Day’s distance / Total distance – 291 miles / 934 miles
When I left the hotel, it was 55 with high clouds. It was a beautiful morning.
The hotel is located on Hwy 40, the beginning of the Kananaskis Trail over the Highwood Pass.
It was about 9:30 when I left the Stoney Nakoda Resort. I had a great discussion with the hotel manager, Lino Toppazzini, about my stay. He is well-spoken, considerate and, on top of that, rides. We talked about motorcycles and a huge rally that the hotel supported.
I would stay there again anytime I was traveling along the Kananaskis Trail.
Almost immediately I knew I would like this highway.
While it was dry at this point, later it would begin to shower. I took photos while I could. Here are some of the highlights.
The road surface was very wet at the summit.
I stopped to put on my rain layer, when I noticed three bears across the highway. Before I could get the camera ready, two ducked out of sight. I managed to capture the third before a truck came along and scared them off.
It’s always exciting to see wildlife so close, and in the wild.
With rain gear on, I continued down the south side of the pass.
The Kananaskis Trail is roughly 100 miles and, if traveling south you end up in Longview, AB. I fueled up there (super inexpensive gas!) and continued on my way to Medicine Hat.
The scenery changed to low hills and farm land.
As the day worn on, the geography became flatter and the winds stronger. Welcome to the plains.
The temperature at this point was 75. I stopped to take off my mid-layer and stretch my legs.
I arrived in Medicine Hat about 4:30 local time. I was able to workout before choosing to eat at the Rustic Kitchen. I had the North Fork Ranch Elk Ribeye with a Saskatoon Berry Port reduction.
I had a bite out of one of the aged white-cheddar perogies before I remembered to take a photo <oops>. Everything was locally sourced and super yummy..
Another great day. Tomorrow I continue down the Trans-Canada Highway to Regina. I expect no precipitation and strong winds.
I live a charmed life <eh> 🙂
One note for travelers in Canada
Canadian businesses use a small, sometimes handheld machine to process credit card purchases. If the processor gives you the option of converting the bill into the consumers ‘home currency’, don’t do it. They add a 4% fee for the conversion. It’s the ultimate in sleezy business practices.
The hotel processor last night offered me that option and it wasn’t until I examined the conversion myself that I realized a fee had been added. The hotel manager double checked with me this morning (because he didn’t know) and confirmed the added fee. I was provided a generous credit back to my card. Very cool, Lino – thanks, again.
Most credit cards these days, including both the cards I carry, convert purchases in a foreign currency at no charge.
Thanks again, Keith! As always your mini-journals are stimulating and refreshing. Best to you!