Day Five – September 14, 2012

Sitting here by the lake in Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada pondering the day as I am writing this. Been an interesting day.

Started out having to look at a small problem with the camper. Ended up easily solved, so I got everything together and headed to the RV parts store to get a couple of supplies I needed before I left the U.S. of A. and headed into Canada.

First stop was Glacier National Park, where I was told upon entering that I could not take the camper through the park due to road construction. Oh well… Seen it before anyhoo, but still I wanted to go that way and see it again as I cut through the park.

It ended up being a good thing because the route I took was one of the best highways I have ever driven. Very scenic and winding through the trees with lakes and jagged peaks all about.

Welcome to Canada, Eh?

Getting into Canada I had a bit of a delay after the nice young man at the entry asked me some questions and acted strange – they decided that I needed to pull over and come inside. Another guy asked me more questions and then the determined that my car needed searched. At least there was no snapping of the glove if you know what I mean.

The search was over; the second guy was really a nice guy. He sent me on my way. Nothing was there to find or be concerned about. Or, should I say, “aboot”.

That brings me to where I ended up and where I write this from. The incredible views, the crashing of the waves on the rocky shoreline…this is really a sepctacular place. It is also what I get to look forward to seeing and hearing every day at work at my new job. Got to see the lodge on East Glacier and the Prince of Wales hotel here in Waterton. These old National Park lodges were built sparing no expense or luxury at the time. They are incredible to see. I sure wish I could afford to stay in one. Someday…

Prince of Wales Hotel – Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Alberta, Canada

My plan is to get to Banff and Jasper National Parks in the next day or maybe two. I am not sure how long it will take timewise, but it is not going to be cheap. I thought that I would treat myself to dinner out for the first time in a week so I scouted the menus around town. Je-ZUS! A $27 pizza?!?! Pasta for $34?!?! Really?!?! WTF?!?! The cheapest place (and I use the term very loosely) I could find cost me $27 for a “Southwestern” salad (well, I guess I AM in SW Canada…), a beer, and a piece of pie. It was a treat for myself and got to dine outside on the sidewalk overlooking the lake and mountains so it was a bonus. On the way here I saw gas for $1.22 a liter Canadian. Oh well, you only get one ticket on this ride so go big or go home.

I am really enjoying this trip and this new chapter…many new places I am seeing, and a few being re-visited. it has been a lot of fun so far, and more is yet to be had.

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