"Welcome to Kanuckistan" - Helena, MT to Banff, AB via Eureka MT - Wed & Thurs June 12th and 13th

First I have to acknowledge Randy Brazie and Charlene Pendelton (Pillion Extraordinaire) for their photographic efforts.  Without them, I couldn't begin to publish this narrative with photos.

We, (Randy, Phiil&Charlene, Brian and I), departed Huddy's Outpost, Helena MT on schedule at 1000 Wednesday morning June 12th.

A spirited run over Flesher Pass took us to Lincoln MT and shortly thereafter up US 83 to Seeley Lake where we lunched by the lake.

Continuing up US83 we bypassed Kalispell and Whitefish on a nice Farm to Market road and then proceeded up US 93 to the Ksanka Inn, Eureka MT.

While in Eureka Brian and I renewed our friendship with Mike and Bobbi Hedges.  Bobbi made time for us amidst a real family crisis and Mike chauffered us around and showed Phil, Charlene, and Randy some sights.  We had a great dinner along the shores of Lake Koocanusa.

That is Canada in the background


Thursday morning Randy retrieved his Passport from the post office and we crossed the border at Roosville CA about 1015 AM.

Randy is too sexy for his shorts!

It was a beautiful day, mid-70's and we were in no rush to get to Banff.  we stopped several times for a view

and once for Coffee at Valley Coffee, Fairmont Hot Springs BC

 arriving at the Banff Caribou Inn around 1500.

 After a walk downtown Banff to retrieve some "Loonies" from the ATM

Brian and I found Phil and Charlene wandering about and brought them back to our hotel for a few beers and a nice supper. While Brian and I did our laundry, Phil and Charlene joined Randy in the bar to await the arrival of our final rider, Fred Franklin.

When we arrived at the bar, Fred was there having ridden a warm 525 miles from Wenatchee WA.

After dinner, Phil and Charlene went back to the YWCA (their accommodations in Banff) while Fred, Brian Randy and I enjoyed the "Hot Pool" before retiring, sorry the beached whale pictures have all been censored.

Tomorrow morning KSU 09800 and a short jaunt to Lake Louise for coffee, then up the Icefield Parkway to Jasper and over the mountains to Grand Cache AB for Friday night.  Weather forecast for the morning is for 40% chance of showers, that means 60%  chance of no-showers.  I'm betting on the come!