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!