After escaping from the Travelodge in Swift Current, a sad hotel way past its prime and golden years, a passing truck threw up a rock, a missile in fact, that took out a smallish portion of the windshield.

After stopping to make sure that new spot was not in fact a dead bug, I screamed a bit upsetting a few grazing cows.

A call to Myers, once again for advice, confirmed that I had to get this thing fixed.  I called Susan and she found the address for the closest Speedy Glass and that was in Medicine Hat. I stopped there, called the insurance company and was back on the road within 45 minutes.

While there, a very kind man offered to let me take his place in line. I thanked him but let him know I was from Ontario thus offering the opportunity to change his mind! He told me all was cool as he was from Trenton.

All this to say it is important to have a network of family and friends programmed into the phone. An open mind, able to accept what the road (literally) throws our way, a sense of humour and all and out optimism help us make it through these challenges.

Still, a totalled tire and a chipped windshield within a few days is a bit much.

It was glorious to see those beautiful mountains again. Truth be told, I would have preferred being in the Mustang on several stretches of highway. The Canyon handles well enough but nothing like a low sports car.

The drive through the Frank landslide was impressive. A whole chunk of mountain invaded the valley below. The highway now snakes its way through the debris.

http://history.alberta.ca/frankslide/slidefacts/slidefacts.aspx

I had forgotten how noisy BC can be. Many pick-up trucks thrive on noise and smoky exhaust. My hotel room came with two sets of ear plugs because I am street side. I cannot imagine sleeping with those things in my head.

The latest pictures from Escape are exciting. The bedding and cushions may be last things in.

Tomorrow is a travel free day and I treated myself to a glass of beer.  I’ll go exploring…or not.

I am having trouble setting the date  publication parameters. I have posted this on May 18 and it’s showing May 19.