Shelby, Montana, to Calgary, Alberta

Heading for Alberta – and leaving our motel behind.

It was a gray, overcast morning, with a hint of sunshine to come.

With an ever-changing landscape, we always wonder what we will see over the next hill.

Sweetgrass – the last town before Canada.

We arrived here about 7:04 a.m.

It always takes time for the agents to look over paperwork when we take a chapel into Canada, but it was discovered that a business number had expired (not something that is easily noticed beforehand when you don’t do this very often). That took an extra twenty minutes, so we were at the crossing about an-hour-and-a half.

Then we got pulled over at the scales, and for some reason the agent thought we needed a load permit – even though we didn’t have a load – and the person who gave us the truck and trailer permit tried to convince him otherwise. Consequently we were there another hour-and-a-half to get a load permit.

Finally we were on our way at 10:14 – three hours and ten minutes later.

When I think of border crossings into some countries, this wasn’t so bad. We had no fear of serious problems – it was just the wait. It was a good time to read my book.

We saw many Canola fields.

The early miles looked pretty much like Montana.

When we came to the first town, a Tim Hortons confirmed to us that we were indeed in Canada!

Some scenery on the way to Calgary.

The Canadian Rockies

About three-and-a-half-hours after crossing the border we saw our first sign of the truck stop.

It was right off the exit.

There’s Chaplain Dan waiting for us.

We had stayed in touch by phone, so he knew when we were arriving.

Giving Cerwin directions where to park.

While the men were talking I noticed these crutches propped against a truck whose motto is “No Problems – Just Service.”

Cerwin parked along the entrance area before going to the truck wash.

The entire rig was dirty from the long trip – something over 2,300 miles.

This sign had been in the chapel’s parking spot while they waited for the chapel.

There had been an old chapel here until a few months ago when it was sold to someone who is using it for a logging cabin.

Pulling ahead toward the truck wash.

Dennis Finnamore (Director of Canadian Ministries – from New Brunswick) and Don (a driver from Indiana) move barriers in preparation to put the chapel into its permanent spot.

Here it comes, all nice and clean.

Backing into place.

Opening the door to remove the steps.

The steps are heavy and awkward to move, so they found another trucker (Gabby, in the black vest) to help unload the large pieces.

The driver from Indiana is in the doorway, then Chaplain Dan, Cerwin, Chaplain Sam MacIntosh (from Edmonton), Gabby, and Dennis.

Volunteer Chaplain Darryl helped Cerwin install the awning while the others watched and made sure the ladders were steady.

Preparing to install the steps.

Another trucker (Stan) came to help.

Dan encouraged Stan to come inside. He had never been inside a chapel. He was only comfortable visiting Dan in the truck stop or on the lot.

Stan wanted me to take their picture to prove that he was going inside a chapel.

Janet Mcintosh, the driver, Helen Harms, and Chaplain Darryl were anxious to see inside the chapel.

Helen, Stan, and Dan visiting after we were finished for the day.

Helen, Stan, Darryl, and Dan

We had a delicious supper of chicken, hamburgers, potatoes, corn, and vegetables at Dan and Helen’s house. Dennis, Sam, and Janet were also here for the meal.

We are staying with Dan and Helen for the next few days, where we have their entire basement (bedroom, bathroom, and living room) so we are quite comfortable.