| First of all I am thrilled that I can use Live-Writer again. I really thought I had seen the end of this rather practical application. I just hate the blogger editing software. Today’s drive started in rain and ended in rain. It was raining most of the time and when we stopped for a leg-stretcher somewhere in Indiana a thunderstorm added to our pleasure.  At times the pelting rain was so bad that I was considering to just pull over.  Traffic on I-80 south of Chicago was terrible. In fact, I never saw it this bad before ever. We were surrounded by trucks. And from time to time a full idiot big-city-driver was adding to our entertainment by zapping between the lanes. Bea walking in a rest areaWe also saw a car making intimate contact with a guardrail, where after it made an involuntary cross over 2 lanes, all that with no other vehicles hitting it. Lucky bastard! Tonight we are holed up in South Bend, IN where we have been a couple of times earlier. Our highlight in this town is Elia’s Greek Restaurant which still serves HUGE portions at prices not even Mc.Donald can compete with. And it is all home made! |
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Rain, Rain, Rain …..and more Rain (Day5)
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
More Saskatchewan, North Dakota And Wisconsin. (Day 3+4)
After a full day of resting at our friend's place we were ready to get back on the road and we were out and rolling at 6:45am. After the previous day's terrible heat this promised to be a fine day with somewhat cooler temps. Our destination was the little rural town of Underwood,ND where our long-time friends Diania and Glenn are residing.
Rouleau, a little village at Hwy 39 was location for the making of the Corner Gas TV-series, and while we had driven along that place before we had never stopped to take a closer look. This time we did and I was thinking of AL from the Bayfield Bunch who visited the place just last fall. Did I see his foot prints in the sand? I sure did!
Just before we reached Estevan we stopped at the Souris Valley Museum and Visitor Centre. Three nice young ladies were ready to inform visitors about the area which became an economic boom area when coal was discovered. Some real huge machinery is on display at the visitor centre.
The trip through the southern part of Saskatchewan was mainly uneventful, if we don't count the traffic chaos at Estevan. We were just on top of a bridge when traffic ahead of us stopped dead in its tracks. Being on the bridge we could see far ahead and what we saw was discouraging.
The line-up of trucks and cars was endless. And we could see a few yellow construction signs as well. This was nothing for yours truly. When the oncoming lane was available we dashed ahead in the left lane to a turn-off where we could turn around. There is another border crossing straight south of Estevan and it's only 9.5miles away.
The border crossing was reminding me of an abandoned ghost town - it was that empty of cars and activity. The female officer looked like we had disturbed in her noon nap, but she proved to be efficient and we were through the border before we knew it.
North Dakota lay before us and another 2.5hrs brought us to Underwood where our friends were in full preparation mode to get their potluck-style supper ready. And what a supper that turned out to be.
Grilled and marinated chicken, vegetables, potato salad, more salad plus an incredible dessert. California wine was on the table as well. Thanks Diania,Glenn, Carolyn and Dick for this Welcome-Meal and a great evening.
After breakfast and a morning chat around the table, our 4th day started right around 7:30. Hwy 83 brought us down to I-94 which we have followed all day through North Dakota, Minneapolis and finally into Wisconsin where we found a Super 8 at Baldwin,WI.
Underway we stopped at a truck-stop called Clearwater, where they had an incredible bakery.
The above pastry, enough for 2 people, was only 1 Dollar and a coffee was 99cts. What a place!
Tomorrow we will be driving through Illinois and into Indiana, maybe even reach beyond.
But that will be a story for another day.
Rouleau, a little village at Hwy 39 was location for the making of the Corner Gas TV-series, and while we had driven along that place before we had never stopped to take a closer look. This time we did and I was thinking of AL from the Bayfield Bunch who visited the place just last fall. Did I see his foot prints in the sand? I sure did!
Just before we reached Estevan we stopped at the Souris Valley Museum and Visitor Centre. Three nice young ladies were ready to inform visitors about the area which became an economic boom area when coal was discovered. Some real huge machinery is on display at the visitor centre.
The trip through the southern part of Saskatchewan was mainly uneventful, if we don't count the traffic chaos at Estevan. We were just on top of a bridge when traffic ahead of us stopped dead in its tracks. Being on the bridge we could see far ahead and what we saw was discouraging.
The line-up of trucks and cars was endless. And we could see a few yellow construction signs as well. This was nothing for yours truly. When the oncoming lane was available we dashed ahead in the left lane to a turn-off where we could turn around. There is another border crossing straight south of Estevan and it's only 9.5miles away.
The border crossing was reminding me of an abandoned ghost town - it was that empty of cars and activity. The female officer looked like we had disturbed in her noon nap, but she proved to be efficient and we were through the border before we knew it.
Grilled and marinated chicken, vegetables, potato salad, more salad plus an incredible dessert. California wine was on the table as well. Thanks Diania,Glenn, Carolyn and Dick for this Welcome-Meal and a great evening.
