Day 24 Saturday, July 20, 2013

Today we traveled from Santa Rosa, NM to a little place called Sanderson, TX. We covered just over 400 miles. We started the day off with a homemade bagel and egg deluxe and coffee. The temperature was rising early in the day at our site. It was climbing close to 30C even before we got on the road. It was somewhere in the mid-20’s in Sanderson, TX.

Our site in Santa Rosa Lake State Park.

Views near our site.

A little friend in the park.

We raced a train across New Mexico and even with a headwind and the truck camper sitting high, we won! Julie notes “The songs playing on iTunes seemed to be complimentary to our journey again. Cat Stevens was singing ‘I listen to the wind, to the wind…’ and we did too as we drove into it. I am thinking Brad is glad now that I talked him out of buying that giant long horn steer hood ornament. I argued on the basis of wind resistance, not style (’cause nothing says style like horns or other bull parts on your truck) and he agreed.”

We stopped in Roswell, NM to visit with family but we couldn’t find them. Julie notes “That was the gas station attendant I think, photo bombing our picture. Finally someone who’s head is bigger than Brad’s!”

Julie notes “Even these Roswell children couldn’t help us find our relatives. They were polite but on the quiet side.”

Running with the bulls in Roswell, NM. Julie notes “Brad said as we left the campground, ‘We have to hit some banks today. I thought he meant Bonnie and Clyde style. The long arm of the law, and his bull, chased me down.”

Lunch on the road compliments of the sidekick. Julie notes “Is that still spinach in my teeth from the other day?”

After lunch, we headed on through West Texas. It is a barren, desolate place filled with oil wells, and a lot of industrial traffic. Not the prettiest scenery in the west, that’s for sure. Julie notes “Well any scenery is hard to compare to the lovely scenery he sees sitting next to him every day (above pictures being the exception). No trip is without its interesting moments. Earlier as we were driving by a big horse ranch of NM, ‘We’re going to Ride Forever, can’t keep horsemen in a cage…’ a song by Paul Gross (one of mom’s favourite eye candy). We passed other ranches with interesting names such as ‘Mile High Ranch’ – we were not tempted to join that club as the cactus are big and prickly here and Brad’s pretty sure he saw a tarantula on the highway. ‘The Roadrunner Ranch’ – we saw neither feather nor fur of the fast little Roadrunner nor his arch nemesis Wile E Coyote, but for some reason Brad spent the next few hours on the lookout for an Acme store to buy gadgets and gizmos and paint that makes rocks turn into tunnels. And of course there was the ‘4Dinkus Ranch’. We’re pretty sure we know some people who could work there. ”

…onward to McAllen, TX tomorrow, over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick – thanks for all the comments, we love reading them. Keep them coming.

Julie notes “Ok get the scary deedah, doodoo … music going in your head for this crazy coincidence. Way back in the day when video clips were first being shared via the magic of email, there was one with a female alien walking out on stage singing and giant disco ball falls on her. She was singing ‘I Will Survive’ and get ready again with the scary music … Guess what song was playing as we pulled up to the Roswell gas station. If you guessed the Chantay Savage version of ‘I Will Survive’ you would be correct and probably totally freaked out!!! I am wearing my aluminum foil hat for the rest of the day until I am sure we are far enough away that they can’t read my thoughts. Or this blog. ‘Cause then THEY’LL KNOW I’m on to them!!!”

Day 23 Friday, July 19, 2013

We left our site in Mesa Verde NP in the southwest corner of Colorado and continued on our journey south and east towards McAllen, TX where we will spend a few days getting thing ready for the rest of our trip. Julie notes “We sure stirred up the weather gods with our impromptu rain dance yesterday. An impressive thunder and lightening storm stayed in the area for several hours at bed time. But the ensuing rain made for nice sleeping conditions. I sure hope none of those lightening strikes caused any trouble in the park. And we promise no more of whatever dance we did. Brad usually has a ‘no dance policy’ no matter the occasion. I blame him for breaking his own rules. Plus Montezuma’s Valley was one that we overlooked and Montezuma played a little, short lived revenge on me that morning as well, if you know what I mean.”

