Friday, May 10, 2024

Alberta Trip 2023 Day 7 Sunday June 11 Edmonton to Calgary

 

This is the 7th of a series of posts dealing with my 2023 trip to Calgary, Edmonton, and vicinity. I’ve made minor corrections to these reports (typos, bits I don’t feel like making public). Also, I’ve added additional thoughts with the hindsight of a year later or to add further clarification. These are indicated by “NOW”.

 

After doing laundry I turned in (dormmates thought I was in my 20s) at around 8 but then woke up at 2 and couldn't get back to sleep. No one's fault; body was just restless. Around 5 I walked along 82nd Ave then 109 St, noticing it was getting smoky (it might well have been all along but was more noticeable). I grabbed breakfast from the usual McDonald's after the dining room (vs. take out) opened. After checking out from H-I Edmonton I took an 8 bus (Edmonton Transit) to downtown. I did a final visit to the (dry) City Hall fountain and then walked to the downtown Rider Express stop. I was originally supposed to get on at Southgate but yesterday I switched the location to ensure I got a window seat. I was first to arrive; the second person correctly guessed we needed to check in inside.

 

[NOW: The above McDonald’s is on 109 St NW].

 

Rider Express took us to Tim Horton's, Red Deer where the layover was longer than expected. Noticeably a lot more smoky there. I was going to get some lunch but they still had the breakfast menu. I decided to get a breakfast biscuit for a later lunch, but the two people at the counter were arguing and I lost interest in trying to get their attention. The bus stopped in downtown Calgary further south than before. About as smoky as Red Deer. I arrived at a bus stop. A 3 bus (all remaining transit references today Calgary Transit) that would have taken only a little longer showed up, but with my luggage there wasn't time to dash to a different bus stop. After a half hour wait a 5 bus showed up. I got a transfer but only for half an hour. I took the bus to near the hostel. I got turned around a little but finally checked in, then had a 2:15ish lunch at the nearby A&W. I did a long walk most of the way to Brentwood Centre. It was getting close to CD Trader's closing time so I got on a couple stops before Brentwood intending to use that transfer but accidentally left it on the bus. After visiting CD Trader in the mall I bought another single fare at Brentwood Station rather than risk a fine. I took the 212/Red Line CTrain to downtown Calgary.

 

I revisited Sanktjuri-Buks in Eau Claire Market, this time visiting their video section in a room on the opposite side (width) of a hall. I also returned to Prince's Island Park. I revisited the McDonald’s in the no car area though they screwed up my order. Heading north I grabbed a Slurpee from a 7-11 before returning to the hostel.

 

[NOW: The above McDonald’s is on 8th St SW].

 

Since this report's a little lean I'll add: most bus services I've used announce street bus is on first, cross street second. Edmonton Transit does the reverse. And Calgary address numbers correspond to before the cross street not after like most places. For example, 456 7th Street would be before 3rd and 4th Avenue, not before 4th and 5th.

 

Overlooked: the day before yesterday a couple of probable Mormons tried to engage me in conversation but I accurately said I was too tired to chat.

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