My wife and I just got back from a three day trip to Cranbrook BC and Fort Steele - its one of our favorite jaunts across the border since its very close and Ft. Steele is great fun. Ft. Steele is an old fort and mining boom town nesteled at the base of the Canadian Rockies. Itt was more or less abandoned when the railroad passed through Cranbrook, 20 miles to the south in 1898. Today it is a provincial heritage park - with buildings and furnishings restored to the 1890's, volunteers in costume demonstraiting skills of the time in some residences and storefronts, and actors performing street theatre throughout the day acting out the story of this community and its residents. Everyone there is "in character" 100% of the time so you feel as if you've been transported back in time. Great fun!

Later that day we were picking up a few things from a grocery store in Cranbrook - and there on the isle were loads of bottles of Irn Bru. Now I've heard about Irn Bru - but its tough as nails finding the stuff here in the U.S. I decided it was time for a personal taste test so I picked up a bottle, chilled it down, and really enjoyed its curiously refreshing flavor and its uniquely orange color. Irn Bru is a real hit with this kilt wearer.

Needless to say I came back across the border with a small stash of Irn Bru, some photos from Ft. Steele, and some great memories for my wife and I to share!

So here's to Canada and Irn Bru - thanks for the great time!