Elbow, SK

Douglas Prov Pk
Site #242 - $14 p only, (x2) lots of wood available
water off and showers closed

The weather was awesome! The thermometer actually hit 30C on Saturday and MJ was the International hot spot. A perfect Thanksgiving weekend camping. (Saturday was 23C.)  The campground was pretty quiet. We did have some hunters tenting next site from us.

We went for a number of bike rides around the area and spent long hours sitting at the fire. Nice to have the wood supply!

On Monday we headed home. Time to winterize and store our Vanguard for it's first winter. We actually enjoyed 23 nights in the unit since it's purchase on September 2! How awesome is that!? We love love our new home on wheels!

Moose Jaw, Sk

Prairie Oasis
Site #16 - $25.70 p/w/s (x2)

This is an okay stopover campground. It is decent with paved, parallel parking sites. Fires are not allowed. We were just  looking for a place to stay while we attended Mary Spielman's memorial service in Candiac.

We headed to Candiac for the 2 pm service on Friday. There was a small service at the graveyard that Ben Kuzmicz had organised.  We were back in Moose Jaw for a late dinner in the RV.

After supper we went to the Waterslide/Pool complex on the property for a swim and hot tub soak. It was a pay for use facility.

Elkwater, AB

Elkwater Campground
Site #27 - $24 p/w (x6)

The temp was 6C when we arrived and we were one of only a few units in the campground.

We set up camp and then went for a drive to Reesor Lake. We had a late afternoon fire but moved indoors by 9 am. TV night.

By Wednesday things warmed up to 18C. We walked a number of the hiking paths and rode our bikes around the campgrounds and townsite. We were entertained by the workers putting in new toilets across from our site.

The Bachmeier's, Tom and Pat were camping down the way from us with some friends and we stopped by for a beer. We also visited with an English couple parked in the unit beside us. The weather warmed up quite nicely by Sat.

Brooks, AB

Kinbrook Island Prov Pk
Site #121 - $12 p only (x2)

A noon arrival. The water was off at the dump, but still on in the campground at the push button taps. After lunch we walked along the beach and went for a bike tour. The weather was beautiful!!

Some old ball buddies of Ron's - Hector Schneider and Ben Stegen were camped near by and had come for the fishing with their boat. They joined us for dinner. Hector cooked the fish and I cooked rice and veggies. We headed home Friday morning.

Dinosaur Valley Prov Pk

Site #9 - $20 p only
Temp 23C

Things started warming up as we headed south. We stopped at Killam Coop on the way for a few groceries and had lunch.

Once set up we did a quick bike ride before a supper of barbecued pork chops. It cooled off very quickly once the sun went down, but we did have a short fire.





Tuesday warmed up to 30C! Awesome!! We hiked, biked and had another evening fire. We did a second hike around the prairie loop before leaving on Wednesday.

Edmonton, AB

Sherwood Forestry Campground, ABC Tree Nursery
Site #8 - $29 p only (x3)

The campground / nursery farm women who were in charge were rather on the grumpy side. I actually wondered if they were even going to give us a spot. Apparently they were 'getting out of the campground aspect'. However, we set up camp, went for a short walk about the property and headed to Jim and Jan's.

After a visit at Jim's, we all headed to Phyllis and Larry's for dinner and a 40th birthday celebration for Shawn. Also, Rhonda and Mike's engagement.







We woke up to snow on Saturday. BRRR. We decided not to have everyone out to see our 'new home' with weather so nasty. Jim and Jan invited us for brunch. We all had an afternoon meeting with the Michauds to plan the upcoming summer reunion. Barbecued steaks for supper.

Charlie and Carolyn went to a hockey game and after they arrived back at Jim and Jan's, the BIG BIG announcement took place. A shocker to EVERYONE!... Jim and Jan had a child before they were married who had been placed for adoption. He had just recently located and been in touch with them. Wow! Such a surprise! They had kept it from family all these years. Only Jan's mom and a girlfriend of Jan's knew about this.

Anyway, back to Jim's on Sunday and the guys all headed to Pigeon Lake to check out the cabins and facilities. Larry and Phyllis had us over for barbecued shrimp and caesar salad that evening.

Gull Lake, AB

Lakeview Campground
Site #101 - $23, p only

It was cloudy and 18C when we arrived. The campground was closed for the season but self registration was available. It was awesome having power again after two nights of no power. We miss the electric heater!

It began to rain about supper time and we were hearing about snow in Grand Prairie area. ugh.

Ron checked out neighbouring sites for 'treasurers', but I chose to hang at the trailer. Temp was 10C at 7 pm.

On Thursday we went for a couple of long bike rides through the cottage area. It was enjoyable but we were very glad for mitts. And we arrived home with rozy cheeks.

