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Blaine:

The route you have mapped out is the fastest and most direct. However, it sucks. You are missing all the good driving roads & great scenery. I suggest you give yourself an additional day of driving time, and go through Kelowna, Vernon, Nakusp, Nelson, Kaslo etc. This will make your drive a wonderful experience, rather than a boring drone stuck behind trucks on the TransCanada.
quote:
Originally posted by eclectechie:This implies an overnight stay in Jasper, which means I shouldn't book all of the nights in Canmore.

For me, this would seem to make sense for the last night of the get-together, as I could head back to Victoria from Jasper instead of booking an odd additional night back in Canmore.

Marcus:

The post you are referring to was just a test to figure out how I could post route maps here, and a way of stimulating discussion on the Nordegg route to or from Jasper.

My current thinking is to plan the Jasper overnight trip for last, as you suggest. I will copy you directly with my last e-mail on the subject so you will have all the details of my proposal, which actually consists of two nights in snug, cozy cabins in Jasper with lots of shopping, sightseeing and a boat ride, all in the service of building up enough WAF points for a good hard run back to Canmore via Nordegg & Rocky Mountain House.
Well, I'm sorry about this, but I can no longer make the Canmore trip. More accurately, my Pantera can't make it.

It appears that Michelin was serious about their Pilot Sport PS2s not being safe below 5 degrees C in the rain; once they let go, they do not regain traction. End result in my case was a trip into the concrete highway median divider.

The car sustained some sheet metal damage and broken suspension parts on the right side. Both doors are untouched and work normally, so the damage is most likely just cosmetic, but I will know better early next week after the car undergoes a detailed inspection.

I think I now know how someone feels when they see one of their fingers lying on the bandsaw... Frowner
Marcus,
Sorry to hear about your mishap. I had a similar experience with my P7's. Very lucky for me there were no obstacles around. Gave me a nasty scare, though, when I realized how fast I could have turned this thing of beauty into a pile of junk!
Sincerely, I hope it is not serious and that she is back good as new A.S.A.P.
Doug M
Blake,

Definately still interested !!
I really like your original itinerary/schedule.
I am off work from Thurs. 12th to Tues.17th
Unfortunately, my wife cannot get time off in June and will only be able to join me on Sat. & Sun. I'm going to commute in and out of Calgary daily for this reason. I will be ready to go anytime, anywhere the group decides. Smiler
Doug M
I think we may need to reset the schedule given that it will be an all-Alberta gathering (with the exception of Peter who is coming in from BC).

I don't think I can make all four days and would propose a more condensed intinerary that includes driving, driving, eating, driving, beer drinking (a single), driving, picture taking, driving and a nice dinner.

I could convince my wife to stay out in the hills for one evening, but I would be pushing it for much more (as we have young kids).

Doug and I are heading to the Show and Shine tonight and will put our combined brain power together on something that may work for everyone ...
Hi Blake,

It's not really a show and shine as in an organized thing. Just a gathering of car guys (and gals) that happens every Wed. night weather permitting at the Home Depot parking lot, Glenmore and McLeod Tr. from 6:30 - 9:30. On a busy night we can get 200 cars or more. All different shapes and sizes.
As far as the get together, I'm game for anything.
Yup. I'm coming all right. I am fighting to avoid some work stuff that is threatening to interfere with the first three days. The worst case scenario may be that I don't show up until noon Saturday.

BTW, as far as I know, Ted & Dragica from Edmonton are still planning to come with their amazing Amerisport GT5-S. I'll give them a call and confirm.
Blake's original itinerary is below. My comments follow ...

quote:
Originally posted by Blake:
Canmore Pantera Meet - June 13th-16th, 2008

June 13th - The Golden Triangle
-breakfast at Summit Cafe in Canmore
-Hwy #1 to Castle Junction/#93 to Radium, BC(Yoho National Park Hot Springs for a dip)/side trip to Invermere, BC.(a bit of shopping)/a slight backtrack to Golden, BC - lunch at the top of Kicking Horse(Eagle's Eye Restaurant) and a visit with Boo the bear(www.kickinghorseresort.com)/back on route #1 to Canmore through Kicking Horse Pass and Lake Louise
-supper in Banff - St. James Gate Irish Pub