We had mostly a driving day today to try and make up some miles. We are currently in Santa Rosa Lake State Park near Santa Rosa, NM. The temperatures and weather today varied from the high teens with rain to the low 30’sC with mixed sun and clouds. The scenery here is very stark and dry. New Mexico is mostly a high plains area with badlands and other different geological features. Julie notes “New Mexico started off as Not My favourite as we drove through long expansive of No Not More sage brush fields! And some No Money populated areas that make me wish I had the New Magic answer to make it New Money. But New Mexico also had some gNarly Moments hiding around some bends that made me say ‘Nice Mounds Mother Nature!”

We traveled through Albuquerque, NM right at 5:00 PM rush hour. I missed our GPS indicated exit while the song lyrics “Don’t worry about a thing, every little things’ gonna be alright” played on the iTunes. I took the next freeway exit and circled around the cloverleaf and low and behold we were right where we were supposed to be. I guess Bob Marley knew what he was signing about. Julie notes “I knew Bob and my expert navigational skills would get us back on track. Oh Brad of little faith.”

After being bombarded with miles of huge billboards about Cline’s Corner services we just had to stop; plus I need fuel anyways J The billboards advertised casino, fuel, clean washrooms, ATM, Wi-Fi, a real traveler’s mecca. Although they did have all those things, except the clean washrooms, the billboards really oversold the facility. Too bad we forgot to get pictures. You will just have to trust us on this one. Julie notes “Everything from jackknives to bull horns and fresh fudge were advertised at this ‘must stop’ along the historic route 66. The only thing missing, in my opinion, were butter tarts but that might be a Canadian thing, right Quent? We did get a brief Wi-Fi moment to check on family and were glad to hear Orillia is still on the map at that point in time.”

Below are selections of pictures, from the sidekick, as we were motoring along. Julie notes “As you can see those weather gods were angry enough to follow us most of the day. They stayed their distance for the most part, but we got the message loud and clear. And after passing a farm we have another question to get answered before the end of our trip ’emus or ostriches’? ”

We had done some needed shopping earlier in the day in Aztec, NM at a Safeway. We picked up a couple of steaks and a pre-made salad for supper. After our gin caesars, compliments of the sidekick, we grilled up the steaks, made up the salad, and re-heated Julie’s leftover Red Lobster pasta seafood bake. Umm Umm Good. I also got to wear my eldest daughter’s father’s day present; a tee shirt with the logo “It’s all fun and games until somebody loses a wiener”. I love that shirt! “Julie notes “I have comments about this, but they may not be appropriate for the readers at large. We have found that camper life leads to a lot of ‘that’s what she said jokes’. Examples available upon request, Kristin. There’s no room to fit it in here. (That’s what she said….bwahaha).

…over and out from Santa Rosa Lake State Park in New Mexico. Onward to Texas. …the muleskinner and his sidekick

 

Day 22 Thursday, July 18, 2013

After a good night’s sleep, we packed up and left our campsite in the Uncompahgre National Forest and headed further south through western Colorado.

Our site in the Sunshine campground. Julie notes “As you can see we didn’t have to ask for our money back based on the name. Brad has been entertaining me each morning by doing things like hitting his head on cupboard doors, spilling all the fresh washed berries on the floor, pouring coffee all over the counter… Still trying to impress me I guess. And I am learning some new Spanish words.”

A view from one of the short trails near the campsite.

We spotted some livestock in Cortez, Co. They grow them big here Rhonda and Michel. You should find out what they are feeding them. Julie notes “That’s a lot of Bull… And we aren’t even in Texas yet!”

We did some errands in Cortez, Co and then checked out the visitor centre for some information and free wifi. The chatty clerk talked so much that Julie couldn’t keep up with all the information she was providing, relevant or not. In the end, she got the information she needed for our trip into Mesa Verde National Park. Julie notes “Yes if you wanted to know how many bathroom breaks she needs when she goes these trips or her theories on the missing man in the park or a warning on drinking and driving she is the gal for you, all the while drawing circles and letters and numbers all over your map that you have no idea what they mean. But I took every other word she said and made a plan and it worked as you shall see.”

