Came back and et, then drove out east to Elk Island National Park. Not even mostly because on this 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, entry to all of the national parks is free.
We started with the outstanding Bison Loop, where many very large creatures stood in our way for as long as they blinkin' well wanted.
The great Rudy Wiebe calls it the boreal forest, as do lots of more scientifical folk. The Taiga, too. Quite magnificent, by whatever name! Today it was quiet, and friendly. Capable of more and other!
We took a good long time about it, making our way around Astotin Lake, and onto the Simmons Trail.
Back home, and before today, and all the way to the end of our vist, we found this:
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| Ancient echoes of super-satisfied pie-teeth! |
On a slightly similar note, here is a picture of an Albertan pound of butter. Nothing at all wrong with Utah's safe, domesticated little sticks o'. But man!
The hand is included for the sake of scale. (The only dad-photo likely to appear in this, or any other, chronicle.)
Spencer's not done yet! From here he boomeranged his way around the northern curve of the Anthony Henday Trail, out to the west-of-Edmonton city of Spruce Grove, and then on to an afternoon/evening on Wabamun Lake. Site of long ago family summer transports! This, today, was thanks to our Utah/Alberta friends, the Jensen/Warrens.
First, a film of a this little nautical adventure, in which a laughing farm girl nearly squashed the intrepid returned missionary. (He's still giggling about this one.)
Photos, too. Spence and Sena. Evening on the lake.
Meanwhile, brother/uncle Scott and I are out again, eating stuff, and talking about hockey. Our home and native land!
On Friday, June 30 we watched a noisy super-hero movie. After that we ate a very large steak, care of and thanks to the grandfolks. “How would you like that cooked, Spencer?” “Well done,” he said.
After such a promising start! Children can be so disappointing ...
Later, on this afternoon/evening, we went on another heritage drive. (As previously posted here: http://bit.ly/2u5WWce), and here: http://bit.ly/2sIPiRO, and surrounding.
Saturday, July 1. Canada Day! Spence, Dad and Auntie Lisa went on a Dominion Day hike. We wanted to go Emily Murphy to the High Level Bridge, but were foiled by an Holiday 5K. Instead we went a-rubbernecking up in Glenora, one of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods, where some of the city's most beautiful houses are nestled. Very Flintridge, we thought, with brisker air.
From there, more heritage, with a bit of exertion attached. Back to Riverbend, as it turns out. Look at this: http://bit.ly/2u5LgX1.
At home we turned on the TV to watch the celebrations on the CBC. Turns out that we were there, kind of, when Justin Trudeau forgot Alberta. Here's the Washington Post, over-reporting it: http://wapo.st/2tGXcMN. Us? All in fun!
We went back to Strathcona to watch a movie, down where I/Dad learned to watch 'em properly.
Etcetera. Much later, Grandpa took to see Sherwood Park's fireworks show. Spence stood in the right spot, as usual.
On Sunday, July 2 we enjoyed a nice block of meetings at N & G's church. In the later afternoon we went here. Exciting!
Alberta Mormons, Edmonton hockey. Home ...
