Movin' Right Along!

We have either been without internet or on the road the last 3 days so we've got lots to report. Our visit to Caron, a town near Moose Jaw with a population of 120,  to visit my sister and family in their very nice new home was wonderful. Jacqueline and Nicholas had a chance to play with their cousin, Spencer.  The next morning we zipped off to Winnipeg, Manitoba. But our pass by Moose Jaw would not be complete without a photo with the famous giant moose!

We made it to Winnipeg and camped completely on our own

for the first time on the trip. So far, we've always been with family at each stop on the way.  Our visit in Winnipeg was short but we managed to check out The Forks which may sound like a restaurant but is actually a rather cool market place.  We also went to the Royal Canadian Mint where all of our coins are stamped. Jacqueline was trying out the new quarter on for size in the photo. 

Nicholas is in the photo lifting a 28 pound bar of solid gold worth $500,000!  (no joke ... the bar is chained and there is an armed guard at the display not in the photo).

And for proof that we really are as far as Ontario, we have included evidence of us at the border. We're camping in Kenora tonight and we all have to admit Kenora and Lake of the Woods country is incredibly beautiful ... simply amazing ... we could almost stay here on the lake for the rest of the summer. But we've got reservations for the ferry to Newfoundland!

 

Little House on the Prairie

As you can tell from the photo, we were having a great time in Drumheller, AB until we were were almost attacked by that T Rex.  We retreated to Saskatchewan and quickly spotted my (Ken's) parents house on the prairie horizon about one hundred kilometres away.  Some of you think I'm joking.  We've been having a great time here on the flatland with my parents and a enjoying a little R & R.  Mom is still improving and getting stronger after the accident last fall.  

Jacqueline and Nicholas are pictured here getting safety instructions from their Uncle Robert before they ride their new dirt bike out on the family farm (yes, that's a John Deere combine in the background).  Needless to say this surprise from their grandparents was a hit.  

We're off to Moose Jaw tomorrow!

Rocky Mountain Camping

We’ve just spent the last two nights camping in the beautiful Sheep Valley Provincial Park in the Rocky Mtn foothills.  Not only was there no internet, but no electricity or running water … true Canadian camping.  So, we’re now back to civilization in Calgary after some awesome exploration.  We've now just returned from the dizzying heights of the Calgary Tower and the hoopla of the Stampede downtown.  

Happy Canada Day!

It took us a little longer to get out of the driveway this morning but the good part is that we didn't have any of those "ah - hah" moments an hour later when you realize you've forgotten to pack something. I think we've got everything we need and if not, there will be a Canadian Tire on the way somewhere.  Check out our patriotic t-shirts Rose picked up for our official launch this morning.  Right now, we're in Revelstoke stocking up on gas and stretching our legs before heading through the Rocky Mountains.  

Ken

We're almost all packed. I'm not used to packing a truck ... there's still room for more. We're off early in the morning and our first destination is Sheep River Provincial Park in Alberta (not quite to Calgary). Fortunately, my brother (Robert) and his girlfriend (Charlene) will be there to welcome us and have a campsite on hold for us. Only a few hours to go.

Ken