Before we could leave Cortez, Co I had to wash the truck and camper after our trip across the red mud road near Telluride. I miss our Canadian loonies and twonies. I didn’t know how much until I got $20 worth of quarters. Wow! That’s a lot of quarters. Julie notes “Luckily he had a belt on. It’s hard washing the truck with your shorts weighted down around your ankles. But funny to think about.”

The few pictures below are just a handful of the 117 shots we took in Mesa Verde National Park, A UNESCO world heritage site. The place is really quite amazing and rich in Anasazi history. Julie notes “The word Anasazi is now being phased out and replaced by Ancestral Puebloans reflecting their current day descendants but they will always be the mysterious Anasazi to me. My name, if I had been born in this time (~700 to 800 years ago), would’ve been, Girl Who is Too Afraid of Heights to be any Use To Us or the shorter version “Toss’er’over.”

Park Point Fire Lookout – 8,572′. Julie notes “Our frenemy fire has visited this area a number of times but in its path it has uncovered archeological finds. Looks like we are doing some kind of rain dance here, or just scaring the out of country tourist who took this shot.”

Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde NP. Julie notes “I am just going to say this was so amazing. I have read about these places and seen pictures, but you must come here to really grasp how incredible and interesting these places are.”

Julie right in her glory climbing out of an Anasazi kiva. After all the books she has read on the life of the Anasazi she gets to experience it in person. I think this was an amazing day for both of us, but Julie especially because of her keen interest. Julie notes “Ditto that!”

Cliff Palace

House of Windows

Square Tower House

Balcony House – I think?

We stopped at numerous other overlooks for some more amazing views of cliff dwellings.

After touring sites all afternoon, we treated ourselves to a delicious dinner in the Metate Dining Room in Far View Lodge. Julie notes “Metate is one part of the grinding tools the Anasazi used to grind their corn, etc. that they grew on top of the mesas above their cliff homes. See I retained a bit of info even after I drank that big prickly pear marguerita.”

We shared a Wild Boar quesadilla appetizer.

Julie had the recommended duck breast with polenta and vegetables. Julie notes “Fia, our lovely waitress, recommended this delight. We got to talking and she is from Peru and will be going home to do the Inca Trail around the same time as we will be at Machu Pichu. Wouldn’t that be funny if we met up again?”

I choose the market special with an Elk tenderloin, quail, and wild boar sausage with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.

It was a great meal to finish of a great day. Although I may have had one too many J

…an amazing day in Mesa Verde, take care all, over and out from Morefield Campground – the muleskinner and his sidekick.

Julie notes “As we enjoyed our ‘regionally sustainable’ fare at this fine dining restaurant, the amazing view was further enhanced when a doe and her 2 small fawns leisurely wandered past the large picture windows. I am guessing she knew that deer wasn’t part of the market grill special for that evening. We don’t have photo proof of that but a young lad there excitedly claimed to have at least 40 shots of it on his camera!

 

 

Today we left our campsite near Vernal, UT and headed on some scenic secondary highways through western Colorado into the Uncompahgre National Forest. The highways are in mostly good condition (with one exception as you will see) as we travel on secondary roads through high mountain passes. The scenery today was varied changing from almost desert like high mesas to lush green forest. We also experienced temperatures ranging from a high of 35C to a low of 13C. We are camped in the Sunshine campground, near the Telluride Ski area, where the temperature was 14C; but the coolness felt more like home. We may have to ask for our $18US back though if we don’t see the sun. J

Our little visitor just before leaving Steinaker State Park near Vernal, UT. Julie notes “This little fellow was enjoying the already heated morning and we were discovering why no-one else was parked at this high point in the park. The sun woke us early and we’re pretty sure we could hear the neighbouring campers singing ‘The Fools on the Hill, see the sun turning red…’. The early morning wasn’t a total loss as we had an opportunity to play a popular although sometimes rough, bedroom game. I know you’ve all played it and this gecko probably too. It’s called ‘Chase the fly.’ (Not to be confused with Spanish Fly.) At our marital stage, no holds barred slapping of your dozing partner is accepted (apparently). Extra points if you slap yourself with the same veracity. And just so you know, I won, with my frog tongue like reflexes. That fly did not travel forward with us, alive anyway.”

