Border Crossing

We crossed the border at a little town called Coutts, AB.  It went without a hitch as John and Linda went first and paved the way for the rest of us.  Just the usual “Do you have any fruits and vegetables?” question and I was back in the good ole USA.   Here is a pic of me crossing the border taken by Linda of adventureswithsadie blog fame.

As much as I enjoyed this trip throughout Alberta, I am really glad to see the prices go down for gas ($3.65 vs about $4.62 per gallon) and wine ($9.99 vs $5.90 for a bottle of Yellow Tail).

The day started out beautiful but as soon as we got across the border it started to rain.  It was a huge downpour and it was difficult to even see the road for a while it was coming down so hard.  It then turned to a light rain which followed us almost into West Glacier NP.

Fish Creek Campground

I had made reservations online prior to the start of the trip for 2 days at the Fish Creek Campground.  We were all camped in Loop A for our final get together.  Everyone in the group had made reservations for 2 nights.  This is a couple of pics of Lake McDonald from the Visitor’s Center boat dock.

Fish Creek is located on Lake McDonald on the west side of Glacier NP.  It was a beautiful setting among the trees.  I got settled in and took Chica for a walk.  We hadn’t gone 100 feet, when a large deer crossed the road in front of us.  At first both the deer and Chica stopped and just stared at each other.  Then as the deer started across the road Chica began getting braver and started to bark.  It was very funny.  Sorry but I didn’t have my camera at the time, but this is the same deer I saw later looking for food inside the campground.  It is between the two tall trees just right of center.

I Brake for Bears too!

The  next morning I decided to take a drive north of our campground.  About 10 miles up the road I saw a bunch of cars stopped on the road.  Up here that only means one thing.  There must be something for a photo opportunity.  I stopped also and sure enough there was a black bear (only it was colored brown) foraging the area at the side of the road for food (probably berries).

I didn’t want to get too close to this guy.  I may have come within a foot of a rattlesnake but did not want to get within a foot of this guy.

Happy 75th Birthday

That night we all met for a 75th birthday party.  Randy found out he was not the only one celebrating this milestone birthday.  After checking with all the others in our group, he found out that there were 6 of us who have or would be celebrating their 75th birthday shortly.  So he and Suzanne bought a cake and we all celebrated with them.

Here is Randy emceeing the party.

And the delicious cake!

Here are the 75’ers.  Age means nothing to any of them as they were all very active.  From left to right standing, Linda, Al, Randy and Suzanne.  Sitting is Dian and Pete.  Happy 75th guys!  I hope I too will be as active at that age as you are.

Our last night together

We had fun getting together for the celebration since it was our last night together.  We took a group picture of those camping at Fish Creek.  However it is missing John and Linda, Coy and Cynthia, as well as Tony and Michelle who departed earlier.

Standing from left to right: Linda, Carole, yours truly, Suzanne, Al, Anna, Randy, Nikki, Steve, Pam and John.  Sitting and kneeling: Dian, Pete and Zoe.

Pete from the Lazy Daze Northwest group was the wagon master for this wonderful trip.  I only knew a few people prior to starting this adventure, but got to know everyone before it ended,  I had a fabulous time and it is an adventure I will never forget.  I had never been in Alberta before but certainly enjoyed all it’s beauty and the congeniality of it’s people.

Many thanks to Pete for organizing such a wonderful trip and to John and Linda who suggested it to me back in January at Quartzsite.  Plus to all the wonderful people who went on this trip who I can now call my friends.  I know we will all meet up at other times throughout our adventures.