Getting the good Oil on a flamin' rivalry

Does it get any better?

The Coliseum.

9 goal thriller, extra time, shoot out, the bragging rights of Alberta on the line and the possiblity of play offs for one of the teams.
The ice hockey game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames was slow to start with only one goal in period 1 - but after that you just had to hold everything in until the end of the shoot out.

We really enjoyed the atmosphere in the Coliseum (Rexall Place). It was a real "oil slick' as we were the only ones in the crowd not wearing a teams paraphernalia.
The local fans really embrace their team ensuring they are fully 'lubricated' throughout the night.

And the show begins..................

Honestly guys, it may look and smell like it, but it wasn't me!

Spot the puck!

Entertainment even during the breaks - dodgem cars.

The moment of truth - the shoot out.

It isn't cheap to watch a National Hockey game but we certainly got our moneys worth on Saturday.

And what all the fight is about.

A fact unknown to many Canadians (and Australians I suspect) is that a few Australians play Ice Hockey. A recent story from an Australian student news  program (Behind the News) generated some interest and plenty of mirth amongst my students:


 http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3160646.htm

Whilst Canada has lost the rivalry for being the biggest country in the world (although they are catching up with a few more independent Russian states) they continue to lead the race for the largest objects in the world. This weekend we had the privilege of seeing two more. The pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Egg) is a masterpiece of engineering and design. It symbolizes prosperity, life, food, fortune and eternity. It was erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Is this free range or battery?

The world largest Pysanka

Not 100% sure what the worlds largest sausage represents, other than a big feed. However we are looking forward to visiting Vilna (just north of Mundare) to view the worlds largest mushrooms and  completing the trip to view the worlds biggest omelette ingredients!

Words fail me!

 

 

 

 Not necessarily a rivalry, but something that continues to impress, are the majestic and ornate churches in the area. In fact Lamont (north East of Edmonton) is labelled the Church Capital of North America with 46 historic churches in the County.

 

It may not be the worlds largest National Park, but Elk Island National Park east of Edmonton certainly rivals most for its preservation of wildlife. The park is renowned for the big six icons of Canadian wildlife: the Wood and Plains Bison, the White Tail and Mule Deer, Elk and Moose.

We wondered if this was planted evidence of wildlife!

Whilst we only saw some plains and wood bison we saw plenty of evidence of the range of wildlife in the park. Tracks, body hair and recent calling cards all suggested we would encounter a deer, elk or moose soon. 

Winter in Canada may be cold, white and long but it does afford a myriad of activities; cross country skiing for us is amongst the best. The combination of exercise, tranquillity, breathtaking scenery and wilderness encounters more than makes up for the frost bite, nose icicles and hypothermia.

If these are not all season wash rooms, there will be trouble.  

               

One of these trees must be suitable!!       

A plains Bison

and its very rare cousin.... the Hippy Bison.

And on the subject of rivalry a national election has just been announced for May 2.
Thanks to Dawn, Hanneke and I are now a  great deal wiser about the Canadian election process.
Voting is not compulsory here so it will be interesting to see if the campaign is any different from Australia. One thing is for sure, if Canadian elections are anything like their Ice Hockey games, we are in for a treat.

Time to reflect

 As spring has officially arrived in Canada, it is time to reflect on what we will miss (for a few months anyway) when the warmer weather finally arrives.

The Christmas card  scenery -

The ubiquitous hockey games on any frozen water that can be found - 

and wildlife slowed down by the snow so we can take their photo -

 The good news!! is that the snow will be around (and added to) for a few more weeks yet.

We also reflected on the road signs we are unlikely to see in Australia:

 Hanneke and I reflected that we had mentioned some of our our day time activities on our blog but not what goes on when the sun goes down. So with that in mind we tried a little of the Lloydminster night life. Thanks to Krista we went to the local watering hole, Bo Diddley's,  for a game of "Name that Tune".

A thorn amongst half a dozen roses.

Hanneke, Gemma, Meaghan, Norma and Krista with Christine and Michelle hiding

A good time was had by all.
Despite not winning, our teams' knowledge of 60's, 70's and country tunes was amazing. As was the ladies' dancing ability. And as Shakespeare's Juliet alluded to, a team by any other name!

After recovering from Saturday night's frivolities we reflected that we had not been to  Hanneke's ancestral home for a while - so......

6 people were born during our visit.

What a wonderful rural community. Brought back plenty of memories for Hanneke.

On our travels we have noticed how most rural communities take great pride in their towns. Even the smallest of Hamlets have a place of worship that brings credit to their religion.

Towns also have a distinctive  large icon that highlights their community.


Lloydminster has the Border Markers.

Ernie, 28 years young and still the largest turtle in Canada.

Turtleford has Ernie - a giant turtle that was constructed to commemorate the acquisition of town status.











And Edam has the windmill to celebrate its
historical name.

 Hanneke and I are looking forward to visiting Frenchmen Butte soon!

After reflecting  on the windmill in the middle of Canada we were even more surprised to discover a working  light house in Saskatchewan.

Pirot lighthouse keeping snow mobiles safe from the rocks!

