Yellowstone Trip III

 Hi Everyone

On our last days in Yellowstone we visited "Old Faithfull".  As the name implies we were not disappointed.  It continues to impress and mesmerize everyone with its strength, beauty and sounds.

We stopped at Firehole Canyon & River drive on our way back out of Yellowstone.  Beautiful narrow road next to the river to view the falls:

On Saturday the 26th we left for Shelby, Montana.  The campground was nothing to talk about and suffice to say we will not return.  It was just a one night stop over so it serve its purpose. Since it was affiliated with the Best Western hotel next door, we were entitled to a complimentary hot breakfast!

The following morning we left for the 35 mile ride to the Canadian border.  It appears that since our last trip into Canada either their laws have changed or the right questions were never asked.  We were in possession of a rifle that is permitted for protection against bears and other wildlife.  However, since we were spending time in staying in several of their Provincial (National) Parks, rifles are not permitted.  So, after having our RV inspected by the Canadian border agents and answering a million questions, we had to find a solution for this rifle.  After making several calls and finding a federal gun licensed business, we had no choice but to return to Shelby, MT.  A pawn shop downtown Shelby, happened to be open on a Saturday.  A Holliday weekend and under a down pour.  The rifle was packaged and sent to Ammo Alley Gun Club in Hartsburg, MO.  Another federal gun licensed business that will receive the rifle and hold it until our return.  Now, back to the border.  

By now It was much later in the day and much more traffic is now flowing.  Upon arrival at the border, we were about 5th vehicle in line.  The process takes anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes per vehicle depending on each individual needs and responses.  Thankfully, the agent at the gate was same person that handled us earlier and was aware of our issues.  After seeing our passports again and reviewing the receipt of the rifle being shipped to Missouri, we were permitted entry into Canada.  After 90 miles wasted and about 3 hours later we were finally on our way towards Calgary, Alberta.

Our final destination was Cochrane, AB.  A small town on the outskirts of Calgary.  The campground turned out to be a very popular one with the locals as well as Americans traveling to Alaska and needing to take a break.  It is in the middle of the "industrial" area of the city.  However, it is a beautiful resort, well-manicured and maintained.  Each site is privately separated by shrubs and more importantly, keeping your neighbor on their side of the fence.  We met several people that were very nice and friendly.  Met some others that were long term residents, and due to their OCD, had the most beautiful garden and site.  They were constantly working, cutting shrubs, cutting grass with scissors, fertilizing and planting new flower pots ALL day long. We were there for two days and these folks only stopped to eat and sleep.  The rest of the time they were gardeners.  We were exhausted when we left 2 days later.

The drive to Banff, Alberta was only 2 hours and about 75 miles.  We stayed just outside of Banff (2.5 km) in Tunnel Mountain Campground.  We will be here for a week.  It is a campground for larger rigs.  It is a huge Provincial Park with over 300 sites and there are 2 other campgrounds with about an equal number of sites.  BTW: well over 50% of RVs seen in this park are rentals.

We took city transportation into town.  The streets are very narrow and too busy for the traffic.  They encourage you take the free bus ride from the campground into town and get out at your preferred destination.  Ours today was the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.  Where the least expensive room is for $1400.00 per night Canadian and $1050 US dollars.  We decided that it would not be too expensive if we just had lunch there. We had the most expensive BLT sandwiches we've ever had, but boy were they good!

Since we have all heard of the wild forest fires.  We are happy to report that these are way east and north in Alberta.  We have not been subjected to any smoke or hazardous breathing of contaminated air.  We are hoping it continues this way.