Day 3
Today has been a terrific day. We awoke to stunning view of the Canadian Rockies directly behind our RV. The sun was highlighting the now and glaciers - what a beautiful sight. This part of Canada reminds me of Kansas - lots of flat, rolling wheat fields. Only the wheat fields are only a few inches tall. The growing season has just started here. It was sunny and warm today - the temperature may have reached 65 degrees - a real heat wave!!
The bus picked us up at 8:30 and we began a day of tours. Our first stop was in Cardston, a small town of 3500. Cardston sports the Remington Carriage Museum. Inside were displayed over 250 horse drawn carriages that have been restored to their original state. A guide took us through the museum and told us about many of the carriages. We saw early 19th century versions of an 18 wheeler,RV, and school bus as well as many others. They took us through a storage warehouse where over 150 different carriages, sleighs, and wagons are waiting their time to be displayed. We also toured the restoration workshop and saw a piano box carriage that was being restored. This museum was voted "the Best Indoor Attraction in Canada," and I can understand why. It was interesting.
Following a short bus ride, we arrived at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This facility interprets how the native Indians over 1000 years ago slowly herded buffalo across the prairie until they were able to force them to stampede over a cliff and fall over 100'do their death. Between 200 and 300 buffalo were slaughtered in this way. Waiting at the bottom of the cliff was the remainder of the tribe who set about butchering and processing the buffalo carcases. The museum had displays showing how the various parts of the buffalo was used for clothing, tools, etc. They also discussed how the buffalo was hunted almost to extinction during the 19th century. It was fascinating to see how they process the meat and preserved it for use over the next year. The buffalo jump occurred in early fall, and the food collected had to sustain the tribe for the remainder of the year. We walked to the top of the cliff to see where the jump occurred after watching a movie that depicted how the Indians prepared for and herded the buffalo. A harsh but fascinating way of living.
These were two excellent tours, and should you come to Alberta, I would recommend them highly.
After returning to the RV park we had a travel meeting to discuss tomorrow's route to Calgary and interesting things to see on the way. That was followed by a social hour and then the Welcome to Canada Dinner. The dinner was held in the Barn at the Great Canadian Barn Dance. Every Friday and Saturday night they have a dinner and show. Tonight our group - about 40 people - were joined by probably 50 - 60 others for a fabulous dinner - chicken, roast beef, vegetables, bread, and apple crunch and ice-cream (all you can eat). Then the family that runs this place put on a 2 hour country music show. It was mainly old country music, with a little Elvis, Bach, and comedy thrown in. They were fabulous. Great food and great entertainment. They said there would be a barn dance, but there was no room to dance with all the tables and chairs for dinner. Too bad!
Tomorrow, we leave for Calgary, Alberta - about a 175 mile drive. Thunderstorms are forecast, but hopefully they will come and go quickly. I'll report about what we see tomorrow. Til then, Happy Trails!!
Didn't you go to the Great CANADIAN Barn Dance?
ReplyDeleteJeff