Day 32

Monday, July 16

Another lightening storm and I had company again. And, of course the tent and all were wet again, come morning. Anyway it had stopped raining by about 7:00am so she started her morning routine and took down the tent and packed up. It was cloudy with some sun breaks at first but as the day progressed there was more and more cloud. She got off a few shots early on but later in the day there was too much cloud cover, or fog. Anyway we couldn't see much. We were driving along a lake for a bit but could not see to the other side. We encountered mist of few times and finally as we were getting close to Whitehorse, light to steady rain. We stopped just outside of Whitehorse at the Mountain Ridge Motel and RV park. Our unit has a kitcken, bath and bedroom.

Day 31

Wow, what a day. The drive from Fort Nelson to Watson Lake is something to see. We were in the Northern Rockies with mountains all around us. The going was slow as there are a lot of curves. We sometimes felt like we were going in circles. We followed the rivers is the valley most of the way with only a few big hills to go up and down. We have some pictures but unfortunately still can't get them loaded up. Hopefully, when we get to Whiehorse, things will go better. Sorry about that.
We saw some big horned sheep, at least some moms and young, we saw buffalo and she saw a black bear. I missed him.
We are camping tonight as this place has showers and flush toilets, that is luxury living compared to some campgrounds up in this part of the world.
Lots of RV's today.

Day 30

Actually got a good night's sleep considering the heat of the previous day (room was very warm at first too).
Started out at about 8:30 am for the next stop - Fort Nelson. Wanted to take it slowly today. We have moved beyond the farming, into logging country now. There was a fair amount of traffic - mostly RV's with a few transports. Saw a few motorcycles as well and 5 people biking, two couples and a solo biker - these were the manual type of bikes. We drove approximately 380 kilometers today and other than a few very small, gas-up communities it was trees and more trees. We did see a couple of deer along the highway but otherwise not much.
We are still in the mountains but no real dramatic ups and downs today; just one brake check hill and another 7% grade slope. These, of course, are at the rivers.
We ran into a lighting storm but luckily it and the rain did not last long and we drove out into the sun. In fact the day started out cool but by the time we arrived in Fort Nelson it was another hot day. Thankfully our room at the Remada is cool.
We saw a RV, hauling a car, from PEI. Didn't see the owners as it was parked on the side of the street in Fort Nelson when we drove by. That is a long way to go hauling a vehicle.

Day 29 - and it is Friday the 13th

We got up around 6:30 am as she wanted to do laundry before we left. The motel had a laundry on site.
Headed out to Route 2 towards Grand Prairie. We then connect with Route 43 and started for the British Columbia border.
Today was a day to deal with road construction. We have faced it before but nothing like today. The first was near Dunvegan Provincial Park (Alberta), in the mountains. We know we are in a construction area and then we see that sign that tells trucks to gear down - a 7% grade down. We can't see it yet as we need to go around the mountain top and then head down. Not too bad so far, a transport is in front of us and NOT behind and we go down between 60 and 40 kms /hr - not bad. But we see the river way below the two mountains and a bridge to cross - probably about 1/4 or 1/3 up the mountains. Of course there is lots of construction equipment along the way so we mostly have one lane. We go across the bridge and then start up the mountain on the other side. We have two lanes at first so we go with the flow and pass the truck. But we just keep going up, narrow to one lane, a drop off to the right we don't want to think about and we catch up to the traffic ahead. This little "convoy" is led by a transport hauling two trailers and we keep going up and up and up at 20 kms/hr., praying all the way that the truck's engine can and that ours can too! We stopped at a picnic site shortly after and got out of the car just to be sure our legs would hold us up! Yes,they were working ok.
The next construction site covered about 40 kms. and we had to sit and wait - a 30+ degrees day and then got to move at a high of 80 but a lot of 50kms/hr sections - at least no bad hills here. Forget your time schedule though.
Sometime in here we got to Dawson Creek and took a picture at the 0 mile of the Alaska highway, Route 97 - the pleasant spot of the day.
Then we got to Taylor. Here we see signs that it is a 10% grade down and advisories to check your brakes. It was a trip down we won't soon forget. She had her stomach in her throat all the way! The view was absolutely spectacular but hard to really get a look when total focus in on going down and coaching the brakes to be good and hold tight. Fort St. John soon followed so we stopped for the night at the Caravan Motel. It was warn so I stretched out on the floor.
Should also mention we were in farm country today - lots of haying going on and we saw a raindeer farm.

