Theresa and Kevin prepared for the departure to the last stop in the US before entry into the vast unknown of Canada! Credit cards had already been told of the trip destination, but Insurance companies needed to be called as well as cell and wifi service. Theresa made a call to State Farm for the CRV insurance and was told they would email a copy of a insurance validation card for Canada, nice! Next Progressive was called with the same request for the RV, but they could only mail or fax the card needed.... The generic insurance card would have to do, but they did say they would mail the needed card. Thanks a bunch but that will not be received until the arrival in Hemet a month from now, most likely!
ATT had several international options that seemed a bit confusing on the web so a call was placed to clarify. The option to pay $60 extra for free texts and some data and $.50 per minute cel was selected to lessen the sticker-shock of international communication.
Kevin would have to completely turn off his phone while in Canada. Only Theresa's cel phone would have any coverage.
Theresa sent notes and calls to critical folks let them know that text is the best way to communicate but call in case of emergency.
Verizon was called for the mifi plan and there was just no option that made sense for a data plan, so campground mifi will have to work! The MiFi like Kevin's phone will not be turned on the full time in Canada.
Next Theresa attempted to reserve sites for 4 out of the next 6 campgrounds as the team travels Canada. The first was in Eureka, MT just 6 miles form the Canadian border. Asking for available sites Theresa was informed that the campground was full due to the PBR event. Theresa replied, “you mean like the beer?” The comeback was, “no, Professional Bull Riders” Like everyone knows about that! Well of course! Theresa then asked if there might be any other RV places in the area and got the recommendation of Silverado Motel Casino Golf and RV Park. Hummm a bit of everything... She made the call and luckily they had an open site so reservations for the one night stand were made. The next site was in Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Canada, that was a simple call with the usual info and card number to make the one night stay. The third site was in Banff/Lake Louise Park and required a log-in and an understanding of how to navigate the Parks Canada Reservation Service web site. A best guess at what was needed to meet the teams needs was made. The forth park in line was a 2 day stop at a Good Sams RV park but reservations were done via email, the request was put in so that was all that could be done there.
After a morning of getting all the ducks in a row it was time to hit the road. The route would backtrack by Flat Head lake and Glacier Park and then north directly into where the heart of the Red Zone fire alerts were! See the fire map.
Kevin wanted to get the RV completely fueled before entering the non-Pilot station Canadian Zone. A 4 mile detour was made to find a Exon/Pilot station close to Glacier. As Kevin pulled into the selected Pump stall he discovered the nozzle with an Out of Service bag over it. Crap! He rounded the Smitanic to the port and on the turn scrapped a bit of paint off the front starboard bumper when it contacted the dirt due to a steep dip in the turn-out Theresa cringed, but Kevin completed the turn to select another pump. Kevin started to use the Diesel pump with the Pilot card only to notice it said see cashier. Looking around Kevin realized this was a a combo of Pilot and Exxon. The pump that he had selected was not marked as Pilot. Surmising the issue he marched inside and discussed with the cashier, who was able to give Kevin the Pilot gas rate and activated the Exxon pump. Kevin started the pump but the RV was slightly sloped to Port so no gas was able to be pumped in. Gas does not run up hill even when being pushed by the pump. Kevin then tried the Starboard pump and it would not activate as it was not a master slave relationship as other truck stops. Kevin again went back in and the cashier said only $1.75? Kevin explained the slope issue and she responded that she would activate the other 'non-slave' starboard side pump. Kevin was able to top off the tank with another $50 of diesel.
Within a few miles of the destination a lake was marked as closed with a highway patrol vehicle blocking the entrance. Smoke was spotted in several spots rising from the mountains close to the road, this was not good!
With the vision off smoke flumes still in the near mountains, the destination of Eureka was found! The Smitanic slowly drifted towards the Silverado Motel Casino Golf and RV park. It was a small intimate park with about 24 sites, a laundry restroom showers and the restaurant that had nightly specials. Tonight's special included prime rib and salmon. Only water and electric were set up so that a quick exit in the AM could be made. The wifi was unreliable so the mifi was set up and used to do the daily updates and check on the next days trek into Canada.
After a nice call with Kiehl and Madison it was time to partake in the dining selection at the restaurant/bar. Expectations were low at the rather unpretentious establishment but were far exceeded when a plate with a enormous side of Prime Rib was place in front of Kevin. He started to drool.... Theresa opted for the Salmon and was not disappointed with the garlic laden delight. It was just too much as usual so a to-go box was filled with the excess to be savored another day.
Waddling back to the campsite, Kevin thought it would be a good opportunity for a drone flyover. The “guy magnet”, drone quickly attracted several onlookers who had just finished their day of installing fiberoptic's in the area. Here is the footage from the fly over!
Conversation about the upcoming border crossing with the fellow campers led to disposal of some fire wood as well as eggs that may be rejected at the crossing. The only other items of concern were firearms, hand guns, and ammo which Kevin and Theresa do not own.
With the daily post as well as several reservations made, Kevin and Theresa felt confident yet cautious of their inaugural entry into Canada.
I was laughing when you thought it was the beer! I lived out in the SW and NW that I knew what it was, but I like yours better. Stay safe and can't wait to catch up on your blogs when you get them posted again! Love - Lynn
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