Highway scenery. Julie notes “We saw more amazing scenery and resting under the bushes we saw a few deer taking refuge from the heat. And a ‘loonie’ (single buck) grazing on a hill. Blurry pictures available if you don’t believe us. My restaurant place mat lists me as a rooster and I was to avoid rabbits. That has been hard as they are everywhere. From cute little furry reproducing units in the KOA campground to large, long eared jack rabbits in our campground yesterday. Then today a rabbit cloud appeared in the sky. Brad will back me up on that, I’m pretty sure. I need to find another restaurant with better place mat advice.”

Julie notes “Caught Brad running away to join the Navy. Hmm one too many ‘Women of Song’ tunes on the iPod or perhaps the influence of the ‘Village Peoples’ 70’s flashbacks. But they turned him away. His hair was too short apparently.”

Highway 145 east of Placerville, on the way towards Telluride, had experienced heavy rains which washed the red mud onto the roadway. They had plowed it to the edges however our truck and camper are now covered. We will need to find a truck wash tomorrow.

Julie notes “As we headed toward the mountains John Denver sang ‘Rocky Mountain High, Colorado’. This made me happy/sad. We miss John Denver don’t we Mom. And I miss my Mom. Hoping you are staying as comfy as possible Mom and are able to hum John Denver in your head. As I had mentioned Utah was Unbelievable but Colorado has been Crazy Cool. There is so much more to see in and do in these states, we will be back. The dinosaur kids out there should add Vernal, Utah and area to their ‘must see’ list.”

…carry on folks, the muleskinner and his sidekick

 

Day 20 – Tuesday, July 16, 2013

We left our little forestry site on the Hoback River and headed on secondary highways through Wyoming and into Utah. Julie notes “Not before Brad demonstrated how to spill a full travel mug of coffee but avoid the many electronics on the table. Quite impressive.” Our route took us through the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. We tried uploading yesterday’s post in Rock Springs, WY but it wouldn’t let us so you may get 2 posts today if we find accommodating wifi.

On the long and high highway through Wyoming, the elevation varies between 6,400′ and 8,400′ above sea level. Julie notes “Based on the love of log cabins and buildings through this flat part of Wyoming, we now understand why there are no trees almost as far as the eye can see. You would also want to be a horse lover here as beautiful ranches abound. We also saw alpaca or llamas. What is the difference? Maybe that is one of the many things we’ll learn in South America. (And then forget.)”

We found a site around 6:00 PM at Steinaker State Park near Vernal, UT. We took a site up high overlooking the reservoir and surrounding mountain scenery. The temperature for the day hovered around the 30 C mark reaching highs of 35 C when we were in the badlands town of Rock Springs. People were friendly and helpful despite the heat. Julie notes “For our Ontario readers, this was more like blast furnace hot as compared to their steamy jungle hot. Wyoming Wowed us some more as we entered into the amazing badlands with its hoodoos and formations. Then we entered Uinta’s area of Utah where we Unanimously agreed it was Undescribably (it seems that’s not a word but it goes with my theme) Unbelievable in its beauty. We drove a road with 10, 20 mph switchbacks with a 9% grade and along the roadside there are signs with the prehistory of area i.e. which dinosaurs roamed, what fossils were found, where you would’ve been driving under sea with some giant lizards. Very neat, but not cool.”

Signing off for today. Cheers to all our loyal followers! …the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Flitting around behind us were the newly discovered Bigger Than Your Average Swallow. Sorry Karen S. No Blue footed Boobies, although if you were lucky last night you would’ve seen a Two-footed Blue Boobied Gal hot footing it in the outdoor shower. We also watched an amazing lightening show in the yonder hills in lieu of a campfire. Mother Nature and her freebies!”

 

 

Day 19 – Monday, July 15, 2013

We started out the day in Grant Village campground in Yellowstone NP.

We had a leisurely morning and then headed off to see Old Faithful. It was a 17 mile trip in the wrong direction but totally worth the journey. We followed the boardwalk around a number of geysers in the field.

…and finally, Old Faithful erupted almost on time. Julie notes “Yes the unfaithful among us were beginning to doubt Old’s faithfulness. But she did not disappoint. I was glad I hadn’t showered in the morning and was still wearing my yesterday’s old geezer, geyser outfit, because we were treated to a cooling spray as we admired her. But it leaves one covered in crusties and I had a strong urge to make boiled egg sandwiches for lunch.”

