Can Campbell's Conquer Calgary June 23rd

A late arrival in Brandon means a late departure. We were the last ones out of the hotel parking lot. After gassing up and a bite at A&W, we were on the road by 12. Ominous black clouds on the horizon spell the promise of rain.


Large grain elevators herald Brandon's title of Wheat King. It makes me feel akin to The Tragical Hip. (next visit to Limewire).

It is getting wet inside and out. The heavens open up outside and our mascot bamboo plant tips and spills water on ample precious electronics. To add to the ambiance, Kyle is carrying on business over his cell phone and an18 wheeler is challenging us for supremacy of the 1/4 mile drag strip that extends to the horizon.

Technology really helps to reduce boredom on the prairie. Music of all genre's abound. Cell phones keep us in touch on a moments notice. My recent discovery is hooking up the GPS to the computer in real time. I can see that there is a pond behind that berm: that Grenfell has 10 more streets behind the single one I see, an airport and golf course and the CPR runs right through the middle of town.





Just outside Wolseley, we passed the smoking skeletal remains of a smoking Ford Escape on the side of the road. A trailer was still attached. The fire dept was on hand and had all east bound traffic stopped. It is sobering reminder how quickly fortunes can change. Maybe I am pessimistic, but I think the lesson is lost on the 'front seats' . Maybe that is another lesson for me.

The rain has disappeared without benefit to the Escape. The endless asphalt ribbon dries but maintains it's constant PEI ka thump ka thump ka thump.


The Qu'Appelle River stretches out as far as you can see with tentacles that represent varicose veins on the landscape. I can see how a flood in this area could cause such devastation.
Qu'Appelle has historical significance to this area as it was where the railway stopped at the time of the rebellion.




This were the troops disembarked prior to the capture and hanging of Louis Riel.
Every vehicle with a Manitoba licence plate looks like it has just come back from a mud rally. Not one has 'wash me' on it. However there are inscriptions that show more creativity. i.e. 'bet you wish you girl friend was as dirty as my truck'.
Regina and Moose Jaw were just Highway 1 by passes. The landscape is starting to turn to grassy badlands.





We stopped in Swift Current for supper at Boston Pizza and gas. Kyle kicks back and I drive. We decide to call it an early night and stop in Medicine Hat for an early night and head the last 3 hours into Calgary in the morning.




The terrain starts to roll like a grassy desert. We have seen deer along the highway, some grazing and some the victim of collisions. These types of sightings now include coyotes.
We get a room at the Comfort Inn, have a swim, go to a movie and call it a night.