We had an afternoon fire, but it began to drizzle. Worried it might turn to snow with temp at 3C.

Kananaskis, AB

Bow Valley Campground
Site C7 - $17. n/s, wood cost

Love this park!  It is such a pretty area. The no service sites along the river are much nicer than the power/water sites. (Note: power has since been added to river sites.)



We went for a bike ride around the campground and then sat at the river enjoying the great views. It was only 13C when we arrived so a bit cool and then it clouded up mid-afternoon.



We had some entertaining company as we sat by the river.  He was not very shy.
After a shrimp and rice dinner, we walked along the path.  We had early showers and were in bed by 10:30 pm.

It rained through the night, but it was clear in the morning and we decided to stay another night.  We drove in to Canmore Safeway for a few supplies.

After lunch we rode our bikes along the paved bike path. *Great bike path!*
We had an evening fire and we left the park at 9:45 am.

Busse Wedding in Calgary, AB

Calgary West Campground
Site #E16 - $32. p/w
no fires, pay showers

This was the former KOA campground.  You have a great view of the city, but it's expensive, stall parking and open sites.

We picked up my car slush mats on arrival and shopped at Canadian Tire for a few things.

The Jen Busse / Shawn Buchanan Wedding ceremony was held in Baker Park Sun Bowl -- Nice location, the weather was cool but decent.  We headed back to the 5th wheel until the 5:30 pm reception at the Olympic Park ATCO building.



It was a lovely wedding.  We sat with Lynn and Brian Eldred.  We also had a great visit with Joan Busse's daughter, Darcy and her friend Bruce.  We dropped Rae off at the Hotel and we were back at our 5th wheel by 11:30 pm.

NOTE:  We are SO happy with the new unit.  Everything fit in so nicely and I think it's beautiful! Did I say we were so happy we made the purchase??!!

Besant Campground at Carenport, SK

Site #7 - $20 p/only
no wood

** OUR FIRST NIGHT IN OUR NEW DIGS **

We wanted to spend the first night close to Moose Jaw in case there were any problems with our new unit.  All went well and it pulled great.

We set up and wiped out all the cupboards then lined them with the no slip mats.  I had bought a cooked chicken for dinner and we ate indoors because we didn't want to leave our beautiful new home! I absolutely love it.  It is SO bright and roomy.

Dan and Judy Kesslar drove out (from MJ) after supper.  We had a campfire and they stayed for an hour. They left and I watched Canadian Idol.

We had a great night's sleep . . .  Yes, we are very happy with our decision to buy this.

Friday:  We stopped in SC for fuel and mom and Jerry drove over to see the 5th wheel.  Back at home we loaded up all our gear and packed up to head to Calgary tomorrow.

*** 26' VANGUARD LEGEND 2004 ***

We arrived back in Moose Jaw at noon on Thursday, September 2, 2004.  I wrote the cheque and we hooked up to our new home on wheels!! So exciting!

Last nights for Citation, Elkwater

Elkwater Campground
Site #21 - $24 p/w
wood at cost, pay showers

We arrived at the park at supper time on Monday.  We were sitting around the fire when Dan Kesslar phoned.  He offers a BIG price reduction on the Vanguard Legend if we are really interested.  The company was discontinuing with Vanguard and would rather sell stock then return it.  We said we would discuss this and think about it....



Tuesday we went bike riding and spent time laying on the beach reading.  Tom and Elaine Bachmeier plus son, Cory stopped in for a beer and visit.  They had been out boating and skiing for the day.

Wednesday morning and a decision re the Vanguard is made.  Ron called Dan - SOLD.  So we packed up, headed home, emptied out the Citation and left for Moose Jaw with some basic camping needs.

** CITATION IS RETIRED **

Regina, SK

Dyer Straits Campground
Site #30; $17. (x2) p/w
wood cost - on highway, but not bad if windows closed

We had lunch then visited with Angela Armstrong and the kids.  We picked up a few groceries and did some shopping at Old Navy.

Darryl happened to be working in town so came to the campsite for supper and a short visit.  He had a 6:30 meeting so was a bit rushed.  Mosquitoes were horrible!

On Sunday we stopped at Ben and Gerry's and then took Vera's headstone to Candiac.  Back to Ben's for salmon dinner.

It was cool and wet when we left Monday morning.

We stopped in Moose Jaw at Holiday Homes RV where Dan Kesslar worked.  Looked at some new 5th wheels. Nice, but a little too pricey for us.

We had lunch in the RV then continued on to Elkwater, AB.