Day 28

Ok so we check out of the motel after paying almost what she budgeted for two nights and head south, back towards Fort Providence where we could connect to go across NT. However, it was not highly recommended to do that - about 500 kms on dirt road and probably a lost windshield, at least, so we headed back south to Alberta. We continued south to Peace River - another 12 hour day!
Thankfully, the roads are pretty good; the worst was between Rae and Yellowknife. There are a lot of what she calls frost heaves but not much traffic. At times you wish for a vehicle just so you know you are not alone on this earth! Well, we know there are bison, even when you don't see them, you see their "calling cards" along the highway. We did see one small herd today and there were 4 at the boat dock to say goodbye.
We saw a few bison "swimming" like I do but they were doing it in mud - maybe I should try that.
We saw lots of these pink flowers, some seem to grow right out of the rocks. We saw some birds that may have been grouse; otherwise just crows and gulls.
Two long days and one night equal our experience with the Northwest Territories - if there is a next time it will be with a RV or truck and 5th wheel. Actually, there was a family with a truck and 5th wheel on the boat (maybe a 12 vehicles) and we both ended up stopping at a rest point late in the afternnon after over 500kms. Also, on the boat was a car from Nova Scotia but we didn't know until they passed us later. Just to show it is a small world.
We ended the day at the Travellers Inn in Peace River.

Day 27

Headed out on Route 35 for the Northwest Territories. Stopped at the NT Information Centre and she met a trucker there. She talked dogs with him a bit as he is a breeder and we had seen his sign back on route 43. Also of note he was hauling a double load (two trailors) as many truckers up here do.
After that we headed out on Route 1. Stopped at the Alexandra Falls - nice spot with trails along the falls. The water was running brown! Lots of BIG flies but they go towards the heat of the car and mostly leave us alone.
Then connected to Route 2 to go towards Hay River. The plan was to stop there for the night. However, we weren't able to find a suitable motel - pet friendly - and of course, the choices were limited. We contemplated going to Fort Smith but soon learned that was over 260 kms on dirt road and we would have had to return out tomorrow. The Services centre for the Wood Buffalo National Park was that distance as well. So, we turned and headed back towards Enterprise (didn't see any place to stay there) so headed towards Fort Providence. We had to take a boat ride to get there - my first. When we got off the boat there were two bison there - maybe they are the official welcome party or want to remind people that they must be on the outlook for bison on the road for the next 200+ kilometers.
Anyway, there was a campground there so we went to check it out. There was a posting that said to fill out the form and leave the money in the box below - however, there were no forms, no indication of the fee and no attendant on the grounds (we drove around to check); also checked and learned the washrooms were locked.
We kept going along the MacKenzie Bison Santuary. Saw one herd of about 50, another of about 30 and a few on their own. We are headed to Yellowknife by this time of course as it is the only place we are likely to find accommodations. We get there around 8:30 pm, pretty tired and not sure where to find a motel. We check one street and there were drunk people out front of the two motels, the next street has the more expensive places so we finally ended up at the Super 8 motel - expensive and charged $25.00 for me. We were too tired to argue so good night!

Day 26

We headed out of Valleyview on Route 49 north but switched to Route 2A and then Route 2 so we could go by McLellan, where there is a Bird Santuary. Of course I couldn't go beyond the sign but she did and got some pictures.
we then continued on to Peace River, had to go down a bit!
A bit later we went on to Route 35 right up to Slave High Level where we stopped at the Best Canadian Motor Inns.
We watched the All Star game and updated the site. Tomorrow we head for the Northwest Territories.

Day 25

Another overcast wet day! She packed up the wet/damp tent and gear and we headed to Spruce Grove. Found a Canadian Tire store and arranged for an oil change as we have gone 7000 kms. Had to wait some so toured around a bit. There is a lot of home construction going on and much of the community seems to be relatively new. As it is only about 30 minutes from Edmonton this must be a growing bedroom community.
At about 2:00 pm we were able to head out on Route 16 west first off and then onto Route 43 north. It wasn't until we neared Whitecourt that the view changed from relatively flat farm country to wooded hills. Basically this was it until we stopped at the Valleyview Hi Valley Motor Inn. around 6:00 pm.
Settled into the room, watched a bit of Tv and then to bed.

day 24

This was a "down" day so we were slow moving in the morning. Went to Spruce Grove and found a WalMart so got some supplies.
The rest of the day was not so good aasa it rain most of the afternoon and evening. She read in the car, i snoozed and we both slept in the car.

day 23

Slow start today as we had an interrupted sleep and everything is wet or damp. However, not too bad, given the hard rain. On our way out of the park we saw this herd of bison sunning themselves.
We connected to Route 16 and headed into Edmonton. took the wrong exit but did finally find the West Edmonton Mall. She went for lunch and a look around. I stayed in the parkade, at least it was shady and cool.
Afterwards we headed out on Route 16 again, to the west of Edmonton, to the Glowing Embers RV Park. A really big park but not so great for tents. Anyway we got a spot and sey up the tent. Worked at the next phase of our travels for a while, read a bit and then to bed.