…and the crowds were there to watch. Julie notes “The crowds were huge but it was fun to be part of the build-up as kids of all ages anticipate the show. A group across on the viewing platform broke out into the American anthem, people smiling and discussing the phenomenon. Then there was the hot and crowded parking lot to contend with… But all worth it.”

We then traveled the 17 miles back to where we started crossing the continental divide 3 times on the way.

We continued southward into Grand Teton National Park (NP). 

We stopped at the visitor centre where we sent yesterday’s blog post on the free wifi. We ordered a couple of pizza’s to go from Doran’s Pizza and had a drink while we waited in the 31C temperatures. Julie notes ” We realized a 100 miles down the road that they made the wrong pizza for me. But it was quite tasty, but no MT Moran like I ordered. Didn’t stop me from cleaning up the last crumb. We heard a sampler of the ‘Hootenany’ that was going on at the nearby Chuckwagon restaurant and bar. We’re guessing a few more beer would make it all that more appealing.”

It was then onward past Jackson, WY to our campsite at Hoback River forestry campsite. Our kind of place. It is quiet and secluded. Our site is right on the Hoback River. We ate our pizza along with a few cold ones and a nice bottle of wine. Life is good!

 

 

We were thrilled to see 3 Great Blue Herons roosting along the river…plus we are checking off of our list; Mountain Bluebirds, American Robin, Yellow Happy Go Lucky Warbler, DipsyDoodly Swallows, Trumpeter Swans, Chirpy Little Brown Birds, BusyBody Magpies and assorted other no name but Pleasant Company Sparrows. Now I know it is hard to believe but we are not ornithologists but we HAVE watched the movie “The Big Year” 1.5 times.”

…carry on folks, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “We had an iPod music day dedicated to our friends yesterday, including a Lola song, a few Linda songs, an array of Leonard Cohen, shouting out to our friend Karl who is such a fan he has vowed to go to Leonard Cohen’s funeral when and if that sad event ever happens.”

Day 18 – Sunday July 14, 2013

We left our nice little KOA site in Great Falls, MT and headed south to Yellowstone National Park. It was mostly sunny and temperatures hovered around +25C but reached as high as +30C. Julie notes “The song playing on the local radio channel was ‘Do the hustle!’ so we hustled up some yogurt and berries and coffee for breakfast and hit the road, looking forward to some warm, shorts weather.”

We made a brief roadside stop at Sluice Boxes scenic lookout. Julie notes “We were an unwilling audience to a helmets vs no helmets discussion amongst some motorcyclists as we read the historical info. The wife of one of the bikers seemed to also be an unwilling audience as she tried to strike up a different conversation with anyone she could, EVEN us! It IS a strange sight to see bikers zip by with mostly graying locks flapping in the breeze. ‘Ride safely and well ahead or behind us’ is my prayer for them all.”

We entered Yellowstone at the town of Gardiner passing under the Roosevelt Arch. ‘Julie notes “Not to be confused with the Golden Arches. We drove back and forth several times trying to find the intercom to order those fries mentioned above.”

Some spectacular scenery awaited us in Yellowstone but it is extremely popular and very, very busy in mid-July. This is probably not the best time to visit. Julie notes “Note to self, there is a reason seniors such as ourselves, travel in the fall. ‘People, people everywhere and a not a drop to drink, or a stop to think, or a pot to stink.’??? I know there is another saying in there somewhere. The tame onlookers were everywhere but behaving very respectfully as they watched the wild elk, bison, perhaps a bear in the distance, trumpeter swans, geese and birds of all manner.”

We took a small boardwalk around the Norris geysers. Julie notes “We kept saying ‘This is so cool!’ but it was actually very hot. We may be oxy morons. But the colours of the different thermophile organisms that have adapted to the different temperatures of water were, well I’ll say it again, very cool. Not colours you see on your usual nature walk.”