River Campground - Moose Jaw, SK

River Campground
Site #1, $20. (x2) p/w
showers free, wood n/a - decent campground

We arrived in Moose Jaw to attend Joan Kesslar's funeral. Prayers for Joan were at 7 pm with about 15 in attendance. We spent the remainder of the evening with family members at Dan's home.

The funeral was Friday (in MJ) followed by the burial and tea in Mazenod. We visited with Aunt Maxine in the nursing home. She was recouping from a broken pelvis. We met Ed and Kaye Zado at Wayne and Laverne's Restaurant for dinner and then headed to Shauna and Corey's for more family visits.

Then it was back to the campground where it rained through the night.

Sparwood, BC

Mountain Shadows
Site #4 - $21.40 p good cell service, free firewood!

Ugh... the fridge door had come open during travel and we were greeted with spilt milk. An immediate floor washing was in order. At least dinner prep was simple with leftover stirfry that didn't spill!!

We went for a walkabout after dinner.  Chilly, chilly. TV and a book became the choice for the evening. It was 11 C when we left the campground in the morning and we put it on "GO HOME"!!

Balfour, BC

Kokanee RV & Resort
Site #32 - $21.40 p/w, boil water sign buy wood (x2)

It poured all the way to Kaslo and then the sun came out! We set up and had lunch. We had a decent lakefront view, but the sites would have been crowded if it was busy season and if we had neighbours. The new owners had just taken over. Jeff came out and stayed until 4:30 pm work. We had a fire but sat under the canopy with a tarp.





Jeff and Jen came for lunch on Saturday until Jen headed to work at 2:30 pm. Ron and I then spent time at Jeff's and went for a walk along the waterfront. Jeff and Jen came back to the campsite for stirfry and a campfire until 11 pm.

Nakusp, BC

Nakusp Village Campground
Site #4 - $18 p only (X2) Firepits and wood sold
no cell

This is a decent little campground even though it is in the middle of town. A lot of trees and a 'woodsy' feel.

We rode our bikes along the lake and stopped at the Visitor Centre. The Community Centre had free computer use (donations excepted) and I was able to use my dialup internet. Ron continued biking while I caught up on emails.



We picked up a few groceries and hung at the campsite. Ron attended Wed Rotary dinner meeting and then we sat around the campfire.

Thursday was more biking and a drive tour followed by a rainy evening once again.

Cherryville, BC

Goldpanners
Site #1 - $20 p/w/s low water pressure and low power!
no cell service

We set up and immediately went for a hike. Very cool area with lots of evidence and remains from the gold panning days. Unfortunately it started to rain and then poured so our evening was spent indoors. We watched 2 videos and read until bedtime.

It was still raining and only 7C in the morning so we decided to move on.

Kelowna, BC

We parked in the Superstore parking lot while waiting for Doug and Rina to arrive home. Had lunch in the RV and picked up a few groceries. It started to pour while we waited. We headed to Doug's about 3 pm and set up in the driveway.

Ron set up the super nintendo game that he'd found in our dumpster at home. Everything worked and there were 6 games included. Super Mario and Donkey Kong kept the kids well entertained.

Dave and Paisley arrived at lunchtime on Saturday. The weather cleared and we were able to do a walk along the waterfront and we toured the Hockey Hall of Fame.









Had fun in the back yard and an enjoyable evening sitting around our propane firepit.







Dave left on Monday morning and we stayed until Tuesday which was one day too long. Kids were getting whiny and cranky, Doug got sick and Rina was starting a new job at CIBC. Certainly time to move on!

Osoyoos, BC

Nk' Mip
Site #C12 - $20 p/w/s (x4)

It was a balmy 24C when we arrived on Monday, but a thunderstorm quickly cooled things down. On Tuesday temps reached 30C. We enjoyed hot mornings throughout our stay, but most afternoons it clouded up got windy. We had one evening around the propane firepit.

We did our usual tour about the town by bike and by truck. On Thursday we did laundry and we packed up and left Friday by 10 am.

Fort Langley Round Two!

We took the 5th Wheel out of storage and set up back in M30 then went for a bike ride and a walk around the townsite.

We invited Richard and Janice for supper. Then came a phone call and Jim Kesslar and Jim Humphrey came by in followed by Todd on his motorbike. Good thing for extra steaks in the freezer. The Jim's were in town for meetings. Anyway, dinner was good with lots of laughs around the campfire.



On Friday we biked on the "Fort to Fort Trail" to Edgewater Bar and on Saturday, Kari and family plus Dave came for the day. The boys kept us busy and entertained for the afternoon.











Richard had us for dinner along with "the Jim's", Todd/Cathy, Walter / Jean, Shannon and Betina (the border). The dice game is always fun and Dave ended up spending the night.







On Sunday, Ron went fishing with Richard and the guys while I hung at the RV. And we were back on the road Monday am.