Day 51

 First ferry to Victoria to meet up with grandma and grandpa. Loaded a few things into the motorhome, had lunch and then a quick shopping trip. On the road home about 3, only to hit every stoplight on the way. Happy reunion with all the animals and family , a bottle of wine and a steak dinner at mom and dads. Into our own beds for the first time in 8 weeks. 

Day 50. Ned lost his first tooth.

On the road to jasper. The mountain views were beautiful and the herds of elk impressive. Met up with linda VanDerVeen and her parents for a coffee and a fresh pastry in downtown Jasper. From jasper we headed towards Kamloops. Blessed by a herd of big horn sheep on the hillside. Ted counted 4 full curls and well over 30 animals. Fuel and a little shopping and a family meeting. THE DECISION WAS MADE TO HEAD FOR HOME. As Ned put it, Hammer Down, and Ted said 160 all the way. Pulled into the ferry parking lot about 11 pm. Spent the night there to get the first ferry home.

Day 49

Greeted by the smell of bacon. What a host. Peter had breakfast ready for us when we walked in the house. We were on the road by 10 after stopping to see the worlds largest tomahawk. Edmonton here we come . Ned and Ted played in galaxy land, rode the roller coaster, drove the bumper cars, shoot aliens, and did the sonic drop. We closed galaxy land down, and after a little shopping for new pants for Ned we were on the road to Hinton. 

Day 48

Regina to Saskatoon, then on to Cut Knife. We arrived just in time for a home cooked meal at the VanDerVeens. Had a great visit and a tour of the house and renovations that are underway. Went for a walk to see the new cabinet shop that they are setting up and then back to the house for more visiting before calling it a night in the driveway.

Day 47

Ned ad Ted were up early today and out the door to play with a couple of boys in another campsite. We visited and had a few cups of coffee and visited some more. Learned all about the oil boom and developments in the north west corner of ND. Packed up about 11 and drove the park loop 1 more time before heading to the north unit of the park where we went for a hike and saw the feral Texas longhorns. Decided to make a run for the border instead of staying another night in the park. Headed towards the Fortuna border station, and when we arrived at 10 30 pm we discovered that Canada was closed and we would have to come back tomorrow. Ned and Ted were sound asleep so we decided to head to a 24 hr border crossing, one state over in Montana. Crossed with ease and drove till we found some where to stop for the night, Regina at 1:08 am.

Day 46

Devils lake to Medora ND. What a beautiful drive across the state. Farm land and big blue skies. Stopped to see Salem Sue, worlds largest dairy cow. Then we chose a campsite in Theodore Roosevelt national park, before heading out for a drive at dusk to see what wildlife we could find. Bison, prairie dogs, deer, and moms wish, Wild horses. Back to camp after dark.

Day 45

Ted woke me up at this morning to go fishing. So fishing we went! It was very windy all day so we tried a few different spots. The bugs were still bad but it didn't seem to slow the boys down. We went for a walk, fished, walked, fished and had a great day. Ned caught a pike and I caught a perch. At dinner time we packed up to head into Devils Lake to the North Dakota State Rodeo. We watched team roping, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, bull riding and a lot more. The rodeo clown had Ned and Ted laughing and dancing in their seats. There was a kids event, where all the kids in the stands got to go into the ring and try to get the ribbons of the tails of a few calves.

 A highlight of the night was when Teds ticket was drawn and he won a new bike. He was all smiles as he pushed it back to the motorhome past all the cowboys. Tonight we are staying on the rodeo grounds with some of the biggest and fanciest horse trailers that I have ever seen. 

Day 44

Up and on the road, well down the street do get a few groceries before heading off towards Devils Lake ND. A few hours on the hwy and we pulled into Graham's island state park. What a beautiful place. The campground was almost empty so we had our pick of spots. We chose a beautiful spot lakeside right buy a dock for fishing. Ned and Ted had their lines in the water for most of the afternoon and evening. Landed two northern pikes and one small walleye. Fished well past dark, even though the bugs were unbelievable. They were so bad that mom stayed in the motorhome and read.