We had a two week road trip through Alberta and Saskatchewan with Taisho (a hero and a hit). Couple of days in Drumheller and the Badlands and Dinosaur museum (highly recommended). Two nights at the former CN Hotel Bessborough in Saskatoon ( Shakespeare on the River, the Remai Modern Art Gallery, river walks, coffee shops – all great), quick stop at Manitou Salt Water Lake where even the goats can float, 2 nights at Wolseley to see the Queen of the Prairies (photo is from the swinging bridge looking towards the Opera House build in 1906). Moose Jaw (tunnels and Sukanen historic outdoor museum – again highly recommended. #2 to Medicine Hat and then on to Fernie and a few nights in Nelson, our favorite.
This is like the combines I remember from my youth, while the next photo is a current combine owned by my cousin. Farms and equipment have gotten much larger over the years, and there are many fewer people in the countryside.
I built a rock wall and platform for road grit (under the tarp) which we use once or twice a winter if the driveway gets icy. I use a 5 gallon pail and spread it from the ATV. The grit pile used to be on the left side of the driveway but I have begun to dig out and level a 12 x 25 foot area for a future shelter so I needed to move the grit.
A friend came over and with the help of some chains, long steel pry bars and the bobcat, we were able to pull down about 12 large rocks from the area behind these rocks, including these rocks. That area will eventually be leveled and the soil amended so we can plant a tree and some bushes. The red 2′ level gives an idea of the size of the rocks. This now completes the two side walls of the ramp leading to the upper area. Still need to place and level some crushed rock on the ramp itself.
And we bought some end-of-season patio furniture. Makes the outdoor area much more inviting and comfortable.
Had another road trip at the end of the month. Coop and Mark took a vehicle to Slocan (West Kootenays) and I went by motorbike on some excellent winding roads. We camped in a municipal campground and rented kayaks for the day to paddle up / down the river running south from Slocan Lake. A good time was had by all. Slocan was a silver mining town and at one point had 12 hotels. It was also an internment center for Japanese Canadians during the war, including David Suzuki and Joy Kogawa. It now has a population of about 250.
