Jun 12, 2015
The long and the short of it
Tuesday
It was sad to leave Rae Tuesday morning but we knew we would be seeing her in just under 5 months on the Isla. Of course we ran into more construction and had to drive over fresh tar ( yup, Colin has a job to do to get it off the car ). Finally we were back on Highway 13 and within an hour we were in Swift Currant, Saskatchewan on the Trans Canada Highway, our route for the next few days.
We fueled up here at the Petro Can which is really not designed for large rigs like ours. However we needed diesel and we could fit into this particular station. My new pet peeve is a place for large rigs to fuel in Canada. The only truck stops are all cardlock which means we can’t use them. I’ve said it before, Mexico is the easiest place to travel with the US being second. Thus far we have paid up to 1.19.9 for diesel in B.C., 1.05.9 in Alberta, 9 7.9 in Saskatchewan, 1.09.9 in Manitoba and here back in Saskatchewan 1.05.9. I refuse to add up the coast of fuel for this trip. It would be much too depressing.
Back on the road we still had 511KM to travel this day. As we passed the turn off to Cabri, we waved and sent hellos out to Kevin and Ruth who are managing an RV Park in the area. If there is a next time, we will stop in for a visit.
This was going to be yet another very long day, over 485 miles. We have done over 900 miles in 2 days.
Traffic slowed as we approached Calgary, our destination for Tuesday evening. A huge accident, likely someone in a hurry to get home. At this point traffic coming out of Calgary was lined up for miles.
We were headed to Colin’s other brother’s home to visit for the evening. Fortunately he had sent me fabulous instructions on how to bypass the city on the Stoney Trail and we finally did get there by 6PM. Another 10 hour day on the road. We couldn’t believe how much Calgary has grown, homes just about everywhere.
Parked in front of Cheryl & Bob’s lovely home.
It was a bit of a challenge to get level as the road was slightly sloped downhill plus we were tilted towards the curb. If you look closely you can see we placed a jack pad under each front wheel as well as under each front jack. We were reasonably level and of course did not put out the living room slide. That is Caeli in the foreground, she thought she owned the place.
There was no way we could safely leave the girls in the RV because with the slide in we had no space to set up the pen. So into the house they came. Bob and Cheryl were very gracious allowing our girls inside.
By the time we got the girls fed and inside the house it was getting late. After a tour of their wonderful home which has views to die for, we finally got dinner underway. Sadly I was once again too tired ( I know, I sound like a broken record, but I can’t remember ever being so worn out ). Somehow I neglected to take any photos. Instead we had some interesting conversations as we attempted to solve all the problems of the world. Carmeh was so unsettled and worked constantly at getting out of the pen. I finally gave her a sedative but it didn’t do much good at all. I see a future of us not being able to relax. I can’t believe that it was well after midnight before we got back to the RV and went to bed.
Bob & Cheryl also have their home for sale It is a beautiful home but they have plans for an even grandeur home on their lot on Vancouver Island. Here Colin is giving Bob some ideas for better photography of certain areas of the house. Colin just can’t seem to stop taking photos.
The two boys. Colin is the youngest, then comes Bob and Bill back in Winnipeg is the oldest of the three.
Colin and I managed to see all of our siblings and our one remaining parent, Mommio, this trip. In addition to all I had to do re my Father’s estate, it has been quite the journey.
Wednesday
Next stop, Banff. We were just an hour away.
Somehow the morning got away from us. Bob & Colin took the girls for a long walk and then we all went back into the house and chatted for another few hours. By noon it was time to hit the road. Fortunately Banff is just over an hour away.
A glorious drive and also relaxing as we were not traveling too far.
Our first glimpse of wildlife as we went up the road to the RV Park.
Totally settled by 2PM.
A vacation in Banff National Park does not come cheap. If you are simply driving through the park there is no charge, however if you plan to overnight there is a$19.80 charge for 2 plus people in a vehicle per night or a $137.00 charge for the season. There are three places to RV here, one has no services whatsover, another has only electric but after 6 nights of dry camping we needed the full hookup which comes to $38.20 per night. Because it is early June we did not need a reservation but soon all the sites will be full with tourists. Many come from Europe and rent RV’s ( 1 800 RV for Rent ) once here in Canada and do a grand tour. I have no idea what they think of the pricing but I find it rather steep. However the beauty of the area and the stunning vistas do make up for it. I do have to add that the maps they are now handing out are very cheap and extremely confusing. I wondered how these Europeans were going to cope. We have been here a few times in the RV in the past and I was stumped with what we were given this time when we paid for our overnight stay. In the past there was a thick brochure handed out which was so much more better in detail. I do hope I have one in my files at home for future visits.
A quick snap shot to show you the view. The girls loved the walk here in the forest, so many sniffs.
Wednesday afternoon was spent relaxing by all four of us.
We just relaxed and soaked up the views and the smells…….and some vino. I finally completed a novel I had started two weeks ago. Fool that I was, I brought five books with me thinking we would have lots of down time 😐
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Great trip and lovely photos! Thanks again, Contessa & Colin, for taking us along! We absolutely adore Banff and even though it is expensive to camp there, it is certainly cheaper than taking a hotel room (of any quality). Besides, being in the trees beats the heck out of looking out a hotel window at a parking lot! We have our empty glasses ready to join you this evening!! (we wish…..)
Relax and enjoy!!
You are right, it is cheaper than a hotel. I hadn’t thought of that. I raised my glass to you last night.
Banff is so beautiful! We spent the night there once on our way to Vancouver. We keep saying we have to go back.
You must go back and on your way to visit me here in Kelowna. So glad that you got to see it.
Banff is beautiful! We have never stayed overnight in the RV there but have stayed in a motel.
Being in the RV away from town is really nice. I love being nestled in the trees surrounded by the mountains.
We passed up Banff because there was still snow and ice. It looks beautiful and I am sure we will see it soon.
I’m sure you will see it one day. Colin thinks the town of Whistler is nicer but nothing beats those views in Banff.
This has been a very busy trip but you got a lot of visiting in with family as well as with Rae. Hope you are finally relaxing now. I hope to be able to see Banff when I visit with my cousin’s in Calgary in August.
Banff is just a little over an hour away from Calgary. I so hope that you can go even just for the day. Looking forward to your posts about your visit to Canada.
Sorry you didn’t have time to stop by for a visit, you definitely missed a beautiful spot here in Saskatchewan, maybe next time.
Love the gorgeous scenery around Banff but hate the prices of things there and how touristy it has become. Enjoy your time there.
Ruth
Yes perhaps next time Ruth if we take the RV that way. I have to agree with you about the prices in Banff but if one ignores the shops and just focuses on the beauty of nature it is certainly worth the visit.
Glad to see you are finally getting a short rest. It certainly is expensive for RV parking. We just spent last week in Nipawin Regional Park (Saskatchewan) and it cost us $276.00 for one week. My husband says the fishing at Tobin Lake was worth it though. LOL Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Wow, $40.00 per day. I certainly hope that included full hookups and that hubby caught a lot of fish.