Saturday June 11th...back in the US

Left the hotel in slight rain and temps hovering in the low 40s. Mountain peaks were spectaular and visible above the forming clouds. We saw an abundance of wildlife...elk, bear, deer....and our share of tour buses. As the altitude increased, the temps decreased to mid-30's and of course it started to snow. Thankfully it only lasted for a short time and the roads didn't freeze. As we descended that mountain - it started to rain - eventually temps rose to above 60's and the skies were beautiful blue. I have to say that the Canadian Rockies are amazingly outstanding but nothing beats the pure nature of Northern BC, Yukon and Alaska! Experienced a few stressful moments driving in traffic through Calgary - not everyone looks before they change lanes. Post Calgary, the landscape changed from huge mountains to agricultural flatlands and for the next 3 hours we drove in very strong constant cross-winds and super wind gusts that damn near made us change lanes! (Pat - if you are monitoring this blog - it's the first time I heard Donnie mention his neck & shoulders). Currently in Shelby Montana staying at the Comfort Inn rather than battle the wind gusts in our canvas tent camper. LOL. Plan to get through Montana tomorrow and land somewhere in North Dakota. Today was a great ride, with amazing landscapes of all kinds - a great way to spend our 28th anniversary. D&C