Saddletramps

It's been awhile since we communicated and I'm getting the I got in high school when my homework wasn't done. A bit of a controversyhas arisen regarding my mentioning names in my ramblings so I've reluctantly ceased the practice. But you will know who you are and that we're thinking of and thanking you for the part you play in our lives.

As we move from place to place I feel like the drifters (or saddle tramps as they were more commonly called) of old who enjoyed the hospitality of those who were more settled. To those of you, family and friends, who welcomed us and made our stay enjoyable - Thank you:

The Maple Creek area still sticks in my mind as I can enjoy the hills and trees as well as the wide open spaces. As well I must mention the winery, yes winery, south of Maple Creek, which was recently stated by a ranching family and is going great guns. Their new adobe-like building is nestled in the hills alongside a creek with fountains, ponds and vineyards. A rustic log house, no longer inhabitable, reminds one of the history of the area when settlers picked the choisest spots to erect their buildings - the ideal place offering water, firewood, building material and shelter from the prairie winds. The name of the winery is Cypress Hills Vineyards and is on the road to historic Fort Walsh, they are a must see.

From Maple Creek it was back to Rolling Hills we took a quick trip north to Patricia to connect with long-lost cousins who own the famous Patricia Hotel and Steak Pit. It was great food and great company all around. On the way back, just at dusk, we spotted the biggest set white tail antlers we'd ever seen just north of Tilley. At first I thought it was an elk. Unfortunatelty they didn't show on the photo but someone this fall have the biggest racks he's ever bagged - our plans to travel to Prince Albert squelched by doctor appointments and maladies of the motorhome type. Brake and air conditioning both requiring attention, we headed for Calgary and the generous hospitality of a good friend while the coach was being attended to. While in Calgary we attened a small rodeo in Kananaskis in order to visit the the little sweetie we used to babysit while living in Waiparous. Her dad is the pickup man and her mom the time keeper so we snuck in under the guise of grandparents of the little one. Also picking up was an old friend who daughter, a barrel racer We're very proud of her accomplishments and wish her the best in her studies. She gets to take her horse along so her dad is hauling them. It's refreshing when in these times of narcissim, to see parents who are devoted the welfare and development of ther children.

Friday, July 20n found us heading north - a brief stop to visit a dear 94 year old aunt in Olds - then on to Drayton Valey to spend a few days with friends.. More hospitality , including golf with a buddy, who is always good for a tip or two (when asked) and a side trip to Brazeau Dam to the west. The damn was build in the '60's to provide hydro power and a steady water supply to communities down stream. TGhe earthworks are amazing as the water is stored then directed several miles to the actual generating site. Huge flumes carry the water down to the generators, the the water is allowed to continue it's leisurely trip through its natual course. Drayton Valley is a bustling little burg with indications of a healthy enery industry continuing for sometime. Whin DV we discover a defective wiring job from the coach to the CRV so an hour and several dollars later we were once again on the road.

Monday evening we pulled into rain soaked Grande Prairie where evidence of abundant, if not excessive, mositure could be seen in the streets and the fields. Fortunately we missed the big downpour which flooded the s treets and left hay swaths turning black. It's disheartening to see rain filled ruts in an alfalfa field where desparate measures to save the crop are of no avail. Our Grande Prairie friends are alsway a joy to visit and we got cuddle the new grandson - a happier and more contented baby we've never seen.

While in Grande Praire I had the opportunity to drive the gravel truck I drove last fall. I'm going to encourage Nan to get her Class 3 so we can trade off driving truck as well as the motorhome. ( I do have my air ticket)

Saturday July 28 we parked in beautiful little downtown La Glace. The countryside is amazing with gentle hills and wide valleys where lush crops get plenty of rain and heat. We've noticed how late night fall is this far north which makes for long evenings around the campfire. Youngsters make the gathering more fun but we're reminded why we have children when we're young and active. A great game of golf or more games and a bar b q, then a fantastic lightning show rounded off the evening and we're expecting rain tonight - judging byt the clouds. I'm impressed by the number of original farm buildings still standing in the area - including many log structures. It seems the locals have an appreciation for their heritage and are relunctant to destroy the evidence of it.

Those of you concerned for Benson's welfare will be relieved to know that he is adjusting well to life on the road. With a little coaxing he will even endure perching on the dash until we meet alarge noisy truck then he jumps back on Nan's lap to be assured that the world is not crashing down around his head. He's even beginning to endure the attention of small children and this evening was quite happy to retrieve for a five year old who learned that when she didn't chase him he would gladly return the ball. Today while we ejoyed an afternoon of family golf Nan went to Grande Prairie and returned with a game of Bocce Ball. It proved to be popular with both children and adults with a 10 year old showing the rest of us how the game should be played.

We are now in Fort St John Aug 1 and heading tomorrow stay tuned for more developments.