Fourth Week-August 13-20

 

Saturday August 13-Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay

 

We were up and on the road right on time this morning.  The first leg took us to Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park.  There were no dog signs for the beach, but we were able to walk a bit away from the public area and find a little spot where Willow could have a brief swim. 

 

Off to The Side-Old Woman Bay

Happy With a Quick Dip

The next leg took us to Marathon where Willow got another swim, this time quite legal, at Pebble Beach.  We also had our picnic lunch there.  We pretty much made the rest of the run to Thunder Bay with just a quick switch right off the road.  We were admittedly going too fast just outside of Thunder Bay and almost got caught at it but luckily for us the truck behind us was going faster and took the attention away from us.

Picnic

Pebble Beach-Marathon

After checking into the Holiday Inn Express we tried to get a porch spot at the restaurant on the same lot but were informed it was not pet friendly.  We found a porch that was downtown Thunder Bay, and drove there for some dinner.  Then we took a walk along the very nice waterfront they've developed.  Finally we returned to the hotel for laundry night.  

Waterfront Thunder Bay

Nanabijou in the Distance

Sunday August 14-Thunder Bay to Winnipeg

This was the third of four long road days.  After the stop in Saskatoon tomorrow night all the driving days are shorter.  Past English River we had a rest stop where Willow was able to have a swim in Lodge Lake.  People seem to camp at this rest stop-some were still packing up.  Worth a thought if we're ever towing a trailer.  Our stop for lunch was at Vermillion Bay.  We thought Willow might get a seconds swim, but the rest stop didn't offer access to the lake well below.  We then drove hard for Winnipeg, only stopping to fill up in Kenora.  

 

Willow Likes To Hold The Middle Spot At Start of Each Drive

 

After we checked into the Best Western Plus Winnipeg West we took a walk towards the Assiniboine River around some neighbourhoods near the hotel.  It was hot and we had to give Willow plenty of water when we got back.  Then we went to an Original Joe's restaurant about 2km from the hotel that had a porch where we could dine with Willow.  We took turns having a dip in the hotel pool.  

Assiniboine River

A Porch Table

Waiting For Treats

Monday August 15-Winnipeg to Saskatoon

We were off by 8 again this morning for our longest drive on the return journey.  We were helped today by gaining an hour via the time zone change the right way!  The journey today started with what I believe is a common occurrence in prairie travel.  As we headed West we could see flashes of lightening across the horizon.  Once we turned onto the Yellowhead Highway it started to get darker and darker, like night was falling.  Then the rain started sheeting down. With the wipers on full speed I was having difficulty seeing the road at times.  And the lightening across the sky was dramatic. We drove with this for about an hour, then we drove out of it.  The rest of the day was clear and hot.  

 

Our first stop was in Russell Manitoba to grab a Saskatchewan map at the Information Center, have a stretch and washroom break and take this iconic photograph with Arthur the Bull.  It's hard to believe the weather we had come through seeing this picture. 

Russell Manitoba-Arthur the Bull

Our next run took us to a little town called Saltcoats.  We were looking for a spot to have our lunch, and found this lovely spot with Muskoka chairs right next to a little lake.  

Saltcoats

Saltcoats Lunch

 

We did stop for gas, and felt the need for coffees.  We could only find an A&W on the route but picked up coffees and an order of onion rings.  I asked for coffees with one cream in each.  It's very disappointing to hit the road and discover minutes later when it's cool enough to sip that they added sugar.  Just a waste.  Note to self that A&W is not a good coffee spot.

After checking into the hotel we took a 6 minute drive over to a parking lot at a trail head, and did a 6km walk along the South Saskatchewan River and back.  Part of this lovely trail was leash free.  The river walk is really beautiful.  We could see pelicans down on the river.  Willow got to have a swim with a dog we walked a while with, while the owner gave us directions for the trail and told us about Saskatoon.  

Saskatoon and the South Saskatchewan River

Pelicans on the Water

Along the River Walk

I reserve final judgment on a hotel until after breakfast-but this hotel is competing strongly to be best of the trip.  We had a little free social hour that they do Mondays-Wednesdays where Megan had a glass of wine and I had a beer.  We also both had some snacks.  All for no extra charge.  I'm doing the laundry tonight in a nice little laundry room.  I took my change purse down that I've always needed, but didn't here as the machines are complimentary.  The room is easily the nicest we've stayed in.  That breakfast room is kind of cool as it's on the 9th floor and looks right down on the Husky's playing field.  I'm going to make a list of hotels that we will most definitely return to if passing through certain cities again, and this hotel is likely to be on the list.  Also, Saskatoon is worth some more time!  I'll also make a list of cities I want more time in-but maybe a different hotel.  And a list of places I've seen enough of never mind the hotel-to be called the 'Wawa List'.