June 14th - Easy going day
-brunch at The Quarry in Canmore
-#1 west to Takaka Falls in BC
-Emerald Lake Lodge - hike around the lake - must wear off the calories from lunch(absolutey stunning area!)
-Lake Louise - Post Hotel for cocktails
-return to Canmore
-Crazyweed for supper

June 15th - Canmore Car Show
-breakfast is up to you(no plans)
-10AM - the annual Canmore Show and Shine(a good turnout of fine Panteras would be appreciated)...remain until 12:30-1:00PM.
-#1 east to Hwy #40 south - Kananaskis Country
-late lunch at The Pub in Kananaskis Village(site of the G-8 summit a few years back)
-continue south on #40 to Longview/north on 22 to Millarville/backroads to Bragg Creek and then to Cochrane/#1A back into Canmore
-picnic supper at Mount Norquay in Banff(Banff restaurant if weather does not permit)

June 16th - Brewster Icefields Centre
-breakfast at Melissa's in Banff
-#1 west to Lake Louise/Icefields Parkway to Brewster's Centre(Snowcoach ride on the glacier)
-lunch at Num-Ti-Ja Lodge(Icefields Parkway)
-Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a walk down the lake - Plain of the Six Glaciers/cocktails at the Chateau
-back to Canmore - BBQ at Blake's


Due to Peter's schedule (and possibly Ted's), should we consider cancelling the 13th? That way, we can meet up on the afternoon of the 14th and maybe concentrate on introductions and "inspections" followed by dinner in Canmore?

The 15th can be a solid day of driving followed by breakfast on the 16th and a quick drive before we depart.

Thoughts?
Oh, the Canmore Show n Shine on the 15th would be a great event for five or so cats to roll in on ...

Blake, you should plan to pop in to Calgary for the Wed night show next week. That way, we can nail down the details with Doug before the Canmore Run. I'm hoping the guy with the orange L slaps a plate on his car for next Wed. I'd love to see that cat ...
Here's my 2 cents worth:

If Peter and Ted can make it for Friday 13th, leave that day as is. That is a beautiful drive and should not be missed.
If they cannot make it: cancel Friday, start the get together noon on Saturday, meet everybody, dinner.
When the original schedule was drawn up, I passed the word to all my car buddies (from the camaro days) that we were going to be at the Canmore show and shine on Sunday and most of them said they would bring their cars out for the show. Hopefully we are still planning to attend?
We should do the Friday scheduled drive after the show and shine. It's daylight until 10:00 p.m. this time of year.
Monday should also be a full day, maybe do the drive originally scheduled for Sat.? Substitute the picnic supper for the BBQ at Blakes (if he is still willing?)
Just my thoughts.
When I saw the original schedule I arranged to be off work from Fri. till Tues. and plan to be out in the mountains driving every day.
As I said earlier, I am game for anything.
Doug M
Guys:

Please do not change any plans on my account.

As things stand, I have a fixed commitment on June 12 in Fort St. John. I have booked flights that get me out of Calgary on the evening of the 11th, and get me back on the evening of the 12th. However, I also now have another possible important work commitment on the 9th in Prince George. Therefore, I am debating driving to Canmore via Prince George, arriving on the 11th flying back home again for the 12th, back to Calgary that same day. In the alternative, I could just drive down on the 13th, overnight in Edmonton, and arrive in Canmore mid-day on the 14th. Anyway, the point is that everything is in flux, and you should just not worry about me.

I talked to Ted, and he may or may not be able to come. He has some worries about getting his car to Canmore and back, plus a possible competing commitment. He will let us know one way or the other as soon as he can.
My latest itinerary has me arriving in Canmore on Wednesday the 11th. I will have to fly out of Calgary that same day to attend a meeting back home, so I will leave my trailer and car at a friend's in Priddis. I will return on the evening of the 12th, so I should be ready to rock on Friday morning.

