As we continued on our travels, we had a few expensive adventures with repairs needed to truck and trailer. Ouch. As one sign I saw said: "If Plan A doesn't work, remember there are 25 more letters in the alphabet." And as we worked through the alphabet, there was always something good that came out of the situation. It could have been worse!
Trip 7: More camping in Alberta with friends.
 |
We began the camping trip at Kinbrook Island (near Brooks)
with our long-time friends, Dennis & Irene.
|
 |
It was super hot. We spent most of the day time seeking the shade, then
going for walks in the evening until the mosquitoes chased us back to the trailers. |
 |
| Dave & I continued on for one night at Rosebud. |
 |
We took in the Studio Stage production called "The Fever".
It was about a traveler trying to come to terms with
the disparities between her home country and the third world country she is visiting.
It was a powerful message done as a one-woman show.
|
 |
From there it was to Crammond Hall to boondock
with the Pioneers RV club. What a fun place to set up together. |
 |
Things weren't so pretty.
The roof cover of our RV had rolled back.
Thanks to some brave fellows who taped down enough
to make it to a repair shop at the end of the weekend. |
 |
| Fun times singing around the circle. No campfires allowed. |
 |
| Time to get creative together, painting rocks or small canvases. |
 |
Excursion to Beaver Creek Mercantile quilt shop.
Lots of inspiration. |
 |
Walking Muppet and Molly with Mavis
while admiring the sunsets each evening.. |
Trip 8: To Sioux Lookout to welcome a new baby.
Koen arrived three weeks earlier than planned. The trailer was still being repaired. I flew to Winnipeg, took the bus and spent ten days helping out with the new one.
 |
Funny story. My friend who had been visiting us for a few days,
left on a different flight via Calgary.
We both landed in Winnipeg at the same time! |
 |
I stayed the night at the Holiday Inn
and caught the early morning Kasper Bus to Dryden. |
 |
Everyone was happy to see Omi
and enjoy some time at the splash park in Dryden
before heading home to Sioux Lookout. |
 |
I could post endless pictures of our beautiful grandchildren,
but this is supposed to be a travel blog, not a family sharing album! |
 |
| Koen, born in July |
 |
The time ended too soon and I was back on the bus
through the stone, bush and water, to Winnipeg. |
On the return, I stayed in Winnipeg to attend my Uncle John's memorial service and touch base with the extended family that attended. It was wonderful to see them all again.
 |
| My room with a balcony and view of downtown. |
Trip 9: Back to Sioux Lookout but this time with the trailer. Getting there is part of the adventure too.
 |
After some setbacks, we're off.
Truck and trailer in good working order - for now. |
 |
Who says the prairies are boring?
Look at these big beautiful skies!
|
 |
Lunch stop - in the middle of nowhere.
|
 |
After a couple of nights on the road we made it to Winnipeg.
We enjoyed a cool refreshing drink while waiting for the show to begin. |
 |
The Ghana pavilion at Folklarama.
This is Winnipeg's multi-cultural festival
which is always a wonderful experience. |
 |
We arrived to our usual campground at Abram Lake
where we would stay for the rest of the month.
Life at the lake with our grandchildren. |
 |
| And lots of baby Koen time. |
|
While there, we helped Devon & Katherine move to a home along Pelican Lake.
I think they have the better view.
We'll be parking in their driveway from now on.
One last sunset at Abram Lake.
|
Trip 10: The truck was repaired - yet again. New tires on the trailer. And thus, in September, straight from Sioux Lookout, we headed to the Rockies to spend two weeks camping with my cousins, Marjorie and Martin. What a wonderful relaxing time we had together. Here are some of the highlights from the many photos we took.
 |
| Back across the prairies, in harvest time. |
 |
| Boondocked at Prairie Bee Meadery, SK |
 |
| Lunch stop at the teepee in Medicine Hat, AB |
 |
Caught up to Marj & Martin at Bass Pro Shop in Airdrie.
After picking up supplies, we were off.
|
 |
| On through the Rockies |
 |
| Let the fun begin. |
 |
Their van and our trailer, across from each other at
Redstreak Campground in Radium Hot Springs. |
 |
| Paint Pots hike |
 |
| Many hour spent at the hot springs. |
 |
Campfires almost every night
|
 |
| Alberta beef |
Trip 11: Jasper for Dave' birthday in October. We were simply curious to see the impact the fire had on the park and the town. Yes, there was a lot of devastation with about 1/3 of the town burned and lots of forest as well. But there were still many beautiful spots to visit and the old Athabasca Hotel was the same as it always was as we stopped in for a coffee. Oh, did I mention we had another flat tire? Just like back in May! Ouch.
 |
| Mountain sheep |
Trip 12: We went to Saskatoon for a couple of days to hang out with Ron & Marilyn. Together we went on a beautiful crisp fall walk along the South Saskatchewan River. The next week winter hit with a vengeance.
There you have it. Twelve trips in eleven months. December's trip will be part of 2025. Stay tuned...
