Edmonton via Drumheller

We are now in Edmonton, after driving through Calgary, a side trip in to Drumheller, and a quick look around Innisfall. Drumheller was spectacular, and has to be seen, because I couldn't capture in pictures how you could be driving along through expansive fields, and then plunge into the canyon.

We ran upthe road a bit to check out the hoodoos.

And then back to get a pic of the big dinosaur for Stacy (she likes big things).

On the drive up to Edmonton I took a picture of one of the many huge grain terminals we have seen. Everything is bigger out here...the fields, the tractors, and the farms.

Pincher Creek, Alberta

Why should you relax on a vacation, when you can go... Another time change yesterday, when we crossed into Alberta, so now we are 3 hours behind. So we were up early again this morning, with our genealogist hats on. It took us longer to find the cemetary, than it did to find the gravestones of my Great Granddad, Henry E. Hyde; Great Grandmom Emily; and Great Step Grandmom Jean. They are pictured with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

After a drive down Hyde St., we headed off towards Fort MacLeod.

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump was really interesting and enjoyable. I remember learning in school about how the natives tricked whole herds of buffalos into stampeding over the cliffs, which I imagine was a whole bunch easier than killing them other ways before they had guns. I am not sure PETA would agree with their methods.

Then back past Pincher Creek towards the Rockies. A short drive through the town of Cowley, looking for the Hyde house, but that was unsuccessful. We checked out Frank Slide, which I didn't remember, but was the worst rockslide in Canadian history, back in '03..1903 that is. The whole moutain side (Turtle Mountain) fell down on the mining village, but it turned out the mine was the place to be, as the miners all survived. We also stopped in at the Leitch Collieries, but that wasn't too exciting.

And seeing as we were right there, we scooted through the Crows Nest Pass to British Columbia, and got a picture of that sign.

Back to Pincher Creek again, but there was still time left in the day,so we drove south, to the Waterton National Park. Lovely drive, lovely vistas, and we got to see some buffalo that weren't going to have to jump off a cliff.

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Spell that 3 times fast... I'm lost now, but I think it was Thursday morning we left Winnipeg at a good early hour and drove to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Home of our Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and apparently a big Moose. Stacy will like the picture of the moose because she likes pictures of big things.

We found the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, and donned the requisite white robes, and proceded to the wonderful, healing, hot, (113 F.) mineral spring pool.

After a short time in the pool, Sarah went for a run, while I continued to heal. Then we had a wonderful supper, another short time in the pool, which completely drained us. Whether it was early to bed or the time changes, we were up early and the first people in the pool this morning. So it was our place to greet everyone as they arrived, and we met several nice couples. It was really neat to be in the outdoor pool, with the outside temperature below 0.

After our cooling down showers, we packed up and hit the road again. Alberta bound!

And now, here we are in a huge room, at a beautiful new Super 8, in Pincher Creek Alberta. I've already held the laptop up to the window, to show my view of the Rocky Mountains to several people that have skyped us since we arrived here.

Still in Winnipeg

First thing this morning we took a short drive over to Balfour Ave. to see the house that I lived in when I was little. Funny how you can remember things. Like the bright sunny Saturday morning out bouncing a ball with Sheila while Mom and Dad slept in. Or walking down to the school on the corner, looking in the windows for Sheila, and being chased home by a teacher. One thing that surprised me was how close the school was. It was a much longer walk when I was 4 years old!

We then parked the car back at the hotel and walked down to The Forks, explored the market, climbed the observation tower, and then walked by the Assiniboine River to where it met the Red River.

Then a tour of downtown and a meal of fish and chips at an English pub on King St.

Winnipeg...and Saint Paddy's Day!!

Not quite as early start this morning, but we easily got where we were going.  We started off backtracking a bit to have a visit with Terry Fox, who did his thing back in the year Sarah and I got married. But it still brings a tear to your eye to see the statue.

Then shortly after we left Thunder Bay we had to turn our watches back again, but we were prepared...Mike had Skyped us before we left to forewarn us.

After an enjoyable drive through western Ontario, we entered Manitoba....

Just in time to find our hotel during rush hour...

Thunder Bay

Today was a long day (I ain't as good as I once was..) We left North Bay at 7:00, and I got to see The Big Nickel. I remember learning about that in school.

Then on to Sault Ste. Marie...

And then up to Wawa, and the Big Goose.

We then enjoyed a spectacular drive southbound on the west side of Lake Superior, complete with scenic vistas and crazy truck drivers passing on double lines through 2 lane cuts in the mountains. We arrived in Thunder Bay just after 9:00.

Recuperating in North Bay

The past several days have been busy and eventful for us. Last Wednesday we had the annual meeting for NB Eggs, and on Thursday the Kings Co. Soils and Crops recognized us at a banquet at Up to Par in Midland. It was nice to have so many family and friends come out to be there with us. Thank you!
Then on Friday morning we got up fairly bright and early and headed out on our trip. Our first visit was with Jessy Allaire, Victoria's friend in Princeville QC. He was waiting for us with a big bag of cheese curds, which he knew we both loved.
Mike's was the next stop, and as usual he had a great meal for us. It was nice to see Jocelyn again, and nice to have a table to eat at.

Taylor came over too.

After a few beer, Mike showed us how well he could play the drums.

Saturday morning found us heading towards Montreal, and a lunch with April and Greg.

Mary Anne was waiting for us on Ottawa with balloons. She was quite proud of our achievement as the NB Farm of the Year.

We even had a special meal and a special cake. Thank you Jim and Mary Anne!

Brigitte came over with her 2 boys.

And Judy, we hadn't seen her in ages.

It was good to see Chris and Emily.

Thanks again for everything, Jim. We'll Skype you every night!

So, today we drove to North Bay, way too short a drive considering how far we plan to go, but we figured we should have one easy day. And who'd a thunk it would be 16 degrees in the middle of March here.

A Nice Sunday

It is so nice to have a good sunny day once in a while, and to have it on a Sunday is special. Sarah poked a chicken in the oven and called Grandma and Victoria to come for supper. Sarah and I took a walk down to the woods road and back. Nice. Then Grandma got here in time to see some of the pictures of the Ice Hotel in Quebec City that Carrie shared with us on Skype.
Vicky and Brad arrived in for supper and Vic posed for a few pictures.

Beautiful Day

Today was a really nice day....especially after the wild winds we had every other day this week. So this morning I dug the all season wheels out of the shed and Jesse replaced our studded winter wheels.
Putting on our all season wheels is in preparation for our Cross Canada (or North American if time allows) trip that we are heading out on next Friday. We have spent the last week getting our affairs in order, and will likely spend next week doing the same, and although we still won't have everything done, we are planning on heading out Friday morning. Exciting.
I topped up the windshield washer too...
It was also nice to have Ben and Maria stop by to check on their wine. They were only too happy to be put to work stabilyzing a batch, so now they can say they helped make it.  

Congratulations Canada!!!

 

I feel it is my patriotic duty to congratulate all the athletes that did Canada so proud in this years Winter Olympic games. Way to go Canada!!!

Stacy's 4th M-S Global Dinner Party

 

Today we went over to Stacy and Gilbert's for her 4th M-S dinner party. We are so proud of Stacy for the effort she puts into her own fundraiser in support of M-S. We all would like to see her bike with us, and I am sure that the "I am Pregnant" excuse will not be here forever.

Bradford was a star, eating everything in sight.

Until Uncle Jesse arrived, then he had some serious competition.

We were happy to have Sheila and Art make the trip fom Nackawic, and Grandma came too. Grandma wouldn't stand up for the picture as she was busy playing with a cat, and Art...well he was just busy.....