We are now officially 2 weeks on the road! Just for context, the side trip to the Gaspe added days to our journey that a more direct route would not have included. We also booked our trip ahead as we were travelling with others, and there was an expectation that there would be more tourists travelling through Canada this year than other years. Many of whom, like us, are staying in Canada to explore more of our country. I think this is a fabulous side effect of today’s political and economic soap opera. I can also guarantee that for those who do, much of the stress from news bombardment will be replaced by fresh air, amazing experiences and a realization of just how vast and different this country is from coast to coast…and don’t forget your map of the country..as you journey and mark how far you have travelled, it gives you a new perspective. It is life affirming.
So, this day’s journey also started very early in the morning as noted by the lovely sunrise from our hotel window. We had made an appointment in Lethbridge, AB to have our oil changed and were hoping to be there before 2 p.m…a 7 am start with the first stop less than 250 m around the corner to Tim’s for breakfast. We were on the road by 8 am and the day didn’t require as many stops or distance to cover as previous days, so we felt it was very doable….especially as the rain the previous night had brought some cool and much welcomed temperatures as we continued west.
Each day we start out close to the border of the next province. Each one, so far, is really a days’ ride across, but there is no fun in just driving through…it is the title that most people have for New Brunswick that annoys the heck out of us….no one wants to be a “drive through” province….so here is my opinion, whether you want it, need it or care….stop, and explore at least one interesting attraction, place or activity in each province. Try getting a real idea of how the cultural aspect of that province and the people who live there compares to where you are from. This is true even if travelling outside of the country. Learn, experience and enjoy whereever you are, in the moment you are there.
Today was a new road that I have not travelled as we went south from Medicine Hat, heading to Lethbridge. The fields were amazing and we started to see a lot of wind turbines. Up to this point we hadn’t seen that many. The fact that you could see them for miles was not lost on us either…this area, close to the foothills of the Rockies is still fairly flat but in a soft rolling, green hilly field kind of way…sounds corny but incredibly, a very apt description or the only one that made sense.
We got to Lethbridge around 1 pm, checked into the hotel and dropped all our stuff in the rooms then headed over to the bike shop. As the oil was being changed, we walked up to a great restaurant a couple of blocks away to have a bite….it was after 2 pm and if we didn’t get food into Larry, he would be doing the biting. The lunch was amazing at Mike’s Steakhouse. Back at the s hop I also managed to finally snag a couple of pair of leather riding gloves to replace the ones I bought in 2011….I have been searching for a very long time for a specific type of glove to replace the old ones so not only was it an exciting find, but since they were 50% off I bought 2 pair! Downtime for the win!
Back at the hotel, showered and refreshed, we were trying to decide where to eat. Buddy, our friend in Kelowna, sent us a poster and let us know his brother and our friend was playing at the Owl Acoustic Lounge. We inquired on the “oracle” and they also served food, so off we went.
We were treated to a delightful meal, great service and amazing entertainment. The true delight of the night though was seeing Papa Kings’ expression when he realized that the gentleman who was beckoning and talking to him from the side of the stage was Larry….surprise to joy to huge hugs!! Enough for everyone to go around. We had the amazing privilege and pleasure to watch him play in front of an audience for the first time.
We ended the evening and headed back to the hotel by 10:30 pm as we were now way beyond our travelling bedtime routine, full of food, laughter and love. By all accounts I believe everyone had a great nights rest.
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