Day 3 Grand Forks. ND to Moose Jaw Sask.

Day 3 started in Grand Forks with breakfast at the Days Inn (not the best) a gas fill up with prices now at $3.15 haven just risen over the $3.00 mark according news on TV last night. The weather turned wet, cool (58'f) and misty as we drove west along Hwy 2. Didn't get to see a lot but there were lots of ponds, cat tales and red wing black birds. We passed a sign at Rugby ND which indicated it was located at the "Geographic center of North America" We gassed up again in Minot ND (this time @ 3.24) then a short time later turned northwest and headed to Saskatchewan. Enjoyed the drive through ND - very senic - not just flat.



The southern part of Sask. is certainly not picturesque with open pit coal mines, oil wells and power lines everywhere. We stopped in at Estevan for our first Tim Horton's in a few days and that town is certainly a frontier type. Lots of mining, and gas suppliers - a great place to sell heavy duty pickups.


A few miles further north we were into the farming area. The combines were rolling in the fields and the freight trains busy hauling wheat. These trucks were lined up about 12 deep at the elevator in Yellow Grass just west of Weyburn Sask.



One place that was quiet was at the Corner Gas Bar in Dog River. No one was home when we stopped in. Temperature had risen by this time to 98'f - a hot day on the prairies.

We continued on to Moose Jaw where we booked into the Comfort Inn and had dinner at Boston Pizza where we shared a Pizza - no large dishes of pasta for your mother tonight.

Well time to sign off and relax for out trip tomorrow to Calgary.

Day 2 Ironwood Mich to Grand Forks ND

Just a note on Day 1. The AmericInn in Ironwood - it was great. The pools, free breakfast, and rooms were all first class. It cost a little more for a smaller town ($89.00 plus taxes) but we really enjoyed it.


Got away about 10am EDT - 9am local. Headed west along M28 to M2 into Wisconsin. Just west of Ashland Wis. Mary spotted a bald eagle just off shore. Don't have to go to Alaska after all. Weather was clear and warm. Gassed up in Proctor Minn. just west of Duluth. Gas was 2.99 / gal. It had been $3.05 over most of Michigan and $3.09 in Wisconsin.

Arrived in Grand Forks about 5 pm EDT. Staying at the Days Inn. Mostly cars from Manitoba parked in the lot. We got to the Red Lobster for supper. Haven't had those biscuits for a long time. The beer tasted good too. We hit the Columbia mall near the hotel and now back to relax and catch up my blog.

We crossed two big rivers today. The Mississippi in Grad Rapids Minn. and the Red River in Grand Forks. Off to Moose Jaw Sask. tomorrow - stay tuned.

One more note - if you haven't noticed. - if you click on the photos they will enlarge.

Day 1 Sault to Ironwood Mich.

Well we got away as scheduled about 9:oo am. The weather was misty at first then it started raining once we got down the I 75 and headed west along M28. It got clearer as we headed west. Stopped for lunch on the south shores of Lake Superior. A little cool at about 67' and a little windy as you can see from the white caps.

Called Ken and Edna in Bruce Crossing after our lunch and arranged to stop in for a short visit as they were going out later in the afternoon.

Arrived safe and sound in Ironwood about 4:30 pm (3:30 local time) and had supper next door at a family restaurant. I had a senior turkey dinner (please no comments). Then we walked down to a K-Mart so I could purchase the tooth brush I forgot.

Got the internet up and running and made some entries to this blog. Time for a swim and a whirl pool before relaxing for the night. Off to Grand Forks ND tomorrow.

Getting Ready to Leave

Stay tuned folks. We are packing now and will be leaving Wednesday morning August 29th, 2007.

This is the vehicle of choice, our 2001 Ford Explore Sport.


I installed new Thule roof racks today. Together with a Thule cargo bag we should have enough room for, luggage, camping gear and four adults for part of the trip. The first leg of the trip will be from the Sault to Ironwood Michigan.