Hastings to Newark.  Much arguing with United about exactly how much to pay for the ‘luggage.’  United’s position:  Canada is an international destination, so we should pay $200 each for the bikes.  But it’s pretty close to the US, so we shouldn’t get one free checked bag each.  Andrea produced the ‘bicycles as checked baggage’ printout clearly showing $100 for bikes in the US, Canada, and Virgin Islands.  We quickly moved all the liquids and tools to the panniers we were checking, paid our $250, and took a set of panniers with us. 

Newark to Chicago.  Chicago to Calgary.    It was still light waiting for the shuttle.  Although the land was pretty flat coming in to the airport, the shuttle run brought us smack dab into the mountains.  We’re staying in the Hi-Alpine Hostel outside of town.  I haven’t been in a youth hostel in twenty years, but they’re still at the highest point around.  With each grinding, rising curve, our plan to shoot in to town for groceries died a little bit.  Imagine our joy to be handed little cardboard bus passes on check-in!  Woohoo!  Food in the morning, plus wandering around town without the climb back. 

Drea and I reserved male and female dorm room beds, but we’ve ended up in a ‘mixed’ room, although without roommates so far. Here’s a picture of Andrea getting her bed ready. Tomorrow morning: BIKE ASSEMBLY!