Blake, will there be a place I can safely leave my trailer in Canmore, or should I leave it in Priddis?
Peter,

That's great news about Friday! Smiler
If it is any help, I can store your trailer and car in the shop I work at. Barlow & 20th Ave. about 5 Km from the airport! Secure with an alarm system. You could drop it off anytime on the 11th and pick it up any time on the 12th. I will send you a PM with my personal cell#.
Doug M
Excellent observation, Husker.

I am still blown away at how no two Panteras are the same. These three, built within 18 months of each other, bear some very different original features and mods.

Having owned my cat for two months now, I am amazed at how the Pantera looks so differnet - so stylish, so gorgeous - from each and every angle. Tom Tjaarda certainly did an outstanding job in designing the Pantera.
Last edited by ea3528
quote:
Originally posted by Blake:
Peter, will you be able to make breakfast in Canmore for 9:30 AM in Canmore on Friday?

Yes, I hope so. I'll be dead exhausted, but I'll do my best to drag my carcass there. However, I will not be able to stay for supper in Banff. I need to be in Red Deer that evening for an important reunion with old friends, and so I will just keep going once we reach Banff after our Golden Triangle run. I will be back first thing on Saturday morning, though.
Here's my deal ...

I will drive out Friday morning to meet you all for breakfast and make the Golden Triangle drive. Afterwards, I will head home that evening to gather the family together to spend Sat/Sun in Banff.

(I have our travel agent working a room package at one of the resorts. She usually can find a good deal. Stay tuned.)

I am in for the entire day on Sat and then the Canmore Show n Shine and drive on Sunday.

It currently looks like I will NOT make the Monday drive due to work commitments. Regardless, the three days of driving will be EXCELLENT ... and the weather looks promising!
quote:
Originally posted by Blake:
Erik, Doug and Peter;
take a look at the following for accomodations in Canmore:

1. www.bellstar.ca - Lodges and Canmore Crossing
Google:
2. Bear and Bison
3. Creekside Country Inn

Good parking facilities at 2 & 3 for your Pantera. They are side by side....Bear and Bison more high end.


I booked a room at the Rimrock in Banff, which was a must for entertaining the two kids. Rate was steep - so I won't even pass it along. Ouch!
Well, the weather is looking to improve for the weekend, but let's keep our fingers crossed.

My daughter's dance recital got moved to Sat morning - so I will be a little late joining up for that drive ... however, I am still bringing the family for the night and will be in for the evening festivities and Sunday drive and car show.

Monday is still tenative for me due to work obligations ...
quote:
Originally posted by Blake:
are we still shooting for 9:30 AM in Canmore on Friday morning? Craig's Restuarant on Bow Valley Trail(1A-Gasoline Alley) next to the Tim Horton's would be a good place for breaky.


See you there in the morning, Blake. I spoke with Doug and he and Peter got everything sorted. Time to roll!
Great day yesterday; incredible roads winding through some unbelievable scenery. Blake and his charming wife are the consumate hosts (I'm spoiled to the point of feeling guilty), and the company is just the best!

Doug not only saved my bacon by storing my rig at his shop so that I could make my crazy flight schedule, but also chauffeured me around while entertaining me with lots of gearhead talk. Many thanks, Doug!

Erik has a Pantera you just have to see. Just beautiful. And he's a great guy to boot!

The cats got wet, and my MSD went (thanks to Blake for the rescue mission!), but it was still an awesome, awesome day.

What an experience. I'm glad I made it down for this, and the best thing is that there are still three more days to go!
plenty of pics taken(over 400 photos in two days....two more days to go). Too busy having fun....will organize photos on Tuesday. Car show and Highwood pass today. The Pantera passion is alive in Canmore! Sunny sky, snow topped mountains, beautiful roads and great people to drive with....what more could you ask for?
Sorry, David, but my camera died along with my MSD (and now my starter). However, the other guys have cameras and have been taking videos and stills. I'm sure they will post when they get home and have time.

