We made it through to Calgary today—a quick blip at the Port of Entry (where we were inspected, made to open the trunk, told our life story, then let go into the Canadian abyss). After that it was 11.5 hours of traveling, two bathroom stops, and a quick bite at Quizno’s in Moose Jaw, where I spent several of the Canadian notes that Dad gave me. He handed me a few bills this morning saying, “I know they’re old, but they’re still good.” The sandwich workers got giddy when I paid with them. I told them the money was of no use to me, then reconsidered taking the bills to the Canadian bank to see if they’re of extra value; collector’s items! We instead charged forward, Adam with a steady grip on the steering wheel. Needless to say we blasted through about 9 CD’s including Lady Gaga and Hanson. You can about imagine.
After arriving at 7:00, we located our (ghetto) hotel. Of course, we knew this when we made the reservation but it was a cheap room and we don’t need much. The red flag was in the description: “Located near a river…,” yet the river was never identified, and we still haven’t found it. It’s probably three miles from here. Tonight we’re actually sleeping in our street clothes so our pajamas don’t garner the cooties from the sheets. And Adam has been on drug patrol all night, busting the floor pot smokers. Vacation, indeed!
Tomorrow we’re going to mosey to the grocery store and pick up necessities: Bread, peanut butter, jelly. We’re cutting back from $6 sub sandwiches. Afterward there will be coffee (both of us run on it) and a visit to the Calgary Olympic Park, home of the 1988 Olympic events (we stumbled upon it during a hunt for McDonald’s and a Mint Aero McFlurry. Score!) Then…then…on to Banff!
Now that the longest leg of the trip is complete, we feel more at ease. I caught a cat nap for half an hour, ever hour on the hour. Adam has been a trooper, doing all the driving (with a little help from his GPS, Barb, whom we are indebted to). This party is just getting started!
Tune in tomorrow for another Canadian extravaganza!
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