Day 22

We headed back down to Lloydminister on Route 17. She found a laundramate so did the wash and then we looked for a bank. Once that was done we headed west on Route 16. The view changed a bit from this point, not so flat but still farm country and lots of canola fields. We stopped at the Elk Island National Park. Saw this guy/girl on our way in to the campsite.
We set up camp and she did some reorganization of the car. After supper went for a little ride and found this fellow. We also saw a moose but he wouldn't wait to get his picture taken.
There was lightening storm around 2:00 am so I got company in the car for the rest of the night!

Day 21

Left the Park by Route 263, through the Park. Gave us a differnt view, lots of trees. Later connected with Route 2 heading back towards Prince Albert and then took Route 3 to Shelbrooke, Route 40 to North Battleford and finally on to Route 16 towards Lloydminister. We then connected to Route 17 going north to get to the Sandy Beach Provincial Park, about 20 kms north of the city.
It was a nice spot by a lake and with the breeze,quite cool on a hot day.
We met some folks originally from Newfoundland

Day 20

here is a shot of the beach, I couldn't go there.

Day 20 - continued

Here I am at the centre of the community.

Day 20

Packed up and headed out around 8:30 am on Route 11 towards Prince Albert and then on towards the National Park. It is a nice spot but lots and lots of flies, big ones too.
And, when they went to bed, the mosquitoes came out!
There are a lot of cottages around Lake Waskesui and the streets are mostly named for birds.
We talked with the couple at the next site and she took us to see some rare flowers.
He explained that the bee farms we had seen weren't honey bee farms. These bees are
used to polinate alphafa plants.
We went for a walk later to dump our garbage and I saw three squirrels playing chase. I wanted to join in but she wouldn't let me because they were on someone else's site. Maybe they will come visit me!

Day 19

Slept in today as we were staying put. In the afternoon we went out and visited Anne,a lady my chauffeur knows from the Canadian Arthritis Patients Alliance.
We went for a short walk around the hotel later in the evening and finished the day with another Blue Jays game.

Day 18

Started out slowly and headed for Regina. Picked up with Route 11 to head north.
Stopped in Davidson for a spot of tea - well lunch and a leg stretch anyway. Arrived in Saskatoon in early afternoon and booked into the North Gate Motor Inn. Spent the rest of the afternoon updating my site and the evening watching a Blue Jays game.

Day 17 - continued

We stopped for gas and a leg stretch but still made it to the Indian Head KOA in early afternoon, about 70 kms from Edmonton. Unfortunately this is a growing campground and our site only had very young trees and little shade. I ended up tied to the car and using it for shade.
This of course was July 1 but we were not prepared for the fireworks that went off after we went to bed - a bit of a surprise!

Day 17

We heard thunder very early so got upand started packing up - well she did. Good timing as it started to rain just as we were getting to the highway, Route 5. We were heading north but as the weather didn't improve she decided to head west when we connected with the TransCanada Highway and headed for Saskatchewan and better weather; out of the storms and into a sunny, hot day.
We went of the TCH for a bit and took routes 201, 247, and 47 to get back to the TCH. This area gave us a different view, hills even, and we went by a ski hill. Of course,it was similar to ours, but still a ski hill on the prairies.

Day 16 - continued

We headed towards Winnipeg and drove right through on a Blvd to Route 100 and then
south on Route 75. We connected to Route 23 and then went north on Route 5 to the Spruce Woods Provincial Park. We stayed for the night. Saw lots of Red Winged Blackbirds along the way. And saw lots of fields like this one too!

Day 16 - leaving Birds Hill park

My chauffeur say a deer when she went to the washroom and later saw a deer and her fawn. Later we took a walk on Bur Oak Trail and then headed out. We saw some in-line skaters ahead of us start to cross the road - a skunk was walking along the road - they are everywhere.
We saw this guy as we were leaving the park.

Day 15 - Out of Ontario

We started this day seeing an Irish Wolfhound, grey in colour, walking in Kenora.
We later saw two fawns along the highway - I think they were playing tag.
Left highway 17 just after entering Manitoba. We went onto Route 44 through
Whiteshell Provincial park. We saw the deer in this picture; took it through the windshield. You will need to focus in on the center of the picture to see the deer. The best we could do!.
Continued on to Route 11 and went around Lake Winnipeg. Then, we took Route 59 and stopped at Birds Hill Provincial park. It was really booked up so we only got one night. We went to the store after we were set up and saw a deer and her two fawns - they walked across the road in front of us. I didn't say anything!
I was kept busy all evening as campers were driving by to go to their sites and the kids were biking on a trail behind our site. I was ready for bed by the time things slowed.

day 14 - towards Kenora

Left Thunder bay at about 7:30 am. We stopped at Subway and she got a breakfast sub - says it was good. I didn't get anything!
We put in a long drive to Dryden - long stretches with woods and more woods. However, we did pass two vehicles today; they were really slow!
A car from Nova Scotia tooted as they passed us. I guess this far from home it is like seeing a neighbour!
Saw a number of bikers, as in speed bikes - now that is a working holiday, some of these hills are long hard climbs.
We stopped at about 2:00 pm at the Anicinabe Park Campground. Our neighbour was a young lady biking across Canada to raise awareness re Kids Staying in School. She works in TV so is documenting her trip- took my picture and we got her's. She left Vancouver in mid may and plans o be East in three months.

Day 13 continued

We also went to a gift shop specializing in amethyst products. There is a mine here. Afterwards we went to the Marina dowtown, a bank,a grocery store and got gas. I needed a rest after that so we headed back to our campsite.
Spent the evening updating these notes and then I watched people put up their tents while she read.
We went to bed, each in their own place but it was a cool night so I ended up with company in the car. Somebody forgot to get propane for the heater. Guess what is on the "to do" list for tomorrow?

Day 13 - Stayed in Thunder Bay

A rest day today as we stayed in Thunder Bay. We were up early so had a walk and then she did some laundry while I slept.Later we went for a drive to the Terry Fox Scenic Outlook

day 12 - heading to Thunder bay

Lots of fog today, especially when we were climbing up the hills. The road was not too bad until after Marathon. Big hills, long downward runs and deep dropoffs on one side or the other, sometimes on both sides at once.
We saw a black bear busy eating along the ditch and later a deer as we rounded a corner. We had to stop because of rain just outside Nipigon, even a couple of transport trucks stopped.

The rest of the way was uneventful and we arrived at the Thunder Bay KOA in late afternoon.
Set up the tent just before a lighting storm. We sat that out in the car but later she was able to go to the tent to sleep. I,of course stayed in the car.

Day 11 continued

At a later stop we saw a plaque indicating it was the halfway point on the TransCanada highway between Victoria, BC and St. John's NL. We also set a mark as we passed the 3000 km mark today. There were lots of dragon flies at both stops.
We stopped to stay in a cabin in Wawa, as we didn't see any signs for camp sites as we neared the area.

Day 11 - June 25

Headed out of Sudbury around 9:30 am. We had a good sleep on comfy beds and moved slowly in the morning. We hooked up with Route 17 again and headed for Sault Ste. Marie. A two-way road but not too much traffic. It was fairly flat as we moved through some farm country.
We reached SSM in early afternoon so decided to continue on to Wawa. The terrain changed quickly. Big climbs - transport trucks had their 4 flashers on and were crawling to the top of the hills. There were lots of warnings for trucks to gear down on the way down.
We had a transport behind us on one trip down, not a pleasant feeling to see that grill in the rear window. I thought he might run over us. The scenery was rougged but beautiful but on a two way road with little shoulder no place to stop for the view.
We did stop at a picnic site on the Spanish River. We had a little walk to stretch our legs and I did a little grass swimming.

June 24 - On to North Bay and Sudbury

There were frieght trains throughout the night and gossip hour for the birds started at about 5:00 am so, all in all, not a very restful night. We got moving at about 7:00 am and were on the road by 9:00 am. We had to backtrack a bit to connect with Route 11 going north. We travelled through Orillia, Gravenhurst, Huntsville and many smaller communities.
The highway was split most of the way and quite on this Sunday morning. We were now in north country, seeing lots of canoes, kayaks, and advertisements for fishing bait.
Since we were in North Bay by lunch time we decided to continue on and so connected with Route 17 to head west again. This is a two way highway but still not too much traffic today. We met up with rain as we neared Sudbury and were getting tired (remember, not much sleep last night) so we stopped at the Comfort Inn. Got a room with two beds so I have my own bed tonight.

We headed out on Route 7 again, going west, but later switched to Route 115 to head
south-west. We ended up on Route 2 which (many, many years go) used to be a back road
with little traffic. The area is really built up so that we moved through Oshawa,
Whitby, Ajax and on to Pickering with only signs telling us we were in different communities.
There were cars and cars and lights and lights. A dog just counldn't get any rest. It just seemed like one long shopping/business area.
We stopped at the Brock Shopping Mall and called my chauffeur's relatives. This time the family was home. So, with some easy to follow directions we were able to find their new home. We spent the afternoon visiting with her aunt, uncle and cousin and his wife. She says she hasn't seen her cousin for about 40 years. I just can't imagine that long! Just before levinag she called her aunts in Toronto. We weren't trying to go there even on a Saturday evening.
We then headed out (her cousin led her to the highway) on Route 7 West again. Really
building up with lots and lots of new homes being built. Very busy right up to Vaughan where we connectwd to Route 400 and headed north. The traffic was still fairly heavy right up to our KOA at Barrie.