Drive Day #2:  

447.3 Miles

     We departed Miles City, Montana at about`0940.  We were on our way to Canada today because the storm prediction was very good for some super activity.  Four of our group were unable to chase today because they had "Passport" problems, of one kind or another.  We dropped them off at a local B&B, before getting on our way.  We'll pick them up again tomorrow and the way back through.

     We headed North on Montana 59 toward the Canadian Border.  Picked up Local Road 200 (dirt by the way) and drove East for a bit, then North again on Montana 24 past Fort Peck and Fort Peck Lake.  This area is rolling prairie land.

     We stay on 24, heading West now, till it merges with Hwy 2, through Glasgow, Lk. Bowdoin, and turning North again at Malta, Montana.

     NOTE:  The next time you are at my house, ask me about Malta, Montana.  

North bound 191 out of Malta, takes us to the Canadian border crossing.

      For the past 2 hours, we have been watching better and better cloud formations with great hope of something special happening.  The area we've been driving in is pasture land with a lot of Angus cattle and hay fields.

     We arrive at the border crossing, and everything comes to a screaming halt.  The Canadian Border Agents are completely baffled by our group.  They want our drivers and tour guides to have temporary Work Visas, to enter Canada.  It takes almost an hour, and many calls to Immigration, for the hassle to get resolved.  In the meantime, the weather has moved on...  rapidly.  While at the border, waiting, we did see some real strong winds, but it was explained, these were "Trailing Winds" that follow big storm clouds, and NOT possible Tornadoes.

     Back on the road, still trying to CATCH our storm, we take Canada 4 North through more farm land and cattle pasture.  Canada 4 leads to 18, that leads to 19, that leads to 13, to no avail...  We could not catch the fast moving storm front.  To make things worse, there was a report of a Tornado "Touch Down" some 30 miles ahead of us.  The time spent at the border may have allowed us to get in front of the storm and put us in good position to see it.

     Crap!

     We give up chasing about 2000 (8:00pm) and start looking for a place to spend the night.  We find the Wheel Inn Motel, in Assiniboia (I don't know how to pronounce it?????), Saskatchewan.  The little town resembles just how it's name looks.  The motel is old and kinds junky, but clean and Free WiFi.  We dinner together for the first time and turned in.  Getting on the road early tomorrow.

     PS:  Having camera troubles...  no pic today.