August 14 2009 by Darrin.

Friday, August 14, 2009, 2110 MDT, Willow Creek Campground

Whew…  Made it to Willow Creek Campground.  Customs was a breeze, no checks, no hassles.  Here we are waiting in line…

One Dutch passport, one US passport, and a set of dog papers later and we were on our way.  We did run into some trouble 1000 meters down the road, when I pulled into the scales as requested by the border guard.  He told us that we should let them know we’re a camper, so we wouldn’t get pulled over by flashing lights.

  What a case of “good cop, bad cop” that was.  The guy was fascinated with the camper, while the gal was really trying to break my balls.  I couldn’t have paid her to crack a smile.  The problem came from my registration on the truck being under my company name.  Even though we’re not doing any business whatsoever in Canada, the fact that the truck is titled to RUF, Inc. means that the Canadians want me to run the scales AND keep a log book.  (And I got lectured about having to do this in the USA too – by freakin’ Canucks!)

Technically, they’re probably right, so I’ll pick up a log book as soon as I fuel at a truck stop.  They promised me that so long as I was not over my hours, and my book was kept properly, I’d be fine. Anyway, we got some funny money in Lethbridge, then stopped at a small grocery store in Claresholm to break a couple 20s for camping money.

It was an easy driving day, but it rained some more.  Now I understand Anna’s apprehension regarding the trip, leaving warm, dry Wyoming.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  We’re counting days now.  33 left.  That may sound crazy, but it’s true.  Thanks Dad.  Wish you were here.  We’re both home-bodies and blessed to live where we do.  One in three campsites is occupied here.  There are like 80 people within a square kilometer here.  Creepy.  I hate crowds.  You know my motto / litmus test for how to live: You gotta be able to piss off the porch without pissing off the neighbors!

Charlis’s  sure happy with the trip.  He sleeps between us at night, and in the day rides on my bed…

Tonight, Anna suggested I have some chips and a glass of wine while she made dinner.  She didn’t have to ask me twice!  It was a treat, with an episode of Futurama for entertainment.

To Banff tomorrow…

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August 14 2009 by Darrin.

Friday, August 14, 2009, 0805 MDT, just south of Belt, Montana on HWY 87

We got a late start yesterday, leaving Wyoming around 0730, instead of our planned 0600.  By the time we went to Menard’s, Wal*Mart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, and back to Sam’s Club, we wound up leaving Casper at 1230!

Things were uneventful until we left I-90 in Billings and headed north on 87.  It was getting dark, but the sky was getting brighter!  Our public service scanner’s WX-Alert function warned of the potential for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail.  For the next 150 miles of dark Montana two-lane highway, we watched the sky explode all around us.

About 75 miles in, the rain started and it just poured.  Finding the road was pretty tough at times.  When we finally got to the turnoff for the campground we’d planned on using (Ackley Lake), it was so late that we just kept going and hoped for a rest area around Great Falls.  And here we are!  Right beneath railroad tracks, and next to a weigh station, it’s not the cozy campground we expected, but at 0130 this morning, it sure worked great.

And now, we’re slightly AHEAD of schedule.  I figured we’d be leaving Ackley at 0900, but we’re going to be starting out 62 miles closer to our destination for this evening – Willow Creek Campground in Alberta.  Time to get the passports out.

Papa Frits – I had the first taste of the oude kaas this morning.  Wonderful!  I’m so glad you brought it from Holland, and that we saved it for the trip. Thank you!

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