First a few photos of scenes along the way…

The morning started with our first test of the silicon caulk fix for the induction cooktop.  As one would expect with Marcus’ superior knowledge of material properties, we had absolutely no problem grilling eggs, then sausage patties on the repaired cooktop.

We then headed north towards Canada – for a few days of sightseeing including Banff national park.

We stopped just before the Canadian border for some photos at the “Welcome to Montana” and Blackfeet Monument roadside turnoff.

Then we crossed the line on our personal safety because, really, we are just too nice and helpful. Immediately after clearing Canadian customs on our way to Banff, there were two girls with big packs hitchhiking.  We passed them and then discussed the pros and cons of picking them up.  Scott reminded Tom that many, many hitchhikers are actually axe murderers, and things were bound to go wrong if we picked them up. Tom argued that they looked too young and frail to be full-grown axe murderers. After all, what could go wrong?

So, after about a mile, we turned around and did pick them up.  They were from Lithuania (from where Tom’s paternal grandfather immigrated.)  They are on a 4 month program that allows them to work out of the country for 3 months and vacation for 1.  They were working in East Glacier – probably as waitresses, but they never said, and their jobs had ended with the end of the season.  They were heading to Banff too, but we planned to stop for the night in Claresholm and they were on their way to Calgary (another hour down the road where they were going to spend the tonight).  So we parted ways.  Scott, being like a concerned uncle gave them his business card and told them that if they had problems, to call for help. As a side note – during our drive with them, we passed another girl hitchhiking, but figured she must be the axe murderer. We didn’t stop.

The Clareholm Centennial Park Campground was very nice and extremely cheap – with the Canadian Dollar currently running at $.75 US,  The sites are large, and the bathhouse is large and clean.

We ate our first Canadian restaurant meal at Roy’s Place – the food was very good and very reasonably priced – they don’t waste money on things like their website, which is “coming soon.” Tom made a scene by spilling his 7-Up, but they cleaned it up without kicking us our of their restaurant or the country.

After dinner, Scott received at text from Gintare and Paulina indicating they had arrived in Calgary okay and thanked us for the ride. The world needs a little more kindness.