Day 12 - Calgary to Bassano

Monday, May 29, 2017

We left Calgary this morning and bid adieu to Denise who was an awesome host.  Thanks for everything Denise.

While Ritchie and Caroline rode out of town, Lynn and I went to visit Marj, a cousin of Lynn's husband Jim.  They had not seen each other for 8 years and had a great time catching up.

This is the new view we're getting used to.  Will probably get even flatter in the weeks to come.

 Ritchie and Caroline stopped into a Timmies and this fine gentleman made a contribution to Honour House and Soldier On!👏👏👏

While Lynn and I never noticed in the RV, the winds today were tough on Ritchie and Caroline.  Having said that, Caroline rode 106.3 km, a personal best, her longest continuous ride ever.  AND into the wind to boot!

Ritchie rode on to Bassano, a total of 154.3 km, the man is made of iron!!

We stayed at Poplar Grove Campground, a 20 site RV park.  We got a fully serviced site (water, sewer, 30 amp service) for $25 (half the price of most of our sites).  It was the honour system.  We left an envelope with $25 in the drop box!

 We have a few non-paying guests (Prairie Dogs).  Lots of fun to watch!

There was a horse in the accompanying field and I "bravely" gave him a carrot!

Some thoughts on our Rocky experience:

1. The railroad, that opened up this part of the country in the late 1800's is still a very large presence.  All of our campsites and towns were beside (near) a very active rail line (very cool).
2. Its been pointed out to me that we weren't actually in the "Rockies" until the end of the first week. We actually passed through a series of different mountain ranges (can't remember them)😎
3. This is my third time to the Rockies and I must say,  there are no words that can capture the feelings and emotions of this magic place in Canada.
4. We have not passed many people cycling.

And now it is back to "BIG SKY!"