We carried on through many of the park roads looking for a campsite for the night. One of those side trips took us over the Dunraven Pass pass at 8,859′. All of the campsites were full and we were starting to think we would have to drive quite a ways south out of the park to find a spot. Luckily, however, one of the agents at Bridge Bay campground found us a site and reserved it for us at the next campground on our way south, Grant Village campground. It was getting late, but we set up the BBQ, cooked some nice Costco Belmont burgers, and had a fire. We were both tired after a long but enjoyable day (except for the other people who think they should be here too!) Julie notes “Speaking of fire, we saw much evidence of the fire of 1988. But Mother Nature is amazing at reclaiming and reforesting the landscape. I am looking forward to reading more about that at the Visitor Centre tomorrow, so that I can immediately forget it and misquote all kinds of facts.”

…over and out folks, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Or Yogi and BooBoo or the Old Geysers

Day 17 – Saturday, July 13, 2013

We packed up this morning in Calgary and got ready to head south. Jaime’s friends Terri-Lynn and Jay have an almost 2 year old son, Fin. He loves big trucks. Before we could leave he needed a turn behind the wheel in the big-arse dually diesel Chevy. J He loved the truck, wheels & tires, and camper almost as much as I do. Julie notes “Fin used to be a well-rounded little tyke who danced with his Auntie Jaime and fed babies, raced cars and tweeted with the birds. I am afraid we may have spoiled that with ‘the big truck’. His eyes were like saucers and grin as broad as can be. Just like when Brad looks at me, if I am standing in front of the dually. Brad was sure tickled to have such a big, little fan. We highly recommend that camping spot. Showers are top rate, coffee plentiful and the hosts very friendly. They give away free homemade ketchup and hugs to their guests.”

Once we convinced Fin he would have to stay in Calgary with his parents, we headed out on the open highway towards the US border.

 Julie notes “We also saw a restaurant and liquor store in a ‘revamped’ forestry teepee burner and a Ric’s Grill in a ‘refurbished’ water tower. But we ate supper in our ‘resealed’ truck camper. Brad redid the roof before leaving and that is good because we have had a lot of rain. Thank you Brad.”

Crossing the border into the US at Coutts, MT. They had the drug sniffing dog on patrol today circling each vehicle as it passed through US Customs. The van ahead of us was asked to pull over for further investigation. We sailed on through as good innocent Canadian citizens. Julie notes “All I can say is thank goodness the dog wasn’t craving Uncle Herb’s famous popcorn as I may have had that scent on my breath, and my fingers and where I wiped my fingers on my pant legs. We were all ready to declare everything right down to the last slice of cucumber in our fridge but we looked too boring I guess and he sent us on.”

We drove into Montana as far as Great Falls. We are staying at the KOA in Great Falls. They provide a couple hours of folk music in the pavilion. Tonight’s entertainment was provided by Grant Stephens. When he broke a guitar string the performance was over. All in all he is a pretty good guitar player and entertainer. Julie notes “They also provide wi-fi but unfortunately it is spelled more like w-iffy as we could not connect at our site. So to download some pictures from our gmail Brad headed with tablet in hand on the 5 minute trek to the wi-fi zone. Then back again to the camper for the code written on the campground receipt. Then back to the wi-fi zone, then back to the camper because what I had handed him was the grocery store receipt, not the campground receipt. Then back to the wi-fi zone and then success and back again. Now you can imagine how hard it was for me to read my book with all these interruptions not to mention eat my popcorn without choking because I was laughing a fair bit. Brad wasn’t having any issues with too much laughing by that time.”

Julie notes “This first KOA experience was better than I expected. The sites are close together but well treed and thought has been put into the design of the campground. Amenities seem nice, although we won’t be using most of them. W-iffy, wi-fi but we need to start weaning ourselves off anyway, right? And our neighbours thoughtfully played their music full blast so that we wouldn’t have to waste power running our own music. Luckily we liked the music they were playing. But they shouldn’t give up their day jobs to become signers.”

Yellowstone Park tomorrow? We’ll see.

The Muleskinner and his sidekick

Or rather Yogi and BooBoo “Did you pack a picnic basket?

Day 16 – Friday, July 12, 2013

Busted Belts or Oh my darling Serpentine!

