Day 15, 22Jun, 2011 Ghost Lake, Alberta to Irricana, Alberta

I was on the road by 8:30 a.m., under clear blue sky's with puffy, white clouds.  The road to Cochrane was an easy ride.  Turning north on Highway #22 was a different story.  (It was 4.5 km straight UP.  I exagerate only slightly!) As the gears moved downward, the mosquito's moved inward! But it was here, on my left, that I took my last look at the Rockies.  Twas kinda sad.  Lush green pastures have taken over.  A nice downhill, took me to my next roadway, Hwy 567.  The Rockies have nothing on this road.  Dramatic ups and paralyzing downhills.  Before I turned on to Hwy 772, Brian was waiting for me, with a chocolate pudding, a granola bar and a pep talk! He had also collected a bag of garbage that perhaps previous cyclists had deposited (rain coats, water bottles, cans). Hwy 772 was a little kinder to the legs.  This is Cowboy Country.  I can see why folks from Alberta, are so proud of their beef.  Big, clean animals, grazing on lush grasses.  And beautiful horses on every farm.  Turning back on to Hwy 567 we headed into Airdrie.  We had a nice buffet lunch at the Best Western Hotel.  Brian headed off for the grocery store and I headed out on the bike.  By 3 p.m. we were both in Irricana, Alberta.  I cycled 92 km today.  We are staying at the Town of Irricana Campsite.  A really nice well-maintained campground, and

reasonable priced.   Attached is the Campground Office!