The lights house is situated at the resort town of Cochin - on Jackfish lake. A huge expanse of water that offers boating, fishing - ice, boat and beach, swimming, snowmobiling and solitude.

Come global warming this may be an ocean.

Me and my mates on Jackfish lake.

And on the way home what better place to reflect on ones mortality than the following Saskatchewan hamlet-














 Finally I am sure our thoughts at this time are with the people of Japan.
The devastating events make us pause and reflect -

How would we react in such a situation?

How would we cope with the physical and emotional circumstances?

What can we do to help from our part of the world?

Whilst watching the news coverage with my grade 9 class one of the students made an astute observation - "Where is all the looting?". He was making reference to hurricane Katrina.

For those of you who have not seen these powerful images (courtesy of the New York Times) of before and after the earthquake follow the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html

At times like these our hearts and prayers go out for those whose lives have been changed forever and appreciation of our fortunate situation is magnified.

Climb every mountain, ski every dream.

Spring break.
Rocky Mountains.
Spectacular scenery,  sensational skiing and snow capped sight seeing,
Who could ask for more!!!

Saturday 5 March - Lloydminster to Dead Mans Flats (Canmore)

We left Lloyd Saturday morning and arrived in the Rockies late afternoon.

The good news is that if the Canadian Government ever wishes to pay off their national debt all they have to do is place a few speed cameras on Highway 2 and they would raise the money in no time. Canadians appear very law abiding citizens - until it comes to driving! I think at one stage we were over taken by a pensioner in an electric wheel chair (gopher) and we were travelling at 110 klms!!.

I hope that does not include my snoring!!!!

What would you do after 7 hours driving??

The view from our bedroom window - This mountain is called Rocky 5 I think!

What a wonderful place to worship.

Sunday 6 March - Canmore and Kananaskis

Canmore is a very beautiful town. Every thing you need with a stunning backdrop. A fitting entrance to the amazing Rocky Mountains.


After our self-guided tour of the town we ventured south to the village of Kananaskis.  Set in the foothills of the mountains a great place for some cross country skiing and important meetings. Apparently a G8 meeting was held in Kananaskis in the late 80's. George Bush was so impressed with the place  he thankfully decided  not to invade it

Do we ski on the right or left in Canada?

I just hope the bears' alarm clocks are set for daylight saving! Would you want to meet one after reading this?

Monday 7th March - Banff.

The tourist hub of the South Rockies. More Australians here than in Harvey. Even though there is no surf, Banff has so much to see and do.

You just have to go on the Banff Gondola

A Banff local

Australia - over 11,000 Kilometres that way.

A Canadian delicacy - Poutine; chips, gravy and melted cheese. Yum. 

Don't worry Canadians - Macpoutine is on its way.

Imagine this scenery on your doorstep!

Tuesday 8th March - Johnston Canyon
A hearty walk on snow and ice through Johnston canyon to the "Ink Pots" (not the 60's singing group) . Worth every step.

Banff  Springs Hotel - just checking if we left the lights on in our room.

Wednesday 9th March - Lake Louise and Norquay
A scenic drive up the Trans-Canada highway to beautiful Lake Louise. The Lake was frozen so we didn't see the amazing blue colour that tourist brochures suggest. However we did see a cosy  B&B place to stay next time we are here.Almost as impressive as the Banff Springs.

Spot the guy cleaning snow from the roof!

We also had the opportunity for some more cross country skiing around the Fairview Loop.

You just do all the work dear - I will take the photos!

On the way home we stopped off at Norquay ski resort for a spot of night skiing. Great fun.

I hope they have paid the electricity bill - its going to get dark otherwise.

Look out Mr Guay here I come.

Thursday 10 March - Canmore, Calgary, lloydminster
On our way home we had the opportunity to visit an inner city high school in Calgary. Thanks to Richard we were able to have an extensive tour and see how a school with 1200 students from grade 7-12 functions.

Queen Elizabeth High school - Calgary

Quick, they may grab me to do some subbing!!

Friday 11th March - Lashburn
On Friday I had the opportunity to visit another high school. Lashburn High school is a relatively small rural high school catering for grade 7 - 12.(http://www.nwsd.ca/schools/lhs/index.htm).
It is located about 30 minutes east of Lloyd. I was able to spend a very productive and enjoyable day interacting with the students and staff. Thank you to all who made my visit so enjoyable. I can now wear my Lobos tea shirt and toque with pride.

Lashburn High School - minus the snow!!

Saturday 12th March - Cold Lake
A huge thank you to Greig and Gay for organising our Dog Sledding adventure. Exchange teachers were invited to a farm outside Cold Lake (Pierceland) to experience real life dog sledding. Jerry the owner successfully races his dogs and we were honoured to see how he prepares his sled dogs.
The day was magic, despite the cold, with the added bonus of delicious camp coffee, open fire cooked weiners and smoky sausages, marshmallows and great company.
The day was capped off by seeing a Coyote (minus the road runner) and an elk on the way home.

Dog on the tucker box.

Come  on - mush, mush!

Solving the problem of the fuel crisis.

Not a Lassie in sight, just magnificent  pure breed sled dogs.

Sunday 13 March - Lloydminster
Marking essays!!!!!!!!