Baniff and almost to Dawson Creek

The Ice Fields Drive and glaciers within through Baniff National Park are inspiring.  There are so many words I could use to describe the beauty, but I know I’ll be over using those as this trip goes on.  However, Alaska is a long way from home, Baniff National Park is within reach of everyone as it sits just north of Montana. 

This first picture is the first glacier we came to so it was special.  As it turns out there were many others. 

This second picture is of a lake at the end of a 15 minute hike.  I am so glad we took the time.  The pond was a vibrant color of turquoise from the glacier run off.  Also notice the shape of the lake. 

Jasper is a quaint tourist town at the end of the drive.  We only drove through, then took off to see if we could make our day’s goal of Dawson Creek, Mile One of the AlCan highway.  We didn’t make it.  We were getting tired and this little farm town between Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek has a small camping area that works for us.  As a bonus, it has free internet!

A few other comments:

This campground has the before mentioned hungry mosquitoes.  A few sprays of the high powered deet purchased in Kalispell worked like a charm.  Dan even rode his bike to the local liquor store for a bottle of wine without too many problems.

As some of you know, the refrigerator was not working in the camper.  We would start it when stopped, but as soon as we were on the road, it would go out.  Thank you Cindy for referring us to the S & S Camper Sales in Kalispell.  They charged $35 to clean out the lighting mechanism and check for gas leaks.  Best money we have spent so far because it has not gone out since we left Kalispell.

We’ve driven a total of 2411 miles so far.  The truck is running fine.  Something we had not anticipated is diesel is cheaper than gas in Canada.  Still, with the conversion, we’re paying between $4.26 and $4.91 a gallon.

I am totally amazed at how many RVs there are up here.  Many of you remember our Roadtrek, well they are all over as are other brands of van conversions.  Not as many big rigs as I expected, but still seeing many.   In the National Park there were many Hostels and in Jasper private homes had little signs saying they offered rooms.  (Janice, I thought you would like to know that.)

Finally, we have not seen one other vehicle from Kansas. Of course, we can’t see all the plates.  I’ll let you know when I do.