I headed north through the Colorado mining districts of Durango, Ouray and Silverton and saw some beautiful country while enjoying the mountain curves. On through Grand Junction and spent the night in Vernal, UT. Tired from the day's travel I stayed in a Super 8 motel. Let's just say corporate headquarters has a different definition of "Super" than I do.
On to a reservoir that I first thought was named for a flamboyant dresser, but then realized the name was Flaming GORGE, not George.
Onward, I ate a nice lunch at Taco Bell in Jackson, WY. I met and talked with a very nice German man who was visiting with his wife and two children. He was ecstatic about visiting the US and made an interesting observation. He felt they were the first of generations that could freely travel without political blocks. It wasn't that long ago that East Germany was in existence.
When I was a kid my parents took us to Yellowstone Park. I revisited Old Faithful and I must say...my memory imagined a spectacle larger than I witnessed on this day. But, Old Faithful was, well, faithful and I only had to wait about 20 minutes to see the spurt.
Worn out, again, I spent the night in Bozeman, MT. I was pooped and walked down the street to a Subway sandwich shop. You know, there must be a Subway in every little gas station in the country. Anyway, I met a nice couple at this campground who offered to share their can of beans and weenies with me. I politely begged off.
I wanted to see some glaciers before the final end of the ice age, so I went through Glacier Nat'l Park. It was raining part of the time and I had an awesome Ruben sandwich at the park headquarters. The weather was really pretty miserable, cold and wet, but the scenery made me forget my discomfort.
Tourists in the park are shuttled around in these bright red elongated buses.
This is the "Road to the Sun" (or something like that) and it was really narrow. The construction didn't help, but I am really glad I was on a motorcycle because I don't think two cars could pass each other in some areas.
I made it to Banff, AB, after a extremely cross-winded ride from St. Mary's to Fort McLoud, AB. I have never had such a windy ride for so long. I stayed at an old independently owned motel in Fort McLoud and it was quite fun. An elderly Japanese gentleman owned and operated the motel and he checked me in with full Japanese courtesy; bowing and presentation of my room key. I got the last room in the place and he gave me the single rate if I promised not to use the second bed in the room. He was even polite when I had him inspect the ancient heater when I suspected a gas leak.
Arriving in Banff I decided to take the rest of the day off from riding. This place is gorgeous. I finally had a "real" meal at a sit down restaurant. I camped at a place called Tunnel Mountain. What a view!! I believe it got down to freezing that night.
The ride between Banff and Jasper is not to be missed. Glacier National Park should be renamed to Mini Glacier National Park. These guys in Canada have glaciers! Every turn invites a picture. The rivers look like they are filled with pistachio ice cream, a color they get from the blue-green glaciers. The granite-topped mountains are also spectacular. I did not see any real wildlife...wonder why?
Lake Louise is about 40Km from Banff and is worth the stop. While I was watching the lake a huge chunk of glacier fell making a thunder-like clap. I actually looked around to see if clouds were building behind me. Here I met a very nice couple from Scottsdale, AZ, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
My turnaround point was Jasper. The town is mostly fed by tourist taking a train called the Mountaineer. I imagine taking the train would be quite a treat. I think it follows the US/Canadian border through British Columbia. Hotels were quite expensive here, but I found that private homes have rooms for let at about half the price. This is really interesting. I rang a doorbell, a woman answered and told me her rate. I said "ok" and she gave me key while only asking my name. I didn't even have cash so she told me to bring it to her when I had it. I can't imagine that sort of trust in some US towns. Anyway, I shot a picture of the house.
The next morning I went through the park again because it was the shortest way to get to my next destination, Salt Lake City and Stephanie's family. I just couldn't pass without taking more pictures!
Before leaving Canada...I got to stop at the duty free shop. I had about $7.00cn to blow
Next I had a great visit with Steph's family for 3-4 days. Total trip was about 3500 miles. The only down side was a hefty speeding ticket I got while between Durango and Pagosa Springs.
One more thing. I'm sorry I was unable to stop and visit some family members along the way. I was going with a mission in mind and next time I will take the time to smell more roses.
Thank you Sweetheart for being so understanding of my wayward endeavors. I love you.
