Calgary, Alberta to Fernie, British Columbia – 01 October 2024

Leaving Calgary we were treated to some wonderful views along the road. Deep golden wheat fields with bales of hay, rolled for the winter.  Many farms with horses, cattle and sheep. Hundreds of windmills providing electricity for the smaller towns.

As we drove through several very pretty towns I saw a sign for Pincher Creek and asked Derek if we could make a detour to visit the Pincher Creek Humane Society – another one of our customers.  We had a short visit there and I was able to take an advertising video. There were over 40 cats looking for homes and many dogs. I felt so sorry for them. It must have been a real struggle for them financially.

We were once again surrounded by beautiful mountains and Fernie itself was alive with Fall colours. Very pretty place. The campground was large and had fantastic views, and also a short walk from hikes and several shops. Across the road was a golf course settled in the shadow of the mountain and very green.

The reason for the stop in Fernie was to visit one of our newer dog wash owners, Joel. A young, First nations boy who had purchased a laundromat in Sparwood and added a dog wash machine on the side. We were very impressed with the work he had done already to the business and his drive and commitment. I took a video of Derek washing Jax and of his business and then we left Sparwood and drove across the road to see “The largest Truck in the World” and also a statue dedicated to Miners who had lost their lives in this area.

Later that day we took Jax for a walk along the Elk river.  The walk wound through a residential neighbourhood on one side with a small creek and the Elk river on the other side of the path with mountains on both sides. We passed a large park and there was lots of bright fall colours everywhere and leaves on the ground. Such a pretty area.