Coming to you from the surface of the sun

... otherwise known as Medicine Hat, or The Hat. 


Driving here, the 'Ru registered 35 degrees, and it's now around 39 degrees, according to the lovely Comfort Inn people. 

H with Comfort Inn welcome gift 

They are particularly lovely here for having made a huge fuss upon the triumphant arrival of the H, presenting her with a doggy bag, complete with squeaky toy and special treats. Those of you who know Hailey will be amazed that said toy has not yet been destroyed, some two hours later. Just too damn hot for that sort of thing.

Certainly too damn hot for campin'.

If it cools off this evening, I have directions to a swimmin' creek where locals take their pooches. 

Some of the many salt flats seen from the TCH.

Regina to the Hat felt farther than it was. I can easily see how drivers here could be lulled into a hypnotic trance by the unchanging highway and scenery. 

SK-AB border, in the Badlands.

Critical to have entertainment to stay alert. H is useless in this regard, so I listened to another great audiobook and the journey passed a little faster. Audiobooks have vaulted to near the top of my essentials list.

Other items in contention include: 

Water supplies for the road

(1) A bag of filled water* bottles and handy travel bowl for slurpy water consumption (I swear that labs have holes in their lips to ensure wide-ranging droplet distribution)

Hippie Girl Look for the Island

(2) Funky hippie-esque head gear for super hot days. This particular one was hanging from a tree branch on the Uhthoff Trail over the course of several hikes. I decided it was meant for our trip, so I, um, scarfed it. And washed it. A lot. It's perfect.

Well-travelled Koolatron Kooler

(3) The Mighty Koolatron Kooler that works with the car's 12 Volt outlet and has an AC adapter. Also doubles as back seat dog-nest support. Thank you Laurie and Dave for lending yours. It has now completed several trips to the east coast and soon the west coast. 

Can't we just stay here?

H is perfectly delighted to be staying at Comfort Inns. In fact she prefers them to the stupid tent, having real furniture and all.

Many thanks to friend Graham for suggesting them as pooch-friendly oases.

Odometer today (Sunday July 9) 3196 km.

Tomorrow we head to Cow Town, right in the heat of the Stampede. We will do our level best to avoid being trampled by cowboys. Excited to be visiting friends and after that, looking forward to camping at Lake Louise for a night. 

Should be cooler in the mountains, yes? 
Please??


* Note that in answer to my question several months ago, What do I need to be sure to take on this Cross Canada Odyssey? my friend Bruce, of Bruce and Carol, of Comox, said Water. Period. Wise man, that Bruce.