August 18, 2017 - Lethbridge

Before leaving Kalispell, MT, Tom went to a bank that exchanges currency. The lobby was near empty.  With money in hand, he stepped up to the teller and asked her if he could exchange currency.  Her response...Are you a customer?  He said yes, I would like to exchange USD for CAD.  She then asked again are you a member.  Tom said "I am an American citizen and have US cash I would like to exchange".  She said that it was the banks policy not to exchange money for non members.  She seemed to be at a loss for words when asked how the bank differentiates between American citizens with American money and their customers.  Tom finally asked for the manager, who came over and gave Tom a line about the banks new policy because people were coming in and exchanging money and taking up too much time.
Mentally analyzing the task...hmmm.  100 X 1.2586 = ???,  then reach into a drawer and pull out the money.  Tom replied to the manager, "I guess it isn't a full service bank".  His reply,  ...for the members it is.  " I don't suppose you would open an account for 1 cent".   Today's rating for the First Inte_state Bank wasn't what you would want for a business.
Today's writer is Tom...can you imagine Grammie writing this. 

We crossed over the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP.  Tom got some video with a GOPRO borrowed from Doug.  Too much memory to post.

On our way to Lethbridge we finally reached the border crossing.  The line going into Canada...4 cars.  The one going into the US...about 5 times that.  People standing outside their cars waiting for the line to move.  After typing in our plate number into the computer as we drove up, he asked where we were from.  Knowing that he already knew, I replied Newport Maine.  No time to be a wise guy.
He asked where were going, and if we had any firearms.  He returned our passports (remember Mainers...no passports, no flying starting is Jan 2018)...and we were on our way. 

The countryside is very flat and about 950 meters in altitude.  Speed limit...100 km/hr.

After the view of the mountains and all the pics, I decided it was kids day.

OK you big kid out there...you know who you are.

 The Hampton Inn and Suites in Lethbridge

20 miles over the border we stopped in Cardston, AB, CA and pulled into a parking slot.  Alice noticed a fabric and quilt shop across the street,  and I saw a bank right in front of the car.   We parted ways and I went into the TD Canada Trust bank.  The "Green Machine" did exactly as it was programmed, and for all you kids out there, next time you go to a bank,  get free money at the ATM.

 This particular machine did dispense in 2 denominations.

By the way, I did want to get a picture of Grammie coming out of the water slide. 

We had supper at the nearby Casino because it was close.

 

Thanks for keeping an eye out for Grammie