Thursday, May 30, 2013

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is fantastic. We stayed at Trailer Village just outside the town of Banff. There are lots of animals wandering the park. We visited Johnson Canyon Falls and hiked up to the lower falls. Beautiful walk. There is still some snow on the ground in shady areas.









 

 


 
 Had to go the library to get some wifi, and can't stay long.
 
 

Alberta Canada



 
After leaving Theodore Roosevelt National Park we spent a couple of nights in Great Falls, MT at Malmstrom AFB to resupply, do laundry, and clean the coach. Savannah got a good brushing with her furminator. Nice RV park.
Passing through customs was no problem. Our first stop in Canada was at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Fort McLeod, AB. They had a large RV/Overflow parking lot that they invited us to use for the night. It was very peaceful.
And had a fantastic view of the mountains.
 
The design of the museum is amazing. It is built into the side of the hill.
 
 
They had many displays and presentations to explain the history of the sight.
 
There were a lot of animals on the site, like this marmot. 
 
From the upper viewing level you get a good view of the actual cliff.
 
This is a fantastic place with wonderful people. Don't pass it by.
 
Our next destination was Banff National Park. Of course we needed a little adventure so we somehow missed a turn and ended up in downtown Calgary. It's a nice town, but a little congested in the afternoon. We came to an overpass (no warning until we got to it) with a clearance of 11 feet. A local lady came and helped us. We blocked the lane while we unhooked the truck, and turned the RV around in a driveway. The nice lady stopped all the traffic while I turned around. Sue followed me in the truck as I made my way back to the highway. BUT the cover came unsnapped and blew up over the windshield. She had to pull over and remove the cover. She finally caught up to me on the highway.
 
 
 

 
 
 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Still Broke Down

On Sunday evening we broke down on I-80 east of Des Moines. We were towed to Freightliner on Monday. They said they couldn't do anything until Wednesday (today) and we parked for two nights next door in the Bass Pro Shop parking lot. Took it to Freightliner this morning, but they couldn't fix it. They sent us to Alison Transmission shop. By the time we got to Allison it was late afternoon. They said they could start on it today, but wouldn't finish it. If we wanted to sleep in the coach tonight, they would take it in at 7:30 AM. They talked like they know what is wrong and how to fix it. I appreciate them considering our needs before they started. Thanks to Ralph at Inland Truck Service. Sounds promising that we will be leaving Des Moines tomorrow.
Savannah enjoyed staying in the drivers' lounge at Freightliner. The word went out that she was there and many employees came by to see her. She loved all the attention, but didn't get her sleep in, so she has crashed back in the coach.

Promised Photos

This is where we hid from the storm on Sunday night.

These are from our towing adventure.

 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Day 5 & 6 Break Down

On I-80 fifty miles east of DesMoines got alarm and message "check Transportation" "Shift Inhibit" and check engine light. Got off highway and to abandoned truck stop. Transmission wouldn't shift out of third. Called Freightliner help line. Lamont walked me through some checks and attempts to reset. Shut down and when restarted it looked fine, but as soon as I started moving I got alarms again. Freightliner was calling a tow truck. Lamont called back with info that tow couldn't come due to severe storms. Tow company told him that they knew my location and that we needed to find shelter because storm was heading our way. We parked under gas pump awning near building. There was a trailer dropped there and blocked one side and building helped block the other side. Rode out the storm. Lots of rain, thunder/lightning and wind. I didn't see any hail.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Day 2 Pittsburgh

We are in Washington, PA just outside Pittsburgh. We are going to visit niece, Lorene who is here waiting (impatiently) for a lung transplant. Keep her in your prayers.


Savannah stuck her head out the access hole in the screen door to keep an eye on us. It is a tight fit.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Went to Crossroads Animal Hospital for my check up and health certificate yesterday. Why did they have to look THERE?
Dr. Watson was out sick. I hope they check him like they always check me! Get well soon, Dr. Mark.
Got my certificate, so now I can get into Canada.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Some photos of Savannah





 I was little once!

 Thinking
 
 Resting
 
 My friend Boomerang

I got this barrel for Christmas.

Missing Picture

This is the photo from yesterday. Don't know why it was missing?????

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Getting Beautiful


Emily at PetSmart gave Savannah a much needed grooming for the trip. Ain't she pretty??

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

One week to go

We got the rv back from the shop. They did a great job. We are getting it ready for the trip. Plan to leave May 15.