From Hotel

Tuesday August 16-Saskatoon to Edmonton

 We lazed in a bit and weren't on the road until 8:30 this morning.  Breakfast was excellent and the Staybridge Suites in Saskatooon looks to be a lock to win 'best hotel' award on our trip.  We only had a 5.5 hour drive so did a road switch, and were then looking to pick up a coffee in Lloydminster.  That's when I saw a text from Brad that copied in Brad Junior who lives in Vermillion suggesting we give him a call on the way through.  After another series of amusing texts we determined that we'd pick up coffee and go the few blocks along to Brad Jr.'s house and visit in his back yard.  We had about a 45 minute visit and an excellent time.  We're welcome back as long as we bring coffees and Willow.  I really wish we had gotten a few pictures. 

We then drove on to Edmonton, checked in and called Brad and Terry.  We drove to a pub fairly close to the hotel that allows dogs on the porch.  After some snacks we drove back to the hotel, then all got in Brad and Terry's van and went to Terwillegar Off Leash Park where we walked around a loop and Willow got to have swims in the North Saskatchewan River as well as a dog pond.  She Approved.  

 

Terwillegar Park

 

Then we went over to Al's where we visited on his very nice porch and had pizza with Al, Carolyn and Sarah.  Again, not true to form I missed pictures.   Finally we headed back to Brad and Terry's and Megan, Willow and I got some more steps just walking back to the hotel from there.  We didn't have the full ten thousand today but were close at about 9 000. 

Wednesday August 17-Edmonton

We got to sleep in a bit this morning then just laze with a couple of lobby coffees this morning.  Brad and Terry picked us up at 9am, and then took us to Mill Creek where we had a nice breakfast, and then a walk along Mill Creek where Willow was able to have a swim.  

 

Mill Creek

One is About to Jump In

 

We went back to Brad and Terry’s for some lazing. It was a very hot day.  After regathering ourselves we headed over to Whyte Avenue.  We were able to poke into some stores, and get a porch seat at a pub where we had some drinks and food.  The day had become very hot-we had some concern about Willow’s feet on the hot pavement, so we went back for another relaxation break.  Finally we waded out for a walk at Jackie Parker Park where Willow was able to have another swim.  

 

Vote-Who Poses Better?

We finished off the day with a coffee and tea outside a Starbucks. 

Thursday August 18-Edmonton to Blue River

We were up and on the road at 8 am again.  The Four Points doesn’t do breakfast but we had a couple of yogurts, muffins and hard boiled eggs on hand to get us started.  Our first driving switch was just before Edson.  Our four hour mark took us to Jasper where we parked at Annette Loop Parking to have a nice walk with Willow.  Being used to driving through, or just stopping in town, I realized I had pushed Megan to take the through lane and we didn't have a day pass for Jasper, so we left our parking spot and went into Jasper to seek a pass.  Once we had gotten one we go turned away for 'dog on porch' at a pub, but then found the Raven Bistro just across the street which was a happy circumstance as we had a Nicoise salad that was as good as any we had in Nice. Then we headed back to Annette Lake.  This time there was a fellow with a stop sign that said we couldn't go into parking.  Just a tad upsetting as we had gone and spent $21 on a park pass just to do this walk.  We were able to park on the road and walk into the lake.  The lake was advertised as being an hour to an hour and a half around.  Not really.  We were done in 30 minutes and still needed steps, but it was a really nice path around.

We Always See Wildlife Through Jasper

Lunch

Swim But On Leash in Park

We left Jasper heading West.  We did stop for a stretch and information at the Mount Robson Center, and we also stopped south of Valemount to walk to the first observation tower in the Cranberry Marsh.

 

 

Mount Robson

Cranberry Marsh Valemount

Finally we checked into Glacier Mountain Lodge in Blue River.  We took Willow for a swim at a nearby small lake and got some dinner at the Grizzly Food Shack and then relaxed.  

 

Eleanor Lake-Blue River

We did learn of a recent Covid exposure, so will let our next hosts know and do some tests in the morning-we did carry quick tests with us expecting it was a probability on a long road trip with the illness being so prevalent. 

Friday August 19-Blue River to Armstrong

We were able to relax at the hotel later than usual given the short day ahead.  I discovered the hotel didn't have a guest laundry, but did laundry for guests.  The very helpful proprietor took our laundry bag and delivered folded laundry back an hour later.  Breakfast fare wasn't particularly impressive though-toast with jam and coffee. We made right for the Monte Creek Winery in Kamloops to start.  The road was miserable, however.  There were constant slowups and industrial traffic from the army of folk building the pipeline.  I might have picked another route and stayed away from this one had I known before.  At the winery they wouldn't let Willow on the porch bistro, but we were able to order a couple of poke bowls and eat at a picnic table just outside.  Finally, we made the run to Andrea and Ryan's. 

Walk in Armstrong

Saturday August 20-Home

We had an easy start to the day again having coffee and yogurt with Andrea.  We had a chance to meet her horses.  The drive home from Armstrong was fairly easy and uneventful.  We did stop in Merritt for some lunch and coffees.  Willow had a greeting from AJ and Beth as we arrived home.  

Willow Meets Horses