July 6 - we got up today . we were on the road before 8am. it was lightly raining.  first stop was a local photo store.  i needed to replace a filter for my camera which was cracked.  got to the store and it was open. he had my 77mm filter, and in 5 minutes we were back on the road headed to the canadian border.

rained for a while before reaching the border.  when we got there there was along line of vehicles including 5 corvettes.  got through the border without incident.   the sum was out but the temps were ranging from 55 to 65 all day long.  heated jackets were a necessity.  after riding and reaching the mountains we ran into intermittent rain for several hours.   the scenery was spectacular. we saw a mountain goat as we entered the park in Alberta.  then along the route we encountered deer, bear, and more goats.

despite the traffic, and rain, and construction sites we made it to jasper for gas.  after a short break we continued to McBride in British Columbia. we crossed another time zone and so we are 3 hours behind now.  

the canadian rockies are spectacular, with mountains, lakes, turquoise rivers, and glaciers.
total miles to date are over 3300.  another 1200 to reach Alaska, and 600 more to anchorage.  we still are on track to arrive in anchorage before Patty and Virginia arrive next week.

ps  last night after being told by my resident meteorologist that the radar was good for no rain today, i spent 2 hours cleaning my bike. needless to say it rained from the moment we left the hotel for about 6 straight hours. the ride however was amazing. northwest montana and the ride thru the canadian rockies is beyond description.it was raining, and blowing and cold but it was great. these new gadgets work great. cruise control, stereo, phone, gps, heated gear, GEL PADS, all put together make for a great ride in any conditions. maybe i'm getting old but i dont feel guilty about not riding hardcore anymore. i think the miles we are doing keeps me out of the wimp class. i got to see mountain goats, ewes, a grizzly, a black bear, pronghorn, and many whitetail deer, many were bucks in velvet. the bikes have been flawless. this new roadglide of mine is scoring points with me everyday. it may never replace my old roadking but it is the bike for longhaul riding.