---Montana---Alberta---

We drove from Gillette, Wyoming to Lethbridge, Alberta.  We crossed into Canada at Sweetgrass, Montana.  It is an easy crossing, but I found myself getting nervous regardless.  When you have put all of your time and energy into preparing for something, events like border crossings can be stressful.  You become irrational, and envision scenarios in which you are trapped in Sweetgrass for weeks because they won't let you in their country.  But they let us in, and I was relieved.  It was a milestone in our trip, to leave the United States, and enter Canada, which would eventually lead us to Alaska.  At the same time, it was daunting to think that after three days of driving, we had only just entered Canada.

There they are!  Our intrepid vehicle and my dashing traveling companion.  He saved the day by purchasing a bottle of Maker's Mark at the duty-free store.  We like to celebrate border crossings in style.

I had difficulty finding the actual customs station.  Then I spotted the sign.  Actually, I still managed to almost miss the turn after that.

Alberta between Lethbridge and Grand Prarie was pretty, but otherwise unremarkable.  This is the only photo I have from that day of driving (our fourth day on the road).

Our first and only night of camping.  Due to cold weather, and a persistent head cold in my case, we ended up staying in motels for all other nights.  It was too difficult for me to feel well-rested for the long days of driving otherwise.  It was, however, a relief to spend a night outside in the fresh air.

There was some confusion initially between us and the person at the front desk, and we first set up our little tent in an RV parking spot next all of those other RVs.  We felt very silly.  The nice man at the desk said he didn't realize we were pitching a tent, and then directed us to the tenting area, which was much more suitable.  Many campgrounds are simply not open for tenting until mid to late May.

A Jesse sighting.  And then later, as we sat by the fire, a herd of deer wandered by.

He built a great fire.

 







































































Dear Liz and Nathan,

Thank you for all of your help and advice regarding camping and camping gear.  It was raining in the morning in Grande Prairie, and we were completely dry when we woke up.  We love our tent.  Thank you also for giving us your alcohol stove.  It was a snap to warm up a can of beans, I think we will be able to use it for a variety of foods.  Thank you!