Go West, Young Men! Regina to Canmore (Alberta)

GO WEST, YOUNG MEN!

Tuesday, September 11th, 2019

Our first destination

We’re so glad to have arrived at our first destination – Canmore, Alberta – where we will be staying for the next four nights. After traveling over 3100 km since Saturday evening, it’s going to be great to feel a little more ‘settled’ for a while!

A journey of 3,127 km (1943 miles) in just 4 days! 

Leaving a rainy Regina, early this morning, we set off towards the west, crossing more of the prairies as we made our way towards Alberta. 

A rainy start

This part of the journey took us through the more familiar scenery of how we had imagined the prairies to be. 

The road ahead

Flat grassland as far as the eye could see - on both sides of the road

Similar to the above, but more of it!

For several hours, we drove through the plains, with the huge sky beckoning us ever westward. The rain gave way to a few drizzly spots, then some foggy patches, and finally, the sun broke through not long after we crossed the border into Alberta. 

Foggy patches added a little bit of mystery

Numerous freight trains can be seen traversing the prairies

Apart from the freight trains, there were so many of these monster 'double-trucks' hurtling along the highways

A short movie clip showing a 360 degree panorama at the Saskatchewan/Alberta Border

For the rest of the journey, we enjoyed mixture of  sun and cloud and felt, once more, the warmth of the sun when we got out of the car to stretch our legs.

Another freight train, this time in the sun. There can be over 100 trucks being pulled by one, or two, locomotives

Sunnier road ahead

A farmhouse, surrounded by protective trees

Didn't realize that the reflection had been captured until we downloaded this pic

 

It was interesting to see the landscape gradually change as we drew nearer to Calgary. There was also a distinct, though sometimes intangible, difference between Saskatchewan and Alberta, possibly due to the presence of oil derricks which dotted the terrain, and the increase of cattle as we left Saskatchewan behind.

Angus Beef Cattle are plentiful in Alberta

There were numerous oil derricks dotted about - most of them were working

After skirting around Calgary, the first view of the Rocky Mountain Foothills came into view, and our excitement grew as we got nearer.

First view of the Rockies, in the distance

It felt that we were suddenly thrust among the mountains as we counted the km to our destination.  The sunshine on the mountainsides was truly spectacular, and really lit up the trees and rocky slopes.

Whenever I visit the Rockies, I am reminded of the fact that it was my train trip through them, in 1988, together with a five day stay in Vancouver, that birthed within me the desire to emigrate to Canada.

It was easy to find the Air BnB in the town, and we reveled in unpacking everything from the car, knowing that our belongings would be staying put for a few days.

The Air BnB is part of a condo complex and is comprised of two storeys, and contains all that we need for self-catering, and makes an excellent base from which we can explore the area.

View from the entrance to our Air BnB

Living Room

The little balcony adjoining the living room has a splendid view of the ‘3 Sisters’, a trio of peaks that overlook the town.

The 'Three Sisters', as viewed from our balcony

After settling in, we drove a short distance into the town to get some groceries – and it was breathtaking to see the surroundings!  Talk about shopping in style!

Grocery shopping has never been so spectacular!

Now, after baking our Keto raspberry muffins, and doing essential laundry items, we are all set for a nice stay – and some great hikes for wildlife viewing!

Yummy Keto muffins, ready for the sampling