27.610 USB Conversation

Tuning around and heard one side of a conversation on 27.610 in USB 9:30 pm this evening. I noticed the frequency was just below 10 meters, though the conversation sounded like hams (very polite and using phonetics). I couldn't catch a call sign but heard the guy was from Alberta. That seems to be about 2500+ miles from me.

Do you suppose these were freebanders? I always expected freebanders to be running CB's but this signal sounded very good, and some amazing propagation!