a rental RV parked beside us feeling a little guilty that I now couldn't help him to back out. On to the Cave and Basin we went and guess what? It's CLOSED Monday and Tuesday! This is where I'd like to THANK  the helpful Parks Canada lady at the tourist info who sold me the $20 one day pass and assured me we could see both attractions in the one day because they were very close together! 
We left Banff about 2:00 pm - a little heavy hearted about not seeing the Caves but happy to be on the road once again. Had a little rest on the way as I had been up with Henry since 3:30. I'm very PROUD to tell you all that I manoeuvred us through Calgary's RUSH HOUR traffic that differs not in volume of vehicles than Los Angeles only in speed - Albertans drive FAST where as LA's are more or less parked during rush hour! We found a spot on the roadside to stay for the night and looked forward to seeing  Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - let's hope it's not closed Monday and Tuesday! 

Day 8 - Lake Louise and Banff

We arrived in Lake Louise about 7:00pm last night and found a campsite. Dillon was all about "Jurrasic  Park" because of the electrified fence enclosure all around the campground to keep out the bears. 

They have a couple hanging around town so lots of warnings about food and garbage containment and keeping pets close by. No problem there as poor old Henry is sick. He's had a touch of the runs on and off which we thought might be because of the change in water - he has a very tempermental tummy and can't take changes in diet ( no food scraps like the floor Hoovering Bitsey - our other non travelling dog) He has now been vomiting for the last 24 hours. Nothing like being woken up at 3:30 am and having to clean floors and a small spot on the carpet. I've been up ever since but because of the one hour time difference I feel like I've gained an hour ;} 
Time to get this day started and wake those sleeping teenagers!

Alberta being stuck on to the map by me!

Day 7 - Time to move on!

We woke Sunday to another beautiful sunny day - a little sad that we have to leave Kelowna but the road is waiting. We part here - Dale goes back home to work for two weeks and the kids and I head East. We hope to be in the Banff area by dinner. Travel makes for sporadic internet so we may not be able to post for a while. Said goodbye to FVE and set out about 10:15.

Dave's Goat Walk -Buy corn from the vending machine - put it in the little cup - the goats turn the wheel at the top to dump it into the trough to eat! 

We had a fun stop at The Log Barn in Armstrong where we had an ice cream, fed some goats on "Dave's Goat Walk" looked around and took some great Photo's which I'll post when I download them.

A stop at the "Last Spike" at Craigellachie and on the road again and straight through to Golden, BC - a quick stop at 4:00 pm for Diesel and a snack at McD's next door to use the WiFi to post this little addition and off we'll go so we make Lake Louise or Banff tonight.

Days 5 & 6

Friday morning came and once more it was warm and sunny.That afternoon I had made plans to go with some of  the other F.V.E. members on a Wine Tour ending at a “Bling” Party from 4-9PM at the View Winery - a special wine tasting party with appies, entertainment, and special release wines. There was a mix up of some sort and my ticket was given away to someone else. Needless to say I was VERY disappointed - I had been looking forward to some “ME TIME” away from the kids and the pool. It really put a damper on the day but after a few hours of angrily brooding, Henry and I went for a long walk and spent the rest of the afternoon reading. Dale arrived a little later and it was good to see him and put me in a better mood.
Saturday morning Dale and I had to head into Kelowna because we were out of milk and orange juice (for our Breakfast Mimosa’s) - I wonder were it all went don’t you Dillon? 
We spent time at the pool and then went for Happy Hour and Dinner with the F.V.E. - a wonderful BBQ - a rack of baby back ribs and a ton of various salads with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. It was good company and then to boot I won the 50/50 draw - $135.00! Kasey and I have plans to visit the WIT store at GNR for shirts etc. but Dale says it will be two tanks of diesel for the trip. Stay tuned for who wins this argument!

The Boys Enjoying the Sunshine!

We had one last swim and soak in the hot tub and then came back to the R.V. to watch “The Lone Ranger” before bed (the new Johnny Depp one - not the oldies one).  

Days 3 and 4

I should clarify to those that asked (and those that didn’t and are a bit confused) that Dale is still at home “working to keep me in the manner to which I’m becoming accustomed to"! He will start his vacation by flying out to Winnipeg on July 4 to meet us. YES - I’m driving there on my own with two teens and a dog in tow!  Anything that goes wrong I will have to deal with myself. 
What could go wrong one may ask? Well so far - we killed the battery on the first night; the microwave stopped working the second day although the convection oven part of it still works; and Day three we broke the latch on the pot and pan drawer so it will slide open as we move! Just minor little irritants that I’m sure we can remedy somehow.
 So now - back to our story! Wednesday we spent hanging out at the pool and taking Henry for a walk to the lake. Kasey and I joined the F.V.E. for “Happy hour” and all were having a good time until it started to shower! The party dispersed quickly and so we had dinner and watched a little TV until bedtime.

Casa Warcup

Thursday was much the same - swimming and hanging out at the pool - ho hum another day in paradise! For dinner we joined the F.V.E. group for a burger BBQ at the golf club on site and were joined by Dale’s niece Corrie and her family Jason, Tyson and Jake who live here in Kelowna. We ate quite quickly because the mosquitos were quite bad and of course the kids all wanted to hit the pool ASAP! We had a nice visit with them and then watched an episode of "Columbo" before bed - nothing like those old shows!    

Day 1 & 2 of Spam & GNR Here we come!

The start of our six week trek across Western Canada began on June 16,2014. 

After spending the day organizing and packing the Navion we finally left about 3:30 PM. We stopped at the bank and pet food store for money and food for Henry. We hit the #1 trans-Canada highway at 4:00. Our first stop was the rest area just before Hope, BC where I had to have a nap (being up at 4:00 AM to see Dale off to work!). We got to Merritt, BC around 8:30 PM, stopped at MacDonald's for dinner and continued on up the Coquihalla about 9:30. By this time it was dark and raining and I was nervous about driving on a road I didn’t know. We finally decided to pull off at about 11:00PM at one of the snow chain stops and spend the night there.

The next day we left at about 7:30 and headed into Kelowna - it took about 10 minutes! Little did I know I could have finished the trip the night before.

We stopped for gas and groceries and headed up the road to Holiday Park Resort to start our 5 day outing with the Fraser Valley Explorers.

We set up into site #510 on Sweet Life Drive!

We spent some time exploring the resort and had a bit of a swim. Dinner was BBQ. Salmon and Chicken for Kasey, garlic mashed potatoes and salad. The Lego movie was the evening's entertainment.