Monday, June 18, 2018

Day 77 Monday June 18, 2018 At Calgary ...A day of odds and ends

Today was the day that some work had to be done on the trailer brakes so we had set up an appointment between 8-9:00 Am at a Brake shop that was recommended in SW Calgary. So that meant that we had not unhitched the trailer overnight and were ready to go in the morning. Of course the trailer levelers, water, blocks, inside things and  electric all had to be stored for the day.  It would also give us the opportunity to "see "some of Calgary  at the morning rush hour. Not my favorite time of the day to drive in any city.  It didn't turn out too badly, however.

There were three main arteries to travel and traffic moved along at times slowly (20-30 mph) and at time up to speed limits. The second artery going into town had three traffic lights on it and that caused some back up along with the usual merging traffic from the right which caused additional backup.  We left  the campground at 7:30 and arrived at about 8:15 . That was not too bad for the 10 miles distance to the shop. It could have been worse.

Scott, the manager of the shop, looked a little puzzled when I drove up in a trailer. I think the word from their scheduler did not get down to this shop that I was bringing a trailer.  They knew I was coming, and that I needed brake attention.  They quietly discussed the situation and resolved it immediately. But they were very gracious and ready to tackle the problems with the brakes. They had started to "grab" when stopping at slow speeds. I had parked the rig in the very small lot on front as I did not know where the working space was. Scott drove the rig around to the back and they worked on it there outsde. After some time he came and told me what they found and it was not all bad news. Brakes did need adjusting, tbut hey were in good shape, and with some adjusting, cleaning and tightening they were good to go. I also had a"rubbing' with the truck wheels when stopping and that . caused by  one of the brake assembly that was slightly out of line , there was a bumping when braking. It would not interfere with the braking so we were good to go. They were reasonable in price I thought, very welcoming, and explained all completely to my untrained ears.

We were out of there by noon and back home after a shopping at none other than Walmart. The grocery store that was in the shopping center we saw on the way home. Gotta have groceries.

At the brake repair shop they had a good internet speed so we were able to post many photos on the blogs.  I have one yet to finish, but we are almost up to date. Thanks for the use of that site .

After lunch we spent another few hours scanning the Lake for birds where  a few that we saw yesterday were missing, but we also picked up some RUDDY DUCKS.  The AVOCETS were not there, but Ruth had seen some in a pond on the way out in the morning. Yea! There were a few less than yesterday, but still we saw 22.

Supper was Toasted Cheese sandwiches which always hits the spot. No tomato soup, but maybe another time. Ruth is running out of ideas for dinners, so we decided each evening we would talk about the meals yet to come. I'll get input into that even though she always asks me for choices. I am not fussy, but once in a while I like a certain dish. Our evening meals are simple, quite often one dish and some vegges or a salad with trimmings.

That's it, and tomorrow we will be in Letheridge, Alberta. that will be the last three nights in Canada for awhile.  We still have the east coast to do yet.

** NB. I was  saddened to learn of the terrible flash flooding in my hone state of Michgan when 7 inches of ran fell overnight and washed out the town of Houghton in the Upper Peninsula,  and much of that county. Thoughts for those folks. The "UPer's" are resilient and will rebound.

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