"Bad" to the bone.

Fred Flintstone meets John Wayne.
We are in the "Badlands" of Canada (appropriate scenes for many a western) surrounded by Dinosaurs.

Drumheller, what an amazing place. If the landscape wasn't stunning enough, we are surrounded by 75 million year old fossils and it has to have the world's largest dinosaur..........

"Stop tickling me with that palm tree"

View from a Tyrannosaurus tongue

Ever wondered what the inside of the world's largest dinosaur looks like?

Telemarketers can ring at the most inconvenient moment

On Easter Saturday we had the opportunity to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. We arrived before lunch and they had to escort us out after the 5.00 pm  closing time. The displays were visually awesome.  Most of the fossils were found in and around the Badlands area which added to the experience. We cannot look at a rock now without seeing a fossil in it! 

Just a larger version of mine really.

The amazing museum

To conclude a wonderful day - sunset over the Red Deer River

On Sunday we visited Dinosaur Provincial Park,  south east of Drumheller. Another excellent day. The weather was beautiful, clear and warm. The scenery amazingly eerie - Hoodoos, Coulees, River Valley, Prairies. Different and interesting walking trails and an interpretive centre that helped explain our surroundings. At the end of another long day we really appreciated why this is a World Heritage Site.

Some of the "Badlands".

A hoodoo and friend

More "Badlands"

I suppose this means I have to stay here!

I think we found the Easter bunnies!

I smell an Aussie or two.

And to top it off we even got to "shoot" some wildlife......

I see an Aussie or two.

Easter Monday was again filled with warm, sunny skies and places to match.
Rosedale kept us in suspension as we crossed the historical bridge which linked the coal mine on the north side of the river to the rail  transport on the south side.

Beats paddling.

No wonder the bridge is so tall if this bloke has to get across.

The hamlet of Wayne lived up to its name sake with a hotel and bar, that has been serving thirsty miners since 1913,  straight from the wild west - no wonder this place is called the badlands.

Looks like an early form of meals on wheels!

From the wild west to the sacred east. Drumheller is famous for its Passion Play that is performed every year in July.

From (John) Wayne to Jerusalem in 15 kilometres.

Despite the explanation of how they are formed we have a suspicion that the local Hoodoos may be  fossilised dinosaur droppings.

Hoo doos or Doo doos?

Whilst on the subject of conundrums - we think we may have found the world's largest :
a) Bike Horn
b) Breast pump
c) Babies Rattle
d) Red sucker?

We had a magic Easter in Drumheller and we must make special mention of the wonderful accommodation and delightful owners Giselle and Leonard. Just as Drumheller is more than B&B (Bones and Badlands) our accommodation was so much more than a B&B.

Our happy, hospitable, helpful, healthy, hosts.

And if you are wondering why Hanneke's arm is in a sling. It is those blasted bones again! She fell of her bike and broke her elbow. The good news is the bike is fine.

The even better news is the operation was successful and she should be able to play the piano before the summer holidays.

Snow on our snags

I call this cooking method Fire and Ice

We were warned!!!

I think the cloud was just over the BBQ

After the enjoyment of our first Canadian BBQ we attempted another one.

We did not have to contend with flies or people-eating ants, we did not run out of gas, it was not 40c in the water bottle - what we did have was some uninvited snow.
I have no doubt this will not be the only time I have snow on my snags (sausages). Undaunted, Elaine and Eugene, our neighbours, accepted cooking outside whilst it is snowing as perfectly normal.
At least it was a little more difficult to burn the meat this week.

Any day is good for a Canadian BBQ.

On Sunday we thought we would go for the first bike ride of the season, courtesy of Collin and Becky's excellent bikes.

The day started fine,

Hanneke leads the "Tour de Lloydminster".

We visited the world's largest border posts

 The world's largest sun dial

How do you adjust this for daylight saving?

Maybe the world's largest headless Canadian goose!

 We took in the sights......

I want my skis back.

Dare I take this short cut on Collin's bike?

 but we forgot it is April and Spring, that means...........

I knew we should have taken two skis instead of two wheels!

Are these polystyrene balls or just another type of snow?

 So we settled for a cosy Sunday afternoon by the fire watching the snow out of the window.

Here comes the Sun.

Sunrise over Jaycee park

Plenty of energy here - the sun competing with the upgrader.

Spring -  time for a Sonnet?

Has mean winter eased its white frozen grip?

Spring reveals herself upon our senses

Conversations of weather we now skip

Geese aloft, yapping dogs behind fences

Daylight abounds on strolls to labours toil

The clutter of hats, gloves and scarves now lost

Cross walks espied along with lawns and soil

Exposed young knees now brave the morning frost

Thick white icing on roofs no longer sweet

Side walks safe as block heater cables curl

Rubber not fur adorn our boot clad feet

Abridged cool engines preparations whirl

As winter colours fade from white to grey

Springs sweet smoky smells, are you here to stay?

Yes you guessed it, we are studying Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  (The students' response being "Mr Walker, Mr Walker where for art thou Mr Walker!").

For those of you like me who need copious study guides and the invaluable website “No fear Shakespeare” to understand the bard:

Although spring had an official invitation in March she may have finally arrived - a week of positive day time temperatures.

