Plainsville

We travelled across the plains from east of Regina to Edmunton. Not sure of milage, I've lost track, but I am keeping the total. Again, it's on the odometer and I can't go outside, mosquitoes are getting worse. I wore my head net again while setting up the tent, it helped tremendously. A bit on the camping...I've never been on the camping circuit until now. You see it's not like we are in the woods with wild animals. We are basically in the suburbs at an RV park. Usually in a corner out of the way. And as I learned a few minutes ago,right behind a railroad track, the kind that they have to blow the horn at. The other two nights we were so close to the highway we came in on, I thought the trucks were driving through my tent. At least I have my ear plugs.

So hear has been the routine. Get up, pack up the tent and things and drive 200 miles get gas. At the first stop, we sometimes get a snack or something. Gas up, and drive another 200 miles. Gas up and drive another 200 miles. We don't stop after we get gas, Willie is a slave driver. It has been interesting seeing all the sights, the plains are very pretty and as you go West, the terrain is starting to get hilly. Basically, these days are the "getting here" stage.

The weather is a typical conversation piece, it can change drastically as we saw today. We headed west right into what appeared to be several storm fronts. At first they were light gray and cloudy, but you could see the signs of rain. Keep in mind that you can actually see down the road about 30 or so miles. (I think I saw Russia today- oh wait that's somebody else). Anyway, as we approached we were holding our breath as to when we would get soaked. But what miraculously happen is that we would pass through untouched. Then the monster came several hundred miles further. A front so big and black there'd be no escape. Lightening all around and all we could do is look at it for 30 minutes as we approached. At one point I turned around to look at Willie and he made the throut slash sign like we were dead dogs. There is nothing you can do but keep going. It started to sprinkle and then...the sky's parted like the red sea and we made it through essentially untouched. We had one bought of rain when I had stopped to take off my rain cover for my seat bag because it was flapping. As soon as I did, it started to rain again, but I knew how to fix it. I stopped and put it back on. 5 miles later the sun was out. Keep up the prayers I feel them.

Tomorrow, I have to see if I can get my air filter changed at the Suzuki dealership. I feel it's affecting a drop in my gas mileage. All is running smooth but just not efficient enough. I want to be in tip top shape for the balance of the trip. Wish me luck at getting the service I need. It will cost us some time but I need to do it now as Edmunton is the last frontier city.

Signing off. Sorry no pictures, just imagine a flat prairie with pretty blue and yellow flowers...I think they make oil from the flowers but you can google it.