After breakfast and a morning chat around the table, our 4th day started right around 7:30. Hwy 83 brought us down to I-94 which we have followed all day through North Dakota, Minneapolis and finally into Wisconsin where we found a Super 8 at Baldwin,WI.
Underway we stopped at a truck-stop called Clearwater, where they had an incredible bakery.
Tomorrow we will be driving through Illinois and into Indiana, maybe even reach beyond.
But that will be a story for another day.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Through Saskatchewan (Day 1+2)
I got home from my last charter at around midnight and had slept 6hrs. when I woke up shortly before 6am. After kinda finding out where I was (feeling dazed) I let out Molly and made coffee. It was going to be another long day.
First we had to pack the last stuff, Bea was busy cleaning the rig and I was collecting lose items stored outside. Then we had to drive to town to get the other van back from where we had parked it after our sightseeing van had received a new AC-unit.
Next thing was dumping the trailer at the near-by RV park.
At around 12noon we said Good By to our friend and headed out into traffic. Our goal was the Pike Lake Prov.Park at Saskatoon,SK. It's over 500 clicks away and with cruise control engaged we settled into a leisurely driving mode.
There is no point in rushing down the highway if you have to go that far. We stopped for a McWrap at Lloydminster and an ice cream in another place farther down the highway. Carol, our friend was waiting with supper and since the weather was incredibly warm we ate on her deck overlooking Pike Lake.
For us it was a key experience. After being part of the constant noisy big-city-rush, the peace and quiet with song bird entertainment was so beautiful that it all-of-a-sudden became clear to us how much we had really missed it.
When the clock struck 10pm we were both ready to hit the sack. I fell into a deep sleep but woke up at 5am of being way too hot.
And the day got hot again real quick. Predicted temps are in the high 80s (31C) Carol prepared a gorgeous breakfast and again we were having it on her deck, breathing the peace of this great place.
Tomorrow we will be heading on into North Dakota seeing more friends.
 |
| Molly ready to go. |
Next thing was dumping the trailer at the near-by RV park.
 |
| Beaver House in a slough |
 |
| Ukrainian Village along Highway 16 (Trans Canada) |
At around 12noon we said Good By to our friend and headed out into traffic. Our goal was the Pike Lake Prov.Park at Saskatoon,SK. It's over 500 clicks away and with cruise control engaged we settled into a leisurely driving mode.
 |
| Old and New - Agriculture and Oil at Lloydminster |
 |
Red Poles marking the Alberta/Saskatchewan border in Lloydminster |
There is no point in rushing down the highway if you have to go that far. We stopped for a McWrap at Lloydminster and an ice cream in another place farther down the highway. Carol, our friend was waiting with supper and since the weather was incredibly warm we ate on her deck overlooking Pike Lake.
When the clock struck 10pm we were both ready to hit the sack. I fell into a deep sleep but woke up at 5am of being way too hot.
And the day got hot again real quick. Predicted temps are in the high 80s (31C) Carol prepared a gorgeous breakfast and again we were having it on her deck, breathing the peace of this great place.
Tomorrow we will be heading on into North Dakota seeing more friends.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
The Last Week
The last week has started, and we are getting antsy to hit the road. We decided to leave the trailer in Alberta as we really don't need it at home. It also makes it possible to return to Alberta for shorter periods if the need should arise. My bus company has let me know that they would love me to come back. But for now we are east-bound.
Our sightseeing van is in the shop to get the AC checked out. It already acted up last year back in California and we can't drive guests around if the AC is not working. Besides it's gonna be a hot drive across the country with a working AC. Thinking also of Molly.
Right now, the weather has taken a turn to the wet and cold, but come the weekend we'll be back in the high 20C-range.
Seems like the last three days are gonna be very busy as I am dispatched for a 3-day trip south in the province, which will keep me busy from Thursday on.
After being back in New Brunswick I will be working out a bus round trip through the Maritimes for my employer. We think that people from Western Canada might jump on the chance to see the beautiful east of the country. (Americans are welcome too :-))
And that was the daily news.
Thanks for dropping by.
Our sightseeing van is in the shop to get the AC checked out. It already acted up last year back in California and we can't drive guests around if the AC is not working. Besides it's gonna be a hot drive across the country with a working AC. Thinking also of Molly.
Right now, the weather has taken a turn to the wet and cold, but come the weekend we'll be back in the high 20C-range.
Seems like the last three days are gonna be very busy as I am dispatched for a 3-day trip south in the province, which will keep me busy from Thursday on.
After being back in New Brunswick I will be working out a bus round trip through the Maritimes for my employer. We think that people from Western Canada might jump on the chance to see the beautiful east of the country. (Americans are welcome too :-))
And that was the daily news.
Thanks for dropping by.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)