Week 5

July 6, 2008

We lazied around camp for most of the day. Then, this evening we went in to see the chuck wagon races and the evening grandstand show followed by fireworks. It rained off and on but our seats were just under the edge of the roof so we only got rain on our knees when the wind blew just right.

The chuck wagon races were not NASCAR, but were really unique. Four wagons with three out riders each start from a standing stop. At the horn, the outriders have to load a rubber stove and a fly with two poles in the back of the wagon. They then do a figure eight around two barrels and race around a 5/8 mile track. Time penalties are assessed if they knock over a barrel, miss loading something, or the out riders are more than 125 feet behind the wagon at the finish. There were several photo finishes.


			The grandstand show was spectacular, unlike any other show we have ever seen. The costumes were colorful to the max, the set was constantly changing, and the special effects, (fire, smoke and fireworks) made it seem unreal. Of course, there was lots of singing and dancing but also gymnastics, acts high above the stage (even in the rain) and more. Did not get back to camp until 1:10 am.

July 7, 2008

Got a late start today due to everyone sleeping in after last night. Went to Banff National Park today. Did not have time to visit Lake Louise but the park scenery was magnificent.






	We also saw our first sheep today. At first there were three coming down the road past us. Then we saw a group of five or six laying beside the road a little further down. We got pictures of a lamb nursing right beside the road. Then on the way back we saw a group of nine or ten on a steep bank right next to Trans Can Highway 1. We got a picture of a ewe “relieving” herself.

July 8, 2008

We are in Gunn, AB tonight (236 miles). We have driven 2,985 miles since leaving home a month ago. We stopped at the mall in Edmonton on the way. We saw a sea lion and seal show at the mall. They also had a hockey rink and a water park inside the mall. Other than that it was just a mall.

PHASE ONE . . .

IS DONE ! ! !

July 9, 2008

WE ARE HERE! We are in Dawson Creek, BC where we will meet up with our caravan on Sunday. We are a day ahead of schedule as we drove straight through from Gunn, AB today - 316 miles. The roads were surprisingly good. We have now driven 3,301 miles from home.

Put gas in twice today; the first was 45 gallons at $5.129 and the second was 26 gallons at $5.319. Bart says forget about the gas and worry about the price of beer! He was running low so he decided to buy some. Here, Coors Light is an imported beer so he got LaBatt’s Light. A 24 can case was $43.89! Ouch.

We will add some pictures tomorrow as we have WiFi here.

July 10, 2008

Spent the day in Dawson Creek, BC. Did some shopping for groceries and supplies, cleaned the bugs off the front of the motor home and did some odd jobs and maintenance.

Elaine checked her trusty quilt store directory and found a quilt store in town. She wasn’t too sure about buying fabric in meters but the lady said she could do yards also.

These are just some pictures in and around Dawson Creek.

This is the campground we are at and our campsite.

It is really a nice park considering we are in “no mans land”.

This One is For the Ivy Thimble Gang

The picture to the right of Kay and Elaine was actually taken at the Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD on June 18th. Bart forgot to add it to the web site on Week 4 so here it is now for your viewing enjoyment.

July 11, 2008

We met our wagon master and tail gunner today. Won’t be long now, we leave Monday.

Giz and Coz got groomed (check out their pictures on their page.

Bart trimmed his beard and hair and Bill went and got a haircut. Both of them declined to have their pictures posted on the web site.

Bart and Kay have been passing the time of day with Bart’s world famous “lemonade” so they have been real happy.

Not much is new. We are just relaxing before the big trip starts.




		Nice vintage camping unit pulled in today.


	Kay with her new friends.

July 12, 2008

Not much is new. Got groceries and supplies. Finished cleaning the coach and got ready for the big trip.

We are all anxious to get started but have to wait two more days.

During the downtime we checked the web site stats. We had 1607 unique visits in June and over 4000 web page views.

Thank you for your continuing interest.


	Last updated July 12, 2008