The Canadian province of Alberta beckons me this week, specifically the Canadian
Badlands, east of Calgary. Eons ago it was the final resting place for dinosaurs,
which continue to be studied, excavated and preserved.

Today roads following ancient Indian trade routes are the way to Alaska for RVers
and other northbound travelers and also a crossroads for NAFTA commerce between
Mexico and Canada. Lodgings here include places where people hauling their horses
can stop for the night — places that beckon with rest, exercise and good food for
humans and equines alike. Those welcoming dogs, cats and kids are almost universal,
since even motorhome travelers don't like to sleep in campgrounds EVERY night.

Clothing and footwear suitable for rugged rattlesnake country are my pretrip preoccupation
— just one carryon bag, few electronics, lots of sunscreen and insect repellent.

I'll be welcoming the solstice and start of summer with a full moon float
trip down the Milk River — so named by Lewis and Clark when they passed through
after a rainstorm had turned the river pale from silt washed from the badlands.

Stay tuned.