3rd June 2025

Today we left the campsite fairly early, because we needed to be back at Cruise Canada, Calgary, by 11.00 am, with the van filled with propane and petrol. We had discovered there were no propane gas filling stations in Banff (due to National Park regulations, it was suggested) but someone had recommended Canmore. After a tour of filling station in Canmore, we still had not found one. Next we stopped at a filling station on the main road, on First Nation land, out of the mountain region. It had diesel, petrol, Tesla chargers and a casino, but no propane gas. We at least had a coffee and snack at a Timmys (Tim Hortons).

I decided there might be one near Cruise Canada, and yes there was. Even without asking a man came out and directed us to the propane tap and filled us up. Must be a popular site for topping up the propane before returning the van less than a mile away. We also topped up the petrol to 3/8.

Took the van the next mile to Cruise Canada and phoned ex-Walker colleague Chris D, who kindly set out to pick us up.

Van left, deposits returned, checks on the van were minimal, propane level and fuel level. R asked for an email address so she could update them with various snags we’d found with the van.

Chris turned up and graciously took us into the centre of Calgary for our hotel, the Sandman Signature on 8th Street. We waved him off. Discovered we could not check in until 3:00. So, we went for a walk around the city, and had some lunch in a nearby bar/restaurant, called the Local Public Eatery. Nice beers and reasonable food all served by smiling staff. We then went to the Calgary Tower. When it was built it was the tallest building in Calgary. Since then, tower blocks have all shot up all around it. Still, it was a good place to visit. Good views of the city and a scary glass floor bit where you can see the street below you. We thought it better than the Vancouver Tower.

Back at the hotel, we showered and prepared for dinner. Chris D & his wife Sue were coming at 4:30 to pick us up to take us out for an early dinner of Alberta Beef. We were early, and so was Chris. He drove to CF Market Mall, which is North of the river and to the West.. The venue was ‘The Keg Steakhouse + Bar’. We all ate medium rare Sirloin, including R. She and I deemed it delicious, tender with enough bite so you knew you were eating beef. At Sue’s suggestion, I tried the local invention of a Caesar cocktail, which turned out to be rather like a Bloody Mary. The staff were exemplory, advising us where we needed help. Afterwards we were dropped back at the hotel. Great to see Chris & meet Sue and astonishing how quickly we were chatting away as though we’d seen each other recently, rather than years ago.