We awoke bright and early in the tipi, getting our first real glimpse since we arrived by flashlight the evening prior. Unfortunately, The Road was calling so we could not tarry long. With nothing much nearby, we followed Highway 18 West to Climax, Saskatchewan, before turning northward towards the Trans-Canada Highway.
After gas and coffee in Shaunavon, we hit the TCH at Gull Lake, and sped westward in earnest towards Alberta. Smoke from the BC wildfires was palpable even in eastern Alberta, as we deviated from the TCH at Medicine Hat to follow Highway 3 towards Lethbridge and a sushi lunch date with friend Sandra.
After a great lunch and a quick visit to the Lethbridge Farmer's Market, we bid farewell to Sandra and headed onward, the smoke growing increasingly obvious. We continued along Highway 3 through Fort McLeod and into the Crowsnest Pass through the Rocky Mountains.....which were barely visible through the smoke in spite of their constant presence.
A little ways into British Columbia, we reached ski town Fernie, our destination for the night. One of my co-workers has family that run a pub/hotel there, and a liquor store. We patronized both establishments (the pub twice!), and the Kickstand Honey Kolsch from Fernie Brewing was particularly memorable. We walked the touristy town, apparently full of ex-pat Aussies, before settling into the Raging Elk Hostel for the night.....which was run by ex-pat Aussies.
Originally, we had planned to camp up the hill at Fernie Provincial Park, surrounded by mountains, but the smoke was so thick that Jane was concerned about her breathing....not to mention the view was obscured by smoke. On the plus side, the hostel was a convenient walking distance to the pub!
Tipi accommodations at Grasslands National Park
Inside the tipi - air mattress already removed!
The morning view from our door as we packed up the Juke
Some locals were up early to see us off....
Thanks for coming!
The TCH near the Saskatchewan-Alberta border
World's Largest Teepee in Lethbridge, AB
Who is that handsome devil?
The Fernie.......
....and the liquor store next door!
Fernie City Hall
Kickstand Honey Kolsch at a great pub!
Reasonable lodging for the night.....
....and some topical bedtime literature!
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