I notice conversations about the weather have diminished. I think the feeling maybe warmer weather is here at last, let’s get on with it. 

Walking to and from school in warming daylight I have seen and heard Canadian Geese. I now realise there are cats in Lloydminster. Dogs have finally been released to brave the elements and are making up for lost time by barking at anything that moves. I also did not realise that for the past 3 months I was using a cross walk (Zebra Crossing). And I just thought Canadian motorists were polite to pedestrians.

People are venturing outside without toques (hats) and gloves. The deliciously warm fur lined boots are giving way to Wellington boots as people wade their way through puddles and swamps. 

Our planet may be saved from global warming - cars are only being warmed up for 5 minutes before being used. Previously it seemed engines were permanently running during the daytime.  At night the sensible compromise of block heaters were used. However, people parking cars on the street, oblivious to health, safety and litigation implications, ran block heater cables across the side-walk. A Canadian version of the banana peel joke.

Students are coming to school in SHORTS!!!! It is -5 in the mornings. Dread to think what they will be wearing when summer arrives.

Lloydminster has taken on a grey colour as the transition from winter to spring takes hold. (roofs no longer  blanketed in white). We are looking forward to all the beautiful colours of  green lawns and bloom. 

Other possible  indicators of spring we have noticed include:

The line up at the local car wash,

Quad bikes replacing snow mobiles in the back of trucks (utes).

Christmas decorations disappearing from trees, gardens and front doors.

Recycling collectors on the side of road where the snow has melted.

Cars in town are definitely driving faster.  

However, we have been warned winter conditions can return at any time – usually long weekends in April and May! 

So to make the most of the warmer weather  we had our first BBQ of the season – no flies, no rain, just the warm company of our friendly neighbours and deliciously charcoaled Canadian beef.

Saturday was a badminton marathon.  Bishop Lloyd entered 2 singles and three doubles teams in the Lloydminster division badminton competition held at St Mary's elementary school. 

The three Bishop Lloyd teams in their gold medal play off games.

Our 3 doubles teams made it to the gold medal play off game - the boys doubles being triumphant. Congratulations must go to all the players for their sportsmanship and organisational skills. It was also very pleasing to see so much support for all the teams from family and friends. Thanks also go to Brad for organising a long and successful day.

The knowledgeable  crowd appreciate the action.

Sunday we took a trip out to Dillberry Lake Provincial Park. On the way we came across the ubiquitous "Worlds Largest" - another classic:

Suzie the softball says - "Batter Up".

Terrific to see these well maintained elevators.

A spectator of fire hydrants!

Another farmland sentinel. 

Yep, should have bought my bathers (swimming trunks).

I miss my skis.

Great way to finish the day - Largest concentration of Stilt sandpipers.

A big thank you for those of you that identified the picture in last weeks blog as a Wasp's nest. Glad we didn't meet the wasps that made that nest!!

 

Echoes of trails, battles and spritual hope.

I will just lead this little beauty from the china shop.

We ventured into a little piece of Canadian history  this weekend.
On our drive north we went through Paradise Hill and encountered what could be the world's largest Red River Cart. Reading about the "Carlton Trail" and the hardships endured made the fact that my coffee mug would not fit into the cup holder a little less annoying.

The Northern Boreal forest made a fascinating contrast to the open agricultural land around Lloydminster. We saw plenty of deer, a skunk, something that resembled an otter  but the elusive moose escaped us again.

A stop at the Steele Narrows Provincial Park provided an opportunity to learn a little of the conflict between the settlers and The Cree. The hills around the pass was the site of  the final skirmish  between Plains and Wood Cree and "Steele's scouts" - an elite group of troops lead by Commander Sam Steele from the Alberta field force.

Double click and you may not need your glasses!

Near Loon Lake - site of the last skirmish of the North West resistance.

We next visited Makwa Provincial Park. Plenty of beautiful lakes, forest trails and wildlife.

Hanneke telling the time by pretending to be a sundial.

Al Fresco at Makwa's

 We have seen and photographed many churches in the local agricultural communities, however the "Shiloh Church" is one of the more unique. Situated north of Maidstone the church is the site of the first black (African American) settlement in Saskatchewan. The "Shiloh people" (a named attributed in the 1970's) emigrated from Oklahoma in 1910 to escape segregationist policies. They started building the church in 1911. It was recently restored by descendants of the settlers.

The "Shiloh Church" - not too many parishioners lately.

Inside the restored Church.

The resting place of more than 40 of the settlers.

A moving tribute to an amazing story

As the warmer weather has arrived (the day temperatures are being quoted minus the minus) we are making the most of the cross country skiing. In fact Hanneke has started her own club.

To join my club - first you need a set of cross country skis.

Making the most of the remaining snow.

Cross country skiing - you take what you can get!!

     

The bad news is that if the sun keeps shining we will be cross country swimming for the next few weeks.

Whilst at the Mekwa lakes we came across this unusual nest. About the size of the average cantaloupe (rock melon) it was attached to a branch about 30 centimetres from the ground near the lakes edge.

Mystery object number one - a nest of some sort? A lost blow fish?