Yesterday was a total blast. The rain finally stopped, and we went for a great run north up the Icefields Parkway; 300km of great roads, incredible scenery, and even better company. Blake's clutch slave went, but he had a spare and so Doug and his son's friend (along for the ride) had him on the road in no time.

There were lots of stretches where we found ourselves cooking along at speeds that even David would find satisfying. Razzer

Incident one:

My starter is not working so, when I pulled into a gas station at Lake Louise, I had to leave the car running while I waited for a suitable pump to vacate (ie one from which we could push start my car). As I was sitting there, a cop appears out of nowhere, and starts giving me a hard time about how loud my exhaust is. He claims he was working in his nearby office, and thought "a bunch of Harleys had pulled in." Fortunately, he did not write me up.

Incident # 2

At a gas station near the icefields, I had the following exhange with the gas station attendant as my car sat there idling:

Attendant: Your car has a four four cylinder, right?

Peter: (stunned pause, as the car sat there rumbling -- like a whole pack of Harley's, apparently) Yup. (pause) Well, actually, it has a V-8.

Attendant: The later ones all came with four cylinders, though.

Peter: Oh yeah. Those were a lot faster, and they sounded really, really mean.
Last edited by peterh
Totally righteous day today. We started by making a fashionably late entrance into a local car show, and creating a sensation by rumbling onto the field in formation.

We then took off for a picnic lunch in a field with a spectacular view of the mountains, and then we proceeded to tear up those same mountains with four snarling cats. We eventually reached an elevation where there was snow all around us. Then we flew back down, throwing up rooster tails of dust (the road had only just opened today for the season).

It was a perfect Pantera day. My hat is off to Blake and his charming, lovely wife for having arranged all this.
Last edited by peterh
Snow? Rooster tails of dust?

Are you kidding? No way us pussy East coast guys would get our cars so dirty!

Just kidding. Wow. It sounds like a great time. And glad to hear you are being so well cared for. I sure wish we were there.

Blake, watch out for Peter. Don't leave him alone with your wife.

SOME PICS WOULD BE NICE! NO DIGITAL CAMERAS OR INTERNET IN THE MOUNTAINS YET?
In terms of a complete recap, I am still TOTALLY speechless from the Canmore Run - so a few 'teaser' pix will have to do ...

The below snap was taken on a really cool one-way bridge at the base of the Kicking Horse Resort in Golden, BC. The President of the resort followed us down the hill and stopped us to ask if we would be interested in bringing our cats to show off at an upcoming exotic car show he is planning. The answer? Of course, just as long as you close the two miles of pristine switch-back roads ... just long enough for us to eat them up on our way to the top!

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Images (1)
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Blake has a Pantera.

Blake drives up the mountain on twisty roads.

Blake drives down the mountain on twisty roads.

Blake drives very fast.

Blake invites his friends.

Blake's friends drive up the mountain on twisty roads.

Blake's friends drive down the mountain on twisty roads.

Blake and his friends drive very fast.

The police do not catch them.

Blake and his friends are very happy.

The end.

---------------------------

WoooHOOOO!!!! What a rush!! What a great group of people!

Gotta do it again. Soon.
thanks everyone for a great four days of socializing and driving! It was fantastic to have Bobby, James, Roy, Kathy, Brigette and Lilly(& Erik's son) join us.
I will post more pics as soon as I have some time to figure out how to reduce the file size. I shall also burn some CD's.
Let's plan a weekend in the Fernie/Kimberly area for late Aug. Anyone in the Vernon area in July, please look me up. There is no speed limit on he lake....I think I am going to name my boat "Pantera".
Just got a txt from my buddy in Banff. He heard a bunch of Sunshine workers talking about 'these killer sports cars' that ripped up to the hill on Monday. I suppose making an 8KM run in less than 3 minutes makes for good conversation. He asked the guys and they said we were the talk of the village all day.

By the way, he has since given up his search for a Ferrari 308. He has been converted!
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