May 19
May 20-21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25-26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31-June 1
June 2-3
June 4
June 5
June 6-8
I forgot to set the alarm for this morning, but we still got up fairly early. After a quick breakfast downstairs, we got packed up. We had a minor problem as we were loading up. We had to get maintenance to unclog the toilet as we loaded the trolley with bags.... Finally, we're out of the cramped garage and on to the Gondola.
It was a nice ride! It's changed a lot in the last 51 years... They've updated the cars, probably upgraded the towers and towing line for safety, and completely replaced both terminals.
These three photos are from the top of the Gondola ride. The photo on the left is the view towards the west. The other two photos are to the north. The center photo also shows a weather station on an adjoining peak.
Three more photos from the top. The photo on the left shows the town of Banff sprawled along the valley floor. The center photo shows part of the town with Cascade Mountain rising behind it. The photo on the right shows Lake Minnewanka in the distance.
The photo to the left shows a gondola arriving at the top terminal.
We bummed around at the top for a while and spent some time in the gift shop, then took off heading east again.
Today's route involved Highway 1 from Banff to Calgary, where it switched to Highway 2. At Fort MacLeod, it was supposed to switch to Highway 3 (in reality, 3 merged into 2). Then, at Lethbridge, it switched to Highway 4.....
Lunch was at the Van Gogh Grill and Bar in Calgary.
The border crossing was almost an non-event. There were only three vehicles in front of us when we got into line. We only traveled another 35 miles to Shelby, MT, for the night.
Dinner was at a rib place within walking distance of the motel, which had much more comfortable beds!!!
Sunday, June 7
It's a driving day. Shelby, MT, to Great Falls, Helena, Butte (lunch), Bozeman, and into Billings to the Boot Hill Inn again.
Kelly was at Renaissance Faire this weekend, but it ended at 4. I think I saw her driving over the overpass we were about to drive under near the Zoo, where the Faire was held!!! And it was her!
We had a very nice visit with Kelly and dinner was at MacKenzie River again.
Monday, June 8
Our final driving day. It was our usual drive from Billings to Westminster with the usual stop at Applebee's near Casper, WY. They've changed their menu again, for the worse...
After a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up breakfast stuff for tomorrow morning, we finally arrived home a little before 6.
Lots of weeds in the flower beds and lawn. The backyard grass is almost a foot tall - we had a neighbor mowing the front while we were gone, so it's okay. Lots of deadheading to do. Now the work begins. But first, the laundry....