Our Travel Blog

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Driving Miss Donna - what does this mean? Whenever I want to go somewhere, if Don is home he will usually drive. He always says he is driving miss Donna! This blog is for our travels, usually with our truck and fifth wheel trailer, but sometimes in our other wheels. When we are not vacationing check in for updates, although less frequent, about our life at home and our wonderful family:)

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Enjoying Radium

So off to Radium we were, bright and early Sunday (cough,cough).
We discovered Canyon RV a few years ago, and alternate between staying there or at the national park, Redstreak. Of course the two aren't comparable as they both offer different amenities. For example one has a laundry and one doesn't. One has full services and the other has none. I have no problem admitting that in most cases I will select the RV park, but I do not like the pavement and no trees kind. Canyon RV is nestled by a creek, many trees and beautiful trails. If you want to spend the RV park type of fees but still feel like you are somewhat alone and in nature, this is a great choice. It's very family friendly. In fact I would love to have the family here for a campout.
Of course while we were here we took advantage of the hot springs. What can be better than an evening soak in the outdoors?
We revisited a trail we have hiked in the past called Old Coach Trail. There were spectacular views of the Kootnei River and Invermere Lake.

And we wandered around Invermere stopping in little shops and getting a coffee. It's such a comfortable town to do that in.
And that wraps up our Radium adventure. As you can tell we're getting good at slowing down and smelling the roses!
Tomorrow we're finally crossing into the states. I'll be sure to let you know where that is!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

And We're Off!

Just not that far.

Every year we try to camp at least once in Canada with Ivan, of the famous Roadtrip blog.  I say Canada because we don't seem to have any problem meeting up with him when we are down south in the winter, but we are all so busy in the summer.
Anyway, the weather reports were kind of wet for our planned location, so instead we moochdocked in his yard.  As always we had a great visit and fit in a trip to the Bearberry cafĂ© and the Cross Iron Mills mall.  We had to do something to avoid the rain.  And we were rewarded by the beautiful scenery.



After we left Ivan's on Friday we were headed a short ways again to Okotoks to see Walter and Pat.  Again we see these Canadian friends down south more often than we do in Canada.  Pat and Walter are full timers, living in a beautiful RV resort in Okotoks.  There are no overnighters in this park as the lots are owned, but occasionally Walter can somehow wrangle a spot for us.  This time however we had to find a campsite.  Sounded actually easier than it was but we secured three nights at the Black Diamond Lions campground, just down the road from them.  We have stayed at this campground before.  It is such a beautiful country in this area.  We visited with the Parkers on Friday evening and there turned out to be a lot of them, as Walter's family were all down visiting.  They are all as hospitable as Walter and Pat, and it was a great evening.

On Saturday Don and I went to two farmer's markets.  The Millarville Market is a situated at the old Millarville Racetrack, and just driving in you can imagine the history of the place.  It makes a great background for a market!  We also visited the Okotoks Market that day, where I ran into an old ringette friend who now lives in Calgary, Tracy Megaw. 

I also discovered this very useful wine box holder, but I have no idea why it comes with so many glasses.  Who wants to share??




The rest of Saturday was spent again at the Parkers, eating, laughing and enjoying.

Tomorrow we are headed to Radium for a few days, hoping to soak in the hot pools and maybe some hiking.

Talk to you soon!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Moving Through August

After our Jasper trip we were home for a whole week! That's more than just the lawn and laundry. LOL

But it wasn't long before we were on the road again. This is the third summer we have met Don's brother Ken and sister in law Brenda for a camping trip. We chose Meota Regional Park. It is about halfway for both of us, and gave us access to exploring, etc. Although the weather wasn't great, lots of rain, that didn't stop us from sharing great food, conversation and day trips. We took a drove up to and around Turtle Lake, and had lunch in a "unique" restaurant. The food was great though.
We camped from Monday to Friday which was great, and left us some weekend time at home to see the kids and friends.

I said in a previous post about bike camp but it didn't actually happen until August! We went one morning to watch everyone except Mason learn some extra skills. Connor's training wheels were removed and he cautiously wound his way through pylons. Blake and Em both were led through trails and paths, and Reese spent time as well on a maze of pylons. It's a wonderful camp and the kids learn lots and improve their confidence as well.

The Saturday after returning from camping we attended one day of the Edmonton Rock Fest. The bands this year that attracted us specifically were Sweeny Todd and Foreigner. It was a fantastic hot day listening to old rock and laughing with Paul and Mary.

I spent a day with all the kids at Lindsay's Lake Summerside Beach. The weather was overcast but it was nice to be a bit cooler and still enjoyable.

That almost brings us to our holiday time.  Our September vacation is starting in August this year so I can get home for a work commitment, and a great lady is getting married to her partner.  I will try to blog more often on holidays but no promises!


Bike Camp!

Two Little Fishes
Beach Day Pile Up

Rock Fest

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Jasper

It should be no surprise to anyone that Japser is one of our favorite places. Reservations were made in January to ensure that we would have a fire pit in our site.
This was our first trip this summer without the boat and it was nice to travel with Don. Taking two vehicles is lonely.
The Camerons joined us for the long weekend, and we did all things touristy. We hiked at Pyramid Island (a first for us), went to the Miette hot springs, had ice cream, visited Jasper the bear, and even watched a few movies while it rained. We even fit in a bike ride and a visit to the beach. If you haven't been to Lake Annette and it's beaches, you need to check it out. Very beautiful!
Of course we were sure to visit our two favorite restaurants, Something Else and Bear Paw Bakery, as well as some shopping.
Another great long weekend wrapped up!

Athabasca Falls

Pyramid Lake

Just Peaceful:)