We headed headed for Medicine Hat, as there would be a short hop to Calgary (Cochrane) from here.
Unfortunately the visitor's centre was closed at 5. Why? It's not like Medicine Hat is 5 minutes down the road from anywhere. Basically there's not much between Regina and Medicine Hat and Medicine Hat and Calgary. That means that you have to drive for a while.. You know what I mean. So 5pm is a bit early. ... Anyway
So, as per usual here we were supping on a well earned cold one, chatting to the barmaid. She asked us if we were in town for the stampede. No. Did we know that Glen Campbell was playing? Yes, we said, we travelled 4000 miles across Canada to see Glen Campbell. Well actually we didn't. But I was brought up with Glen Campbell - well his music - so jumping at the chance, we headed to the stampede. It was fantastic. On returning to the motel I texted my mum. She responded with 'Oh. I thought he was dead'.
Heading to Cochrane, JJ finally realises where west is....
xJJ trying to decide on club choice on the tricky 18th hole at the Prairies Old Course. The par 5000 requires a solid drive to give a good approach.
After 1,500 miles across the prairies, JJ and Slo come across a bend in the road and have to consult the motorcycle handbook for advice....
Finally, as we cross Calgary, on the way to Cochrane, cresting a hill, JJ feels the need to point at very large rock formation in the distance. That will be the rockies then...... WooHoo! (although I think I did recognise them...)
Slo
This is fantastic SLO and SLO R... really loving the visit so far and I am glad you are enjoying Canada! I know the rest of the trip will be spectacular :-)
ReplyDeleteLiked the 'weather rock'! :-)
ReplyDeleteI keep enjoying the stories and agree that riding/driving in the vastness of the prairies could be boring for someone who hadn't done it before, but doing something like it for the first time is very enjoyable...the feeling of solitude (in an enjoyable sense), the silence or just the sound of the wind when you stop en route, the feeling so small and insignificant which makes you realise how extensive the land on this planet is and that not everyone is surrounded by other people on a daily basis (you may have seen a ranch lost in such vastness every now and then during your ride but nothing more). I had a similar experience in Patagonia and I loved it.
And now the Rockies...oh, you don't know how envious I am...I've been dreaming for years about living at the foot of the Rockies even though I have not been there (YET) but I'm hopeful that I will get there eventually, maybe as a traveller instead of as a resident but I will be there one day.
Didn't know Glen Campbell but am now listening to his music and like it...thanks for letting me know about him :-)
Enjoy the rest of your trip and keep posting!
Hey guys, no need to diss Glen Campbell ... nothing wrong with his music (as Dafe has discovered !) .... 'well I really don't mind the rain .. (east coast), and a smile can hide all the pain (Garmin gps...), but your down when you're riding the train (BMW) that's taking the long way (prairies).... la la la la la ...'. Enjoy Alberta.... JayJay
ReplyDeleteHi George, Hi Jack. I am loving the blog and read every 'installment'. Sorry it has taken until now to post a comment - must be a genetic thing - but don't worry, I'm on 'tinterweb now...! What is really impressing me about the trip is your continual resolve to have sensible, early nights in order to be able to make a disciplined start to each day....!!!!!I'm really glad the weather has picked up for you guys, even if it has meant being left to 'steam' in Kim's garage, because the rainy season you encountered at the start must have been no joke and I'm sure George was right - he could have stayed in Scotland and got that!! XX
ReplyDeleteHi you two.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the blog fellas. And I'm not jealous - Darlington UK is a lovely place to be in the summer. Friendly people, clean air, wide open spaces, warm beer, rubbish-strewn streets, hoolganism...okay I give in!
I'm so jealous about you seeing Glenn Campbell - and even more jealous if you heard him!
And John, that picture of you on the 'Old Prairie Course par 5000' - you know you'd slice your tee shot, and you KNOW I'd manage to hit the ladies' club captain with mine! And asking for car advice from thosands of miles away is very difficult!
Keep up the good work!
Tim
George, in case you're wondering, I didn't just misspell 'thousands'. I was using the phonetic Scottish spelling just for you. You're welcome.
ReplyDeleteTim
Tim, judging by the sunlight bouncing off the top of Jack's 'heed' (that's the Scottish spelling too!!) while he was on the Old Prairie Course, he didn't need to use his snow wedge!!!
ReplyDeleteNo stopping the Madeleys now !!!
ReplyDelete