We left Kamloops this morning after coffee and breakfast with Aunt Lynne and Uncle Herb. I must say that I have never seen two people settle into a new place so quickly. They look right at home after 2 days. Julie notes “It was with a few tears that I left my Aunt and Uncle in their new digs. As is the Holmes way, they have faced adversity head on and moved forward. Aunt Lynne sent us off with wise words to live by … “Enjoy each other, good times and bad, because you never know when it all may change.” We will try our best to follow that advice (but I may need some extra resolve where Brad is concerned). Aunt Lynne also stocked us up with a couple of bags of Uncle Herb’s famous secret recipe popcorn. Only one bag survived the trip through the pass.”

We traveled the Trans Canada highway east from Kamloops towards Calgary, our destination for the day. It has been many years since we traveled that route. The scenery is quite spectacular. I’m not sure if we will be able to compete with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies for the rest of our trip – we’ll see, I guess. Julie notes “I agree with Brad on that note. We live in a beautiful place. But we’ll try to keep an open mind as we travel on. I have been practicing my Spanish as we travel along and so far can fluently say “The lady eats an apple.” That should get us far! I have noticed Brad speaking to passing motorists in what I assume is Spanish. He keeps yelling something like “Dum-Ass!” which I gather is Spanish for “Good driving my friend!”

Today’s wildlife count; We did see a mountain goat along the highway but we were not able to get a picture so the photo below will have to do. Julie notes “Speaking of wild life, Brad claimed there were some ‘low flying ducks’ in bed the other night. I knew better. And an irate trucker flipped us ‘the bird’ and we are still puzzled why but will add that to the list of ‘foul’. Crazy fools on ‘hogs’ in rain and hail also make the list.”

We arrived in Golden, BC for a Tim Horton’s coffee. Julie went in to get the coffees while I waited in the truck. I started hearing a slight engine rattle but not alarming. I wasn’t sure what it was. I was going to find out in a few minutes though! We pulled back out on the highway and within a block I lost all power – steering and brakes. We pulled off the highway onto a service road using the old “armstrong” method of braking and steering. Julie notes “We are not promoting any Lance Armstrong products.”

I opened the hood to find a broken serpentine belt – oh my darling, serpentine. An idler pulley had seized and caused the belt to break. I called Alpine Auto Centre at 3:00 PM on a Friday afternoon. They sent out a technician to check on our situation. He quickly found the cause and said he would fix us up right where we sat. Off he went to get the parts and returned in short order with a new belt and pulley. He and his assistant had it installed in a few minutes and we were back on the road within an hour and a half. Amazing service from Alpine at a very reasonable price. Julie notes “Heroes come in all shapes and sizes!”

We arrived late in Calgary at our daughter Jaime’s place for a sushi feast – the second broken belt of the day J

 

…that’s the post for today folks, carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Day 15 – Thursday, July 11, 2013

We started off the day in the Big Berland Forestry campsite at a balmy 5C and rain. We headed off to Hinton, AB to fuel up and grab a Tim Horton’s breakfast but not before we were hit with a 5 minute hail storm. Now I understand why they build canopies over fueling stations.

We carried on into BC and through Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Robson was not to be seen on this cloudy day. Did you know that Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies? Julie notes “Yes we all know that because you mention it every time we pass by here! Only ~130 days together to go?”

We stopped in Blue River, BC at Mike Wiegele’s Heli-Ski resort restaurant for lunch. Julie notes “We first worked up an appetite exploring all the ‘closed for the season’ buildings on the other side of the road. If we get this confused in little old Blue River, how will we cope in foreign lands?”

We headed to Kamloops, BC to visit Julie’s Aunt Lynne and Uncle Herb in their new condo right downtown. They have a view over the North Thompson River valley to the north and the city skyline to the south.

They moved in on July 9^th and are already looking quite at home by July 11^th. Julie notes “It was so great to see AL and UH looking so comfortable in their new digs. And pass on some hugs from family across the land.”

Julie and I headed over to the Noble Pig after supper and a visit with Lynne and Herb. I sampled their craft beer brewed on-site, I think. Very good.

Julie notes “I had a gin and tonic. It was good too. And the animal count so far on this trip is: one soggy black bear, a few white tail deer, one looked like a new fawn, a couple mule deer, a few elk taking their chances outside of the Jasper Park pearly gates, and after my second gin and tonic, a herd of pink elephants.”

That’s it for today folks.

…carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick